Debates of Nov. 17th, 2025

Financial Statement of Minister of Finance

[Wade Chang, Liberal, Burnaby Central, BC]

Madam Speaker, our seniors helped build this country, and budget 2025 would ensure they can age with dignity, safety and respect.

We are expanding the new horizons for seniors program and supporting local and national initiatives that help seniors stay active and connected. We are strengthening our community services and ensuring seniors have the programs they need to maintain their quality of life.

The budget would put seniors first through practical supports that make a real difference in their day-to-day lives. This is our commitment, and we will continue delivering on it.

[Bienvenu-Olivier Ntumba, Liberal, Mont-Saint-Bruno—L’Acadie, QC]

Madam Speaker, I congratulate my colleague on his fine speech on the budget.

I hear my colleagues across the way say that the budget is not realistic. They want to increase the deficit in the budget by more than $13 billion. However, they are forgetting that, last week, we supported the request from our colleagues opposite to extend the runway at the Saguenay airport because we are listening and talking to the members opposite.

Can my colleague expand on how the budget will help the country move forward?

[Wade Chang, Liberal, Burnaby Central, BC]

Madam Speaker, Canadians want more homes built faster, and this budget would deliver exactly that. We are building deeply affordable community and co-op housing, partnering with private and non-profit builders to increase middle-class supply. We will eliminate the GST for first-time homebuyers on homes under $1 million, reduce it for homes between $1 million and $1.5 million and expand Canada mortgage bonds to unlock new construction.

Our priority is simple: build more new homes and make them attainable for the families who need them. That is what the budget is about, and it is what we will keep doing.

[Shannon Miedema, Liberal, Halifax, NS]

Madam Speaker, the global economy has changed, and Canada must change with it. In the face of uncertainty and the need to transition to a low-carbon economy, our government's budget is a plan to meet the moment with generational investments that will build a stronger and more resilient country.

For my constituents in Halifax, these investments are not abstract promises. They include concrete opportunities to grow our city and our prosperity. Halifax's priorities are aligned with those of budget 2025, specifically in the key areas of defence, trade, infrastructure and building strong communities.

I would like to take a moment to discuss Halifax's unique positioning to be a key contributor in these areas.

The trade diversification corridors fund represents $5 billion of investment to improve access to new overseas markets and develop our port, airport and rail infrastructure. Halifax is already a critical trade hub. The port of Halifax is situated in a naturally deep, ice-free harbour that is operational year-round. Its location allows for direct access to global trade routes and it is uniquely positioned in close proximity to many major European ports. We have a strategic advantage to propel Canada into stronger and more resilient trade relationships. Investing in Halifax will lead to direct economic benefits for the entire country. This investment in the trade infrastructure corridors fund reflects not only potential growth for Halifax, but an increase in well-paying jobs across industries.

Halifax is home to Canada's largest military base by number of personnel. The impact that the thriving and innovative defence sector has on our city is immeasurable. An investment of over $80 billion in the Canadian Armed Forces would have a significant impact on CFB Halifax and would further boost the economy of the entire region.

Of particular interest to my constituents is the River-class destroyer project, which will be built in my riding by Irving Shipbuilding. This project alone will create and maintain over 3,700 jobs through to 2027 and contribute over $719 million annually to Canada's GDP. Our government's strong commitment to supporting defence and meeting our NATO commitments will lead to economic prosperity and national security for the entire country.

Budget 2025 places a large emphasis on military spending, expanding trading relationships and building a strong economy. These are all essential pieces of the puzzle that is building Canada strong and, as I have highlighted, building Halifax strong.

It is also important to highlight that, in addition to these major priorities, budget 2025 represents a well-rounded plan to build more resilient communities. From local infrastructure development to affordable housing and from environmental action to social programs, this budget would make important investments in areas that will support Canadians where they matter most.

Right now, in Halifax, as in many cities across Canada, we are facing a housing crisis. Young professionals, students, seniors and essential workers, the very people who power our economy, are struggling to find stable and affordable places to live. That is why budget 2025 includes a $13-billion investment in Build Canada Homes. This initiative will double housing construction across the country with a focus on non-market, sustainable and affordable homes, including co-operatives and supportive housing. This program ensures that we can build the homes we need to match the need now and well into the future. It will help us to reduce homelessness and bring home ownership back into reach for Canadians. Our government also recognizes that the need for first nations, Inuit and Métis housing is acute. For this reason, $2.8 billion is included for urban, rural and northern indigenous housing.

With a significant increase in new housing, we need to ensure that we have the necessary infrastructure to support these communities. For this reason, the build communities strong fund is one of my favourite parts of budget 2025. This investment represents over $50 billion in funding, with $27.8 billion specifically designated for things like local roads, bridges, water systems, community centres and more. All of these represent the core foundation of community. This investment also includes $17.2 billion dedicated to housing, health care and education infrastructure.

Across Canada, we feel the pressures that are placed on these sectors, and this funding would be essential to support our provincial and territorial counterparts as they work to alleviate those pressures. In Halifax, this funding has the potential to assist with infrastructure upgrades to our hospitals, schools and new community developments. The build communities strong fund is a win for all Canadians, and it is one that I hope to seek cross-party support for.

Cities are not just brick and mortar; they are hubs of human connection, arts and culture, natural spaces and architectural wonders. An artistic and vibrant city is one where people want to live, connect, work and visit. Halifax is this kind of city. It is home to over 65 galleries, multiple performance venues, festivals and a creative economy that support thousands of jobs. Budget 2025 includes more than 400 million dollars' worth of investment in arts and culture to stabilize organizations that have been impacted by recent economic shocks, to support cultural infrastructure upgrades and to expand the production of export-ready cultural products. This funding would help drive tourism to our city and support our artists.

It is not just the arts. Canada is a multicultural country that is proud to be bilingual, and this is reflected in budget 2025. Our government is committed to supporting the French language. In Atlantic Canada, a clear example of our commitment is our $4‑million investment to support National Acadian Day.

Our government also remains committed to supporting under-represented communities. As Halifax is home to one of the highest per capita populations of gender-diverse individuals in Canada, many of my constituents will see a direct impact of this support. Inclusivity leads to welcoming communities, which lead to happy residents and thriving economies. Our government is stepping up to provide crucial funding to ensure that inclusivity remains a core Canadian value. We have committed more than half a billion dollars to Women and Gender Equality, with a core mandate to support women seeking leadership opportunities, the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community and those fleeing gender-based violence.

As we discuss building strong communities, we must recognize that we have an obligation to ensure that these communities are sustainable and resilient to climate change. We are committed to ensuring that a climate lens is applied across our initiatives because climate action is not only a moral obligation; it is an economic necessity. Stronger industrial carbon pricing and methane regulations will lead to the most effective reductions of emissions, and they will have a near negligible impact on individual household costs.

We will help businesses innovate and scale through new and renewed tax credits. In Nova Scotia, residents, stakeholders and governments alike were pleased to see recognition of the potential for offshore wind development in the launch of the Major Projects Office and again in the budget. This project can propel Nova Scotia and Canada forward as a clean energy superpower and will further connect eastern Canada with a clean, renewable energy grid.

Our government was faced with a choice in navigating global trade disruptions. We could have just made cuts across the board and crossed our fingers that things would sort themselves out, but that is not a responsible choice and it does not position Canada to have agency over its future. Instead, we made the responsible and strategic choice to invest in Canadians.

Budget 2025 is an ambitious plan to meet the moment and build a stronger, more prosperous country. Our plan includes generational investments that would propel Canada to become one of the strongest economies in the G7, because we want Canadians to thrive.

Let us approve the budget and get to work on investing in a Canada that we can all be proud of.

[Jeremy Patzer, Conservative, Swift Current—Grasslands—Kindersley, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I happened to notice that, throughout the member's speech, a lot of the things she was talking about fall within either provincial or municipal jurisdiction. It seems like a lot of what the federal government is trying to do with the budget circumvents the provinces or works above the municipalities, instead of working through the proper channels, the way the federation is supposed to work, and the different orders of government.

I am wondering what the member thinks about that and if she has any concerns. Even though the government is trying to work on some nice things that she thinks might be helpful in her area, is she concerned about the breakdown of the jurisdictional responsibilities of the federal government, the provincial governments and the municipal governments?

[Shannon Miedema, Liberal, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I actually used to work for a local government and I spent a lot of time navigating jurisdictional differences between all three levels of government. We cannot move forward as a nation unless we work really positively and have strong relationships with our provincial and territorial counterparts, our indigenous governments and our local governments.

I would invite the member to point out where there might be a discrepancy, from his point of view, but I think the budget is really about working together with all levels of government and providing the funding, the framework, the policy and the programs to get things done.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Mr. Speaker, my colleague said earlier that this budget supports French. She mentioned a subsidy for National Acadian Day. I agree with that. That is good news.

However, there is nothing else. At the Standing Committee on Official Languages, we have heard from various francophone associations and school boards outside Quebec who are saying that they do not have enough money or enough schools. There is a real decline in French. Despite the fact that the modernized version of the Official Languages Act includes elements that were adopted to promote French in Quebec, there is nothing at all in the budget for Quebec, nothing has been done. The government is not abiding by its own Official Languages Act when it comes to defending the French language in Quebec.

What are my colleague's thoughts on that?

[Shannon Miedema, Liberal, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I beg to differ. I sit in the Atlantic caucus, and we have a thriving francophone population across Atlantic Canada. In a recent meeting, I heard that our numbers are going up and passing targets.

We have multiple investments in this budget to support the Francophonie across our nation, and not just in Quebec. I outlined only one that was particularly exciting for me. That $4 million would now be made permanent, whereas before, it had to be renewed. It was also doubled this year.

Gordon Quan

[Hedy Fry, Liberal, Vancouver Centre, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honour Gordon Quan, the last of the World War II Chinese veterans in Vancouver, whose life stands as a powerful testament to service, sacrifice and patriotism.

At a time when the Chinese were denied full citizenship in Canada, young Gordon volunteered for Force 136, Britain's legendary commandos fighting behind Japanese lines. Denied, he persisted until Canada, running out of recruits, decided to accept Asian immigrants.

Gordon served with distinction and, as a veteran, continued to volunteer. He was a fixture at Remembrance Day ceremonies, selling poppies until his death last month at age 99.

As we remember our veterans, let us honour the many immigrants who, though marginalized, risked their lives to serve Canada with honour and loyalty.

Lest we forget.

Terrorism

[Roman Baber, Conservative, York Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, intifada is violent resistance. It must be criminal to call for intifada on Canada's streets. It must be criminal to celebrate Hamas monsters by glorifying their death. That is why we need a bill to amend the Criminal Code, to criminalize the promotion of terrorist groups or terrorist activity.

Canada already criminalizes participation and aiding of terrorism, but there is no offence targeting the advocacy or promotion of terrorism. This gap allows extremists and recruiters to promote terrorism on the streets and online.

Colleagues, we need a bill to make it criminal to promote terrorist groups or terrorist activities while preserving the charter right to free speech. I am proud of our Conservative team for standing with me and for standing with Canada's Jewish community in a time of need, and I am proud that, this afternoon, I will be introducing a bill to criminalize the wilful promotion of terrorism.

Tibet

[Karim Bardeesy, Liberal, Taiaiako'n—Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Tibetans have been part of Canada's fabric since the 1970s, after China's occupation of Tibet in the 1950s forced many into exile. They are guided always by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his lifelong commitment to non-violence, interfaith harmony and human rights. Today, Tibetan communities thrive in Taiaiako'n—Parkdale—High Park, Etobicoke, Halifax, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal.

Tibetan Canadians are caregivers, business owners, food terminal and production workers, tradespeople and professionals. A new generation is building futures through higher education and civic leadership. Tibetan democracy, a fruit of His Holiness's vision, is active and thriving, with free elections for the Central Tibetan Administration taking place in 29 countries, including Canada, in 2026.

On this Tibet Day on the Hill, let us reaffirm Parliament's 2024 motion recognizing Tibetans as a people and a nation, with the right to determine their future free of interference, including the recognition of their next spiritual leader.

As Tibetans and Tibetan Canadians continue to preserve their language, culture and identity, let us honour their example.

Tashi delek.

The Budget

[Mel Arnold, Conservative, Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies, BC]

Mr. Speaker, last week, across Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies, there was overwhelming attendance at cenotaphs and community gatherings honouring the service and sacrifices, past and present, of Canada's men and women of the Canadian Forces. The record attendance demonstrated that we will remember them, not just on November 11, but always.

In connecting with people last week, I also heard their challenges in facing increasing costs in everything from groceries to housing and simply getting to work. Canadians face challenges because the government refuses to balance affordable taxation with efficient delivery of services. People repeatedly shared that they are not seeing balances, because they are sending more in tax dollars and receiving less in service.

Budget 2025 was a chance to rebalance the fiscal scale. Instead, the costly credit card budget is increasing debt burdens for present and future generations. My Conservative colleagues and I will continue to fight for the balance that Canadians need and deserve.

Young Entrepreneurs

[Shannon Miedema, Liberal, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate Halifax-based ImmigrateAI Global for winning third place in the global business competition at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance Summit. This is the first time a Nova Scotia company has been recognized on the G20 stage.

Max Medyk, the founder and CEO, had to navigate the immigration system when he came to the United States and then to Canada from Ukraine. This sparked a desire to help others facing the same challenges. ImmigrateAI Global's venture is a platform designed to simplify immigration paperwork for professionals. It has helped to streamline visa applications, reduce costs for applicants and cut refusal rates in 140 countries around the world.

On behalf of all Haligonians, I applaud all those at ImmigrateAI Global on their success, and I look forward to seeing what they will do next.

Drug Policies

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

Mr. Speaker, the Premier of British Columbia has now admitted what countless frontline workers have been reporting: “I was wrong on drug decriminalization” and “it wasn't the right policy.” He even admitted that it has created “really unhappy consequences” for public safety and community well-being.

Allowing possession of such drugs as fentanyl, crack and meth was only possible because the federal government granted B.C. a special exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Without the Liberal government's approval, this could never have taken effect, yet the public safety minister still refuses to take responsibility, claiming it was at the request of the provinces.

British Columbians deserve real health and safety. They are demanding immediate action. The minister must end this radical hard drug experiment, cancel the federal exemption and restore safety in our communities.

National Philanthropy Day

[Chi Nguyen, Liberal, Spadina—Harbourfront, ON]

Mr. Speaker, November 15 marked National Philanthropy Day, recognizing Canadians whose generosity strengthens our communities. From food banks and shelters to arts, conservation and youth programs, philanthropy fuels essential work across this country.

Spadina—Harbourfront is home to the national chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and organizations such as Eva's Initiatives, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, CAMH, West Neighbourhood House, Movember Canada and many others.

Canada's 170,000 charities contribute 8.3% to our GDP and employ 2.4 million Canadians.

I would also like to acknowledge an announcement last week from New Power Labs of a new fund Canada pledge. It calls on philanthropic and investment partners to direct $500 million to Black, indigenous, women-led and gender-diverse leaders and communities by 2030, showing how the sector is driving leadership changes to help accelerate community solutions.

When government, philanthropy and community leaders lead, together, Canadians get the future they deserve.

Canadian Federation of Medical Students

[Dan Mazier, Conservative, Riding Mountain, MB]

Mr. Speaker, as the shadow minister for health, I rise to recognize the outstanding leadership of medical students across Canada.

More than 75 medical students from 15 medical schools are on Parliament Hill today for the Canadian Federation of Medical Students National Day of Action. These future physicians are meeting with parliamentarians to address one of the most urgent challenges facing Canada's health care system: the crisis in our emergency departments.

There are 6.5 million Canadians who do not have access to a family doctor. This is forcing far too many people to rely on emergency rooms, which are already at a breaking point. Patients are waiting hours, sometimes days, for care. These medical students are determined to change that. Their advocacy, skills and commitment to improving access to timely, high-quality care give Canadians hope.

I thank each of the participants here today for their commitment to improving health care in Canada. All Canadians are looking forward to seeing them on the front lines soon.

Tibet

[Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, Bloc, Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw the House's attention to the invaluable presence of Richard Gere on Parliament Hill today. He is a staunch defender of rights and freedoms, and his fight for the Tibetan people deserves to be applauded in this House.

The year 2025 marks a historic moment: the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, a man whose entire life epitomizes compassion, peace and moral courage. Today, as parliamentarians, we have the opportunity to send a clear message by making 2025 the year of compassion.

I therefore rise today in the House to call on parliamentarians to reaffirm our support for the religious freedom of Tibetans and their right to choose the Dalai Lama's successor without interference, to recognize Tibet's historical status as an occupied nation and to demand respect for human rights in Canada's international relations.

Compassion is not weakness. It is strength, courage and inspiration.

Peter Baylis

[Darren Fisher, Liberal, Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honour the life of a remarkable Nova Scotian, Peter Baylis, a man who poured his heart, his voice and his extraordinary talent into every stage he stepped onto.

Peter's devotion to the arts began in the early teens; by 18, he was already woven into the fabric of Halifax's music scene. Through the 1980s he fronted Steps Around the House, and then he became the dynamic force in the Hopping Penguins, one of our most enduring and beloved ska-reggae bands, for decades.

His artistry reached beyond the bandstand. Many will never forget his powerful portrayal of Judas in Neptune Theatre's Jesus Christ Superstar, a role he described as the opportunity of a lifetime.

Peter was known to thousands as the Halifax Mooseheads' national anthem singer, his voice rising through the arena, clear and steady. It was a moment fans like me came to treasure.

My heart goes out to all who loved him. His wife, Jennifer, shared a wish that reflects his spirit so beautifully: “hold him in your hearts [and turn the music up] loud.... He’d like that”.

The Budget

[Anna Roberts, Conservative, King—Vaughan, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as the Prime Minister keeps spending more and more on his inflationary budget, seniors on fixed incomes are being forced to choose between medication and food, with 8.3% of food bank users being seniors, up from 6.8% in 2019. Fitch Ratings, which gives the government its credit score, has warned that because the Liberals are ignoring their own fiscal limits, federal finances run a high risk of further deterioration. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has raised the same alarm.

In 2024, the Liberal government committed to reducing the federal debt compared to the size of the economy, a key step in keeping borrowing costs low. That is another broken promise.

As a former banker, I understand the fiscal responsibility of budget demands, a lesson the current Prime Minister, also a former banker, clearly has not learned. It is no wonder he wants to fire the budget watchdog for telling the truth.

The Edmund Fitzgerald

[Jake Sawatzky, Liberal, New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville, BC]

Mr. Speaker, last week, November 10, marked 50 years since the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, when a ship and all 29 of its crew members perished in Ontario's waters of Lake Superior. It was one of the biggest disasters on the Great Lakes.

Although that happened long before I was alive, the story lives on to this day through Canadian artist Gordon Lightfoot's song, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Lightfoot had a large role in bringing awareness of this tragic tale across the world. Lightfoot passed away in 2023.

The bell of the ship was recovered in 1995. On November 10 of each year, it is rung 30 times, once for each member of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald and once for Gordon Lightfoot.

The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
of the big lake they called Gitche Gumee....

The Budget

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary East, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister dropped the most expensive budget in Canadian history outside COVID, doubling Trudeau's deficits. Canadians know what that means: higher taxes, slower growth and a debt sentence for future generations.

As hard-working Canadians continue to pay the price, Canada's two-tier tax system benefits companies like Brookfield. At the finance committee, witnesses exposed Brookfield as being the most notorious tax avoider in Canada. As chair of Brookfield, the Prime Minister helped the company avoid $6.5 billion in Canadian taxes through offshore tax havens, including two registered above a Bermuda bike shop and another in the Cayman Islands. While young Canadians are told to make more sacrifices, the Prime Minister is doubling Trudeau's deficit. He and his elitist buddies are shielding themselves from CRA.

Instead of avoiding questions as he helped Brookfield avoid taxes, the Prime Minister needs to come clean. Is he here to serve Canadians or Brookfield and himself?

World Diabetes Day

[Élisabeth Brière, Liberal, Sherbrooke, QC]

Mr. Speaker, November 14 was World Diabetes Day, and I would like to take this opportunity to talk about my son's experience and the situation of all those who are living with type 1 diabetes.

Despite the daily challenges he faces because of his diabetes, Charles is an example of discipline and determination. Every day, he shows that anything is possible with courage and perseverance. As a physical education teacher, he is a true role model for his students and shows them that obstacles can become opportunities for growth. His commitment extends beyond his own situation. As chair of the board of Diabète Estrie, Charles actively contributes to advancing the cause and supporting the community.

A century ago, the discovery of insulin in Canada changed the world. Still today, Canada remains a leader in research advances because we have the talent and the opportunities. Our government believes in science and supports our researchers, which makes a real difference.

I am proud to highlight Charles's struggle and, more importantly, the wonderful man that he is.

Grey Cup Champions

[Fraser Tolmie, Conservative, Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan, SK]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday was a historic day for Saskatchewan and all of Rider nation. After 12 long years, our beloved Roughriders brought home the Grey Cup, defeating Montreal in Winnipeg. What sweet joy to see green and white confetti raining from the sky in the home of the Blue Bombers. The determination of Trevor Harris, the leadership of Coach Mace and the grit of every player on the field mirror the resilience we see in our farmers, our families and our communities every single day.

From the “green mile” to the towns across our province, Saskatchewan families celebrated last night. This victory reminds us that when we come together with purpose and perseverance, there is nothing Saskatchewanians cannot achieve.

I congratulate the Roughriders. They have made Saskatchewan proud. Some people like gold, but in Saskatchewan, we know that green is the colour and football is the game. Go Riders.

Tibet

[James Maloney, Liberal, Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this year we celebrate the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Following a request from His Holiness to then prime minister, Lester Pearson, the first two Tibetan refugees landed in Canada on October 15, 1970, just over 55 years ago. Since then, Tibetan Canadians have been contributing to the Canadian economy and to the community and social fabric of our country. Personally, it is a privilege to have the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre, established just over 27 years ago, in my constituency of Etobicoke—Lakeshore. The impact of His Holiness is far-reaching, and his message of peace, non-violence and the pursuit of harmony and happiness is making the world a better place.

I call on the House to declare 2025 the year of compassion.

I welcome everyone from across Canada visiting for Tibet day on the Hill, and I give a special welcome to Richard Gere, who is a true champion for the campaign for Tibet.

Tashi delek.

The Budget

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians deserve an affordable life with an affordable budget, but this Prime Minister is using his budget and the deficit like a credit card with no limit. In doing so, he is driving up the price of groceries, housing and future taxes.

According to the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the Prime Minister has doubled Justin Trudeau's deficit. That is a record deficit outside of COVID‑19. That is $16 billion more than he promised.

Why is the Prime Minister using his budget like a limitless credit card while forcing Canadians to make costly sacrifices?