Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise in the House today to speak about budget 2025, the “Canada Strong” budget. I will be sharing my time with my great colleague, the hon. member for Kanata.
On Tuesday, the government presented a plan that makes a generational investment to build the foundation of a stronger, more resilient Canada. It is a plan to build more homes for Canadians, to deliver major infrastructure projects across the country and to support our industries from coast to coast to coast.
Canadians understand that we are living in a rapidly changing and increasingly uncertain world. This budget is our plan of action to navigate those realities.
The government is focused on what it can control: building an economy that is bigger, faster and stronger than ever before.
As Canada's new government, our goal is clear: to make Canada the strongest economy in the G7. We will do that by boosting productivity, competitiveness and innovation, and by creating new opportunities that will benefit all Canadians. For my community of Orleans, this budget includes key investments that will make a real difference in the lives of its residents. As one of the fastest-growing ridings in the National Capital Region, Orleans needs strong local infrastructure and services to keep pace with its growth and improve quality of life.
Through the building community strong fund, the government is committing $51 billion over 10 years, starting in 2026-27, to support infrastructure projects in communities across the country.
I have to say that in our budget there was a mention of Orléans. For over over four decades, the Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex has been a pillar of our community, a place where residents of all ages come together to stay active, learn new skills and connect. As a former figure skater, I have had the pleasure of using the ice rink at that arena.
I am very thrilled to share that, as highlighted in the budget, Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex is one of the 23 highlighted projects that will receive funding through the direct delivery stream to modernize and expand this vital facility. This investment is a testament to the government's commitment to building a stronger Canada. I could not be more excited to help build a stronger Orléans.
As we face a more uncertain global environment, Canada must also be prepared to defend its territory, its people and its sovereignty. That is why this budget includes historic investments in defence. By committing $81.8 billion over the next five years, we are demonstrating to our allies and our men and women in uniform that Canada takes its national and collective security seriously.
These investments will strengthen recruitment and retention, deliver well-deserved pay raises and expand access to health care for serving members. They will also repair and sustain existing capabilities while investing new and modern infrastructure, including advanced technologies to protect Canada's digital networks.
I am especially proud that the government is investing in next-generation military capabilities from armoured vehicles and counter-drone systems to long-range precision strike capabilities and submarines. We have come a long way since 2013 when defence spending was below 1% of our GDP. The government has committed to reach 5% by 2035, a clear statement of Canada's commitment to global security and national readiness.
I also want to speak directly to young Canadians, including the youth of Orleans. This budget charts a path to a more affordable and brighter future.
The Canada summer jobs program has been a huge success in Orleans. It has helped young people gain valuable work experience while supporting local employers. This budget proposes additional funding for youth employment of $1.5 billion over three years through the Canada summer jobs program, the youth employment and skills strategy and the student work placement program. Together, these initiatives will create approximately 175,000 new opportunities for young Canadians and, I hope, for young people in Orleans.
We are also helping young Canadians achieve the dream of home ownership by eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers on homes valued at $1 million or less through our first-time homebuyers GST tax credit. Through building Canada homes, we will double the pace of home construction over the next decade, building the affordable homes Canadians need.
I am really excited about this budget and the bold path it charts for our country. Under the Prime Minister's leadership, Canada's new government is positioning the country as a global leader by making smart investments, by launching ambitious construction projects and by planning responsibly for the future. This budget delivers for Canadians today and builds a stronger, more prosperous Canada for tomorrow.
I invite all members of the House to take a close look at what this budget offers, because it is, without a doubt, the right plan for Canada today.
Finally, as we mark Veterans' Week, I want to take a moment to thank the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Affairs Canada for hosting a beautiful candlelight tribute at the Canadian War Museum to reflect on the service of all the men and women who have served in the defence of Canada. Furthermore, I want to congratulate the Royal Canadian Mint for the beautiful coin it unveiled at the event, which pays tribute to the Unknown Soldier, a beautiful dedication of remembrance. It was truly touching.
As Remembrance Day draws near, we pause to honour the brave Canadians who answered the call to service to defend our freedom, our democracy and our way of life.
We remember those who gave their lives so that we could live in peace. We thank them for their service and sacrifice. Lest we forget.