House of Commons Hansard #10 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was unemployment.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act Second reading of Bill C-4. The bill, An Act respecting certain affordability measures for Canadians and another measure, aims to implement a tax cut for 22 million Canadians, eliminate the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes up to $1 million, and remove the consumer carbon price from law. Liberals argue these measures deliver on election promises to make life more affordable. Conservatives call it "half measures" insufficient to address the cost of living crisis and rising unemployment, criticizing the continued industrial carbon tax. The Bloc Québécois questions the lack of a budget and argues Quebec was unfairly excluded from carbon tax rebates. 27100 words, 3 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Marilène Gill Bloc Côte-Nord—Kawawachikamach—Nitassinan, QC
Madam Speaker, I would like to seek the unanimous consent of the House to share my time with the member for Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères.
Bill C-4 Making Life More Affordable for Canadians ActGovernment Orders
Marilène Gill Bloc Côte-Nord—Kawawachikamach—Nitassinan, QC
Madam Speaker, as I have not had a chance to do so yet, I would like to thank my constituents in Côte-Nord—Kawawachikamach—Nitassinan for electing me just over a month ago. They have given me their support for a fourth time, and I must say that I was deeply humbled and touched by this renewed trust. I thank my constituents.
I also want to thank my team, because an MP is nothing without their team. Yes, there are voters, but there is also our team and all the volunteers around us helping us continue to work on all the issues that are important to us. The election campaign centred on economic issues, and I expected that they would have been addressed in the House already, at the beginning of this Parliament. As several of my colleagues in the House have noted, this government was elected on a promise to “fix” things. In fact, it seemed as though that was the only promise made during the election. I say “fix”, but I do not know if that is the right word. On the one hand, the Liberals talk about the issue of tariffs with the United States. On the other hand, they also remind us that they want to create wealth and make Canada strong, from an economic standpoint.
I would like to reiterate something that I think is totally irresponsible on the government's part. I have to say it. In fact, that is what the Conservatives' amendment was about, the one we supported. The government is not even tabling a budget. It is talking about the economy and people's fears. The forestry, aluminum and steel industries are present in my riding. People are worried, but absolutely nothing is being proposed for those industries. The government is not even tabling a budget, but, in my opinion, the primary responsibility of a government is to explain how we are doing financially and where we are headed. It should provide a status update before deciding how to spend the money from the budget that no one knows anything about. That is the first thing I wanted to mention.
Part 1 of Bill C-4 proposes a tax cut. Evidently, we are surprised that the government is proposing a tax cut when it has not even presented a budget or economic statement. The government is already proposing spending without offering any indication of where the money is going to come from. That is causing a lot of concern. Now, we are not going to object to a tax cut. We support lowering taxes in principle. However, we need to know who will pay for the tax cut. Are health transfers going to be reduced?
I talked about the economy, but throughout my election campaign, people talked to me about health. As we know, the federal government's health transfers to Quebec and the provinces have dwindled to a trickle. People told me that they cannot get health care in my riding. Out of our 1,300 kilometres of shoreline, there are 400, 500, 600 or more where people cannot get a doctor or receive treatments such as dialysis, for example. As a result, people have to move away. That is a very specific, very concrete example of the needs that we have. We expect the federal government to assume its responsibilities. I will give the government the benefit of the doubt, but in my opinion, the promise to lower taxes was very much an election promise. The tax cut currently amounts to $4 a week. It will be $8 in 2026. However, the government is not saying where it is going to get the money to pay for this measure.
We hope that the government will respond to the amendment that was adopted and present a budget by the end of spring. We hope that it will respect all the areas under Quebec's jurisdiction that are governed by Quebec's institutions, namely the National Assembly. With that, I will segue to another aspect of the bill, which is the partial elimination of the carbon tax.
Once again, during the election campaign, the Prime Minister promised a cheque to all Canadians, except for people in Quebec and British Columbia, after he abolished the carbon tax. The cheque was meant to cover a three-month period ending at the end of June. The fact is, this cheque is not a rebate to consumers, since the tax is no longer being collected. This cheque is a vote-buying gimmick that will cost us $3.7 billion. I did say “us”, but Quebeckers are not among the privileged citizens who will benefit from this amount. Quebec is being deprived of $814 million. The Quebec National Assembly—
The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès) Alexandra Mendes
I must interrupt the hon. member.
She will have four minutes and five seconds to finish her speech after oral question period.
Madeleine Chenette Liberal Thérèse-De Blainville, QC
Madam Speaker, on March 30, the Thérèse‑De Blainville chamber of commerce and industry held the Gala Stellar, a major must-see event, where a prominent member of our community with an exceptional history of service was honoured.
Serge Dion was given the prestigious Jean-Marc Boisvert award. As president of Jardin Dion, he built a flourishing business that employs over 250 people today. He has innovated and supported the third generation with generosity and vision.
I would like to pay tribute to him today not just as an entrepreneur, but as a man dedicated to serving his community. His impact extends far beyond the business world. He has served as president of the Sainte-Thérèse Lions Club, the Thérèse-De-Blainville chamber of commerce and industry, and Odyscène, not to mention his commitment to a number of local causes, including the Maison des jeunes, the Laurentides Alzheimer Society and the Saint-Eustache hospital foundation.
Mr. Dion's history of service is a source of inspiration. I thank him for contributing to our RCM with such devotion, ambition and constancy. He knows how to build, transform and innovate.
Michael Cooper Conservative St. Albert—Sturgeon River, AB
Madam Speaker, under the Liberals, Canada has become a playground for foreign interference. For years, CSIS, national security experts and diaspora groups have been calling on the Liberals to establish a foreign influence registry to counter foreign interference.
Only after the Liberals got caught turning a blind eye to Beijing's interference in our democracy did they finally introduce legislation to establish a registry. It has been a year since the legislation passed. Where is the registry? There is no office established, no commissioner appointed, and no timeline provided. After years of opposing and obstructing a registry, the Liberals' latest tactic appears to be one of endless delay.
This is completely inexcusable. It is time for the Liberals to finally take foreign interference seriously and get the registry up and running now.
Alana Hirtle Liberal Cumberland—Colchester, NS
Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Premier Houston, Premier Holt and our federal government for their leadership in securing critical flood protection for the Chignecto Isthmus. This is not just about protecting land. It is about protecting livelihoods, supply chains and the economic backbone of Atlantic Canada.
As this government doubles down on our belief in Canadian businesses and pursues one Canadian economy, we cannot stop here. The Maritimes hold an untapped potential that demands our unwavering commitment. Every dollar we invest in strengthening this vital corridor is a dollar invested in maritime workers, maritime families and maritime futures.
The question is not whether we can afford to invest more; it is whether we can afford not to. Let us work together across the political aisle to unlock the full economic power of the Maritimes.
Gabriel Hardy Conservative Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC
Madam Speaker, last week, the Charlevoix region hosted the very first citizens' symposium on better health, a first in Quebec and Canada. This shows that today, more than ever, health is everyone's business. The symposium brought together elected officials, professionals, citizens, researchers and doctors to discuss the topic of health.
The event, which was organized by Dr. Jean‑Luc Dupuis and his team, provided an opportunity to identify meaningful solutions to today's health problems, from access to health care to the prevention of chronic diseases. The workshops focused on four main areas: mental health, physical health, nutritional health and environmental health.
I want to thank the organizers and all those who participated. I want them to know that they have a strong ally in Ottawa because I believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and that it is more important than ever. We need to get moving in Charlevoix.
Eric St-Pierre Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC
Madam Speaker, as I rise to give my first member's statement in the House, I want to thank the people of Honoré‑Mercier for putting their trust in me. I am here thanks to them and thanks to a team of volunteers, friends and colleagues who believed in the vision of a stronger, fairer and more united Canada.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my wife and my two young daughters for joining me in this journey. Serving as a member of Parliament is an absolute privilege, but it comes with sacrifices, especially for those closest to us.
On that note, I also wish to reach out to all members in the House and thank them for their service. I would like to thank their families for supporting them. I invite everyone to applaud if they feel thankful for their families playing a vital role in our democratic process.
Kyle Seeback Conservative Dufferin—Caledon, ON
Madam Speaker, today I want to thank the people of Dufferin—Caledon who elected me for the third time in a row since 2019. This is a task that is accomplished by many people, mostly the volunteers and the people who have worked so hard on my campaign: my campaign manager, my E-Day chair, the sultan of signs and my sign crew, who put up the most signs I have ever seen, as well as all of my canvassers who went knocking on doors every single day and the people who worked on election day. As a result of all their hard work, I received 42,500 votes, which is the most votes a Conservative has ever received in the history of the riding of Dufferin—Caledon.
Of course, I want to thank my wife, who is my rock and who is always there for me.
I want to say to the people of Dufferin—Caledon that every single day I will work tirelessly to represent their interests here in Parliament and make sure I hold the government to account for them.
Tatiana Auguste Liberal Terrebonne, QC
Madam Speaker, I feel very honoured and humbled as I rise today to thank the people of Terrebonne for putting their trust in me and allowing me to represent them in the House of Commons.
Throughout this memorable election campaign, I had the privilege of meeting hundreds of people at shopping centres, seniors' residences, places of worship and their own front doors. These frank conversations gave me the opportunity to hear their concerns, their aspirations and their desire for change. Now, here we are.
I want to thank my parents for their unconditional support throughout this adventure. I also thank my team of volunteers and all those who believed in me all the way.
I promise to listen to my constituents, vigorously stand up for their interests and work tirelessly with the other levels of government to improve their daily lives. Together—
TerrebonneStatements by Members
The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès) Alexandra Mendes
The hon. member for Calgary Nose Hill.
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Madam Speaker, today we found out that unemployment has climbed to 7%. Canada's youth face a 14.2% unemployment rate, and Canadian students returning to school this fall face a whopping 20.1% rate.
The future outlook is even more grim. TD Bank expects 100,000 job losses this fall, and the Bank of Canada just stated that businesses are planning to significantly reduce hiring, yet the Liberals issued over 500,000 foreign student visas and 101,000 temporary work permits last year and have enabled over 300,000 pending asylum claims, which is roughly a city the size of Ottawa, of non-Canadian labour. This means even bigger competition for scarce jobs.
This situation is not fair to anyone, and it is not the fault of the immigrants who came to Canada hoping for a better life. Rather, it is the Liberals' fault for breaking the immigration system while pushing inflationary spending and job-killing policies.
The path forward is abundantly obvious. Conservatives demand that the Liberals immediately—
Immigration SystemStatements by Members
Andréanne Larouche Bloc Shefford, QC
Madam Speaker, I would like to draw the House's attention to the 90th anniversary of La Voix de l'Est, a newspaper founded in Granby in 1935 by a group of committed French-speaking men, including politicians Horace Boivin and Joseph‑Hermas Leclerc and industrialist and journalist Aimé Laurion.
From the very beginning, La Voix de l'Est was a powerful outlet for progressive ideas, and it helped shape the development of Granby and the surrounding region. This newspaper has never been just another publication. For many families, it has been a source of affirmation and cohesiveness. It is still a key tool for communicating our local identity today.
La Voix de l'Est has evolved over the decades by developing new projects, and it was recently reborn as a co-operative thanks to the determination of its employees.
Today, it continues to pursue its mission as a digital newspaper with the same level of commitment to quality news. In a context where regional media are vulnerable, preserving this voice is crucial to maintaining a strong, informed democracy that is rooted in its communities.
Karim Bardeesy Liberal Taiaiako'n—Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Speaker, 36 years ago this week, the world watched in horror as peaceful democracy activists in Tiananmen Square were met with tanks and gunfire. Less known, but deeply remembered by many of my constituents, is that Tibetans have, for decades, been met with brutal repression as they assert their basic rights to freedom and dignity.
Today that includes a more recent horror: colonial-style boarding schools, run by the Chinese government, that house approximately one million Tibetan children. A new report by the Tibet Action Institute shares how these schools now separate children as young as four years old from their parents, stripping Tibetan children of their religion and mother tongue and threatening to destroy Tibetan culture in China.
In recent weeks, I have met with the Sikyong, or leader of the Tibetan government in exile, and several other Tibetan human rights groups, guided by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Their unwavering commitment to self-determination for Tibet, to justice and to cultural survival in a non-violent way is deeply inspiring.
I am proud to represent the resilient Tibetan community of Taiaiako'n—Parkdale—High Park. Together with the community represented by my colleague, the member for Etobicoke—Lakeshore, it is the largest population of Tibetans and Tibetan Canadians in North America. To them, we say that we see them, we hear them and we stand with them.
Cathay Wagantall Conservative Yorkton—Melville, SK
Madam Speaker, as a young mother in the early 1980s, I experienced the challenges so many mothers are facing today.
Under the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Liberal government, our resources were hijacked and our economy was ravaged. Interest rates rose to 22%. When we talk about inflation being the highest in 40 years under the current Liberal government, it takes me back 40 years to when we, as small business owners with a young family, experienced the devastation in real time.
Now my children and grandchildren are facing the same challenges, with higher food costs that alone are overwhelming. The Liberal Prime Minister is more of the same, causing even more chaos. Ten years and counting of Liberal inflationary deficits have record numbers of Canadians needing food banks, single mothers watering down milk and Canadians eating less nutritious meals.
What is Prime Minister “I am a banker and I know how to grow the economy without spending money” doing to solve this inflationary crisis? He is bringing in half a trillion dollars in new spending.
Mike Kelloway Liberal Sydney—Glace Bay, NS
Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a vibrant celebration in the heart of my riding: the annual Club Day hosted by the Boys and Girls Club in Whitney Pier.
This year's celebration holds a special significance, as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada marks its 125th anniversary. That is a remarkable milestone in its legacy of supporting children and youth across this country. For generations, the Boys and Girls Club has been a cornerstone of our community, providing safe, supportive spaces where young people can learn, grow and thrive.
Each year, Club Day brings together families, volunteers and youth to celebrate the inclusion, leadership and community that define the great community of Whitney Pier. This event is more than just a day of fun and activities. It is a powerful reminder of the incredible work being done every day to empower our next generation.
The dedication of the staff, Chester Borden, the volunteers and the community of Whitney Pier is creating a better Cape Breton, a better Whitney Pier, and I say happy day for them.
John Williamson Conservative Saint John—St. Croix, NB
Madam Speaker, for 10 years, the Liberals have relentlessly targeted law-abiding firearms owners, hunters and sport shooters while letting gun smugglers and criminals off the hook. Now the Prime Minister has pledged to reinvigorate Justin Trudeau's gun-grab program.
The government's main estimates show the Liberals will spend four times more targeting legal gun owners than fighting gun crime in our cities. This is not about public safety. It is political theatre designed to appease ideologues who have never held a firearm and do not understand responsible firearm ownership. This includes the public safety minister.
As the member of Parliament for Saint John—St. Croix, I will vote against these measures, work to protect communities and stand with law-abiding firearms owners across the country. Common sense, not ideology, must guide our public safety laws. It is time to bring jail, not bail for criminals and stop the crime.
Mark Gerretsen Liberal Kingston and the Islands, ON
Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary act of courage and selflessness by Mr. Lee Spafford, a UPS driver in my riding of Kingston and the Islands, whose bravery turned an ordinary workday into a moment of heroism.
While on his delivery route, Mr. Spafford spotted smoke, which appeared to be rising behind a house. Without hesitation, he investigated the situation and indeed found the house to be on fire. With no regard for his own safety, he rushed into the burning home and rescued an elderly woman alone and trapped inside. His swift and fearless actions saved a life and exemplified the very best of our community spirit.
In a world where headlines often focus on division, Mr. Spafford reminds us of the quiet heroes among us, those who act not for recognition but for doing what is right. We thank Mr. Spafford.
Eric Duncan Conservative Stormont—Dundas—Glengarry, ON
Madam Speaker, the latest job numbers are out, and they are bad. Unemployment is up 7%. It increased to 14% from just one year ago and is the highest it has been in a decade, outside of COVID.
There has been virtually no growth in employment in 2025. One in every five students is unemployed and looking for work. Stats Canada itself confirmed just how bad things have gotten in our economy: “People are facing greater difficulties...in the current labour market.” This is the result of 10 years of the same Liberal inflationary and job-killing policies. The Prime Minister wants to double down on the same failed approach that got us into this mess in the first place. He promised to cap spending at 2%, but the first spending bill that he tabled increased it by a whopping 8%. That is half a trillion dollars more of inflationary spending with no budget.
On behalf of the 1.6 million Canadians who are unemployed, when will the Liberals get serious and table a spring budget, so Canadians can get back to work?
Giovanna Mingarelli Liberal Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, ON
Madam Speaker, I am deeply troubled by President Trump's new threats to impose additional tariffs on our Canadian steel and aluminum industries. The aluminum and steel industries in Canada and the United States are highly integrated. We all prosper when we build together.
I had the privilege of visiting Ivaco Rolling Mills in L'Orignal back in April, and I was able to speak directly with workers and management about the challenges facing our steel industries in Prescott—Russell—Cumberland.
This week, I met again with Ivaco's president, Stéphane Oehrli, to address growing concerns over President Trump's latest threats of a 50% tariff on Canadian steel. I, along with the government, am standing firmly with Ivaco and with all steel and aluminum workers in Prescott—Russell—Cumberland and across Canada.
Our government is fighting for the steel and aluminum industries to ensure fair trade, protect good jobs and defend these vital industries from unjust foreign pressures—
Steel and Aluminum IndustryStatements by Members
The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès) Alexandra Mendes
Oral questions.
The hon. member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan.
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Madam Speaker, the job numbers are out, and they are bad. Failing Liberal policies have now caused a full-blown unemployment crisis: 7% unemployment overall. Ontario alone has shed 25,000 manufacturing jobs, and one in five students cannot find a job this summer.
When will the government reverse its job-killing policies so that Canadians can get back to work?