Finance Committee on Feb. 3rd, 2026

[François-Philippe Champagne, Liberal, Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC]

It's always inspiring to listen to you.

The Competition Bureau is also looking at the food supply chain. Obviously, the number of players in the food production and distribution chain is what determines whether there's enough competition in Canada. That's what we asked the Competition Bureau to look at at the time, as you will recall. I asked the Competition Bureau to keep an even closer eye on that. As you know, the bureau's job is to examine competition issues. We're going to keep pushing on that. As an economist, you know as well as I do that—

[Jean-Denis Garon, Bloc, Mirabel, QC]

I appreciate that. I'll go to my last question.

Basically, you're taking action by asking the Competition Bureau to be vigilant. It just so happens that I asked them about that.

Some people don't file their tax returns. Even with auto-filling, some people fall through the cracks and have trouble getting benefits. As everyone knows, these are often the people who have the most difficulty with things like putting food on the table every day.

What other types of measures could the government put in place to at least try to help more people than it's currently helping?

[François-Philippe Champagne, Liberal, Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC]

That's a very good question.

That's why this automatic benefit will affect 5.5 million Canadians over the next few years.

[Jean-Denis Garon, Bloc, Mirabel, QC]

They still have to fill out their tax return.

[François-Philippe Champagne, Liberal, Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC]

I said it's automatic, but I also think that you and the people here who are in favour of this measure can talk to people in your ridings about it. This is an important measure. You're right, I think the fact that it will happen automatically at the Canada Revenue Agency will help millions of people.

[Jean-Denis Garon, Bloc, Mirabel, QC]

Can you give us a quick update on the deficit as of March 31, 2026?

[François-Philippe Champagne, Liberal, Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC]

I don't have an update for you today.

[Jean-Denis Garon, Bloc, Mirabel, QC]

Might we get one on Thursday?

[François-Philippe Champagne, Liberal, Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC]

We'll see.

[Jean-Denis Garon, Bloc, Mirabel, QC]

I'll stay tuned.

Thank you, Minister.

[The Chair, Liberal, Karina Gould]

That concludes our hour with the minister.

Thank you, Minister, and thank you, Ms. Lavoie, for joining us today. We look forward to seeing you again on Thursday to discuss the budget for another two hours.

Before we conclude, colleagues, you would have received from the clerk a budget request regarding today's study for Bill C-19. Do we have approval for that?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Chair, Liberal, Karina Gould]

Excellent. Thank you very much.

Do I have consent to conclude the meeting?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Chair, Liberal, Karina Gould]

Excellent. I will see you on Thursday, bright and early and for a long time.