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.
Rhonda Kirkland Conservative Oshawa, ON
Madam Speaker, I can appreciate the member opposite's talking about affordability. We all heard this from our constituents as we walked the campaign trail.
My question is an honest one. He mentioned that the large emitters should still be paying an industrial carbon tax. I am wondering whether he can tell me what he thinks. Does he believe that the large emitters will pay that carbon tax, or does he think the carbon tax will be passed down to consumers?
John-Paul Danko Liberal Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON
Madam Speaker, steelmaking is one of the largest industries in Hamilton. It is also one of the largest emitters. Our government is making significant investments in the steel industry in Hamilton. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being invested in an electric arc furnace to convert steelmaking from a polluting fossil fuel-dependent, coal-dependent industry, reducing emissions. It will not only reduce emissions but also reduce the carbon footprint, and, most importantly reduce cancer-causing emissions, soot and particulates in the environment.
This is a win-win situation. By investing in a cleaner future, we are investing in a better future for all Canadians.
Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay Bloc Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC
Madam Speaker, the provisions of the bill on access to home ownership are not that bad. We more or less agree with them. However, one of the biggest challenges for most households and families is to come up with a down payment. There is nothing about that in the bill.
Would my colleague be in favour of the idea of introducing a measure to provide an interest-free loan to allow first-time homebuyers to come up with a down payment? That would not cost the government very much. For example, given that the government would cover only the interest costs of the loan and it can borrow money at rates as low as 3.7%, it would cost $370 a year for a $10,000 loan. It is really not that expensive.
Does my colleague have any interest in that idea?
John-Paul Danko Liberal Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON
Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member for the question. I am sorry that my French is not very good, but I am learning.
I do agree with the hon. member. Down payments are a significant challenge for many people, especially young families that are trying to enter the housing market and might not have access to generational wealth and to the credit they would need to pay for a down payment. We want to avoid a situation where young families have to save and work really hard for 10 or 20 years just to afford a down payment if they do not have access to generational wealth, so I would absolutely be very happy to work with our Bloc colleagues on suggestions for options to help young families with a down payment.
Bill C-4 Making Life More Affordable for Canadians ActGovernment Orders
Nipissing—Timiskaming Ontario
Liberal
Pauline Rochefort LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Rural Development)
Madam Speaker, I was very interested in what our colleague described in terms of the meetings that were held with the Minister of Industry. I would be interested in better understanding how the business community in Hamilton reacted to the outcomes of those meetings.
John-Paul Danko Liberal Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON
Madam Speaker, everyone in Hamilton knows somebody who works in the steel industry. It employs over 10,000 workers directly and another 40,000 people in indirect jobs. The tariffs are an existential threat to steelmaking in Canada, and Hamilton is the heart of steelmaking.
I know from speaking with workers that there are generational workers, second- and third-generation steelworkers, who are proud of what they do. They are proud of the job they hold, and they are literally building the foundation of Canada. Having the Minister of Industry there shows the steelworkers that we care and that we stand up for Canadian jobs in the steel industry and in aluminum. All measures are on the table, and we, as the federal government, are showing leadership to support Canadians, to support workers and do everything that is necessary.
Gaétan Malette Conservative Kapuskasing—Timmins—Mushkegowuk, ON
Madam Speaker, the question was asked for producers of steel in the Hamilton region, and I did not understand the answer. Will the carbon tax be removed, yes or no?
John-Paul Danko Liberal Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON
Madam Speaker, the industrial carbon tax is part of a global carbon pricing system. Steel producers in Hamilton and across Canada do pay the industrial carbon tax. It is traded, and it is an important incentive to reducing emissions. As I spoke about, switching over to electric steel production to reduce the reliance on coal, reduce emissions—
Bill C-4 Making Life More Affordable for Canadians ActGovernment Orders
The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès) Alexandra Mendes
The hon. member for London West is rising.
Arielle Kayabaga Liberal London West, ON
Madam Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties, and if you seek it, I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion:
That notwithstanding the order adopted on May 27, 2025, regarding the consideration of estimates in committee of the whole for the supply period ending June 23, 2025,
(a) at the conclusion of the time provided for the debate, on the fourth designated day, the estimates shall not be deemed reported back to the House; and
(b) Thursday, June 12, 2025, be designated as a fifth day for the consideration of estimates, for a duration of two hours, provided that proceedings be otherwise governed pursuant to the other applicable provisions of the order adopted on May 27, 2025, and that, at the conclusion of the time provided for the debate, or when no member wishes to speak, whichever comes first, the committee shall rise, the estimates shall be deemed reported back the same to the House, the debate pursuant to Standing Order 38 shall not take place, and the House shall immediately adjourn to the next sitting day.
Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès) Alexandra Mendes
All those opposed to the hon. member's moving the motion will please say nay.
There being no dissenting voice, it is agreed.
The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.
(Motion agreed to)
The House resumed consideration of the motion that Bill C-4, An Act respecting certain affordability measures for Canadians and another measure, be read the second time and referred to a committee.
Billy Morin Conservative Edmonton Northwest, AB
Madam Speaker,
[Member spoke in indigenous language and provided the following text:]
Neegan ninaskomon Nohtwaynan anoch, Tansi Niwakakakanak, Maskekosihk Ochi Okimaw Natokipoi nitseekason. Representative Amiskwaciy waskigan Keewatinok paksimotahk.
[Member provided the following translation:]
First I acknowledge our creator and bring greetings to all my relations. My name is Sacred Rider Chief Billy Morin from Enoch Cree Nation, now the MP for Edmonton Northwest.
[English]
I have risen in this House before in short moments, so in this extended time allocation, please allow me to acknowledge those who helped me get here: my family, nikâwiy Charlene, nohtâwiy William, and all my extended family and community from the Enoch Cree Nation. I thank my roots in the Blackfoot territory, Kainai territory, Treaty 7 territory and southern Alberta and my Métis family. I thank my wife Felecia and our children, William, Wilton, Walker and Ashtrid, and my many grandparents, nimosumak and nokumak. Of course, I thank the good people of Edmonton Northwest, notably our grassroots campaign team.
Edmonton Northwest is a place where people come. Since time immemorial, first peoples have gathered in Edmonton Northwest to live in Amiskwaciwâskahikan, or Beaver Hills House, the Cree name for the region. It was a place of peace; conflict and conflict resolution through treaty making; traditional ceremony; sustenance; and community. It was a place where the North Saskatchewan River flowed mightily and the buffalo and the game were plentiful.
Right down the middle of my riding is the Anthony Henday highway. Anthony Henday is acknowledged as one of the first explorers to come to Edmonton. Over the next centuries since Anthony Henday, they still came. Many came from Europe to start, and in those early days, our collective ancestors made treaties nation to nation, which are upheld by the Canadian Constitution. These agreements are the basis for all peoples and Canadians to live in harmony for as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the rivers flow, as written in treaty.
In those early days, many came driven by hunger and hope. Those fleeing from persecution came. Those looking for a place they could build in came. Those looking for a place where hard work pays off came. Those looking for a place to build an income, a family and a living came. They came from all continents. Today, we have a huge population from the Middle East, the Philippines, eastern Asia, India, eastern Europe, Hispanic America, Africa, South America and more.
People still come today in droves, with 60,000 per year over the last three years on average. Why do they come? Why have they been coming for hundreds of years? Why do they stay? Simply put, they come for affordability, opportunity, jobs, energy and safety. Edmonton's identity is built around this.
All the big Canadian cities have their identities. I have been in conversations where some struggle to identify what Edmonton means and what Edmonton's identity is. To me, the most Edmonton thing that someone can do is work hard, buy a home, raise a family and become a part of the community. Having small-town roots in the big city is still a thing in Edmonton.
However, this is under attack, and a root cause of this attack is the federal government's negligence. Homes are becoming increasingly more unaffordable, and this is not just a campaign talking point. I ran into many young people who, with humility, took time out of their day to tell me they could not afford a home. They said they had no way to have a family or grow their family.
The number of young Canadians who see home ownership and starting a family as unaffordable and unattainable is growing in my riding. Grocery prices are rising, lineups at food banks are getting longer and energy to move a family around is becoming more expensive. High taxes for seniors are pricing them out of their own homes, the spaces that are intended for them to spend time with their grandkids.
Despite powering this country for decades, our energy sector is villainized. The industrial heartland of Alberta and Canada is in my hometown of Edmonton, Alberta. Health care equality is systematically getting worse. Crime is out of control. The number of people struggling with addictions and mental health issues is worsening. Jobs for young people are getting scarce. As much as I acknowledge people coming to make a home in the traditional territory of my people in Edmonton Northwest, mismanaged immigration by the federal government is putting stress on all systems.
I grew up a proud Canadian. I grew up singing the national anthem in my school on Enoch Cree Nation. I grew up knowing this country has the best potential in the world. Today, I have heard and empathize with Canadians who came here a generation ago wanting that same feeling of pride, knowing that if they followed the rules, worked hard and learned what it meant to be a Canadian, they too could live in that potential and hope. However, over the last decade, in what some have described as this country being a postnational state, somewhere pride among Canadians has waned.
The government has made the mosaic of Canada a divider, not a unifier. It has pitted Canadian against Canadian. It has attacked the basic affordable family fundamentals for which everyone strives. Despite these attacks on the people in Edmonton and Edmonton Northwest, people still come. Why? It is because those who come to call that place home are resilient people.
In my language we say âhkamêyimok, or “never give up”. We know despite the federal government's attacks on the west, the best is yet to come. We will always fight for the entrepreneurship of our home and the energy culture of the industrial heartland of Alberta, Canada and Edmonton. We will build upon educational institutions. Newcomers quickly learn, with the help of their fellow Edmontonians, how to handle the tough times in the cold and feeling left out.
Edmonton still has the best potential for any city in this country. It can still be the freest city in the world. It can be a small town community with unity. Edmonton is still the city of champions, which is not just about sports success, but about how Edmontonians know how to work hard, know how to give back and know that they will always fight for safe communities and affordable homes.
For thousands of years, my ancestors knew there was something special about the land. They knew there was something special about the water. They knew about the air and about the home that is Edmonton and Edmonton Northwest. Before coming to this House, I was given the task by my elders to continue to build bridges between all peoples. I was asked to share these values and to think win-win with all peoples on behalf of Edmonton Northwest.
This revolves around the conversations and words spoken in this House today and during this Parliament about affordability. I am here to work on behalf of the people who put me here and to honour our past by investing in our future today, because I heard from them directly that buying a home, raising a family and contributing to community are the most Edmonton thing they can do—
The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès) Alexandra Mendes
On a point of order, we have the hon. member for Northumberland—Clarke.
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Clarke, ON
Madam Speaker, I am so sorry to interrupt the member's speech, but I believe he meant to split his time with the member for Souris—Moose Mountain.
The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès) Alexandra Mendes
It is noted.
The hon. member for Edmonton Northwest may continue.
Billy Morin Conservative Edmonton Northwest, AB
Madam Speaker, I heard from my constituents directly that buying a home, raising a family and contributing to community are still the most Edmonton thing they can do. This is worth standing up for.
Hai hai. Kinana'skomitina'wa'w.
Chris Malette Liberal Bay of Quinte, ON
Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the member opposite for his election and his eloquent speech in the House today.
The member mentioned specifically basic family fundamentals in his address. Does he believe that with the making life more affordable for Canadians act, the ability for first-time homebuyers to make a purchase without the burden of GST addresses basic family fundamentals?
Billy Morin Conservative Edmonton Northwest, AB
Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, we agree that home buying and making it more affordable, especially for young families, are very important. I believe that might have been an idea from this side of the House, but we do not mind when our good ideas are taken from that side of the House.
With this bill, the number quoted is roughly $800 per year. If we talk to the average family and really do the math, is a weekly stop at Timmy's or Starbucks going to make a difference in their lives? I think most Canadian families, especially those in my riding, are going to say no. I would like to see more breaks for families and affordability taken more seriously.
Patrick Bonin Bloc Repentigny, QC
Mr. Speaker, I would like to know what the member has to say about the fact that he and his colleagues just defeated a motion to respect a unanimous resolution by the National Assembly of Quebec calling on the government to return the $814 million that was stolen from Quebeckers.
What does he think of his leader's idea that a province should have no veto power so, for example, it could not say no to a pipeline that might be imposed by the federal government?
Billy Morin Conservative Edmonton Northwest, AB
Mr. Speaker, as a first nations person, I know that sovereignty and where we stand in Confederation are always coming into question, so I do empathize with the notion of nationhood and finding a balance in Canada.
As for the vote that happened today, that has already been explained in this House a number of times. Quebec does enjoy a level of nationhood, and sometimes those distinctions mean differences in how things are voted on in this House.
When it comes to consensus on building things in this country, I believe in things getting done and built. The economy has suffered for quite some time now, and I think the members opposite, as much as they have put forward some initiatives lately, have to prove that it is not just rhetoric and that there is going to be action for Canadians.
Bill C-4 Making Life More Affordable for Canadians ActGovernment Orders
Winnipeg North Manitoba
Liberal
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, Bill C-4 is a critical piece of legislation. Our new Prime Minister has made clear that it takes up aspects of the election platform and ultimately delivers on the issue of affordability.
What is really important for all of us to note is that the tax break being proposed is going to take effect on July 1. For us to have that tax break, we need to see the legislation passed.
Does the member agree that we should pass this legislation before the House rises?
Billy Morin Conservative Edmonton Northwest, AB
Mr. Speaker, as mentioned, on this side of the House, we are always for tax breaks, but is this really a serious tax break? Can we go further with it?
The amount that has been quoted by the Liberals and some other studies, which is a lower amount, in my opinion is not enough. I talk to my constituents, and they have less for a coffee run or can only fill a quarter of their tank. That is not enough for Canadians. I would look to that side of the House to do more than just a small tax break.
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Clarke, ON
Mr. Speaker, I welcome the new member to the House. I just want him to reflect on, if he could, the importance of this House and being able to spell “Parliament”.
Billy Morin Conservative Edmonton Northwest, AB
Mr. Speaker, I take great pride in being here, and I mentioned how much my family and friends have contributed to my success, constituents as well.
Sitting in this House as an indigenous leader is something to behold and to be proud of. It is not always the story in Canada that first nations feel included. From that particular point of view, I am very happy to stand here to uphold the best definition of treaty, which is that it is a higher calling, not a division in Canadian law, that Canadians work hard together in partnership. That is what I reflect upon, to the member's question.