Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Members of the committee, thank you for inviting me to testify before you.
Before I begin, I'd like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe peoples.
Today I am accompanied by officials from my department. We're here to give you an overview of supplementary estimates (B) 2024‑25.
Canadians rely on us as their elected representatives to ensure that public funds are effectively and efficiently used to deliver important programs, services and supports.
Supplementary estimates (B) present information on the government's additional spending requirements in various priority areas.
Whether it's building more housing, the Canadian Dental Care Plan, Canada's National School Food Program or programs that contribute to the future of young people, the government will always invest in the priorities that matter most to Canadians.
Specifically, Mr. Chair, the supplementary (B)s seek parliamentary approval of $21.6 billion in proposed spending across 79 federal organizations.
This includes $742 million for the CMHC, including funding for the apartment construction loan program, the affordable housing fund and the housing accelerator fund.
These programs, Mr. Chair, help address housing shortages, develop infrastructure and streamline building processes.
Funding is also proposed for the implementation of the first-ever national school food program, which will provide meals for an additional 400,000 children each year, in addition to the meals served through existing school food programs.
The government continues to support the next generation of our workforce, and these supplementary estimates propose $12 million for young entrepreneurs and $15 million to allow Canadian students and teachers to access coding and digital skills training opportunities through our CanCode program.
In addition, the proposed spending includes funding for the Canadian dental care plan, which has already been accessed by 2.7 million Canadians across the country, which Conservatives want to cut.
These supplementary estimates bring a decrease of $14.9 billion, or 6.2%, from the previous year's estimates at the same point.
In addition, the supplementary estimates include $3.2 billion in additional statutory budgetary expenditures. Those are approved through legislation other than appropriation acts.
The proposed spending is primarily for the Canada carbon rebate, which will provide $2.6 billion for small businesses and an additional $307 million for individuals.
Non-budgetary expenditures reflect planned financial assistance to Ukraine and investment in the World Bank's capacity to help developing countries, and I would really hope that my Conservative colleagues would support these measures as well.
Mr. Chair, as you can see, the supplementary estimates target priorities that will deliver results for Canadians and those in need abroad.
As noted, proposed spending is spread across our government.
Among the largest proposed investments by department are $4.5 billion to the Department of Indigenous Services for supports, including under Jordan's principle; $3.3 billion to the Department of National Defence to support military procurement; and $1.7 billion to the Treasury Board of Canada for recently signed public service collective agreements and public service benefits.
Lastly, Mr. Chair, I urge all parliamentarians to support these measures. I urge Conservatives in particular to stop playing partisan games so that MPs can debate important legislation.
The officials accompanying me and I are now ready to answer members' questions for an hour.
Thank you very much.
