House of Commons Hansard #7 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was communities.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply Members respond to the Speech from the Throne, discussing government priorities and opposition criticisms. Liberals highlight plans for affordability through tax cuts and social programs, building a stronger economy by reducing trade barriers and investing in nation-building projects, and enhancing public safety. Conservatives criticize the lack of a plan, rising crime, the opioid crisis, and policies impacting industries, advocating for lower spending and taxes. Bloc Québécois members raise concerns about budget transparency, climate change, and provincial jurisdiction. NDP members point to social program achievements and call for action on housing, workers' rights, and environmental protection. 60700 words, 7 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan Members debate wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, which have forced thousands of evacuations, particularly from northern and Indigenous communities. The NDP and Bloc criticize the federal government's response, consultation, and lack of permanent infrastructure. Conservatives question preparedness, funding, and forest management practices, while noting human-caused fires. Liberals highlight their swift response, coordination with provinces and Indigenous partners, and efforts to provide support. All thank first responders and volunteers, emphasizing the need to work together, address the increasing frequency of disasters linked to climate change, and improve preparedness and resilience. 45000 words, 5 hours.
Tim Hodgson LiberalMinister of Energy and Natural Resources
Mr. Speaker, yesterday's meeting was a great show of national unity. It was a proud day for Canadians. In the words of Premier Ford, “When our country comes under attack from President Trump, we unite and we're a resilient country. And everyone realizes that if we don't move, we'll be left behind, and the consequences will be 10 times worse”.
Canada's new government is acting to make Canada an energy superpower. It would be great if the Conservatives helped us in this.
Ned Kuruc Conservative Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON
Mr. Speaker, I have good news. Last night, the Conservatives passed a motion calling on the Prime Minister to issue a budget this spring. This is as Trump is threatening to double the tariffs on steel to 50%. That would put Hamilton steel and steelworkers out of business.
The Prime Minister promised he would collect $20 billion in tariffs from the United States. There is no $20 billion and there are no tariffs.
Will the Prime Minister listen to Parliament, table the budget and show us how he is going to make up that $20 billion?
Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Mr. Speaker, at a time when we are in a trade war and know that our steel and aluminum workers are worried, we are standing up for them. We will continue to make sure that we fight by having strong countertariffs, that we protect our workers and that we build. We will build very strong, major national projects.
Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L’Érable—Lotbinière, QC
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, President Trump will jeopardize thousands of aluminum jobs in Quebec with tariffs potentially reaching 50%, and meanwhile, the minority Liberal banker is refusing to hear the majority of the House calling for a budget this spring.
He has no plan. He is spending half a trillion dollars without a budget. He is quietly abandoning the $20 billion in retaliatory tariffs while President Trump doubles down, and he is keeping Canadians in the dark.
Will the Liberal Prime Minister show some respect for Parliament and for the majority of Canadians who did not vote for him and table a budget this spring?
Yes or no?
Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Mr. Speaker, one thing is clear: A majority of Canadians voted for us.
As well, my colleague needs to understand that we are here to support aluminum workers. The Prime Minister, cabinet and I are committed to talking to the aluminum industry. The same is true for the steel industry and the unions. Since the beginning of this tariff war, we have been there to ensure that the tariff response is in place, to fight, to protect workers, and to build.
We will build Canada.
Mario Simard Bloc Jonquière, QC
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, instead of talking about pipeline projects that belong in the last century, the Prime Minister would have been better off discussing aluminum with his counterparts.
Tomorrow, we will find out whether Donald Trump is going to follow through on his threat to double tariffs. However, support for our industry was not on the agenda at the first ministers' meeting. There was not a word about it in the estimates either. The aluminum sector has been hit with tariffs since March. Those tariffs are at risk of doubling tomorrow, and the Liberals have yet to offer any help.
We have the right to know what the plan is if tariffs go up to 50%.
Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Mr. Speaker, on Sunday evening, I was at an aluminum summit in Montreal. We talked to people in the industry. I have also been in contact with Quebec's minister of the economy. Of course, what is happening in the aluminum sector is very concerning. We are here to help manufacturers, unions, and of course, workers.
We are going to use Canadian steel and aluminum in our major infrastructure projects, we are going to build a defence industry that will also help us create jobs in steel and aluminum, and we are going to diversify our international trade.
Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay Bloc Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC
Mr. Speaker, when Ontario's auto industry was threatened with tariffs, Ottawa rushed in with $2 billion.
Quebec aluminum has been subject to tariffs for three months now. Still, not a single cent has been released. Ottawa should have already offered direct assistance to the industry and shared some of the proceeds from the retaliatory tariffs. In the next 24 hours, Donald Trump could double his tariffs. However, there is still nothing for Quebec aluminum.
The Liberals got elected on tariffs. Why are they not ready today?
Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Mr. Speaker, contrary to what my colleague said, I was in Bécancour just two weeks ago to meet with Alcoa's executives and, of course, with the workers and the union. I was also in contact with Rio Tinto Alcan, because it is important in Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean.
We are working around the clock to protect investments and jobs. There is also money available through the regional economic development agencies. Canada Economic Development, in Quebec and in my colleague's riding, is supporting jobs and businesses as we speak.
Rosemarie Falk Conservative Battlefords—Lloydminster—Meadow Lake, SK
Mr. Speaker, for a decade, the Liberal government's anti-energy agenda has driven away Canadian jobs and investment. The consequences are clear. Building energy projects will boost our economy, reduce reliance on the United States and create good-paying jobs for Canadians. The only thing still standing in the way is the Liberal government.
At a time when our economy needs strengthening, will the Liberals finally approve and build a pipeline?
Tim Hodgson LiberalMinister of Energy and Natural Resources
Mr. Speaker, on Monday, the Prime Minister and the premiers agreed to work together to accelerate major projects in order to build a strong, resilient and united Canada. A Conservative premier, Premier Ford, said, “This has been the best meeting...in 10 years.” Canada's new government will fast-track projects of national interest and guarantee decisions within two years, while respecting indigenous rights and the duty to consult.
There is no question that this government will make Canada an energy superpower. I hope the member will get on board.
Rosemarie Falk Conservative Battlefords—Lloydminster—Meadow Lake, SK
Mr. Speaker, it is the Liberal government's anti-energy policies that are blocking critical energy projects in this country. Bill C-69, the no new pipelines law; Bill C-48, the shipping ban; the job-killing oil and gas cap; and the industrial carbon tax are all driving away investment and killing Canadian energy development.
If the Prime Minister is serious about his so-called “build, baby, build”, will the Liberal government repeal its anti-energy agenda to get vital energy projects built?
Tim Hodgson LiberalMinister of Energy and Natural Resources
Mr. Speaker, I hope the hon. member was listening to the Premier of Alberta yesterday. She talked about a grand bargain to build our energy superpower in an environmentally responsible way and in consultation with first nations. We hope the member will get on board.
Cathay Wagantall Conservative Yorkton—Melville, SK
Mr. Speaker, can the minister help me square a circle here?
Canadians were told that the Liberal Party had changed. They heard that a new government under the current Prime Minister would bolster Canada's resource economy so that we can compete toe-to-toe with the Americans. Just one month later, Canadians see how empty those promises were. The no new pipelines law, the shipping ban, the job-killing oil and gas production cap, and the industrial carbon tax all remain in place.
When will the Liberal government repeal its damaging anti-energy agenda so that private energy investment will reignite in Canada?
Tim Hodgson LiberalMinister of Energy and Natural Resources
Mr. Speaker, clearly Conservatives were not listening to the premiers yesterday. Premier Holt said that this is a critical time for unity, and I could not agree more.
We will work with the premiers and indigenous peoples, and we will fast-track projects and guarantee them done within two years. We will support new pipelines if there is a national consensus. We will work together, and we will make Canada an energy superpower.
Gérard Deltell Conservative Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk, QC
Mr. Speaker, a growing number of people in Quebec are in favour of building pipelines. That is understandable. We have had pipelines in Quebec since 1942. In 2012, a pipeline was built between Lévis and Montreal that crosses 26 waterways, including the St. Lawrence River. It is so good and works so well that no one knows about it and no one talks about it.
However, we know that building energy projects bolsters Canada's energy and economy.
My question is for the Minister of Heritage. Will he say yes to pipeline projects in Quebec and Canada?
François-Philippe Champagne LiberalMinister of Finance and National Revenue
Mr. Speaker, my colleague should be proud because he is a proud Canadian.
Yesterday, we witnessed a great moment of Canadian unity. The Premier of Quebec was there with his colleagues. They talked about major energy corridors to make Canada an energy power, an energy superpower. Quebec has a lot to offer Canada.
Quebec has expertise in hydroelectricity. Quebec has expertise in wind energy. Quebec has expertise in the environment.
We are going to become an energy power responsibly and fairly. We are going to build Canada together.
Gérard Deltell Conservative Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk, QC
Mr. Speaker, the heritage minister must know that Leduc No. 1 is a Parks Canada national historic site. That is the well where oil first gushed out of the ground in Canada and triggered the Canadian oil boom. The heritage minister should be proud of that.
Earlier, the Minister of Finance talked about a hydroelectric project. Is he aware that Bill C-69 gives the federal government veto power over hydroelectric projects?
How can Canada reach its full potential if the federal government does not mind its own business?
François-Philippe Champagne LiberalMinister of Finance and National Revenue
Mr. Speaker, Quebec does indeed have an important role to play. It will be able to develop its full potential.
When it comes to hydroelectricity, Quebec is a leader not only in North America, but in the world. Quebeckers should be proud that we are following Quebec's example. We can develop our natural resources responsibly, fairly and efficiently.
Quebec has always been a leader when it comes to energy. We will continue to draw inspiration from it. We will build the Canada of tomorrow together.
Terry Sheehan Liberal Sault Ste. Marie—Algoma, ON
Mr. Speaker, as I rise today, I want to wish my wife, Lisa, a happy 25th wedding anniversary. We are celebrating today. My wife and I live in Sault Ste. Marie, a border town, a very busy border town. Just as business never stops, so too the threats from transnational organized groups.
I want to know if the House is ready to hear some really good news from the Minister of Public Safety about a new act, the strong borders act.
Can the minister update the House on how this bill would continue to make Canada strong?
Gary Anandasangaree LiberalMinister of Public Safety
Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me thank the hon. member for Sault Ste. Marie—Algoma for his hard work. Of course, I too want to wish Lisa a happy anniversary.
The member knows that a strong border means increased security and prosperity. The strong borders act will combat organized crime, protect the integrity of our immigration system, equip law enforcement with the tools it needs and, yes, strengthen our border. Strong borders mean safer streets. Canada's new government is cracking down on fentanyl, auto theft, guns, money laundering, irregular migration and organized crime. We will always be there to protect Canadians.
Shuv Majumdar Conservative Calgary Heritage, AB
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Prime Minister committed to more rhetoric, more lofty words and no actual pipeline or energy infrastructure project. Alberta has heard all this before. We do not need headlines. We need results: Get our resources to market. Repeal the tanker ban. Repeal the pipeline ban. End the job-killing production cap.
Will every Liberal member of Parliament commit to doing this today?
Tim Hodgson LiberalMinister of Energy and Natural Resources
Mr. Speaker, if Conservatives were listening yesterday, they would know there is a grand bargain. There is a bargain that the Premier of Alberta has signed on to. We will build. We will do it responsibly, and we will do it in conjunction with indigenous partners. It would be really great if you guys wanted to do it the same way.
Natural ResourcesOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I will remind the hon. member to address his comments through the Chair.
The hon. member for Calgary Heritage.
Shuv Majumdar Conservative Calgary Heritage, AB
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has a choice: break from Justin Trudeau's legacy or double down. He can get rid of the pipeline ban today, the shipping ban today and the production cap today.
Let me ask again: Will the radical former environment minister, the Greenpeace activist who was once arrested in my riding and is now the Minister of Canadian Identity, stop attacking the very identity of Canada itself?