Debates of June 2nd, 2025

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply

[Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Liberal, Saint-Laurent, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is with a profound sense of duty that I rise today on behalf of the riding of Saint-Laurent to express my support for the Speech from the Throne.

Let me take a moment to sincerely thank the voters who gave me the honour of representing them in the House of Commons for a fourth term. It is a great honour to once again serve the community that watched me grow up and that I have always been happy to call home.

I want to take a moment to thank my team and the many volunteers, whose determination and long hours contributed to this success. I also want to thank my family for their unwavering support through it all. They truly make it possible for me to continue this important work.

The 45th Parliament begins at a pivotal moment for our country. The world around us is changing rapidly, and the values that define us as Canadians are more important than ever. At a time when the principles of democracy and pluralism are being tested around the world, Canada stands firm, strong and free, united in our resolve to protect our sovereignty and defend the rights of our people.

In his address to Parliament, His Majesty King Charles III reminded us that Canada is uniquely positioned to lead, as we have the resources and expertise the world needs and the values the world respects. Our government stands ready to meet this challenge. We are taking bold steps to create one strong Canadian economy, not 13, by removing interprovincial trade barriers, barriers to trade and mobility, a process already under way that can help us add $200 billion to our annual GDP. By doing so, we are not only strengthening our internal market but also boosting Canada's role on the global stage.

To build on this progress, our government is investing $5 billion through the new trade diversification corridor fund to modernize and expand the infrastructure that connects Canadian businesses to the world. This will help Canada produce Canadian products and reach markets faster, while helping us build stronger relationships with like-minded nations and create high-quality jobs right here at home. With our plan, Canada has the potential to emerge stronger than ever before.

While it is important to build a strong and resilient economy, Canadians also need to feel safe in their communities. To successfully build a safer Canada, we will strengthen border security by giving law enforcement and intelligence agencies the necessary tools to halt the flow of fentanyl and its precursors and prevent illegal weapons and drugs from coming into our neighbourhoods.

This will be reinforced through the deployment of drones, helicopters, additional CBSA personnel and canine teams. Additionally, we will change firearms licensing and strengthen enforcement of yellow- and red-flag laws. One thing I am particularly pleased about is that those people convicted of intimate partner violence and those subject to protection orders will have their weapons licence removed. Furthermore, in the throne speech, we commit to toughening the Criminal Code to make it harder for repeat offenders charged with committing crimes such as car theft, home invasions, drug smuggling and human trafficking to get bail.

International partnerships also strengthen Canada's security.

That is exactly why we are joining ReArm Europe and working closely with allies who share our values to build resilient global alliances.

What is more, we will rebuild, rearm and reinvest in our Canadian Armed Forces to protect our sovereignty, while strengthening our presence in the north at a time when this region is facing new threats.

Through these efforts, Canada will work proactively and continue to be a beacon of stability on the world stage.

Canada now stands at a unique crossroads, with a real opportunity to shape the future of the western world within the G7. Guided by values that resonate far beyond our borders, we are moving forward with confidence, ready to act with ambition, clarity and conviction. Our global leadership goes hand in hand with a strong focus on building a better future for Canadians here at home.

One of the major concerns of Canadians in my home riding of Saint-Laurent, which was raised at dozens of doorsteps throughout the election campaign, is the issue of housing affordability. To help make life more affordable, our government is eliminating municipal development charges on multi-unit projects and cutting the GST on homes under $1 million, bringing down costs and accelerating construction. We are also doubling the pace of homebuilding across the country through the “build Canada homes” program and strategic investments in modular and prefabricated housing.

By leveraging Canadian technology, Canadian lumber and the skills of Canadian workers, we are creating good-paying jobs and laying the foundation for long-term economic growth.

We are determined to keep our commitment to supporting Canadian families in their daily lives. As such, we will continue our efforts to build affordable housing and create good jobs. We are reducing the tax burden by lowering taxes for the middle class and saving two-income families up to $840 a year, while continuing to offer essential programs, such as child care, pharmacare and dental care. Eight million Canadians are benefiting from the Canadian dental care plan, which helps families save thousands of dollars a year. This plan will make dental care more affordable and improve access to essential care for many families and seniors in Saint-Laurent.

I would not want to end my speech without referencing our government's commitment to environmental protection, as nature is an important part of Canada's identity. At COP15, held in Montreal, we struck an agreement with 196 countries to protect 30% of our lands and 30% of our waters by 2030. Through the throne speech, we have committed to protecting more of Canada's land and water than ever through the creation of new national parks, national urban parks, marine protected areas and other conservation initiatives.

Canada has what it takes to be a leader. In this period of global uncertainty, we are firmly on the right track.

By choosing to invest in our people, safeguarding our communities and deepening partnerships abroad, we are ensuring that Canada not only meets today's challenges but also emerges stronger as an innovator for tomorrow. Let us move forward together, united in purpose and dedicated to building a brighter future for all Canadians.

[Larry Brock, Conservative, Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government, which, in my view, has been the same Liberal government for the last 10 years, always talks really tough when it comes to improving community safety and addressing concerns of Canadians from coast to coast. I heard daily during this particular election period that Canadians are simply fed up. I know that police chiefs are fed up. I know that premiers are fed up with the government's lack of commitment to make meaningful change.

I listened very carefully to the throne speech, and I would like to ask a question about the renewed focus on car theft and home invasions by toughening the code in order to make bail harder. That is such a vague concept. I know, as a former prosecutor, that one way to make bail harder is to completely remove the principle of restraint.

Is the member committed to repealing Bill C-75, which allowed the catch-and-release phenomenon Canadians are seeing every single day?

[Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Liberal, Saint-Laurent, QC]

Mr. Speaker, we obviously have new leadership here at the Liberal Party, and we have a renewed focus. We are planning on making communities safer, and there are a slew of measures that will be introduced. One of them, as I mentioned in my speech, is that we will make bail harder to get for people who are accused of crimes and found guilty, including reoffenders of car theft and home invasion, etc. Of course, I believe that our government will find the best way forward in order to make sure we are tackling the issue.

[Luc Thériault, Bloc, Montcalm, QC]

Mr. Speaker, there were about 40 Liberal MPs between 2015 and 2019, including five ministers. That did not stop the Liberals from buying Trans Mountain, in spite of Quebec's environmental views.

In the last Parliament, there were about 30 Liberal members from Quebec. That did not stop the Liberals from going against a unanimous motion from the National Assembly that called on the federal government to give Quebec its fair share for the dental care insurance program. Since the RAMQ was already administering part of that care, this would have allowed it to improve its own plan. The Liberal members let their government do as it pleased.

How can we be sure that the 44 current members from Quebec will not continue to represent the government to Quebeckers instead of representing Quebeckers to the government?

[Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Liberal, Saint-Laurent, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Quebec members are very strong voices for their communities. We are here for the well-being of Quebeckers, and we are doing what we can within our government to improve the well-being of Quebeckers.

Our government is working with all the provinces and territories to find how best to make life better and more affordable for all Canadians across the country.

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Waterloo, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the member actually referenced the Speech from the Throne and some of what was actually in it.

Constituents in the riding of Waterloo were really pleased to hear the sustainable jobs plan mentioned. They were pleased that there was a vision for the country that we could build upon, recognizing that we are stronger when we work together rather than when we are apart.

I would like to hear from the member, when it comes to her constituency and constituencies across the country, what she is hearing from constituents. Do they echo the comments from the Conservatives, which seems to be very gloomy? We see that there are no smiles on the other side. It is a really tough day, especially when their leader cannot win his own seat. However, I do think it is important we recognize that Canadians are giving a message, and I would like to hear from the member what she believes that message is.

[Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Liberal, Saint-Laurent, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians in my riding were quite hopeful throughout the campaign. They saw a renewed hope within our country, and they saw a lot of opportunity for improvement as well.

While there were many challenges over the last few months, and new challenges brought by other countries, I think this offers a very unique opportunity for Canada to be very strong, and a very strong leader in the G7 and in the world. I think Canadians want us to step up to the plate and do whatever we can to make sure we remain in that position of strength, continue to create good-paying jobs for Canadians and continue to be there for Canadians who need us the most by continuing to offer the programs we had going on for several years.

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I would like to clarify something with you.

When our colleague from Vancouver East took the floor earlier, she did so as an independent member. According to the order of speakers, she was 45th. She spoke and proposed an amendment. You then recognized the member for Saint-Laurent, who would therefore have been 46th in line. I just want to make sure that this is considered as such. Otherwise, this puts all those who spoke before the 45th speaker at a real disadvantage.

In short, can you confirm that your interpretation is that the member for Vancouver East spoke as an independent member when she was the 45th speaker?

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, John Nater]

I thank the hon. member for Rivière-du-Nord for his comments.

It was the second half of a Liberal spot, which the member for Vancouver East took. We are still early in the sitting, so some members are still adjusting to when they are going to rise or not rise. The interpretation from the Chair is that it was the second half of a Liberal spot, and so the remaining positions will carry on as they were, with spot 45 remaining an independent spot at this point.

The hon. member for Rivière-du-Nord has the floor.

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

Mr. Speaker, thank you for ruling on the matter. However, I would submit that the rules state that when we share our time with another member, we must state that at the beginning of our speech. Our colleague from Winnipeg North announced that he was sharing his time with another member of the Liberal Party. He never mentioned the member for Vancouver East. If we stick to this interpretation, it seems to me that she should not have been recognized. The only way to legitimize her turn to speak is to place it where it should have been, which, according to the order, is 45th.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, John Nater]

I thank the member. There is some discretion on that; it does change from time to time. I believe the chief government whip wishes to intervene briefly.

[Mark Gerretsen, Liberal, Kingston and the Islands, ON]

Mr. Speaker, just for clarification, I believe it to be the case when sharing a spot that, although customary, it is not actually necessary for us to indicate who we are sharing it with. The only thing that is necessary is to indicate that we are sharing it. The individual we are sharing it with can change up until the moment they rise.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, John Nater]

That is the interpretation of the Chair.

I have heard enough on the matter, so we will continue with the rotation, as established.

I thank the hon. member for Rivière-du-Nord for his comments.

I would remind all members that, going forward, we will be very cognizant when we stand and take the floor of when it is our turn to speak.

Resuming debate, the hon. member for Edmonton Riverbend.

[Matt Jeneroux, Conservative, Edmonton Riverbend, AB]

Mr. Speaker, a way to get two rounds of applause in this place is a point of order on the other side. Also, congratulations. It is great to see you in the chair. I know you will serve us well and be fair. I wish a happy birthday to your little guy, Bennett Nater, who celebrated his birthday this past weekend.

Now that I have good favour with the Chair, I will get to the rest of my speech.

This is my first speech in this 45th Parliament, my fourth Parliament. I have spent almost 10 years in this place, and what never ceases to amaze me is the opportunity to stand up here and represent the people of Edmonton Riverbend and share, from time to time, the amount of goodwill the people there have in electing me to this place. It is something that I am incredibly proud of.

I want to take the opportunity to thank a few people from the campaign, being that this is my first speech. First of all, I would be remiss if I did not thank my lovely and beautiful wife Elizabeth, who has been with me from the start of this thing. It has been an incredible journey. She has a busy life. She is a colorectal surgeon. At times, she likes to say that she actually saves lives while we pretend we are saving lives in here. I have certainly seen a number of things we have done here together in this place that have translated into some pretty amazing and remarkable things.

Also, I want to thank my two daughters. Molly just turned 17 and is off to university next year. She was an instrumental help during the campaign, as she always is. My other daughter, Lily, who is 16, was too. They came with boyfriends this time, so there were an extra couple of hands and volunteers doing signs and logistics. I thank both Molly and Lily for continuing to support me in doing this job, which takes me away from them. Actually, Molly's graduation is this Wednesday, and unfortunately I will miss it to be here. To stand up in this place, thank them and tell them how much I love them is something that I never forget to do.

Then, of course, there is the little guy who runs our house, Hugh, who is five. He was a brand new baby who came in the last Parliament. He has sat in the Speaker's chair on a number of occasions now, and he takes over the House when he is here. Thankfully, there have been no members of Parliament here at those times, but I was able to spend time with him. He came out every day of the campaign. He door knocked with me, lit dropped with me and put out signs with me. If members are looking for more volunteers, I guess the message here is to just have kids, and they will bring volunteers with them.

Then there is my wonderful sister, Bernadette Jeneroux. She is a teacher back home in Edmonton. She has helped us tremendously through so many opportunities and has looked after our little ones.

Then, of course, there is the volunteer team. I would be remiss if I did not mention a lot of their names. At the end of the day, they are the ones who really helped get me here. They are Vera Fedor; Jason Bischoff; Carter Moroz; Norman Lorrain; Ivonne Martinez; Sohail Quadri; Sami Alam; Tania Fatmi and Christine Liu, who both work in my office; David Sparrow; Asia Parmar, the best financial agent there is; Varun Chandrasekar; Karen Stix; Alison Webster, who baked us a bunch of delicious food while we were on the campaign, and her husband John Webster; Brooke Timpson; Rob Bligh; Ash Gupta; Alex Liu; and Ravi and Sonia Dhawan. Of course, I thank my good pal Rishi Dhawan for his support and advice.

Because we have a bit of a shortened session this time around, I want to take a moment to highlight an initiative that has been important to me since being in Parliament: our annual Father's Day on the Hill initiative. We have done that for about eight years now. It raises awareness for men's mental health among young men and young fathers. Unfortunately, this time around we will not be able to do the event as we have known it before. We are doing it in partnership with the Hi Dad Foundation, a foundation that I have been a part of since we launched it about three years ago.

We continue to raise awareness for men's mental health through that, in partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. I congratulate Michel Rodrigue, who is just about to celebrate his retirement. Then there is Movember and of course the member for Courtenay—Alberni. He has been a big asset in getting this off the ground.

We had previous speakers at Father's Day on the Hill. The National Hockey League Players' Association, Bryan Baeumler from HGTV, the Burlington fire department and others have come out to raise awareness for the importance of men's mental health. The statistics say that 50 Canadian men die by suicide each week. This is a problem that needs to stop and is something we need to address in Parliament.

This particular Father's Day on the Hill, instead of doing an event where we normally invite every member of Parliament and senator, we are doing a round table on men's health policy. Internationally, there are seven countries in the world that have a men's health policy: Australia, Brazil, Iran, Ireland, Malaysia, Mongolia and South Africa. Ireland blazed the trail in 2008 with its national men's health policy addressing a five-year life expectancy gap and targeting marginalized groups like travellers via the engage training program. Australia's 2010 national health policy updated the 2021-30 strategy and supports diverse groups like indigenous men, aiming for long, healthy lives.

Brazil's 2009 national comprehensive health care policy for men expanded men's health units to over 1,000 cities, focusing on primary care and reproductive health. Mongolia's 2014 strategy tackles a 10-year life expectancy disparity, while South Africa's 2020-25 plan addresses HIV, TB and mental health, aligning with UN sustainable development goals. In Europe, the 2018 strategy for the European region links men's health to SDGs, highlighting masculinity norms' impact on mental health help-seeking within the U.K. Lacking a formal strategy, it appointed a men's health ambassador in 2024 to break stigmas around men's mental health.

There are calls for a broader policy in this realm, and these are just examples that can help Canada craft legislation that prioritizes men's mental health and men's health, addresses disparity and fosters inclusivity without leaving anyone behind.

There is a centre in Edmonton called the Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, and in April, it moved into a brand new 30,000 square foot building, largely thanks to generous Edmontonian Bill Eaton. The Zebra Centre partners with the Edmonton Police Service's child protection section and child at risk response team, the Alberta RCMP, Children and Family Services, Alberta Health Services and Edmonton's prosecution services to serve children and youth who have experienced abuse, supporting them through the investigative justice and healing process. I hate that this organization exists, but I am happy that it does. Led by Emmy Stuebing, it is an incredible herd. I congratulate it and its wonderful team on its brand new facility. I am looking forward to touring the facility when I get back to Edmonton.

Finally, I thank Edmonton. From the banks of the North Saskatchewan to the farms south of the Anthony Henday, our riding has so much promise, and it really is a gem on the Prairies. We are attracting so many incredible individuals from across Canada because of our ability to show an entrepreneurial spirit in Alberta. I have been honoured to represent this city now for 13 years. We have watched it grow and establish more new families and a lot more new communities. I could not be more thankful for them allowing me to be here to represent them back home in our community. It was all just farmland when I started, but the way that Edmonton is growing, it is looking like a brand new city in south Edmonton.

The exciting thing happening right now in Edmonton is that our hockey is doing extremely well, so I would like to end my time by saying, “Go, Oilers, go.”

[Caroline Desrochers, Liberal, Trois-Rivières, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to congratulate my colleague on his election and thank him for raising this incredibly crucial and important issue. I have a young 17-year-old son myself, and this is an issue we often discuss at home.

This is an issue that has been discussed with some of my colleagues in the Liberal caucus. It is a really important issue, and I thank the member for bringing it to the forefront. I hope we can collaborate on it in the future and that this can be the spirit of the kind of collaboration we can have, to lift the House and make Canada strong.

[Matt Jeneroux, Conservative, Edmonton Riverbend, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I find that in this place, there are a lot of reasons that we get dragged into the partisanship, but at the end of the day, we are able to make friends on the other side of the aisle on like issues and policies that are able to change the country. I encourage every member to take the time to reach out on issues that are important to them and to build friendships across the aisle.

[Sébastien Lemire, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the member for Edmonton Riverbend talked a lot about Alberta's economy, how proud he is to represent his riding and how proud he is of the Oilers. Obviously, I wish him all the best in the finals.

He also talked about the Albertan economy and the province's entrepreneurial spirit. Does he actually appreciate what the Prime Minister and other Liberals are saying about creating one economy? They are ignoring economic differences between the regions as well as the need to intervene differently in Alberta, Quebec or elsewhere in Ontario. Does he support the idea of one Canadian economy?

[Matt Jeneroux, Conservative, Edmonton Riverbend, AB]

Mr. Speaker, one thing I support about the Prime Minister is his choice of hockey team.

Since being here, I have recognized that there are a lot of similarities between Alberta and Quebec. Right now, what we are seeing is a lot of challenges in Alberta. We see in the news the talk of separation, and that is because of a lack of respect from the national government. At the end of the day, that is in the hands of the government to change.

It is good to see that there is a lot of focus on Alberta right now in the news when it comes to energy and pipelines, and I think that is something we can both continue to push forward from our respective provinces.

[Richard Bragdon, Conservative, Tobique—Mactaquac, NB]

Mr. Speaker, congratulations on your role.

I want to commend my colleague from Edmonton Riverbend on the amazing, incredible work that he does for men who have been struggling with their mental health and all those who have been battling with their mental health. It is a very commendable field of work and is much-needed in these times.

I wonder if the member wants to comment further in regard to the struggles that Canadians are facing. I know that we put a lot of emphasis on the importance of recovery and the need for recovery-type services as they relate to mental health and addictions, but there was not much mention of that in the throne speech. I am wondering if he has any comments on how we need to get back to a recovery-based approach over harm reduction strategies when it comes to working with those struggling and battling with mental health issues and addictions in this country.

[Matt Jeneroux, Conservative, Edmonton Riverbend, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I take any opportunity to address mental health, particularly among young men. I gave out the statistic that there are 50 suicides a week in this country by men. Also, 75% of suicides are by men, and lots of times it is young men, whom we would not think of. There is a stigma out there related to talking about it. Any chance I get, whether it is in reply to a throne speech or at an event, to speak about the importance of men's mental health, I will absolutely take.

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Mr. Speaker, the issue of mental health is something we have invested a great deal in in the past. I am wondering if the member could provide his perspective on mental health within the health care system today and how it really needs to be brought to a much higher—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, John Nater]

The hon. member for Edmonton Riverbend.

[Matt Jeneroux, Conservative, Edmonton Riverbend, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the member is correct. Since COVID, we have seen an increase in people talking about mental health. We have seen an increase in people wanting to do something, but at the end of the day, we are not having these conversations here. It is also about funding. The funding needs strings attached to it to make sure that it is going right to mental health, and I hope that is what the government takes seriously.

[Vincent Ho, Conservative, Richmond Hill South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise in this chamber for the first time as the newly elected member of Parliament for Richmond Hill South, the place I have called home for the vast majority of my life. I do so with humility and deep gratitude to the people who placed their trust in me and are letting me be their voice. I thank the people of Richmond Hill. They voted for me, for change, and I will fight for that change. They can rest assured that I will fight for their families, their values, and their future every single day in this House.

My family's support means the world to me. I thank my parents for everything they have done to get me here. I thank my wife for being part of this journey so we can build a better future for our daughter. To my colleagues in the Conservative caucus, it is a tremendous privilege to stand alongside each and every one of them.

Before running for office, I was a corporate lawyer. I have four degrees from Canada's top universities, and I am licensed to practise law in Canada and the United States. I was a CFA charterholder and a partner at a major law firm. I gave that all up and entered public service not to see government grow, but to see opportunity grow and make way for bigger and prouder citizens; not to see failure excused, but to see merit rewarded; not to see Canadians divided by region, creed or conflicts abroad, but to see them united under a proud flag and behind a shared promise: the promise of a country where hard work pays off, justice prevails and the next generation inherits not less, but more.

During my election campaign, I had the opportunity to talk to many people in Richmond Hill South. Our team knocked on 100,000 doors, and I want to champion in this chamber the issues that I heard about. Unlike the Liberals, who feel no urgency to table a budget on time, I stand here today with a clear mission: to fight for policies that will restore safety in our streets, affordability in our economy, respect for our seniors and opportunity for the next generation of Canadians.

Let us start with what should be the simplest promise a government can make: to keep Canadians safe. Because of the Liberals' decade-long soft-on-crime approach, an unprecedented crime wave has been unleashed into our communities across the country. It has been keeping our communities up at night. Violent incidents, gang activities, carjackings and home invasions, often committed by repeat offenders, by the way, are becoming all too common all across Canada. Let me be clear: This is not fearmongering. It is a reality the people of Richmond Hill live with each and every day. I have spoken to seniors who do not feel safe walking to the park, to parents who worry when their kids walk to school, and to small business owners who have been robbed on multiple occasions while the criminals walk free.

Public safety must never be a partisan issue. However, under the Liberal government, a catch-and-release bail system allows repeat offenders to cycle in and cycle out of custody, all while our communities suffer the consequences. It is a system where criminals convicted of serious offences get house arrest rather than mandatory prison time, and criminals with consecutive convictions are rewarded with discounted sentences. This is an injustice and a slap in the face to the victims.

While the Prime Minister talks a big game about addressing crime, his throne speech does not mention ending the Liberal revolving-door, get-out-of-jail-free justice system. We need to restore real consequences for violent crime and stand up for victims, not criminals. Without law and order, there can be no freedom, no prosperity and no peace of mind.

However, safety is not just about crime. It is also about confronting the devastating Liberal-sponsored drug crisis, which has been destroying lives and families all across Canada. Opioid drug overdoses have risen to record levels under the Liberals' disastrous policies, claiming the lives of over 50,000 Canadians, a death toll that now exceeds that of the Second World War. The so-called safe supply policies and safe injection site experiments have utterly failed. Liberal government-supplied drugs have flooded our streets, compounding the pain and suffering of those already impacted by addictions. Decriminalizing hard drugs and giving out needles from vending machines have turned our neighbourhoods into open drug scenes where overdose deaths continue to rise, not fall. This is not harm reduction. This is government-orchestrated harm promotion.

We need a new path, a path that offers real hope, real healing and real recovery. We must focus on treatment over trauma. Solutions must be rooted in dignity, not dependency. Lastly, we must punish the fentanyl kingpins as the mass murderers they are. Every Canadian deserves the chance to rebuild their lives, and that starts with a system that helps them get off drugs, not keep them addicted.

Our streets became less safe from government-sponsored chaos, but also our economy is now in decline from a decade of Liberal vandalism. Canadians are being squeezed from every direction: groceries, gas, heating and housing. It is all going up, and people are falling behind.

The Liberal job-killing industrial carbon tax is driving up the cost of everything, especially for those who can least afford it. Farmers, truckers and working families are all paying more while the out-of-touch government offers less. This is not about reducing emissions; this is economic punishment of hard-working families that are feeling the squeeze more than ever before. We need to stop punishing work and productivity and sabotaging our country's competitiveness. That starts with axing the carbon tax for good and letting Canadians keep more of their hard-earned money. It also means addressing the deeper issue created by the Liberal government: the productivity crisis that is dragging our economy down globally and depriving working-class Canadians of a chance to get ahead.

Investment is fleeing. Productivity is declining. Factories are shutting down. Good-paying jobs are vanishing. That is not just bad for business; it is bad for workers, for wages and for our long-term growth. No Canadian should be out of work because the Liberal government refuses to get out of the way. We must unleash the potential of our economy. That means cutting Liberal red tape that chokes small businesses. It means speeding up project approval so we can develop our natural resources responsibly, build infrastructure and attract investment. It means rewarding entrepreneurship, embracing innovation and making it easier, not harder, for Canadians to build and create.

Next, we must champion pipeline development, not just as an energy policy, but as a nation-building project. We need to get our resources to market, create thousands of high-paying jobs and strengthen our energy sovereignty. It means ending the self-sabotaging and anti-energy policies, yet the throne speech makes no mention of Canada's oil and gas sector, which is Canada's most vital industry.

We need to be a country where a good idea can become a business, and a business can then become an industry; where students see a future not of delay and scarcity, but of drive and abundance; where we can make things again, build things again and grow things again, with the Canadian worker at the centre of it all. That is the difference between members on this side of the House and those opposite. Conservatives want to grow the pie for Canadians, while Liberals want to think of ways to slice it up among themselves.

Nowhere is the failure of the Liberal government's policies more obvious than in the housing market. Young couples are delaying and even forgoing starting a family because they are completely priced out. Mortgage payments and rents have doubled, while incomes have stayed flat or even declined. Young families are being priced out of their communities completely, while government funding creates more bureaucracy than housing. Plain and simple, the Liberals have orchestrated a supply crisis and perpetuated the housing hell that an entire generation is forced to endure.

We need to incentivize municipalities to build more homes faster. We need to require results and accountability, not endless reports and consultants where no strings are attached to Liberal federal funding. We need to remove the gatekeepers who delay and deny projects that Canadians desperately need. It should not take years and hundreds of thousands of dollars just to get a permit to build a home. Nurses should be able to afford to live near the hospital they work at, and tradespeople should be able to afford to live in the homes that they themselves have helped build.

People are not just angry or frustrated anymore; they are losing hope. They are suffocating. Misery is becoming the new normal. When one cannot walk down the street without fear, when housing is completely out of reach and wages are stagnant, when work is punished and bureaucracy is rewarded, our country cannot thrive.

I believe in the resilience of Canadians. I believe in the strength of our values and the promise of our future. I will fight for that Canadian promise, a country that is safe, affordable and free, a country that is not obsessed with our differences but focused on what unites us, a country where compassion is measured not by the size of the government but by the faith and strength of our communities, a country where freedom is not a gift from government but a birthright of every Canadian citizen, a country that believes in responsibility, not excuses, and in celebrating success, not sabotaging it. That is the Canada I will fight for. That is the Canada that Richmond Hill deserves. That is the Canada we will build together.

[Jessica Fancy-Landry, Liberal, South Shore—St. Margarets, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I know a lot of my colleague's speech today was talking about planning, readiness and preparedness. It makes me think about the fires that are going on right now in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. My constituency and my riding of South Shore—St. Margarets last year had some devastating impacts from fires, both in our Tantallon area and our Shelburne regions.

Therefore, my question for my colleague is this: How does he feel about the emergency preparedness measures that are going to be impacting so many of our different constituencies, unfortunately, right now?