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

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

It being 2:30 p.m., the House stands adjourned until next Monday at 11 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 2:30 p.m.)

The House resumed from June 6 consideration of the motion that Bill C-4, An Act respecting certain affordability measures for Canadians and another measure, be read the second time and referred to a committee.

[Doug Eyolfson, Liberal, Winnipeg West, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I will be splitting my time with the member for Burnaby Central.

Today I rise in this House to speak to Bill C-4, the making life more affordable for Canadians act, a piece of legislation that stands at the heart of our government's commitment to build an economy that works for everyone, not just for the privileged few.

During the election campaign, I heard a clear message from voters; they want a government that delivers real results, not three-word slogans. Today, through Bill C-4, we are doing just that. Bill C-4 addresses one of the most pressing and immediate challenges facing Canadians in every corner of the country: affordability. The cost of living has risen sharply in recent years, whether for groceries, gas or rent. These are not abstract issues. They are the everyday realities faced by families, seniors, students and workers alike. These are the conversations unfolding in homes across every province and territory.

Our government was elected on a promise to build the strongest economy in the G7 and to strengthen the middle class and support those working hard to join it. Bill C-4 is a crucial step in fulfilling that promise. It would deliver on three key priorities announced in the Speech from the Throne: a middle-class tax cut, which would provide relief for nearly 22 million Canadians; the elimination of the goods and services tax for first-time homebuyers purchasing new homes valued up to $1 million; and the removal of the consumer carbon price. While each of these initiatives stands on its own merit, together they form a cohesive strategy aimed at reducing the everyday financial burden on Canadians and restoring a stronger sense of economic security.

Let me begin with the middle-class tax cut. Canada's personal tax system is structured on the principle of progressivity: Those who earn more pay a higher share. However, even within this structure, we know that relief at the lowest tax bracket has the widest reach. That is why we are reducing the lowest federal personal income tax rate from 15% to 14%, a change that would directly benefit nearly 22 million Canadians. To put this into perspective, with the full effect of this measure taking hold, individuals would save up to $420, and two-income families would see up to $840 in tax relief. That is not just a number. It is tangible, meaningful relief.

We are not waiting to act. The Canada Revenue Agency would update its deduction tables by July 1, 2025, ensuring that paycheques reflect this change immediately. This means more money in people's pockets now, not just next year during tax season. Lowering the tax rate is not just a fiscal move. It is a statement of principle. It sends a clear signal. This government is taking action so that Canadians can take care of what matters most: their families, their future and their peace of mind.

For far too many Canadians, the dream of owning their first home has become a distant and daunting goal. The soaring prices and limited availability in our housing market have created barriers that seem insurmountable. We understand all too well the deep frustration and disappointment felt by those who have worked tirelessly, scrimping and saving for years, only to find that their hard-earned savings still fall short of turning their hopes into reality. That is why Bill C-4 introduces the first-time homebuyer GST rebate, a bold and transformative measure designed to lift a significant barrier for those striving to enter the housing market.

This rebate offers 100% relief of the GST on new homes priced up to $1 million, while homes valued between $1 million and $1.5 million qualify for partial GST relief. In real terms, this translates into up to $50,000 in tax savings for first-time buyers, a substantial financial boost that could make the dream of home ownership a reality.

Recently, I spoke with people in my riding of Winnipeg West, who are working hard and saving diligently but feeling overwhelmed by the rising costs and mounting fees just to get their foot in the door. This rebate would make a world of difference for them, turning their hope of owning a home into a real possibility. It would be a powerful catalyst that acknowledges the perseverance and discipline required to save for a first home and rewards that commitment by making housing more affordable and accessible. Moreover, this initiative would send a strong signal to real estate developers, incentivizing the construction of a broader range of housing types, from townhouses and semi-detached homes to condominiums, co-operative housing and even mobile homes, with the aim of expanding supply where it is needed most.

Since day one, our government's mission has been unwavering: to confront the housing crisis head-on by building more homes, building smarter and building affordably. This measure is one of the key steps that would deliver just that.

Finally, I want to address a measure that has sparked significant discussion across the country, namely the removal of the consumer carbon price. As part of the legislation, our government is proposing to permanently repeal the fuel charge framework outlined in part 1 of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. This repeal would be carefully and responsibly implemented in four phases, beginning with a retroactive repeal of charging provisions, effective April 1, 2025, and concluding with a full wind-down by April 1, 2035.

Why are we taking this significant step? It is because responsible government must be attentive and responsive to the lived realities of its citizens. We have listened closely to the voices of Canadians from coast to coast to coast, from hard-working farmers in rural heartlands to families in remote communities and small business owners who face mounting expenses. We understand that the rising cost of fuel, driven in part by the consumer carbon price, has disproportionately impacted these groups, creating additional financial strain that makes day-to-day life more challenging.

Let me be clear. Repealing the consumer carbon price does not signal a retreat from our climate commitments. Part 2 of the act, which includes the output-based pricing system for large industrial emitters, remains firmly intact. Our commitment to reducing emissions, advancing clean energy and achieving our net-zero targets remains unwavering and focused. However, for everyday Canadians, especially in communities without reliable transit options or alternative heating sources, this measure would deliver much-needed certainty and relief from rising costs, helping to ease the financial burden while we continue to build a cleaner, more sustainable future.

I want to emphasize that the measures outlined in Bill C-4 are not isolated actions and are part of a comprehensive affordability agenda being rolled out by our government. From early learning and child care investments such as the national school food program to national pharmacare and the Canada dental plan, we are taking a balanced approach, one that defends fiscal responsibility while making smart, targeted investments in the lives of everyday Canadians.

We also recognize that economic uncertainty persists, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, shifting global trade dynamics and, more recently, tariff threats from our international partners. In the face of these challenges, our government is choosing action.

Bill C-4 would ensure that we are proactively reducing costs for Canadians at a time when external pressures are rising. We are not waiting for the perfect moment or for uncertainty to pass. We are acting decisively now to protect the financial well-being of families and workers across the country. By cutting taxes, supporting first-time homebuyers and easing energy costs, Bill C-4 offers real, tangible relief that Canadians can feel in their daily lives.

Our commitment is clear: to build a stronger, more resilient economy that works for everyone, even in the face of global economic uncertainty and trade challenges. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Canadian has the opportunity to thrive.

[Andrew Lawton, Conservative, Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON]

Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member for finally acknowledging what Conservatives have been talking about for years, which is how harmful the consumer carbon tax is for a great many Canadians. I appreciated very much his willingness to explain exactly how the increase to the price of fuel has been hurting people.

I am a little confused, though, because I brought this up to the very same member last week, and he said that he defended and supported the consumer carbon tax and that it was a “victim of misinformation”. When Conservatives said what the member just said, it was misinformation, but when he says it, it is supposed to be a reflection of the government's commitment to affordability.

Which is it? Was the consumer carbon tax making things less affordable for Canadians or is that just a conspiracy theory?

[Doug Eyolfson, Liberal, Winnipeg West, MB]

Madam Speaker, it is interesting to hear the member of the party across talk about conspiracy theories. I will say that it was a product of its time. At the time, it was doing what it was supposed to do. We have a changing economy, and we heard from Canadians that they want a change.

[Patrick Bonin, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

Madam Speaker, I appreciate seeing the extent to which the Liberals have decided to abandon the fight against climate change and are rushing, with their first bills, to eliminate consumer carbon pricing and, above all, to not replace it with anything. Since they have formed government, they have been slowly dismantling the climate change action plan that the previous government had passed and that was already flawed and not nearly ambitious enough. What is the carbon tax being replaced with given that, once eliminated, emissions reductions will automatically cease?

Can the Liberals and the member explain to me why the government is backing away from the fight against climate change, while western Canada is in flames and it is directly related to climate change? Are they really abandoning Canadians and Quebeckers?

[Doug Eyolfson, Liberal, Winnipeg West, MB]

Madam Speaker, I live in Winnipeg. I have been inhaling the remains of much of northern Manitoba for the last two weeks, and I appreciate the catastrophic fires we are dealing with.

We are not backing down on our climate commitments. We have made one change to our carbon pricing system. We are still holding large industrial polluters responsible by having them pay a carbon price, and we are going to be investing heavily in non-polluting forms of energy.

[Tim Watchorn, Liberal, Les Pays-d'en-Haut, QC]

Madam Speaker, when I was door knocking in my riding, people spoke to me about the increased cost of living. Can my hon. colleague tell us how the tax cut from 15% to 14% will help people with their everyday purchases?

[Doug Eyolfson, Liberal, Winnipeg West, MB]

Madam Speaker, we know that those in the lower tax brackets with the lowest incomes are the ones most disproportionately affected by affordability problems. This will give meaningful financial relief to people in the lowest income brackets to help them make ends meet. This is how we are going to continue to improve the lives of Canadians, particularly those who are struggling most.

[Rhonda Kirkland, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

Madam Speaker, the member said that he felt the carbon tax did what it needed to do for the time that we had it. Can he tell me exactly how much the emissions were lowered as a result of the carbon tax?

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[Doug Eyolfson, Liberal, Winnipeg West, MB]

Madam Speaker, in response to the heckling, it was not zero. I will admit I do not know the number.

[Wade Chang, Liberal, Burnaby Central, BC]

Madam Speaker, I rise today in the House of Commons to deliver my very first speech deeply humbled and honoured. I want to begin by thanking the people of Burnaby Central for giving me this extraordinary privilege. I am grateful for their trust, confidence and belief in me. The seat I occupy in this chamber belongs to them.

I would like to take a moment to thank Jagmeet Singh for his years of service to our community and to Canada. His passion for justice, compassion for working families and commitment to equality have left a meaningful legacy. While we come from different political paths, I deeply respect his contributions, so I thank him.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my amazing volunteers and campaign team, who worked tirelessly to ensure that Burnaby Central had a strong Liberal voice in Ottawa. Most of all, I would like to thank my dear husband Van and our beloved fur baby Marshmallow for their unwavering support, understanding and sacrifices as I take on this responsibility to serve.

As the first gay Asian member of this House, I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me. I carry with me the hopes and dreams of countless immigrant families who came to Canada with so little, yet gave everything to build a better life.

When I knocked on doors in Burnaby Central, I heard the same message: The cost of living needs to come down. That is why our government is committed to a middle-class tax cut and targeted investments that make life more affordable. We are building more homes, growing the number of high-quality jobs and cutting costs for everyday Canadians. That is what it means to build Canada strong: an economy that works for everyone from coast to coast to coast.

I am here for Burnaby Central and I am here because of Burnaby Central. Allow me to share some stories of Burnaby Central.

One story that I carry with me to this House is of a biracial same-sex couple. Cindy and Debra first met as classmates in junior high school, and although life took them in different directions, they reconnected decades later at their 30-year school reunion in 2010. At that time, both were married to men and raising children. Their lives were full, but not truly fulfilling. That reunion sparked a reconnection that would eventually change everything.

Fifteen years later, they are now retired from meaningful careers in health care and share a home in my riding. What they cherish most is the freedom to live openly, honestly and without judgment in a community that accepts and embraces them. Their story is one of courage, love and the quiet strength of being seen. Happy Pride, Canada.

Next, I would like to talk about the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Located in the heart of my riding, BCIT has been delivering flexible, relevant and future-focused education for over 60 years. BCIT prepares learners to lead innovation in their workplaces and communities, and its impact is felt across B.C. and beyond.

Polytechs like BCIT are uniquely positioned to support this government's mandate to make Canada strong. To meet the demand for housing, infrastructure and major projects across the country, we need BCIT's apprentices. To deliver vital health care, cybersecurity and AI services, we need BCIT's graduates. To move goods across provinces and territories, we need BCIT's transport training in rail, air, marine and land.

As one of B.C.'s largest post-secondary institutions, its students work on innovative solutions in areas such as energy efficiency, agricultural technology and robotics. This is proof that the future of Canadian innovation is in good hands. BCIT, along with its remarkable students and faculty, is empowering people, shaping B.C. and Canada and inspiring global progress. I am proud that it calls Burnaby Central home.

Burnaby is also home to many vibrant immigrant families whose stories are deeply woven into the fabric of Canada. One of those stories belongs to Monica Tsai, a proud resident of my riding and the chairperson of the Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Society. Since 1991, this association has been a tireless champion for cultural exchange, civic participation and community building. The association brings people together. It offers language classes, senior services, youth programs and cultural events that celebrate Taiwan's rich history and heritage, while helping newcomers find their place in this beautiful country of Canada.

Whenever I visit the association, I see reflections of my own journey. I see new immigrants learning English while holding on to their mother tongue. I see volunteers preparing for the Lunar New Year celebration, Latin festivals and Canada Day flag-raising ceremonies, all under one roof. That is what Canada looks like.

I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Christine Cunningham for her thoughtful support during my campaign and for her deep passion for protecting Burnaby's natural environment. Christine has been a tireless advocate for biodiversity. Her leadership has inspired so many of us in the community, including me. She reminds us that loving wildlife also means protecting the ecosystem that it and we rely on.

One of my constituents, Rose, a first-generation Italian-Canadian, has proudly called Burnaby home for over 25 years. She moved here seeking not just a house but a community, one where opportunity, belonging and dignity could thrive. From her childhood roots on east Vancouver's Commercial Drive to raising her daughter in Burnaby, Rose found what so many newcomers hope for: a place where neighbours still greet each other with warmth, where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated and where families can build life with stability and purpose. Her story is a powerful reminder that Burnaby is not just where we live; it is where we grow, connect and dream.

I would like to share a personal story to conclude my speech. In 2010, my mother noticed blood in her urine. The doctors thought she could have bladder cancer. What followed was a long series of delays and tests. There were delays in referrals, delays in diagnosis and delays in getting answers. Then came the MRI. It changed everything. It was not bladder cancer; it was stage 3 cervical cancer.

Nothing prepares someone for news like that. My family watched my mom fight through rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. We prayed. We hoped. Less than two years later, she was gone. She was the heart of my family. Her life was far too short, but she left behind something powerful: her example. As a child, I believed I could be anything. Through every challenge, my mom would remind me to be the blessing that others need. That is why I became a lawyer; I wanted to help people, especially those who could not fight for themselves, and that is why I am here in the House of Commons today. I want to use every skill I can, every hardship I have lived through, to be a voice for those who are still waiting for change.

This is the power of immigrant families. We endure hardship, but we pass on hope. We come to this country with almost nothing, but then we build something better, not just for ourselves but also for our communities and for our future generations. As Professor Dumbledore said in Harry Potter, “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” I am here to help turn on the light for Burnaby Central and for every Canadian still waiting in the dark. Let us do this together.

This is her story. This is his story. This is my story. Above all, it is our Canadian story, the story of a nation built on courage, compassion and the strength of many voices coming together as one.

[Michael Guglielmin, Conservative, Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the member's speech was touching. I congratulate him on his election to the House of Commons.

Could the member share some thoughts on his late mother and how she would think of his operating in the chamber and serving his country?

[Wade Chang, Liberal, Burnaby Central, BC]

Madam Speaker, Canadians are working harder than ever, but so many feel as if they are falling behind. In Burnaby Central, I have spoken to families struggling with rising rent, students worrying about groceries and seniors stretching every dollar. That is why our government is focusing on real, measurable relief by lowering taxes for the middle class, investing in housing and in child care, and helping people hold on to more of what they earn, because a strong economy is measured not just in numbers alone; it is measured in whether people can build a good life for themself and their family.