Debates of May 29th, 2025

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply

[Damien Kurek, Conservative, Battle River—Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise in my place and deliver what will be my farewell speech in this Parliament, for now.

I will, at the earliest opportunity, resign my seat to trigger a by-election, but let me start by first sharing my thanks. It is an honour to serve in this place. Being elected for the third time to represent the people of Battle River—Crowfoot truly is an honour, and for anyone who has had the opportunity to sit in this place, it truly is. Being able to serve our communities is something that is a profound honour and something that I hope each and every other member, all 342 of them, takes very seriously.

One never gets here by oneself. I am so thankful for a team that has supported me since I first put my name forward to run in a nomination in 2019, and for the three elections since. They were an incredible team of grassroots Conservative supporters who believe in common sense and in the things that we believe as a party, not simply because it is an election, but because they are the foundational things that they know our country needs and that they know is best. Those are the grassroots people I am so proud to call my teammates. Of course, there is the team that helps us, our staff who do the hard work and who help make us look good, whether it is in this place or in the communities in which we serve.

The deepest “thank you”, though, goes to a woman who is sitting in the front row, and I hope the Speaker gives me latitude to acknowledge that here today, since it is my farewell speech. I say to my wife, Danielle, that it is one person's name on the ballot and on the election sign, but it is a team sport. I cannot thank Danielle enough for her support and love through what has been a wild ride. I did not know it would be quite so much work to resign, but I know the work continues.

My boys have not seen their dad as much over the last number of years, and I certainly am looking forward to being able to spend some more time with Matthew, Emerson and Winston, those three boys Danielle and I are so very proud of.

We get into politics for a reason, and when I first put my name forward to run in 2019, there were things that I stood for and believed in, like putting Canada first no matter what the circumstances, and like ensuring that I was always going to put my country first when it comes to the deliberations in this place and when it comes to my actions. That is why I am so proud to stand with Danielle and with my family and offer to resign my seat to Pierre Poilievre, the leader of Canada's Conservatives. It is because that man, I truly believe, is the right man to lead this party and to lead the opposition in this Parliament. My belief before remains my belief today, that Pierre Poilievre is the right man to be Prime Minister of Canada.

The people in Battle River—Crowfoot overwhelmingly put their trust in me. I was honoured to receive more than 80% of the vote. It was an incredible affirmation, but not just of myself, because politics should never be about oneself, even though so many of the Liberals make it about that. Politics needs to be about doing what is best for one's country.

As for the people of Battle River—Crowfoot who put their trust in me, I have a simple request of all of them. I would ask that they trust me as I ask them to put their trust in Pierre Poilievre in this upcoming by-election and elect him as the member of Parliament for Battle River—Crowfoot for the remainder of this Parliament. He will fight for those in rural east central Alberta and represent Canadians with the common-sense vision that so many Canadians put their trust in for the first time in the election. More than eight million Canadians voted Conservative in the last election. More than 41% of the population voted Conservative in the last election. I am asking the people of Battle River—Crowfoot who trusted me to trust me once again as I ask them to support Pierre Poilievre when he runs in the upcoming by-election in Battle River—Crowfoot.

Our country faces significant challenges that require real action and a real plan. We face a national unity crisis. It is not something that can be flippantly dismissed by those in other parts of the country who would suggest that Alberta, for example, should simply pay up and shut up. No, I am sorry; that is not what Alberta should do. Alberta deserves a fair voice in the federation, just like every province. I heard earlier that a new colleague from Newfoundland had a similar sentiment. I have heard the same thing when I have spoken with colleagues from every region of our country. There are challenges our nation faces, and they deserve more than platitudes and a decade of the same failed ideology that got us into the disastrous position we find ourselves in now.

This is a debate on the throne speech. As I listened to the throne speech, I noted there was an interesting mix of things. There was a co-opting of some of our ideas for political benefit, but at the very root of it, we saw that the Liberals are simply the same old ideologues we have seen for the last decade who have eroded trust in our institutions, held back our economy, shut down our resources and told Canadians that their voices, their freedoms and who they are as people do not matter. As I shared my decision and offer a number of weeks ago and as I spoke with Canadians from coast to coast to coast over the last number of weeks, I saw so clearly how the vision that Conservatives brought forward with leader Pierre Poilievre in the last election proposes the solutions that our country truly needs.

As I stand here to offer my farewell address, I look to the Conservative team. I can look back to the class of 2019, but the class of 2025 is pretty incredible. There is a depth of talent and esteem that we should and can be proud of. I know this team will do incredible things. I look forward to championing the cause from outside the House in the interim. Many of my constituents have asked whether I am retiring from politics, and the simple is that, no, I do not plan to retire from politics, but I am stepping aside to ensure that this by-election gets triggered.

I will go back to where I started, with a note of thanks, reflection and humility. One is driven by things in one's life. There are things in people's hearts that drive them. I think of my faith, the fact that Jesus is my Lord and Saviour, the fact that foundational beliefs were taught to me by my dad, my mom, family members, my grandparents and my grandpas, who are not with me any longer. There is so much that we have to be proud of in this country.

As I conclude, and as Danielle and I move on to what is a bit of an unexpected chapter of our lives, I would ask each and every person in this House to fight for Canada, fight for what is right and do so boldly and strongly because that is the least we can do for the people who send us here.

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I had the pleasure of sitting on the environment committee with the member. He always displayed honesty and goodwill, and that did not keep him from keeping the chair on his toes. As a matter of fact, it led him to make efforts to keep the chair on his toes.

Questions and comments, the hon. member for Courtenay—Alberni.

[Gord Johns, NDP, Courtenay—Alberni, BC]

Mr. Speaker, first, it is an honour to rise today. I know my colleague is leaving. We sure had our differences in this place. We had some pretty heated debates over the years too and could not have had more different politics, except that we share that we are both from rural communities.

I admired his passion. My former colleague from Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, Alistair MacGregor, and I sat pretty close to him, within earshot, and we had some good laughs. We would refer to him as “hockey dad” because he had such passion when he spoke in the House on issues. He is a hockey dad, and he will get to spend some time with his three kids. He is going to be home with his family.

I want to pass on my condolences to my colleague. He lost his father in the last year, and I know he is going to take on the farm and do well with it. We wish him well as a farmer supporting Canadians so we get our food and in the work that he will do around his farm.

On behalf of all New Democrats, we want to wish him and his family well, and we want to thank him for his service in this House.

[Damien Kurek, Conservative, Battle River—Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the very kind words. They emphasize that in this place we can trade passionate, partisan barbs and can passionately disagree, but that does not mean there is hatred toward each other.

It is our job to passionately defend the people who send us here and the ideas that drive the very core of who we are. As a rural Canadian, I am very proud to have been that voice for rural east central Alberta over the last five and a half years. While I am stepping back now, I can assure those people that I will do everything I can to ensure that Pierre Poilievre is given the support he needs if he has the honour of sitting in the chair of Battle River—Crowfoot.

Let me simply conclude with this. All of us in this place, with humility, grace and passion, can represent our constituents well. I hope that is a lesson I have imparted on all members as I vacate this seat and offer it up for a by-election in the near future.

[Elizabeth May, Green, Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I had not intended to give a Caesar-like speech. We are not burying the member. I am tempted, of course, as ever, to praise him because we are friends.

I do not think the hon. member for Battle River—Crowfoot will be gone long from this place, and I do not know if the official residence of Stornoway is now found within the borders of Battle River—Crowfoot, but I am sure that all things will be revealed. I hope the member for Battle River—Crowfoot will be back here.

I want to ask him a question, very briefly, because it is my first time taking the floor today. The hon. member for Calgary Centre pointed out how many Conservative ideas are in this Speech from the Throne. I think it could have been a Speech from the Throne from a Conservative government. I wonder if the member for Battle River—Crowfoot will be tempted to vote for it.

[Damien Kurek, Conservative, Battle River—Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, my colleague's remarks, and especially our work at the National Prayer Breakfast together, have always been something I have appreciated.

In the interim, I look forward to being able to spend a bit more time in a tractor cab. The one thing about being in a tractor cab is that it does not heckle, but like government, it requires maintenance, fuel and direction; it requires everything. If we do not take care of it, it breaks down, and we have to call the mechanic. Do members know who I think the best mechanic to fix our country is? I can say to my friends that his name is Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservatives.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am going to continue what the member for Courtenay—Alberni started with, which is offering congratulations and a level of gratitude to the member for his service in this place, with this of course being his resignation speech.

I think about the way my former colleague Scott Brison stepped aside so Joe Clark could run for a seat as leader at that time. I have great respect for my predecessor, Mr. Brison. I have great respect for the member for Battle River—Crowfoot as well.

The House will remember his big, booming voice when he came in on debate. Some of us will perhaps be thankful that he will not be bringing forward that big voice and his the ability to hold the government to account, but I know others will probably miss it.

The member represents a rural constituency and I represent a rural constituency. We may not always see every issue the same, but I know he has been a great champion for rural Canada. I suspect we may see him back in this place in due course. I offer him congratulations and wish him all the best in the days ahead.

[Damien Kurek, Conservative, Battle River—Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the kind words.

As to how long it will be before I once again run to represent the people of Battle River—Crowfoot, I will leave that to the people who will remain in this place and the confidence votes coming forward.

When it comes down to it, we fight for what we believe is right. It has been an honour to serve the people of Battle River—Crowfoot in this place for the last five and a half years. I count it an honour to serve them in this way, as I step aside temporarily to trigger a by-election.

Let me assure everyone who may miss my voice and the volume and tenor that sometimes come along with it that if they listen carefully in the coming months, they may just hear me during question period from Alberta heckling the Prime Minister and other Liberals, who deserve it, quite frankly.

As these are my last words in this place, it has been an honour. From Danielle and me, may God bless all members and may God bless Canada. Let us keep working to not just put Canada first as a slogan but truly put Canada first, for that is what I believe our country needs and deserves. Together we can do that.

[Warren Steinley, Conservative, Regina—Lewvan, SK]

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to join this debate. The member for Battle River—Crowfoot and I actually have a long history together. We both started as members of the Saskatchewan Party caucus office working in research. I was elected in 2011, and the hon. member took my job as the director of research in the Saskatchewan Party caucus office. I decided to make the trip to Ottawa, and I was very happy that my friend followed me to Ottawa.

I guarantee this is not the last time I will have the honour of working with this very honourable man. I cannot wait for him to come back to the House in the next election so we can work together once again. To his lovely family and his boys, he is a great dad and an awesome husband. I am proud of him and cannot wait to see him in two or three years.

[Alexis Deschênes, Bloc, Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I never got to know my colleague from Battle River—Crowfoot, but I want to acknowledge his decision, which must not have been easy. I also want to point out that he seems to be a real team player.

In his speech, my colleague talked about the challenges to Canada's national unity, so I would like to give him the opportunity, before he leaves us, to share his thoughts on what appears to be a growing desire for independence in Alberta. What does he think of his fellow Albertans who want their province to have the power to govern itself and achieve its full potential?

[Damien Kurek, Conservative, Battle River—Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the kind words, truly. It is humbling to hear from colleagues. I may be one of the more partisan voices in this place. As I said to one of the Speaker's predecessors, my constituency and my electors elected me to be that way, and they expect it. However, it is humbling to hear from members from all parties in this place, regardless of our political differences, regardless of where we come from in our country, that we can fight for Canada. We can fight for what we believe is right.

I thought my previous words would be my last, but I appreciate this opportunity. I would simply like to put this on the record: To Danielle and my boys, Matthew, Emerson, and Winston, as well as the rest of my family, who have stood guard, including my dad, who is no longer with us, I cannot express my gratitude.

I was a farm kid from rural Alberta who had no real political background, outside of the fact that I liked politics and watched question period as a kid instead of doing my math homework. The fact that somebody like me could end up in this place is a testament to what democracy should be.

To Danielle, Matthew, Emerson, and Winston, and the many others who helped make this dream come true for me, who supported Danielle, me, and our family in the midst of this, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I plan to be back, God willing, but in the meantime, I look forward to being the best husband, the best dad and the best rural farmer I can possibly be. I hope to have some fun in the process.

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

We wish the member the very best in his upcoming endeavours.

Resuming debate, the hon. member for Surrey Newton.

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Surrey Newton, BC]

Mr. Speaker, before I start my speech, I would like to congratulate the hon. member for Battle River—Crowfoot for his service to the House. I would also love to congratulate the Deputy Speaker on his appointment. I am sure the residents of Calgary Shepard are very proud and that he will do great work.

I will be splitting my time with the hon. Conservative member for Nanaimo—Ladysmith.

I rise today, with pride and responsibility, to speak to the government’s vision as shared in His Majesty’s Speech from the Throne. It is a plan built on hope, strength, and a deep belief in keeping Canadians safe, united and moving forward together. Today, the world is more uncertain and more difficult than it has been in many years, but our government is ready. We are focused on protecting what matters most to Canadians: their safety, their values and their way of life.

As the MP for Surrey Newton, I talk every day with hard-working Canadians in mosques, churches, mandirs, gurdwaras, community halls and small businesses. People are proud of Canada, but they are also worried. They are worried about the cost of living, housing and crime in their neighbourhoods, and they are worried about ensuring immigration remains fair and manageable. Today, I will speak to how our government is addressing those concerns with real action to strengthen public safety, improve affordability, grow our economy and manage immigration responsibly.

Canadians are feeling the pressure of rising costs. That is why our government is taking concrete steps to make life more affordable. We will introduce tax relief that will help nearly 22 million Canadians, saving families up to $800 per year. This will allow Canadians to save more of their hard-earned money and put it back into their homes, families and communities.

To help tackle the housing crisis, we are eliminating the GST on all new homes up to $1 million for first-time homebuyers and also reducing the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. This targeted support will help more Canadians achieve their dream of home ownership and ease demand in the market.

Public safety remains a top priority. When people feel safe, they can build better lives and stronger communities. We are giving police and border officers better tools to fight modern crimes. We are hiring 1,000 new RCMP officers across the country to address gang violence, drug trafficking and gun crimes. These officers will provide frontline support where it is needed most.

We are changing laws to prevent stolen vehicles and illegal goods from being exported, targeting the profits of organized crime. We are also using modern tools, such as drones, scanners, helicopters and police dogs, to intercept dangerous drugs, like fentanyl, and illegal firearms before they reach our streets.

To protect victims of domestic violence, anyone who has assaulted a partner or is under a court order will be barred from possessing firearms. We are making bail harder to obtain for repeat offenders involved in serious crimes, such as car theft, drug smuggling or human trafficking.

In response to the growing threat of foreign interference, our government is taking action to protect Canadians and safeguard our institutions. We have introduced new measures to increase transparency, strengthen intelligence oversight and ensure that those who seek to undermine our country’s values and public confidence are held accountable. Canada must remain a place where people are free from intimidation and foreign influence.

Canada is a country built by immigrants. People from all over the world have come here for a better life, and together, they have built the Canada we are proud of today. Our immigration system must be fair and manageable. Right now, immigration growth is outpacing the capacity of our schools, hospitals, housing and job markets. That puts stress on everyone, including newcomers and long-time Canadians. To restore balance, we will limit the number of temporary foreign workers and international students to below 5% of Canada’s total population by 2027.

We are not stopping immigration, but we are making sure that it works properly. We want newcomers to succeed. That means making sure that there are enough homes, enough teachers, enough doctors and enough jobs. We will continue to welcome skilled newcomers such as doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, drywallers, plumbers, electricians and other technical workers. We will improve the recognition of their credentials so that they can contribute to the economy in a faster way. We are also calling on talented Canadians living abroad to return home. Their energy and experience are vital to building Canada’s future.

Immigration is not a federal issue alone. We will work closely with provinces, municipalities and community organizations to ensure that these changes are successful. A strong and secure economy is the foundation of everything we do. While the United States remains a key partner, we must diversify our trade relationships. That is why we are building new economic partnerships in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe. Diversifying trade helps Canadian businesses grow, reduces risk and strengthens our economy for the future.

In Surrey Newton and across Canada, this means more opportunity for exporters, small businesses and workers, and a more resilient, globally connected economy. These are not easy decisions, but they are the right ones. We are not choosing between compassion and safety. We are choosing both. We want a Canada that is welcoming and fair, secure and strong, affordable, and full of opportunity for our young people.

When His Majesty opened Parliament, he reminded us of the enduring strength and promise of Canada. That Canada is still here, but the world has changed. We must respond. Let us work together, across party lines, to build a Canada that is safe, fair and prosperous, for this generation and the next. Let us show our future generations that we met challenging times with courage, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility.

[Arpan Khanna, Conservative, Oxford, ON]

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I congratulate the Deputy Speaker on his new role.

My colleague across mentioned public safety. I think he is right. It is an issue that we have been hearing about right across our country. Under their government, under their Liberal watch, we have seen violent crime, extortion and auto theft go up. That is unacceptable. Our Conservative team has brought forward bills to crack down on auto theft and extortion. Can members guess what happened? The Lliberals voted against those measures. We have had the support of frontline police officers, mayors and premiers who are asking for bail reform.

Instead, the government has been targeting lawful, law-abiding gun owners, who are carrying out the great Canadian traditions, instead of going after the repeat violent offenders who target our communities. In Oxford county, I heard loud and clear that seniors do not feel safe. Families do not feel safe. Kids do not want to go out at night to play basketball on the streets. That is unacceptable.

Will the government finally crack down on criminals, put repeat violent offenders behind bars and bring back safe streets for all Canadians?

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Surrey Newton, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I am sure the hon. member for Oxford hears the same thing. The people in my neighbourhood in Surrey do not want assault rifles or handguns. That is an action we have taken. In fact, they want to make sure the bail terms are standard for the people who are repeat or violent offenders. That is what we are going to do. At the same time, we will have 1,000 new RCMP officers to deal with crime on the forefront.

[Claude DeBellefeuille, Bloc, Beauharnois—Salaberry—Soulanges—Huntingdon, QC]

Mr. Speaker, congratulations on your new position.

I listened carefully to my colleague's speech, in which he emphasized the importance of public safety and border security. The throne speech makes no mention of the promised hiring of 1,000 additional border officers to ensure border security. I would remind my colleague that the real number of officers needed is closer to 3,000, as documented. However, there is not a word about hiring more border officers.

Can my colleague explain this backpedalling on the part of his government, which advocates border security but refuses to actually hire the personnel needed to ensure proper security?

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Surrey Newton, BC]

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to border security, I take pride. As a member in the past two terms, I saw that we put more resources when it comes to border security officers and hiring 1,000 new RCMP officers. In fact, they are also going to help us when it comes to the crime happening around the border. They will help us protect our border as well.

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Mr. Speaker, many of us look at my friend as a godfather of sorts in dealing with some really important issues. I know that one of them he holds very close to his chest is the importance of sound immigration policy. The mandate letter emphasizes the importance of getting the right balance with respect to immigration. I thought maybe he could provide a thought on the whole immigration file from his perspective.

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Surrey Newton, BC]

Mr. Speaker, you are an expert on immigration issues, as is the hon. member for Winnipeg North.

In Canada, by 2030, five million seniors will retire. The way we can sustain that is by bringing in new immigrants. To bring in new immigrants, we have to make sure we are fair and equitable when it comes to making sure they have schools, houses to live in and doctors to serve them. Those are the things we will take into consideration before we make those important decisions.

[Tamara Kronis, Conservative, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

Mr. Speaker, it is with humility, pride and a profound sense of responsibility that I rise in the House as the member of Parliament for Nanaimo—Ladysmith. Let me begin by offering my heartfelt thanks to the people of my community. I thank them for placing their trust in me. From the shores of Saltair to Ladysmith harbour; from the vibrant arts communities on Gabe to the farms of Yellow Point, Cedar and Cassidy; and from the businesses of downtown Nanaimo to the heights of Mount Benson, I am deeply honoured to represent them. I will work every day to earn their trust, to re-earn it and to serve the people of Nanaimo—Ladysmith.

I thank my family: my husband, Martin; our daughter, Sam; son, Joel; bonus daughter, Amara; my mother, Fran; my sisters; my in-laws and their families; my dad, Jules, whom I miss greatly; and everyone who stood by me through this journey. Public life is demanding, and I would not be standing here without their support, dedication and sacrifice.

I thank our incredible volunteers, and especially Kyle, who built more than a campaign; he built a community, one where everyone is welcome, where ideas are exchanged respectfully and where people are free to be their authentic self. I look forward to expanding our community to include everyone in Nanaimo—Ladysmith who wants to be part of this incredible journey.

The people of Nanaimo—Ladysmith voted for change and hope. They sent a Conservative to the House because they are tired of promises without performance, announcements without action and spending without results. They are counting on those of us who have been sent to the House, all of us, to work together to make real progress on the issues that matter to our communities.

Like many members of the House, I had a career before running for office. As a lawyer, I helped clients navigate complex legal systems that are too slow and too bogged down in red tape, paperwork and jargon. As a goldsmith, I learned that patience, precision and attention to detail are essential. As a business owner, I learned that budgets never balance themselves. Those experiences taught me that quality matters, that what one builds must stand the test of time, that it is a privilege and an honour to be part of people's lives and that even the smallest mistakes can have real consequences. I bring those lessons with me to the House.

Nanaimo—Ladysmith is one of the most breathtaking and diverse ridings in this country: coastal and forested, urban and rural, stretching from mountains to sea. It is home to indigenous communities like the Snuneymuxw and Stz'uminus first nations people, who live and work alongside the descendants of coal miners, fishers, trades workers, foresters, small business owners and new Canadians.

However, beneath that natural beauty, there is despair. It is a despair that is as real and as deep as the coal mines that used to dot our landscape. The addiction crisis continues to devastate communities like mine. In 2024, Nanaimo lost 94 people to overdoses, more than three times the number lost in 2016, when B.C. first declared the opioid crisis a public emergency. Already I have sat with grieving parents who have had to bury children, spoken with first responders who are stretched to the limit and door-knocked in neighbourhoods in my community where despair has become the daily norm.

The people of Nanaimo—Ladysmith are compassionate. We care deeply about our neighbours, but our patience is running thin. We want real treatment, real recovery and real results.

As a lawyer, I have seen what happens when the system prioritizes bureaucracy over justice. As a legislator, I intend to help fix it. As a Conservative, I believe that the government should do fewer things but do them well. That starts with getting our fiscal house in order so we can have the resources to help those who need it.

The cost of living is truly out of control. Seniors are cutting back on essentials, splitting pills and skipping meals. Families are working harder than ever but falling further behind. For many young people and a lot of people who are not so young, the dream of home ownership feels like a wall they can never scale. After a decade of overspending, Canadians are sick of paying more and getting less. Inflation is eating into paycheques in a way that just cannot be fixed with a modest tax cut spaced over a couple of years.

Mortgage payments are crushing young families now. Groceries are unaffordable now. Tariffs are threatening our jobs and businesses now. Canadians cannot wait for relief until next fall or next spring. Canadians need relief now.

We also need bold action on housing. In Nanaimo, I have met single parents forced into unsafe living conditions just to keep a roof over their head. In Ladysmith, families are being priced out of the very communities they helped build. We do not have enough homes, and the answer is not buzzwords; it is builders. It is not another department, agency or czar; it is more shovels in the ground, in the hands of workers earning good wages to support their families. We must slash red tape, eliminate delays and confront any ideology that stands in the way of building. We must invest in skilled trades, in the very people whose hands will build the future.

Recently I had the pleasure of watching culinary arts students at Vancouver Island University reclaim the record for the world's largest Nanaimo bar. Yes, I did get to sample it, and yes, it was delicious, but even that sweet moment was overshadowed by the bitter reality of financial distress, in part due to the federal government's disastrous and abrupt changes in immigration policies. VIU was already staring down a deficit that caused it to cancel all its music programs and end its relationship with Elder College.

Now VIU has no choice, as a result of the government's immigration about-face, but to propose suspending six additional programs and cancelling 13 others entirely, including the dental assistant programs that I would have thought necessary to deliver dental care, the master of community planning program that is needed to build the houses the government claims it wants, and the graduate diploma in hospitality management that is vital to our tourism industry.

VIU is an economic anchor of Nanaimo—Ladysmith as well as a cherished community institution. What VIU needs, what we all need, is clear, predictable immigration policy and better coordination across governments, universities and industries.

Canada must also reclaim its economic independence. Conservatives will stand proudly for Canadian energy and the jobs and prosperity those industries create, particularly in communities like Nanaimo—Ladysmith, where over 20% of the workforce is dependent on the natural resource sector and trades.

We call on the government to repeal job-killing laws like Bill C-69 and Bill C-48. We need to build pipelines and other transportation infrastructure to unleash our resources and create good-paying jobs, not for special interest lobbyists in Ottawa, but for workers in communities across this great country.

Parliament has much work to do, but we face some pretty simple choices: more bureaucracy or more building, more taxes or more paycheques, more excuses or more action. The people of Nanaimo—Ladysmith have made their choice. They want change. They want lower costs, more homes, safer streets and real economic growth.

To my colleagues, including my colleagues across the aisle, let us—

[The Deputy Speaker, Tom Kmiec]

The member will have to continue her thoughts during questions and comments.

It is always important to look up at the Chair for a moment, as I am trying to signal members when their time is elapsing. I want to give members the maximum amount of time.

Questions and comments, the member for Winnipeg North.

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Mr. Speaker, it is really important to reflect on the speech that was made first thing this morning by the Prime Minister. Through the throne speech, there is good reason for people to have hope and understanding, and there is an appreciation for a throne speech very much focused on a stronger, healthier Canada for all regions of our country. We need to see support and maybe put political partisanships to the side, as we try to deal with Trump, the tariffs and the trade issue, for example, which is so critically important for the member opposite's constituents and mine. Would the member not agree with that?

[Tamara Kronis, Conservative, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I could not agree more that it is critically important for us to work together in the House across the aisle. That is why I respectfully ask the Prime Minister and cabinet to produce a budget. Canadians should be able to understand where the money is coming from and where it is going.

[Alexis Deschênes, Bloc, Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to say hello to my colleague from Nanaimo—Ladysmith. We have things in common. My riding is also made up of mountains and seas.

My colleague talked about the tariff war and the importance of taking action now. We know that very important negotiations will have to take place with the American government.

Today, the Bloc Québécois introduced a bill to protect supply management, a price-setting mechanism that protects Quebec's family dairy farmers. If the bill were to pass, it could protect supply-managed sectors across Canada.

The Liberal government has already announced that it will look at the bill very closely and that supply management will never be on the table.

What is my colleague's position on the bill introduced this morning?

[Tamara Kronis, Conservative, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I too am very interested in the legislation that will be passed in the House. I also want to focus on some things that maybe were not covered to the depth they needed to be covered in the throne speech. I really look forward to seeing the government produce a bill that leads us toward real treatment, real recovery and real enforcement with respect to the addictions crisis.

Harm reduction is not enough. People in Nanaimo—Ladysmith want safe streets and real pathways out of addiction, not a government-sponsored decline that has resulted in little kids finding bags of meth or fentanyl in the park. Like my colleague, I too look forward to seeing the kind of legislation that is going to be brought forward in the House, and I very much hope the government will bring forward the kind of legislation that will allow us to work together for the people of Nanaimo—Ladysmith.