Debates of June 4th, 2025

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply

[Rhonda Kirkland, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

Madam Speaker, I am really superhappy that the member opposite asked me that question, because our Conservatives proposed a ton of solutions in the 44th Parliament as well as during the last campaign. Some of those, I believe, were plagiarized by his government. I am happy that it plagiarized them. Some of them are good. I would like to see them go further.

[Ned Kuruc, Conservative, Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON]

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleague from Oshawa on her win. We all know that in order to get to the House of Commons, we have to knock on a lot of doors, listen to our constituents, form opinions and campaign very hard. I would like to know if she has a story to tell from her door knocking, because every time we knock on a door, every story we hear stays with us and shapes us as young politicians. Could she share a story with us, please?

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

It should be a very brief story, in 15 seconds.

The hon. member for Oshawa.

[Rhonda Kirkland, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

Madam Speaker, I will be brief. There was story after story. It really comes down to affordability, and people just want the freedom to be able to live on a safe street and have a home. The best story is about one young lady in southern Oshawa. She came out with her son and said, “This is Ms. Kirkland, who is running for the Conservative Party. You know, the blue party.” Then she said, “Can I give you a hug?”

Honestly, it was those—

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

We have to leave it at that. I am sorry.

Resuming debate, the hon. member for Calgary Signal Hill.

[David McKenzie, Conservative, Calgary Signal Hill, AB]

Madam Speaker, it is my honour to rise today in this chamber to speak on behalf of my neighbours and fellow residents of Calgary Signal Hill. Others in this House have commented since the beginning of this 45th Parliament that politics is a team sport, and I for one would not have it any other way. The Conservative team in Calgary Signal Hill is one of the best in our country, and I am proud to be part of that team.

I am also grateful to all the individuals who volunteered their time and energy in the general election campaign, and I thank them today. I am thinking about Joanne Birce, an amazing volunteer in our community, who, together with Cynthia Williams, ran our campaign office; Adrian Smith, Stuart McConkey and Tim Wall, our sign crew; Steve McLeod, one of the sharpest minds in politics; Barb Shaw, Changping Shao, Bob MacDonald, Mark Moennich, Bonnie McGinnis, Carrie Wall, Rick Harland and others who gave hour after hour to knock on doors and do whatever needed to be done; and of course, Michael Smith, who kept it all on track and running smoothly. Jeff Sterzuk and Myron Tetreault were tremendously supportive as well, as were friends old and new who gave support in so many ways.

These volunteers gave of themselves with no reward other than the betterment of our country and perhaps an occasional cup of coffee or a Timbit. I am mindful today of their commitment and contributions, and I will remain mindful of these things as I strive to represent them and all residents of Calgary Signal Hill in this House to the very best of my abilities.

One does not venture into the challenging waters of politics without the solid support of family. I want to thank my partner in life, Michele, for her rock-solid support of my long-held desire to enter federal politics. Taking on this important role means many days and nights of being apart, but she has never wavered in her support. My two children, Kristen and Alex, have likewise encouraged me to start a new career when others much smarter than me are retiring from theirs. They have believed in me as I have believed in them, and I love them for it. My daughter, Kristen, is a young scientist presently completing her master's in biology, and Alex has recently started his career in finance. They are hard-working and passionate people, and I am so very proud of them. I also extend my thanks to Lianne for cheering me on and being a wonderful mother to our children.

During the election campaign that concluded a short five weeks ago, I heard from many people at their doorsteps of the expectation that I will be part of making our country better by working with all members of the House to obtain the best outcome for Canadians. A good idea is a good idea, regardless of which side of the House it arrives in, and members of this House need to focus on ensuring that the best ideas win the day. It is working: The best ideas the Liberals have right now all came from the Conservatives. I agree with my neighbours on the need to work together, and I pledge to keep my focus on what is best for them and what is best for Canadians.

Signal Hill is a shining example of the promise of Canada. In the election campaign, I met many proud Canadians who, because of their work in the energy industry, are living the Canadian dream. The energy industry is not just an employer; it is a means of advancement for families. While the Canadian energy sector is the lifeblood of my community, many are worried about their future under a Liberal government that told us one day not that long ago that it was done with building pipelines but then said the next day that it wants us to be an energy superpower.

For the last 10 years, Canada's energy sector has endured what my colleague from Calgary Heritage referred to a few years ago as a “systemic attack by a government indifferent to the consequences of its decisions.” When we consider that almost 90% of Canada's oil production comes from Alberta and Saskatchewan, it should surprise no one that these attacks have been taken as partisan bullying aimed at our western provinces. As a proud Canadian who loves this country from coast to coast to coast, that saddens me.

I have been in this House over the last number of days as assurances have been given that it is different now, but I am sure that one can forgive the people of Calgary Signal Hill for being skeptical of this sudden about-face from a Liberal government that killed energy east and northern gateway, that banned west coast oil shipments by tanker and that has put in place a regulatory framework for a new project review that our energy industry tells us is utterly unworkable.

Before members opposite rise to tell us that promises have been made and all will be well, perhaps they need to be reminded of some of the promises the Liberal government has made that simply were not kept.

In 2015, Justin Trudeau promised electoral reform; that did not happen.

In 2019, the Liberals promised they would criminalize elder abuse; that did not happen.

In 2019, the Liberals promised to establish a dedicated agency for defence procurement; that did not happen, and our forces continue to suffer today.

In 2021, the Liberals said that they would create a new federal hub to help Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs take advantage of trade agreements that Canada is party to; that did not happen.

In 2021, the Liberals promised a $4.5-billion Canadian mental health transfer to the provinces; it did not happen.

In 2022, the Liberals promised they would establish a permanent council of economic advisers to provide independent advice to government on long-term growth. Guess what. It did not happen.

When the Liberal government says today, “Don't worry, we promise to fix it”, residents of Calgary Signal Hill do worry. They do not understand why the Liberal government refuses to repeal Bill C-69, refuses to repeal Bill C-48 and refuses to scrap the production cap on oil and gas.

The Minister of Natural Resources recently spoke in Calgary, a prime opportunity to walk away from these three suffocating policies, but there was not a word. In fact, there seems to be an aversion to saying the word “pipeline” out loud in the Liberal government, even with thousands of kilometres of pipelines operating in Canada at this very minute, safely and responsibly, taking petroleum products from production to end users.

If a person knows somebody with a habit of over-promising and consistently under-delivering, that person eventually loses faith that they will say what they mean and mean what they say. Today, the answer is no; it is not enough to make more promises. It is not enough to say, “Don't worry, we will do this or we will do that”. My neighbours in Signal Hill require action and results, not empty promises.

As I conclude, I wish to take a moment to acknowledge the exemplary service of Ron Liepert, the prior MP for Calgary Signal Hill. After serving as press secretary to the late and great Alberta Premier Peter Lougheed, Ron was elected to the Alberta legislature in 2004. Ron served three premiers over seven-plus years in that institution, acting successively as minister of education, minister of health and wellness, minister of energy and minister of finance. After time in the private sector, Ron was elected to the House with the class of 2015 and served the people of Calgary Signal Hill for just under 10 years. The former member is now focusing on his golf game full time, and he does so with the thanks and appreciation of his friends and neighbours in the riding that we share. He has been an outstanding example of public service at its best. The residents of Calgary Signal Hill join me in thanking Ron Liepert.

Finally, I want to share the contents of a letter I just received from a resident of Calgary Signal Hill. Lily writes:

My name is Lily. I am nine years old. I noticed that you won the election in my riding. Congratulations. I wanted to ask you to make good, kind and fair decisions for us. Thank you.

These words perfectly lay out the work ahead for the House and the expectation that all Canadians hold for us as parliamentarians.

[Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Madam Speaker, last month, more than 8.5 million Canadians voted for our ambitious plan to strengthen and unify our economy. That is the most votes a party has ever received in a Canadian federal election. The Speech from the Throne accurately reflects the commitments we made during the election campaign.

The throne speech reflects the will of the more than 8.5 million Canadians who gave us such a strong endorsement in the last election. Will my colleague vote in favour of our throne speech this evening?

[David McKenzie, Conservative, Calgary Signal Hill, AB]

Madam Speaker, what is most important right now is what the government plans to do with respect to the energy industry, which, as I have stated in this House, is the lifeblood of my community in Calgary Signal Hill. We do not need more empty promises. We need results. We need a commitment to repeal Bill C-69. We need a commitment to repeal Bill C-48. We need a scrapping of the production cap on oil and gas. Those are the issues that are of greatest importance in my riding. I would invite the member opposite to make that commitment today on behalf of his party.

[Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay, Bloc, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC]

Madam Speaker, I listened carefully to my colleague's speech. He suggested that the pipeline is an element of nation-building. The new Canadian identity is taking shape. We neglected this concept for decades, but now the American giant is forcing us to define Canadian identity. Some believe this new identity should be shaped by a pipeline.

If I understand correctly, Alberta's gambit was to convince people that it had separatist inclinations and then, at this week's first ministers' meeting, convince everyone that its pipeline construction plan is in the whole country's interest.

Does my colleague agree that, if Quebec opposes this project, if Quebec's conditions are not met, the pipeline will not cross Quebec's territory?

[David McKenzie, Conservative, Calgary Signal Hill, AB]

Madam Speaker, the question of pipelines is a question of the logical pursuit of projects that make sense. Yes, the energy industry is part of the culture in my part of Canada. I would expect all parts of Canada to understand the importance of this critical industry in our country and support those industries as not just part of a way of life, but a common-sense method of funding, financing and empowering the best interests of all Canadians.

[Pat Kelly, Conservative, Calgary Crowfoot, AB]

Madam Speaker, I welcome the member for Calgary Signal Hill to this House. He is another Calgary MP. It is great to see him here. I share his thanks to his predecessor, Ron Liepert, who is a good friend and known to all of us in this House. We wish him the best in retirement.

The member spoke in response to the last question. I would like to give him more time to fully explain some of the points that he might want to make there. It is not just because in his riding and mine the oil and gas industry, the energy industry, supplies high-paying, good jobs and careers that support families; it supports the entire country. It is the biggest industry in this country and it is where the revenue comes from to fund public services in every province. Does he agree and does he have anything else to add with respect to this important industry?

[David McKenzie, Conservative, Calgary Signal Hill, AB]

Madam Speaker, there is no question at all that the petroleum industry, centred in Alberta really, indeed in the fine city of Calgary, my friend's riding and mine being a part of that city, is central to the Canadian economy. It supplies jobs and opportunities not just in our province but indeed across Canada with manufacturers in Ontario, Quebec and other provinces that take part in our industry. It makes a central financial contribution. Its importance cannot be ignored and put on the shelf, which has been a long-standing tradition in the federal government under the Liberal Party. It is something that has to change.

[David Myles, Liberal, Fredericton—Oromocto, NB]

Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Saint Boniface—Saint Vital.

I am thankful for this opportunity to rise in the House for the very first time. I am grateful to be here. It is not lost on me what a special privilege this is.

I want to start by thanking the constituents of Fredericton—Oromocto for entrusting me with this responsibility. To be their representative here in Parliament is the honour of a lifetime.

I have always loved the Fredericton—Oromocto region. It is where I grew up, where my parents grew up and where I am now raising my children. I feel very fortunate to be able to do that.

Let me say that this campaign only made me appreciate what we have even more. Fredericton—Oromocto is a riding of about 80,000 people along the mighty Wolastoq, or the Saint John River. It is the traditional territory of the Wolastoqey, the people of the beautiful and bountiful river. It is a truly beautiful place that has sustained and nurtured life for thousands of years.

We are a riding of tech entrepreneurs, new Canadians, descendants of British loyalists, Acadians, two first nations communities, the Sitansisk and the Welamukotuk, and Canada's second-largest military base in Gagetown. It is a wonderful microcosm of this very country, with all the joys and all the challenges.

I thank the hundreds of volunteers who helped make this election campaign such an exceptional and unifying experience for all of us.

People of all sorts came out to help, many of whom had never been part of a campaign before. I had no idea what running was going to feel like. The truth is that I was nervous and scared. What I did not know was how it would feel to have people vouching for me. Volunteers were going to bat, supporting me, and going door to door in the rain and the cold, telling people that they thought I was a good guy and that I was the right person for this job. I will never, ever forget that. It meant so much to me. I thank them.

I thank my parents, Jim and Carmel Myles, who were both high school teachers. My dad taught in Fredericton. My mom taught in Oromocto. They loved their jobs and they set the standard for what it means to serve the community, to be part of a community and to love the community. I felt that during the entire campaign. Everywhere I went, I heard stories about how they had positively affected people's lives, and it was remarkable. I am sure I benefited from all of the years of their committed hard work in the community.

I thank my wife, Nina, and my daughters, Maria and Silvia. They are the ones who really convinced me to take on this challenge. They believed in me and convinced me that I could do it and that the time was right. Their support is invaluable, and I could not have done this without them.

Being here in this House is a privilege and that is not lost on me. I will not squander this opportunity and I promise to work tirelessly for everyone. I mean everyone, not just those who voted for me. That is a big part of the reason I ran in the first place. I love people, all sorts of people. I decided to run because I believe in Canadians.

I spent the last 20 years as a professional songwriter and musician, travelling all over this beautiful country. I travelled to hundreds of small towns in every province: east to west, up north, French, English, mining towns, military towns and every single big city. I will say, everywhere I went, I met decent people who cared about their communities and who wanted to build a good life for their kids in a country that they love. I did not see a country that was broken or impossibly divided. No, I saw a country of people who were fundamentally more similar than social media would ever have us believe.

Let us be honest. Sometimes we hear the same thing in politics, that we are too divided or too different to talk, to work together, to build together. I do not believe it for a second. Why? It is because I know deeply from experience that it is not the case. I learned it from being on the road for 20 years. It was also reinforced by my time campaigning. Over and over, door after door, I had so many great conversations with people who were tired of the polarization, skeptical of the partisanship and yearning for a focus on problem-solving over ideology.

Sure, there were folks who did not agree with me. That is normal. Did we still find time to have a chat about our community and our country's challenges? We did. I would say that this House, this Parliament, is no different. I really do believe that we are all here because we want to serve our communities, represent our constituents, and work hard to help build a country that we can be proud of for future generations, no matter what party we represent. I know perhaps I sound naive, but that is what Canadians want from us and expect from us. Let us keep that in mind.

There is a lot of talk about robust debate, but jeering and laughing while others are talking has very little to do with debate. I have been in show business for 20 years, and this is not show business, or at least it should not be. This is serious work and it deserves our respect. If we want Canadians to respect each other, we have to respect each other.

If we want Canadians to work together in spite of their differences, we must find ways to work together in spite of our differences too.

If we want Canadians to be united, we need to find ways to be united, and I am excited to do that. That is what I have always been interested in: building relationships across division. Why is this so important now?

It is because we are going through a very difficult period. Uncertainty, economic threats and a rapidly changing political landscape have forced us to really think about who we are as a country and how we can move forward together, strong and sovereign.

This will not be easy. It will depend on how well we can work together. Infrastructure east to west and south to north is going to require an ability to build relationships and trust from all parts of Canada and also from each side of the floor. It means identifying our common challenges and moving toward solutions together. Like the throne speech suggests, let us focus on making life more affordable, housing more abundant, our cultural organizations the envy of the world and our economy the strongest in the G7, and let us give our military the respect it deserves.

We can do this, and I look forward to working with all the members of the House on those goals every day that I am lucky enough to have this job.

[Helena Konanz, Conservative, Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay, BC]

Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate my colleague across the aisle on his first speech in the House. His enthusiasm is very contagious; I appreciate that.

What I want to ask him is this: I am wondering whether families he represents, families in his riding, are having trouble putting groceries on the table. Are the children going hungry, or are they not able to go into sports this fall, not able to play hockey, for example? Are people having to choose between sports for their kids and groceries?

I am wondering whether the member can explain how, after the last 10 years of Liberal government, food prices are so high and how the Liberal government is going to change anything that it has done consistently for the last 10 years to cause this problem.

[David Myles, Liberal, Fredericton—Oromocto, NB]

Madam Speaker, I would say first of all that there is a new government, and affordability is very important. I have actually spent many years dedicating much of my work to raising money for food banks, and I do understand families and how they struggle. It is a really important priority for me here, and I think that the first step is a tax break for 22 million Canadians. That is good news, and I suspect everybody will support that.

[Jean-Denis Garon, Bloc, Mirabel, QC]

Madam Speaker, my colleague gave a very good speech with a smile on his face. I have to say that throughout his speech, I kept thinking about how his first and last names, which I cannot say here, are so similar to Miles Davis, one of my favourite musicians. This brought the following question to mind.

Does my colleague not think that, given the crisis we are experiencing with the United States, calling an election and coming back with just a throne speech and not presenting a budget, despite the economic emergency, feels a bit like improvisation?

[David Myles, Liberal, Fredericton—Oromocto, NB]

Madam Speaker, I am a big fan of jazz. I am not as talented as Miles Davis, but I do play the trumpet. I thank the member for making that association.

We have already started doing things we can be proud of. We are already going ahead with some big plans, like the tax cut I just mentioned.

We also have plenty of other plans that we will be talking about more in the coming weeks.

[Arielle Kayabaga, Liberal, London West, ON]

Madam Speaker, congratulations on your return. I am pleased to see you back in good health.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate my colleague on his election and on the mandate that brought him here to the House. It is very important, and it shows how much Canadians want a government that can work for them.

My question for my colleague is this. How important is the work he wants to do here, in order to fulfill the mandate that his constituents have given him? How important is it to get through all the business we want to get through the House while making sure we are working with everyone? Can my colleague explain how important it is for all members of the House to be able to vote in favour of the work we do here? Can he talk about the importance of the mandate that he and his Liberal colleagues have been given?

[David Myles, Liberal, Fredericton—Oromocto, NB]

Madam Speaker, these are projects of national significance, so it is important that people who come from other ridings support us in getting these projects done, because it would be impossible to get major infrastructure projects built without the support of Canadians.

We now have the support of Canadians. That is important.

[Heather McPherson, NDP, Edmonton Strathcona, AB]

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleague on his discourse and his speech in the House, and to welcome him.

I have a bit of a concern, because I think about so many people in this country who are living with a disability and who did not see their concerns echoed within the throne speech. I wonder whether the member, while he was talking to his constituents, heard from constituents who are deeply concerned that $250 is simply insufficient to help people living with a disability stay out of poverty.

Will the government be taking the necessary steps to protect Canadians living with a disability, particularly in my province of Alberta, where the provincial government has taken $200 off, with the—

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

I have to give the hon. member for Fredericton—Oromocto time for a very brief answer.

[David Myles, Liberal, Fredericton—Oromocto, NB]

Madam Speaker, it is absolutely an important issue, as the minister spoke to in question period. It is a real priority of our government to make sure that people with disabilities live with the same dignity and accessibility that all of us do in Canada.

[Ginette Lavack, Liberal, St. Boniface—St. Vital, MB]

Madam Speaker, it is with great humility and an even greater sense of duty that I rise today to deliver my maiden speech. I am honoured to represent the people of St. Boniface—St. Vital, a riding that is vibrant, diverse, creative and resilient, a place where French is a living heritage and where dozens of cultures, languages and histories converge to enrich our collective story.

I want to thank the voters of St. Boniface—St. Vital for putting their trust in me. They have entrusted me with an immense responsibility, and I will never take it for granted.

I would also like to thank my incredible campaign team and volunteers, who dedicated hundreds of hours to our campaign. I also want to thank my family and friends, without whom I could not have fathomed undertaking such an endeavour; they have been the wind in my sails, and their unwavering faith in my ability to do difficult things has helped me immeasurably.

I want to pay tribute to Dan Drummondville, who served St. Boniface—St. Vital with integrity, generosity and dedication for over a decade. Dan was a strong voice for francophones, for culture and for Manitoba and the Prairies. I am committed to continuing his work with the same passion.

Many have asked me why I got into politics. I did it out of duty, hope and love for my community. It is an immense privilege to be able to serve my community and bring its voice, hopes and concerns to the House. I believe it is time for the voices of women, artists, francophones, young people and newcomers to be at the heart of our democracy.

What I heard at the doors deeply moved me: sincere, urgent concerns, with people fearing that a strong Conservative government could undo the social, environmental and cultural gains, and parents who are anxious about their children's future. I heard seniors wanting to age in dignity and young people dreaming of a just, sustainable future where environmental protections, equity and opportunity go hand in hand. I am here to tell them that I heard them and that I am here for them.

Sometimes we get an especially touching message. A woman in my riding wrote to tell me that her daughter had exclaimed that I was their prime minister, and that she had had to explain that this was not exactly the case. This woman told me that I was having a very positive impact and that I was a strong, authentic female role model for the younger generation. I reread that message often, because politics is also about inspiring people, representing them and giving them a dream to work toward.

The recent Speech from the Throne paints a picture of Canada that matches what I saw on the ground throughout the election campaign. It is a picture of a country that wants to move forward together, without leaving anyone behind. I am especially pleased to see that culture, the francophonie and immigration are an important part of this vision.

Culture is everywhere in St. Boniface—St. Vital. It is in the murals in the French-speaking neighbourhood, which tell the story of the Red River Métis and francophone pioneers. It is in the Festival du Voyageur, an annual event that brings tens of thousands of visitors together to have fun, listen to music and experience the warmth of human connection despite the February cold. It is in the celebrations at gurdwaras and temples. It is in the hip-hop concerts, modern art exhibitions and theatres, which are living expressions of our spirit and creativity.

Cultural industries generate over $58 billion in GDP and nearly 700,000 jobs, yet artists and creative talents still face precarity. They deserve better.

I appreciate the commitment made to CBC/Radio-Canada. For francophones out west, Radio-Canada is more than just a media outlet; it is a common thread that unites generations, a lone voice in an English-dominated media landscape. It is also a tool for regional development, artistic dissemination and community cohesion. Above all, however, it is the cornerstone of the kind of free and independent press that is essential for our democracy to thrive. In a world where disinformation is gaining ground, protecting our public media institutions is more important than ever.

The francophonie is alive and well in our riding and co-exists alongside a cultural mosaic. In my riding, indigenous people and people representing communities from around the world enrich our social fabric.

Our strength lies in this diversity. A united Canada means that every person feels they belong and can contribute their best.

To develop this vision, we have to address barriers to labour mobility, especially for internationally trained immigrants. Francophone immigration remains a challenge, particularly in minority settings. We have doctors in our communities who are blocked from teaching or practising medicine.

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

I must interrupt the hon. member. A phone is ringing and it is bothering the interpreters. I would appreciate not hearing that kind of noise in the House.

The hon. member for St. Boniface—St. Vital.

[Ginette Lavack, Liberal, St. Boniface—St. Vital, MB]

Madam Speaker, in our communities, there are doctors who are not allowed to practise medicine, teachers who are not allowed to teach and engineers who have to rebuild their careers from scratch. We absolutely need to thoroughly review our mechanisms for recognizing credentials and skills. Not only is the current situation a waste of these people's time, but it is also a waste of their talent and a loss for Canada as a whole. Removing these barriers is not only the right thing to do, but it will also help build a stronger, fairer and more competitive Canada.

I commend my colleagues from Don Valley West and Hull-Aylmer, who stressed our connections with Africa. They reminded us that Africa is full of young, dynamic countries, many of them francophone, and that our future is connected to these partnerships. Let us work together to strengthen the international Francophonie. The desire to build collectively extends beyond our borders. Canada must forge new relationships based on respect, co-operation and solidarity.

My commitment as a member of Parliament is clear. I will defend the language rights of western Canadian francophones in all places and at all times. I will strengthen arts and culture, because they are the soul of our communities, large and small, all across the country. I will support an ambitious and inclusive immigration plan that is aligned with this country's economic and social needs. I will build bridges between francophones here and around the world.

I will close by reaffirming that I am here because of all the people who refused to stay silent, whether they were women, francophones, immigrants, artists or builders working in the shadows. All of these groups were often marginalized, but they were the people who built Canada as we know it and who made it a great place to live.

I am here because I believe in solidarity, culture, language and a country where everyone can dream, build and be heard.