Debates of Feb. 12th, 2026

Opposition Motion—Automotive Strategy

[Sima Acan, Liberal, Oakville West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as we are investing $2.3 billion, we are also investing $1.5 billion in charging infrastructure. Those stations also need power, for which we also announced measures in budget 2025, aiming to ensure that Canada has the clean and affordable energy needed to support our industries, including the auto sector. This was also included in the announcement made by the Prime Minister on February 5.

[Dominique O'Rourke, Liberal, Guelph, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the member for Oakville West is a colleague in our auto caucus. We visited Honda and Toyota together and were fortunate enough to be at the auto strategy announcement just last week. Members of the auto caucus are clearly in favour of electrification and see what the global trends are.

I am curious as to whether my colleague would talk about the importance of the investments in the charging infrastructure and what they mean for Canadian consumers.

[Sima Acan, Liberal, Oakville West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the $1.5-billion investment in infrastructure will allow consumers to charge their vehicles wherever they want. This is a very important investment. Also, as I mentioned in my response to the previous question, investing in that infrastructure will improve our electricity industry as well, because we will need more power. We are investing in those areas to support this infrastructure with clean energy.

[Harb Gill, Conservative, Windsor West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would like the member to clearly explain how she can say that we are forcing Canadian workers to subsidize Trump-made cars, yet we have no clear strategy of our own to help our own workers.

What can she tell Windsor workers that she can do for them to protect their jobs and help our economy first, rather than helping other countries, especially the U.S., when it has declared a trade war on us? Why are we subsidizing them?

[Sima Acan, Liberal, Oakville West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is so obvious that the other side of the aisle does not really understand what the subsidy is for. It subsidizes Canadian consumers in a huge industry in the supply chain, and it supports workers. There are workers in my riding of Oakville West, and they are powering our economy. When these times hit our economy, we have to be fast, fair and reliable. This is only one of the measures we are taking as a government.

I also want to mention that Unifor is supporting us, auto dealers are supporting us, auto manufacturers are supporting us, workers are supporting us, and I am curious as to why you are not supporting us.

[The Deputy Speaker, Tom Kmiec]

Before we go back to debate, I will just remind members that they are speaking through the Chair, and when using “you”, they have to be careful with that.

The hon. member for Repentigny.

[Patrick Bonin, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

Mr. Speaker, once again, our Conservative colleagues' attitude is not at all constructive, particularly when it comes to the fight against climate change. What people need to understand is that behind their motion lies a desire to do away with almost all of Canada's climate change policies, and they have been somewhat successful in accomplishing that so far.

Their motion covers up the fact that they are simply opposed to the electrification of transportation and electric vehicles. I think they would be better off having the courage to say it outright. For several months, even years, we have been seeing policy proposals that are essentially those of the oil and gas companies. People need to understand that oil and gas companies are strongly opposed to the electrification of transportation because, obviously, it will lead to a reduction in oil consumption in the country.

When it comes to the electrification of transportation in Canada, Quebec is ahead of all the other provinces. More electric vehicles have been sold in Quebec and more charging stations have been installed in Quebec, and there is a reason for that. It is because there is a significant financial advantage to transitioning to the electrification of transportation in Quebec.

From an economic standpoint, Quebeckers are still paying more than $10 billion a year for oil. That is $10 billion that is leaving the province and is therefore no longer in Quebeckers' pockets.

That is in addition to the impact that burning oil and gas has on air quality. When we talk about air quality and the economic impact, obviously, we are talking about billions of dollars in health care costs, but we also need to talk about deaths, premature deaths, that are directly linked to poor air quality. We also need to talk about health conditions, hospitalizations and cardiovascular disease, especially among seniors and people who are at risk. We can solve some of these issues by electrifying transportation, but if we delay electrification, as the Conservatives want to do, we will lose out from an economic standpoint, from an environmental standpoint because of the fight against climate change, from a public health standpoint and from a consumer standpoint.

Consumers' pocketbooks are now captive to the oil and gas companies, the majority of which happen to be owned by U.S. investors. People are talking about Canadian nationalism and Canadian sovereignty, but it is important to keep in mind that over 50% of Canadian oil companies' shareholders are in the U.S. Nearly half of the gas imported to Quebec also comes from the U.S. We all stand to benefit if we take our money and invest it in the electrification of transportation. We also stand to benefit in terms of economic development and job retention.

Every litre of gas Quebeckers replace with electrons means money for Hydro-Québec. That money stays in Quebec to be reinvested in our services, including health services, social services, schools, roads, infrastructure and public transit. This is a win-win situation.

Unfortunately, what we are seeing now is that continued pressure from the oil and gas companies, backed up by our Conservative colleagues, has forced the government into submission since it came to power. Ever since this new government took office, we have seen more backtracking on the fight against climate change than ever before. It got so bad that the former environment minister stepped down from his position as Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture because he disagreed with all the federal government's backtracking, including the increased funding for oil and gas companies in the latest budget, Bill C-5 allowing the suspension of certain laws, including some environmental laws, and the regulations to accelerate the construction of fossil fuel and pipeline infrastructure, including liquefied natural gas facilities.

Unfortunately, when we look at what is going on with the electrification of transportation, we realize that a whole year has gone to waste. Last year, the government suspended the EV purchase incentives, causing EV sales in Canada to drop by nearly 50% in one year. While the whole world is ramping up EV sales, Canada is going backwards. The United States is about the only country that has stagnated. Canada is about the only country that has gone backwards. That is shameful, and the government is directly responsible.

Now, the Liberals are coming back to us with some incentives, and the Conservatives are getting all fired up. They have never said a word about the roughly $10 billion a year in subsidies granted to oil and gas companies. The Conservatives have never moved a motion to take that away. As they see it, giving money to oil and gas companies is fine, but helping people buy electric vehicles is not.

One of our major concerns is, of course, the affordability of vehicles. They are extremely expensive right now, especially electric vehicles. That is in part because there are currently barriers to entry and to competition from electric vehicles manufactured overseas in places like Europe that could come to Canada. There are plenty of models that would be much more affordable and much more economical for people, but the government is not allowing these vehicles into Canada, even though they are allowed into Mexico. The excuse is that European vehicles are not safe and do not meet Canadian standards. We do not have those vehicles here. What we need is access to affordable vehicles.

Yes, we need incentives in the short term, and we think they should be geared to household income. What I mean is that rich people are obviously not the ones who need financial help to buy electric vehicles. We should also limit the number of subsidies because it makes no sense to give away that much money.

That said, manufacturers should be forced to ramp up production of affordable EVs. Currently, the biggest lobby hindering electrification in Canada is made up of certain automakers that have fallen so far behind in Canada that they are struggling to compete with other vehicle manufacturers around the world, which is why these vehicles face barriers to entry to Canada. Opening the borders to allow vehicles in is a major issue, but we should not open them while burying our heads in the sand and acting as if there are no problems related to vehicle manufacturing in China, for example, where there have been documented reports of blatant forced child labour and human rights violations. We introduced a bill aimed at reversing the burden of proof so it is up to exporters to demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt that their products, including those from China, are not violating human rights and contributing to forced labour.

There are solutions. We need to implement them. The Bloc Québécois has proposed several. Obviously, we are concerned to see the government constantly backpedalling. Not only did the Liberals suspend the incentives for a year, but what they have announced now is that the mandate that would have forced manufacturers to produce and sell more EVs has been set aside, much to the satisfaction of Ontario and the automotive manufacturers. What people need to understand is that manufacturers will not do it unless they are forced.

The government is proposing an alternative: Instead of requiring 100% of all vehicles sold to be electric by 2035, Canada will only require 75%. It is backtracking again. This will delay electrification, at a time when states like California are staying the course. Europe is also being more ambitious. In China, 60% of new vehicles sold are electric. Today, as we speak, Canada is at 9%. These policies need to be strengthened, fast, rather than diminished and weakened as the government is doing.

Obviously, we will oppose the Conservatives' motion. We clearly see their intentions: They are carrying out the oil and gas companies' agenda under the pretext of wanting to defend ordinary folks.

[Harb Gill, Conservative, Windsor West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Bloc has repeatedly said that taxpayer dollars should go into domestic manufacturing and not subsidize foreign competitors. The member has raised questions on climate change, which is important, but climate policy has to work in the real world economy, not an imaginary world.

Can the member explain how shutting down Canadian plants, laying off workers in Canada and importing EVs from Trump's America, or China, where the emissions standards are extremely lax, practically non-existent actually, is going to help workers in Quebec and Ontario?

[Patrick Bonin, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

Mr. Speaker, as we speak, there are 130,000 jobs in Canada in what is known as the electromobility sector, which is everything related to electric mobility. Obviously, in Quebec, we manufacture batteries, we have exemplary electrification and we have charging stations, so jobs could increase to more than 300,000 by 2035.

If the automotive industry insists on clinging to a model from the last century, it will likely die off on its own. Electrifying transportation and producing more electric vehicles is not a fad. It is happening all over the world. Unfortunately, if the industry is facing threats and closures, it only has itself to blame for not investing in the future. That is why it is important to regulate the sector, because it clearly does not understand that the world is going in a different direction economically speaking.

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, the Conservative Party is gaslighting people on an issue to create anger. Let me give an example. I think of the community of Aurora, where Magna International employs 17,000-plus employees. That is a lot of people. They are not producing a car, but they are manufacturing parts that go to the United States. It seems that the Conservative Party does not care a damn about those jobs. The Conservatives do not talk about the importance of the integrated automobile industry between Canada and the U.S.

I wonder if my colleague from the Bloc could provide his thoughts on those jobs also mattering. When the Conservatives talk about the program that is part of the automobile strategy, they should at least give some consideration to those employees.

[Patrick Bonin, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

Mr. Speaker, obviously there are some parts required in the manufacturing of EVs that are made in the United States.

The question is, why are they not staying in Canada and why are they not being used to assemble EVs in Canada? Once again, the answer is because the government refuses to put real pressure on manufacturers. Billions of dollars are being handed out. We hope that their new strategy will yield results. However, the fact remains that they are backtracking on the targets for zero-emission vehicles, among other things, which only gives the industry more opportunity to drag its feet.

We have already lost jobs. Quebec has everything to gain from electrifying transportation. Unfortunately, the money is going to Ontario and with no accountability.

[Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, Bloc, Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, all day, the Liberals have been very proudly saying that they will be voting against this motion, as if they were pro-environment.

Can my colleague explain to our Liberal colleagues that their environmental track record is not just about voting against this motion? Their track record is much worse than one would think.

I would like my colleague to elaborate on that.

[Patrick Bonin, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

Mr. Speaker, as we have seen in several respects, we need a comprehensive vision.

For example, the government is saying that it is going to invest in the electrification of transport, but it is backtracking on the goals it had a year ago. It has cut $5 billion in funding for public transit and removed the oil and gas emissions cap. It is proposing a new pipeline that would carry a million barrels of oil per day, it is delaying the methane and clean energy regulations, it abandoned consumer carbon pricing, and it is now proposing to scale back industrial carbon pricing.

The government is backtracking in these areas and not taking any real action to make up for it and to bring Canada closer to its target. On the contrary, the federal government has abandoned the fight against climate change, and that is worrisome.

[Connie Cody, Conservative, Cambridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, we are here today to talk about Canada's auto industry. For my community, this discussion is about far more than numbers on a spreadsheet, statistics in a report or words delivered here in Parliament. It is about livelihoods, families and the future of a sector that has shaped who we are. In Cambridge and North Dumfries, the auto industry is a huge part of who we are. The paycheques earned in our auto sector help families put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. The companies themselves give back in ways that matter by sponsoring our kids' sports teams and supporting the charities and food banks that so many people in our community now rely on.

For more than 40 years, Toyota has proudly built vehicles in my hometown, creating thousands of good-paying manufacturing jobs and supporting tens of thousands more in parts supply, logistics, tooling and construction, as well as countless small businesses across our region. Thanks to those jobs, our community has grown and thrived, and our country has earned a reputation as a world-class auto producer and a place for innovators.

Canada is full of so many innovators the government could be supporting. Our very own University of Waterloo is leading groundbreaking research with a new battery that can charge faster and last longer. New innovation, new technology and new opportunities are all things to be proud of right here in Canada. It is critical that we support our local innovators and job creators.

Just a few weeks ago, I had the privilege of joining the workers at Toyota as they unveiled the sixth-generation RAV4 hybrid, which will be built in both Woodstock and Cambridge. I saw first-hand the pride in the eyes of the people who built these vehicles, the pride that comes with knowing that cars they had a hand in making are being driven on roads across North America. This is another remarkable Canadian success story, and is not unique to Cambridge. We will find the same pride in Ingersoll, Windsor, Oshawa, Oakville and auto communities across Ontario and across the country.

Recently, however, that pride has been overshadowed by fear and anxiety, because the truth is undeniable: Canada's auto sector is under serious threat. Since the Prime Minister took office, Canada has lost more than 5,000 jobs in the auto sector alone. Vehicle production has fallen off a cliff, from 2.3 million vehicles in 2016 to just 1.2 million last year, a nearly 50% collapse. Yes, these are the facts. There was a nearly 50% collapse under the current government. Our government has failed to get a deal in time with the United States, and workers are paying the price for trade instability and tariffs that have continued on long after the Prime Minister promised they would be gone.

What the government is doing in response to this crisis, and it is a crisis, is not supporting jobs here at home. Instead, it is subsidizing vehicles produced outside of Canada. Its new electric vehicle rebate, offering up to $5,000 per purchase of an EV, might sound great in a press release, but when we look closely and allow the smoke and mirrors to disappear, a very different scenario begins to emerge, one of reality and not rhetoric.

Approximately 95% of the vehicles eligible for this rebate are not made in Canada; they are imported. The government will not be supporting the manufacturing of Hondas made in Alliston, Chevy trucks made in Oshawa or the RAV4s made in Cambridge. Instead, it is giving away taxpayer dollars to entice people to buy Volkswagens made in Tennessee, Fords built in Kentucky and, yes, even Teslas.

We are now at a time when our auto industry is fighting for its life. Tens of thousands of jobs are hanging in the balance. Families will wonder how they will buy the higher-priced groceries, keep a roof over their head or provide the same opportunities to their children that they grew up with. Right here in Canada, our own government is using Canadian tax dollars to encourage people to buy cars made in the very country we are locked in a trade war with. A real auto strategy begins with a simple principle: Public money should support Canadian jobs first.

Let us be clear about all of this. It is not about opposing electric vehicles; it is about strengthening Canadian manufacturing capacity, instead of undermining it.

There is another serious issue with this EV rebate scheme that we need to talk about. It comes down to who benefits from this policy. Today, a new EV can cost nearly $50,000. Most people in my community, after 10 years of skyrocketing housing costs, which doubled in price, youth and unemployment at double the national average and grocery bills surging, can barely afford a tank of gas, let alone a brand new vehicle. However, this policy asks everyone to give just a little bit more.

A single mom who works in a minimum wage service job and a senior who has to return to the workforce part time just to keep up are now obligated to subsidize the purchase of a $50,000 electric vehicle, one they themselves may never be able to afford. It is asking laid-off parts workers and auto workers who have had their shifts cut to subsidize a policy that actively undermines their own economic security. That is not fairness; that is cruelty disguised as environmental policy.

When I went door to door during the last election, I made a promise to the people in my community. I promised to stand up for local jobs and the dream of Canada. That is why I am standing here in the House today, to defend our workers, our families and our community, all of whom rely on the auto industry. I am proud to serve on a Conservative team that is putting forward practical, straightforward solutions.

First, we believe that no Canadian taxpayer dollars should ever subsidize the purchase of a vehicle that is not made in Canada, built with Canadian labour, Canadian parts and Canadian ingenuity.

Second, we propose removing federal tax from all vehicles built here in Canada. Imagine the impact of this policy. This could save families more than $2,000 on a Canadian-made vehicle. At the same time, it would boost demand for trucks and cars to be assembled in Woodstock, Cambridge and other communities across Canada. More demand means more production. More production means more jobs. More jobs is what makes a stronger community for everyone.

Third, we are calling on the government to treat laid-off workers fairly. They should not have to pay the price for the government's failures by providing tax relief on severance payments. This is something the government has the authority to do, and it should use that authority without hesitation. The government has left the workers at CAMI in Ingersoll out in the cold. The very least the government could do is ensure that those families, who are now wondering where their next meal is coming from, are treated with fairness and dignity during one of the most difficult times of their lives.

None of this should be controversial. Supporting Canadian workers should not be controversial. Keeping Canadian tax dollars here at home to support Canadian jobs should never be controversial. Standing up for communities built on manufacturing should not be controversial. The government has the opportunity to stand with us today to support the auto workers in my community and across the country, and to finally get to work doing what it promised to do so long ago.

We have everything we need to succeed right here in Canada. We have the resources. We have the supply chains. We have the manufacturing capability. Most importantly, we have the skilled, capable labour to make it all possible. What we need is a government that will finally step up here at home instead of selling out to Donald Trump and Elon Musk. We need a government that finally puts Canadian workers first, a government that strengthens, rather than sidelines, the manufacturing jobs we rely on.

We carry our future, Canada's future, in our hands by the decisions that are made in the House. However, it is up to the government as to how it will choose to vote on policies that can make this all happen, even if those policies are Conservative policies, policies to support cars built at Ingersoll, built in Woodstock or built in Cambridge, the place I am proud to call home. It starts with supporting this motion. It starts with taking a stand for fairness and for dignity. It starts with fighting for every single one of our Canadian manufacturing jobs.

Let us unite and fight to support Canada.

Mass Shooting in Tumbler Ridge

[Jake Sawatzky, Liberal, New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville, BC]

Mr. Speaker, today B.C. is observing a day of mourning to honour the victims of the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting.

School should be a place where children learn about the world, a place where the biggest stress is a test they did not study enough for or when they are late for class and the bell is ringing, a place where they make friends and catch up with them every day at lunch. School should never be a place where children fear for their lives.

Every kid deserves a place where they can relax and grow. What happened in Tumbler Ridge is absolutely devastating. Innocent lives have been taken and many more injured. All of British Columbia, all of Canada and so many around the world are grieving.

We mourn with the families who have lost loved ones and with those who are recovering. No words can make this better, but they must know that they are not alone. Let us hold each other a little closer as we face this together.

Intimate Partner Violence

[Frank Caputo, Conservative, Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola, BC]

Mr. Speaker, Debbie Henderson, Flo Bellman and Paul Henderson are in Ottawa today. They did not ask to be here as advocates but have stepped up bravely to represent their family members, Bailey McCourt and Darian Hailey Henderson-Bellman, who were killed by intimate partners.

Debbie, Flo and Paul are just some of the voices fighting for justice after their loved ones were killed by intimate partners. This was not a role they asked for, but they and many others have taken on advocacy to fight the good fight. They have turned their grief into education. They are part of the cries for change, pleading for all sides to listen.

I say to them that they have been heard. It is now our duty, as legislators, not to fail them, Bailey, Darian or other victims. Debbie, Flo, Paul and all those who walk with them have worked tirelessly and we hold them in the highest esteem.

Serbian Statehood Day

[Ned Kuruc, Conservative, Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I stand today to commemorate Serbian Statehood Day, also known as Sretenje. February 15 is a day that speaks of faith, humility and the encounter between the human and the divine. It is also the day in 1835 when Serbia adopted its first modern constitution, a symbol of liberty, dignity and the rule of law, values deeply shared with Canada.

Our two nations stood together in the darkest hours of the 20th century. One great example is Leslie Joy Whitehead, a young Canadian woman who volunteered to serve with the Serbian army during World War I. She marched through war-torn lands, endured capture as a prisoner of war and fought on the front lines, a testament to the courage, compassion and deep human bonds between our peoples.

Canada offered many Serbs a new home. Serbia offered Canada devoted citizens. Together, we have built 85 years of bilateral relations that are rooted in hard work, faith and freedom.

Tragic Events in Kitigan Zibi

[Tatiana Auguste, Liberal, Terrebonne, QC]

Mr. Speaker, early Wednesday morning, the Outaouais community of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg was struck by a heartbreaking tragedy. The lives of two children, a 10-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy, were taken in a truly horrifying incident. These were two innocent people, rays of hope in their community, who wanted nothing more than to live.

This tragedy gives us pause. This ordeal has deeply shaken the indigenous community of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and all of Canada.

I offer my deepest condolences to the families affected and to all members of the community who are experiencing unspeakable pain at this time. We stand with them. They are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mass Shooting in Tumbler Ridge

[Hedy Fry, Liberal, Vancouver Centre, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I want to offer comfort to the families who lost their loved ones so tragically, so cruelly and so suddenly in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., but I am at a loss for words. They have all been said.

What can I say to ease the pain of a parent who will never again see or hug their child, watch them grow or share with them the ordinary joys and sorrows of daily life? As a mother, my heart breaks for those years lost forever. What can I say to heal the wounds of a community that once lived in trust and may now be guarded? What can I say to the families who keep vigil by the bedside of the injured, hoping and praying, or to the traumatized children for whom school was once a place to play, learn and feel safe?

Words have become trite. Thoughts and prayers are not enough.

We in the House can honour the lives lost in Tumbler Ridge. We can ensure that this tragedy will never happen again to other families, other children and other communities. We have the tools and the power to make that pledge. We must now find the courage.

James Feltham

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the life of James Feltham of Deer Lake, whom we knew as Jim. He passed away just a few days ago.

For 30 years Jim devoted himself to teaching at Elwood Regional High School, and for more than 50 years he was a pillar of the basketball community. He coached generations of young athletes, including me. He gave so much of himself to the sport that he loved.

Jim also salmon fished along the Humber River, close to our family property, and we anticipated the opening of the season and his arrival when he would put his boat in the water. We watched him spend hours out there. It was not just something he enjoyed but also a place where he seemed to find tremendous peace. He never wanted help getting on and off the river, highlighting his quiet independence.

Jim's leadership, his love for his community, and his independent spirit left a lasting mark across our town. He meant something to so many of us. Today we remember him with gratitude and respect. My heartfelt condolences go to his family and to all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Mass Shooting in Tumbler Ridge

[Wade Chang, Liberal, Burnaby Central, BC]

Mr. Speaker, how do we ensure that fear will never defeat us as Canadians?

Families in Tumbler Ridge have faced every parent's worst nightmare. Innocent lives were taken, and many other people were injured. To the grieving families, we offer our deepest condolences. Their loss is felt across this country. To the people recovering and to the students and teachers carrying trauma, we stand beside them.

We thank the teachers who protected their students, the first responders who ran toward danger and the health care workers who worked tirelessly to save lives.

In Burnaby Central, we come from many cultures and speak different languages, but we stand as one in our promise: Our children should grow up free from violence.

Today we hold Tumbler Ridge in our hearts. We rise together. By choosing light over hatred, solidarity over division, and peace over violence, we deny fear its power. In every choice we make, we uphold Canada, a land of courage and a home of compassion.

Lunar New Year

[Vincent Ho, Conservative, Richmond Hill South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, lunar new year has been celebrated on this land for as long as Canada has been a country.

When Chinese immigrants first arrived in British Columbia around the time of Confederation, they brought with them the traditions that were passed down for thousands of years: traditions of family, renewal, gratitude and hope. For over a century these celebrations have been part of Canada's history.

Today lunar new year is celebrated by millions of Canadians with roots tracing back to Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese descent, and it is embraced by neighbours and friends of every background. The values celebrated at this time of year, such as respect for elders and the generations before us, responsibility to family, generosity and community spirit, are also Conservative values. We believe that strong families build strong communities and that strong communities build a strong country. It is people, not big government, who empower society and shape our future.

To all people across Canada celebrating in 2026, I wish health, prosperity and happiness in the year ahead as we welcome the year of the horse.

Happy lunar new year. Gong hei fat choi.

Jocelyn Démétré

[Marie-Hélène Gaudreau, Bloc, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in life, there are people who inspire us with their courage, self-sacrifice, strength and dignity in the face of adversity. Since becoming the veterans affairs critic, I have come across some truly exceptional human beings. I have entered a world that is too often overlooked, one that is characterized by humanity, dedication and altruism.

One person in particular is always on my mind. He is one of those guardian angels who, each in their own way, have taken their combat experience and used it to help others. Serving others is their mission in life. I would like to introduce the House to retired captain Jocelyn Démétré, the founding president of Hero Lodge, a retreat in the Northwest Territories that he funds with revenue from his book, and a recipient of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.

I respectfully salute Jocelyn Démétré, a hero whose has made it his mission to serve every day.

Mass Shooting in Tumbler Ridge

[Gurbux Saini, Liberal, Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC]

Mr. Speaker, we are all heartbroken by the horrific attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

No parent should ever have to experience the loss of a child. I want to join members of the House in sharing my grief for the nine lives lost in Tumbler Ridge on Tuesday, and to pray for the quick recovery of the injured survivors. I also want to thank the first responders for their professionalism, which doubtlessly saved many lives.

As the people of Tumbler Ridge feel the weight of their heavy loss, I want them to know that the House and this nation stand with them.

Housing

[Michael Guglielmin, Conservative, Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's housing market is sending alarming signals. New home sales in the GTA have fallen to their lowest point in 45 years, putting up to a hundred thousand jobs at risk. Across major markets, sales are down sharply, while builders report layoffs and are having growing concern about their ability to stay afloat.

At the same time, home ownership among Canadians 30 years old to 34 years old has fallen significantly over the past decade, and new housing supply is failing to keep pace with population growth. Nearly nine in 10 Canadians now express concerns about housing affordability, and many young people are considering leaving their communities because home ownership feels out of reach. Without action, an entire generation now risks being locked out of home ownership in their own communities.

Young Canadians deserve policies that increase housing supplies. When will the Liberals collaborate with us and remove barriers to construction so we can restore the dream of home ownership for young people in this country again?