The Conservatives heavily criticize the government's handling of the economy, focusing on rising housing costs and debt burden on families. They repeatedly call to axe the tax, specifically the carbon tax on farmers, arguing it drives up food prices. They also highlight the alleged green slush fund scandal and demand accountability for missing millions.

The Liberals criticize the Conservatives for voting against measures to support Canadians, including affordable housing, farmers, veterans, and social programs. They defend their climate action plan, including the price on pollution, and emphasize strong support for Ukraine.

The Bloc supports the Gaza ceasefire and calls for action against hate speech. They criticize federal dental care as jurisdictional interference and demand the government reimburse Quebec for costs of asylum seekers.

The NDP address the housing crisis, calling for national rent control and criticizing delayed territorial housing funding. They condemn high prices set by grocery CEOs and advocate extending CEBA repayment for small businesses.

The Green Party criticizes government funding for fossil fuels, including the TMX pipeline, contrasting it with insufficient support for disability poverty.

Awarding of Contract to Boeing—Speaker's Ruling The Speaker rules on a question of privilege alleging ministers misled the House about the Aurora aircraft contract process, finding no evidence of deliberate misleading. 500 words.

Rail Passenger Priority Act First reading of Bill C-371. The bill would amend the Canada Transportation Act to give passenger trains priority on tracks over freight trains, aiming to improve on-time performance for passenger service, as proposed by the NDP transport critic. 200 words.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Members debate rising food costs and grocery affordability based on an agriculture committee report. Conservatives attribute increases to government policies like the carbon tax and plastic bans. Liberals counter the carbon tax's minimal impact and accuse Conservatives of obstruction. NDP and Bloc members emphasize corporate profits and lack of competition among grocers as key drivers. 13900 words, 2 hours.

Public Sector Integrity Act Third reading of Bill C-290. The bill amends the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act to strengthen protections for federal whistle-blowers. It expands coverage, adds a duty to support, increases reprisal fines, and requires review. Liberals support the bill. Conservatives claim the government delayed action. NDP and Bloc support the bill but note it doesn't go far enough. 5800 words, 45 minutes.

Adjournment Debates

Carbon tax on farms Richard Lehoux criticizes the Senate's changes to Bill C-234, arguing the carbon tax increases costs for Quebec farmers. Jenica Atwin defends carbon pricing as necessary to combat climate change and points to existing programs supporting farmers. Lehoux insists the tax hurts farmers, while Atwin says climate change poses a greater threat.

First Nations water infrastructure Kevin Vuong asks about funding for First Nations water infrastructure operators and closing the wage gap. Jenica Atwin highlights government investments and Bill C-61, affirming First Nations' right to self-government in water management. She notes a wage gap analysis and efforts to support operator training and retention.

Greener homes grant program Mike Morrice raises concerns about the greener homes grant program, saying it's underfunded, too slow, and needs expansion to deep retrofits. Julie Dabrusin defends the program's success and highlights other initiatives to reduce emissions from buildings, but makes no commitment to recapitalize the program.

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Foreign AffairsOral Questions

3:20 p.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

I notice that members will wait until I have actually recognized a member to then start heckling again. If members are going to be allowed to heckle, then may I please have a way to identify them before they heckle? Please do not lean back to try to cover your face from other members so the Speaker cannot hear.

Please allow the member for Etobicoke Centre to finish so we can all get back to the business of doing the people's work.

The hon. member for Etobicoke Centre, from the top, I regret.

Foreign AffairsOral Questions

3:20 p.m.

Liberal

Yvan Baker Liberal Etobicoke Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, the government has been clear as to where we stand on the war in Ukraine. We know that the Ukrainian people are not only fighting for their own freedom and survival, but are also fighting for us, and that we need to be fighting for them.

It is also clear now where Conservative MPs stand. Their leader has never advocated more military, financial or humanitarian support for Ukraine. They voted against the Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement. Yesterday, the leader of the Conservative Party referred dismissively to Ukraine as a faraway foreign land. Under this leader, the Conservative Party has abandoned Ukraine.

Could the Prime Minister please reassure Canadians that the government will stand with the Ukrainian people until they win?

Foreign AffairsOral Questions

3:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we see how much the Conservatives hate it when we talk about Ukraine.

I thank the member for Etobicoke Centre for his leadership in supporting Ukraine.

The Conservatives, yet again, showed Ukrainians and all Canadians who they really are. When it came time to support military aid to Ukraine, they voted against. When it came time to support Operation Unifier, they voted against. When it came to the Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement, twice they voted against.

While the Conservative leader is busy taking talking points from Fox News and Donald Trump, on this side of the House, we support Ukraine.

Small BusinessOral Questions

3:20 p.m.

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

Mr. Speaker, even though small businesses are dealing with a cost of living crisis, the Liberals are forcing them to pay back the Canada emergency business account loan within the next few weeks or risk losing up to $20,000. While the Liberals put small businesses in jeopardy, they are handing out $21.6 billion to their rich consultant friends. Reducing this out-of-control outsourcing by just 4% more would cover the costs of extending the CEBA.

Instead of choosing rich CEOs and highly paid consultants, will the Liberals support small businesses by extending the CEBA by just one year?

Small BusinessOral Questions

3:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, during the pandemic, we stepped up with unprecedented supports for small businesses. We were there to support them. We were there to invest in them. We were there to support Canadian workers, Canadian families and Canadian seniors. We were there with supports that saw us through the pandemic with fewer deaths and a stronger economy than most of our peers.

The fact is that we were there to help Canadians through the pandemic, and we are going to continue to support small businesses in many different ways. However, the pandemic is over its acute phase. We will continue to be there to support people, but pandemic supports needed to end.

Oil and Gas IndustryOral Questions

December 13th, 2023 / 3:20 p.m.

Green

Mike Morrice Green Kitchener Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, despite climate negotiations being captured by fossil fuel interests, countries just agreed at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels. Nonetheless, back at home, the government continues to do the opposite, wasting over $1,200 on behalf of each and every Canadian taxpayer to expand the TMX pipeline, and increasing oil production to record levels.

Why is it that the PM cannot find the money to ensure that we end legislated poverty for people with disabilities, but has tens of billions of dollars for a leaky pipeline?

Oil and Gas IndustryOral Questions