House of Commons Hansard #15 of the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was seniors.

Topics

Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech from the Throne

10:45 a.m.

Conservative

Dane Lloyd Conservative Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB

Madam Speaker, it has become more and more apparent that this is a Liberal government that has run out of steam and run out of ideas. We are now nearly three months away from what was supposed to be, in the Prime Minister's words, “the most...[consequential] election since 1945”, yet Canadians still have little clue about what direction the Liberal government is taking our country. Canadians can be forgiven, I think, for a profound sense of déjà vu as they read the latest throne speech delivered by the Governor General. In many ways, it reads exactly like the throne speech from 2020, so much so that Canadians are wondering just why we needed to have an unnecessary, reckless and expensive $600-million pandemic election.

To be sure, there are some important points in the throne speech, such as fighting the pandemic and getting Canada back to normal. There are promises to address reconciliation with first nations, to take action on climate change, to strengthen the middle class and to grow the economy. These are all important promises, but when we look at the record of the Liberal government, particularly over the last three years, we see a lot of talk, but little action. Conservatives believe that the purpose of winning elections is so we can legislate to fix problems and seize opportunities for our country. For the Liberals, it is the other way around. They legislate and make promises so that they can win elections and seize opportunities for themselves.

This abdication of leadership has led to a country that is dealing with more than one crisis, where the government can say the right thing, but action is rarely forthcoming. One columnist recently wrote that the Prime Minister is the return of the infamous Mr. Dithers character. Someone who has “hit the ground running at a sloth-in-slow-motion speed.” This is no longer the government of idealists elected in 2015. It is a government that desperately wants to hold onto power, divide and conquer Canadians, and take the bare minimum of action required to safely remain in government.

This has resulted in a terrible situation in our country, where very real problems are not being addressed with the seriousness they deserve. In the throne speech, I was disappointed to see little or no mention of the significant issues Canadians care about right now. For example, in Canada, we are undergoing the most significant period of inflation since I have been alive. For decades, Canadians could rely upon fiscal and monetary policy that maintained an inflation rate close to 2%. This meant that Canada’s economy could grow at a solid rate, while ensuring that prices for goods did not drastically increase. Now we are seeing very significant increases across all sectors, with food, fuel, housing and vehicles all seeing steep jumps in prices.

One recent report also indicated that almost every investment asset class, when calculating for inflation, is returning a net negative real return. The consequences of letting inflation run at these levels will impact families for generations to come. It will mean less money saved for retirement, more resources dedicated to just the essentials and less resources for achieving Canadians’ dreams. It will mean eroded standards of living for retirees on fixed incomes, who will look at the value of their nest eggs shrink as the money supply expands exponentially. The government promises that it will find a way to make Canadians whole, but we saw the consequences in the past of government trying to control wage and price inflation. It only exacerbated the problems further.

The most significant actions that have worked historically to address runaway inflation have been for the government to get its fiscal house in order and for the Bank of Canada to raise interest rates. These are bitter pills to swallow for Canadians who have grown used to massive government largesse and artificially lowered interest rates. The Liberals, I fear, will try and win politically by forestalling this inevitability by increasing spending and allowing the Bank of Canada to let inflation run even higher, thus forestalling the need for increased interest rates.

The consequences of this will mean exponentially more pain for Canadians in the future as the government loses its ability to finance deficit spending and the Bank of Canada loses its ability to control inflation. Canadians deserve a government that will make the tough choices to ensure future generations can have a better life than the one we have. I know from hitting the doors in my community that the cost of living was top of mind for many families. Canadians need to see leadership from the government and they are not seeing it right now from the Liberals.

There is also nothing in the throne speech to comfort the anxiety of my constituents in Alberta. In my region, we rely on the agriculture, forestry, oil and gas, and service sectors to put food on the table. On the agriculture front, there was only one mention in the Speech from the Throne, and that was about creating a Canada water agency. What about a plan to ensure that Canadian farmers can continue to access world markets? What about a plan to address the rising cost of agricultural inputs, such as fertilizer and fuel, which are threatening global food security? These are serious issues, but there was no mention of them by this government.

Where is the plan to fight the Americans on the unjust doubling of softwood lumber tariffs? Where is the plan to ensure that our oil and gas sector can continue to sustain our economy for generations to come while reducing and eliminating greenhouse emissions?

I see company after company from Alberta pledging billions of dollars in combined resources to implement revolutionary and effective carbon capture technology. Where is their willing partner in the federal government? Where is the tax credit for enhanced oil recovery, which will sustain new, low-carbon jobs and investments for decades to come? It is not to be found in the throne speech. Instead, we just see ideological talking points and promises to shut down our jobs and our industries.

The words “just transition” have become a nightmare for Albertans. Many people in my riding lost their jobs when coal-powered plants were phased out a few years ago. Communities and workers were promised by this Liberal government that they would have compensation and a just transition. The last promise in the 2019 budget said $100 million for coal communities.

Well, we have not seen any funding from this Liberal government, and it has been two years. Folks in my area know exactly what a “just transition” means. It means fewer jobs, less prosperity and more “just inflation”. It is time for the Liberal government to take co-operative action with the oil and gas sector to ensure the prosperity of all Canadians, not just those who are represented by Liberal MPs.

The Speech from the Throne also failed to address the elephant in the room in Canada right now. One of our most important institutions has been on the news on an almost daily basis, and not a lot of it has been good news. I am talking, of course, about the Canadian military and the numerous scandals that we have seen.

As someone who represents a large military community and CFB Edmonton, I know that my constituents are extremely proud of our Canadian Forces members, but every day they lose confidence when they see the Liberal government fail to act and fix problems. An institution as important as the Canadian military deserves far more attention from this government than it received in the throne speech, where it was not even mentioned once. Sadly, this is just another case of the Liberal government failing to tackle the important issues that Canadians want to see solved.

The Liberals' rhetoric has, yet again, failed to match the reality of action. When the Prime Minister said this was “the important election since 1945”, he clearly was not talking about its importance to Canadians. Instead, he was talking about its importance to his own ambitions for a majority government.

We are seeing bills being passed today that would have been, and could have been, passed if we had not had an election, such as Bill C-2, Bill C-4 and Bill C-6. We see legislation that was passed with unanimous support, like Bill C-3 last night, which fulfilled the promise from all the way back to May 2020 to implement paid sick leave.

This is legislation the Prime Minister said would be implemented without delay, but it took a year and a half to produce a mere page of legislation. In fact, it was not even important enough to merit its own legislation. It had to be merged together with a Criminal Code amendment. We are seeing a recycled throne speech. I praise the government for its commitment to recycling, but the throne speech largely repeats the promises and agenda of the government from last year in 2020.

It is clear, as I said at the beginning of my speech, that this Liberal government has run out of steam and out of ideas. Canadians are growing more disappointed each and every day as they see the priorities they talk about around their kitchen tables with their families every night not being reflected in the policies and action of this government. I hope for the sake of all Canadians that this government can get its act together.

Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech from the Throne

10:55 a.m.

Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne Québec

Liberal

Sherry Romanado LiberalDeputy House Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Madam Speaker, I listened intently to the speech by my colleague across the way, and one thing that jumped out at me was when he mentioned that we were here to legislate to fix problems. I agree. However, I think we have demonstrated that over the last six years, whether it was with medical assistance in dying or finally banning conversion therapy.

I would like to know if the member opposite will be supporting us with respect to Bill C-2 to make sure we are fixing the problem of the gaps currently being experienced because of COVID-19.

Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech from the Throne

10:55 a.m.

Conservative

Dane Lloyd Conservative Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB

Madam Speaker, we, as the opposition, have a sacred duty to hold the government to account. We have seen so many times during the past two years in this pandemic the government push forward with legislation that we found had serious flaws. We are not going to abdicate our responsibility. Our duty to Canadians is to hold the government to account to ensure the best possible legislation.

If Liberals were so concerned about getting this legislation passed in a timely way, then why did they waste Canadians' time and taxpayers' money on a reckless, unnecessary, $600-million election, which did not change a single thing in the House?

Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech from the Throne

10:55 a.m.

NDP

Alistair MacGregor NDP Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, BC

Madam Speaker, in previous speeches from the throne, I remember seeing the Liberals talk a lot about putting in national pharmacare and making a reference to dental care.

In this throne speech, theses topics are no where to be found. It is like they never even existed. The member is right, and the cost of living is also a huge subject of concern among my constituents in my riding. Unexpected medical costs, the cost of pharmaceuticals and the cost of dental care are huge issues for working families in Cowichan—Malahat—Langford.

What does the member think about the fact that the Liberals used to talk so eloquently about these programs, and they are no where to be found in this 2021 version?

Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech from the Throne

10:55 a.m.

Conservative

Dane Lloyd Conservative Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the member for his commitment to his constituents.

There is an old adage that says, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” The NDP have been fooled not once, but twice, by the Liberal government. First when it promised paid sick leave in May 2020 in order to get NDP support for a hybrid Parliament, and second with pharmaceutical and dental care.

The member has seen again that the Liberals have tricked the NDP. When are the NDP going to wake up, stop getting tricked by the Liberals and stand up to them for a change?

SeniorsStatements by Members

11 a.m.

Liberal

Bryan May Liberal Cambridge, ON

Madam Speaker, we know that helping our growing senior population is critical, particularly during COVID-19.

The New Horizons for Seniors program provides grants up to $25,000 for projects that help seniors age in place, stay healthy and remain connected. We have funded over 3,000 projects across Canada this past year, including some great ones in my riding of Cambridge, like the Islamic Centre of Cambridge, Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank, Good Neighbour Community Garden, Fairview Mennonite Homes, Townline Muslim Centre, Kinbridge, Fiddlesticks and Alison Neighbourhood Associations, and the the Preston Lawn Bowling Club.

Everyone in the House should remind their communities that the New Horizons for Seniors program is open for applications right now and up until December 21.

We must all help our seniors-focussed organizations apply and help all Canadian seniors to stay connected, happy and healthy.

Saint NicholasStatements by Members

11 a.m.

Conservative

Ted Falk Conservative Provencher, MB

Madam Speaker, Nicholas, a Christian bishop in Turkey, heard of a distressed family in his community, a father who had lost everything and his three daughters who now, unable to marry, might be forced into prostitution. Filled with compassion, Nicholas slipped out under the cover of darkness and through an open window, he dropped a bag of money, enough for the first daughter to get married. Two more times he did this, secretly giving from his own pocket to help this family in need.

Some 1,700 years later, we continue to celebrate the generosity of Saint Nicholas by practising charity and giving gifts at Christmas. We do this because at Christmas we celebrate the greatest gift of all, the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, Jesus who himself would give his own life for the sins of humanity. It is up to each one of us to personally accept this gift.

To my colleagues, my constituents and, indeed, to all Canadians, I invite them to consider this awesome gift and I wish them a very merry Christmas and a blessed new year.

Merry Christmas.

Local YouthStatements by Members

11 a.m.

Liberal

Jenna Sudds Liberal Kanata—Carleton, ON

Madam Speaker, today, I would like to recognize the inspiring young people of Kanata—Carleton, who have been writing to me about the issues that matter to them. I received many letters with insightful questions.

Grade six student, Suzie Rigby from Katimavik Elementary School asked great questions about reconciliation. The students of Mr. Gianfransco and Mr. Kappel's classes at Earl of March Secondary School asked great questions on climate change, COVID supports and other critical issues.

I thank them for their questions and ask them to please stay engaged. We need their voices.

I would also like to recognize our teachers. In particular, congratulations to Robert Tang, a resident of my riding who recently received the national certificate of excellence for teaching from the Prime Minister. I congratulate Robert and I thank him for his dedication to our youth.

William “Pete” SchusslerStatements by Members

11 a.m.

NDP

Lindsay Mathyssen NDP London—Fanshawe, ON

Madam Speaker, I regret to inform the House of the loss of retired chief warrant officer William “Pete” Schussler. He was an incredible Londoner, veterans advocate, loving family man and a dear friend.

Pete started his military career in 1941 with the militia and then enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces Infantry in 1942. He served in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Pete re-enlisted in 1948 with the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and served in Korea. He was a peacekeeper in the Middle East and served with NATO in Germany.

Pete received 16 honours and awards, including the Order of Military Merit, and he received a Knighthood with the National Order of the Legion of Honour for his service during the liberation of France in 1944. The Legion of Honour, awarded by the Government of France, is its highest order of merit and that is exactly how folks in London and how I always knew Pete, a gentleman of the highest honour.

We thank Pete and we will remember him.

Philippe LandryStatements by Members

11 a.m.

Liberal

Francis Drouin Liberal Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

Madam Speaker, I rise in the House today to recognize and celebrate an extraordinary man who was a father, a husband, a journalist, an innovator, a man of justice, an activist and a strong advocate for French in Ontario.

Philippe Landry left his mark on French Ontario. Franco-Ontarians have access to justice in French today thanks in large part to Philippe Landry and his involvement in the civil disobedience movement known as C'est l'temps! He once spent two days in jail because he refused to accept a ticket that was written only in English.

His passion for sharing stories about the Franco-Ontarian community did not disappear once he finished his career in journalism. He created a Facebook group called Fier d'être Franco-Ontarien // Fière d'être Franco-Ontarienne, which has more than 12,000 members, to promote, share and encourage discussion within our community.

Even though his death has left a hole in our community, Philippe Landry's love and passion for defending the French language will be felt for generations to come.

I offer my sincere condolences to his daughter, Geneviève, and his family.

Feed the NeedStatements by Members

11:05 a.m.

Conservative

Colin Carrie Conservative Oshawa, ON

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the people of Oshawa for re-electing me for the seventh time. I am truly honoured.

This Sunday, musicians are gathering at the historic Regent Theatre in downtown Oshawa to help feed their neighbours in the fourth annual concert to Feed the Need. The proceeds from this event will go to Feed the Need in Durham, an agency that distributes food and other essential items to food banks, shelters, schools and other food programs across Durham region.

With the funds generated from the concert, $300,000 worth of food has been distributed to those who need it most, and the need has never been greater. Since the start of the pandemic, food bank use across my region has increased 30%.

I want to thank the producer, Joe Solway, of the Rotary Club of Bowmanville, as well as the talented and generous musicians who have stepped up to make this show happen. The rotary clubs of Durham region, including my own club in Oshawa, are grateful to help those most in need.

I wish all my friends and neighbours a merry Christmas.

TibetStatements by Members

11:05 a.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Madam Speaker, tashi dalek. I rise today to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to his Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1989.

His Holiness is an honorary Canadian citizen and a global symbol of peace, compassion and harmony as a spiritual leader of six million Tibetans.

I had the privilege of meeting His Holiness in India in 2018. In that meeting, he asked me to ensure that elected leaders around the world would not forget about Tibet and the cause of Tibetan linguistic, cultural and religious freedoms.

Today, on this international Human Rights Day, I renew the commitment I made to His Holiness then; that I will continue to champion the cause of the Tibetan people, a resumption of the Sino-Tibetan dialogue and the middle way approach, an approach that seeks nothing more than greater autonomy for Tibet within China, based on the concepts of equality and mutual co-operation.

For His Holiness the Dalai Lama, thuchi che, ka drin che for all that he has done, not just for the Tibetan people but for the global community, and promoting the cause of peace and pluralism

Manuela TeixeiraStatements by Members

11:05 a.m.

Liberal

Sophie Chatel Liberal Pontiac, QC

Madam Speaker, the Gatineau Chamber of Commerce held a gala a few weeks ago for its Excelor Awards, which recognize entrepreneurs in our region.

I congratulate all of the nominees and winners, and more specifically, Manuela Teixeira, an entrepreneur I admire a lot.

She is the CEO of Old Chelsea Square and the owner of the Chelsea Pub and Biscotti & Cie. She is not afraid of a challenge and does an amazing job of showcasing Pontiac and the entire Outaouais region.

Again, I congratulate this pioneer for all her hard work and what is to come.

Regina—WascanaStatements by Members

11:05 a.m.

Conservative

Michael Kram Conservative Regina—Wascana, SK

Madam Speaker, as this is my first time rising in this 44th Parliament, I would like to thank the many volunteers who worked on my re-election campaign. As everyone in this chamber knows, even when we win, a political campaign is a humbling experience, because we realize just how much we depend, as the saying goes, on the kindness of strangers.

An election campaign is a team effort, and Regina—Wascana was no exception. Whether people were door-to-door canvassers, phone bank callers, lawn sign installers or doing any of the many jobs on this campaign, I want them to know that their contributions made a difference.

Of course, I must thank my two biggest supporters, my mom and dad, for their unconditional love and support.

I thank the voters of Regina—Wascana for once again placing their trust in me. I will work every day to earn their continued trust and support.

Greener Homes GrantStatements by Members

11:05 a.m.

Liberal

Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB

Madam Speaker, the Canada greener homes grant is all about our communities, our environment, our jobs and helping people make their homes more energy efficient.

The Government of Canada will be issuing up to $700,000 worth of grants, up to $5,000 each, to encourage and help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient. Whether it is replacing windows, adding insulation and so much more, people can apply for these grants knowing that they too can play a role in fighting climate change, while at the same time creating jobs, improving our communities and making a difference.

I would like to encourage the residents of Winnipeg North and others to apply for this grant. Collectively we can improve Canada's housing stock by making it more energy efficient, which means cheaper utility bills and fighting climate change at the same time.

Indspire AwardsStatements by Members

11:10 a.m.

Conservative

Gary Vidal Conservative Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, SK

Madam Speaker, it is an honour today to rise and recognize a teacher from Meadow Lake's Carpenter High School, Derek Eftoda. Derek recently was named as a Guiding the Journey national award winner by Indspire, a charity that invests in the education of first nations, Inuit and Métis students.

Mr. Eftoda is known as a teacher who builds authentic relationships with all his students and creates an environment in his classroom of mutual respect. As an avid storyteller, Mr. Eftoda's tale of fighting off a bear from inside his tent or his close encounter with a cougar on his acreage are just two of the many stories that have become legendary among his students.

As the only non-indigenous teacher to win this award, Mr. Eftoda understands that reconciliation is accomplished through actions of respect and finding a positive path forward. He is an example for all of us to follow.

I ask all members to join me today in recognizing Mr. Eftoda.

Carlton Trail—Eagle CreekStatements by Members

11:10 a.m.

Conservative

Kelly Block Conservative Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek, SK

Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today and thank the voters of Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek for once again placing their trust in me to be their voice in the House of Commons.

Our constituency is a large, diverse and beautiful rural riding that reflects the values of integrity, respect and excellence, as well as a deep commitment to hard work and perseverance. I will do my utmost to faithfully carry out the responsibilities that my constituents have entrusted to me.

I want to thank my husband Milton and my family for their support and their sacrifices over the years.

I also want to thank my campaign team and the many volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the election campaign. I would not be here without their support and efforts.

In closing, I wish my constituents, everyone in this place and, indeed, all Canadians a very merry Christmas and a new year filled with good health and happiness.

The People of Longueuil—Charles‑LeMoyneStatements by Members

11:10 a.m.

Liberal

Sherry Romanado Liberal Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, QC

Madam Speaker, it is with gratitude and humility that I rise in the House today to thank the people of Longueuil—Charles‑LeMoyne for placing their trust in me and electing me to be their MP in Ottawa for a third time.

I have had the honour of representing the people of this riding since 2015, and I will continue to stand up for their interests during the 44th Parliament with renewed energy and determination.

The people of Longueuil—Charles‑LeMoyne have always generously shared their comments and suggestions with me about issues that matter to them, and I encourage them to continue to do so. My team is always there to serve them, and my door is always open.

I thank the constituents of my riding from the bottom of my heart for their renewed trust and support. I will always strive to do them proud, and wish them all the best this holiday season.

Danielle AdamsStatements by Members

11:10 a.m.

NDP

Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

Madam Speaker, last night, we received very sad news of the passing of Danielle Adams, a member of the Manitoba legislative assembly for Thompson, who tragically died in a car crash yesterday.

Danielle was a mother of two, loving partner to her husband Bill, a friend to many of us and a very hard-working NDP MLA for Thompson, who worked tirelessly for her constituents. Danielle was a strong advocate for the north and for people, fighting for accessible, affordable child care. She was a kind, loving and respected colleague to many.

Today, I extend my deepest condolences and love to Danielle's children, Nick and Joe, her husband Bill, her friends and family, the city of Thompson and the Manitoba NDP caucus.

May Danielle fly with the eagles. Rest in peace.

Marc‑André FleuryStatements by Members

11:15 a.m.

Bloc

Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC

Madam Speaker, I am immensely honoured to acknowledge Marc‑André Fleury's 500th career win.

From Sorel‑Tracy to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, from Pittsburgh to Las Vegas and now Chicago, Marc‑André has dominated his sport.

This passionate athlete known by the nickname “Flower” is an extraordinarily talented goalie with quick reflexes. He is a gentle man who is always smiling and is well liked by his teammates, and he has overcome every obstacle that high-level hockey has thrown at him with an exemplary attitude.

With three Stanley Cups and a Vezina Trophy under his belt at the age of 37, Marc‑André is already a living legend, especially after earning this 500th career win in a shutout in front of his friends and family in Montreal.

Last week, I had the chance to watch his 497th career win in Washington.

Marc‑André Fleury ranks up there with the two greatest goalies in history, the Quebeckers Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur. I congratulate him on all his accomplishments. The hall of fame awaits him. In the meantime, he still has a long career ahead of him.

Quebec is proud of him.

Prince Edward Island Potato IndustryStatements by Members

December 10th, 2021 / 11:15 a.m.

Conservative

Rick Perkins Conservative South Shore—St. Margarets, NS

Madam Speaker, this week, P.E.I. potato farmers drove 6,000 bags of spuds to Ottawa to raise awareness about the Liberal government’s ban on P.E.I. potato exports. The government’s half-baked plan is smashing the island’s biggest economic driver, yet the four silent island Liberal MPs are not fixing the problem.

There are 300 million pounds of potatoes that sit idle. Hundreds of jobs are lost and countless family farms are at risk. In 15 days, families on both sides of the border will be sitting down to a Christmas dinner with turkey and cranberry sauce, deprived of P.E.I. mashed potatoes. If the Liberal government's export ban isn’t lifted, P.E.I.’s potatoes will not be spending their Christmas on plates across North America.

The Prime Minister has admitted that this ban is political and not backed by science. It is time that the spuds from the bright red mud started rolling down the highway smiling.

Human Rights DayStatements by Members

11:15 a.m.

Liberal

Pam Damoff Liberal Oakville North—Burlington, ON

Madam Speaker, today is Human Rights Day, marked every year to commemorate the day in 1948 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Here in Canada, the Canadian Human Rights Act was adopted in 1977, and I am proud that our government in 2016 added gender identity and expression. Our Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a document that guides us as Canadians. This year, the United Nations is choosing to highlight that at the heart of human rights lie the principles of equality and non-discrimination. We must ensure that everyone can live in dignity, regardless of who they are, who they love and where they live.

Around the world and here at home, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted already existing inequalities. Today let us make a commitment to build back better, to build a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

The EconomyOral Questions

11:15 a.m.

Conservative

Gérard Deltell Conservative Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC

Madam Speaker, in two weeks, Canadians will be celebrating Christmas, but it might not be as merry as some families would have liked. Why? It is because the number one concern of all Canadian families right now is the ever-increasing cost of living. We have been talking about it here for days and days, even weeks. Yesterday, we finally got the numbers. We learned from Canada's Food Price Report that all families will be paying $1,000 more.

Why is the government refusing to address the inflation that is affecting all Canadian families?

The EconomyOral Questions

11:15 a.m.

Edmonton Centre Alberta

Liberal

Randy Boissonnault LiberalMinister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance

Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his question and congratulate him on his re-election.

Inflation is an issue of real concern to Canadians, but we know that it is a global phenomenon, not a problem unique to Canada.

I want to reassure Canadians. We are working hard to make life more affordable. Our child care plan will reduce family expenses considerably. We are also determined to make housing more affordable.

The EconomyOral Questions

11:15 a.m.

Conservative

Gérard Deltell Conservative Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC

Madam Speaker, I am sure the Minister of Tourism, along with all 338 MPs, knows that this is not just a global issue. It affects all Canadian families directly. I invite the Minister of Tourism to visit food banks in his riding and tell people not to worry because it is a global problem. No, this problem affects all Canadian families, and the government is refusing to talk about it. There is barely a mention of it in the throne speech. The word “inflation” comes up just once. Lucky for her, that word is the same in French and in English.

When will the government get serious about tackling inflation, which is affecting all Canadian families?