Debates of Oct. 9th, 2026

The Economy

[Leslie Church, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretaries of State for Labour]

Madam Speaker, earlier this week, over 35,000 constituents of the member across the way received the groceries and essentials benefit. That is an important support that we put in place to try to address the increased cost of living that we know families are experiencing. I would ask the member to go back to his riding and support the national school food program, because that program in Alberta is helping to put food on the table for kids going to school in 63 public school jurisdictions and is supporting close to 60,000 kids. Those are important measures.

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

Madam Speaker, in the face of over 68,000 jobs being lost last month, this Thanksgiving, families on Vancouver Island are doing the math at the checkout. Statistics Canada reports that grocery prices have risen 30% since August 2021. Neighbours are stepping up and donating, volunteering and picking up the phone to check in on one another. Canadians should not have to carry this alone. The Liberal government talks up its relief plans, which never reach most Canadians at the till.

When will the Prime Minister close the gap so that all Vancouver Island families can afford a Thanksgiving?

[Jill McKnight, Liberal, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence]

Madam Speaker, we know that British Columbians are facing affordability challenges right now, and we are working with Canadians to support them. That is why we made things, such as the national school food program, permanent. That is why we have the groceries and essentials benefit, which was paid into bank accounts on Monday. That is why we have the Canada child benefit.

My colleague across the way is from Vancouver Island, where we know that over 70,000 families have received that benefit. It is important. These are the steps we are taking to support Canadians.

Taxation

[David Bexte, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

Madam Speaker, after 11 years of the Liberal government, arbitrary and out-of-control taxation is only making matters worse. This Thanksgiving, Canadian families are paying more just to put food on the table. Dalhousie University estimates that a Thanksgiving turkey dinner will cost 10% more this year. Meanwhile, Canadian farmers, including farmers in Bow River, are facing the most expensive harvest in history.

Conservatives have a plan to save Canadians money, but the Liberals are all talk and no results. Would the Liberal government finally admit that, after 11 years, Canada is officially in an affordability crisis?

[Corey Hogan, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources]

Madam Speaker, as this is my last chance before Alberta votes on October 19, I wanted to start by saying that, if we say we are going to “stand on guard for thee”, we can stand in line to vote and make sure we vote when the referendum comes.

On the question the member asked, I want to identify that, in Alberta, we created 83,000 jobs in the last year. Rents are down, and housing prices are down. Affordability is a concern. There is more to do, and we will do it with that member's support.

Infrastructure

[Chris Malette, Liberal, Bay of Quinte, ON]

Madam Speaker, the government was elected on a promise to invest in ourselves and strengthen our communities, and we are doing just that, but these investments go beyond dollars and cents. Each of these investments make a real difference in people's lives.

In my own region, the government has announced the transformational investment of $66 million in the community of Tyendinaga, with the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, to expand access to safe, reliable drinking water. This is reconciliation in action.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès), Alexandra Mendes]

The hon. parliamentary secretary.

[Jennifer McKelvie, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure]

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague so very much for his tireless advocacy for eastern Ontario as part of our caucus.

Through the build communities strong fund, our government is investing billions of dollars from coast to coast to coast to improve the lives of Canadians. Our announcement of more than $66 million to extend the water main in Tyendinaga means water security, support for housing and progress on our work to ensure everyone in this country has access to safe drinking water. This is the work our constituents across the country expect from our government, and we will keep delivering for the Great Lakes and every part of Canada.

Veterans Affairs

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

Madam Speaker, nearly 10,000 veterans disability benefit applications are overdue and have passed the government's own service delivery standard. Yesterday, I asked the veterans minister about the 20% cut to the staff who review those applications. It was in her own departmental plan. She said that it is not cutting but sunsetting the positions.

She can call it what she likes. Veterans just want their disability benefit applications reviewed, and they want access to the benefits they earned through their service to our country, so on what date will the backlog of 10,000 applications be reduced to zero?

[Jill McKnight, Liberal, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence]

Madam Speaker, I start by acknowledging the service that our colleague across the way has provided on behalf of Canada, and I thank him for that.

Since 2021, VAC has reduced the average processing time for first applications by 57%. We know there is more to do. That is why our budget in 2025 invested $184.9 million over four years and $40 million ongoing in benefit delivery stabilization and modernization. Along with a review of forms and processes, we are working to ensure veterans connect with team members so that we can get them the supports they are eligible for.

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

Madam Speaker, I appreciate the response, but what veterans are looking for is an answer. They are looking for a date by which they will have a review and an answer on accessing the benefits they have earned. They have done their job. They have served Canada with unlimited liability. It is time for the government to step up, end the backlog of 10,000 applications and deliver for veterans.

The question is very simple: By what date will the minister and her department deliver zero above that service delivery standard?

[Jill McKnight, Liberal, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence]

Madam Speaker, we know that for a veteran who is waiting for their benefits, any timeline can feel challenging, and we are here to support them. That is why we have reduced the average processing time by 57% since 2021. At the same time, we have also seen an increase of 90% in the number of applications for disability benefits over the past decade. We are making the investments to stabilize and modernize service delivery. The work is under way, and I will have more to share.

Indigenous Affairs

[Ellis Ross, Conservative, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister says he wants to fast-track the Pacific link pipeline while promising first nations that they will decide if the project goes ahead. Our representative at the B.C. First Nations Leadership Council said the Prime Minister assured them that we will get consent.

Will the Prime Minister approve the pipeline, even if just one of the 129-plus first nations along the pipeline route does not provide consent?

[Jaime Battiste, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations]

Mr. Speaker, indigenous rights are not an obstacle to building Canada strong. They are part of the foundation on which we will build it.

As part of our duty to consult, we heard directly from more than 130 indigenous communities across Alberta and B.C. Where appropriate, accommodations will be made. Further consultations will inform conditions for Pacific link guided by UNDRIP and anchored in the principle of free, prior and informed consent. We will always respect the rights of indigenous people.

[Ellis Ross, Conservative, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

Madam Speaker, this is exactly what the Prime Minister claimed, that he provided full, meaningful consultation with indigenous peoples, and he has made different promises to different First Nations. Is he seeking consensus or following UNDRIP commitments while fast-tracking the Pacific link major project designation with only two months of consultation?

Will the Prime Minister only approve the pipeline if all the 129-plus nations provide consent?

[Jaime Battiste, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations]

Madam Speaker, we will continue to work with indigenous communities across Canada, and as part of the work moving forward to ensure that we get these projects over time, the key criteria in this is to ensure that we advance indigenous interests with meaningful participation, meaningful equity and meaningful partnership. We are going to continue to build with first nations communities, and we are going to continue to ensure that we are all moving forward together.

[Billy Morin, Conservative, Edmonton Northwest, AB]

Madam Speaker, let us see if we can make it three for three with the same answer.

Last week, the Prime Minister smiled for another photo op with chiefs to announce a new pipeline. Conservatives know we need to unlock our resources and get this pipeline built, but announcements are not results, photo ops are not consultation and Liberals' claiming relationships with chiefs and councils does not make it real. Chief Trevor Mercredi said that using first nation leaders in press conferences does not mean a vote of confidence.

Why is the Prime Minister putting crucial major projects in jeopardy by using first nation chiefs as photo ops?

[Jaime Battiste, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations]

Madam Speaker, let me reiterate what we are saying on this side of the board. Indigenous rights are not an obstacle for building Canada strong; they are part of the foundation on which we will build it. We will continue to work with first nations communities. We will continue to work with indigenous people. On this side of the House, we respect constitutional rights and we respect consultation. We will continue to do so.

[Billy Morin, Conservative, Edmonton Northwest, AB]

Madam Speaker, here is another opportunity for something new. Treaty chiefs are not the only ones calling out the Liberal government. The AFN national chief that said that those at the Major Projects Office “don't know what they are doing when it comes to First Nations” and that it is a pattern for this government and its MPO CEOs to act like they are too good to meet with chiefs. The truth is that treaty rights do not disappear when they become inconvenient for Liberals.

Chiefs are tired of the announcements and photo ops, so why did the Prime Minister create a Major Projects Office just to disrespect chiefs and cover his failures on building major projects in this country?

[Jaime Battiste, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations]

Madam Speaker, on this side of the House we believe in economic reconciliation. That means, when we are advancing projects that are important to this country, that we ensure we are advancing indigenous interests, which means, and I will say it again for the other side so they hear it loud and clear, we are making sure it is meaningful partnership, meaningful equity and meaningful participation in all projects moving forward. Indigenous communities will build together with the government.

The Economy

[Jason Groleau, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Madam Speaker, the cost of living has skyrocketed over the past 11 years under this Liberal government. Whether it is the price of housing or homes, which has tripled, or the price of groceries, gas or diesel, which has doubled in recent years, everything is more expensive under this inflationary and completely irresponsible government. Even a Thanksgiving meal is no longer affordable for Canadian families.

My question is simple. Does the government acknowledge that, after 11 years of the Liberals, Canada is officially in a cost of living crisis?

[Caroline Desrochers, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure]

Madam Speaker, we recognize that we are going through a period of economic volatility and uncertainty. However, our government is choosing to invest in our economy, in our families and in our workers. Since this summer, we have announced hundreds of projects and investments, including some in my colleague's riding. These projects will create jobs. We have signed agreements with Quebec for the Davie shipyard, the Contrecoeur terminal and Churchill Falls. We are there for Canadians and Quebeckers.

[Joël Godin, Conservative, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Madam Speaker, simply put, the hundreds of announcements that were made this summer are not working. We saw the unemployment rate this morning.

The Liberal government has been in office for 11 years and it has to accept responsibility for the current situation. Will the government acknowledge that Canada is in a difficult economic situation and that Canadians are experiencing an affordability crisis? Families will be feeling the effects of that crisis even more acutely this Thanksgiving weekend. If we want to find solutions, we need to admit that there is a problem.

Will the government acknowledge the situation and admit that we are in the midst of a crisis?

[Daniel Gobeil, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food]

Madam Speaker, the Liberal Party recognizes that affordability is a challenge. We have implemented a lot of measures over the past year. We lowered taxes for 22 million Canadians, provided help with groceries and essential services and paused the tax on fuel. We also implemented the Canadian dental care plan for families, seniors and children. All these measures are helping Canadians with affordability. We are not going to stop there. We will continue to help Quebeckers and Canadians.

[Pat Kelly, Conservative, Calgary Crowfoot, AB]

Madam Speaker, Canadians have much to be thankful for in our beloved country, but many Canadians are struggling with the high cost of food. Dalhousie University reports that turkey is up 10% from last Thanksgiving, which of course was up from the year before, because 11 years of Liberal taxes, spending, deficits and declining economic productivity have created a homegrown Canadian affordability crisis.

Will the Liberals admit that their response to this crisis is all talk and has produced no results?