Government Business No. 30—Proceedings on Bill C-56  Madam Speaker, on the whole affordability issue, and this bill apparently deals with affordability, how can we guarantee that it is going to go down or get easier for constituents in my, the member's and everybody else's ridings? We have tried this and that, and we have said that we were going to lower prices, but people are still feeling the pinch.

Government Business No. 30—Proceedings on Bill C-56  Madam Speaker, I cannot answer for why it took so long. I do not sit around the cabinet table for discussions on which policies come forward and which do not. However, I am delighted, and I know the people in my riding are delighted, that we are actually moving this envelope forward.

Government Business No. 30—Proceedings on Bill C-56  Madam Speaker, I know the member opposite from Newfoundland fights hard for the fishery, which is very important to our province. I believe the Minister of International Trade is doing everything she can to make sure more markets are opened and established. It is no different than the bill we voted on this week, the Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement.

Government Business No. 30—Proceedings on Bill C-56  Madam Speaker, nobody is going to build houses overnight. It takes time. I have spoken to developers in my area in Newfoundland and Labrador. They are anxious for this bill to get passed, so they can take advantage of the incentives to build affordable rental units and affordable housing for seniors, low-income families and the whole gamut.

Government Business No. 30—Proceedings on Bill C-56  Madam Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to discuss Government Business No. 30 and the affordable housing and groceries act. It stands as a cornerstone of our commitment to building more homes faster and stabilizing prices. Regrettably, the urgency and significance of this bill have been overshadowed by the repeated filibustering and delay tactics employed by the Conservative opposition, resulting in over 20 hours of debate across five days.

Government Business No. 30—Proceedings on Bill C-56  Madam Speaker, regarding housing affordability, the ability to own a home or secure reasonable rental accommodations has become increasingly unattainable for many, especially for young people and newcomers. Bill C-56 proposes substantive enhancements to the goods and services tax, GST, rental rebate for newly constructed purpose-built rental housing.

Government Business No. 30—Proceedings on Bill C-56  Mr. Speaker, I want to give the minister a chance to highlight the importance of passing this bill again. The reason I ask is that, a couple of weeks ago at church, a senior slid over behind me, tapped me on the shoulder and thanked me for the way that I voted on the carbon tax on home heating oil.

Points of Order  Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. On Monday, after the vote on the opposition day motion, the member for South Surrey—White Rock rose and accused me of making an obscene gesture. You offered me the opportunity to defend myself, which I did. Your ruling today confirms that the accusation was false.

Points of Order  Mr. Speaker, I scratched the side of my head with two fingers. If they think it was one finger, that is up to them. They can take it how they like.

Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, 2023  Mr. Speaker, the member mentioned that the NDP voted in favour of trade agreements in the past and will be reviewing this one on Wednesday, but does he believe that this agreement in Bill C-57 will make life better for workers both in Canada and in Ukraine and vote in favour?

Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act  Madam Speaker, I believe it is a good sector. I understand what the member is saying about the protection of whales. However, I have not heard of any incidents, even in the offshore oil industry, that have damaged whales or pods of whales. There is more concern around the fishing gear in the water.

Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act  Madam Speaker, all I will say about the Atlantic Loop is that I think all parties are onside with creating the Atlantic Loop. It is very important to get New Brunswick and Nova Scotia off coal, for example. I think that would allow it to happen. It would take a lot of money and a lot of effort to do.

Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act  Madam Speaker, it is great to know the member has some roots in Newfoundland and Labrador. I always tell everybody that there is no place like home. I look forward to each and every day that I can get on a plane to fly back to Newfoundland and be in my riding. I appreciate the time I spend there.

Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act  Madam Speaker, I certainly will not need all my time, as I will be sharing it with the member for Winnipeg North. He will probably have the bulk of the 20 minutes. Since the discussion on the topic began, I have thought it was necessary for a Newfoundlander to stand up and say a few words on it.

Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act  Madam Speaker, it seems like the Conservatives have an idea that they should be in control of what goes on in individual provinces. I will go back to the days of Stephen Harper when Danny Williams was the premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and there was a great feud built up, because the federal government wanted control of everything.