House of Commons Hansard #160 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was contract.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Income Tax Act Second reading of Bill C-269. The bill proposes a permanent 30% non-refundable tax credit for Canadian businesses that recover industrial waste heat and convert it into electricity. Conservatives support studying it as a way to improve efficiency, reduce waste and boost competitiveness; the Bloc supports it in principle but seeks clearer targeting and safeguards. The Liberals oppose it as overly broad, costly and duplicative of existing incentives. 7700 words, 1 hour.
Opposition Motion—Federal Procurement Members debate a $12-million CRA security contract awarded to a Canadian subsidiary of a U.S. multinational instead of the Commissionaires, a Canadian non-profit employing veterans. Conservatives and Bloc members criticize the decision as inconsistent with the government’s Buy Canadian commitments and the Commissionaires’ employment mission, citing a bid difference under 1%. Liberals defend the competitive process, arguing the successful supplier has substantial Canadian operations and offered the best overall value. They also discuss veteran employment and procurement oversight. 38400 words, 5 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Special Economic Measures Act First reading of Bill S-214. The bill would amend the Special Economic Measures Act to allow the Governor in Council to dispose of foreign state assets seized without a judicial order. 100 words.
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, it is hard to be more transparent than holding a meeting in Montreal in front of all stakeholders, including six former premiers of the province of Quebec.
We are obviously delighted to have Quebec and society as a whole involved in the talks. The discussions began in Montreal, and they will of course continue.
We will continue to be totally transparent as we sign very promising agreements with the European Union.
Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe Bloc Lac-Saint-Jean, QC
Mr. Speaker, excluding Quebec from the discussions with Europe is not the right approach. The Prime Minister said that he recognizes doctrines that work. Well, the Gérin‑Lajoie doctrine works. That is how Quebec got its own seat at the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. It is how Quebec was able to negotiate a carbon market with California. It is how Quebec got a seat at the table for the negotiations leading to the free trade agreement with Europe.
Since it works, will the Government of Canada officially recognize the Gérin‑Lajoie doctrine today?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, we will of course continue to consult Quebec and all the provinces on matters within their areas of jurisdiction, including workforce training, portability, procurement and all things labour. We will certainly continue to initiate and pursue discussions with all the provinces on matters that fall within their jurisdiction and capabilities.
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister stood in the House and said affordability is the best it has been in decades, and we know that is not true. The government said that the debt-to-GDP would go down, and we know that is not true. After a decade of runaway Liberal spending, Canadians cannot keep up. Food banks saw a record 2.35 million visits in a single month, and inflation is above the bank's target range. Instead of easing the pressure, Ottawa keeps adding to it. Federal taxes still add up to about 20¢ for every litre of gas.
Nobody is telling the Prime Minister to change things that are out of his control. He found billions for everything else. Will he find 20¢ a litre for every Canadian on Thursday?
Ryan Turnbull LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and National Revenue and to the Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)
Mr. Speaker, we can all recognize that Canada has the strongest fiscal position in the G7. We have the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio by far, given it is at 40.7%, with the G7 average, excluding Canada, at over 100%. We found $60 billion in savings, and we are on track to balance the operating budget one year ahead of schedule. Also, we topped the G7 in second quarter growth and have seen a large spike in new business investment.
Our plan is working, and budget 2026 will build on that plan to build the strongest economy in the G7. Just wait until Thursday.
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Speaker, I think he read the wrong piece of paper. That was not at all my question. Pausing one tax until January is not relief for Canadians. Canadians need to work and eat all year round. Relief for a portion of the tax for a portion of the year, as the Liberals pad their coffers with windfall profits from the high price of oil, is not actually relief for families.
The only thing standing between Canadians and saving them money is political will, so I will ask again slowly: Will he find 20¢ a litre for every Canadian on Thursday?
Ryan Turnbull LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and National Revenue and to the Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)
Mr. Speaker, let me say it slowly. We know the economy is going through shocks, tariffs and energy price shocks, and we know that that has put pressure on Canadian households.
Unlike the opposition, who are only full of manufactured outrage, we are actually doing things to help Canadian families. We cut income tax for 22 million Canadians, suspended the excise tax on fuel, introduced the groceries and essentials benefit and cut taxes on new home purchases, saving families up to $50,000 right across the country. That is how we help Canadians with affordability. It is not by claiming we care and then opposing every possible solution in the House.
Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary East, AB
Mr. Speaker, the out-of-touch Liberal Prime Minister said affordability is the best it has been in a decade. I would say that too if I owned shares in Brookfield. While he is hiking gas taxes, families are struggling with whether they can afford groceries or gas this week. We know the Prime Minister does not control world prices, but he does control Liberal taxes on gas, like the clean fuel standard and the excise tax, and the GST on top of that.
Will the Liberals listen to Conservatives and remove all federal fuel taxes off gas in their upcoming budget this week, yes or no?
Leslie Church LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Secretaries of State for Labour
Mr. Speaker, this is the government that, from day one, has cut taxes for more than 22 million Canadians and reduced the fuel excise tax on Canadians as well. Despite the uncertainty that our economy is facing, GDP growth picked up earlier this year and is going to continue next year. The Bank of Canada expects growth to increase as a result of the government's measures, measures such as our productivity mega deduction, investment in major projects and business investment that is at its highest in 20 years. This is part of an economic plan for Canadians that is building prosperity, building growth and creating jobs. It is going to help that member and his constituents every step of the way.
Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary East, AB
Mr. Speaker, stalling the economy for two quarters is success to these guys. I would hate to see what failure looks like.
Canadians want relief at the pump right now. Conservatives know every dollar that Canadians save at the pump on gas means more money that they can spend on groceries. That is why Conservatives are calling on this incompetent Liberal government to remove all Liberal fuel taxes off gas, including the clean fuel standard, the excise tax and the GST.
Will the Liberals grow some compassion and do it, yes or no?
Leslie Church LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Secretaries of State for Labour
Mr. Speaker, I cannot help but pick up on that member's comment about compassion.
I will talk about compassion. Compassion is a national school food program that is available in 63 public school jurisdictions in that member's province, a program that helps nearly 60,000 kids not go hungry at school. That is compassion. That is what this government stands for, and what we are going to continue to deliver every single day.
Andrew Lawton Conservative Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON
Mr. Speaker, a tax on gas is a tax on everything. It is a tax on driving to work. It is a tax on getting groceries to the store. Despite the Prime Minister's claims that affordability is the best it has been in over a decade, ordinary Canadians are feeling the pinch. Necessities of life are starting to feel like luxuries.
The government can control taxes. It can take all federal taxes off fuel, and it can do it on Thursday. Will it?
Adam van Koeverden LiberalSecretary of State (Sport)
Mr. Speaker, Canadians watching back home must think this is question period rerun hour, because the Conservative leader is back on his “axe the tax, no facts” rhetoric. It did not work three years ago.
We removed the taxes on fuel, removed taxes on housing and reduced income taxes. As a result, families and farmers are experiencing a little bit of relief. The Conservatives voted against all of those measures. Why does the Conservative leader not come clean with Canadians and tell them how he plans to pay for his empty promises? Canadians have already made up their mind on how their plan is going to affect their pocketbooks. They voted against it.
Andrew Lawton Conservative Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON
Mr. Speaker, Canadians back home are well aware that this is not called “answer period”, and that secretary of state has demonstrated exactly why.
The only people better off in this Canada, with these Liberal budgets, are the Prime Minister's banker buddies. The interest on the debt is $58.7 billion. Now that is money spent on nothing. That could build 60 hospitals. That could build 120,000 housing units. That could give tax relief to Canadians of $6,000.
Why are the only ones who are getting ahead the Prime Minister's buddies?
Adam van Koeverden LiberalSecretary of State (Sport)
Mr. Speaker, once again, I implore the Conservatives to tell Canadians how they plan to pay for all of these empty promises.
I have a couple of ideas, though. They have already said that they are going to cut the Canadian child benefit. They already said they are not a fan of the groceries and essentials benefit. They already said that affordable housing is too Soviet for them. Perhaps they will do what they did when they were in government, which was to cut funding for veterans affairs offices and reduce the support that they give to veterans.
Canadians are well aware of what the Conservatives have in store for them.
Éric Lefebvre Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska—des-Sources, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Bank of Canada forecasts that growth will be just 1% in Canada in 2026, compared to 3% globally. Half of this meagre growth comes from government spending. This shows just how much our businesses are struggling. Under the Liberals, the economy is idling, and it is workers who are paying the price. On Thursday, the Liberal Prime Minister will have a choice to make: keep spending, or leave more money in Canadians' pockets. That same Liberal Prime Minister once promised to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio.
Will he keep his promise?
Nathalie Provost LiberalSecretary of State (Nature)
Mr. Speaker, I thank my kind colleague for the question.
We have been working to boost Canadians' purchasing power for a year now. In the upcoming budget, we will continue to pursue this vision because it is clear that Canadians need help and support. We need to boost their economic well-being. That is the purpose of our programs, such as the groceries benefit and dental care for children. These are the kinds of measures that our colleagues do not support. I am curious to see what the budget holds. We will help Canadians even more.
Mario Simard Bloc Jonquière—Hébertville—Pays-des-Bleuets, QC
Mr. Speaker, the entire planet is wondering how to use AI while keeping the environment in mind, given that data centres consume huge quantities of water and energy. Well, it is not the entire planet. One country of die-hard polluters still holds out against the modern era. That country is Canada. Seeing the immense amount of energy that data centres need, Canada has decided that if it builds data centres in Alberta, it would be able to power them with gas. Imagine how much gas will be sold.
Is there anything the Liberals do not view as an opportunity to sell more oil and gas?
Julie Dabrusin LiberalMinister of the Environment
Mr. Speaker, when we talk about energy, we are talking about clean energy. What are we doing? We are making sure that we will continue to have a large electricity grid. We are going to double its capacity by 2050.
When it comes to AI, it is fair to say that we have put guidelines in place to clearly explain how we are going to work hard to ensure that we can protect Canadians while maintaining AI sovereignty.
Mario Simard Bloc Jonquière—Hébertville—Pays-des-Bleuets, QC
Mr. Speaker, seriously, a researcher at Utah State University calculated the potential emissions from a mammoth data centre in Grande Prairie, Alberta. That one centre would release the equivalent of 23 Hiroshima atom bombs of heat waste every day. It is not easy to reconcile that with the fight against climate change.
The Liberals look at projects like that and their first thought is that they could power them with gas. Only a Liberal could come up with such a lousy idea. Are they deliberately trying to sabotage their climate targets?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, if the Bloc Québécois cares about greenhouse gas emissions and their effects on the environment, I have good news for its members: They have an opportunity to support the most transformative emissions-reducing project of all, a project that would revolutionize mobility in Quebec while generating 51,000 jobs and several points of GDP, not to mention sales tax revenues for the province. I am talking about the high-speed rail project that will run from Quebec City to Trois‑Rivières, Laval, Montreal and Gatineau.
Roman Baber Conservative North York, ON
Mr. Speaker, Toronto was horrified by the Bridle Path home invasion in which a father and two daughters were shot and a mother injured. This was the 119th invasion in Toronto this year. That is a 32% increase from the same period in 2025.
It is clear that the Liberal government's bail and sentencing reform is a failure. The bail principle of restraint, to let an accused out at the earliest opportunity, remains. Conservatives wanted mandatory minimum sentences for armed home invasions. Instead the Liberals gutted all mandatory minimum sentences.
Will the Attorney General own his failure and work with Conservatives to pass real bail and sentencing reform?
Sean Fraser LiberalMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Mr. Speaker, we had a choice of who to listen to when it came to actually developing measures that were going to promote public safety in this country: Conservative members, who would simply yell and make noise on the floor of the House of Commons, or those who have dedicated their lives and careers to demand better public safety outcomes for Canadians.
We chose to work with police who work on the ground to improve public safety. We chose to work with provincial governments that have the responsibility to administer the justice system of their province, and we worked with advocacy organizations that defended the interests of victims. I think we made the right choice.
Michael Guglielmin Conservative Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON
Mr. Speaker, according to the Toronto Star, home invasions are up 50% in Toronto. Canadians want action. That is why we have two bills before the House. We have the proposed safe at home act, which would create a stand-alone offence for home invasions and carry with it a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of life imprisonment. We also have the proposed stand on guard law, which would strengthen provisions for self-defence so Canadians can defend themselves in their own home.
I have a very simple question for the minister. On these two bills, will the Liberals stand with us and support them so that we can protect Canadians in their own home, yes or no?
Sean Fraser LiberalMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Mr. Speaker, protecting the ability of Canadians to defend themselves in their own home is absolutely a priority that we share. Thankfully, that is what the law provides for today, but we took it a step further by implementing changes to the Criminal Code, which are now the law of Canada, that ensure there is a reverse onus when we have violent home invasions for someone seeking to have bail. It ensures that there is potential for tougher sentences when there are violent home invasions, particularly when they are tied to organized crime.
We are seized with the issue. We are working, and as a result of the measures we put in place, we are seeing progress across the country. The job is not done, but we are trending in the right direction.