Debates of Feb. 3rd, 2026

Mill Closures

[Tamara Kronis, Conservative, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

Mr. Speaker, today is February 3, the first day that 254 forestry workers at the Crofton Mill are out of work. Almost all of them are still without jobs, and another 125 workers will be following them to the unemployment line in the coming weeks.

Since the Prime Minister took office, Vancouver Island has seen a steady drumbeat of mill curtailments and closures. Shifts are being cut, mills are being idled and families are turning to food banks in record numbers. When a mill shuts down, the whole community is closed. Crofton workers met with Liberal ministers in good faith and put forward practical, targeted proposals. They were promised employment, insurance support and transition funding. Ministers looked my communities in the eye and made those commitments. Well, it is February 3. The Crofton workers and others on curtailment in my community are out in the cold and still waiting.

I am asking for an urgent meeting with the minister to discuss the reasonable request Crofton workers made. Our communities deserve more than words and “someday” promises. They deserve action.

Affordability Measures

[Sonia Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, families in Brampton work hard and deserve support that works for them. That is why the government is increasing the GST credit by 25% for five years. This means a family of four in Brampton could receive up to $1,900. It will help more than 12 million Canadians across the country.

These measures are paired with $500 million to protect supply chains, support farmers and help keep prices down at the checkout. They build on the progress already made, including a middle-class tax cut for 22 million Canadians, $10-a-day child care, dental coverage for six million Canadians, expanded student loan forgiveness, and school meals for 400,000 children each year.

These measures are about making everyday life more affordable and supporting families in Brampton and across Canada.

Fur Institute of Canada

[Blaine Calkins, Conservative, Ponoka—Didsbury, AB]

Mr. Speaker, l am very pleased to rise today and recognize the Fur Institute of Canada's day on the Hill.

The Fur Institute was created in 1983 by Canada's wildlife ministers and serves as Canada's national voice for the fur trade. The Fur Institute is internationally renowned for its expertise in humane trapping and is home to the Seals and Sealing Network, which promotes Canadian seal products at home and abroad. Representing a broad cross-section of the fur trade, from trapping and runway to farm gates and showrooms, this organization represents the interests of over 35,000 Canadian trappers, fur farmers, seal harvesters, artisans and furriers, as well as governments and indigenous nations all involved in the fur trade.

Trapping is an essential part of wildlife management, livestock protection, infrastructure maintenance and species recovery. In short, trappers live in harmony with the land, as opposed to living on it.

Today, there are over 20 delegates on Parliament Hill who are attending the Fur Institute of Canada's Hill day. I am excited to meet them, and I encourage all my colleagues to do the same.

Home Show in Quebec City

[Steeve Lavoie, Liberal, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

Mr. Speaker, here we are in early February, and Expo habitat Québec is hosting its 40th home show at the Centre de foires d'ExpoCité in my riding of Beauport—Limoilou.

For 40 years now, Expo habitat has been a must-see event for the construction and housing sector. Every year, it brings together contractors, experts and professionals from across Quebec.

Given the challenging housing environment across Canada, events like Expo habitat are more vital than ever. Expo habitat Québec contributes directly to this collective reflection by offering up real solutions to build better and faster. People come to have important exchanges, sharing ideas, innovative practices and sustainable solutions to housing challenges.

I would like to commend the organizers, exhibitors and all the partners who ensure the success and relevance of this show year after year.

Canada's 22nd Prime Minister

[Stephanie Kusie, Conservative, Calgary Midnapore, AB]

Mr. Speaker, 20 years ago, the Right Hon. Stephen Harper was elected as Canada's 22nd prime minister. This week, as his official portrait is unveiled and as Conservatives gather to celebrate the many achievements of his government, I am proud to rise and remember the legacy he left, one of fiscal know-how, strength and unity.

Prime Minister Harper successfully led our country through the 2008 economic crisis, resulting in the best recovery in the G7, while cutting taxes and saving real money for Canadians. On the global stage, he held firm to his principles, supporting our allies and having the courage to stand up to those who did not allow for freedom or democracy. It was his leadership that united our Conservative movement and opened the door to millions of Canadians supporting our party. He is right honourable indeed.

I thank Prime Minister Harper for his public service and dedication to Canada.

International Development Week

[Mona Fortier, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to recognize the important work that Canadian civil society organizations are doing around the world in these difficult times. During this International Development Week, I want to recognize the critical contributions of hundreds of workers from these organizations across Canada and especially those from Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester.

Canadian international assistance has long been a beacon of hope around the world. The assistance that we provide supports the development of clean water and sanitation facilities, trains health care professionals on reducing infant mortality and ensures universal access to basic education for children, especially young girls.

With Canada's place in the world more important than ever, our government is committed to working with our civil society partners to build a strong and prosperous Canada. We know that when we work together, Canadians deliver for the world. By investing in overseas development assistance, our government is implementing a pragmatic approach—

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

The hon. member for Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola.

Southern Alberta Mustangs

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

Mr. Speaker, with profound sadness, I offer my sincere condolences on the passing of three junior hockey players from the Southern Alberta Mustangs. The families, teammates and coaches in Stavely, Alberta, who cared for Caden Fine of Alabama, and Kamloops' own J.J. Wright and Cameron Casorso, are in our thoughts as they grieve this heartbreaking loss.

Kamloops Minor Hockey had the honour of watching J.J. and Cameron grow up playing in the organization for 14 and 13 years, respectively. Many in the Kamloops community knew these players as teammates and friends. The pain of this tragedy will be felt for a long time, and the memory of these young lives will remain with us always.

They are gone from our sight but never from our hearts.

Thomas Fafard

[Patrick Bonin, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to call attention to the meteoric rise of a Repentigny resident who is redefining the limits of what is possible. His name is Thomas Fafard.

Thomas has proven that even the longest-lasting records are no barrier to him; they are an invitation to excel. During his very first marathon on January 14, he beat Alain Bordeleau, the 40-year record holder. That was a first for Quebec. His was more than a timed performance; it was history-making.

This is just one chapter in Thomas's epic journey. Already a Quebec half marathon record holder, Thomas has an insatiable thirst for victory. In fact, he is not about to stop there. Today, his goal is clear: to earn a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games marathon.

Thomas's determination to push the limits makes him an outstanding ambassador. We look forward to seeing where his efforts will take him. We are proud of him. Repentigny and all of Quebec are cheering him on.

Iran

[Jonathan Wilkinson, Liberal, North Vancouver—Capilano, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solidarity with my constituents of North Vancouver—Capilano, which is home to a strong and vibrant Iranian Canadian community, to unequivocally condemn the Iranian regime's unjustifiable killing of thousands of peaceful civilian protesters.

The Iranian regime must halt its horrific repression and intimidation, and I call on the regime to respect the rights of its citizens.

I want to recognize the extraordinary courage of Iranian people both in Iran and here in Canada, who continue to stand up for fundamental rights and freedoms despite the regime's ongoing brutality. Canada has been firm and steadfast in its support for the Iranian people and in its opposition to the actions being taken by the regime.

I thank the people of Iran and Iranian Canadians for their bravery. I am inspired by their strength and their fight to shape a peaceful and democratic future for Iran. Canadians stand with them at this enormously difficult time.

Cost of Food

[Jamie Schmale, Conservative, Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes, ON]

Mr. Speaker, three years ago the finance minister promised Canadians he would stabilize food prices. Since then, lettuce is up nearly 40%, coffee 33%, beef 27%, baby formula 13% and canned vegetables almost 12%.

Canada is leading the G7 in food inflation. It is now twice as high as when the Prime Minister took office and twice as high as it is in the United States. Canadians are making 2.2 million visits a month to food banks, which has doubled under the Liberal government. In my area, the local health unit has identified food insecurity as an urgent issue, as the typical family spends over $1,200 each month on healthy food alone, and many are forced to juggle between rent and buying groceries.

Instead of working to reduce the cost of food, the minister is announcing yet another temporary rebate, giving some about $10 a week. The government needs to support a Conservative affordability plan, one that eliminates taxes and encourages competition.

Barbara “Mary” Charles

[Wade Grant, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart but in celebration of one of my matriarchs. Barbara “Mary” Charles passed away at the age of 96 last year.

Better known to thousands as Aunty Mary, she grew up as a Tsleil-Waututh member, went to a Catholic day school for much of her youth and at 17 married into Musqueam. She had 13 children and became the leader of her family, but also a leader in Musqueam as a councillor for over 40 years and engaged in the Sparrow case that proved our right to fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes.

After her time as a councillor, she became a cultural ambassador for Musqueam, welcoming dignitaries, royalty, celebrities and even politicians. In fact, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure once called her his rock.

As we move forward, I want to raise my hands to my aunt and end this speech for everyone in the House the way she would end it, by saying, “May your days be filled with joy. May your successes be frequent. May you find peace and comfort, and may your hearts always know how special you all are.”

Hay čxʷ q̓ə.

Conservative Party of Canada

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Mr. Speaker, Conservatives are united for hope. After 10 years of Liberal failure, Canadians are struggling just to get by. Groceries cost more, housing is out of reach, energy bills are up and crime is out of control. The Canadian promise that if someone works hard and plays by the rules they can get ahead has been broken. Conservatives are united to restore that promise.

While the Liberals offer slogans and photo ops, Canadians are demanding real results, but the Prime Minister's rhetoric does not match reality. Food inflation is higher than ever, housing is out of reach, dozens of mills have closed across British Columbia and no new resource projects have been approved or built.

Conservatives are focused on delivering real solutions. We will lower taxes, fight inflation, cut red tape, build more homes and produce more Canadian energy, so we can stand on our own two feet. We are united for hope. We are focused on results, and we are ready to make life more affordable for the millions of Canadians who work hard and deserve better than what this guy is promising.

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

The member is not referring to this guy, I hope. His comments should go through the Chair.

The hon. member for Terrebonne.

Black History Month

[Tatiana Auguste, Liberal, Terrebonne, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Black History Month is celebrating 30 years of recognition in Canada. For 30 years, we have been sharing, remembering and honouring the stories that had been sidelined for far too long.

This year's theme is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations—From Nation Builders to Tomorrow's Visionaries”. As part of this theme, we are acknowledging those who helped build Canada. The workers who built strong communities, the leaders who stood up for justice, and the artists, educators, entrepreneurs and innovators who paved the way.

We are reminded of the Black communities in Nova Scotia, whose courage paved the way for freedom, respect and dignity in Canada. We are also reminded of the members of the Haitian community, who fled from a dictatorship in the 1970s and settled in Quebec, caring for, training and educating generations of Quebeckers and Canadians. They also paved the way.

This Black History Month, let us honour these builders and visionaries, whose legacy I have inherited.

Canada's 22nd Prime Minister

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Battle River—Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, today, we unveil the portrait of the great Right Hon. Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

He reminds us of better days. As prime minister, he led Canada's economy through the great global recession with the smallest deficit, the shortest recession, the fastest recovery and the best balance sheet. He would then go on to successfully lead us through two wars: one in Afghanistan against the Taliban and then against ISIS. He then passed laws that kept our streets safe and expanded opportunity for Canadians. The cost of a home was an almost laughable $450,000, and rent was only $900.

We look back on Mr. Harper's many successes, not just in nostalgia but with hope, because it has been done before and it can be done again.

Aga Khan

[Taleeb Noormohamed, Liberal, Vancouver Granville, BC]

Mr. Speaker, on February 4, Ismaili Muslims across Canada and around the world will celebrate Imamat Day, marking one year since His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan became the 50th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims.

In that time, Mawlana Hazar Imam has worked tirelessly to build bridges between nations, to advance the fight against climate change, to support community resilience and to improve the quality of life of those living in the most difficult of circumstances. For Ismailis, he has reminded us of the importance of being active, engaged, ethical citizens and that living our values of kindness, compassion and service to all is an act of faith. For us all, Hazar Imam has shown us the importance of faith, of maintaining balance in our lives, of taking the time to care for family and community and, above all, of living our physical lives with purpose and intention. These values reflect the best of what unites us as Canadians.

I invite all members of the House to join me in wishing His Highness and Ismailis across Canada, Khushali Mubarak.

Taxation

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians deserve to have a full fridge and a full bank account. The Prime Minister told us he could be judged by the prices at the grocery store. Since then, costs have been rising faster than in all other G7 countries.

My theory is that taxes on farming equipment, fertilizers and the entire supply chain are the reason we have the worst food inflation in the G7. That is my theory.

What is his theory?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition's theory is wrong. According to the Canadian Climate Institute, the industrial carbon tax has virtually no impact on grocery prices. There is no packaging tax.

The Canadian dollar and U.S. tariffs are both having an impact.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, that does not add up, because every other G7 country is paying tariffs. Every other G7 country is experiencing the effects of climate change. However, they have less food inflation. Their consumers are not seeing the big increases that we are seeing here.

We have the worst food inflation in the G7, and the Prime Minister is not explaining why. What I am saying is that his inflationary taxes and deficits are to blame.

Will he work with us to eliminate these taxes and make groceries affordable?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, according to TD Bank, one of the major impacts on grocery prices here was the drop in the Canadian dollar during a Conservative Party filibuster before Canada's new government was elected.

The Canadian dollar is now going up, which will produce results for Canadians.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians deserve to have a full stomach, a full fridge and a full bank account all at once.

The Prime Minister has said that he could be judged by the price at the grocery store. Since that time, food inflation has doubled and grocery prices are rising faster in Canada than in any other country in the G7. My theory is that his taxes, the carbon tax on farm equipment, fertilizer and food processors, and the new tax on diesel and gas, are the cause. That is my theory; what is his?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the impact of the industrial carbon tax on food prices is, as estimated by the Canadian Climate Institute, approximately zero. The impact of the fuel charge, which exempts diesel, gasoline, fertilizer and food processors, is de minimis.

What the fuel charge does do is support the farmers of Battle River—Crowfoot. It supports canola production. It supports biofuels. It supports our future.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, now we will have to find out whether the Prime Minister is telling the truth or his environment department is telling the truth. The Prime Minister says it does not apply to gasoline. According to his own environment department, it applies to both diesel and gasoline, seven cents a litre this year, and yes, it does apply to farmers, fishers and others.

Regardless, we have the highest food inflation in the G7. I have given my theory on why, under his leadership, Canadians are paying more, faster than anyone else. What is the Prime Minister's theory for his terrible record on food inflation?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I know the Leader of the Opposition is just visiting his riding, but if he would spend more time—