Debates of Nov. 25th, 2025

Nobel Prize Winners

[Michael Chong, Conservative, Wellington—Halton Hills North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to represent Wellington—Halton Hills North.

The Canadians who live in the riding, in Wellington County, the town of Halton Hills and the city of Guelph, are truly exceptional. In the last seven years, three people from Guelph and Wellington County have received a Nobel Prize. Donna Strickland received a joint Nobel Prize in physics, and David Card and Peter Howitt separately received joint Nobel Prizes in economics. This global excellence coming from Guelph and Wellington County, a community of some 200,000 Canadians, is extraordinary.

What was it about the Guelph and Wellington County of the 1960s and 1970s, when these extraordinary Canadians came of age, that produced such global excellence? Whatever it was, Canada needs more of it.

Congratulations to all three of these extraordinary Canadians.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

[Gurbux Saini, Liberal, Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to speak about our charter, which was born 43 years ago. Canadians have had confidence that their federal government will respect their charter-guaranteed rights. The Leader of the Opposition has now admitted that he would be the first to breach that trust. He would walk over our charter rights. He is telling us exactly who he is.

By contrast, our government remains committed to protecting these rights and freedoms, because Canadians expect all orders of government to abide by the charter, not limit it. We are the party of the charter, and we will always do our job to consistently defend it.

Firearms

[David Bexte, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government's gun confiscation scheme has been a failure from the start. Its Cape Breton pilot reportedly collected just 22 guns, yet the government continues to hold back the official results. It is likely because this dismal result is true. Now the Liberals want to roll this broken program out nationally, including in southern Alberta.

To make things even worse, the police chief overseeing the pilot, the brother-in-law of a Liberal MP, has suddenly announced his retirement just as scrutiny intensifies. Meanwhile, the other member from Cape Breton shrugged off the failures, claiming he has not heard anything and people are not talking about it. Maybe the member should pay more attention to the concerns of his residents instead of breaking the Elections Act. Even the minister admitted, in leaked audio, that the program did not work.

This wasteful $750-million Liberal vanity project will not stop violent crime. The Liberals should scrap this program.

Louis Riel

[Sébastien Lemire, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on November 16, 1885, Manitoba's founder, Louis Riel, a Red River Métis and a brother to Quebec, was hanged.

Unlike English Canadians, Quebeckers have always seen him as a hero who took a stand for the French language and for his people. Like the Patriots of Quebec, he suffered the same fate that Canada reserved for anyone who opposed its power: the gallows.

The men and women of Quebec gathered at Champ-de-Mars in Montreal to voice their discontent. This mass rally demonstrated the deep ties between the Métis people and Quebec.

We have never forgotten Louis Riel. He still appears in our history books as the hero of a larger-than-life movement. We know and have not forgotten what Canada and its prime minister did back then.

Yes, the dogs in Quebec barked in his favour. I am one of those dogs, and I will keep barking until Louis Riel and the Red River Métis get justice. That will take immediate acts of recognition.

4-H Canada

[Kody Blois, Liberal, Kings—Hants, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and recognize the contribution of 4-H Canada in our communities across this beautiful country, including in my community of Kings—Hants.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to join the Hants County 4-H for its celebration of the achievements of members all across the county. Let me say what a tremendous representation it is of a program that is community-led and gives our youth the skills that, of course, support agriculture, but serve in a whole host of capacities for their future careers.

I specifically want to recognize a number of individuals who competed at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. This is a prominent event in the country. Henry Smethurst had the Canadian Ayrshire champion in the dairy classic, and Brianna Partridge had the reserve champion. I also want to recognize Emma Crowell and Evan Collins, who represented team Nova Scotia in the beef competition. They are an an example of Kings—Hants competing on the national stage.

Congratulations to all 4-H members.

Cost of Food

[Steven Bonk, Conservative, Souris—Moose Mountain, SK]

Mr. Speaker, Canada is a nation that feeds the world, yet more and more families cannot afford to feed themselves. That contradiction should trouble every person in this chamber, because food inflation is not an accident of global forces; it is the direct result of decisions made by the Liberal government. Under the Liberals, food prices have risen nearly 40% faster in Canada than they have in the United States. In just one year, the cost of beef has risen 16%, carrots are up 11%, the cost of coffee has gone up a staggering 34% and even the cost of baby formula has risen 6%.

At the very moment when Canadians needed relief, the Liberals chose to hike the industrial carbon tax, increasing the cost of food, fertilizer, fuel, transportation and farm equipment. The result was higher bills at the checkout and rising anxiety at the kitchen table.

The most expensive government in Canadian history has delivered the most expensive groceries in Canadian history. Canadians are demanding a government that makes life more affordable, and only Conservatives will deliver on that.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

[Zoe Royer, Liberal, Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC]

Mr. Speaker, today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, our government is clear: Violence against women must end. Too many women still live in fear and too many children grow up in homes marked by abuse. This is unacceptable

In Port Moody—Coquitlam, I thank Tri-City Transitions, the Soroptimist's warm place for women and SHARE Family & Community Services. They are lifelines. They offer shelter, support and hope.

To the women who bravely step forward and to those who walk beside them, we honour their courage. Our government is investing $224 million over five years to prevent gender-based violence and expand survivor supports. We will not stop until every woman can live free from violence.

Prime Minister of Canada

[Costas Menegakis, Conservative, Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, hard-working Canadians are struggling, lining up at food banks and paying eye-wateringly high Liberal taxes. Do members know who is not struggling? The Prime Minister, his corporate elite buddies and Brookfield are not.

As Canada's number one tax-dodger, Brookfield has avoided paying $6.5 billion in taxes. That is enough to buy a week's worth of groceries for every single Canadian. In case Brookfield's tax-dodging was not enough, now the Prime Minister is handing it Canadian taxpayers' hard-earned money. We learned that the European Space Agency received a $500-million contract. What was hidden was that 50% of the Harwell campus, where the European Space Agency is located, is owned by Brookfield.

The out-of-touch Prime Minister's record is to ship jobs out of the country and chase away investment. Canadians deserve a Prime Minister who puts Canada and Canadians first, not his corporate buddies.

Canada-Taiwan Relations

[Judy Sgro, Liberal, Humber River—Black Creek, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as the chair of the Canada-Taiwan Friendship Group, I am honoured to rise today and welcome to the Hill the president of the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America. Delegates have come from across the continent in the spirit of new opportunities and stronger trade.

This week, I have the privilege of hosting two important events: a parliamentary discussion on Canada-Taiwan relations and the vibrant celebration of Taiwan Night 2025, celebrating the strong and growing ties between Canada and Taiwan that are rooted in shared democracy, values, mutual respect and a commitment to economic co-operation.

Like Canada, Taiwan is a dynamic and innovative partner. By expanding trade, investment and cultural exchange, we strengthen supply chains, foster prosperity and build bridges that transcend borders and oceans.

I thank our guests for this dedication and look forward to seeing everyone tonight at Taiwan Night 2025.

Prime Minister of Canada

[Raquel Dancho, Conservative, Kildonan—St. Paul, MB]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister positioned himself as the so-called man with a plan to save Canada from Mr. Trump. He promised he would deliver a trade deal by July 21, but he failed to deliver on that promise. As a result, Canada is losing thousands of manufacturing jobs.

Breaking his promise has real consequences. Businesses are packing up and leaving Canada for greener pastures in the U.S., where there is tariff relief, lower taxes and less regulation. The Prime Minister is treating this issue as if it is irrelevant. He said, “Who cares?” about the negotiations breaking down, and said he does not have “a burning issue to speak with the president about right now”. It is outrageous that the Prime Minister of this country would say that.

Thousands of jobs in steel, autos, forestry and countless other industries are bleeding, and Canada is on the precipice of losing tens of thousands of good-paying Canadian jobs. Who cares? Conservatives care. We are the only ones who will deliver a Canada that is the best place to build and to hire Canadian workers. Only Conservatives will deliver on that promise.

Arts and Culture Sector

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

Mr. Speaker, last month, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's business data lab, commissioned by Business/Arts in partnership with the Canada Council for the Arts, released a report confirming that the arts are far more than cultural expression; they are a key economic driver. In 2024, the sector generated $65 billion in GDP, nearly $130 billion in total economic impact and over $7 billion in tax revenue that helps support essential public services.

We often talk about physical infrastructure, but cultural infrastructure, like the arts, is what connects us as a country. This is where identity takes shape and where Canadians are reflected. Our government recognizes this, which is why budget 2025 would make important investments in arts and culture and help Canadian creators share their stories at home and around the world.

This evening, I invite all members to attend the Canada's Live Performing Arts Industries Reception reception with industry leaders and artists, and a very special performance by iconic Canadian musician Alan Doyle.

International Trade

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, in his 28 trips, the Prime Minister has failed to reduce a single foreign tariff imposed on Canadians, but he has made gains for Brookfield. A few days after the Prime Minister's meeting with President Trump, the President signed an agreement to buy 80 billion dollars' worth of nuclear products from Brookfield. The Prime Minister is now spending $500 million on Europe's space program, which is located on Brookfield's campus.

Every time the Prime Minister travels, Canadians get poorer and Brookfield, his company, gets richer. Why?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, as usual, the Leader of the Opposition needs to check his numbers. The Indonesian government is reducing tariffs on 95% of Canadian goods and services. What is more, the government of the United Arab Emirates is going to invest $70 billion in our country.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, since the Prime Minister was elected, promising to negotiate a win with the U.S., American tariffs on autos, aluminum and steel have doubled, and on Canadian lumber, they have tripled. Not a single American tariff has been reduced since he promised he would reduce them. Now he says, “Who cares?”

I care about the 3,000 auto workers that I met on the picket line in Brampton who are out of a job. I care about the eight mills that have closed because the Prime Minister failed to deliver a deal. The workers on those lines, they care. Canadians care.

Why does the Prime Minister not care?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, since I became Prime Minister, Canada has secured the lowest tariffs of any country in the world. On 85% of our goods, the tariffs are zero. Yes, there are sectors, the auto sector, the steel sector, the lumber sector and the aluminum sector, that are under pressure.

We care. We are acting in those sectors. There will be announcements this week of further support.

Prime Minister of Canada

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, before the election, the Prime Minister promised elbows up. After, it was, “Who cares?”

Before the election, the Prime Minister said the tariffs were an existential crisis. Now he says they are not a burning issue. Before the election, the Prime Minister promised to negotiate a win. After, he backed down to American tariffs. Those tariffs have now doubled on Canadian aluminum, autos and steel and tripled on Canadian lumber. Before the election, the Prime Minister promised the fastest-growing economy in the G7. After, he delivered the fastest-shrinking economy.

Why is the Prime Minister before the election so different from the one after?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, on the night of the election, when I had the great honour from my constituents of being elected as a deputy of this House, unlike some others in the Chamber today, I made a promise to Canadians.

When I make a mistake, I will admit it. That was a poor choice of words about a serious issue, and the serious issue is the progress we are making structurally: the best deal in the world, the strongest budget in the world and the most new trade deals in the world.

International Trade

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister did make a mistake. He has made many mistakes. In fact, it has been nothing but mistakes when it comes to trade. Let us look at it.

The Prime Minister promised that he would negotiate a win on softwood lumber. Now he says, “Who cares?” Well, Conservatives care. Within 80 days of former prime minister Stephen Harper taking office, he managed to eliminate American tariffs on softwood lumber and get refunds for them. The current Prime Minister has now had eight months, and those tariffs have now more than tripled.

The Prime Minister asks, “Who cares?” I can say, on behalf of all the MPs on this side, we care about the jobs that are being lost in lumber towns. Why does he not?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, this government cares about creating jobs in this country. That is why we proposed a budget before this House that catalyzes $1 trillion of investment over five years.

The member opposite and his colleagues, those who could make it into the room, voted against that budget, voted against Canadian workers and voted against Canada's future. We believe in this country, and we are building it strong.

Ethics

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, while Chinese, American, Indian and other tariffs have only gone up since the Prime Minister began his 28-trip journey around the world, he has not had a single, solitary win. In fact, the only wins he has had are for Brookfield. Just days after he met with the President, Trump signed on to $80 billion of nuclear purchases from Brookfield, and then he gave $500 million of our tax money to the European Space Agency, located on Brookfield's campus.

Why is it that whenever the Prime Minister spends his time and our money, Canadians end up poorer and he and Brookfield end up richer?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, not for the first time, the Leader of the Opposition needs to check his numbers. The government of Indonesia is reducing tariffs on 95% of Canadian goods. Canada has the best deal with the United States; 85% of our goods are tariff-free. The United Arab Emirates has just confirmed that they want to invest $70 billion in this country. They believe in Canada's future. Why do the members opposite not?

Natural Resources

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister arrived just a few days after Brookfield's CEO, lining up with the same interests that are not Canadian interests.

Speaking of Canadian interests, the Prime Minister opposed the pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific, just as his Liberal predecessor blocked that same pipeline. On Thursday, he will make one of his grand announcements, waving around a meaningless so-called memorandum of understanding. If it is anything other than a public relations ploy, why will he not say on what date the construction will begin on a pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, sometimes the question reveals everything. The memorandum of understanding that we are negotiating with Alberta creates necessary conditions, but not sufficient conditions, because we believe in co-operative federalism. We believe the government of British Columbia has to agree. We believe that first nations right-holders in this country have to agree and support all stakeholders after that. That is one Canada.

Intergovernmental Relations

[Christine Normandin, Bloc, Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are cheaters. We knew it in 1995, and now we have proof.

The then immigration minister has confirmed that Jean Chrétien asked him to fast-track citizenship applications for as many people as possible so that they could vote in the referendum. The Liberals are admitting that they used immigration to rig the vote.

Last month, Jean Chrétien also admitted to all the dirty tricks he was prepared to use if the “yes” side won, in order to avoid recognizing the democratic votes of Quebeckers. The Liberals are cheaters.

If Quebeckers hold another referendum, will the Liberals cheat again?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we respect the votes of Quebeckers, who elected 45 Liberal members to this chamber.

While the Bloc Québécois tries to stir up trouble, Quebec's Liberal MPs and the Government of Canada are working to build this great country.