Debates of June 11th, 2025

Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary East, AB]

Madam Speaker, we are not angry at all. In fact, we told the Liberals that, if they are going to steal some of our ideas, why not just take all of them? This is what would get this country back on track. When it comes to the income tax cut, Conservatives proposed a bigger income tax cut that would have let families keep double, more than double, the amount the Liberals have in their plan. In fact, it would have been a 12.75% total, which means there would have been $900, on average, a Canadian would have been able to keep in their pocket at the end of the year.

The Liberals' housing plan, according to the industry, does not go far enough. Of course, instead of taking our idea of getting rid of the consumer carbon tax, they should get rid of the industrial carbon tax as well, so we make Canada once again competitive on the world stage.

[Michael Guglielmin, Conservative, Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON]

Madam Speaker, it seems the only thing new about the government is the new and creative ways the members avoid answering questions and accountability.

My question for my hon, colleague is, given the tariff threats and the threats to our economy, if the Liberal government is going to steal half of the Conservative policy in removing the consumer portion of the carbon tax, should they not go the whole way and remove the entire carbon tax for good?

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary East, AB]

Madam Speaker, I would add that I think the biggest threat to the Canadian economy is the Liberal government, because it put in place bills that are continuing to kill our energy industry, such as Bill C-69, the “no new pipelines“ bill; Bill C-48, the tanker ban; the oil and gas cap, which, according to Deloitte, will kill around 110,000 jobs here in Canada; and this industrial carbon tax. We need to get rid of that, too.

I fully agree with the member. If the Liberals wanted to steal some of our ideas, why not just take all of them and let us get this country back on track to make it an energy superpower, like it once was?

[Amanpreet S. Gill, Conservative, Calgary Skyview, AB]

Madam Speaker, it is with deep humility and great honour that I rise in the chamber today to deliver my first speech as the member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my wonderful wife Jaspreet Kaur Gill, my son Daya Singh Gill, and lovely daughter Ekam Kaur Gill for their unwavering love and support. It is their strength that carries me through every challenge.

I also want to express my deepest gratitude to the voters and supporters who placed their trust in me. I promise I will not let them down.

I would especially like to remember my late father Sadar Amritpal Singh Gill, whose memories continue to inspire me each and every day. I also thank my mother Gurcharan Kaur Gill for her endless love and encouragement.

I thank the tireless volunteers who knocked on doors in rain and shine, the dedicated sign team who made sure our message was seen across the riding, and the community leaders who guided and inspired us every step of the way. Their hard work, passion and belief in our vision made this victory possible. Together, we will work to build a strong and fair community where everyone has a chance to succeed.

I came to Canada as a teenager, with my family, carrying a dream, like many newcomers who still arrive in this country today. I worked nights, went to school during the day, and through hard work and sacrifice, I achieved my goals. I punched above my weight class every step of the way, becoming a small business owner, raising my children on safe streets and teaching them the values of discipline, responsibility and respect. However, today, I stand here deeply concerned that the Canada that once gave immigrants like me a fair shot at success now feels out of reach, even for those born and raised here. Young Canadians cannot afford to buy homes. Wages are not keeping up with inflation, and good-paying jobs are harder to come by.

The Liberal government increased the immigration level with no plan on housing or infrastructure, and no job strategy. This is not just an immigration issue. It is a national failure of leadership. It is unfair to Canadians who are watching their dreams pushed further out of reach in their own country. It is unfair to newcomers who arrived with hope, but find only struggles. We need a responsible, balanced approach to immigration, one that puts jobs, housing and economic security first.

There were 1.6 million unemployed Canadians in May, which is an increase of 13.8% from this time last year. Things are projected to get even worse. TD forecasts that there will be 100,000 job losses by the third quarter of this year. It is clear that the same Liberal ministers, with the same Liberal policies, are delivering even worse results. Canadians need a real plan to unleash Canada's economic potential and deliver powerful paycheques for our people.

I come from Alberta, a province built on grit, resilience and determination. For over a decade, Albertans have been overlooked by Liberal governments that have failed to understand who we are, what we contribute and what we stand for. They attacked our energy sector with Bill C-48, blocked our pipelines with Bill C-69 and cost our working families their livelihood.

Let me be clear, we do not back down. We roll up our sleeves, and we get the job done no matter the odds. In Calgary Skyview, we may have dirty hands, but our money is clean. It is earned through early mornings, long days and honest sweat. We believe in hard work, not handouts. We believe that the people who built, drive and power this country deserve respect, not red tape.

I also stand here with deep pride in my Punjabi Sikh heritage and in the sacrifices of those who came before me. My grandfather and my wife's great-grandfather both fought bravely alongside the allied forces in World War I and World War II, wearing their dastar with honour and serving with courage, loyalty and unwavering commitment. They stood for freedom, justice and the values we hold dear as Canadians.

Their legacy lives on in me. Just as they wore their dastars with pride and fought with honour on the battlefield, I will wear mine in the House of Commons and fight with the same spirit for Canadians and for the principles of my Sikh faith: equality, courage, justice and service. I carry their strength with me every day as I rise to represent Calgary Skyview. I will never forget who I am or where I come from.

I would also like to take a moment to remember the horrific first week of June 1984, when the Indian army attacked Darbar Sahib, the Golden Temple complex, which is the holiest shrine of the Sikh faith. Thousands of innocent Sikhs were murdered in those days. I was seven years old at the time, and it affected me deeply. Even today, the scars of that assault remain deeply engraved in the hearts of Sikhs around the world, reminding us of the importance of religious freedom and protecting human rights.

Albertans and all Canadians deserve better. They deserve a government that emphasizes their hard-earned dollars, the dignity of hard work and the importance of safe streets, a government that supports energy workers, builds pipelines and strengthens our economy, instead of tearing it down.

That is why I stand here today as a proud member of the Conservative Party, committed to jail, not bail, for repeat offenders. This means holding criminals accountable and ensuring that justice is served swiftly and fairly. It means investing in communities, supporting law enforcement and making our streets safer for all Canadians.

It is clear that the Liberals are out of touch with the needs of Canadians. We need a government that focuses on job creation, economic growth and fiscal responsibility. It is time for a government that puts our economy back on track and secures a brighter future for all Canadians. It is time for action. It is time for the Liberals to put Canada first and introduce a budget that supports Canadians now.

Our vision is clear: a Canada where the economy is strong, families are supported and communities thrive, a Canada where government spending is accountable, taxes are fair and opportunities are abundant for all.

I came to this House to work. I came with a clear mandate backed by my commitment to serve, to lead and to deliver real results. I came here to stand up for the hard-working people of Calgary Skyview and for every Canadian who feels left behind by Liberals who have failed to deliver on their promises. I will fight every day to ensure that others get a chance to live in safe communities, to build better lives and to raise families with dignity and pride.

I will bring the voices of my riding into every debate and every decision, grounded in values of service, fairness and accountability. I am here because I believe in a Canada that is full of potential and opportunities, not one held back by broken promises and a lack of actions.

Let us rise to the moment, work together and build the strong, united and free Canada that we all deserve.

[Will Greaves, Liberal, Victoria, BC]

Madam Speaker, I must say it is disappointing to hear our Conservative colleagues yet again attacking this government's environmental record, including policies that are vital to us in the real west, living on the Pacific coast in British Columbia, who have seen full well the government's commitment to both environmental protection and energy extraction.

However, we know the Conservatives are not entirely opposed to environmental policy, because they love recycling. Currently, they are in the process of recycling their leaders. The current Leader of the Opposition is also the former leader of the opposition, having been judged and rejected by the Canadian public in 2019. The former member for Carleton is in the process of being recycled, though I do not know if this is upcycling for the people of Battle River—Crowfoot.

My question for the hon. member opposite is this: Will he stand up and stand with this government's commitment to both growing Canada's energy sector, our energy economy, and protecting our environment?

[Amanpreet S. Gill, Conservative, Calgary Skyview, AB]

Madam Speaker, we do not believe in killing the energy sector. We want to create jobs and grow the economy while also protecting our environment, cutting down coal and sending our LNG to Asia. We believe it is possible to do both.

[Grant Jackson, Conservative, Brandon—Souris, MB]

Madam Speaker, earlier in this debate, the member for Winnipeg North made some outrageous comments about this being an entirely new government, which of course Canadians know is patently ridiculous, given the fact that 80% of the cabinet is the same as in the Trudeau era. It is sad that the member for Winnipeg North did not make the cut. Despite the only cabinet member from Manitoba abusing her staff, he still did not make the cut.

I wonder if my colleague from Calgary Skyview could possibly comment about how ridiculous these comments are and how the failed record of the Liberal government is impacting the financial security of Canadians.

[Amanpreet S. Gill, Conservative, Calgary Skyview, AB]

Madam Speaker, we can give many of our ideas to the Liberals. They can even cut the industrial carbon tax, because they are stealing half of our ideas. They can take all of our ideas; we do not mind. As long as they are good for Canadians, that is what matters.

[Patrick Bonin, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate my hon. colleague on his election.

I know that we do not agree on everything, including what to do to help our society transition. How fast should we go while following the science and fighting climate change to limit things like the forest fires we are currently seeing?

I would like him to talk about the possibility of a pipeline project being imposed on Quebec. I understand that your leader was proposing that the federal government could impose a pipeline project—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès), Alexandra Mendes]

I would remind the hon. member that he must address his questions through the Chair.

The hon. member for Calgary Skyview.

[Amanpreet S. Gill, Conservative, Calgary Skyview, AB]

Madam Speaker, our economy relies heavily on the energy sector, and we want to support it while also exploring new opportunities for growth.

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Madam Speaker, I know the Conservatives do not like to hear it, but there is a new Prime Minister.

At the end of the day, the Conservatives have some pretty dumb ideas, too. One of those dumb ideas is that they want to cut CBC/Radio-Canada. These are the types of ideas that the Conservatives need to reflect on, not to mention the industrial price on pollution. Do they not realize we are looking at expanding trade to the world? Let us look at Europe. If we do not have industrial carbon pricing, we will end up having additional tariffs on exports to those countries.

Does the Conservative Party not realize that it does not fully understand how to build a strong and healthy economy? Canadians did, and that is why 8.5 million people voted for the Liberal Party.

[Amanpreet S. Gill, Conservative, Calgary Skyview, AB]

Madam Speaker, we pushed for the carbon tax to be eliminated, and it is great news for Canadians. We would not mind if the Liberals eliminate the industrial carbon tax as well.

[Jacques Ramsay, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety]

Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas.

Since this is my first speech in the House, I would first like to acknowledge the voters of La Prairie—Atateken and thank them for putting their trust in me. I very humbly accept the role they have given me. I am committed to representing them to the best of my ability and to reporting on their concerns as accurately as I can here in the House of Commons. Although La Prairie—Atateken is a great place to live, there are still many challenges to ensuring that our communities develop harmoniously.

I would like to take a few seconds to extend my warmest thanks to everyone who volunteered for my election campaign. Many of these friends and volunteers gave countless hours for the Liberal cause. I owe my victory to them, because it literally took the efforts of an entire team to have any hope of winning. Of all those volunteers, I will just single out one today. My son, Paul Ramsay-Vejlens, worked by my side for the 35 days of the campaign. It is a joy to raise our children, but it is no less a joy to be supported by them in turn.

La Prairie—Atateken is within unyielded first nation land. I recognize that the Kanien’kehà:ka nation is the steward of the lands and waters in our riding. First to settle this land, the Mohawks have made Kahnawake a vibrant place with a rich cultural legacy. Kahnawake is a proud community where the words resilience, perenniality and self-determination resonate loudly.

In addition to Kahnawake, La Prairie—Atateken is a large riding comprising seven cities: Sainte-Catherine, Saint-Constant, Delson, Candiac, La Prairie, Saint-Philippe and Saint-Mathieu.

Together, we embrace the principle of meaningful reconciliation with our indigenous neighbours that is rooted in a social and economic reality.

The history of our riding is bound up with major projects that brought people together and shaped our sense of community. In the 19th century, the construction of the Lachine Canal, the use of steamboats between Montreal and its south shore, and the opening of the very first railway in Canada, which linked La Prairie and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, turned La Prairie into a prime hub for trade between Montreal and New England. Proximity strengthened those ties over the years.

In 1860, the opening of the Victoria Bridge further to the east relocated the transit point to Longueuil and slowed my region's economic development, but the construction of the Honoré Mercier Bridge on Kahnawake territory in 1934 and of the Champlain Bridge in 1962 stimulated the local economy, bringing in a growing wave of new residents who could now get to work in Montreal quickly.

In fact, the riding's population has increased fivefold since 1960, which is not without consequences today, as we will see later. This population explosion has nevertheless taken place while preserving a significant amount of agricultural land, giving our territory a mix of both urban and rural character, as a place where residents can always count on a nearby supply of farm products.

I am providing this historical background to show how, throughout its history, La Prairie—Atateken experienced spectacular growth whenever the authorities believed in its vitality and invested in its infrastructure. Today, when co-operation with the United States is under threat, what comes to mind is another, even older piece of infrastructure. In the 16th century, when the Jesuits were granted the seigneury of La Prairie and came to settle in the region, farmers quickly joined them. They did so because there was a mill where they could grind their grain, but above all because, very early on, a high palisade made of ash, cedar and pine stakes was erected to protect them from enemies, in this case an army of mercenaries from New England. With the introduction of the recent tariffs, our country is once again facing an attack from our American neighbours, this time in the form of an economic war.

Once again, the people of La Prairie—Atateken, along with the rest of the country, will stand strong and protect our sovereignty. We will protect our economic interests. We will protect our agriculture, our language, our culture, our schools and our health care system. Above all, we will protect our institutions, the rule of law and our democratic values, which are at the heart of our identity.

The time has come once again to take decisive action. At a time when U.S. tariffs are posing a serious threat to our economy, we must act on several fronts, of course. In particular, I would like to mention the major project to build 500,000 homes a year, including several thousand in my riding, which will be launched quickly to help our economy recover.

On the campaign trail, I heard time and again how hard it is to find housing, much less affordable housing. The housing shortage is driving up prices, and our young people are struggling to buy their first home. The government recognizes this problem and wants to take action. We need housing to house Canadians.

The affordability bill will exempt first-time homebuyers from paying GST on new homes, saving them up to $50,000. This measure will definitely help get new affordable housing built using local materials such as lumber, aluminum and steel.

Housing construction meets an urgent need while providing a major economic stimulus, both for the construction and modular home industry and for primary industries such as the lumber, aluminum and steel industries. This is a strategic move that will help create good, well-paying jobs while addressing the housing shortage and stabilizing prices. It will kill two birds with one stone. Incidentally, expanding the housing stock will also help get seasonal labour programs back on track. Without them, many economic sectors, including agricultural businesses in La Prairie, would struggle to function.

Our government is serious about the economic health of Canadians who are already struggling. Even though the government has succeeded in bringing inflation below 2%, it is being proactive and showing leadership without waiting for the effects of tariffs to be felt. To do that, the government is lowering taxes for 22 million Canadians by up to $800 per household. That is on top of other measures that are already in place. For example, over the next five years, until 2031, $9.8 billion will be paid to Quebec to fund the child care program, which will enable many families to earn additional income. Needless to say, child care is crucial for single-parent families and, until recently, it has contributed to the financial empowerment of many women.

There are also the 4.8 million Canadians aged 18 to 64, who recently joined the ranks of those who may be eligible for free dental care. Again, those are substantial savings.

Since 2016, our government has been funding the Canada child benefit, the same benefit that was criticized by our Conservative colleagues. Depending on family income, that can mean up to $7,437 per year for each child under the age of six and up to $6,275 per year for each child between the ages of six and 17. The Liberal Party is reducing child poverty.

The strategy of this government has two prongs. On one hand, this government will foster investment and preserve jobs in spite of the unpredictable climate blowing from the south. To invest in infrastructure is a strategy that will benefit Canadian workers and families. The electors of La Prairie—Atateken have no problem understanding this because this is how their economy was built. On the other hand, this government is making sure nobody is left behind by protecting the buying power of Canadians.

Although we are facing many challenges, the intelligence, skills and enthusiasm of the people in La Prairie—Atateken give me a lot of hope for the future.

[Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, Bloc, Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

Madam Speaker, I congratulate the member for La Prairie—Atateken on his election.

In his speech, he said that he and his government would protect our economic interests. Today, that same MP had the opportunity to walk the talk by protecting Quebec's economic interests and by asking the federal government to repay the $814 million that it stole from Quebec.

The Bloc Québécois is not the only one saying it. The Quebec National Assembly unanimously called on the government to pay that money back. All the elected officials in the Quebec government and the Quebec National Assembly are asking for that money back.

How does it feel to be a Quebec MP who is going against the will of the Quebec National Assembly?

[Jacques Ramsay, Liberal, La Prairie—Atateken, QC]

Madam Speaker, today during question period, it was clearly explained that we were dealing with two completely different programs: the one in Quebec, which is excellent by the way, and Canada's system, which met different criteria.

That is the history of our federation. Sometimes, Quebec has benefited from certain measures, and other times, the other provinces have benefited from other measures.

[Pauline Rochefort, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Rural Development)]

Madam Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to congratulate my colleague on his election and his recent appointment as parliamentary secretary.

If I understand correctly, the La Prairie—Atateken riding has changed colours. I would like to know which of the highlights of the plan for a strong Canada made the people in his riding inclined to vote for my dear colleague.

[Jacques Ramsay, Liberal, La Prairie—Atateken, QC]

Madam Speaker, the people of La Prairie—Atateken, like many others in Canada, were concerned about the economy. They stepped up when the Prime Minister asked them to build the strongest economy in the G7 with him. That is what we are doing.

According to what I am hearing from La Prairie—Atateken, people are very satisfied with the speed at which our government is moving.

[Jagsharan Singh Mahal, Conservative, Edmonton Southeast, AB]

Madam Speaker, the member says that Liberals are building one economy and are working on it. How can they build one economy when they are not taking into consideration the oil and energy sector of Alberta?

[Jacques Ramsay, Liberal, La Prairie—Atateken, QC]

Madam Speaker, I do not think my colleague is reading the same news as I am. What I heard was that the premiers who met with Mr. Carney were all thrilled—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès), Alexandra Mendes]

I understand that the hon. member is new to the House, but we must not use the names of other colleagues in this chamber.

The hon. member has the floor.

[Jacques Ramsay, Liberal, La Prairie—Atateken, QC]

Madam Speaker, all the premiers who were at the meeting with our Prime Minister were delighted with the outcome. They drew up a list, and they will go through it in the coming days and weeks.

The Prime Minister was clear about the fact that nothing was off the table. Projects will be judged on their merit based on possible investments, social licence and the returns they will generate.

[Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, Bloc, Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

Madam Speaker, there is talk of social licence when it comes to this government's energy projects, such as running a pipeline through Quebec.

Do the government's plans include giving public money to oil companies to build pipelines?

[Jacques Ramsay, Liberal, La Prairie—Atateken, QC]

Madam Speaker, first of all, I have not heard of any project for a pipeline going through Quebec. I do not know where my colleague is getting that from.

Second, I have no information to provide at this point, as there are no plans concerning any investments that the federal government could—

[John-Paul Danko, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Madam Speaker, I rise today in full support of Bill C-4, a cornerstone of our government's promise to make life more affordable for hard-working Canadians.

As the member of Parliament for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, I have heard first-hand from families, workers and small business owners who are feeling the pressure of rising costs. These challenges are compounded by the economic and political uncertainty caused by the Trump government in the United States. As Canadians, it is impossible to ignore the troubling and increasingly chaotic actions of the Trump White House as we confront the new reality that we can no longer rely on the United States as a stable and reliable trading partner. However, we must take immediate action to control our own future here in Canada.

Bill C-4, the making life more affordable for Canadians act, is our new government's immediate response to the rising cost of living in Canada. It is a comprehensive, targeted and responsible plan to deliver real relief and make life more affordable for Canadians. We promised immediate action during the campaign, and today we are delivering tax relief.

In this House, I previously spoke about the challenges facing people in Hamilton: the cost of housing, gas, groceries and daily essentials. I also spoke about the pride we take in our local industries, especially Hamilton's steel sector, and the resilience of our workers. The making life more affordable for Canadians act addresses both realities. It puts money back into the pockets of Canadians while strengthening our economic foundations.

Let us begin with the tax relief measures in this bill. We are cutting the lowest personal income tax rate to 14.5% in 2025, then cutting it again down to 14% in 2026 and beyond. This is an immediate tax cut for 22 million Canadians. For a typical family, that is up to $840 in annual savings. These savings would help pay for groceries, a child's school supplies, utility bills and more.

We are also making housing more affordable. The making life more affordable for Canadians act introduces a GST rebate for first-time homebuyers purchasing new homes up to $1 million. This tax cut for first-time homebuyers is essential for young families, and it will help to stimulate new construction, enabling jobs and increasing housing supply. In Hamilton, housing affordability is a daily concern, and this policy will make a real difference for young families.

We have already repealed the consumer carbon tax, which will save Canadians an average of 18¢ per litre off the cost of gas. However, our government remains committed to climate action. By maintaining the output-based carbon pricing system for large emitters, continuing to invest in green energy such as nuclear, hydro and renewables, and supporting green housing and public transit, we are helping to ensure a smooth transition to an electric future and reduce Canada's dependence on fossil fuels. This is a balanced approach, one that supports both affordability and environmental sustainability.

I want to speak about economic resilience and the importance of standing up for Canadian workers. On June 6, I had the honour of joining the Minister of Industry, the CEO of ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Hamilton members of Parliament, the mayor of the city of Hamilton, and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce president and CEO for a visit to one of our local Hamilton steel mills. ArcelorMittal Dofasco and Hamilton's steel producers are the heart of the steel industry in Canada.

The visit by the Minister of Industry was in direct response to the imposition of the Trump administration's 50% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum. These latest Trump tariffs are illegal, unjustified, harmful and a threat to the entire North American steel industry. Our government is taking this extremely seriously. The minister's visit was a demonstration of our commitment to defending Canadian jobs and industries and retaliating as needed.

The conversations we had at ArcelorMittal Dofasco were powerful. Workers expressed pride in their work and concern about the future and what this means for their families. The CEO emphasized the importance of stable trade relationships. The chamber of commerce called for coordinated action. The mayor of the city of Hamilton underscored the need for federal assistance and federal leadership. The making life more affordable for Canadians act is part of that leadership. By supporting Canadian families and industries, we are building resilience against external shocks like these tariffs.

The income tax cut is a meaningful first step, especially when combined with the cost-saving programs already in place, such as $10-a-day child care, dental care and the Canada child benefit. We repealed the consumer carbon tax because our government is listening to Canadians. We are adapting our policies to meet their needs without abandoning our environmental sustainability goals.

Cutting the GST on homes up to $1 million would save the average Hamilton first-time homebuyer more than $40,000, and this is just one piece of a broader housing affordability strategy. Our government is working with provinces and with municipalities to unlock stalled developments, invest in affordable housing, support renters and get builders building again.

I also want to acknowledge our government's commitment to meeting NATO's defence spending target of 2% of GDP years ahead of schedule. This historic investment in our national defence is not only a reaffirmation of our global responsibilities but also a strategic move to bolster our domestic economy. Defence spending will create thousands of high-quality jobs, stimulate innovation in Canadian industries and strengthen our supply chains.

Hamilton is home to one of the largest shipbuilders in Canada, for shipbuilding that employs thousands of workers in the skilled trades and uses Canadian steel. Increasing defence spending would complement the affordability measures in the making life more affordable for Canadians act by reinforcing economic security and resilience.

The announcement sends a clear message: our government can make bold, forward-looking decisions on both domestic and international fronts. While we invest in affordability and housing at home, we are also stepping up to meet our global commitments. These are not competing priorities; they are mutually reinforcing pillars of a strong, secure and prosperous Canada.

The making life more affordable for Canadians act is not just a budgetary measure; it is a statement of values. It says that we believe in a Canada where hard work is rewarded, where families can thrive and where no one is left behind. It says that we are willing to make tough decisions to support Canadians in the face of global uncertainty.

As the member of Parliament for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, I am proud to support the bill. I am proud to stand with my colleagues, with our government and with the people of Hamilton, and I am proud to say that the making life more affordable for Canadians act would deliver on the promises we made during the election. In Hamilton, we are already seeing the impact of federal investments in housing projects that use Canadian steel and lumber and create good-paying local jobs.

Let us pass the bill. Let us deliver for our constituents. Let us build a stronger, fairer, more resilient Canada.

When I previously stood in the chamber, I spoke about the challenges facing families in Hamilton and across Canada. I spoke about affordability, not as a political slogan but as a lived experience for so many of our constituents. I spoke about the parents who told me they are worried about putting food on the table, about young people who fear they will never own a home and about seniors who felt left behind by the rapidly changing economy.

These are not abstract policy issues; these are real people with real struggles, and that is why the making life more affordable for Canadians act matters. The bill recognizes the urgency of the moment and responds with tangible solutions.

During the campaign, I knocked on thousands of doors. I listened to stories that were both difficult and inspiring, from, for example, a mother who works night shifts and still finds time to volunteer at her child's school, recent immigrants working multiple jobs to pay rent while studying in post-secondary education, retired residents on a fixed income who have lived in the same home for 40 years but are now struggling to pay property taxes and heating bills, and especially young families working hard but struggling to provide their children with the lifestyle they deserve.

These stories have stayed with me, and they guide my work. The making life more affordable for Canadians act is our new government's first step to reduce cost of living across Canada. It builds on the Canada child benefit, which has lifted hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty, and it complements our investments in $10-a-day child care, which is already saving Canadian families thousands of dollars. This is a strong step forward.

Affordability is not a Liberal issue, a Conservative issue, a Bloc issue nor an NDP issue; it is a Canadian issue. I have heard the exact same concerns about affordability consistently from members of every political party, and I think Canadians expect us to work together.

I have had constructive conversations with members from all parties who share a deep concern for their constituents, and I believe that we all share a common goal: to make life better for the people we serve. That is why I urge all members of the House to support the making life more affordable for Canadians act.