Navdeep Bains

[Automotive Industry, November 27th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, this is where we fundamentally disagree with the NDP. We believe in investments because investments lead to growth and growth means more jobs. This is our plan.

We have been investing in Canadians. We have been investing in our companies. We have been investing in our regions. We have been investing in the automotive sector. That is why we have seen record investments of $5.6 billion in the automotive sector. That is why Toyota has invested over one billion dollars, Honda $500 million and Linamar $750 million. These are clear examples that our policies and programs are working.

We are going to continue to make sure we defend the workers in Oshawa.

[Automotive Industry, November 27th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, I disagree with the member opposite. We never have and never will give up on the workers in Oshawa.

We have been very clear. We have our plan. Our plan is investing in people. Because of our policies and programs, we have seen a record investment of $5.6 billion in the automotive sector since 2015, and $4.1 billion is directly attributed to the programs that we put forward to build partnerships, to see investments in our plants to make sure they could compete going forward and to make sure that they could get product mandates. We will continue to defend and support our auto workers.

[Automotive Industry, November 27th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, our number one priority is the automotive workers. We have been clear that this news presented by GM is very devastating for the Oshawa community. That is why we met with Unifor today. That is why we met with its leadership to talk about next steps and how we could help workers going forward. We have also connected and are working with the provincial government, with Premier Ford, to see what we can do to help the workers going forward. I also called and met with the mayor of Oshawa.

All hands are on deck. All options are being examined. We are going to continue to make sure we never give up on our workers.

[Automotive Industry, November 27th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, I am very disappointed with GM's decision. My thoughts are with the employees, their families and their communities.

I understand that this decision is part of an overall plan. This is terrible news for the employees affected and their families.

We will continue to defend our workers and our auto sector.

[Automotive Industry, November 27th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, let us talk about the numbers because they tell a compelling story: 3% GDP growth last year in the Canadian economy; the fastest growth rate among the G7 countries; a record unemployment rate of 40 years; 500,000 full-time jobs have been created since 2015.

Yes, we understand the unique challenges faced in different regions and different sectors, but we have a plan. Our economy is growing and we are focused on Canadians. We are focused on making sure they have the ability to succeed and they have the ability to find meaningful employment. That is our plan. We are going to continue to invest in Canadians.

[Automotive Industry, November 27th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, our automotive sector remains strong. It is well placed to build the clean, connected cars of today and tomorrow.

We will always stand with our automotive sector and our workers. We will continue to work with the automotive sector, and we will continue to defend and protect our workers.

[Automotive Industry, November 27th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, we have been defending auto workers since day one, since we formed government in 2015.

As a result of our programming and policies, we have seen record investment of $5.6 billion in the automotive sector. We introduced the automotive innovation fund and changed its terms, and also provided additional support through the strategic innovation fund.

These programs brought in additional investments, and through the fall economic update as well, and a statement by the Minister of Finance, we have provided additional measures for companies to make more investments in Canada.

More growth, more investments, more jobs. That is our plan.

[Automotive Industry, November 27th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, companies invest in Canada because we have the best workforce on the globe. We have the best skilled employees around the world. We have topnotch quality in our automotive sector.

The Oshawa plant received numerous J.D. Power awards for quality and production. We are proud of our workers. That is why, as a government, we are going to defend our workers, invest in our workers, and support our workers. We are going to continue to support our automotive sector and those hard-working middle-class workers who support and work in Oshawa.

[Automotive Industry, November 27th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, I agree with the Leader of the Opposition that it was devastating news for Oshawa. This is a very difficult time for the workers and their families.

That is why we, as a government, have been very clear. We will stand there with the auto workers. We will stand and support the automotive sector. We will never give up on our workers, because we believe in the work they do. They provide a high-quality service when it comes to the automotive sector. We have also been very clear about our support when it comes to the automotive sector, with the additional support through the strategic innovation fund in the fall economic statement.

[Pyrrhotite, November 26th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his question.

Our government recognizes the importance of standardizing regulations regarding the design and construction of new buildings in Canada.

The National Research Council Canada, in partnership with Université Laval, is leading a Canada-wide research project. This collaboration will help researchers determine the acceptable limits for sulphide in Canadian concrete.

We will be announcing something soon.