Debates of June 5th, 2025

Main Estimates, 2025-26

[Eric St-Pierre, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

Mr. Chair, I will be speaking for about 10 minutes and addressing questions to the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade for five minutes.

Our government is deeply committed to building a transportation system that is not only safe, secure and efficient but also sustainable, innovative, and one that strengthens a connected and resilient Canadian economy. These priorities are reflected throughout Transport Canada's main estimates for the 2025-26 fiscal year. I would like to highlight a few key examples.

First and foremost, the safety and security of Canadians remains at the core of our government and has been reflected in Transport Canada's mandate. This priority is evident in many initiatives, including the main estimates. I will speak to a few.

In my province, the continued funding of the Lac-Mégantic rail bypass project shows that we are determined to divert rail traffic away from the centre of this community, prioritizing the residents' safety and peace of mind. Safety is further supported by numerous Transport Canada programs. One example is the rail safety improvement program. It funds projects that enhance rail safety through infrastructure upgrades, research, new infrastructure and measures to address climate change and extreme weather impacts along rail lines.

Rail has played a significant role in our country's history and in our economy. As of 2024, Canada's rail freight sector continues to be a cornerstone of the national economy, facilitating the movement of goods across the country. In 2024, Canadian railways transported approximately 377 million tonnes of freight, marking a slight increase of 0.5% from the previous year. This volume underscores the sector's pivotal role in domestic trade and economic activity. Previous years indicated operating revenues of $22 billion; this emphasizes the sector's essential role in supporting domestic trade and economic growth.

I also think of the airports capital assistance program, which provides eligible airports with funding aimed at maintaining safety. When we consider both civil aviation and aerospace manufacturing, the aerospace sector's total contribution to Canada's GDP is estimated at approximately $36 billion, or about 1.6% of national GDP. This figure underscores the sector's vital role in Canada's economic framework. Supporting the aviation sector has been crucial to movement of both people and cargo. I think also of the road safety transfer payment program, which supports initiatives that reduce road-related collisions, injuries and fatalities.

Programs such as these are essential in enhancing protective measures across our transportation network, and we will see them reflected under several other initiatives in the estimates.

The efficiency of our transportation network is just as important for Canada's prosperity. Today more than ever, it is vital to make strategic investments in infrastructure and supply chains to support a strong and competitive economy, and for Canada to have a more integrated and unified economy, we must reduce barriers to internal trade. That is why the Government of Canada is actively advancing internal free trade.

Approximately 528 billion dollars' worth of goods and services were traded internally, accounting for about 18.8% of Canada's gross domestic product. This step is vital to unleashing the country's full economic potential. To achieve this goal, we must have resilient supply chains that allow for the reliable delivery of goods to people, where and when they need them.

Our government remains focused on initiatives that ensure the seamless, consistent movement of people and goods. These efforts help keep life more affordable. They also strengthen Canadian businesses and reduce vulnerabilities in our trade corridors. Economists estimate that removing internal trade barriers could boost Canada's GDP by approximately $200 billion, about $4,800 per person, highlighting the substantial untapped economic potential.

We have heard our Prime Minister emphasize our commitment to nation building and to projects to further support our country's growth. If we turn to the estimates, we will see that our commitments are reflected in transfer payments, such as the national trade corridors fund. The NTCF provides funding for projects that address transportation bottlenecks, improve the fluidity and resilience of supply chains and support trade diversification. By investing in ports, railways, highways, airports, and border infrastructure, the NTCF helps ensure that goods move efficiently across the country and to international markets.

These priorities are also aligned with the work of the national supply chain office, whose ongoing efforts to strengthen and oversee Canada's supply chains are directly supported in the estimates.

I would also like to acknowledge Via Rail, a Crown corporation integral to the efficiency of our transportation network. This year's estimates include an increase in funding for Via Rail, supporting both operational costs and the renewal of long-distance, regional and remote fleets. Furthermore, Via HFR–Via TGF Inc., the subsidiary advancing the transformational high-speed rail project now known as Alto, will be receiving increased funding to move forward with the next project phase. These investments signal our dedication to a modern, interconnected Canada both now and in the future. Importantly, these investments will also help build a more sustainable transportation system, which is another key priority of Transport Canada.

Our vision for transportation is not just safer and more efficient but also greener. The main estimates support this vision through funding for the green shipping corridor program, an initiative enabling the transition to cleaner, low-emission marine transportation. This includes investments in greener vessels, shore power systems and quieter, environmentally friendly port technologies. By driving down marine emissions, Canada is opening new doors for innovators, safeguarding our environment and advancing sustainable shipping solutions.

Today is actually World Environment Day, and we are leading on action to protect the environment. The oceans protection plan programs are also taken into consideration in the main estimates. They continue to improve marine emergency prevention, protect coastal ecosystems and also promote partnerships with first nations and coastal communities. The plan also supports research and innovation to ensure that Canadian waters remain safe and clean for generations to come.

These are a few examples of investments that demonstrate how we are building a safer, more secure, more efficient and more sustainable transportation network. Our government knows that it is important for people and goods to be able to move safely and easily, while reducing our environmental footprint. I look forward to working with members of the House to see our vision and to build a strong Canadian economy.

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

Mr. Chair, let me begin by congratulating my colleague on his recent election and welcoming him to the House and, if I may, to our Liberal team. It is a very distinguished riding he represents, and we are all very glad to have him with us on the benches.

I was really glad to hear the member talk about the importance of transport and the importance of rail to our country. We all know, and we heard from the member of Taiaiako'n—Parkdale—High Park, about the iconic role that the railways played in knitting our country together. As we heard from my colleague from Quebec, railways are about our economy, they are about moving goods quickly across our vast land, and they are also about people and about people getting around in an effective, environmentally friendly way.

[Eric St-Pierre, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

Mr. Chair, airports play a crucial role in connecting communities, supporting economic growth and facilitating both domestic and international travel. Many of Canada's airports, however, are facing challenges related to aging infrastructure that could impact their efficiency, safety and ability to accommodate increasing passenger volumes in the years ahead.

Given the vital importance of these transportation hubs to our economy and daily lives, can the government confirm its commitment to investing in modernization and expansion of airports across the country? Additionally, how does the government plan to prioritize funding for these aging infrastructures to ensure that they meet future demands, while supporting regional development, job creation and sustainable growth?

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

Mr. Chair, I can absolutely confirm that. Although I have been transport minister for only a few weeks, it has been a real pleasure to begin meeting with the leaders of our great airports across the country and speaking with them.

Canadians depend on airports to get around, to go to work and to spend time with our families. This summer, I think a lot of us are going to be taking holidays in Canada and relying on our airports to help us do that. It is a really important question, and it is absolutely a priority of our government to invest in our airports.

[Eric St-Pierre, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

Mr. Chair, air transportation plays a vital role in connecting remote and northern communities with the rest of Canada, often serving as a primary link for residents to access essential services, goods, health care, education and economic opportunities. Given the unique challenges these communities face due to geography, weather and limited infrastructure, what are some of the specific ways that improving and expanding air transportation services can help strengthen these connections?

Further, with better air transportation support for not only day-to-day travel but also long-term social and economic development in these regions, are there any particular strategies or investments the government is considering to enhance the reliability, affordability and accessibility of air travel for people living in remote and northern parts of the country?

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

Mr. Chair, that is a great question. Earlier today, I had the privilege of meeting with the Premier of the Northwest Territories and with two chiefs from that beautiful part of the Canadian north. A principal issue they discussed with me was transport and air travel. They are also very interested in improving roads.

I really believe that today, at a time when Canada's sovereignty is being challenged, at a time when securing our presence in our north is more important than ever, ensuring that we have good, effective transport, whether it is roads or airports, is more important than ever.

[Eric St-Pierre, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

Mr. Chair, how does internal trade between provinces help strengthen Canada's economy and create more opportunity for Canadians? In a country as geographically vast and economically diverse as Canada, the ability for goods, services and labour to move freely across provincial and territorial borders is critical to national prosperity. What are some of the key ways that reducing trade barriers between provinces can lead to increased productivity, support small and medium-sized businesses and create new job opportunities in both urban and rural areas?

What role can government play at both federal and provincial levels to facilitate smoother interprovincial trade and ensure that all Canadians, regardless of where they live, benefit from a truly unified national economy?

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

Mr. Chair, that is yet another good question. We are just getting so many good questions right now.

I really hope that one of the issues that, and this is perhaps rare but it exists, we will be able to agree on in the House is the need to lift barriers to interprovincial trade. It is something that premiers agreed on, including Conservative premiers, NDP premiers and Liberal premiers.

The numbers are actually astonishing. It is really astonishing that these measures, which do not need to cost us a penny, can increase Canada's GDP by 4%. They can add $200 billion to our economy. There is a human benefit from this as well. That 4% of GDP is about Canadians working together more closely and doing more business with each other.

This is a policy that does not cost us any money, will make us richer and will draw our country more closely together. What is not to like?

[Michael Ma, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Mr. Chair, I will be splitting my time.

Bill C-2 only addresses fentanyl production with a focus on a precursor in part 2. Our borders are weaker when there are no consequences for drug dealers. What minimum sentencing will Bill C-2 impose on fentanyl dealers?

[Gary Anandasangaree, Liberal, Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Chair, Bill C-2 is a borders bill and does not include overall criminal justice reform.

I want to take this opportunity to welcome the member for Markham—Unionville to the House.

[Michael Ma, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Mr. Chair, what is the minimum intended sentencing for fentanyl dealers?

[Gary Anandasangaree, Liberal, Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON]

Mr. Chair, that is a question best posed to the Minister of Justice.

[Michael Ma, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Mr. Chair, is there even an intention then to have a minimum sentencing for fentanyl dealers?

[Gary Anandasangaree, Liberal, Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON]

Mr. Chair, again, that is a question best posed to the Minister of Justice.

[Michael Ma, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Mr. Chair, Canadian communities are not secure when repeat offenders can be released on bail within hours of arrest. Why was the repeal of the Liberal Bill C-75 catch-and-release policies not in Bill C-2?

[Gary Anandasangaree, Liberal, Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON]

Mr. Chair, as I have indicated a number of times, this is a border bill and not a bail bill.

[Michael Ma, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Mr. Chair, when will Bill C-75 be repealed?

[Gary Anandasangaree, Liberal, Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON]

Mr. Chair, this is a bill relating to the border. We look forward to bringing bail reform later on this year.

[Michael Ma, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Mr. Chair, can the minister then tell us when the repeal of Bill C-75 be made?

[Gary Anandasangaree, Liberal, Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON]

Mr. Chair, again, this is a question that should be posed to Minister of Justice.

[Michael Ma, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Mr. Chair, Canadian communities are not secure when the producers and traffickers of fentanyl avoid jail time. Why was the repeal of the Liberal Bill C-5 on house arrest policies not in Bill C-2?

[Gary Anandasangaree, Liberal, Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON]

Mr. Chair, this is a bill relating to the border and not relating to sentencing.

[Michael Ma, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Mr. Chair, the same question then, when will Bill C-5 be repealed?

[Gary Anandasangaree, Liberal, Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON]

Mr. Chair, again, this relates to a border bill that we introduced. We are hoping to get support from friends opposite. This is not about criminal justice reform.

[Michael Ma, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Mr. Chair, Canadian communities are not secure when addiction victims constitute a demand structure for the flow of fentanyl and its precursors. Why was the treatment for our addicted community members left out of the Liberal's Bill C-2?