House of Commons Hansard #151 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.)
The word of the day was procurement.
Topics
This summary is computer-generated.
Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Criminal Code
First reading of
Bill C-293.
The bill creates a stand-alone offence for violent home invasions, with a maximum life sentence, a five-year mandatory minimum, reverse onus for bail, and DNA orders upon conviction.
200 words.
Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities
Members debate a committee report on youth employment, citing rising unemployment and barriers to first jobs, training, housing, and seasonal work. Conservatives call for lower taxes and red tape, labour-market-aligned immigration and training, workforce housing, and EI reform; Liberals highlight job growth and Red Seal training, while the Bloc emphasizes gaps in EI coverage.
5200 words, 40 minutes.
Strengthening Canada's Defence Sector Act
Second reading of
Bill C-40.
The bill would establish the Defence Investment Agency as a Crown corporation with expanded authority to coordinate defence procurement, production and investment, aiming to deliver military capabilities faster and strengthen Canadian industry. It would also broaden the Defence Production Act to cover national security. Supporters say the corporation retains ministerial and parliamentary oversight; critics warn its powers could weaken transparency, competition and accountability.
39000 words, 5 hours in 2 segments: 12.
The Conservatives criticize the government’s fiscal management, linking rising debt and interest costs to an affordability crisis. They call for lower immigration and Canadian workers first, and condemn awarding a major security contract to an American firm over Canadian veterans. They also highlight job losses and the harm tariffs pose to dairy farmers.
The Liberals defend the CRA’s independent procurement decision and highlight Canada’s strong fiscal position, affordability measures, and plans for growth through investment, jobs and training. They emphasize immigration reforms, while arguing that temporary foreign workers can address labour shortages when Canadians are prioritized. They also promote infrastructure and resource development, support for businesses, and efforts to strengthen Canada’s economy.
The NDP condemn Bill C-39 for trampling Indigenous and workers’ rights and overriding environmental laws, while criticizing the government’s limited consultation.
Alleged Premature Disclosure of Bill C-40
Kevin Lamoureux argues that an investigation found no evidence Bill C-40 was disclosed before its introduction. He says public discussion of making the Defence Investment Agency a Crown corporation and appointing a procurement minister made the proposal foreseeable, and asks the Speaker to reject the opposition’s privilege complaint.
2600 words.
Freedom of Speech in Members' Parliamentary Work
Members hear a Conservative question of privilege arguing that an Ontario medical regulator’s investigation of a Liberal MP over a supplementary opinion in a parliamentary committee report may infringe parliamentary freedom of speech. The member asks the Speaker to find a prima facie breach and refer the matter to committee for study. The Liberal parliamentary secretary reserves a response.
2600 words, 15 minutes.
Canada Revenue Agency Act
Second reading of
Bill S-217.
The bill requires the Canada Revenue Agency to report tax-evasion convictions and publish regular tax-gap statistics, while sharing data with the Parliamentary Budget Officer. Supporters across opposition parties say the measures would strengthen transparency and parliamentary oversight; Liberal concerns focus on existing reporting and protecting confidential tax information. The House passes the bill at second reading and refers it to the Standing Committee on Finance.
5700 words, 40 minutes.
Canadian Fuel Affordability Act
Report stage of
Bill C-38.
The bill extends the suspension of federal fuel excise taxes on gasoline and diesel through January 31, 2027, then restores half the tax in February and March before reinstating it fully on April 1. Liberals describe the temporary relief as support for affordability amid global fuel-price pressures. Conservatives support the extension but call for broader, longer-lasting tax cuts, while the Bloc questions whether the savings reach consumers and whether the measure is well-targeted. The bill passes.
48300 words, 6 hours.
EI premiums and employment Garnett Genuis argues that higher EI premiums act as payroll taxes, raising hiring costs and worsening youth unemployment, and asks the government to rule out increases. Maggie Chi offers a general defence of the government’s fiscal plan rather than addressing premiums directly. Genuis criticizes the response as irrelevant.
Pesticide regulation Elizabeth May argues that Bill C-30 gives cabinet unprecedented power to override health and pesticide regulators, weakening safeguards without proper debate or expert review. She warns lax rules risk health and Canadian farm exports. Parliamentary Secretary Maggie Chi says temporary, conditional pesticide use can help protect food and economic security while maintaining health and environmental safety.
Affordability and young Canadians Scot Davidson says high living costs, housing prices and limited good-paying jobs are putting young Canadians’ futures out of reach, and argues government supports are inadequate. Maggie Chi acknowledges the concerns and cites housing, tax, fuel and employment measures to ease costs and strengthen the economy. Davidson counters that affordability is worsening; Chi defends the government’s approach.
Patty HajduLiberalMinister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Mr. Speaker, the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan has been at committee many times, advocating for substandard education for youth through private career colleges, which was part of the topic that we were discussing with the opposition just moments before. That is not the kind of thing that helps retain young people and get them into good jobs.
In fact, what we have is strong evidence about the work that we do to make sure young people have access to quality jobs, through Canada summer jobs and work-integrated learning, and those result in not only stronger labour force attachment but better earnings over their lifetime. Maybe that member should stop—
Rosemarie FalkConservative
Battlefords—Lloydminster—Meadow Lake, SK
Mr. Speaker, Statistics Canada reported that Canada lost 68,300 jobs in September, amounting to 110,000 jobs lost in just two months. Young Canadians are the ones bearing the brunt of these losses. For a young Canadian trying to land their first job, build experience and save for a home, these are not just statistics. They represent lost opportunities and a delayed future.
Will the Liberals reverse course on their policies that are holding young Canadians back?
Mr. Speaker, I want to point out that Canada's economy grew by 0.08% in the second quarter, and one of the leaders in that growth in the economy was the Government of Saskatchewan. We are seeing record investment, not only in potash but in uranium mining. Saskatchewan is an exciting part of our country. We want to continue fostering that development, and one of the things that has led to the excitement in Saskatchewan is that most of the federal Conservatives—
Rosemarie FalkConservative
Battlefords—Lloydminster—Meadow Lake, SK
Mr. Speaker, maybe that member does not know, but Canada has the second-highest unemployment rate in the G7, and the labour force participation rate fell below 65% in September, the lowest level in almost 30 years outside of the pandemic. That is the result of over a decade of harmful Liberal policies that have chased jobs and investments out of this country. Canadians who are facing job losses need action now.
Will the Liberals take that real action and unleash our economy and commit to reversing Bill C-69 and Bill C-48?
Mélanie JolyLiberalMinister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Mr. Speaker, when I listen to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, they never mention the American tariffs. They never mention what the trade war is doing to our economy and how much, notwithstanding these unjustified American tariffs, we are fighting back.
I will give some examples. We were able to announce just today, with Xona Space Systems, 126 jobs; at Hitachi Energy in London, Ontario, last week, 550 jobs and $500 million of investments; and also, at Jubilant Radiopharma, 255 jobs in Montreal. We will continue to create jobs across this country.
Gabriel HardyConservative
Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC
Mr. Speaker, Canada is experiencing its lowest level of labour market activity in 30 years. While our young people are desperately searching for their first job, a parliamentary committee heard from 38 witnesses and made 16 recommendations for action. What is the Liberal government's response? They will look into the matter. They support the recommendations in principle and have taken note of them. That is great. Today, the Liberals voted to end the debate on youth unemployment because it seems they have more important things to do in the House than discuss this issue. It is a political game being played by the Conservatives, apparently.
Can the Prime Minister tell us why his government is avoiding talking about our young people's future?
Claude GuayLiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Mr. Speaker, like the finance minister, I have very good news for the member. I am happy to oblige because he missed a lot of news over the past few months. He missed the announcement that the project in Churchill Falls and Gull Island in Quebec and Labrador will generate 23,000 jobs, not to mention the project in Contrecœur, the Nouveau Monde Graphite project, the Alto project, of course, and all the efforts we are making to help tradespeople get the right training.
Mr. Speaker, the PBO announced the financial impacts of the Canada-U.S. trade measures, yet unfortunately, successive barriers since 2025 will result in a 1.4% GDP net loss. To make matters worse, if those barriers remain, 185,000 Canadians will lose their jobs.
The Prime Minister promised to get a deal for Canadians. When will he make good on his promise and get a deal?
Steven MacKinnonLiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, let us agree that Canada had a very good day yesterday. It was a very good day for Albertans and a very good day for Canadians. That member will want to join with the government in thanking all Albertans who participated in this debate, but more importantly, those Albertans and other Canadians who are now going to continue putting their shoulder to the wheel to build this great country, to develop our resources, to create a future here at home and to create the kind of growth that gives us the best quality of life and makes Canada the best country in the world.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is trying to convince Canadians that he can replace a trillion dollars' worth of trade between Canada and the U.S., yet up to this point, his hard deals only represent 1% of trade between Canada and the U.S. in 2025.
Canadians cannot live on 1% of previous trade revenue, so why does the Prime Minister not just do his job and get a good deal for Canadians?
Dominic LeBlancLiberalPresident of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade
Mr. Speaker, our colleague should be very reassured that the Prime Minister is doing exactly that: his job. He is building a strong Canadian economy. He is diversifying our trading relationships with reliable partners around the world. He is doing what we campaigned on in the last election. I know the hon. member may prefer to forget the last election. We remember clearly the commitment we made to Canadians to control what we can control, build a strong economy here at home the right way and work with Canadian workers and businesses to grow the economy.
Jamie SchmaleConservative
Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes, ON
Mr. Speaker, Mariposa Dairy in Lindsay supports 200 Ontario dairy goat farms and exports more than $60 million a year in cheese to the United States. Because of U.S. tariffs, the company is being hit with a $4.5-million bill every month. It has warned that without an immediate solution, the entire Canadian dairy goat industry will be decimated.
What specifically is the government doing to secure relief for Mariposa Dairy before it is too late?
Mélanie JolyLiberalMinister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend my colleague for his important question. I am indeed seized with the issue. The minister in charge of FedDev Ontario is as well. FedDev has provided funding, we will provide more funding, and we will work together on the solution because we need to make sure that Mariposa Dairy is secured.
Jamie SchmaleConservative
Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes, ON
Mr. Speaker, Mariposa Dairy has been warning the government about this threat since March 2025. It told Ottawa then that tariffs could devastate the Canadian agricultural industry when it comes to dairy goats. On one hand, the Liberals are saying they are here for workers, yet after a year of waiting, time is running out as the company takes on more and more debt.
Will the government commit today to securing a solution that will keep these farmers and workers in business?
Mr. Speaker, over the past year, I have had the opportunity to speak with many young Canadians who understand the importance of seizing the opportunities before us to build a better future, one that offers more jobs and opportunities for young people in a stronger, more resilient Canada that is worth fighting for.
Could the Minister of Finance inform the House of the next steps in our government's plan to build that future for young Canadians?
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Terrebonne for her question and for her commitment to the next generation of Canadians. On November 5, I will present our government's next budget, a plan to move Canada forward, attract new investment and create more jobs across the country. This budget aims to build a stronger, more independent and more resilient economy, while making life more affordable for Canadians.
On November 5, I will present a plan to build Canada strong and ensure that we remain masters in our own house.
Mr. Speaker, last year, the Prime Minister campaigned on a promise to lower the federal debt relative to Canada's GDP. Today, the Parliamentary Budget Officer revealed that was just another broken promise. According to the PBO, debt to GDP will increase under the Liberals for years. Meanwhile, the Liberals are hiding behind creative accounting to fool Canadians.
Will the Liberals admit that Canada is facing an affordability crisis after 11 years of their government, or are they totally out of touch?
Rebecca ChartrandLiberalMinister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Mr. Speaker, what I have been hearing from Manitobans is that we are building Canada's future, but the opposition keeps voting against Manitobans. Conservatives voted against $19 million for aerospace jobs in Winnipeg. They voted against supports to help farmers get products to market. They voted against broadband for 10,000 residents in northern Manitoba.
Manitobans deserve leaders who vote for them. The opposition needs to get on board.
Michael CooperConservative
St. Albert—Sturgeon River, AB
Mr. Speaker, today's PBO report reveals that the Liberals will blow through a key fiscal anchor that they promised only months ago. The Liberals promised declining deficits to GDP. The PBO confirms the opposite: rising deficits to GDP. This is a complete indictment. The Liberals are failing to follow through on a central pillar of their budgetary policy.
In the face of that, how can Canadians have any confidence in their so-called fiscal plan?
Mr. Speaker, I am afraid the member will have to change his QP card. In fact, Canada has the strongest fiscal position in the G7. That is the reality. These are the facts. We have the lowest net debt to GDP. We have one of the lowest deficits to GDP. We have a AAA credit rating. Investment is up, trade is up, and employment is up.
On this side of the House, we are going to continue to build Canada strong with Canadians across the nation.
Michael CooperConservative
St. Albert—Sturgeon River, AB
Mr. Speaker, today's PBO numbers confirm what Canadians know and feel. Food bank usage is at a record high, and groceries and rent are unaffordable. Canadians are literally paying the price for the Liberal government's fiscal mismanagement.
After 11 years, will the Liberals finally acknowledge that Canada is in an affordability crisis courtesy of their policies, or are they totally out of touch?
Leslie ChurchLiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Secretaries of State for Labour
Mr. Speaker, because today is October 20, I want to make sure that my colleague across the way knows that 3.5 million families in this country are receiving the Canada child benefit today. That is six million children who are benefiting with up to $8,100 this year as a result of a policy that our government put in place, that our government is delivering and that the opposition continues to vote against.
