House of Commons Hansard #56 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was program.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act Report stage of Bill C-4. The bill proposes affordability measures for Canadians, including a tax cut for 22 million Canadians, a GST exemption for first-time homebuyers on new homes, and the removal of the consumer carbon price. While Liberals argue it supports a strong economy and other social programs, Conservatives contend the tax cuts are negated by increased government spending, leading to a broader affordability crisis. The Bloc Québécois supports housing measures but criticizes the carbon tax removal as an election stunt that withheld funds from Quebec. 16500 words, 2 hours.
Export and Import Permits Act Second reading of Bill C-233. The bill seeks to close a "U.S. loophole" in the Export and Import Permits Act, requiring permits and human rights assessments for all military exports, including to the United States. Proponents argue this aligns Canada with the Arms Trade Treaty, preventing complicity in war crimes. Opponents warn it would harm Canada's defence industry, jeopardize jobs, and disrupt vital alliances like NATO. 7500 words, 1 hour.
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Jenny Kwan NDP Vancouver East, BC
Mr. Speaker, after decades of advocacy, caregivers' dream of landed status on arrival finally came with the Canada's home care worker immigration pilot. However, the pilot never opened for intake, and it has been closed without any explanation. This is a betrayal to the people who fought so hard for respect and fairness.
Meanwhile, the PR processing backlog for caregivers already in Canada stands at over 34,000 cases. Instead of expediting the processing, the allotted PR quota for all economic pilot programs, including caregivers, under the new levels plan is being reduced. It will take over seven years to process the backlog. This means that tens of thousands of caregivers already in Canada, caring for our children and elders, doing this essential and often undervalued work are left in limbo.
Caregivers should not be treated as second class or a footnote in Canada's immigration policy. The Liberals must expand the allocation for caregivers, clear the backlog and give those workers the dignity they deserve.
Abdelhaq Sari Liberal Bourassa, QC
Mr. Speaker, today I want to talk about a novel that touches our hearts as much as it makes us think: L'ombre de tes lumières, by the author Kamal Benkirane.
Using a simple yet deeply stirring writing style, Benkirane leads us into a story about love, resilience and a search for identity. He talks about families, communities, the often-fragile ties that unite us and the strength it takes to protect those ties.
He encourages us to build bridges between generations and to listen to our histories while also looking to the future. He reminds us that dignity comes from the voice of dialogue and from the courage to build a truly inclusive society.
In a Canada that is proud of its diversity but aware of the miles still to go, L'ombre de tes lumières is more than just a literary work. It is a call to better understand one another, to welcome others and to celebrate what emerges when shadow meets light.
Warren Steinley Conservative Regina—Lewvan, SK
Mr. Speaker, from November 24 to 29, the country comes to town as Regina hosts the 54th annual Canadian Western Agribition. People come out and enjoy great food, the largest livestock show in Canada, four nights of electrifying rodeo, the trade fair and the best beef show on the continent. Whatever one fancies, Agribition has something for everyone. Agribition is about community. Our western way of life is the ultimate spot to be next week.
This show holds a special place in my heart. Our family's winter vacation was showing our dairy cattle at Agribition. I am happy I can take my kids through the same barns and tell them stories about cattle shows and the life lessons learned on the farm. I can even let them help out in the wash rack with some animals every now and then.
I ask everyone to mark their calendars and come out to the Canadian Western Agribition, where they can grab some food, ride the mechanical bull and see who is crowned supreme champion at this year's beef show.
With participants from around the globe, it is where the world meets. From the Riders' big win last week to Agribition this week, Saskatchewan just keeps winning.
Sonia Sidhu Liberal Brampton South, ON
Mr. Speaker, November is Diabetes Awareness Month. It is a time to reflect on the millions of Canadians who are living with diabetes.
Last week, I hosted my fifth annual diabetes flag-raising at Brampton City Hall.
I also represented Canada at the PDGN Global Parliamentary Advocacy Forum on diabetes, showcasing Canada's leadership in diabetes in global health.
Universal access to diabetes care is very important. Progress was made after the passing of my private member's bill to establish the national framework for diabetes in 2021. However, there is more to do. We need to ensure that all provinces and territories join the national pharmacare plan to make essential diabetes medication free. Together, let us continue working hard to extinguish the flame burning outside Sir Frederick Banting's Banting House and achieve a world free of diabetes.
Jim Belanger Conservative Sudbury East—Manitoulin—Nickel Belt, ON
Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to pay tribute to Ron Bradley, a remarkable man who dedicated his life to serving his community. He served in several capacities, including as deputy mayor of Rayside-Balfour, a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the St-Joseph parish council.
Ron was politically active. He served on many boards, including those of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, Sudbury's regional planning board and the Nickel District Conservation Authority.
Ron Bradley was a founding member of the United Steelworkers Local 6500 and ended his mining career as a shift boss at Inco.
He will be remembered across the riding for his selfless service and devotion to family and community.
On behalf of all constituents, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Steeve Lavoie Liberal Beauport—Limoilou, QC
Mr. Speaker, I recently went to visit the commemorative plaque at the Saint-Charles-de-Limoilou church, which was placed in memory of the soldiers from our community who fell in the First World War.
These men, who were our neighbours, our family members, our schoolmates, left Limoilou to go and fight for freedom thousands of kilometres from home. Their courage, their sense of duty, and their faith in a better future continue to be a source of profound inspiration for us all.
This plaque, etched in bronze and in the memory of our community, reminds us that behind each name is a story, a dream interrupted, a family forever changed. Whenever we view it and reflect upon it, we not only remember; we renew an important link between the past and the present.
May we continue to keep their memory alive from generation to generation, and build a world worthy of their sacrifice.
Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L’Érable—Lotbinière, QC
Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud to mark the 110th anniversary of the Cercle de fermières de Plessisville.
It was on November 27, 1915, that Marie-Ange Vallée and some of the village women founded one of the very first farm women's circles in Quebec. This group became one of the founding members of what is now a large family of 34,000 farm women across the province, a group that is also celebrating 110 years of history.
For more than a century, these women have passionately and generously shared their knowledge of traditional textile arts such as weaving, knitting, crochet, quilting, lacemaking, and many other skills that make up our rich heritage. Without farm women, a significant part of our history and our knowledge would no longer exist. With close to 125 members still active in 2025, the Cercle de fermières de Plessisville stands as a key pillar of our community.
To all the farm women of yesterday, today and tomorrow, from Mégantic—L'Érable—Lotbinière and all across Quebec: Thank you for your dedication, your creativity, and your invaluable contribution to Quebec's heritage.
Lisa Hepfner Liberal Hamilton Mountain, ON
Mr. Speaker, I would like to reflect on last week's ceremonies of remembrance. November 11 is always special at the Royal Canadian Legion on Hamilton Mountain, in part because of the valiant leadership of Jean Tomlinson, but particularly because of the Reverend Chisholm. Rev. Dr. Francis Chisholm, a World War II vet, padre since 1964, is still captivating at 99 years old; the junior Rev. Chisholm, his daughter, is another inspiring leader.
Last week was also the 75th anniversary of the Korean War. An event was hosted by Hamilton Mountain's HooJung Jones, the most ardent advocate for the 1950s conflict we have in this country. That conflict saw 26,000 Canadians go to war, and 516 of them did not come home.
Because of the champions in our community, we will never forget.
Shelby Kramp-Neuman Conservative Hastings—Lennox and Addington—Tyendinaga, ON
Mr. Speaker, eight months ago, on the steps of Rideau Hall, the Prime Minister pledged to focus on what matters to Canadians: affordability. He pledged that ultimately he would be judged not by his promises but by the prices Canadians face every single day. However, under his watch, life has only become more expensive. Inflation is still running at 3.4%, and food prices have risen nearly 40% faster here than in the United States.
Ironically, the Prime Minister cannot even fault Justin Trudeau for today's mess, because he was the principal adviser for that government as well. The budget was the Prime Minister's chance to finally deliver relief. Instead of responsible fiscal planning, we have creative accounting that piles on staggering intergenerational debt with no credible path to balance.
This budget was built on hubris, not humility, and Conservatives will continue to fight every step of the way to continue to build confidence and bring forward policies that will deliver a future Canadians can actually afford.
Maxime Blanchette-Joncas Bloc Rimouski—La Matapédia, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the illustrious career of Quebec's chief scientist, Rémi Quirion, who will be retiring in the spring.
He was appointed in 2011 when this role was initially created. As Quebec's first chief scientist, he laid the foundations for the role, defined its areas of focus and built its credibility both in Quebec and abroad. Thanks to his vision and his gift for bringing people together, he has forged lasting bonds between the areas of research, education, innovation and public policy. While serving successive ministers and governments over the years, he has remained true to the fundamental principle of decision-making based on science, fact and the search for truth.
We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement. May his legacy inspire future generations, and may our public policy remain grounded in the values he cherished: rigour, curiosity and scientific integrity.
On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I extend my thanks to Rémi Quirion for all he has done.
Jean-Yves Duclos Liberal Québec Centre, QC
Mr. Speaker, today I would like to highlight the outstanding work of Craque-Bitume, an urban ecology collective that, for the past 14 years, has helped Quebec City residents embrace an eco-conscious lifestyle. Craque-Bitume is known for its urban and community garden initiatives, its environmental education workshops, and its impressive community composting network that now boasts 34 sites, 18 of which are located in the beautiful riding of Québec Centre.
I would like to recognize the commitment of the organization's many volunteers, including Ms. De Haan, who so passionately supports Craque-Bitume's work. My congratulations to Craque-Bitume and all its partners for their leadership and their collaboration. They are making the people of Québec Centre so proud.
Burton Bailey Conservative Red Deer, AB
Mr. Speaker, Canadians are facing another costly Liberal budget that will keep the cost of essentials like food and fuel high and eat away at the hard-earned savings of the people of Red Deer. Seniors on fixed incomes tell me they can barely eat, and young people say it is impossible to get ahead and start a family. Canadians cannot take more careless Liberal spending while jobs are lost and the Prime Minister jet-sets around the world with nothing to show for it.
Fitch Ratings says that since the Liberal government blows through its fiscal anchors, “federal finances run a high risk of further deterioration”. If the credit agency's scoring of the government was not bad enough, the non-partisan Parliamentary Budget Officer says, “With Budget 2025 the Government abandoned the previous fiscal anchor to reduce the federal debt-to-GDP ratio over the medium term...noting that ‘[t]his metric is key not only for fiscal sustainability,’”.
It is no wonder the Prime Minister—
The BudgetStatements by Members
Ryan Turnbull Liberal Whitby, ON
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate Leo Plue, Whitby's 2025 Peter Perry Award recipient. This is the highest distinction in our town, recognizing true dedication to community building.
For over 40 years, Leo has created opportunities in the classroom, inspiring thousands of students and driving change in Ontario's high schools through e-learning, but his vision reaches far beyond the classroom. Leo brought the Abilities Centre, a national beacon for inclusive spaces, to life, and helped secure Whitby's critical care hospital. Once complete, it will provide essential health care for families across Durham Region. He also supports children with complex needs as the chair of Grandview Kids and as a board member of Sloane’s House.
Leo shows that leadership is not about titles; it is about changing lives. I congratulate Leo. He makes us all proud and he makes Canada stronger.
Aaron Gunn Conservative North Island—Powell River, BC
Mr. Speaker, in Powell River, one of the local communities I represent, two hydro dams provided a clean, reliable and cost-effective source of electricity for over 100 years. Their electricity powered the local pulp mill, created thousands of jobs and quite literally built this amazing and beautiful city. That was until the mill fell into financial trouble and was forced to sell the dams as distressed assets to Brookfield, the company that registers its subsidiaries in Bermuda and has avoided paying more than $6 billion in Canadian taxes.
Now we have found out it wants to use these amazing assets not to create Canadian jobs nor to power Canadian homes, but to export all of the electricity to the United States, with no benefit to the people of Powell River, B.C. or Canada. However, to export this power, it needs a permit from the federal government. That is why I am imploring it today, as the local elected representative, to deny this application.
Let us get back to putting the interests of Canada and the Canadian people first, instead of foreign-owned corporations.
Sameer Zuberi Liberal Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC
Mr. Speaker, in February 2023, this House voted unanimously to welcome and resettle 10,000 deeply vulnerable Uyghurs. That vote was a historic moment for this Parliament and for the Uyghur people.
According to the United Nations, the Uyghur people are still subject to grave and serious crimes against humanity. We must say this. We must acknowledge it. We must recognize it.
Thankfully, a few deeply vulnerable Uyghur people have arrived in Canada. The refugees I have met are deeply grateful to Canada and Canadians. They have told me that for the first time, they know what safety and security are. Some of those Uyghur refugees are here on the Hill today. We will be holding a reception, and I ask all parliamentarians to attend.
I ask the Uyghur people listening to remain steadfast and resilient, and to continue speaking up and sharing what is happening to their people.
I thank the MPs who have supported this just cause.
Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC
Mr. Speaker, this is called the House of Commons for a reason. It was created to serve the common people, not jet-setting elites, yet the Prime Minister did not get the memo. How else do we explain a leader who spends more time in the air than in this chamber? He even puts Justin Trudeau to shame.
In 2022, the then prime minister flew just over 127,000 kilometres in 10 months, or roughly three times around the earth. The Prime Minister, in just eight months, had 28 trips totalling 153,000 kilometres, which is enough to circle the globe nearly four times. That is almost an entire month away from Canadians.
What do we have to show for it? No softwood lumber—
Prime Minister of CanadaStatements by Members
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
Excuse me. The S.O. 31s are not meant to be heckled.
The hon. member can begin from the top.
Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC
Mr. Speaker, this is called the House of Commons for a reason. It was created to serve the common people, not jet-setting elites, yet the Prime Minister did not get the memo. How else do we explain a leader who spends more time in the air than in this chamber? He even puts Justin Trudeau to shame.
In 2022, Prime Minister Trudeau flew over 127,000 kilometres in 10 months, or roughly three times around the earth. The current Prime Minister, in just eight months, had 28 trips totalling 153,000 kilometres, which is enough to circle the globe nearly four times. That is almost a whole month away from Canadians.
What do we have to show for it? There is no softwood lumber deal, no relief for steel, autos or aluminum and no progress on Chinese tariffs for canola or our seafood harvesters. Even India slapped new duties on us. There have been nothing but photo ops, fancy meetings and hollow letters of intent. Every time it is wheels up, Canadians are left with higher costs and no results.
This is the House of Commons, where leaders should be accountable. Canadians deserve a Prime Minister who delivers, not one who simply racks up the air miles.
Yvan Baker Liberal Etobicoke Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the famine genocide in Ukraine known as the Holodomor, when Joseph Stalin closed Ukraine's borders and confiscated all food to destroy a Ukrainian population opposed to his rule. At the height of the Holodomor, 19 people per minute, 1,200 per hour and 28,000 per day were dying of famine. The world was silent, and millions died as a result.
My grandmother Olena was a survivor of the Holodomor. She once told me that she hoped the victims of the Holodomor would not only be remembered, but be honoured. She said honouring them meant not just remembering them or commemorating them, but taking the steps to ensure that a crime like this never happens again.
Right now, in Russian-occupied Ukraine, it is happening again. Russia is killing civilians, deporting children and much more. The only way to stop this is for the world to provide Ukraine with the support it needs so that it can liberate all of its people and decisively win the war.
If we do this, we will truly do what my grandmother would ask us to if she were here today: remember the victims, commemorate the victims and honour the victims.
Vichna yim pamyat. Slava Ukraini.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, Canadians are paying the price for this Prime Minister through record-high grocery and housing prices, but he wants them to pay even more. He has doubled Justin Trudeau's deficit, the biggest deficit in Canadian history outside of the pandemic years. It is $16 billion bigger than he promised during the election campaign.
Why? It is to fund a bureaucracy that has grown by 80% since the Liberals took office. Now, the government House leader is saying that there will be only minimal reductions in the bureaucracy.
Why must Canadians pay to feed the bureaucracy, rather than feeding their families?
Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition has not read the budget. If he had, perhaps he would have seen what is happening right now. We are reducing the government's operating expenses. If he did not see that, perhaps that is why he voted against the budget, or perhaps he is just acting in bad faith.
He is against the jobs that we are trying to create across the country, against investments in defence, against investments in health care, and against investments in mining, electricity and energy projects across the country. Basically, he is against growth.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is beginning another photo op tour. It is time to start asking for the results of his more than 20 international trips, covering 150,000 kilometres, enough to circle the globe four times.
What happened during all those meetings? U.S. tariffs have doubled. India has imposed tariffs on our peas. China has imposed tariffs on the products of our farmers and fishers. It would be better for our economy if the Prime Minister hid under a rock instead of attending another meeting.
Can the minister give us even one example of a tariff that the Prime Minister has succeeded in reducing?