The hon. member has one minute.
House of Commons Hansard #201 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was chair.
House of Commons Hansard #201 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was chair.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Department of Public Works and Government Services Act Report stage of Bill S-222. The bill requires the Minister of Public Works and Government Services to consider environmental benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, when developing requirements for federal construction. It aims to promote the use of wood and other sustainable building materials, highlighting its carbon sequestration and potential for job creation in the forest industry. While widely supported, some desire stronger language to give preference to wood. 8000 words, 1 hour.
Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act Third reading of Bill S-5. The bill, which updates the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, aims to strengthen environmental protection by recognizing the right to a healthy environment and enhancing the management of toxic substances. Key amendments include a commitment to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, a focus on vulnerable populations, and a strategy to reduce animal testing. The Conservatives oppose the bill due to an amendment on tailings ponds and hydraulic fracturing, which they view as an intrusion into provincial jurisdiction, while the NDP and Bloc Québécois support the bill, despite some reservations. 31000 words, 5 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Department of Finance—Main Estimates, 2023-24 Members debate the Department of Finance's main estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, focusing on the government's economic policies. Discussions include the impact of the carbon tax on inflation and household costs, the government's fiscal responsibility and debt-to-GDP ratio, and investments in climate action and the clean economy. Members also discuss affordability measures like the grocery rebate and dental care plan, as well as housing initiatives and tax fairness. 34300 words, 4 hours.
Department of Finance—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Kyle Seeback Conservative Dufferin—Caledon, ON
Madam Chair, what Canadians know is that they are going to food banks in record numbers. In my town of Orangeville, there has been a 65% increase in seniors accessing food banks since 2015. This is a result of the carbon tax increasing the cost of food and everything else.
Will the finance minister finally admit that the carbon tax is costing Canadians and driving inflation?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Madam Chair, Canadians also know that the women's labour force participation rate in prime working age is 85% in Canada, compared to just 77% in the U.S. That is a record high. That is one of the things driving our economic recovery, and it is thanks to the child care program that these Conservatives voted against.
Brian Masse NDP Windsor West, ON
Madam Chair, I will be splitting my time with the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands.
I thank the minister for being here.
The first question is related to auto. Have you met with, and agreed with the terms and conditions from, Stellantis and LG about the specific amounts being requested for the Windsor battery plant?
The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes
The hon. member has to address questions and comments through the Chair and not directly to the minister.
The hon. minister.
Department of Finance—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
University—Rosedale Ontario
Liberal
Chrystia Freeland LiberalDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
Madam Chair, it is a really important question. I want to assure the hon. member that this is a priority for our government. We are very seized with it. I have been in touch with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry—
Department of Finance—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
NDP
Brian Masse NDP Windsor West, ON
Madam Chair, is the federal government going to match the Stellantis-LG battery request with that of the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States? Will that be met? Is that the policy of the government?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Madam Chair, I learned during the NAFTA negotiations never to negotiate in public, but I will say this: We are expecting the company to be reasonable because we need a reasonable deal for Canadians, and we are expecting Ontario to contribute its fair share. That is one of the things we—
Brian Masse NDP Windsor West, ON
Madam Chair, we are negotiating in public, including the company saying that the government has reneged on its position, clawing back responsibility. Does the minister agree with the company's position on that?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Certainly not, Madam Chair, but I am absolutely confident that we are going to get a good deal for Canada, a good deal for Canadian workers and a good deal for Canadians across the country.
Brian Masse NDP Windsor West, ON
Madam Chair, was the IRA ever brought up in any meetings, prior to the Volkswagen deal, with Stellantis in discussions of the agreement with the Windsor plant?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Madam Chair, again, I do not think it serves Canadians for us to negotiate in public. The IRA is definitely material here, and it is also material that—
Brian Masse NDP Windsor West, ON
Madam Chair, is the Volkswagen deal any different from the Stellantis deal?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
As I was saying, Madam Chair, it is also material that this deal predates the IRA. That is significant too.
Brian Masse NDP Windsor West, ON
Madam Chair, if the minister claims regional fairness, why is there a difference between what is taking place in St. Thomas and Windsor?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Madam Chair, it is very important that we have regional equity in Canada. It is one of the founding principles of our country. That means when there are—
Brian Masse NDP Windsor West, ON
Madam Chair, when was this model of regional equity introduced in terms of the minister's federal budgets? Is it just in this one, or is it in previous ones?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Madam Chair, regional equity and provincial contributions in major investments are a very long-standing Canadian tradition. Members can take a look at any major—
Brian Masse NDP Windsor West, ON
Madam Chair, since Windsor has been the automotive capital of Canada for over 100 years, with investments that have taken place and taxes provided to this country, does that length of tenure equate into the formula of the minister's regional analysis?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Madam Chair, I am a huge fan of Windsor. I was proud to stand up for the people of Windsor during the blockade of the Ambassador Bridge. I was proud of the work our government did on getting Canada carved into the U.S. EV incentives, and I am proud of the work we did for the people of Windsor on NAFTA. We will—