Debates of March 26th, 2026

Maple Season

[Scott Aitchison, Conservative, Parry Sound—Muskoka, ON]

Mr. Speaker, from the first run of sap to the last maple taffy, communities across our region are coming together to celebrate one of Canada's oldest and sweetest traditions. Whether it is Maple Mayhem at Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery, the community spirit of the Parry Sound Maple Fest, the energy of the Muskoka Maple Festival in downtown Huntsville, the hands-on experiences of the Muskoka maple trail or a true working sugar bush experience at Hubbert's Maple Products during the Almaguin Maple Festival, there is something happening in every corner of Parry Sound—Muskoka.

These events remind us of who we are: hard-working, community-minded and deeply connected to the land and the traditions that built this country. This spring I encourage everyone, locals and visitors alike, to get out, bring their families, support our producers and take part in these incredible celebrations. When people show up, they are not just enjoying maple season, they are supporting the people and communities who make Parry Sound—Muskoka the most incredible place to call home.

Francophonie Month

[Marie-France Lalonde, Liberal, Orléans, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on March 20, we celebrated the International Day of La Francophonie, a perfect opportunity to highlight the vitality and impact of the French language and the richness of our linguistic duality, which strengthens our identity and unites us. All month long, francophone communities have been actively celebrating our heritage.

The theme of the 28th Rendez-vous de la Francophonie was “Activate your Francophonie”, and there were plenty of exciting things on the agenda. I had the privilege of attending several events, including the FrancoFun party at École secondaire catholique Béatrice‑Desloges, Ottawa's 2026 Gala de la francophonie plurielle and the reception on Parliament Hill. To close out the month, I will be attending the mayor's 19th annual Francophone RendezVous tomorrow morning.

This month highlights the presence and contributions of members of the francophone community in the national capital region and beyond. I wish everyone an enjoyable Francophonie Month.

Peachland Legion

[Dan Albas, Conservative, Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC]

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honour to share with the House that on December 23, 1926, the Peachland Royal Canadian Legion Branch 69 was presented with its charter. I am proud to note that this original charter, issued by the British Empire Service League, still hangs on the wall of that legion to this very day.

The Peachland Legion was established in the aftermath of the First World War by returning soldiers, marking an incredibly proud moment for the small community of Peachland, British Columbia. For nearly a century, the legion has supported veterans who have served in the Second World War, Korea, Rwanda, Somalia, Bosnia, the Gulf War, Afghanistan and more recent theatres where our men and women answered the call to serve. May we all stand in support of our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our great country.

For 100 years, the Peachland Legion has withstood the test of time, and I am confident it will stand steadfast for generations to come. I invite the House to join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Peachland Royal Canadian Legion Branch 69.

North York General Hospital

[Maggie Chi, Liberal, Don Valley North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this occasion to advise the House that, for the eighth consecutive year, North York General Hospital, in my riding of Don Valley North, has been Canada's top-ranked community academic hospital. It was also ranked the fourth-leading hospital in Canada. Going from strength to strength, North York General ranked in the top 3% of hospitals from around the world.

This international recognition reflects the outstanding care being delivered at North York General and affirms the collective impact of its entire team. I commend the members of its team for their professionalism and dedication to their patients, a powerful reminder of the strength of our patient-centred health care system. It is a moment of pride for our community and a reminder that the people of Don Valley North and Canadians across the country strive for excellence and that we build on our past successes to reach even greater heights.

Easter Seals

[Stephanie Kusie, Conservative, Calgary Midnapore, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured by the opportunity to recognize Easter Seals for the incredible work it does. Since 1922, it has been a tireless advocate for the disability community, helping to create a more inclusive and accessible society.

Last year alone, the organization sent more than 6,000 people of all ages to camp and worked with more than 150,000 individuals across Canada. Raising awareness and funds, its ultimate mission is to ensure that everyone living with a disability has access to the services, equipment, programs and support they need in order to live their life to the fullest.

As we mark Easter Seals Month, I want to thank the national and provincial organizations and all their dedicated volunteers for the work they do for the organizations and for their fellow Canadians.

Gilles Brassard

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

Mr. Speaker, one Quebecker's ingenuity is bringing honour to our entire nation on the international stage. Gilles Brassard, a professor at the University of Montreal, has been given the Turing Award, the world’s highest honour in computer science.

This prize, often compared to the Nobel Prize, is a crowning achievement in a long career dedicated to advancing quantum computing and cryptography, the secure transfer of information. In the words of the Association for Computing Machinery, which awards this honour, Gilles Brassard’s work has “expanded the boundaries of computing and set in motion decades of discovery across disciplines”. This marks the culmination of a career that began in the 1970s for this prodigy, who began his studies at the University of Montreal at the age of 13.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I congratulate Gilles Brassard and thank him for continuing to shine the international spotlight on Quebec intellect. We must also commend his decision not to travel to the United States to receive his award, in protest of the economic war launched by Donald Trump. I thank and congratulate Mr. Brassard.

Community Support in Whitby

[Ryan Turnbull, Liberal, Whitby, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I could not be more proud to support our region, town and community partners in compassionately and effectively addressing homelessness in our community. The site at 1635 Dundas Street East is a lifeline in Whitby, a place where people facing some of their hardest moments can find safety, care and dignity.

Our new government is backing that critical work with a $40-million investment, turning the site into supportive and transitional housing. With 104 new beds, on-site health care and recovery supports, this facility offers more than just a place to lay one's head. This is what real solutions look like: fewer people sleeping outside, fewer emergencies and public safety concerns on our streets, and frontline workers connecting people to care faster, preventing crisis before it happens. Most important, the project gives people time, stability and the support they need to rebuild their life.

This is what standing up for Canada really looks like.

Easter

[Arnold Viersen, Conservative, Peace River—Westlock, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Easter is the most important celebration, because it marks the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Humans are not perfect. We sin, and this sin requires justice. That is why it is an incredible act of love that our Creator descended to earth to bear our punishment and rise again on the third day.

As Jesus himself said in the Gospel of John, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die”. This promise was fulfilled on Easter morning when the tomb was found empty. In the Gospel of Matthew, the angel declared, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” This is the good news. We are truly forgiven through the death of Jesus, so whether it is legal or not, I will always proclaim, “Christ is king. He is risen, risen indeed.”

Eid

[Yasir Naqvi, Liberal, Ottawa Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Eid is a time to celebrate with family and friends, and for communities to come together in joy and solidarity.

I was happy to join members of my community in Ottawa Centre and the diplomatic corps at a celebration organized by Abbis Mahmoud and Koussei Kurbaj that combine the Eid celebration and fundraising for the Ottawa breakfast program. The program is run by the Ottawa Network for Education. It serves over 16,000 students every day in 215 schools across Ottawa. Events like this complement our government's efforts through the national school food program to support childhood development, save money for families and, of course, feed children. That is what Eid is all about.

Eid Mubarak to everyone.

Hockey

[Warren Steinley, Conservative, Regina—Lewvan, SK]

Mr. Speaker, over eight years, one's perspective can change, from hockey player to hockey parent. This winter, my wife ran into Mr. Cross at the Strasbourg rink, watching kids play the sport his son loved. His son was Mark Cross, the assistant coach for the Humboldt Broncos, who died in the crash. On April 6, it will be eight years since the crash. Today my words are inspired by Mr. Cross and all hockey parents.

God looked down and said we needed hockey parents, people who can cut sticks, sharpen skates and tape ankles. God needed someone who can get up when it is still dark, pack the cooler bag, travel icy roads, fight blizzards and beat the rising sun for early winter ice times, all with a smile on their faces for the love of the game. He needed someone who can run on coffee and rink burgers, make a noisemaker out of anything and cheer on every kid like they are their own. He needed someone who would give up seven months of weekends to sit in a cold rink and be there for the thrill of victories but also shed the tears of defeat. God therefore made a hockey parent.

On April 6, I would ask everyone to please keep the Humboldt Broncos in their thoughts and prayers and to say a little extra blessing for our hockey parents. Last, leave a stick on the porch in case one of our Broncos needs a spare for their evening game upstairs.

God bless Humboldt.

Tax Filing

[Jean-Yves Duclos, Liberal, Québec Centre, QC]

Mr. Speaker, filing a tax return is essential for receiving benefits such as the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit, which can provide up to $900 for a single individual and up to $2,000 for a family of four this year. This new benefit will support 12 million low- and modest-income individuals to offset increased expenses related to food inflation.

I want to say a big thank you to the dozens of volunteers at Patro Laval, in my riding, who will be providing nearly 3,000 people with a free and confidential tax filing service until April 23. I also want to thank the Government of Canada for supporting this important initiative from Patro Laval and many other organizations across the country through the community volunteer income tax program.

Liberal Party of Canada

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Speaker, higher prices are the official policy of the Liberal Party. The results speak for themselves: 100,000 jobs lost this year, a shrinking economy, the second-highest unemployment in the G7, the highest household debt and the highest food inflation. Canadians cannot eat empty Liberal slogans. Broken promises do not put a roof over Canadians' heads. Spending is out of control. The Brookfield government has already broken its deficit target. The Prime Minister can hide overseas for only so long.

Canadians are waking up to the consequences of 11 long years of bad Liberal policy. The government's only solution is more of the same: more corporate welfare for well-connected insiders, more new bureaucracies to slow development, and more recycled announcements and reused talking points. Now they will reap a gas tax windfall, but Canadians will not see a dime.

The bill for these bad Liberal policies will come due, but it is Canadians who will pay the price.

Oscar for Best Animated Short Film

[David Myles, Liberal, Fredericton—Oromocto, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge an extraordinary moment for Canadian animation and film.

The Oscar for best animated short film this year is a global tribute to Montreal filmmakers Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski. It also reflects the talent and creativity in our country. This award serves as an inspiration to our artists and is a source of pride for Canada.

At the podium, Chris and Maciek told the world that their film could be made only at the National Film Board of Canada.

This is the 12th Oscar win for the NFB. We should be proud of the enduring role the organization has played in supporting bold, original voices and sharing Canadian stories with the world.

Congratulations to Maciek and Chris and the entire team at the National Film Board on this remarkable achievement.

Taxation

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, it used to be that when oil prices went up, the Canadian dollar went up along with them, but it is not. Why is this? It is because the government is attacking our energy industry. Its industrial carbon tax drives investment out of the energy sector, and despite massive new powers, it has still gotten no new pipelines built.

Even the Liberal Prime Minister has said when our dollar is weak, food becomes more expensive, but he does not realize that it is his job to give Canadians a strong dollar. Liberals never change.

Will the Prime Minister reverse his radical environmental agenda so our dollar can be strong and Canadians can eat, heat and house themselves?

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

Mr. Speaker, we will circle back to that question, but today we need to start with the good news for Canadians and for Canada. Today, the NATO secretary general confirmed that Canada has met NATO's 2% spending—

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[Jill McKnight, Liberal, Delta, BC]

Mr. Speaker, this historic investment confirms that we are doing our fair share here at home, on the continent and in the alliance, investing in Canada's women and men in uniform. Today and every day, NATO allies know they can count on Canada.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, even the Liberal Prime Minister acknowledged, “one thing impacting...food prices is the fall in the Canadian dollar”, but it is his job to give us a strong dollar. He has chosen to keep his industrial carbon tax that drives investment out of Canada. This is not the first time he has racked up a record like this. His tenure in the U.K. was described as, “characterised by stagnant growth, stalled living standards, and declining productivity”. Does this sound familiar?

The Liberal Prime Minister is great at getting important jobs, but is just terrible at actually doing those jobs. Will he reverse his radical environmental agenda so our dollar can be strong and food can become more affordable?

[Sherry Romanado, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, I have good news for Canadians today.

The Secretary General of NATO has confirmed that Canada has met NATO's target of 2% of GDP for military spending. This historic investment confirms that we are doing our fair share, both at home on the continent and within the alliance.

Today, as every day, NATO allies know they can count on Canada.

[Rob Moore, Conservative, Fundy Royal, NB]

Mr. Speaker, it is clear today that the Liberals want to talk about everything but the affordability crisis Canadians are suffering. The Prime Minister has not reversed the affordability crisis in Canada as he promised, because he refuses to acknowledge that his radical environmental agenda is driving up costs and driving investment out of our country. Canadians need permanent relief from Liberal policies like the industrial carbon tax, which impacts the cost of just about everything we grow, ship and purchase. Everything is more expensive, from housing to gas and groceries.

Will the Liberals finally stop attacking vital—

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

The hon. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

[Tim Hodgson, Liberal, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources]

Mr. Speaker, I was just in Houston, where I was with Secretary Wright and Secretary Burgum, and they were applauding Canada for its record oil production and record natural gas production, which are keeping prices affordable in North America.

[Rob Moore, Conservative, Fundy Royal, NB]

Mr. Speaker, under the Liberal Prime Minister, Canadians are suffering due to this affordability crisis, and the cost of everything is going up. It used to be the case in this country that if the price of oil went up, our dollar went up, but thanks to radical Liberal policies, that is no longer the case. Canadians have suffered long enough under the Liberal government.

Will the Liberals reverse their radical policies, like the industrial carbon tax, that are driving down our dollar and give Canadians relief from this cost of living crisis?

[François-Philippe Champagne, Liberal, Minister of Finance and National Revenue]

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives cannot stand good news, but I have good news for them. Not only are we are meeting our NATO commitment, but we tabled legislation to boost home sales in the country with new construction. They should rejoice. We are going to boost construction and we are going to support our industry. We are going to support our construction workers.

Instead of yelling, they should applaud our construction workers across the nation. They are going to help us build this country. This is a day to celebrate. We are going to help our workers build our construction sector and make Canada strong.

The Economy

[Luc Berthold, Conservative, Mégantic—L’Érable—Lotbinière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, while the Liberals parade around and feed off delusions, Canadian families are still wondering what they are going to be able to afford this year as Easter approaches.

Beef prices are up 14%. Easter ham is 10% more expensive. Fuel prices are skyrocketing. The Liberal Prime Minister is imposing a hidden tax of 7¢ a litre. It is going to increase to 17¢ a litre. He is just like Liberal Justin Trudeau.

When is this Liberal Prime Minister going to axe the hidden taxes that are driving up the price of gas, transportation and groceries so that Canadians can feed their families?