David Bexte

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the community of Taber in my riding for being named a finalist in this year's Kraft Hockeyville competition and for being selected as Alberta's provincial winner, earning $50,000 for arena upgrades, along with a chance to compete for the $250,000 grand prize and the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game. This recognition comes at a critical time for [more]

C-9 Mr. Speaker, since I took office, my office has not received more letters, emails, phone calls or petitions on any single issue than on Bill. Every day, dozens of residents in my riding call my office about the bill, and if the Liberals were honest, they would admit they are hearing the same. These families, religious leaders and ordinary Canadians are not confused. They are not misinformed. [more]

Mr. Speaker, that was a great speech, and I think it causes us to have a lot of thought. I wonder if my colleague could comment on the really insidious nature of what we are facing here right now related to the likelihood of self-censorship that would happen if this bill is implemented.

Mr. Speaker, indeed, the chilling impact of self-censoring goes directly to what the problem is with all of this. The entire population could be subject at different times to exactly that, and that is frightening.

Mr. Speaker, I suppose I appreciate the question from the member opposite, but such as it is, I do not know of any organizations that I affiliate with that are advocating for hate speech and trying hate speech. The religious organizations I have spoken to, including the United Church, the Catholic bishops and many other pastors and congregations in my riding are absolutely chilled. They are [more]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the contribution to this discussion from the hon. member, my colleague. I wonder if he could comment a bit on the lack of consultation with agents like those from the United Church of Canada and the Anglican Church of Canada, and with Orthodox rabbis. There has been no serious consultation on this particular contentious part of the bill, and that feedback would be most [more]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my colleague's question. It attempts to drive at some clarity as to motivation, but the Bloc is the sponsor of that amendment. It would have, and would continue to have, a chilling effect on these faith groups across the country. The government does not have a good record with respect to restraining itself from overreach as its ideologues and ideologies evolve through [more]

heritage minister Mr. Speaker, I do not believe the member from across the way, the Liberal, that the Liberals would feel restrained in any way at all. This would simply embolden them to silence dissent, silence opinions that are opposed to theirs and further divide Canadian society. I appreciate the question from my colleague.

Thank you, Minister. Minister of Agriculture The Liberalsaid he would support an application. What were your feelings when it was denied?

Minister of Agriculture I'm going to pivot a little bit to one of the big questions in the industry that's related to strychnine. You toured the federalaround and showed him evidence of what gophers and Richardson's ground squirrels were doing. Could you please comment on what the potential losses might be in Alberta, this season and ongoing, if this damage continues unabated and we don't have [more]

Thank you very much, Chair. I appreciate it. Thank you, witnesses, for attending here today. We appreciate your insights and hope to gain from your wisdom. I'd like to start with Minister Sigurdson. Welcome, sir.