House of Commons Hansard #124 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was chair.

Topics

Mosaic Festival of CulturesStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Michael Kram Conservative Regina—Wascana, SK

Mr. Speaker, rising jet fuel prices are making international travel too expensive for many Canadians, but fortunately, next week, people in Regina and southern Saskatchewan can travel the world without ever leaving the queen city.

The 55th annual Mosaic Festival of Cultures will be celebrated all across the queen city on June 4, 5 and 6. Pavilions throughout Regina will feature food, drinks and cultural performances from Austria, Bangladesh, Central and South America, China, Greece, Hungary, India, Italy, Persia, Poland, Romania, Scotland, the Philippines and Ukraine, as well as first nations and Métis communities. It is all made possible by the Regina Multicultural Council and its many dedicated volunteers.

I thank everyone involved for sharing their culture with the rest of Regina and southern Saskatchewan. I wish everybody a great Mosaic.

NunavutStatements by Members

May 28th, 2026 / 2 p.m.

Liberal

Lori Idlout Liberal Nunavut, NU

Uqaqtittiji, first, I want to congratulate the newly elected NTI President, Gloria Uluqsi. I am very excited for her term.

Second, the spring economic update included significant investments and programs benefiting Nunavut and helping to lower everyday costs for Nunavummiut. Some examples include pausing the fuel excise tax on gasoline and diesel, working with Inuit to reform nutrition north, doing upgrades to fortify the small craft harbours, like the one in Pangnirtung, and partnering with the Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium to support tariff-affected workers.

New funding and projects like these will help drive investment in the territory, create new jobs locally and enhance Arctic economic growth and security. Our government's plan ensures that Nunavummiut and all those who call the Arctic home can participate in building Canada strong and share in its success.

150th anniversary of a golf clubStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Gabriel Hardy Conservative Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC

Mr. Speaker, in 1876, visionary men and women planted a flag in the heart of Charlevoix to lay the groundwork for a project that would span generations and inspire respect.

Well, today, I would like to tell them that they did, in fact, succeed. The Murray Bay Golf Club is celebrating its 150th anniversary. It is still standing, still alive and proud to be in Charlevoix. It is the oldest golf club to still operate in the same location in North America.

It is much more than just a golf course. It is a symbol of our history, our community and sports tourism, and it is a great source of pride for Charlevoix and for Canada as a whole.

The Murray Bay Golf Club has welcomed American presidents such as William Howard Taft, living legends such as Mario Lemieux and, above all, people from Charlevoix who, generation after generation, come to enjoy this beautiful sport.

I commend the president, Claude Turcotte, the executive director, Marc Villeneuve, and all the volunteers who carry the torch year after year.

I wish the Murray Bay Golf Club a happy 150th anniversary.

710 Ste-Rose SquadronStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Carlos Leitão Liberal Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, QC

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 65th anniversary of 710 Ste-Rose Squadron, a remarkable institution in our community that has been inspiring and training generations of young people for 65 years.

Through its commitment to leadership, discipline, service, and excellence, 710 Ste-Rose Squadron plays a vital role in the development of our youth, instilling in them values that will stay with them for life.

I would like to pay tribute to the cadets, instructors, volunteers, families, and everyone who has contributed over the decades to the success and reputation of this vital squadron.

On behalf of the people of Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, I congratulate 710 Ste-Rose Squadron on its 65th anniversary and wish it a long and successful future.

Hastings—Lennox and Addington—TyendinagaStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Shelby Kramp-Neuman Conservative Hastings—Lennox and Addington—Tyendinaga, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the strong community spirit across Hastings—Lennox and Addington—Tyendinaga. From Lake Ontario to Algonquin Park, communities across our region are coming alive, with local fairs, farmers markets and volunteer events that reflect what makes rural Ontario special. From plowing matches and demolition derbies to theatre productions, musical rides, car shows, strawberry picking and visits to our many heritage sites, these traditions continue to celebrate the character of our communities.

I would like to recognize the volunteers, small business owners, first responders, service clubs and local organizations whose commitment helps make our communities welcoming places to live and raise a family. Whether it is supporting local food banks, encouraging young athletes, recognizing the contributions of our seniors or celebrating indigenous and agricultural heritage, people across the region continue to set an example through their service and dedication to others.

The strength of Canada is built up every single day by people who step up, help out and look after one another.

National Nursing WeekStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Juanita Nathan Liberal Pickering—Brooklin, ON

Mr. Speaker, this month, during National Nursing Week, I had the privilege of being invited to a tea in Claremont to honour nurses from our community. Sitting with them and hearing their stories, I was reminded of what nursing truly is, that it is not just a profession but a calling.

The nurses of Pickering—Brooklin and across this country show up every single day with skills, compassion and quiet courage. When we were hit with the SARS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, our nurses showed up each day, working tirelessly on the front lines. They also held our hands during the most difficult moments and championed our health with tireless dedication. To every nurse in this community of Pickering—Brooklin, their work is seen, it is valued and it matters deeply. I thank them for what they do.

Food SecurityStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Clarke, ON

Mr. Speaker, after more than a decade of Liberal inflationary spending, the Prime Minister is sticking Canadians with a bill for his lavish meals while they struggle to put food on the table.

Food inflation is up 40% since the Liberals took office. Last year, a record 2.2 million Canadians lined up at food banks in a single month. Just today, we learned from the National Payroll Institute that employed Canadians are struggling to put food on the table, going into debt just to afford food. One-fifth of people even reported that they were losing weight due to food insecurity.

While Canadians cannot feed themselves, the Prime Minister is having taxpayers fund $200,000 in luxury food on just three flights: Normandy buttercups, veal escalope and a pricey wine list. Last year, when the Prime Minister told young Canadians they would have to make sacrifices, he was clearly not talking about himself.

The Liberal Prime Minister said for Canadians to judge him at the grocery store. Well, the verdict is in: Canadians are furious with the prices at the grocery store and his lavish meals.

Vladimir Kara-MurzaStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the House to acknowledge the invaluable presence on Parliament Hill of the great political figure, former prisoner of conscience and steadfast Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza.

On April 17, 2023, the Moscow City Court sentenced Mr. Kara-Murza to 25 years in prison for high treason. To this day, this is the harshest prison sentence ever imposed on a political prisoner in Putin's Russia. This August will mark the second anniversary of his release.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the work of the Montreal-based Raoul Wallenberg Centre, founded by lawyer, former justice minister and personal friend Irwin Cotler, as well as the efforts of all the parliamentarians who rallied to his cause. Since regaining his freedom, Mr. Kara-Murza has actively resumed his leading role in defending democracy and the rights of thousands of political prisoners.

Vladimir Kara-Murza may rest assured that the Bloc Québécois will always stand with him in his fight for freedom and justice.

Consecration of Hindu TempleStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Jean Yip Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a historic milestone in my riding of Scarborough—Agincourt. Earlier this week, the Sri Varasiththi Vinaayagar Hindu Temple celebrated the consecration of the first traditional black granite Hindu temple of its kind in Canada.

Built according to ancient south Indian traditions, it has been hand-carved by skilled artisans for over five years, with each granite stone carefully shaped and assembled here in Canada. Made possible through the generosity and dedication of its community, this project is a spiritual home for thousands and a lasting contribution to Canada's multicultural fabric.

I give my heartfelt congratulations to all those whose vision and devotion made it possible. This remarkable temple will stand for generations as a beacon of unity, culture and faith.

Fuel TaxesStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Steven Bonk Conservative Souris—Moose Mountain, SK

Mr. Speaker, families across Souris—Moose Mountain are feeling the pressure every single day. As farmers work through seeding and ranchers care for their cattle, the costs of fuel, fertilizer, transportation and groceries continue to rise. After 11 years of Liberal taxes and antidevelopment policies, Canadians are paying more at the pump and more at the checkout counter.

In rural Saskatchewan, fuel is not a luxury. Farmers need diesel to seed their crops. Truckers need fuel to move food and goods across the country. Things have become so expensive that even some farmers, the very people who feed and produce food for this country, are now being forced to turn to food banks. Food bank usage has doubled since 2019, and more Canadians are being forced to dip into savings just to afford the basic necessities. Conservatives are calling for immediate relief by removing Liberal taxes on fuel and permanently scrapping the clean fuel standard.

The good people of Souris—Moose Mountain work hard. They produce the food that feeds this country, and they deserve a government that makes life more affordable, not more expensive.

HMCS SackvilleStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Shannon Miedema Liberal Halifax, NS

Mr. Speaker, 85 years ago this month, on a rainy day in Saint John, New Brunswick, a bottle of champagne was broken over the bow of a new ship. This ship would become the HMCS Sackville and would go on to have a long and arduous career as a corvette in the Royal Canadian Navy. Most notably, this ship became the single surviving corvette of the Battle of the Atlantic, in which 294 small ships were the workhorses of the North Atlantic, dominating the longest battle of the Second World War. As the sole survivor, she was saved from the scrapyard and restored to her wartime configuration; she is now Canada's naval memorial, spending her summers in the Halifax harbour, open to residents and tourists who would like to learn more about our navy's history.

Earlier this month, HMCS Sackville was officially recomissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy. Please join me in acknowledging this important symbol of Canada's naval history, a sign of our commitment to stand in defence of our ideals and our country.

Online Streaming PlatformsStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Andrew Lawton Conservative Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON

Mr. Speaker, to the Liberals, CRTC is their mission statement: control, regulate and tax Canadians. Now they are coming after Canadians with a streaming tax, tripling the levy that streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon have to pay. This is going to go directly to the bill the consumers pay. If the Liberals had their way, the only fiction we would see is the Prime Minister saying that the country's on the right track.

We have an option for them: a motion that we have put forward in the House, calling on the Liberals to do the right thing, use their power in the Broadcasting Act and cut the streaming tax once and for all.

When Canadians cannot afford grocery shopping, they should not be priced out of even watching cooking shows on TV, which is precisely what the Liberals are doing. Will they commit today to doing the right thing, supporting our motion and getting out of Canadians' streaming platforms?

Randy Eric DickinsonStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

David Myles Liberal Fredericton—Oromocto, NB

Mr. Speaker, the world lost a hero on Monday, May 18. Randy Eric Dickinson passed away in Fredericton at the age of 71.

Randy was a tireless advocate for accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. He served as the first executive director of the Premier's Council on Disabilities and as chairperson of the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission, among countless other roles.

His work shaped New Brunswick's Accessibility Act and the federal Accessible Canada Act. In recognition of his dedication, he was appointed to the Order of Canada and the Order of New Brunswick.

Randy is survived by his beloved wife Karen and a large, loving family. He was passionate about helping others, whether through policy or simple acts of kindness.

Please join me in honouring such a dedicated advocate, and let us build on Randy's incredible legacy.

Anti-SemitismStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Pierre Poilievre Conservative Battle River—Crowfoot, AB

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to express my outrage and disgust as a father. Fourteen-year-old Esti Biran has been missing for over two weeks, since the autistic girl was last seen with no shoes on. Reportedly, on Friday, an anti-Semite began tearing down the missing person posters because she is Jewish.

What kind of sicko would do that? This is a child. It compounds the bullets that have been flying into children's schools, the Molotov cocktails hitting synagogues and the 6,800 anti-Semitic instances, by far a record since the counts began over 40 years ago.

We obviously have to take action to protect our Jewish community from this growing scourge of violence and hatred. It all starts with condemning it and stating that we will not put up with it. A person has no place in this country if they are targeting innocent Jewish children because of their heritage, their religion and their race.

Our Jewish brothers and sisters have a right to feel safe. They are members of the Canadian family. Each and every one of us has a duty to say that enough is enough. We are standing up for our Jewish friends.

National Mining WeekStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Viviane LaPointe Liberal Sudbury, ON

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize National Mining Week. When we talk about mining, we are not just talking about extraction. We are talking about an important foundation for Canada's economic security, defence and global competitiveness.

In 2025, the sector contributed $157 billion to Canada's GDP, demonstrating its importance to our economy and the scale of opportunity as demand for critical minerals accelerates worldwide. From exploration to manufacturing, this sector supports over 700,000 jobs across the country, and it is poised to create even more opportunities in the years to come.

From the Major Projects Office to important investments and strategic international alliances, we are accelerating projects by streamlining approvals, unlocking investment, developing infrastructure and strengthening partnerships.

As we mark National Mining Week, we recognize the workers, communities, indigenous partners, innovators and industry leaders helping build Canada's mining future.

Foreign InvestmentOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Lianne Rood Conservative Middlesex—London, ON

Mr. Speaker, StatsCan confirmed another $17-billion exodus for the start of the year. That is more money leaving Canada than is coming in. Over $1 trillion has left since 2015. The Prime Minister is pitching Canada as an investment hub, all while his policies are the most restrictive in the G7 for foreign capital. It is almost like he does not know what he is doing.

Let us start with the basics. Do the Liberals believe that Canada should be a country that is a magnet for jobs and capital, or do they think that Canada should be a country where ambitions go to die?

Foreign InvestmentOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Brampton East Ontario

Liberal

Maninder Sidhu LiberalMinister of International Trade

Mr. Speaker, investments coming into Canada are at record levels, actually close to 20-year highs. Last year alone, there was $97 billion of foreign direct investment into Canada. That is more major projects being built. That is major, big aircraft being built here in Canada. Airbus has a current deal with Mirabel. That is 150 Airbus aircraft, sold for over $15 billion, supporting 30,000 workers. That is $97 billion into our country.

Building big projects is what Canada is going to do.

Foreign InvestmentOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Lianne Rood Conservative Middlesex—London, ON

Mr. Speaker, let me make this simple for my colleague, who just totally missed the point. The Prime Minister, his boss, holds 91% of his personal investments in the United States. Deep down, it feels like the Liberals know that they have purposely built a failing economy that is driving jobs, capital and opportunity straight out of Canada, straight to the United States, where the Prime Minister keeps his money.

Let me ask this: Are they doing this to help him cash in and get rich quick, while the rest of us take the hit?

Foreign InvestmentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Ahuntsic-Cartierville Québec

Liberal

Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Mr. Speaker, I would like to share good news, which is important, in order to make the point that my colleague is missing right now. Yesterday, we were able to announce 3,000 new jobs across the country. Why? It is because Saab, a Swedish company, decided to work with Bombardier, a Canadian company, and deliver, for the first time, a surveillance plane, and that will bring Canada back into military aerospace.

Our defence industrial strategy will create jobs across the country, in every single province represented here in the House of Commons chamber.

Foreign InvestmentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Mark Strahl Conservative Chilliwack—Hope, BC

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is off to New York for what even the CBC calls a straight-up networking trip. Perhaps he will meet with his friends at Brookfield Asset Management there. Like so many other investors, they fled Bay Street for Wall Street, with Main Street in Canada paying the price.

Over the last Liberal decade, more than $1 trillion in investment has left Canada. That means lost jobs and lost wages for Canadian workers. The Prime Minister himself holds 91% of his personal investments in the United States.

Is he in New York for Canadians, or is he just there to check up on his own portfolio?

Foreign InvestmentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Markham—Thornhill Ontario

Liberal

Tim Hodgson LiberalMinister of Energy and Natural Resources

Mr. Speaker, if they did not spend so much time working on their clips, they might see people like the CEO of Shell, who just invested $20 billion in this country. They might see Chief Clayton of the Nisga'a Nation, who yesterday said she is looking forward to “manag[ing] prosperity” instead of “managing poverty”.

That is how we are building Canada.

Foreign InvestmentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia

This is just a reminder that we do not want to suggest that a member is not present in the House.

The hon. member for Chilliwack—Hope.

Foreign InvestmentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Mark Strahl Conservative Chilliwack—Hope, BC

Mr. Speaker, speaking of $20 billion, that is how much money has left Canada in the last four quarters under this Prime Minister. After more than a decade of Liberal taxes, red tape and uncertainty, investors, including the Prime Minister, continue to take their money elsewhere. Despite Liberal re-announcements, major projects remain trapped in years of delays while Canadian workers lose those jobs.

When will the Prime Minister take real action to cut red tape and repeal these anti-development laws that are continuing to bring about an investment exodus?

Foreign InvestmentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Markham—Thornhill Ontario

Liberal

Tim Hodgson LiberalMinister of Energy and Natural Resources

Mr. Speaker, we could go on and on. Why does the member not come to Dease Lake, where we are investing billions in a new mine? Why does he not go to Nunavut and see where we have invested $4 billion in a new mine in Nunavut?

They are so busy working on their clips, they are not actually seeing what is happening in this country.

Foreign InvestmentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Gérard Deltell Conservative Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is currently in New York for what the CBC described as just a networking trip—