House of Commons Hansard #5 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was plan.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply Members debate the Throne Speech, focusing on the government's agenda. Conservatives criticize the lack of a budget, increased federal spending, rising prices, housing affordability, approach to justice, and the natural resource sector. Liberals defend initial tax cuts and building housing plans, emphasizing cooperation and addressing public safety. Bloc MPs raise concerns about the British monarchy, infrastructure investments, and reforming employment insurance. NDP MPs highlight cost of living, basic health care access, and the opioid crisis. 26300 words, 3 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Conservative Party Caucus Conservative caucus chair Scott Reid reports on four internal votes covering expulsion, chair election, leadership review, and interim leader election, adopted as required by the Parliament of Canada Act. 300 words.
Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech from the Throne
The Deputy Speaker Tom Kmiec
Before we continue with questions and comments, I would like to remind the hon. member that he must address his comments to the Chair and not directly to other members. I am hearing some members say “you”, but I have no opinion on the issues being discussed.
The hon. member for Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj.
Alexis Deschênes Bloc Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC
Mr. Speaker, for the past 10 years, I worked as a lawyer at the New Richmond legal aid office in the Baie-des-Chaleurs region. I served the most vulnerable members of society and saw poverty first-hand. When my colleague talks about the link between poverty and crime, I find that quite interesting.
I would like him to explain why, in the Speech from the Throne, his government did not commit to reforming employment insurance to get rid of the “spring gap” problem, to ensure that the EI system is generous enough to keep people from falling under the poverty line.
Abdelhaq Sari Liberal Bourassa, QC
Mr. Speaker, that is a very relevant question.
To find correlations between crime indicators, we need to look for the strongest correlations. The member asked a question about a specific government program that I did not really talk about. However, I can say again that we need to take a systemic approach. We cannot just look at one program. We need to take a systemic approach that includes funding for organizations, infrastructure for our youth, and more permanent and ongoing funding for our organizations. That could help.
I agree with my colleague. Again, I want to take a systemic and more holistic approach so that we can move forward in a more useful way.
Stéphane Lauzon Liberal Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, QC
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleague on his first speech in the House and on getting elected in the riding of Bourassa.
My question is very simple. I represent a rural riding. It is a bit different from the more urban ridings. My colleague focused a lot on AI. How can AI be used in a region like mine or in other rural and remote regions of Canada?
Abdelhaq Sari Liberal Bourassa, QC
Mr. Speaker, as I said in my speech, it is extremely important that artificial intelligence be used in an ethical and inclusive way. The last thing we need is to create an even bigger digital divide. Can AI play a role in rural settings? The answer is a definite yes.
AI makes information more easily understandable and simplifies processes. It could be put in place. I have said it before and I will say it again: The difference between our two ridings is an aging population that may not necessarily have access to digital technology. Using artificial intelligence, however, we can explain things in understandable terms to make it more accessible. I believe that. Here is a simple example. We could try to identify infrastructures in our ridings to proactively determine which of them need to be kept or improved.
Bienvenu-Olivier Ntumba Liberal Mont-Saint-Bruno—L’Acadie, QC
Mr. Speaker, it is with great humility and gratitude that I rise today to speak for the first time in the House as the member for the new riding of Mont‑Saint‑Bruno—L'Acadie.
First, I would like to warmly thank the citizens of Mont‑Saint‑Bruno—L'Acadie who elected me and placed their trust in me to be their voice here in Ottawa. They have entrusted me with their voice and the responsibility to raise our concerns, defend our needs and make the realities of our community heard right here in this fine institution. Their voices will accompany me to Ottawa every day.
I would also like to acknowledge Ludovic Grisé, mayor of Saint‑Bruno‑de‑Montarville, who is here with us today. He has brought a breath of fresh air to the community ever since he was elected, first as a city councillor in 2019 and then as mayor in 2021. His youth, unwavering dedication and sincere love for his city make him an inspiring, accessible elected official who is deeply invested in our community's development. I look forward to working with him to advance our joint goals in a spirit of mutual respect, dialogue and lasting partnership.
As a father of four, I am especially proud to be a member of Parliament at a time when our government is taking concrete action to provide relief to Canadian families. For instance, the recently announced tax cut plan will provide real, significant tax relief to the middle class. People will see concrete results right away. Starting in 2026, a two-income family will save up to $840 a year. In all, some 22 million Canadians will benefit from this tax cut. As of July 1, 2025, the lowest marginal tax rate will drop from 15% to 14%. Over a five-year period, tax cuts will put more than $27 billion back in taxpayers' pockets. This is a major step forward for our country. I strongly believe that well-thought-out policy results in measures that make a real difference in people's everyday lives by providing relief, lifting us up and uniting us all.
With that, I would like to draw everyone's attention to an important event called Afrique en lumière, a celebration in honour of Africa Day, organized by Lève‑toi et brille in partnership with the Fédération Africaine et Associations du Canada.
As the first Canadian MP of Congolese origin, this moment really resonated with me. It reminded me of where I come from and of what we can build together when we come from a place of respect and solidarity.
Finally, I would like to express my deep gratitude to all the House of Commons employees for their warm welcome, their support and their exemplary professionalism since I arrived here. I would also like to thank my fellow members for their kindness, their advice and the spirit of co-operation I sense in this institution.
I am beginning my mandate with respect, determination and hope. I am here to serve. I am here to build. I am here to speak on behalf of Mont-Saint-Bruno—L'Acadie and on behalf of a strong Quebec in a strong Canada that is in charge of its economy.
Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech from the Throne
The Deputy Speaker Tom Kmiec
Before moving on to questions and comments, I want to remind new members that references to people in the public gallery must always be made through the Chair. Only the Chair may acknowledge the presence of people here with us in the galleries.
The hon. member for Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan.
Fraser Tolmie Conservative Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan, SK
Mr. Speaker, I too was a municipal politician, and the recent concern I heard from municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals was that the carbon tax was being downloaded onto organizations and that the federal government never gave them back their returns. Members always talked about how eight out of 10 families were getting more money back, but these organizations were being overlooked.
Will the federal government commit to returning the carbon tax funds that have been taken from these organizations?
Bienvenu-Olivier Ntumba Liberal Mont-Saint-Bruno—L’Acadie, QC
Mr. Speaker, our government decided to lower the tax rate from 15% to 14% for all Canadians. This is an important measure that will help move our economy forward and make Canada strong.
Marilène Gill Bloc Côte-Nord—Kawawachikamach—Nitassinan, QC
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his speech and welcome him to the House.
Earlier, we talked about EI. That was a key promise made by the Liberal Party in 2015. It is 2025, and still nothing is happening. I would like to know why the government is not keeping its promises about EI. Why is it that, in regions like mine, many people find themselves in the spring gap, with no income for a huge part of the year? These people are the backbone of key industries such as fishing, forestry and mining. Why do they have to deal with the government's responsibilities?
Does he believe that reform is coming soon and that the government will honour the commitments it made to my constituents?
Bienvenu-Olivier Ntumba Liberal Mont-Saint-Bruno—L’Acadie, QC
Mr. Speaker, earlier I talked about a major step forward for our country. I will say it again: Starting in 2026, half of all families will see annual savings of up to $840. The measure will affect nearly 22 million Canadians.
We have made important decisions for the benefit of Canadians.
Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB
Mr. Speaker, I truly appreciate the member's comments. I was quite pleased to hear that he is the first person of Congo heritage to be a member of Parliament. I applaud him on that and look forward to hearing him tell us a bit more from his perspective.
I noticed the hon. member emphasized that the very first action the Prime Minister took was to give a tax break. Could he amplify why that was so important to him? He made reference to having some children.
Bienvenu-Olivier Ntumba Liberal Mont-Saint-Bruno—L’Acadie, QC
Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, I have four children. I am generally familiar with the needs of Canadians, having spent part of my formative years in the Congo and part here, in Canada.
When we presented this measure during the campaign, as I knocked on doors in Mont-Saint-Bruno—L'Acadie, a lot of people told me it was important for Canadian families.
Matt Strauss Conservative Kitchener South—Hespeler, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to welcome the member opposite to this chamber. He gave a terrific speech. I am so excited that the member is also excited about tax cuts.
My major question for the member is this: If going from 15% to 14%, a 1% reduction, is so great, why do the Liberals not double it?
Bienvenu-Olivier Ntumba Liberal Mont-Saint-Bruno—L’Acadie, QC
Mr. Speaker, I think that tax cuts should always be gradual and organized. Our government's decision to cut tax rates from 15% to 14% is a responsible one. As I said, this tax relief will ease the tax burden on Canadians in general by about $27 billion over the next five years. I think a gradual approach is important for the sake of all Canadians.
Costas Menegakis Conservative Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, ON
Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking the constituents in my riding of Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill for allowing me the opportunity to be their voice in this historic place. I am truly humbled by the honour they have bestowed on me to represent them and our community in the home of democracy for Canada and all Canadians. I know that the chair I sit in belongs to them.
This is an honour and a privilege that I cherish, and I pledge to work tirelessly on their behalf to prove worthy of the trust they have placed in me. From the bottom of my heart, I thank my hard-working campaign team and the hundreds of volunteers who devoted so much of their precious time to help me spread a message of hope in these trying times.
It was in the third week of May in 1956 when my mother Panagiota, a young woman in her mid-twenties, boarded the Queen Frederica for a transatlantic trip to Canada from her native country of Greece. Born in the 1930s in the midst of the Great Depression in a small village in the Spartan region of southern Greece to a poor family, opportunities were virtually non-existent. The inevitable hardship that followed as the country was embroiled in the Second World War was only compounded by the civil war that ensued in 1948.
Like so many of her generation, my mother was deprived of an education. By the 1950s, it became evident to her that she did not have a future in her poor village in her own country. It was then that a friend told her about a country called Canada. At the time, the Government of Canada had an immigration stream for domestics. Today, we call it the live-in caregiver program. She applied and was one of 75 young women who courageously boarded the ship for Canada to work as a maid in a home. The Queen Frederica embarked on a 15-day journey, landing at Pier 21 in Halifax on June 6.
My mom walked off the ship with no money, carrying a small suitcase containing just a few clothing items and not knowing a word of the English or French language. In truth, though, she carried a lot more than that. She brought with her the dream that in this new country she had chosen, she would be welcomed, she would succeed with hard work and her dreams would be fulfilled. She dreamed that she would meet someone, get married, have children and grow a family in a country that promised every opportunity to educate her children, contribute to society and prosper.
My father John also chose Canada as his home and landed at the same pier with the same dream one year later. They met in Montreal, and the following year they were married.
Born in Montreal, my brothers and I grew up in a loving home guided by our Christian faith and the values taught to us by our parents. It was in those early formative years that I learned the importance of civic engagement and realized that in addition to my personal career path, I wanted to be of public service. For the past 35 years, I have volunteered in my community, and this ultimately led me to seeking elected office. My election to Canada's Parliament in 2011 and again in 2025 would not have been possible if my parents had not instilled in me a deep love for our great country. Canada is, indeed, a country where everything is possible, even for two poor people who came here, like so many others have, seeking a better life. For my family, my election was in part a fulfillment of a Canadian dream.
After 10 years of the tired Liberal government, Canada's promise that with hard work anyone from anywhere can achieve anything has been broken. Taxes are higher, interest rates are up, grocery prices have skyrocketed, home prices are up and Canadians have been left helpless, as the Liberal government has lost its way.
Unfortunately, the Speech from the Throne did very little to give people hope and inspire optimism for better days ahead. While there are some measures outlined that can be seen as steps in the right direction—
Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech from the Throne
The Deputy Speaker Tom Kmiec
I regret to interrupt the member.
It is now time for Statements by Members. The member will have about five minutes after question period is done.
Ernie Klassen Liberal South Surrey—White Rock, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the first time in the 45th Parliament with gratitude and humility.
I am the first member of the Liberal Party to win my riding in 70 years. I thank the people of South Surrey—White Rock for placing their trust in me. It is an honour to serve as their representative.
To my family, the incredible volunteers and supporters, I thank them very much for their time, energy and unwavering dedication. I could not have done this without them.
My work in the House has already begun. My priorities for South Surrey—White Rock include protecting our border community, addressing the urgent pressures on housing and affordability, and building safer and more secure neighbourhoods.
I would like to recognize this week as being National AccessAbility Week, which is a time to celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities and build more inclusive and accessible communities.
I wish to thank Stephanie Cadieux, my dear friend and Canada's first-ever chief accessibility officer, for her continued leadership and—
National AccessAbility WeekStatements by Members
Chak Au Conservative Richmond Centre—Marpole, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise to sound the alarm on a national emergency that is devastating families across the country: the drug crisis.
I listened carefully to the Speech from the Throne. I was disappointed and, frankly, alarmed that this crisis was barely acknowledged. Just 18 words were offered on a tragedy that has claimed 50,000 Canadian lives in the past decade. Fifty thousand Canadians have died from overdoses since 2015, which is more than all the Canadian soldiers who died in the Second World War, yet the government continues to downplay it.
The Prime Minister even said on the campaign trail that Canada is facing a “challenge”, not a crisis. He is dead wrong. In British Columbia, overdose is now the leading cause of death for youth aged 10 to 18. In February, a 14-year-old girl died alone at home in Surrey. In July 2024, a 13-year-old girl in Prince George lost her life to overdose.
When will this Liberal government put an end to its reckless drug policy and failed decriminalization experiment?
Marie-France Lalonde Liberal Orléans, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the residents of Orléans for giving me the opportunity to represent them in the House of Commons. I consider it a tremendous honour and privilege, and I am grateful for their trust.
I also want to thank my campaign team and the hundreds of volunteers who took the time, day after day, to come out and help us spread our message. The people of Orléans shared their concerns with me during the election campaign. They gave me a clear mandate. Already, we are addressing their concerns by lowering taxes, eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers and reducing federal barriers to internal trade.
As far as our country's sovereignty goes, like our national anthem says and like King Charles III reiterated in the Speech from the Throne, Canada's true north is indeed strong and free, and I expect it to stay that way forever.
Carol Anstey Conservative Long Range Mountains, NL
Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by acknowledging members of community councils from Long Range Mountains who are here with us today. I am immensely grateful for the work they do for our communities, and it is an honour to have them here in the capital.
I would also like to take a moment to commemorate the Islaview Foundation, a foundation built on hope, kindness and love in honour and memory of Isla Short.
The Islaview Foundation raises funds to help families who battle the challenges that come with having a child with a life-threatening condition. Once a year, and this year on May 23, the community of Deer Lake comes together to fundraise and celebrate Islaview Day, a celebration of Isla's life. There is a carnival, cupcakes, ice cream and lots of jokes, all symbols of childhood joy.
To Sarah and Michael, Isla's parents, and all the incredible volunteers and donors who make this day possible, I thank them for transforming heartbreak into hope and showing the country what it means to care for one another.
Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault Liberal Madawaska—Restigouche, NB
Mr. Speaker, the Ordre du mérite Bleu et Or is a distinguished honour awarded by the Université de Moncton to graduates with outstanding academic performance, community engagement and participation in student life.
I would like to congratulate two young people from my riding, Jennifer Lepage‑Robidoux of Balmoral, who earned a Bachelor of Education degree, and Simon Thériault of Drummond, who earned a Bachelor of Social Science degree, on being awarded this high honour in recognition of their commitment to excellence throughout their university studies.
I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the 322 people who received degrees and certificates during the Université de Moncton's 73rd convocation at the Edmundston campus. This is a major milestone in their lives, and I hope that many of them will choose to stay in our region. Madawaska—Restigouche has an abundance of talented people, and it is a tremendous privilege to represent this wonderful riding here in Ottawa.
Rob Morrison Conservative Columbia—Kootenay—Southern Rockies, BC
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleagues, past and present, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Jim Gouk, a former member of Parliament who passed away on May 27 after a courageous three-year battle with cancer.
Jim was first elected in 1993 as a Reform Party MP for Kootenay West—Revelstoke. He served for 12 years and four elections, later representing British Columbia Southern Interior with the Conservative Party. Before politics, Jim worked as an air traffic controller. His deep knowledge of Canada's transportation sector earned respect across party lines.
A dedicated parliamentarian, he served on many committees and always focused on providing sound, informed advice to government. In his maiden speech, he said, “Those who are from there [the Kootenays] know how incredible it is. Those who are from other places are mistaken in believing that theirs equal it.”
Upon retiring in 2005, Jim said it was time to enjoy life with his wife, Ann, and practise the three Gs: gardening, golf and grandchildren.
Jim leaves a legacy of service, integrity and dedication. We extend our deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.
Chris Malette Liberal Bay of Quinte, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the first time as the member of Parliament for the great riding of Bay of Quinte. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and optimism as I look out at this 45th Parliament and all the new and returning faces I will be working alongside as we build a better Canada.
I want to thank my wife, Sandi, and my daughters, Nicole and Rachelle. I also want to thank the tireless volunteers who helped secure this victory for the Bay of Quinte. I would not be here without them.
I want to recognize that June is the start of Pride Season here in Canada, a time to celebrate the vibrancy and contributions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities we have in my riding of Bay of Quinte and across Canada. It is also a time to recommit ourselves to the work that still needs to be done to ensure we have true equality and opportunity in our society.
This Sunday, Pride week starts in the Bay of Quinte, with events taking place all over—