Debates of June 9th, 2025

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Toronto—Danforth, ON]

Mr. Speaker, that is interesting because I feel like the member is quoting me. I said that Canada must be an energy superpower that is low-risk, low-cost and low-carbon.

[Shuv Majumdar, Conservative, Calgary Heritage, AB]

Mr. Speaker, actually, that was the Prime Minister.

Let me ask another question, based on another quote: “‘Will I support building a pipeline?’ Yes.”

Does the minister agree with this position?

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Toronto—Danforth, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I have answered that question before, and I will answer it again. It is not my job, as the Minister of Environment, to choose the projects. We had the premiers and the Prime Minister sit down and talk about what national unity looks like. My job is—

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

The hon. member for Calgary Heritage has the floor.

[Shuv Majumdar, Conservative, Calgary Heritage, AB]

Mr. Speaker, that was the Prime Minister in a CTV interview on May 14, 2025.

To the contrary, the minister's predecessor stated in 2019 that, “The atmosphere and our climate certainly don't need [pipelines].” The minister is somebody who has served Parliament for a long time. Does the minister still support that view?

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Toronto—Danforth, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is the same question I have been answering all night, and once again, my job as Minister of Environment and Climate Change is to make sure that we protect our environment. It is not to pick and choose the projects.

[Shuv Majumdar, Conservative, Calgary Heritage, AB]

Mr. Speaker, these are two very different positions.

Let me ask another question. The minister's predecessor stated, “we can't help Europe with oil.” Does the minister still agree with that view today?

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Toronto—Danforth, ON]

Mr. Speaker, what I cannot understand is why the member opposite refuses to consider Canada as an energy superpower, considering all the forms of energy we create. If we want to be a superpower, we need to be ready to step up with all the forms of energy that the world is looking for.

[Shuv Majumdar, Conservative, Calgary Heritage, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I care deeply about traditional and transitional energy resource needs. The mix needs to be diverse. I represent a part of the country that provides the world with massive oil and gas potential. Let me ask about another quote: “half of [proven] oil reserves...need to stay in the ground”. Does the minister agree with that perspective?

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Toronto—Danforth, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I have said it before, and I will say it again: Canada can and will be an energy superpower, taking into account all the forms of energy that our country can and will produce. We need to make sure that we are low-risk, low-cost and low-carbon when we are doing it.

[Shuv Majumdar, Conservative, Calgary Heritage, AB]

Mr. Speaker, how about this quote: “At the core of that investment is the complete overhaul of our energy system.”? Does the minister agree we need to completely overhaul our energy system?

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Toronto—Danforth, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said previously, we do have an important place right now. Canadians are asking us to step up as a united country, to build a strong economy and to be an energy superpower with energy security, but we need to do it in a way that is low-risk, low-cost and low-carbon.

[Shuv Majumdar, Conservative, Calgary Heritage, AB]

Mr. Speaker, these are completely divergent positions held by the minister of environment over the last decade and into today. The quotes I have been referring to are from the Prime Minister himself. The minister says that there is a consensus, but there is clearly no consensus at the cabinet table, so what exactly does consensus look like?

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Toronto—Danforth, ON]

Mr. Speaker, what Canadians are looking for is unity, and the disunity that I am hearing is from that side of the House. That is the side that is sowing division. We saw premiers and the Prime Minister at a table, unified, and that is what Canadians want.

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Waterloo, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the proud federal representative of the riding of Waterloo to speak on one of the most urgent and defining challenges of our time: the environment and climate change. As members of the Liberal Party, we understand that addressing climate change is not only an environmental imperative but a vital economic opportunity for communities like Waterloo and all Canadians.

Waterloo is a dynamic riding, known for its innovation, education and growing industries, yet it faces pressing environmental challenges: urban growth, transportation emissions and the need for sustainable infrastructure. Waterloo, I believe, is the only riding in the country where the mayor of Waterloo, the member of provincial Parliament for Waterloo and my team, as the member of Parliament for Waterloo, are all located in one building. We are all located in Waterloo city hall.

The environment sees no borders and demands a comprehensive response across all levels of government, the private sector, academia and civil society. Our government recognizes the realities of climate change. I would like to highlight some key federal investments that are supporting Waterloo's transition to a greener, more resilient future.

Waterloo is a vibrant hub of innovation, education and industry. We are home to world-renowned institutions, like the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University; cutting-edge research facilities; and brilliant technology companies. In Waterloo, we are home to the Canadian Water Network, a hub for cross-sector collaboration to address Canada's water challenges and opportunities. It works with a wide range of organizations and individuals with diverse perspectives and expertise to solve today's complex water issues.

The Canadian Water Network's partners and collaborators include government decision-makers, water managers, public health practitioners, community-based and indigenous organizations, and representatives from water-dependent economic sectors, among others. It is located in the University of Waterloo, in the riding of Waterloo, in the region of Waterloo.

Waterloo is also home to Canada's first net-zero building, known as evolv1. Usually, office buildings are not energy-efficient, contributing to around one-third of greenhouse gas emissions globally. Originally, researchers found that zero-carbon buildings used more energy than predicted, yet evolv1 is a unique, modern, 104,000-square-foot urban space designed for today's millennial tech-savvy workforce.

It is a three-story office building in Waterloo, Ontario. It was designed by architecture firm Stantec; built by Cora, a development company; and located on the doorstep of our Ion light rail transit. It showcases an array of amenities and creative collision spaces. Evolv1 offers a perfect, light-filled new home for today's growing tech or professional services companies and garners much international attention. It was imagined in partnership with Sustainable Waterloo Region and was certified LEED platinum. This building is a net-positive energy building, meaning it produces more energy than it consumes. It incorporates energy-efficient design features, including high-performance envelopes, solar arrays and geothermal systems.

In Waterloo region alone, there are over 15,000 homes that were built prior to 1940, presenting a huge opportunity to take action. In Waterloo, we are part of the solution, and we turned a century home into a modern net-zero house, known as the Reep House. It has achieved an 86% reduction in energy use and a LEED for homes Canada platinum rating.

At Reep Green Solutions, they believe that, acting today, we can leave our children a community that is more resilient, vibrant, caring and sustainable. Their mission is to empower the community with the practical tools, knowledge and capacity for action to make sustainable living the norm. Constituents within the region of Waterloo can contact Reep, and Reep will help inform them of any tax credits, grants or programs available across all levels of government. Today, the minister referenced several programs that are available to Canadians.

Our community in Waterloo is poised to be a leader in the green economy. The blue box recycling system, a precursor to the modern recycling bin, was first developed and tested in the Waterloo region in 1981. In 1983, it was Kitchener, Ontario, that became the first community in Canada to include curbside recycling with blue bins in its waste management practices.

I often say that as much as the world needs more Canada, Canada needs more Waterloo. We are part of the solution. We are a barn-raising community. We work together with like-minded and not-so-like-minded people, because we know that everyone must be part of the solution.

However, to fully realize this potential, we require targeted investments. The federal government has been there for Waterloo with support that addresses the environmental challenges we face and leverages our local expertise.

First is investment in public transit and sustainable transportation. We know transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In Waterloo, we have seen significant federal funding directed toward expanding and electrifying public transit infrastructure. The Government of Canada has committed millions through programs like the public transit infrastructure fund, supporting the expansion of the Ion light rail transit system, a vital link, reducing traffic congestion and cutting emissions. This investment not only helps to lower our carbon footprint but also improves accessibility and connectivity for all residents, fostering inclusive and sustainable urban growth. It is an investment in cleaner air, less traffic and stronger communities.

Second is support for clean energy innovation and green jobs. Waterloo's tech ecosystem is a hub for clean energy and environmental innovation. Our government has partnered with local institutions and businesses through initiatives such as Sustainable Development Technology Canada and the innovation superclusters initiative to fund cutting-edge projects in renewable energy, energy storage and smart grid technologies. These investments are creating good, well-paying green jobs right here at home, while positioning Canada as a leader in the global clean economy. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach we need, tackling climate change while building economic prosperity.

Third is enhancing natural climate solutions through conservation and green infrastructure. Federal funding has been allocated to protect and restore vital natural areas in and around Waterloo, including river corridors, wetlands and urban green spaces. These ecosystems act as carbon sinks, improve biodiversity and mitigate flooding risks, which are issues that are becoming more urgent as our climate changes. Programs such as the natural infrastructure fund and the Great Lakes protection initiative have supported local projects and enhanced water quality and habitat resilience, helping safeguard our environment for future generations.

Fourth is climate adaptation and resilience. Waterloo is experiencing the impacts of climate change first-hand, from extreme weather events to shifting seasonal patterns. The government's investments in climate adaptation through infrastructure upgrades and community resilience programs are helping our riding better prepare for and withstand these challenges. Recent funding for flood mitigation projects and stormwater management systems exemplifies a proactive approach that protects both people and property, reducing costs over the long term and ensuring that Waterloo remains a safe and vibrant community.

In closing, we have more work to do. The federal government's targeted investments in Waterloo exemplify our commitment to tackling climate change through practical, local solutions. These initiatives demonstrate that environmental stewardship and economic growth go together. By building cleaner transit, supporting innovation, protecting natural ecosystems and enhancing resilience, we are ensuring that Waterloo and all of Canada can thrive in a sustainable future.

In my opportunity to exchange with the minister today, I would like to emphasize that we must continue to make decisions based on evidence, not ideology. Waterloo deserves and expects that. I am proud of the leadership we are showing as a government and the concrete steps the government is taking.

Our community in Waterloo is home to some of Canada's most innovative research institutions, and local scientists are doing incredible work to fight climate change, protect biodiversity and improve air and water quality. I would like to know if the Minister of Environment and Climate Change can share how the federal government has supported these efforts in Waterloo through recent investments.

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Minister of Environment and Climate Change]

Mr. Speaker, I would really like to thank the member for Waterloo because I always learn so much about her community. She is a tireless champion for her community. It is really inspiring when we hear about all that is happening in her community, but also how much she listens to her constituents and makes sure they are heard in this place.

I cannot agree with her more that Canada needs more Waterloo. It is a community that leads with collaboration, innovation and bold ideas. The member rightly pointed to the city's track record, from pioneering the blue box system in the 1980s to driving cutting-edge clean technologies today. Our government has been so proud to support that leadership through targeted investments. We have invested in projects that enhance Waterloo's ability to innovate and respond to climate change.

For example, at the University of Waterloo, federal funding supported the project making Canada's Arctic data and observations publicly accessible. That helps advance environmental transparency and data accessibility. Another project led by the university modelled the impact of urban expansion on ecosystem services, which is critical research for cities like Waterloo to grow sustainably, which is something that I think a lot of people in this place care about: how to make sure our cities grow in a way that is sustainable.

Our support has also helped assess climate-related ecosystem vulnerabilities across multiple regions, work that strengthens the entire country's approach to biodiversity and climate adaptation. We backed the tall grass habitat creation and management through Natural Resource Solutions Inc. It is a practical example of federal dollars delivering on-the-ground conservation outcomes. Also, we supported advanced machine learning research at the university to improve land classification from satellite images, leveraging Waterloo's tech expertise for environmental protection.

These are examples of our values in action, investing in smart climate research, in evidence-based solutions and in partnerships with our most innovative communities. The member for Waterloo said it best. The environment sees no borders, and that is why we are working across all orders of government, alongside universities, non-profits and the private sector, to make real progress. As we look ahead, we remain committed to implementing our platform to protect the environment and fight climate change, which will put Canada on a path for a stronger, cleaner future, one where communities like Waterloo continue to lead.

On that, if I may also add, what is amazing is that Canada is home to nine of the top clean tech businesses. Out of 100 worldwide companies, nine are based in Canada. We see the work that is being done in universities like the University of Waterloo, which helps to build that knowledge and that expertise. That is how we will continue to grow a strong economy.

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Waterloo, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the minister for those comments, and I find it really fascinating. The minister and I have had exchanges since we were both elected in 2015. It is a file that is really important to constituents within the riding of Waterloo. There is clearly a diversity of voices and a diversity of perspectives as to what the best approach is, but what I have noticed is that, more and more, people are recognizing the importance of having to act on the environment, accepting the realities of climate change. I would say that all parties in this House, except for the Conservative Party of Canada, would recognize the merits—

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Waterloo, ON]

Mr. Speaker, they make noise as if they are surprised.

Parties recognize the merits of climate change, and even the line of questioning going back and forth. I will always say that there is definitely more work to do. We have to work across levels of government.

There are many young people watching. There are many families watching. What words or comments can the minister provide to reassure us that the government will continue to take the environment seriously, recognizes the economic opportunities and will continue to fight climate change because it is the right thing to do and we must do it?

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Toronto—Danforth, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I think about this question a lot. It is very important for young people to know that we are fighting for their future. That is not just about fighting climate change to make sure that we have a secure future but also about making sure that we are fighting so that they can have jobs that will help to support them in a clean economy of the future, which is where the world is very much moving. When we look at the different projects that are moving ahead, and when we are looking at how we manage ourselves, here on this side of the House, we will always stand up for future generations and a strong environment.

[Carol Anstey, Conservative, Long Range Mountains, NL]

Mr. Speaker, I am splitting my time three ways today.

Does the minister believe we need to lower the cost of living for Canadians?

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Minister of Environment and Climate Change]

Mr. Speaker, I absolutely believe that we need to put affordability at the centre of the projects we do. As I just said, making sure we protect the environment and building a strong job future for our youth are part of that.

[Carol Anstey, Conservative, Long Range Mountains, NL]

Mr. Speaker, how does taxing Canadian industries help affordability for families struggling with high prices?

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Toronto—Danforth, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am happy the member opposite has asked this question because we need to diversify our trade right now. Countries around the world are putting in place border carbon adjustments. Having an industrial carbon price helps us to access those markets.

[Carol Anstey, Conservative, Long Range Mountains, NL]

Mr. Speaker, does the minister acknowledge that the industrial carbon tax raises costs for Canadian families?