Debates of Oct. 3rd, 2025

Stéphanie Bacher

[Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Speaker, September 29 was the second anniversary of the death of my wife, Stéphanie Bacher.

Stéphanie was incredibly bright and quick-witted. She was committed to a fair and just society. She was a woman of conviction who stood up for what she believed in. She was a passionate advocate for democratic principles, human rights and respect for everyone, regardless of their background, sexual orientation or religion. She firmly believed in the importance of committing to causes that matter, as well as the virtues of civic engagement.

She was a proud Montrealer living in Acadia, and she cared deeply about our beautiful French language. I have no doubt that she would have applauded the work I do to support the vitality of Canada's francophonie. Although she is no longer with us today, Stéphanie remains a constant source of inspiration, and everything I do in the House is to honour her memory.

Freedom of Expression

[Leslyn Lewis, Conservative, Haldimand—Norfolk, ON]

Mr. Speaker, across Canada, freedom of expression and freedom of religion are under attack. Since 2021, more than 100 churches have been burned or vandalized.

True democracy cannot survive without free expression, and Canada cannot flourish if Christians or other religious groups live in fear because of their faith. I stand here not just as a member of Parliament for the good people of Haldimand—Norfolk, but as a lawyer and a Christian who believes that freedom of expression is sacred.

It is a cornerstone of our democracy and a freedom that protects not only what we agree with but the truth that challenges us, the convictions that make us uncomfortable and the unbreakable spirit that stands unwaveringly with those who refuse to be silent in the face of injustice.

Military Service

[Alana Hirtle, Liberal, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Mr. Speaker, for over a century the Ralston armoury has stood as Amherst, Nova Scotia's monument to national service, where the North Nova Scotia Highlanders answered the call and led the charge in two world wars and generations of young leaders have taken shape.

As our government works toward important NATO spending commitments, we will not only make the investments necessary for building up a strong, active-duty force; we have the opportunity to reimagine the structures and services these future veterans deserve. I am excited by the people and places ready to step up in this moment to answer a call to national service. The Ralston armoury is just one example of a place, and people, ready to serve.

I ask the House to consider supporting the motion I have put forward to help identify additional surplus resources to be mobilized for service.

Cowichan Land Ruling

[Chak Au, Conservative, Richmond Centre—Marpole, BC]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians work hard, save and sacrifice to buy their homes, and they expect their government to protect that investment, but Justice Young's ruling on the Cowichan land claim has shaken the very foundations of private ownership, what Canadians know as “fee simple title”, which guarantees the safety and security of their homes.

Instead of standing up for Canadians, this government chose politics over people's property rights. It issued a directive telling its lawyers to abandon the very argument that protects home ownership. Since that judgment was made, Canadians have heard nothing but silence. Families feel betrayed when their own government walks away from them.

Will the government admit it was a mistake to give that directive, and will it now appeal the ruling with a full defence of home ownership and scrap that directive immediately?

Employment Insurance

[Marilène Gill, Bloc, Côte-Nord—Kawawachikamach—Nitassinan, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the tariff war is ramping up, but Ottawa is abandoning workers in rural areas as if the dispute were over.

Starting October 11, the federal government is cutting back on temporary employment insurance measures and lowering the unemployment rate that is used to determine eligibility. Worse still, it is creating two classes of workers by favouring those whom Ottawa describes as “long-tenured” workers over seasonal workers and workers in more volatile industries.

Once again, we need to remind the people in Ottawa that seasonal workers are “long-tenured” workers. Their jobs are seasonal, but the workers themselves are permanent, as are the needs of their families.

On October 11, instead of copying Stephen Harper's measures and depriving rural workers of EI, the Liberals must renew all the flexible measures for workers. Above all, they need to bring in the comprehensive EI reform they have been promising for more than 10 years.

Ottawa Centre

[Yasir Naqvi, Liberal, Ottawa Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, even though the summer is in the rear-view, I want to share how exciting it was. Ottawa Tourism reports that from June to August, our city saw a 5% increase in hotel demand and a 7% jump in visitor spending compared to last year. July and August broke records. That is hundreds of thousands of people choosing to visit Ottawa. What brought them here? It was world-class events like Bluesfest, the inaugural Ironman Canada-Ottawa and the Canadian Track and Field Championships.

Thanks to the Canada Strong Pass, our national museums, including the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature and the War Museum in my community of Ottawa Centre, brought in unmatched crowds. We can add in the buzz of Metcalfe Plaza by the Downtown BIA, the new Uncommon event space by the Centretown BIA and countless festivals.

We are revitalizing our downtown through community and culture.

Jean‑Paul Croteau

[Éric Lefebvre, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it was with great sorrow that I learned of the passing of Jean‑Paul Croteau, former mayor of Victoriaville, on September 21, 2025. That same Sunday, I tried to call him but got no answer. Little did I know that that would be the last message I left for my mentor.

Mr. Croteau was the one who approached me in the early 2000s and asked me to become a city councillor in Victoriaville. He always wanted me to stop by and see him. Naturally, he would take advantage of every visit to make a few little political suggestions.

This amazing community builder served as the executive director of the Bois‑Francs school board for over 22 years, while also serving as a municipal councillor for the former municipality of Arthabaska and then the city of Victoriaville for 15 years before becoming mayor in 1999. He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1989 and awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 in recognition of his work.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank Mr. Croteau for everything. I extend my deepest condolences to his children, Jean‑Sébastien and Anne‑Marie, as well as to his grandchildren and friends.

Fall Flavours Food and Drink Festival

[Kent MacDonald, Liberal, Cardigan, PE]

Mr. Speaker, it is harvest time on Prince Edward Island. What better way to celebrate than the Fall Flavours Food and Drink Festival? The festival runs until October 11. This annual event highlights the best island flavours and hospitality with farm fresh produce and delicious seafood. In the Cardigan riding, communities are hosting many unforgettable experiences, such as the Taste of Georgetown in the historic Kings Playhouse theatre, the lively Whoa Nellie Fiddler’s Feast in Murray Harbour, the Flavours in Concert in the hills of Caledonia, and the Ultimate Chefs Table in Greenwich overlooking Saint Peters Bay. Fall Flavours reminds us that, when Islanders come together to share food, music and tradition, we are strengthening our communities.

Visit Prince Edward Island this autumn season. Come across the Confederation Bridge for $20 or take the ferry for half the cost and savour the best we have to offer. We are Canada's food island—

[The Deputy Speaker, Tom Kmiec]

The hon. member for Edmonton Manning.

The Economy

[Ziad Aboultaif, Conservative, Edmonton Manning, AB]

Mr. Speaker, when the Prime Minister promised the fastest-growing economy in the G7, we thought he meant Canada. He obviously did not. Canada has the fastest-shrinking economy, the second-highest unemployment, the worst household debt and the most expensive housing in the G7. It is just another broken Liberal promise.

The Prime Minister said to judge him by the prices at the grocery store. Food prices are rising faster today than before he came to office. It is just another broken Liberal promise. He promised to spend less, but record government spending is up an additional 8%. It is just another broken Liberal promise. He promised to build, but he cannot get shovels in the ground. He promised new homes, but cannot get them built.

Everything the Prime Minister says is another broken Liberal promise.

Alfie MacLeod

[Mike Kelloway, Liberal, Sydney—Glace Bay, NS]

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to mark the passing of Alfie MacLeod. Alfie's life was rooted in service to others. During his many years in politics, he embodied the values of hard work, humility and a very deep love for Cape Breton. Alfie never lost sight of the people behind the issues, and he approached every challenge with both determination and compassion. I had the privilege just last year of presenting him with the King's medal. That honour reflected not only his years of service but also the respect, admiration and affection he earned across Cape Breton island.

Alfie's humour, kindness and unwavering commitment to Cape Breton will not be forgotten. He leaves such a great void. Alfie was a unifier. He was not a divider.

To his wife, Shirley, his children, Sandra, Jessica and Daniel, and all his family, I extend my deepest condolences. Alfie's impact will be felt for a very, very long time.

Rest easy, Alfie.

Cost of Food

[Tony Baldinelli, Conservative, Niagara Falls—Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON]

Mr. Speaker, every dollar the Liberals spend comes out of the pockets of Canadians and inflates the price of everything, including food. The Prime Minister told Canadians when he was sworn in that they should judge him by the cost at the grocery store. Well, the results are in after six months in office. Food Banks Canada has given the Prime Minister and his Liberal government a D on poverty and food insecurity after both rose by almost 40%. Sadly, organizations such as the Daily Bread Food Bank in Toronto said it expects to exceed four million visits in 2025, twice what it saw two years ago. ln my own community of Niagara Falls, one in seven residents visit our local food bank, Project Share.

The Liberals should be ashamed of themselves. Conservatives have offered a simple solution, which is to stop the hidden Liberal food taxes on fuel, fertilizer and farm equipment. lnstead, the Liberals voted against our recent Conservative motion.

Conservatives will keep fighting for affordability, even when the Prime Minister and the Liberals will not.

Canadian Walk for Veterans

[Ernie Klassen, Liberal, South Surrey—White Rock, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the community of South Surrey—White Rock came together for the eighth annual Canadian Walk for Veterans, a tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country. This walk is not only a moment of reflection and appreciation but also a commitment to ongoing support for our veterans and their families.

I would like to take this moment to sincerely thank Marc Burchell, whose vision and leadership continue to inspire this walk, and Dr. Matthew Kane, co-founder of the walk and a Royal Canadian Navy veteran who understands the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, for their dedication and tireless work in supporting veterans. I would also like to thank the City of White Rock for its continued partnership and support and all the volunteers and dedicated supporters who show up not just today but every day for our veterans. This year, over 20 Canadian cities from coast to coast to coast hosted events, raising over $100,000.

I thank all veterans for their service and sacrifice.

Employment

[Chris Warkentin, Conservative, Grande Prairie, AB]

Mr. Speaker, before the election, the Prime Minister said that it was “elbows up”. That was his solution to save Canadian jobs.

After the election, it has been elbows down, and since then he has been flying all around. He met with the Chinese and, after that meeting, they raised tariffs on Canadian farmers and seafood. He met with the Americans and, after that meeting, they raised tariffs higher on Canadian lumber. He met with the British, and they said they were not dropping the tariffs on Canadian beef.

The Prime Minister is elbows up, elbows down, flying all around, and it has cost 86,000 Canadians their jobs. Everywhere he goes, things get worse.

When will the Prime Minister just stop and park the jet before he costs more Canadians their jobs?

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, the idea that the Prime Minister is flying around the world without bringing back, to Canada, productive results is a ludicrous one.

We have signed landmark agreements in Europe. We have signed landmark agreements in Asia. We have gone to Mexico and signed landmark agreements with the administration there.

The Prime Minister is active. He is out there building export markets. He is out there building opportunities for Canadians. He is building Canada strong.

[Chris Warkentin, Conservative, Grande Prairie, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised that he was going to fix the disaster that Justin Trudeau left, but 86,000 Canadians have lost their jobs since the Prime Minister took office.

Just this last week, 900 Calgarians lost their job at Imperial Oil, 300 jobs are threatened at Kap Paper, and GM has announced that it is moving jobs from Oshawa back to the United States.

The Prime Minister was elbows up, elbows down and flying all around. This guy promised that he was going to be different than Justin Trudeau, but just like Trudeau, he has been jet-setting, talking to fancy people and taking care of his Liberal friends while Canadians are losing their jobs.

Why will the Prime Minister not admit that he is just like Justin Trudeau and just another Liberal?

[Karim Bardeesy, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry]

Mr. Speaker, it is for this exact reason that we are doing the work of going around the world to attract new investment and to do these major deals. We are always going to stand on the side of Canadian workers and Canadian employers.

That is why we put together one of the most comprehensive response funds with a strategic response fund of $5 billion. We will always be there for Canadian workers and Canadian businesses.

[John Brassard, Conservative, Barrie South—Innisfil, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as impossible as it may seem, things are worse under the Prime Minister than they were under Justin Trudeau.

While those connected to the Prime Minister, his corporate buddies, Liberal-connected insiders and lobbyists, are doing just fine, 86,000 Canadians have lost their jobs since he became the Prime Minister. Canada now has the second-highest unemployment rate in the G7. Our productivity as a country is nearing developing-nation status.

Why are the policies of the Prime Minister designed to benefit his corporate buddies and Liberal insiders while Canadians pay the price?

[Patty Hajdu, Liberal, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Minister of Health announced that five million Canadians are now getting affordable dental care in this country.

I just want to tell the story of one individual I met in my own riding just before the last election. He had just had his teeth fixed after 20 years of not having a plan. This fully employed worker did not have benefits that could provide for him to have oral health. He said to me, “I sure hope you win again, so that I can get my lower teeth fixed.” That is exactly what we did for this man.

[John Brassard, Conservative, Barrie South—Innisfil, ON]

Mr. Speaker, they are also checking the stock price of Brookfield-related companies. Nearly $60 billion in investment has fled the country, mostly to the place where the Prime Minister has 93% of his investments, the United States.

He promised he would handle Trump and negotiate a win by July 16, then it was July 21 and then August 1. It is October 3. He promised strength but has shown weakness.

Oshawa, Kapuskasing and Calgary have all been devastated with job losses this week. How many more families need to lose their jobs and how many more businesses need to close before the Prime Minister wakes up to the reality that what he is doing is not working?

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, I would simply point out to the member that Canada's economy continues to grow, wages continue to grow, interest rates are down, and the Prime Minister is creating opportunities for Canadians in export markets and for Canadians here at home.

We are going to be building major projects. We are going to be building them with Canadian steel, Canadian aluminum, Canadian lumber and with Canadian skilled trades men and women.

The Prime Minister is on the job on the economy. The Conservatives need to wake up to that.

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk, QC]

Mr. Speaker, during the G7 summit, the Prime Minister stated that he would reach a successful deal with the United States by July 16. This did not work out. Then he said that it would be done by July 21. Again, this did not work out. Lastly, he said that it would be done by August 1, and once more it did not work out.

The bottom line is that 86,000 Canadians have lost their jobs since he became Prime Minister.

Why are Canadians losing their jobs? Is it because of the Prime Minister's failed diplomatic efforts or because of his bad economic policies?

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians chose the Prime Minister and government that they believed would be the best at standing up for Canada.

We have announced agreements with Europe, Asia and Mexico. Yes, the Prime Minister will be going to Washington next week to continue the admittedly arduous process of negotiating with the United States.

I know that Canadians have great faith that our Prime Minister will carry out this mission.

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk, QC]

Mr. Speaker, let us talk about the Prime Minister. He got himself elected six months ago by saying “elbows up”. What did he do when he got to the White House? He put his elbows down and gave Mr. Trump a thumbs-up. Now he is crawling back. He went from elbows up to knees down.

That is the reality. Canadians were misled by the “elbows up” Prime Minister. The results prove it. The tariffs have doubled since the Prime Minister took office. Some 86,000 jobs have been lost in Canada. That is the reality today for Canadians.

Will the Liberal government wake up and finally take action for Canadian workers?

[Steven Guilbeault, Liberal, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind my hon. colleague that, of all the countries in the world, Canada has the best agreement with the United States and the lowest tariffs: 85% of our economy is exempt from the U.S. tariffs.

I think that all the Canadians watching us know that the situation with the United States is complicated right now, but despite that, our country is faring the best.

Every month since the beginning of the year, Canadians' incomes have outpaced the cost of living. The Prime Minister is the best person in the world to help us face these challenges.