Business of Supply  Madam Speaker, I would like to ask my colleague from Jonquière to talk a little more about what happened last night in committee. In his opinion, did it lead to any breakthroughs in terms of helping workers in our country, environmental issues and the fight against climate change?

Government Business No. 31—Proceedings on Bill C-50  Madam Speaker, throughout the time we have been in committee, and we are, in fact, still on the same meeting that began on October 30, we have heard all sorts of conversations about strawberry milkshakes being drunk through straws and about muscle cars, but we have not had an opportunity to hear from workers about what their perspectives are on the sustainable jobs act.

Government Business No. 31—Proceedings on Bill C-50  Madam Speaker, I do not know what the official opposition is thinking. I have no clue. I do not know why the Conservatives consider it more important to talk about the cars they bought way back when, cars that were not even built here in Canada. They do not want to talk about how we can make plans to attract more investment so that we can build cars and all their parts too.

Government Business No. 31—Proceedings on Bill C-50  Madam Speaker, once again, I will listen to the workers who are talking about the bill. The president of the Alberta Federation of Labour said, “what the Conservatives are saying in those committees hearings and what they're saying on social media is that this bill...is a blueprint for phasing out oil and gas...but nothing could be further from the truth.”

Government Business No. 31—Proceedings on Bill C-50  Madam Speaker, I am really glad the member asked that question, because sustainable jobs are really important for our economy. With this bill, we want to support workers so we can create those sustainable jobs of tomorrow. This bill has everything we need to make sure that workers have a seat at the table as we discuss how we are going to participate in a changing global economy.

Government Business No. 31—Proceedings on Bill C-50  Madam Speaker, the question is so important because what it touches upon is the fact that we have not had the opportunity to hear from the very workers who have such an important place in the Canadian economy. It has been incredibly frustrating. The president of the Canadian Labour Congress said, “To not pass this legislation is to basically tell workers to take a back seat, and that is not good enough”.

Government Business No. 31—Proceedings on Bill C-50  Madam Speaker, I am focused on making sure we listen to workers and to Canadians as we move forward. It has been very clear: If the Conservatives cared about making sure these different perspectives are being heard when we consider the legislation, they would have allowed for voting on the scheduling motion.

Government Business No. 31—Proceedings on Bill C-50  Madam Speaker, I am saying that I want to hear from them in committee as we work on this important bill. It is the Conservatives who are refusing to allow us to have witnesses come to study the bill. Instead, they have chosen, during the past month and more, to talk about sipping milkshakes, about muscle cars and about whatever else has come to their minds, including literally hundreds of points of order as to who could speak next.

Government Business No. 31—Proceedings on Bill C-50  Madam Speaker, I rise today in my capacity as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. In this capacity I hold a responsibility to ensure the advancement of our legislative agenda in vital areas of public policy, including the future of our energy system.

Climate Change  Mr. Speaker, transitioning the way people heat their homes is not only important for the environment but makes life more affordable. That is why it is so important that our government created the oil and heat pump program, which is helping people right across our country who rely on oil to transition to heat pump heating.

Petitions  Mr. Speaker, too many children across Canada go to school without having a proper meal in their bellies. I am presenting a petition that has been signed by many people across Canada to call upon the Government of Canada to invest, in budget 2024, in a fund negotiated with provinces, territories and indigenous leaders that would help children by developing the food and nutrition habits they need to lead healthy lives and succeed at school.

Natural Resources  Mr. Speaker, it is just shameful to be drawing out that type of conspiracy theory when we are talking about such sensitive issues. Let us talk about how we are supporting our allies, because the facts are important. We are working with all of our allies in providing green hydrogen and providing nuclear technologies.

Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act  Mr. Speaker, this is such important legislation for sustainable jobs. It is about building our economic future as a country. I was wondering if the Minister of Labour could talk to us a little about the importance of making sure that workers are at the centre of the work that we are doing, and how we have made sure, through this bill and the work that we have been doing generally with labour, that workers' voices are being heard, listened to and included.

Situation in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank  Mr. Speaker, as the member noted, I was not really focusing in my speech today on the fundamentals of international policy and foreign policy. When I was in Mel Lastman Square last week, I saw many Iranian people who were feeling vulnerable about the things happening back in their home country.

Situation in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank  Mr. Speaker, I really appreciate that question. That is exactly what I was trying to say. I think that sometimes we try too hard to come up with answers right away. From time to time, there are things that we really need to think about. We need to be aware of what impact the things we are saying may be having on others around us.