House of Commons Hansard #66 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was jobs.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Criminal Code First reading of Bill C-258. The bill amends the Criminal Code to address the Supreme Court's R. v. Jordan decision, aiming to prevent sexual assault trials from being dropped due to unmet time limits. 100 words.
An Act to implement the Protocol on the Accession of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership Second reading of Bill C-13. The bill implements the United Kingdom's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The Liberal government views it as a crucial step for trade diversification beyond the US, creating opportunities for Canadian businesses. Conservatives support free trade but criticize the government for failing to secure fair access for Canadian beef and pork exports to the UK and not addressing frozen British pensions. The Bloc Québécois supports the agreement but notes the government's non-compliance with tabling policy. 16400 words, 2 hours.
Conservation Donations Members debate Motion No. 15, which proposes enhancing federal tax credits for ecological donations and monetary contributions to conservation organizations. The goal is to encourage voluntary private land conservation, helping Canada meet its target of protecting 30% of its territory by 2030. Some question the motion's ambition and the government's broader environmental commitments, while others raise concerns about its impact on housing and First Nations. 7900 words, 45 minutes.
Canada's Auto Industry Members debate Canada's auto industry, focusing on challenges from US tariffs and the Liberal government's electric vehicle (EV) mandate. Liberals emphasize government support for workers and industry while acknowledging a pause on EV targets. Conservatives criticize trade handling and call for the EV mandate's elimination, arguing it harms jobs. The Bloc Québécois questions investment distribution, and the NDP advocates for a renewed "auto pact" and diversification away from US dependence. 34600 words, 4 hours.
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
The member for Cumberland—Colchester will be leading us today in the singing of the national anthem.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Mike Kelloway Liberal Sydney—Glace Bay, NS
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour Jim MacLellan, best known as “Big Jim”, the last original performing member of the Men of the Deeps, who has officially retired after nearly 60 remarkable years with the choir. At 91 years of age, Jim gave his final performance this past weekend at the historic Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay during a Christmas show. He shared that emotions were running high before and after the show, and the crowd's response made the moment even more meaningful.
Jim was a founding member of the Men of the Deeps in 1966. Like so many Cape Bretoners of his generation, he came from the mines, starting at the age of 17 in the No. 12 colliery, before later moving into engineering. He brought that lived experience to the stage, telling stories, singing with the group and helping audiences connect to Cape Breton's proud mining heritage. His fellow members describe him as humble, hard-working and a true embodiment of what the choir represents.
On behalf of our community, I want to thank Big Jim for nearly six decades of dedication. I wish him nothing but the very best in his retirement.
Harb Gill Conservative Windsor West, ON
Mr. Speaker, after 10 long years of Liberal mismanagement, Windsor is still waiting for the Gordie Howe bridge to open. A project that should have been a symbol of national strength is now becoming a monument to Liberal incompetence. The timelines keep shifting, the excuses keep changing and there is zero transparency.
Here is the part that worries me the most: When Windsor residents, local businesses or even their local MPs seek answers, the ministers responsible either pass the buck or do not answer the emails at all. Imagine that, a government that cannot deliver a bridge, cannot meet a deadline and cannot be bothered to reply.
Meanwhile, our manufacturers are forced to take detours. Truckers are stuck with using one privately owned crossing that is gouging them. Every delay bleeds money, jobs and confidence out of Canada's most important trade corridor. This is not just a failure to deliver; this is a failure to govern. The people of Windsor-Essex are tired of the “who cares?” attitude. They deserve better and I am here to—
Gordie Howe International BridgeStatements by Members
Maggie Chi Liberal Don Valley North, ON
Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the North York General Hospital's Seniors’ Health Centre on its 40 years of exceptional and compassionate care. I advise the House of this wonderful institution, as it is the hub of medical services for seniors in my riding of Don Valley North. It first opened its doors in 1985 as a 60-bed long-term care home. It has stood the test of time and has grown to 192 beds.
I want to take this occasion to acknowledge the natural care, commitment and unwavering dedication of the staff at the health centre to patients and families. For 40 years, they have proved that the best care is timeless and that compassion never grows old. As we see, the Seniors' Health Centre has been aging gracefully, and if its first 40 years are any indication, the best is still yet to come.
Rosemarie Falk Conservative Battlefords—Lloydminster—Meadow Lake, SK
Mr. Speaker, amid the joy, light and wonder of the holiday season stands the story of Christmas, as powerful today as it was over 2,000 years ago. Jesus Christ, born as a lowly baby in a manger, fulfilled prophecies long foretold, bringing hope to a waiting world. His birth reminds us that God often works through what is unexpected, using humility and faithfulness to accomplish great purpose.
Through his life and humble obedience, Jesus extended to humanity the gift of salvation, enduring hope and transformative love. During this season of Christmas, and in all seasons, this miraculous gift fills hearts with peace, uplifts spirits with renewed faith and blesses all who receive it with a hope and a love that never wanes.
To the Speaker, my colleagues in the House and those all across our nation, I wish them all a very merry Christmas.
Chris Malette Liberal Bay of Quinte, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable progress being made by the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. It was recently announced by the board that it has increased its five-year graduation rate to 81.5%, a rise of more than five percentage points since 2021. This achievement reflects the dedication of our educators, support staff, families and, of course, the students themselves.
The board has now launched its 2025-30 multi-year strategic plan, a road map focused on ensuring that every student is well-skilled and prepared for a bright future. We must, as a country, continue to invest in our schools and our youth, from all levels of government. Continued progress depends on timely access to the supports on which students rely. This includes Jordan's principle funding remaining essential for indigenous learners across our region.
Today, I commend HPEDSB for its rising graduation rates and its commitment to excellence.
Ted Falk Conservative Provencher, MB
Mr. Speaker, as Canadians, Christmas reminds us of the many blessings we enjoy. The greatest among them is the gift of Jesus Christ, when God became man to redeem humanity and bring light into a dark world.
During the Christmas season, we are reminded that the Bible was the foundation that shaped the roots of Canada. From the words of Psalm 72, “He shall have dominion...from sea to sea”, that are inscribed on the stones of Parliament and enshrined as the motto of our nation to our values of freedom, hope and charity, we are reminded that the Christian faith has been woven into the fabric of our nation. This heritage has blessed us with our traditions, our values and our holidays. It has helped create a nation that prizes freedom, honours human dignity and seeks justice and compassion for all.
This Christmas, may we, in our hearts, accept Jesus, God's gift to us, and continue working to preserve the nation that God has entrusted to us, a nation glorious and free. To you, Mr. Speaker, to my constituents of Provencher and to all Canadians, I wish a merry Christmas.
Karim Bardeesy Liberal Taiaiako'n—Parkdale—High Park, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the resilience of Ukrainian nationals and Ukrainian Canadians in west Toronto and across Canada as Ukraine enters another winter defending itself from the illegal Russian invasion.
Organizations such as Ukrainian Canadian Social Services and the Toronto chapter of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress have added their voices to making the essential case for this Commons to authorize unprecedented investments in Ukrainian defence, security and aid, including yesterday's announcement of an additional $200 million in military assistance. I am proud to be associated with a government that has invested more per capita in Ukraine's defence than any other nation.
I also want to salute the work of Ukrainian Canadian heroes such as Oleksandr Romanko of the UCC's technology and innovation committee, and Ann Szyptur from Taiaiako'n—Parkdale—High Park, the first vice-president of the Canadian Ukrainian Congress.
On Holodomor Memorial Day, we were fortunate to hear from Mykola Latyshko, who shared his first-hand experience of survival during a Russia-forced famine carried out nearly 100 years ago. Then, as today, we know that Ukraine will never bow to Russian aggression. Slava Ukraini.
Helena Konanz Conservative Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay, BC
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize one of Canada's brightest young athletes, Victoria Mboko. At just 19 years old, she has won major tennis tournaments, winning two WTA singles titles, including the Canadian Open. She achieved a singles ranking of number 18 in the world on November 3. Earlier, she posted a stretch of 22 straight match wins without dropping a set on the ITF circuit, and she represented Canada in the Billie Jean King Cup.
This is all with the support of Tennis Canada's elite training program. As a former professional tennis player and coach, I know that these wins have come at a tremendous amount of sacrifice, grit and determination.
Let us celebrate Vicky Mboko for all that she has achieved. She is a shining example and a hero to a generation of young Canadians. We are so proud of Vicky.
Marie-Hélène Gaudreau Bloc Laurentides—Labelle, QC
Mr. Speaker, after last year's heartbreaking cancellation due to a lack of snow, the women's giant slalom world cup is finally back at Mont Tremblant this weekend. This is great news for everyone who loves alpine skiing.
Hosting a world cup event is more than an honour; it is a mark of international recognition. It shows that our know-how ranks among the best in the world when it comes to hosting an event of this scale.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Arianne Forget and Justine Lamontagne, two Quebec women who will be racing down the slopes. As the Bloc Québécois tourism critic and member for Laurentides—Labelle, I am proud to see Tremblant, the Laurentians and Quebec in the global spotlight. I commend the leadership of Patrice Malo and his entire team, who make Mont-Tremblant an outstanding resort.
Sukh Dhaliwal Liberal Surrey Newton, BC
Mr. Speaker, last week in Surrey, federal, provincial and local leaders, along with law enforcement agencies, came together for an anti-extortion summit to address the growing threat extortion crimes bring to our communities. Extortion, often tied to organized crime, puts families and small businesses at risk.
Our government, led by our Prime Minister, is taking strong and coordinated action. We are strengthening enforcement through the B.C. extortion task force and creating a new regional integrated drug enforcement team. We are also expanding support for victim services and investing in prevention through a new youth engagement hub in Surrey.
We are taking real steps to keep our communities safe and to stop organized crime from harming families across the Lower Mainland.
Jeff Kibble Conservative Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, BC
Mr. Speaker, I stand today with my fellow Vancouver Island colleagues. I am heartbroken. Yesterday the Crofton pulp mill in my riding announced a full mill closure, with 375 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs, and almost a billion dollars' worth of economic impact in the region, lost.
However, this is not about numbers; this is about the workers and their families. They simply want jobs, safe communities and an affordable life. Many of them are from Duncan and from North Cowichan, which is already struggling with homelessness, unemployment and one of the highest crime rates in British Columbia. Life will now get worse for even more families.
The Prime Minister should be ashamed. His promises, policies and platitudes have all failed, while he says, “Who cares?” He has failed to negotiate a trade deal, leaving B.C. with 31 mills closed, and counting, and 45% tariffs on softwood lumber that are destroying the entire industry.
I will always stand for the responsible use of natural resources and our economic well-being. Will the Prime Minister do so?
Annie Koutrakis Liberal Vimy, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a very positive moment of spiritual and diplomatic significance that took place last week in the ancient city of Nicaea in the Republic of Turkey.
Pope Leo and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew marked 1700 years since the first ecumenical council, held in 325. That council helped shape Christianity and our basic values and beliefs, including respect, harmony, solidarity and freedom, which are also embedded in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The leaders of the Catholic and Orthodox churches commemorated this historic anniversary by sending a powerful message to the world about the need for reconciliation, dialogue and mutual respect for all people, regardless of their beliefs or ethnic origin.
In an era marked by conflict, persecution and polarization, their meeting shows that it is possible to overcome our differences in the service of peace and human dignity.
Bernard Généreux Conservative Côte-du-Sud—Rivière-du-Loup—Kataskomiq—Témiscouata, QC
Mr. Speaker, people in our regions are fed up with seeing one set of rules for ordinary people and another set of rules for the Prime Minister's buddies.
While families are cutting back on groceries and 2.2 million people are visiting food banks, the Liberal government found a way to help Brookfield, the Prime Minister's former company. This giant company hid profits in tax havens and dodged $6.5 billion in taxes. These taxes could have supported our workers and our communities.
While unemployment is rising to 6.9%, the Liberals are signing a $500-million contract to create jobs in Europe, at a campus where Brookfield owns half the assets. Back home, we call that a free ride for their pals.
A government exists to serve the people, not its buddies. In my riding, in the Lower St. Lawrence and in Chaudière‑Appalaches, people play by the rules. They deserve a government that does the same.
Bienvenu-Olivier Ntumba Liberal Mont-Saint-Bruno—L’Acadie, QC
Mr. Speaker, today we are delighted to welcome to Ottawa a young athlete who is raising Canada's profile around the world: Victoria Mboko.
At just 19 years of age, Victoria has established herself as one of the rising stars of world tennis. By winning her first WTA 1000-level title right here in Canada at the National Bank Open in Montreal, Victoria has demonstrated surprising talent, remarkable determination and a maturity worthy of the greatest champions.
I had the privilege of attending the semifinals and finals in Montreal, after which I presented her with a member of Parliament certificate of recognition. Her journey is a testament to to the power of hard work, discipline and resilience, and she is already inspiring thousands of young people across the country.
On behalf of my colleagues in the House, I thank Victoria for making Canada proud. I congratulate her and wish her continued success in inspiring an entire generation.
Tamara Jansen Conservative Cloverdale—Langley City, BC
Mr. Speaker, Canadians voted for a home they can afford, a place to raise their kids and a place to sleep at night without lying awake doing the math. However, after all the Liberal glossy promises, the Parliamentary Budget Officer has made one thing painfully clear: The government's housing plan is built on wishful thinking, not on real results.
The Liberals' boast has been “We are here for the low-income families”, but the PBO report says that by 2028 the government will be spending less than half of what it does today on programs that help them keep a roof over their head. What we also learned is that the Liberals' big program delivers only 26,000 homes over five years, nowhere close to the 1.25 million homes they promised Canadians.
Get this: The so-called affordable rents under the plan are over $2,100. What else should we expect, I guess, when the Prime Minister comes from a world where affordability means removing the tax from yachts and private jets? However, the single mom working two jobs hears that number and feels her stomach drop because, at that price, she is only one paycheque away from homelessness.
Leslie Church Liberal Toronto—St. Paul's, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Reflecting on this year's United Nations' theme, “fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”, we are reminded that inclusion is not just an aspiration; it is a responsibility.
This year our government launched the Canada disability benefit, a vital new addition to our social safety net that is already helping over 232,000 Canadians. Budget 2025 ensures that the benefit is tax-free, and it also proposes a $150 payment to help cover the cost of applying for the disability tax credit.
Today let us celebrate progress and pledge to continue the work needed to remove barriers: to make employment meaningful, available and accessible, built to welcome people of all abilities; and to make inclusion feel like belonging, not an accommodation but a right. With determination and partnership, nothing about us without us, we can build Canada, and all of our communities, strong.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Heritage is fed up, but so are Canadians. They are fed up with paying $16,800 a year for groceries. They are fed up with paying 51% more for groceries. They are fed up with paying 30% more for a rib-eye steak. They are fed up with paying 23% more for a whole chicken.
How many people will be forced to go to the food bank before the Prime Minister gets fed up too?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, first, I am pleased to say that according to the consumer price index, Canada's inflation rate has gone down to 2.2%. Second, I am pleased to say that wages have been growing at a rate of 3.2%.
We are making progress. The unemployment rate is down, the economy is growing and life is good.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, there, he said it, he is happy with the cost of groceries.
According to “Canada's Food Price Report”, when the Liberal government came to power, it cost an average family $8,300 a year for groceries. Now it costs $16,800. It has doubled because of taxes and inflationary deficits that are driving up the cost of everything. The Prime Minister promised to be judged on grocery prices.
According to that report, which comes out tomorrow, how much will it cost to eat in 2026?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, I understand why the Leader of the Opposition forgets to mention that this is a new Canadian government. We have the strongest economy in the G7. That is the truth. Those are the numbers, and that is the future of this great country.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, according to “Canada's Food Price Report”, when the Liberals took office the cost of a basket of groceries was $8,300. Now it is $16,800, which is double. Liberal inflationary deficits, and taxes on farm equipment, fertilizer and food processors, have all exploded the cost of food. Tomorrow that same report will be released, projecting the cost for next year.
Given the Prime Minister's promise to be judged by the prices at the grocery store, how much will Canadians have to spend on groceries to survive next year?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, let us get our numbers straight. The Canadian economy is the strongest-growing economy in the G7, at 2.6% annualized. Canadian wages have been growing faster than inflation for every month the current government has been in office, at 3.2% over 2.2%.
Unemployment is down. Wages are up. The land is strong. We are moving forward.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, as Canadians walk down the grocery aisle watching the prices rise before their eyes, they should know that the Prime Minister, who stashes his cash in a tax haven, says that they have never had it so good, the Canadian people, who have seen their grocery bills literally double under the Liberal government, from $8,300 to $16,800, in a decade. Tomorrow we will find out in the “Canada Food Price Report” how much groceries will cost an average family next year.
Given that the Prime Minister has promised to be judged on the price of groceries, will he tell Canadian families how much they will have to pay to survive?