Debates of Nov. 24th, 2025

Beekeeping

[Arnold Viersen, Conservative, Peace River—Westlock, AB]

Mr. Speaker, as the MP for the honey capital of Canada, I am pleased to rise today to celebrate Canada's bees and their beekeepers.

Canada's beekeeping industry operates over 800,000 colonies, pollinating 75% of our food and feed crops. From wild blueberries in Cape Breton to the yellow canola seas of Peace River country and the apple orchards of B.C. and Quebec, the map that we eat is drawn by the mighty bee. These tiny marvels, with their tireless buzz, carry tomorrow's harvest through the skies.

When winter bites, and when faced with habitat loss and varroa mites, Canada's 10,000 beekeepers rise to the occasion with skill, grit and determination to deliver the world's best tasting honey and food to our tables. Every jar of honey is a small victory, every pollinated field a bountiful blessing, and every beekeeper a patriot in a veil. To our beekeepers here today, the quiet backbone of our food security, and on behalf of a grateful nation, we express our thanks.

Madeleine Poulin

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this weekend, we learned of the death of the great journalist Madeleine Poulin. Originally, she was not interested in journalism as a career. In fact, she wanted to teach.

In the end, that is what she did. Through her professionalism, she ensured that generations of Quebeckers and francophones across Canada were better educated on social issues, politics and current events in general. In short, she helped make all of us better citizens who are better informed and better equipped to participate in democratic life.

Through her diligence, she raised the bar for all news professionals in every TV, radio and newspaper newsroom. Through her determination, she inspired dozens of women to get involved in the demanding career of journalism, just as she was inspired by the great Judith Jasmin, with whom she now shares the title of pioneer.

Through her example, Madeleine Poulin taught us to stay curious, to stick to the facts and, perhaps before her time, to seek out and protect reliable and honest sources of information. Ms. Poulin will continue to inspire not only women, but all those who embark on a career in journalism as fiercely as she did.

Gender-Based Violence

[Wade Chang, Liberal, Burnaby Central, BC]

Mr. Speaker, on November 25, we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a reminder that gender-based violence continues to threaten women, girls and gender diverse people across Canada, and on November 27, we mark the eighth anniversary of the historic apology delivered to 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians, an affirmation that equality, dignity and inclusion must guide us always.

Budget 2025 turns that premise into action with over $660 million over five years to advance women's equality, support 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians and expand Canada's fight against gender-based violence. To Emma, an openly queer student from Burnaby Central who wrote to me urging that we keep fighting for the most vulnerable, who still face discrimination and harassment simply because of who they are, on this side of the house, we hear them, we see them and we will defend their rights every single day.

Cost of Food

[Rosemarie Falk, Conservative, Battlefords—Lloydminster—Meadow Lake, SK]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government is the most expensive government in Canadian history. Every dollar the Prime Minister spends comes out of the pockets of Canadians, and the Liberals are the ones driving up the cost of everything. Food prices are up 3.4% this year, and they are rising 40% faster here than in the United States. Canadians cannot stretch their paycheques any further.

Parents are struggling just to put food on the table, and food insecurity has reached truly alarming levels, but when the Liberals had a chance to lower food costs, they refused. Instead, the Prime Minister is pouring fuel on the fire with a deficit of $78 billion, and he is hiking the industrial carbon tax, yet another hidden food tax. These increased input costs make groceries even more expensive for Canadians. It is time to scrap the hidden taxes and make groceries affordable again.

Donald Edmund Graves

[Will Greaves, Liberal, Victoria, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the passing of one of Canada's great military historians, my stepfather, Donald Edmund Graves. Don served as a military historian with the Government of Canada before later founding his own firm and advising governments, private organizations and filmmakers in Britain and North America. He was the author or editor of nearly two dozen books on many topics, but his greatest passion was the War of 1812. As Canada's leading expert on that conflict, which defined our country so early on, Don advised the U.S., Canadian and British governments for the war's bicentennial celebrations in 2012.

From Don, I learned a love of history and strategy, as well as deep respect for the women and men who wear Canada's uniform. I also gained a lifelong appreciation for the importance of good friends, country living and a family dog. It is fitting that such a great military historian died on Remembrance Day, and today I extend my condolences to Don's son, Matthew, and his extended family, friends and colleagues in the military history community. His contributions will be missed but never forgotten.

Ethics

[Kyle Seeback, Conservative, Dufferin—Caledon, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is always a good day to be Brookfield, the Prime Minister's former company, under the Liberal government. Its latest treat is a $500-million contract for the European Space Agency to create good-paying jobs in Europe, but it gets better, as 50% of the Harwell campus, where the European Space Agency is located, is owned by Brookfield.

Let us not forget that Brookfield is Canada's number one tax-dodger. Through various shell corporations in the Caribbean, it avoided paying $6.5 billion in taxes. Meanwhile, 2.2 million Canadians line up at food banks every single month, and the unemployment rate is 6.9%. The government's answer is to make Brookfield richer.

Conservatives will not stop. Every single day, we will expose this kind of corruption, and every single day, we will fight to make sure it stops.

Jocelyne Bates and Lise Poissant

[Jacques Ramsay, Liberal, La Prairie—Atateken, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute to two women who have left their mark on municipal life in my riding of La Prairie—Atateken.

Jocelyne Bates was first elected as a councillor for Sainte‑Catherine in 1990 and then went on to serve as mayor for 31 consecutive years. She was also the first woman to hold the position of reeve of the Roussillon RCM. Lise Poissant served as a councillor for Saint‑Mathieu for 10 years and then served as mayor for two decades.

Both women represent public service at its best: selfless, ever-present, consistent, legendarily generous and unfailingly honest. Both have helped their towns grow into orderly, green, inclusive places.

On behalf of myself and all the citizens of La Prairie—Atateken, I would like to thank Jocelyne and Lise for their dedication, vision and service. Sainte‑Catherine and Saint‑Mathieu are deeply indebted to them.

Canada-U.S. Trade Negotiations

[Colin Reynolds, Conservative, Elmwood—Transcona, MB]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister campaigned on the concerns of Canadians regarding the trade war with the United States. He even billed himself as a so-called master negotiator who would secure a deal with President Trump by July 21 of this year. When asked this past weekend about the progress of the trade negotiations, he replied, “Who cares?” Well, I care and the hard-working men and women of Elmwood—Transcona care.

We have seen tons of good-paying Canadian jobs flee to the United States following Trump's tariff threats. Is the Prime Minister prepared to look workers in the eye and tell them he does not care about their livelihoods? Canadians deserve a more urgent approach at the negotiating table. I urge the Prime Minister to take these trade negotiations seriously and stand up for Canada.

Conservatives stand ready to deal with President Trump and take the trade war seriously, because we do care about Canadians.

Young People in Canada

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

Mr. Speaker, young people will build our future. We need them to. We do not have an option. Our country will be relying on them, so it is critical that they have the supports they need.

I say to young Canadians that their voice matters and they are valued. I encourage them to be clear and organized about their priorities and to become leaders in areas they are passionate about.

The young generation brings a refreshing perspective to politics. I am happy that today we are joined by members of the Young Politicians of Canada, which plays an important role in shaping youth-centred policy around the world.

The House of Commons represents all Canadians. That means it needs to represent young people and the problems they face, whether that is working toward home ownership, addressing climate change, supporting higher education or navigating how AI will affect our world. These are concerns that are critical to address if we want to see our new generation thrive.

International Trade

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister got elected by claiming that the U.S. tariffs were an existential threat for Canada. However, this weekend, journalists asked him whether talks were ongoing. He said that there are no issues of importance to discuss. In fact, he said, “Who cares?” He does not care. He does not care about aluminum workers and forestry workers.

Is that really his message to the workers in Quebec hit hard by the tariffs: who cares?

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

Mr. Speaker, last week, the member for Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies repeated MAGA-style accusations that immigrants are slowing down the Canadian economy. Things are starting to go off the rails on that side. I think Canadians have a right to know whether the Leader of the Opposition agrees with these comments.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the question was for the Prime Minister. Yesterday, he was asked a question about workers' jobs in the forestry, aluminum, steel and other sectors. These workers are suffering because of the Prime Minister's failures at the bargaining table and his broken promises. He replied:

“Who cares?”

Why does the Prime Minister not care that people in Beauce, Saguenay and elsewhere in Canada are losing their jobs because of his failures? Why did he say:

“Who cares?”

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

Mr. Speaker, these are serious matters the member is talking about.

I just want to repeat this. Last week, the member for Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies repeated MAGA claims that immigration and immigrants are a drag on the Canadian economy. I think Canadians want to know from the Leader of the Opposition—

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Order. Let us take a little pause and let the noise level drop a bit.

The government House leader may continue.

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the member repeated MAGA claims that immigrants are a drag on our economy.

I think Canadians want to know whether the Leader of the Opposition approves of this kind of language. Will he sanction the member, yes or no?

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister claimed during the last election that U.S. tariffs were an existential crisis requiring that he immediately be elected to negotiate a win and get a deal by July 21. Well, a few days ago, he was asked about the state of those negotiations, and he said there are no issues of importance to discuss. In fact, he said, “Who cares?”

We care. We care about the workers who have lost their jobs and do not have paycheques to make their mortgage payments. Why does he not care?

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

Mr. Speaker, we think that things are starting to go off the rails on the other side.

A member's repeating of MAGA claims came in the wake of the member for Calgary Midnapore questioning the Prime Minister's loyalty to Canada.

I think we can all agree that those are comments that no Canadian can take seriously. My question is, does the Leader of the Opposition take them seriously? If he does not, which he must surely not, would he tell the House, and then would he tell his member to apologize for those comments?

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister already apologized to President Trump. It was one of the many areas where he backed down and capitulated after claiming that he would be elbows up.

He promised he would have a deal by July 21; there was no deal. He promised to negotiate a win; there were no wins. He promised elbows up; elbows are gone.

Now when he is asked about the state of the talks, he says, “Who cares?” Why should he care? Days after he met with the President, Brookfield got an $80-billion contract with the White House. Is that really what he cares about? Does he not care about the hard-working Canadians who are counting on him to keep his promise?

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

Mr. Speaker, of course, the Prime Minister cares about the well-being of Canada, of workers and of our industries. That is why we are engaged in constructive negotiations with the United States, but Canadians feel like things are starting to go off the rails on the other side.

In the House this morning, the member for Calgary Midnapore once again questioned the Prime Minister's loyalty to Canada. Does the Leader of the Opposition condone these comments? If not, will he admonish his member?

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, it is the Prime Minister who said, “Who cares?” when he was asked over the weekend about the failure to keep his promises on trade. Since he took office, not only has he failed to get the promised deal, but American tariffs on aluminum, autos and steel have doubled. On forestry communities, they have tripled.

The Prime Minister says, “Who cares?” All of us on this side of the House care about the communities that are being emptied out, like those in forestry and the steelworkers in Hamilton who do not have jobs to pay their mortgages. We care about those people. Why does he not?

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade]

Mr. Speaker, just because the Leader of the Opposition keeps repeating the same line over and over again, that does not make it real.

The Leader of the Opposition knows very well that our government was elected to defend Canadian workers and the Canadian economy. That is exactly what we did in the budget that was tabled in the House of Commons. The opposition decided not to support Canadian workers, provinces, territories and sectors under attack by unfair American tariffs.

We are going to continue to support Canadian workers and the Canadian economy and negotiate a deal with the United States.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, he said, “and negotiate a deal with the United States.” He repeats the same promise that the Prime Minister has been breaking for the last eight months.

He said he would have a deal by July 21; there is no deal. He said he would negotiate a win; there is no win. He said he would not back down; all he has done is back down. He said he would be elbows up; his elbows are missing. Now when he is asked about the fate of the thousands of jobs that rely on him keeping his word, he says, “Who cares?”

Is it not clear by now that just days after he met the President, only Brookfield got the $80-billion deal? Is that what he meant when he promised he would negotiate a win?

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Let us pause for a moment and bring the temperature down.

The hon. Minister of Finance and National Revenue.