House of Commons Hansard #13 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was chair.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Canada Carbon Rebate Bloc MP Jean-Denis Garon raises a question of privilege, alleging the Minister of Finance deliberately misled the House about whether Canada carbon rebate cheques sent during the election were funded by collected carbon tax. 1100 words, 10 minutes.
National Livestock Brand of Canada Act First reading of Bill C-208. The bill recognizes a national livestock brand as a symbol of Canada and its western and frontier heritage, honouring ranchers, farmers, and Indigenous peoples for their contributions. 300 words.
Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act Second reading of Bill C-4. The bill addresses affordability measures for Canadians. It proposes a middle-class tax cut reducing the lowest income tax rate, eliminates the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes up to $1 million, and repeals the consumer carbon price. The bill also includes changes to the Canada Elections Act, raising concerns about privacy and provincial jurisdiction. Parties debate the sufficiency and impact of the measures, with some supporting passage while seeking amendments. 25700 words, 3 hours.
Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26 Members debate departmental estimates, focusing on the housing crisis, affordability, and homelessness, with government plans including the new build Canada homes entity. They also discuss natural resources, including wildfires, critical minerals, the forestry sector facing US tariffs, and accelerating project approvals via the "one Canadian economy act". Opposition questions government record and policy effectiveness. 32400 words, 4 hours.
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It being Wednesday, as has become the tradition at this time of year, the pages will lead us in the singing of the national anthem.
[Pages sang the national anthem]
Brendan Hanley Liberal Yukon, YT
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honour the exceptional achievements of all Yukon graduates from across the territory.
I congratulate them. They worked incredibly hard and took on every challenge with courage and determination.
They have met the challenges of troubled times. They have shown determination and readiness to contribute to our territory and to our nation. Their academic journey reflects not only their perseverance, but also the collective commitment of Yukon educators, families and communities that invest in their future.
It really takes a village.
As the grads move ahead towards college, starting a new job, travelling the world or pursuing something completely new, they are shaping the Yukon's future.
Let us celebrate their achievements and all the possibilities ahead. Congratulations to all Yukon grads.
Kerry Diotte Conservative Edmonton Griesbach, AB
Mr. Speaker, I was the Conservative MP in Edmonton Griesbach from 2015 to 2021. Our team narrowly lost the 2021 election, but we won big in 2025, and it is great to be back.
Politics is a team sport, and I am grateful for all the people who helped us win. The nomination campaign itself took tremendous work. My team and I knocked on doors seven days a week for a year and a half. My thanks go to some of those nomination team members, in no particular order: Paul Currie, Burt Schoeppe, Carol Kozlevcar, Stella McNeill, Cheryl McCracken, Daphne Price, Heather Markland and Leo Huang. My thanks also go to Rhoda Lupaschuk, Beenadd Sebhat, Jason Steele, Mark Hillman, Justin Thomas, Elisabeth Talbot-Jones, Peng Wu and Patrick Stewart.
My thanks go to everyone who helped us win the main campaign. I thank my wife, Clare Denman, who always works on my campaigns, and a huge thanks to Edmonton Griesbach voters.
Linda Lapointe Liberal Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC
Mr. Speaker, I recently had the pleasure of attending the ceremony for the 785 Kiwanis Saint-Eustache Squadron and the end-of-the-year show at the Excel Gym Zodiak Club.
What I admire about cadets is that they are taught leadership, civic duty, respect and discipline. I congratulate the cadets. I really enjoyed their ceremony.
This year, the Excel Gym Zodiak Club is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Membership includes over 1,100 athletes between the ages of 4 and 18 from Saint-Eustache. I congratulate them on their memorable show.
I want to thank these two organizations for the invitation, and I congratulate the volunteers whose commitment makes events like this possible. Activities like cadets, gymnastics and sports help our children to grow. I thank the parents for supporting their children in these various disciplines.
Terry Dowdall Conservative Simcoe—Grey, ON
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the great people of Simcoe—Grey for again putting their trust in me to be their voice here in Ottawa. I am so thankful to my campaign team for their hard work and dedication, with special thanks to Duane McNabb, my campaign manager, and Karin Greig, my financial agent, who both filled such critical roles.
Springtime is a busy time in Simcoe—Grey with so many great events taking place.
First, congratulations to all the 2025 high school graduates.
I will be at the Georgian Triangle Humane Society this weekend for its walk for pets.
On June 21, I will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Everett Legion. Later that night, I will attend a banquet in honour of the 1909 Collingwood military police cadet corps' 25th anniversary.
On June 28, I will be part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts.
In July, I will be hosting the grand opening of my new Angus constituency office. Everyone here is welcome, even you, Mr. Speaker.
Aslam Rana Liberal Hamilton Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to shine a light on a team that holds a special place in my riding of Hamilton Centre, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Formed in 1869, the Tiger-Cats is one of North America's oldest sports teams, bringing home 15 Grey Cup championships and countless memories for Hamiltonians.
Born in the shadows of Hamilton's two steel giants, Dofasco and Stelco, the Tiger-Cats have battled on the same turf for nearly a century, on a field that echoes with the pride of Hamilton's working class. More than a football team, the Tiger-Cats embody the toughness and resilience that define our city.
This Saturday, June 14, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats kick off their season against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. I wish them a fantastic season. I am proud to see the legacy of this great team and great city carry on. Go, Ticats, go.
Dave Epp Conservative Chatham-Kent—Leamington, ON
Mr. Speaker, as this is my first substantive opportunity to rise in this Parliament, I want to thank the residents of Chatham-Kent—Leamington for the honour once again.
By population, it is now the second-largest riding in Canada, and summer in Chatham-Kent—Leamington is a special experience. Whether camping and boating on Lake St. Clair in Mitchell's Bay or frequenting the beaches and birdwatching in Point Pelee National Park or many other locations, Canada's south is truly inspiring.
However, one thing I heard at the doors during the election was that the beauty of my riding cannot mask the fact that parents are struggling to feed their families. They know that pretty beaches or pretty speeches cannot feed their kids. My constituents know both families and businesses have to manage their budgets, and they expect their government to do the same. They want to know how the government will pay for all of its massive spending promises and how that will affect their bottom line.
Will the Liberals commit to transparency, and will they deliver a spring budget?
Chris Bittle Liberal St. Catharines, ON
Mr. Speaker, in 1957, the Allanburg Women's Institute asked the Ontario government to establish a university in Niagara, recognizing the immense value that a local university could provide to our youth and community.
Our community's conviction was so deep that members of the CAW Local 199 in Niagara made weekly contributions from their hard-earned paycheques to support the founding of what would become Brock University in 1964. They understood then what we continue to recognize today: that post-secondary institutions are cornerstones of building communities, economic growth and supporting the development of a vibrant arts and cultural sector. With over 100,000 graduates, a commitment to industry-driven research and economic programs designed to meet the needs of today's and tomorrow's workforce, Brock University continues to fulfill the vision of its early champions.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Brock University, its students, faculty, staff and alumni as they celebrate their 60th anniversary. Congratulations.
Ellis Ross Conservative Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
Mr. Speaker, on June 11, 2008, Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper apologized to indigenous people for Canada's past role in the residential school system.
Residential schools were a component of a system that created the issues that we are still trying to resolve today. I spent years reading Haisla archives on how first nations were treated and excluded conditionally from Canada's society and economy. I fully acknowledge our past. It is one of the biggest reasons I strive to build a better future for Canada overall. This is what I believe reconciliation should represent, and we are closer than ever before, with first nations charting their own destinies as individuals from all walks of life are presented with opportunities to build their own lives.
In short, reconciliation should mean bringing two groups back together. As the newly elected Conservative MP for Skeena—Bulkley Valley, I want to thank the Conservatives for starting this new path of reconciliation 17 years ago.
Claude DeBellefeuille Bloc Beauharnois—Salaberry—Soulanges—Huntingdon, QC
Mr. Speaker, Quebec has lost a fierce advocate for Quebec independence, the French language, workers' rights and state secularism. Henri Laberge passed away on May 2.
On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Henri Laberge fought on all fronts for our nation, from the Rassemblement pour l'indépendance nationale to the Bloc Québécois, where he served as chair of the citizenship commission.
An strong advocate for the French language, he was chief of staff to Camille Laurin when Quebec was drafting Bill 101. He moved in working-class circles and, alongside Michel Chartrand and Fernand Daoust, he was an adviser to the Centrale de l'enseignement du Québec. His 30 years of involvement in the Mouvement laïque québécois helped modernize our society. We thank Henri Laberge for his tireless efforts in his quest for an independent Quebec, one that is proud of its values and also compassionate. Bolstered by his legacy, we will continue to fight the fight.
Thank you, Henri.
Mike Kelloway Liberal Sydney—Glace Bay, NS
Mr. Speaker, today, June 11, we observe Davis Day, a solemn occasion of remembrance and reflection in Nova Scotia. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Davis Day, making it an especially significant moment to honour the sacrifices of coal miners who lost their lives in the struggle for safer working conditions and fairer treatment.
Davis Day commemorates the tragic death of William Davis, a miner who was killed during a 1925 strike while advocating for workers' rights and safety in Cape Breton Island. His courage and that of countless others laid the foundation for stronger labour protections that continue to support workers throughout Nova Scotia and across this great country.
As we mark this important centennial, let us remember the courage and resilience of those who stood up for justice and dignity in the workplace. Their sacrifice is a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity and our ongoing commitment to safe labour practices across this country.
Dalwinder Gill Conservative Calgary McKnight, AB
Mr. Speaker, just yesterday, the Auditor General confirmed that the Liberal government cannot be trusted to deliver on housing. It promised to convert empty federal offices into 4,000 units of affordable housing but has managed to complete only about 300 units so far. That is a total failure. It turns out that almost half the units are being built in areas that do not even need them. Now, after seven years and $300 million spent, the former housing minister got promotions, while housing has become even more unaffordable.
Canadians need fewer broken promises and more homes built. The Conservative housing plan would quickly sell federal properties close to transit stations and jobs, in order to get affordable homes built faster for Canadians in communities that need them.
Gurbux Saini Liberal Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC
Mr. Speaker, today I rise for the very first time, to thank the people of Fleetwood—Port Kells, and Canada, for placing their trust in me.
I came to Canada in 1970 as an immigrant from a small village in Punjab, with eight dollars in my pocket. I worked as a lumber piler, pursued my education and supported my family. With determination, my journey led me to 14 years as a councillor in Williams Lake.
Canada gave me the opportunity to work hard and give back, and now I stand proudly in the House of Commons to represent my community. I am humbled to be here, not only as a member of Parliament but also as proof that the Canadian dream is alive and well. I want to express not—
Fleetwood—Port KellsStatements by Members
Kathy Borrelli Conservative Windsor—Tecumseh—Lakeshore, ON
Mr. Speaker, time after time, the Liberal government must be held to account for its mismanagement of Canadian dollars. Now we have even more damning evidence showing that the Liberals have lost control over their spending on consultants. GC Strategies, which is linked to the arrive scam, got 106 contracts, worth $93 million. The Auditor General has said that Liberals frequently disregarded procurement rules that promoted fairness, transparency and value for Canadians. There were consultants who did not have experience. There were massive security clearance failures, and there was proof that little to no work was ever done.
It is clear that the Liberals are out of touch with Canadians. They cannot be trusted with tax dollars, so how can anyone trust them to be in a position of power?
Will the Liberals support a Conservative motion to have GC Strategies pay back the $64 million stolen from taxpayers?
Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is with a deep sadness and a heavy heart that I rise in the House today to mark the passing of a dear friend, A Plant: a respected entrepreneur and realtor, a community builder, a generous mentor and a tireless force for good in the national capital region.
AJ, a servant of God, dedicated his life to helping others by supporting local food banks and charities, helping families find a place to call home and always being there for his community.
AJ was a huge hockey fan. As a coach and the proud owner of the Gatineau Flames, he provided countless young athletes with opportunities to grow and succeed.
Alongside his wife, Chantal, AJ gave back in countless ways, most recently through the ongoing support of organizations like the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre.
I extend my sincere condolences to Chantal and their four children, as well as to all those who knew and loved him.
Ottawa is better because of AJ. May he rest in peace.
Costas Menegakis Conservative Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General's investigation into the Liberals' purchase of the F-35 fighter jets is deeply concerning. Costs have ballooned by more than 50%, and delivery is behind schedule, but it gets worse: The facilities to house the jets will not be completed until 2031. That is three years too late, and taxpayers will be left spending even more money on temporary hangars.
The investigation also confirmed that we do not have enough pilots. How does the Liberal government expect the planes to fly without pilots? In fact, the Liberals have flip-flopped. First, they opposed the F-35 program, then they supported it, then they sent it to review, and so on.
After the lost Liberal decade, Canadians are feeling anxious in an increasingly dangerous world. Out-of-control costs, repeated construction delays and lack of staff threatened to delay the replacement of the fighter jets. Now the Liberals want billions of dollars to waste.
The government promised change, but it is more of the same. Under the Liberals, Canadians have never paid so much for getting so little in return.
Karina Gould Liberal Burlington, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House to celebrate the Hon. Irwin Cotler, who is in Ottawa to be honoured by the Pearson Centre tonight for his lifetime of service to Canada and his work on human rights and justice.
He is a former member of Parliament and cabinet minister, an emeritus professor of law at McGill and an international human rights lawyer, and I am very proud to call him a friend. As minister of justice and attorney general, Irwin enacted same-sex marriage equality laws, appointed two women to the Supreme Court, tackled wrongful convictions and launched anti-racism initiatives.
In his so-called retirement, he founded and now actively chairs the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, which advocates for political prisoners, human rights, justice and democracy. He also served as Canada's first special envoy on combatting anti-Semitism. Irwin is today, as he has always been, a powerful advocate for the marginalized and a champion of progress and justice.
I speak for all Canadians when I thank Mr. Cotler for his incredible and ongoing service.
Public Services and ProcurementOral Questions
Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan
Conservative
Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, I have breaking news: Conservatives will force a vote here in the House of Commons to get Canadians their money back for the ArriveCAN scandal.
The Auditor General slammed the Liberal government for giving GC Strategies, the top arrive scam contractor, $64 million in contracts since it took office. There was $64 million given to a two-person IT company that did no IT work and is under RCMP investigation.
Instead of empty words like “We accept the Auditor General's findings”, how about the Prime Minister shows some concrete action, votes for our motion and gets Canadians their money back?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, the government is focused on best-in-class procurement. That is why we have put in place a new Minister of Government Transformation. That is why we are putting in place new Department of National Defence procurement. It is to get taxpayer value for money and to build the strongest economy in the G7. That is how we get value for Canadians.
Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, he is settling into old Liberal habits of not being bothered by wasting taxpayers' money and funnelling it to his friends.
The Prime Minister is trying to act like he is new to the job or he just got here. He was Justin Trudeau's senior economic adviser while the contracts were being handed out. The Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, the Minister of Jobs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs all have their fingerprints on the scandal, and he chose them to sit around his cabinet table.
Why is it that every time the Liberals get caught in a corruption scandal, Liberal politicians get rewarded and taxpayers get the bill?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, as I just said, the government is laser-focused on best-in-class procurement. That is why we have a new Minister of Government Transformation. That is why we have a brave deputy, who fought for this country and who flew fighter jets, as the new Secretary of State for Defence Procurement.
We are going to get best value for Canadians' dollars. We are going to grow the economy. The member should come join us.
Mark Strahl Conservative Chilliwack—Hope, BC
Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General confirmed what we have been saying about the fraudsters behind the arrive scam app and about the failure of the Liberal government to protect taxpayers: GC Strategies was an IT firm that did not do IT, did not follow procurement rules, did not provide value for money and did not have valid security clearances. What it does have is 64 million ill-gotten tax dollars in the bank, and the Liberal government let it all happen.
When so many Canadians are struggling to make ends meet, why is the government making no effort to get those wasted tax dollars back?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, I think it is important to follow details, including important details such as that there was just an election. Canada's new government was elected to focus on getting best value for Canadian taxpayer dollars and building the strongest economy in the G7. That is exactly what we are doing. We are focused on the future.
Mark Strahl Conservative Chilliwack—Hope, BC
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are not holding GC Strategies accountable. They are letting it keep the cash. The Auditor General confirmed that current Liberal ministers failed Canadians in this matter. They failed to protect tax dollars. They failed to check the qualifications of those doing the work. In half the contracts, they failed to even verify that work was done. Unbelievably, the Trudeau ministers responsible for arrive scam got promoted and have now been put in charge of critical Canada-U.S. foreign affairs and jobs files.
Why did the Prime Minister reward the failed Trudeau Liberals instead of holding them accountable for their incompetence?