Debates of Oct. 20th, 2026

Canada-China Relations

[Zoe Royer, Liberal, Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC]

Mr. Speaker, this fall, I led a parliamentary delegation, alongside Senator Gignac, for our 26th bilateral meeting in Beijing in my role as co-chair of the Canada-China Legislative Association. Our discussions with China's National People's Congress focused on strengthening dialogue, trade and co-operation. Equally important were our meetings with Canadian businesses, supported by the Canada China Business Council and our Canadian chambers of commerce within China.

We heard directly about their successes and the challenges they face, and we discussed opportunities to grow. As Canada works to diversify its trading relationships, these voices really matter. Parliamentary diplomacy opens doors, but our true task is to turn those relationships into new markets for Canadian businesses and good jobs right here at home.

Cost of Living

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek, SK]

Mr. Speaker, after more than a decade of inflationary Liberal policies, Canadians are increasingly frustrated with the direction our country is going in. Members from my community have shared their concerns about the effects of the government's poor leadership and priorities.

The recent news of Canada's inflation rate rising is sad confirmation that they are right. They are watching the cost of housing, groceries, fuel, insurance, utilities and everyday living rise to levels that seem increasingly unsustainable. Even though they work full-time at a good-paying job, they still struggle to afford necessities.

For far too many Canadians, there is too much month left at the end of the money. They do not want the government to point them toward support programs. They want the opportunity and dignity of providing for themselves through hard work.

Conservatives have a plan. Our plan will lower costs and ensure that Canadians keep more of their hard-earned money.

Jacinthe Sicotte

[Abdelhaq Sari, Liberal, Bourassa, QC]

Mr. Speaker, some journeys are a tribute to strength, commitment and staying true to one's values. Jacinthe Sicotte's journey is one of them. Today, I would like to acknowledge her retirement as general manager of the Caisse Desjardins de Sault-au-Récollet-Montréal-Nord.

She joined Desjardins as a student at the Caisse de Granby and devoted 45 years of her life to the co-operative movement. During her 12 years as general manager, Ms. Sicotte's actions remained laser-focused on co-operative values, education and student retention. She believed in Montreal-Nord, a proud, engaged and resilient community. She helped it grow and thrive. Today, on behalf of the residents of Bourassa, I thank her.

I want to wish Ms. Sicotte a happy retirement. Montreal-Nord will remember her. We already know that she still has more to give to Quebec and Canada.

Jean-Luc Mongrain

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

Mr. Speaker, Quebeckers were deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Jean-Luc Mongrain.

After 40 years working in the media, Jean-Luc Mongrain was a legend of Quebec television, known for his instantly recognizable style: flamboyant, outspoken and colourful. Addressing the biggest issues of the day, he always found a way to make the news interesting and to shine a light on both the problems and the solutions. He knew how to deliver information directly to people, guided by, yes, common sense, which echoed in every Quebec household. Thanks to him, people felt heard and understood. I had the great privilege of working with Jean-Luc, first at TVA and later at TQS. Beyond the controversial figure, he was a meticulous and well-informed professional who respected the work of the journalists with whom he collaborated.

Jean-Luc Mongrain's microphone has fallen silent, but his voice and his perspective on current events will remain forever in the hearts and minds of Quebeckers.

National Lung Health Alliance

[Helena Jaczek, Liberal, Markham—Stouffville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important work of the National Lung Health Alliance, which brings together physicians, researchers and patient advocates to support and strengthen lung health in Canada. All Canadians are directly or indirectly impacted by lung health issues, and we all stand behind efforts to improve patient outcomes.

Made up of the Lung Health Foundation, Lung Cancer Canada, Asthma Canada, COPD Canada, Stop TB Canada and provincial lung associations, the National Lung Health Alliance brings a powerful and united voice to lung health issues.

The alliance is in Ottawa this week to engage with federal decision-makers in pursuit of better lung health for all of us. Many fellow members of Parliament will cross paths with their delegation. I urge members to listen carefully to the stories of the alliance's advocates and to carefully consider their expert recommendations.

Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health

[Mike Lake, Conservative, Leduc—Wetaskiwin, AB]

Mr. Speaker, first, I want to give a quick shout-out to the Canucks Autism Network for an incredible charity hockey tournament this past weekend. I proudly bear the scars to prove I was there.

Today, I rise to recognize seven remarkable Canadians and organizations being honoured as the 2026 champions of mental health by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health. Each has made a meaningful contribution to mental health and substance use health in Canada through advocacy, research, storytelling, community leadership and a commitment to ensuring that Canadians are heard and supported. This year's champions are Anis Boukhari, Erica Djossa, Kyle Moore, The Kettle Society, Agnes Chen, Dr. Cindy Blackstock and our colleague, the member for Courtenay—Alberni. As we celebrate their contributions, let us also continue working toward a Canada where everyone can access the mental health care they need, when they need it.

I ask all members to join me in congratulating and thanking this year's champions for the difference they continue to make for people across the country and around the world.

Jean-Luc Mongrain

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Quebeckers and the media community were shocked to learn of the passing of one of our great communicators. Jean‑Luc Mongrain passed away last week at the age of 75.

Jean-Luc Mongrain was an ardent critic of incompetence and a champion of ordinary people. He had no patience for dithering and half measures. He transformed the way news is done in Quebec with his unfiltered interviews, his unsparing questions and his search for the truth, eye to eye. Although he initially set out to become a theologian, he would go on to leave his mark on Quebec over five decades, first on the radio, then on the TVA airwaves and later as an anchor for TQS. While he sadly did not succeed in eliminating every senseless municipal bylaw or shortening the list of school supplies for our youth, he did set new standards for being outspoken on our airwaves. Behind this formidable interviewer was a man whose qualities were never all that well hidden: a passionate man, certainly, but also a generous, respectful and kind man, a man with a big heart.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to his loved ones and, above all, thank him.

Small Business Week

[Ernie Klassen, Liberal, South Surrey—White Rock, BC]

Mr. Speaker, today marks the beginning of Small Business Week, a time to recognize the entrepreneurs whose hard work and determination drive Canada's economy and strengthen communities across the country. As a former business owner, I know that running a business is also about giving back to the community. For eight years, I served as president of the White Rock Business Improvement Association, working alongside local entrepreneurs to build stronger, more self-reliant communities we all call home.

Small and medium-sized businesses account for 99% of Canadian businesses and employ approximately 64% of Canada's private sector workforce. Every dollar spent at a local business supports owners, workers and communities. Small businesses are the backbone of our country. Today they face unjustified U.S. tariffs designed to weaken our economy and undermine our independence. To the entrepreneurs of South Surrey—White Rock and across the country, I give my thanks for their determination and their resilience and for keeping Canada strong.

Tragedy at CFB Wainwright

[Shannon Stubbs, Conservative, Lakeland, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the tragedy at CFB Wainwright has shaken Albertans and Canadians. Sergeant Morgan Wong and Privates Shaun Farrell, Aidan Goulding and Hayden Lykkemark lost their lives in service to Canada, and 39 Canadian Armed Forces members were injured.

My deepest condolences go to their loved ones and their fellow soldiers. Military and civilian first responders, paramedics, nurses and medical teams across our region answered the call without hesitation. For military families and frontline workers, all whose lives changed forever, the impact will be felt for years to come.

In the face of such loss, Canadians are asking how they can help. One real way is to donate blood, so if able, please give now and in the weeks ahead. For the families who lost, the injured who face a long road to recovery and the first responders who came to help, this tragedy does not end when the headlines fade and the politicians move on. Our gratitude must extend beyond words, and our real support must endure long after today.

Ishaka Cultural Group

[Arielle Kayabaga, Liberal, London West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th production of Ishaka's show, which marked an historic moment as it performed on stage at the National Arts Centre, here in Ottawa.

I would like to congratulate Martine and Marline Sabushimike for their vision and commitment to passing on the richness of our culture, our traditions and, above all, our history to younger generations.

I would like to thank the artists, families, volunteers and the entire production team for this magnificent celebration of our cultural heritage, that of Burundian Canadians. When we know where we come from, we have a clearer sense of where we are going, and each one reminds us that our culture is a precious legacy that we must pass on with great pride.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to them on these 10 wonderful productions, and I hope they continue to promote the culture of Burundian Canadians across Canada.

Tragedy at CFB Wainwright

[Alex Ruff, Conservative, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON]

Mr. Speaker, our Canadian Armed Forces members know when they enrol that they may be required to make the supreme sacrifice. Private Aidan Goulding, Private Shaun Farrell, Private Hayden Lykkemark and Sergeant Morgan Wong have made that sacrifice. The army trains as it fights. It does this to make sure it is as prepared as possible to face the challenges of conflict. This is inherently dangerous.

As we remember these four fallen heroes and the 39 injured in this tragedy at CFB Wainwright, let us please remember that our military personnel do not stop. They are still training and they are still deploying in the service of Canada. It is what they do. The impact this has on the military leadership is often forgotten. They are the ones who need to inform the families and still lead the rest of the team to get back into the fight. We cannot forget the families. Trust me, there is nothing we can tell a family member, a spouse, a parent, a sibling, a child or a friend that removes the pain. The only thing we can do is never forget.

Aidan, Shaun, Hayden and Morgan, I will not forget. Canada will not forget. Lest we forget.

Heroes of the Service de sécurité incendie de Saint‑Colomban

[Tim Watchorn, Liberal, Les Pays-d'en-Haut, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the heroes of the Service de sécurité incendie de Saint‑Colomban.

On July 27, a major fire broke out in a local home. During the response, the building floor collapsed and firefighter Éric Parent was left hanging in the air. With no second thought, the fire chief, Marco Doucet, rushed into the flames to hold his struggling firefighter back and basically save his life. Not to be outdone, his fellow firefighter Cyrille Ranger provided first aid professionally and efficiently within minutes. Their quick and coordinated response saved firefighter Parent's life and limited the severity of his injuries.

Firefighters and first responders protect us and save Canadian lives every day. They are all heroes, but on July 27, Marco Doucet and Cyrille Ranger proved that by their actions.

For this, the people of Les Pays-d'en-Haut, Saint‑Colomban and, more specifically, Éric Parent and his family thank them.

Tragedy at CFB Wainwright

[Jeff Kibble, Conservative, Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. On Saturday, a fire at CFB Wainwright took four of our soldiers from us: Sergeant Morgan Wong, Private Shaun Farrell, Private Aidan Goulding and Private Hayden Lykkemark.

Each one was loved, and each one chose to serve. Canada grieves with their families and all who loved them, and we will never forget them. Their comrades in Patricia's infantry, including the 39 injured, are not alone.

I thank the Leader of the Opposition, whose riding is home to Wainwright, for going and standing with those families. As a veteran, I feel this loss deeply.

May they rest in peace.

[Sherry Romanado, Liberal, Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne—Greenfield Park, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, four Canadian soldiers tragically lost their lives at CFB Wainwright: Sergeant Morgan Wong, Private Shaun Farrell, Private Aidan Goulding and Private Hayden Lykkemark.

Four lives and four families are forever changed. Across Canada, military families watched the news, desperately waiting for a call or a message of just four words: “I am okay, mom.” For some, that message never came. For those whose loved ones are safe, relief is accompanied by heartbreak for the families who were not so fortunate. Across our country, Canadians are praying for the recovery of those injured and for the families keeping vigil at their hospital bedside.

I want all military families to know that we share in their grief and that they are not alone. I want all service personnel across the country who are mourning this loss to know that we are holding them in our thoughts.

I stand with them in their grief in the difficult days ahead and always. Lest we forget.

Public Services and Procurement

[Michael Barrett, Conservative, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Trump administration has hurled insults at Canada's military and has made unjustified threats against our country, but we have learned this week that the Liberal government has awarded a $12-million security contract for the CRA to an American firm that does business with Donald Trump's ICE instead of to Canada's largest employer of veterans, the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, a not-for-profit. The difference in price was less than 1%.

I think we can all agree that employing Canadian veterans and hiring Canadian companies are important. The question for the Liberals is, why did they not do that in this case?

[Wayne Long, Liberal, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)]

Mr. Speaker, the member knows full well that politicians are never involved in decisions like that. The CRA process was handled independently by experts. That being—

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

We want to hear the answer.

The hon. Secretary of State for the Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions.

[Wayne Long, Liberal, Saint John—Kennebecasis, NB]

Mr. Speaker, the member knows that politicians are not involved in decisions like that. That being said, the process resulted in the selection of a qualified Canadian supplier headquartered in Mississauga that employs nearly 8,000 Canadians across the country. Building on this, the CRA has launched a policy direction on prioritizing Canadian suppliers and content in a strategic procurement. Again, the member knows that politicians are never involved in an independent decision by the CRA.

[Michael Barrett, Conservative, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, ON]

Mr. Speaker, when reached for comment, the minister said that “putting Canadian workers and industries first” was the heart of their buy Canadian policy. This does not look like either of those things. Instead, a $12-million contract went to a firm that does business with Donald Trump's ICE instead of to a not-for-profit Canadian company, the largest employer of Canadian veterans.

The question for the Liberals is this. Instead of creating employment opportunities for Canadian veterans and buying Canadian, why did they choose to put an American firm that has close ties to Donald Trump ahead of Canadians?

[Wayne Long, Liberal, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)]

Mr. Speaker, the member knows better than that. This is a Canadian firm. It employs 8,000 Canadians.

We are always going to stand with veterans who have defended our country, including with respect to employment opportunities. The CRA process is independent and does not involve politicians. The member knows that.

We are always going to do what is right. This company is Canadian. It employs 8,000 workers across this country.

Finance

[Melissa Lantsman, Conservative, Thornhill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Parliamentary Budget Officer, an expert in economics and finance, just issued a scathing report card on the Liberals' fiscal management. She said that the debt-to-GDP ratio will get worse every year until 2031. She said that the Prime Minister will blow past his own benchmark of a declining deficit-to-GDP ratio, and she found that interest on the debt will be the fastest-growing expense in the entire federal budget.

With such stark warnings from an expert the government itself hired, will the Liberals finally admit that it is time to reverse course and rein in spending?

[François-Philippe Champagne, Liberal, Minister of Finance and National Revenue]

Mr. Speaker, I have good news for the House. It is Tuesday. Canada has the strongest fiscal position in the G7. We have the lowest net debt to GDP in the G7. We have one of the lowest deficits to GDP in the G7. We are the only country, with Germany, in the G7 to have a AAA credit rating. Not only do we have fiscal discipline, but trade is up, employment is up and we are going to build Canada strong. I hope they will get on board.

[Melissa Lantsman, Conservative, Thornhill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised the fastest-growing economy in the G7, and it is actually shrinking. He should read his briefing notes. In 2021, the interest on the debt cost $25 billion. This year, it is nearly $60 billion. That will be $83 billion by 2030. That is not money for nurses. It is not money for housing or groceries. It is interest.

The minister knows that Canadians cannot even pay their rent, so will he at least get up and acknowledge that Canada is in an affordability crisis that he has created over the last 11 years in that chair?

[François-Philippe Champagne, Liberal, Minister of Finance and National Revenue]

Mr. Speaker, one thing I will always do is stand up for Canadians and celebrate the workers of this great country. Every day, we are going to fight for Canadians, as we have done.

Let us celebrate as well the fact that the IMF projected that Canada would have the second-fastest growth in the G7 in 2027. We are building Canada strong. We are investing in our workers. We are investing in our industries. I just wish the Conservatives would stop talking down the Canadian economy and work with us to build Canada strong.