Debates of April 15th, 2026

National Defence

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Minister of National Defence]

That is a bit rich, Mr. Speaker. The member has voted against every single proposal to look after our forces. He has no ground to stand on.

The members of the Canadian Armed Forces carry out important work on behalf of Canada here at home and around the world. We have introduced a suite of cost of living supports to support them and their families: that is, a well-deserved pay raise, $100 million for additional child care and $3.7 billion for 7,500 new housing units. Our work to support the members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families continues each and every day.

[Scott Anderson, Conservative, Vernon—Lake Country—Monashee, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the minister is telling us half the story about the pay raises. What he is forgetting is that overseas, reductions of over $1,500 a month are being taken back from living allowances. These are real families putting their lives on the line abroad who were given just six days' notice and are now scrambling to adjust.

The Liberal government increases pay only to claw it back. The headlines all scream about increased military pay, but why are so many frontline soldiers deployed overseas actually being forced to take a pay cut?

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Minister of National Defence]

Once again, Mr. Speaker, let us be factual: 8%, 13% and 20% pay increases; annual retention bonuses based on years of service; instructor benefits and special incentives to allow folks to move from the practising of their trades in the forces to become instructors.

We are making progress. We are, all together, collectively rebuilding the Canadian Armed Forces. The members on both sides of the House are aware of this. I would welcome their thoughtful input.

The Economy

[Parm Bains, Liberal, Richmond East—Steveston, BC]

Mr. Speaker, global conflicts and chaotic and irrational decision-making with critical oil supply chains have led to increased global prices. While these events seem distant, they are already pushing prices higher at the pump and the grocery store and causing Canadians to rethink where they are booking their summer holiday.

Budget 2025 laid out how Canada's new majority government will create a more independent and resilient Canadian economy. Can the secretary of state lay out how our government is supporting Canadians day to day?

[Wayne Long, Liberal, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)]

Mr. Speaker, yes indeed, yesterday we paused and suspended the excise tax on fuel, which is 10¢. We cut the consumer carbon tax. That is another 18¢, which is 28¢ in total. We cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. The groceries and essentials benefit is $1,900 per family this year and $1,400 per family for the next four years.

On this side of the House, we are going to continue to focus on bringing costs down for Canadians and making life more affordable for Canadians. The members on that side continue with the rhymes and the rhetoric.

International Trade

[Harb Gill, Conservative, Windsor West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on April 6, the U.S. government imposed section 232 tariffs that threaten nearly 60,000 Canadian jobs and hit an industry worth $6 billion that feeds our manufacturing sector, which is worth over $100 billion. These new tariffs are hammering our mould-makers right now. Some companies are thinking of moving to the U.S., unfortunately. Canadian mould-makers are in Washington today trying to negotiate on their own because the Liberal government is refusing to do that.

When will the Prime Minister show that he cares about Windsor workers and Canadian businesses and actually defend our country's economy and our jobs?

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions]

Mr. Speaker, of course we will be there for the Windsor workers affected by these tariffs. That is why, also, along with Premier Ford, I was in Windsor a month ago to open a new, important battery factory with 3,000 new jobs in Windsor.

That being said, we are well aware of what my colleague is referring to. I met with the steel industry again yesterday. I have been working the phones. My colleague the Minister of U.S. Trade has also been on this. Our entire team in Washington is also activated.

We will defend our steelworkers. We will defend aluminum workers.

Grocery Industry

[Don Davies, NDP, Vancouver Kingsway, BC]

Mr. Speaker, grocery giants are ripping off Canadians again. First, they colluded to fix bread prices. Now they are committing fraud through deceptive weight labels on meat. They are literally putting their fingers on the scales to overcharge shoppers. Instead of enforcing the law, the Liberals cut Canadian food inspectors, the only way to protect consumers.

The Prime Minister said he wanted to be judged on the cost of groceries. Will he take action to stop the food monopoly from cheating Canadians?

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions]

Mr. Speaker, I agree with my colleague that we definitely do not want companies to pass costs on to consumers. We will be there to protect consumers at a time when we know that the Competition Bureau needs to do its work. That is why my team and I have engaged the Competition Bureau. We will be hawkish on competition. We will go against any form of illegal proceedings.

[Don Davies, NDP, Vancouver Kingsway, BC]

Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties, and if you seek it I hope you will find unanimous consent for the following motion: That, in the opinion of the House, the government should ban surveillance pricing, where personal data is used by corporations to increase the prices consumers pay, both in store and on line.

[Some hon. members]

No.

The House resumed from April 14 consideration of the motion.

Opposition Motion—Fuel Taxes

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

It being 3:15 p.m., the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion of the member for Calgary East relating to the business of supply.

Call in the members.

And the bells having rung:

The question is as follows. Shall I dispense?

[Some hon. members]

No.

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

[Chair read text of motion to House]

(The House divided on the motion, which was negatived on the following division:)

Vote #95

Business of Supply

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I declare the motion defeated.

The House resumed from April 14 consideration of the motion that Bill C-231, An Act to amend the Youth Criminal Justice Act, be read the second time and referred to a committee.

Youth Criminal Justice Act

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading stage of Bill C-231, under Private Members' Business.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #96

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I declare the motion carried. Accordingly, the bill stands referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

(Bill read the second time and referred to a committee)

The House resumed from April 14 consideration of the motion.

Conservation Donations

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on Motion No. 15 under Private Members' Business in the name of the member for Brome—Missisquoi.

(The House divided on the motion which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #97

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I declare the motion carried.