Debates of June 10th, 2025

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26

[François-Philippe Champagne, Liberal, Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC]

Mr. Speaker, not only I was aware, there was a press release with my name on it. I was more than aware. I would say I am happy the members read the press releases from the Government of Canada, because it is important for them to be informed about the important issues that are being raised and that—

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

The hon. member for Simcoe North.

[Adam Chambers, Conservative, Simcoe North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, to read the press release, which would only become more clear after the election. Will the minister answer whether he believes Canadians who voted for reciprocal tariffs and elbows up did so with full knowledge that the government, quietly and secretly, under the cloak of a vague press release, removed tariffs during the election?

[François-Philippe Champagne, Liberal, Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC]

Mr. Chair, allow me to read this: “Canada announces new support for Canadian businesses affected by U.S. tariffs”.

This press release is dated April 15, 2025. To my knowledge, there is nothing more public than a Government of Canada press release. It is a way of informing Canadians. I am proud to see that my colleague has read this press release in both official languages.

[Jacob Mantle, Conservative, York—Durham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the new Minister of International Trade on his appointment. I know he is a former trade professional, so I look forward to his work on this.

Did the Minister of International Trade read the Auditor General's report, released today, on GC Strategies?

[Maninder Sidhu, Liberal, Minister of International Trade]

Mr. Speaker, as you know, my mandate is to help diversify trade around the world for Canadian businesses. That is what Canadian businesses expect us to do, especially when we go through some difficulties with our neighbour down south, and that is what my focus will be as a trade minister.

[Jacob Mantle, Conservative, York—Durham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, just to clarify, did the minister not read the report?

[Maninder Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton East, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians have given us a mandate to diversify trade, and that is what we will stay focused on, because that is what those watching at home want us to focus on.

[Jacob Mantle, Conservative, York—Durham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, is the minister aware of all contracts that are related to his portfolio in international trade, yes or no?

[Maninder Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton East, ON]

Mr. Speaker, one in six jobs depend on trade, and Canadians expect us to continue to focus on trade at this very moment. We are in a crisis, and we need to stay focused here.

[Jacob Mantle, Conservative, York—Durham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, was GC Strategies awarded any contracts respecting the CBSA's new e-commerce platform, the e-commerce low value inspection system?

[Maninder Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton East, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as the member opposite very well knows, I am not the Minister of Public Safety, and this is outside my scope.

[Jacob Mantle, Conservative, York—Durham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, is the minister a member of cabinet?

[Maninder Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton East, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today we are answering questions as ministers on our respective files. I think that is very important to note for those watching at home.

[Jacob Mantle, Conservative, York—Durham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, does the minister know what colour tie he is wearing? We are not getting a yes or no on anything.

Can the minister confirm, yes or no, was GC Strategies awarded any contracts with respect to the CBSA's new e-commerce platform?

[Maninder Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton East, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I think we need to come back to the issue at hand. Canadians want us to stay focused on trade diversification, especially the Minister of International Trade. That question would be more related to CBSA and to the Minister of Public Safety.

[Jacob Mantle, Conservative, York—Durham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, does the minister believe that e-commerce is a matter of international trade when goods cross the border?

[Maninder Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton East, ON]

Mr. Speaker, trade flows in many different ways through services and through merchandise. I think it is important to note that Canadian companies, and today I met with members of the agriculture sector, expect us to diversify our trading markets, especially in—

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

The hon. member for York—Durham.

[Jacob Mantle, Conservative, York—Durham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am assuming this is in the minister's bailiwick, though he is not exactly sure what he is responsible for. Last year, his predecessor told the House of Commons that ending the softwood lumber dispute was “a top priority” for her. Does the minister believe the same?

[Maninder Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton East, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the softwood lumber industry, whether in B.C., in Ontario, across Canada, in Quebec or in eastern Canada, is a very important industry to us as a government and to the workers. We will continue to support them, but we want to make sure we get the best deal possible.

[Jacob Mantle, Conservative, York—Durham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, is it a top priority for the minister to solve this dispute, yes or no?

[Maninder Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton East, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am working with the Minister responsible for U.S.-Canada Trade to make sure we are able to work through this with our American allies. It is important to note that the softwood lumber industry is very important to our government.

[Jacob Mantle, Conservative, York—Durham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, does the Minister of International Trade know how much Canadian softwood lumber producers are currently paying in duties?

[Maninder Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton East, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that while the previous Conservative government capitulated and signed any deal possible, we want to make sure we get the right deal for Canadians by protecting the industry and ensuring that tariffs do not apply to our important softwood lumber industry.