Bill C-4

Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act

An Act respecting certain affordability measures for Canadians and another measure

Part 1 amends the Income Tax Act to reduce the marginal personal income tax rate on the lowest tax bracket to 14.5% for the 2025 taxation year and to 14% for the 2026 and subsequent taxation years.
Part 2 amends the Excise Tax Act and other related Regulations to implement a temporary GST new housing rebate for first-time home buyers.
Part 3 repeals Part 1 of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act and the Fuel Charge Regulations .
Part 4 amends the Canada Elections Act to make changes to the requirements relating to political parties’ policies for the protection of personal information.

Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act

[Jacques Ramsay, Liberal, La Prairie—Atateken, QC]

Madam Speaker, I do not think my colleague is reading the same news as I am. What I heard was that the premiers who met with Mr. Carney were all thrilled—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès), Alexandra Mendes]

I understand that the hon. member is new to the House, but we must not use the names of other colleagues in this chamber.

The hon. member has the floor.

[Jacques Ramsay, Liberal, La Prairie—Atateken, QC]

Madam Speaker, all the premiers who were at the meeting with our Prime Minister were delighted with the outcome. They drew up a list, and they will go through it in the coming days and weeks.

The Prime Minister was clear about the fact that nothing was off the table. Projects will be judged on their merit based on possible investments, social licence and the returns they will generate.

[Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, Bloc, Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

Madam Speaker, there is talk of social licence when it comes to this government's energy projects, such as running a pipeline through Quebec.

Do the government's plans include giving public money to oil companies to build pipelines?

[Jacques Ramsay, Liberal, La Prairie—Atateken, QC]

Madam Speaker, first of all, I have not heard of any project for a pipeline going through Quebec. I do not know where my colleague is getting that from.

Second, I have no information to provide at this point, as there are no plans concerning any investments that the federal government could—

[John-Paul Danko, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Madam Speaker, I rise today in full support of Bill C-4, a cornerstone of our government's promise to make life more affordable for hard-working Canadians.

As the member of Parliament for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, I have heard first-hand from families, workers and small business owners who are feeling the pressure of rising costs. These challenges are compounded by the economic and political uncertainty caused by the Trump government in the United States. As Canadians, it is impossible to ignore the troubling and increasingly chaotic actions of the Trump White House as we confront the new reality that we can no longer rely on the United States as a stable and reliable trading partner. However, we must take immediate action to control our own future here in Canada.

Bill C-4, the making life more affordable for Canadians act, is our new government's immediate response to the rising cost of living in Canada. It is a comprehensive, targeted and responsible plan to deliver real relief and make life more affordable for Canadians. We promised immediate action during the campaign, and today we are delivering tax relief.

In this House, I previously spoke about the challenges facing people in Hamilton: the cost of housing, gas, groceries and daily essentials. I also spoke about the pride we take in our local industries, especially Hamilton's steel sector, and the resilience of our workers. The making life more affordable for Canadians act addresses both realities. It puts money back into the pockets of Canadians while strengthening our economic foundations.

Let us begin with the tax relief measures in this bill. We are cutting the lowest personal income tax rate to 14.5% in 2025, then cutting it again down to 14% in 2026 and beyond. This is an immediate tax cut for 22 million Canadians. For a typical family, that is up to $840 in annual savings. These savings would help pay for groceries, a child's school supplies, utility bills and more.

We are also making housing more affordable. The making life more affordable for Canadians act introduces a GST rebate for first-time homebuyers purchasing new homes up to $1 million. This tax cut for first-time homebuyers is essential for young families, and it will help to stimulate new construction, enabling jobs and increasing housing supply. In Hamilton, housing affordability is a daily concern, and this policy will make a real difference for young families.

We have already repealed the consumer carbon tax, which will save Canadians an average of 18¢ per litre off the cost of gas. However, our government remains committed to climate action. By maintaining the output-based carbon pricing system for large emitters, continuing to invest in green energy such as nuclear, hydro and renewables, and supporting green housing and public transit, we are helping to ensure a smooth transition to an electric future and reduce Canada's dependence on fossil fuels. This is a balanced approach, one that supports both affordability and environmental sustainability.

I want to speak about economic resilience and the importance of standing up for Canadian workers. On June 6, I had the honour of joining the Minister of Industry, the CEO of ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Hamilton members of Parliament, the mayor of the city of Hamilton, and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce president and CEO for a visit to one of our local Hamilton steel mills. ArcelorMittal Dofasco and Hamilton's steel producers are the heart of the steel industry in Canada.

The visit by the Minister of Industry was in direct response to the imposition of the Trump administration's 50% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum. These latest Trump tariffs are illegal, unjustified, harmful and a threat to the entire North American steel industry. Our government is taking this extremely seriously. The minister's visit was a demonstration of our commitment to defending Canadian jobs and industries and retaliating as needed.

The conversations we had at ArcelorMittal Dofasco were powerful. Workers expressed pride in their work and concern about the future and what this means for their families. The CEO emphasized the importance of stable trade relationships. The chamber of commerce called for coordinated action. The mayor of the city of Hamilton underscored the need for federal assistance and federal leadership. The making life more affordable for Canadians act is part of that leadership. By supporting Canadian families and industries, we are building resilience against external shocks like these tariffs.

The income tax cut is a meaningful first step, especially when combined with the cost-saving programs already in place, such as $10-a-day child care, dental care and the Canada child benefit. We repealed the consumer carbon tax because our government is listening to Canadians. We are adapting our policies to meet their needs without abandoning our environmental sustainability goals.

Cutting the GST on homes up to $1 million would save the average Hamilton first-time homebuyer more than $40,000, and this is just one piece of a broader housing affordability strategy. Our government is working with provinces and with municipalities to unlock stalled developments, invest in affordable housing, support renters and get builders building again.

I also want to acknowledge our government's commitment to meeting NATO's defence spending target of 2% of GDP years ahead of schedule. This historic investment in our national defence is not only a reaffirmation of our global responsibilities but also a strategic move to bolster our domestic economy. Defence spending will create thousands of high-quality jobs, stimulate innovation in Canadian industries and strengthen our supply chains.

Hamilton is home to one of the largest shipbuilders in Canada, for shipbuilding that employs thousands of workers in the skilled trades and uses Canadian steel. Increasing defence spending would complement the affordability measures in the making life more affordable for Canadians act by reinforcing economic security and resilience.

The announcement sends a clear message: our government can make bold, forward-looking decisions on both domestic and international fronts. While we invest in affordability and housing at home, we are also stepping up to meet our global commitments. These are not competing priorities; they are mutually reinforcing pillars of a strong, secure and prosperous Canada.

The making life more affordable for Canadians act is not just a budgetary measure; it is a statement of values. It says that we believe in a Canada where hard work is rewarded, where families can thrive and where no one is left behind. It says that we are willing to make tough decisions to support Canadians in the face of global uncertainty.

As the member of Parliament for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, I am proud to support the bill. I am proud to stand with my colleagues, with our government and with the people of Hamilton, and I am proud to say that the making life more affordable for Canadians act would deliver on the promises we made during the election. In Hamilton, we are already seeing the impact of federal investments in housing projects that use Canadian steel and lumber and create good-paying local jobs.

Let us pass the bill. Let us deliver for our constituents. Let us build a stronger, fairer, more resilient Canada.

When I previously stood in the chamber, I spoke about the challenges facing families in Hamilton and across Canada. I spoke about affordability, not as a political slogan but as a lived experience for so many of our constituents. I spoke about the parents who told me they are worried about putting food on the table, about young people who fear they will never own a home and about seniors who felt left behind by the rapidly changing economy.

These are not abstract policy issues; these are real people with real struggles, and that is why the making life more affordable for Canadians act matters. The bill recognizes the urgency of the moment and responds with tangible solutions.

During the campaign, I knocked on thousands of doors. I listened to stories that were both difficult and inspiring, from, for example, a mother who works night shifts and still finds time to volunteer at her child's school, recent immigrants working multiple jobs to pay rent while studying in post-secondary education, retired residents on a fixed income who have lived in the same home for 40 years but are now struggling to pay property taxes and heating bills, and especially young families working hard but struggling to provide their children with the lifestyle they deserve.

These stories have stayed with me, and they guide my work. The making life more affordable for Canadians act is our new government's first step to reduce cost of living across Canada. It builds on the Canada child benefit, which has lifted hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty, and it complements our investments in $10-a-day child care, which is already saving Canadian families thousands of dollars. This is a strong step forward.

Affordability is not a Liberal issue, a Conservative issue, a Bloc issue nor an NDP issue; it is a Canadian issue. I have heard the exact same concerns about affordability consistently from members of every political party, and I think Canadians expect us to work together.

I have had constructive conversations with members from all parties who share a deep concern for their constituents, and I believe that we all share a common goal: to make life better for the people we serve. That is why I urge all members of the House to support the making life more affordable for Canadians act.

[Rhonda Kirkland, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

Madam Speaker, I can appreciate the member opposite's talking about affordability. We all heard this from our constituents as we walked the campaign trail.

My question is an honest one. He mentioned that the large emitters should still be paying an industrial carbon tax. I am wondering whether he can tell me what he thinks. Does he believe that the large emitters will pay that carbon tax, or does he think the carbon tax will be passed down to consumers?

[John-Paul Danko, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Madam Speaker, steelmaking is one of the largest industries in Hamilton. It is also one of the largest emitters. Our government is making significant investments in the steel industry in Hamilton. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being invested in an electric arc furnace to convert steelmaking from a polluting fossil fuel-dependent, coal-dependent industry, reducing emissions. It will not only reduce emissions but also reduce the carbon footprint, and, most importantly reduce cancer-causing emissions, soot and particulates in the environment.

This is a win-win situation. By investing in a cleaner future, we are investing in a better future for all Canadians.

[Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay, Bloc, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC]

Madam Speaker, the provisions of the bill on access to home ownership are not that bad. We more or less agree with them. However, one of the biggest challenges for most households and families is to come up with a down payment. There is nothing about that in the bill.

Would my colleague be in favour of the idea of introducing a measure to provide an interest-free loan to allow first-time homebuyers to come up with a down payment? That would not cost the government very much. For example, given that the government would cover only the interest costs of the loan and it can borrow money at rates as low as 3.7%, it would cost $370 a year for a $10,000 loan. It is really not that expensive.

Does my colleague have any interest in that idea?

[John-Paul Danko, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member for the question. I am sorry that my French is not very good, but I am learning.

I do agree with the hon. member. Down payments are a significant challenge for many people, especially young families that are trying to enter the housing market and might not have access to generational wealth and to the credit they would need to pay for a down payment. We want to avoid a situation where young families have to save and work really hard for 10 or 20 years just to afford a down payment if they do not have access to generational wealth, so I would absolutely be very happy to work with our Bloc colleagues on suggestions for options to help young families with a down payment.

[Pauline Rochefort, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Rural Development)]

Madam Speaker, I was very interested in what our colleague described in terms of the meetings that were held with the Minister of Industry. I would be interested in better understanding how the business community in Hamilton reacted to the outcomes of those meetings.

[John-Paul Danko, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Madam Speaker, everyone in Hamilton knows somebody who works in the steel industry. It employs over 10,000 workers directly and another 40,000 people in indirect jobs. The tariffs are an existential threat to steelmaking in Canada, and Hamilton is the heart of steelmaking.

I know from speaking with workers that there are generational workers, second- and third-generation steelworkers, who are proud of what they do. They are proud of the job they hold, and they are literally building the foundation of Canada. Having the Minister of Industry there shows the steelworkers that we care and that we stand up for Canadian jobs in the steel industry and in aluminum. All measures are on the table, and we, as the federal government, are showing leadership to support Canadians, to support workers and do everything that is necessary.

[Gaétan Malette, Conservative, Kapuskasing—Timmins—Mushkegowuk, ON]

Madam Speaker, the question was asked for producers of steel in the Hamilton region, and I did not understand the answer. Will the carbon tax be removed, yes or no?

[John-Paul Danko, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Madam Speaker, the industrial carbon tax is part of a global carbon pricing system. Steel producers in Hamilton and across Canada do pay the industrial carbon tax. It is traded, and it is an important incentive to reducing emissions. As I spoke about, switching over to electric steel production to reduce the reliance on coal, reduce emissions—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès), Alexandra Mendes]

The hon. member for London West is rising.