Debates of April 28th, 2026

New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville

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

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to mark one year since I was first elected as one of the youngest members of Parliament, born in the 21st century, to serve the people of New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville. This has been a year of collaboration, listening, learning and showing up for my community, and it is an honour of a lifetime.

In my riding, I have had the privilege of working closely with families, local organizations and, especially, young people. From helping constituents who are navigating federal services to advancing priorities such as reducing the cost of living, my work this year has been grounded in service. I constantly hear about the challenges facing youth, particularly mental health challenges. That is why I have been proud to support the building safer communities fund. It will ensure people feel supported and that they are not alone.

This year, $1.25 million in federal funding will help nearly 250 young people gain real experience right in my community. This work has been guided by the leadership of the Prime Minister, whose vision continues to inspire us to deliver for Canadians. We are one year in, and this is only the beginning.

Kitchener Centre

[Kelly DeRidder, Conservative, Kitchener Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, one year ago today, I got that little blue check mark on election night that told me I was coming to the House of Commons to represent Kitchener Centre.

I thank all the volunteers who dedicated their time. I thank all the voters who placed their trust in me. I thank my husband, Chris, my rock, who went with the flow when I blew up our lives. There is also my mother Merren, and I know Abigail's life would be very different without my mother's guidance and support at this time. I love my mom, and I thank her.

To my caucus colleagues who have been around a while, I thank them for their guidance, their support, their conversation and every answered question. I value them all so much, and I thank them. To all my colleagues in the House, I wish a happy one-year anniversary to the class of 2025.

Milton East—Halton Hills South

[Kristina Tesser Derksen, Liberal, Milton East—Halton Hills South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, one year ago, the people of Milton East—Halton Hills South placed their trust in me to represent them in the House. It is an honour I carry proudly every day.

In that time, we have delivered real results. We have secured $2.9 million for affordable housing in Georgetown, and we are just getting started. Through the Canada summer jobs program, we have increased opportunities for young people by adding 100 positions this year, which is an increase of nearly 85%.

I have shown up, and I have listened. I have acted by helping residents in Milton and Georgetown navigate federal services and by cutting through red tape when it mattered most. I am so grateful for the support of my family, my community, my wonderful staff, my fabulous colleagues and for the leadership of the Prime Minister, who is focused on bringing Canadians together, uniting people across regions and across party lines.

We are one year in, and there is still so much more to do. I will keep working every day to deliver for Georgetown and Milton.

Opioids

[Kerry Diotte, Conservative, Edmonton Griesbach, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I chose Edmonton as my home more than 40 years ago. It is a great city. It is friendly and full of honest, hard-working people, but lately, Edmonton is struggling. People are afraid to ride city trains and buses. Many are afraid to go downtown. They read about violent crime and see used needles in the streets. It is all because this great city has been plagued with a drug epidemic.

There have been 613 drug poisoning deaths just between January 1 and the end of November 2025. Fentanyl is the killer. Last year, it accounted for 75% of opioid deaths compared to just 15% in 2024. Clearly, the Liberals' supervised drug consumption sites do not work. People do not need a place to do drugs; they need a place to get off of drugs.

Instead of consumption sites, we need to help those struggling with addictions to get off the streets, get off the drugs and become productive members of society.

Compton—Stanstead

[Marianne Dandurand, Liberal, Compton—Stanstead, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, on April 28, 2026, one year to the day after I was elected, I sincerely thank the people of Compton—Stanstead for putting their trust in me. Representing them in Ottawa is an honour that I carry out with humility and conviction, the conviction that regions like mine have a place at the decision-making table.

I want to thank our Prime Minister, who shares these same beliefs. One year ago, Canadians, Quebeckers and people in the regions made a clear choice to move forward with a team that is focused on results. One year later, the results are in: real support to address the cost of living, major projects that create opportunities in our regions, and agreements that diversify our markets. We are just getting started.

I would like to thank the people of Compton—Stanstead for placing their trust in me. I remain committed to representing them with conviction and deep pride.

Finance

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

Mr. Speaker, once again the Prime Minister is taking a page from President Trump's playbook. It is not enough for him to sign fake executive orders or hype a memo and call it a trade deal. Now he is importing an American-style sovereign debt fund to enrich his friends.

Norway and Kuwait use their national oil revenues to fuel a sovereign wealth fund. Unless the Liberals plan to steal resource revenues from the provinces, the only thing feeding this fund is more debt. Another Crown corporation just means more bureaucracy. This is the same failed approach we saw with the Infrastructure Bank and the Trudeau growth fund. They give corporate welfare to well-connected Liberals to build solar panels, while Canadians' energy bills go up.

Under the Brookfield government, corporations can claim an investment tax credit for spending a government grant. Which former colleague or friend will the Prime Minister appoint this time?

Military Intelligence

[Charles Sousa, Liberal, Mississauga—Lakeshore, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Canadian military intelligence day on the Hill. The service provided by members of the Canadian Military Intelligence Association is critical. Since 1948, it has monitored adversaries and protected us against potential crisis. Each day, more than 3,500 uniformed and civilian intelligence professionals enable the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence to stay abreast of evolving threats and to act with strength and confidence.

On behalf of the Parliament of Canada, we stand in the House to commemorate and thank the men and women of our intelligence community for their duty to national security. Our freedom and sovereignty depend on the work they do every day.

National Day of Mourning

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

Mr. Speaker, each April 28th we come together in Nanaimo—Ladysmith, throughout Canada and around the world to solemnly mark a day of mourning in memory of people who have lost their life on the job and to renew our commitment to safe workplaces.

Whether someone is a chef on a ferry, a scaffolder on a construction site, a machinist in a mill or an administrator in an office, every worker deserves to know they will return home safe at the end of the day. Today we remember the people who did not make it home. We stand with the families, friends and co-workers who carry that loss, and we recommit ourselves to making workplaces safe for everyone.

However, this day is not only about looking back. It is also about moving forward. It is about speaking up when something is not right. It is about supporting one another. It is about making sure safety is never treated as optional. My door is always open to the workers in my community to discuss federal issues related to the important work they do.

Today we honour the fallen and we renew our commitment to protect the living. Every accident, every injury and every loss of life in the workplace is one too many.

50th Anniversary of the Association de Chasse et Pêche de Contrecoeur

[Xavier Barsalou-Duval, Bloc, Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to mark the 50th anniversary of an organization in my constituency, the Association de Chasse et Pêche de Contrecoeur. The organization, which mainly brings together duck hunting and ice fishing enthusiasts, is renowned for its famous Festival de la Brimbale, where a temporary village is set up on the river during the brief period when the St. Lawrence freezes over. These are magical moments that allow both enthusiasts and those who dabble to get together with family and friends in a setting like no other.

People from all generations head outdoors during the coldest part of winter to enjoy nature and all it has to offer together. The association holds a significant record, and not just any record at that. Since 2016, it has held the record for the world's largest tip-up, or brimbale. I am proud to have been there for its inauguration 10 years ago.

In closing, I would like to offer the entire organization, as well as its president, René Béland, my warmest congratulations on this 50th anniversary.

Labrador

[Philip Earle, Liberal, Labrador, NL]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise with gratitude to mark one year since I was elected to serve the people of Labrador, an honour I carry every day.

Since forming government a year ago, we have made meaningful progress on the priorities that matter most to Labradorians. In that time, we have strengthened search and rescue capacity and have secured critical generational investments for 5 Wing Goose Bay. We have also expanded funding for the Inuit child first initiative and Jordan's principle, all while advancing affordable housing and supporting families that are facing the pressures of the rising cost of living.

The actions we have taken are delivering real, tangible results for communities across Labrador. I am especially proud that this work has been grounded in partnership, working closely with indigenous leadership and local municipalities, businesses and community organizations

One year in, we are just getting started. I remain committed to building a stronger, more prosperous Canada for the people of Labrador.

International Trade

[Jason Groleau, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal Prime Minister was elected on a promise to resolve U.S. tariffs. A year later, nothing has been resolved. Worse yet, tariffs have doubled.

Yesterday, we learned that Meubles South Shore in Sainte‑Croix is shutting down operations after 86 years in business. This closure represents the loss of 126 jobs, primarily due to the unjustified tariffs imposed by the Untied States. In Beauce, our economy is connected to the United States. This connection is an asset that makes our region one of Quebec's and Canada's economic engines.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister describes our relationship with the United States, our largest trading partner, as a weakness. Last week, in parliamentary committee, we learned that the Liberal government has held no negotiations with the United States in the past seven months.

Beauce residents and businesses are demanding that the U.S. tariff issue be settled before more jobs are lost.

Police Officers

[Lisa Hepfner, Liberal, Hamilton Mountain, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today on Parliament Hill, we welcome police unions from across the country, including a stellar team from my riding in Hamilton.

I got to know a lot of police officers in my previous role as a journalist, particularly in my specialty of covering criminal court cases. I appreciated how all the elements of crime were laid bare in a trial, and I learned how doggedly detectives had to work in order to crack a case. I saw how much the officers cared, how they got to know the families of the victims, felt their pain and did what they could to make the process easier.

Police officers have truly difficult jobs, but they do them with dedication. On their days off, they are typically raising money for causes or raising awareness about harms. We must ensure that police officers have the tools and resources they need to fulfill their mandates to keep our communities strong and safe.

We should thank police, loudly and often, for their vital work.

Fuel Taxes

[Leslyn Lewis, Conservative, Haldimand—Norfolk, ON]

Mr. Speaker, one year ago, the Prime Minister promised Canadians affordable groceries.

Since then, Canada has become the food inflation capital of the G7. High gas prices are driving up the cost of everything, including commuting, eating and living, yet the Liberals have offered only a drop of relief, cutting a third of taxes for only four months. Meanwhile, families in Haldimand—Norfolk pay more because they travel farther for work, groceries and services. They depend on their vehicles and should not be punished for their rural lifestyle.

Conservatives are calling on the Liberal government to remove all federal fuel taxes: the excise tax, the GST on gas and diesel, the industrial carbon tax and the fuel standard tax. This would save Canadians an additional 15¢ per litre. There have been enough speeches and rhetoric. It is time to stop taxing Canadians and to start lifting them up.

Saint‑Boniface—Saint‑Vital

[Ginette Lavack, Liberal, St. Boniface—St. Vital, MB]

Mr. Speaker, one year ago, I had the immense privilege of being elected to represent the people of Saint‑Boniface—Saint‑Vital, and it is my honour to do so to this day.

Since then, we have advanced concrete priorities: more accessible housing, investments that support our businesses and create good jobs and measures to help families cope with the cost of living.

What matters to me more than announcements and results is being present on the ground, listening to people and serving them. I see it as my job to help people navigate federal services and to speak on behalf of our community in Ottawa.

I would like to applaud the leadership of the right hon. Prime Minister, who is enabling us to deliver concrete results for our communities. One year in, we are just getting started. I remain deeply, enthusiastically and determinedly engaged in pursuing this work.

Finance

[Arpan Khanna, Conservative, Oxford, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is proving to be just another tax-and-spend Liberal. He promised to spend less. Instead, he doubled the deficit, spending more than Justin Trudeau did. His credit card budgeting is fuelling inflation and driving up the cost of living, and that is hurting Canadians. More than half of Canadians are just $200 away from bankruptcy.

Groceries cost more, gas costs more, housing costs more and families are maxing out their credit cards just to get by. Under the Liberal Prime Minister, we have the worst food inflation, the worst household debt, the worst housing costs and the second-highest unemployment rate in the G7.

Canadians cannot afford the Liberal government. Liberals must stop their wasteful spending and bring down the deficit to lower taxes and inflation so Canadians can once again afford to live.

Government Priorities

[Shannon Miedema, Liberal, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to mark one year since I was first elected to serve the people of Halifax, and I am so happy to be here. It has been the honour of a lifetime, and what a year it has been.

I am proud that our government is focused on the opportunities that arise in addressing current global challenges. We are investing in major projects at home. We are forging new trading partnerships across the globe. We are securing our sovereignty and our economic resilience, and we are doing so in a way that allows us to continue with our environmental and climate objectives.

At the same time, we are ensuring support for Canadians who need it the most. We are responding to the rising cost of living by cutting taxes and launching affordability measures such as the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, all while maintaining the many other social supports that people depend on. We have shown up, listened and acted. Whether through nation-building projects or local targeted support, this year has been building a stronger Canada.

I am so proud to be part of this team, and I am grateful to my family, friends and supporters.

I wish a happy first anniversary to all members of the House from the class of 2025.

Finance

[Melissa Lantsman, Conservative, Thornhill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, red ink is flowing here in Liberal Ottawa, as the government puts the final touches on today's fiscal update. The Prime Minister's promise to spend less money quickly turned into a pledge to load up the taxpayer credit card and blow right past the limit. He could not even stay remotely close to the $31 billion left over by the last Liberal fiscal disaster. In fact, he actually doubled it.

Will he end this costly credit card budgeting, cut spending or, at a minimum, cap the deficit at the already reckless $31 billion the last guy left behind?

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade]

Mr. Speaker, we certainly appreciate our colleague's enthusiasm about the upcoming spring economic update. She paints a picture that is negative and inaccurate. The good news is that in less than an hour, she will be enlightened by the good economic news, the effective spending controls our government has brought in and the investments we are making to build a truly competitive national economy, diversify our trading partners and build big once again. Good news is on the way.

[Melissa Lantsman, Conservative, Thornhill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I doubt that Canadians will drink all that Kool-Aid, because they spent more and things actually got worse. After a decade of Liberal deficits, Canadians have the worst grocery inflation, the highest household debt, the worst housing costs and the second-highest unemployment in all of the G7. On top of all of that, Liberal ministers got rich and Canadians got the bill. These holdover ministers still have not learned that we cannot borrow our way to prosperity.

I will ask again. How much more do Canadians have to pay before the government learns to live within its means?

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade]

Mr. Speaker, again, we are very pleased that our colleague is able to use the same tired lines that they have been using for months and months. It is great to hear the eight-track, but good news is on the way. In less than an hour, my colleague, the finance minister, will share this good economic news. Perhaps our colleague will be disappointed that the tired talking points she has been using for the last number of months suddenly will no longer be relevant. She can celebrate the great economic performance of Canadians and of Canada.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary East, AB]

Mr. Speaker, it is hard to believe, but the Liberal Prime Minister makes Justin Trudeau look like a penny-pincher. After saying he would spend less, he doubled his deficit and added $90 billion in new spending, more debt, more costs, more taxes and more spending; the same old Liberals. While adding to the nation's credit card, Canadians are putting their own bills on their personal credit cards.

Will the Liberal Prime Minister end his costly credit card budgeting so that Canadians can finally afford to live?

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade]

Mr. Speaker, our colleague properly raises the issues of affordability and the cost of living. It is something that I know every member of the House is concerned about, because Canadians are concerned about it. Again, in less than an hour, my colleague, the finance minister, will be in the House, talking about the important measures that our government has taken, will take and will continue to take to support Canadians in the very real concerns around the cost of groceries, the cost of fuel and the cost of living. Our government is there for Canadians.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary East, AB]

Mr. Speaker, in an hour, we are going to find out just how expensive Liberal good news really is. It is these massive deficits that we are probably going to see in the next hour, the same massive deficits that mean inflation today and higher taxes tomorrow. The cost of government has driven up the cost of living, and 2.2 million Canadians are going to a food bank in a single month, because the government gave Canadians the highest food inflation in the G7 and the highest household debt.

Will the Liberal Prime Minister commit to capping the deficit at no more than the already reckless $31 billion Trudeau gave?

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, my hon. friend is the finance critic, it must be said, for the official opposition. They keep talking about inflationary spending. First of all, inflation is in the target zone of the Bank of Canada and has been for some time. We have yet to see, and maybe the finance critic could help us out here, a list of proposed cuts.

What do they define as inflationary spending and how do they propose to withdraw that from the people who benefit, like our seniors, for example? Where is the list? What is it? The finance critic—

[Pierre Paul-Hus, Conservative, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government will present its economic update this afternoon. The Prime Minister promised to spend less, but he doubled the deficit. He promised to make cuts to the public service, but he increased bureaucracy by 7%. In Quebec, 40% of our seniors live on just over $20,000 a year, while long-term care rents have risen to $4,000 a month.

When will the Liberal Prime Minister stop running up deficits so that our seniors can finally get their heads above water?