Debates of June 5th, 2025

Main Estimates, 2025-26

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade]

Mr. Chair, I am delighted that the member for Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk has reminded members of our dear colleague from Central Okanagan's unforgettable slogan, “free the beer”. When I was preparing for tonight, I was planning to find an opportunity to salute him for having undertaken that important initiative. I am very grateful for the work that Conservatives like Jason Kenney did on that important initiative.

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk, QC]

Mr. Chair, I thank my colleague for paying tribute to my colleague from British Columbia, whom I hold in high esteem, but she did not answer my question.

Canada Day is in 25 days. Is it not totally irresponsible of the government to say that it can be done by Canada Day? Is the government prepared to tell us that the free circulation of Canadian workers, in any profession, will be possible by Canada Day? Yes or no?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

Mr. Chair, my answer will be based in part on a question that I must put to my colleague on the opposite side of the chamber. Will the Conservatives be voting in favour of this important measure? Yes or no? It is now their—

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Conservative, John Nater]

The hon. member.

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk, QC]

Mr. Chair, nine years ago, we Conservatives were in favour of interprovincial trade, but the Liberals voted against the proposal made by my friend from British Columbia.

I will ask another question. Will a nurse from Quebec be able to work in Newfoundland or British Columbia by Canada Day? Yes or no?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

Mr. Chair, as my hon. colleague understands very well, the federal government can only do its part, and it wants to do it. We are a minority in Parliament. We need the support of our colleagues—

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Conservative, John Nater]

The hon. member.

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk, QC]

Mr. Chair, that was not even a hint of the beginnings of an answer.

Will an electrician from Ontario be able to repair electrical boxes in Saskatchewan by Canada Day? Yes or no?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to speak with the Premier of Saskatchewan on Monday. He is one of the premiers who is very supportive of this initiative. We are working—

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Conservative, John Nater]

The hon. member.

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I do not have an answer yet.

Will a real estate broker from Ontario be able to work in British Columbia by Canada Day? Yes or no?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

Mr. Speaker, that is primarily a question for the premiers of Ontario and British Columbia, but I have to—

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Conservative, John Nater]

The hon. member.

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the cat is out of the bag now. Unfortunately, we now see the Liberal federal minister passing the buck to the provinces. That is exactly the opposite of what we need.

Will there really be an interprovincial free trade agreement by Canada Day, as the King said?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I have so much respect for my colleague from Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk. That is why I am surprised that he, a member from Quebec, is the one who is prepared not to—

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Conservative, John Nater]

The hon. member for one last question.

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk, QC]

Mr. Chair, it is exactly the opposite. The minister is the one trying to deflect.

Changing topics, many people in my riding work at the Quebec City airport. Leases are an issue that affects all airports in Canada, because they do not currently own the land. These are short‑term leases. Airports want leases to be extended by 50 years when it comes time to negotiate with the companies that set up shop there.

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

Mr. Chair, I am aware of this issue. It is an important one. We are currently studying it and working with officials.

[Jacob Mantle, Conservative, York—Durham, ON]

Mr. Chair, in the Confederation discussions, George Brown famously said that going from province to province is like “going to a foreign country.” He said that the Confederation proposal is to “throw down all barriers between the provinces—to make a citizen of one, citizen of the whole”.

Does the minister agree with our founding fathers that we should throw down all provincial trade barriers?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade]

Mr. Chair, I certainly do.

[Jacob Mantle, Conservative, York—Durham, ON]

Mr. Chair, when would the minister do this?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

Mr. Chair, as I said to our respected colleague from Quebec, I respect the jurisdiction of the provinces and I respect—

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Conservative, John Nater]

The hon. member for York—Durham.

[Jacob Mantle, Conservative, York—Durham, ON]

Mr. Chair, at your meeting with the first ministers, did you discuss internal trade barriers?

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Conservative, John Nater]

Please address questions through the Chair.

The hon. minister.