Debates of June 1st, 2026

Pride Month

[Heather McPherson, NDP, Edmonton Strathcona, AB]

Mr. Speaker, happy Pride Month. This month, we celebrate the joy, courage and resilience of queer, trans and two-spirited communities across Canada.

Pride is a celebration, but it is also a protest. It was born from people standing up and demanding dignity, equality and freedom to live openly as themselves. That is why I am especially proud to congratulate Pride Corner in my constituency. For five years, Pride Corner has rejected hate and brought people together in community and joy.

To every queer, trans and two-spirited person in this country, they are loved, they belong and they are not alone. Happy Pride Month. Be proud, be loud and let us keep fighting for a better future for all.

World Milk Day

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

Mr. Speaker, today is June 1, World Milk Day.

It is an opportunity to recognize the work of dairy farmers who feed our families and sustain our regions. In the Eastern Townships and across Canada, the dairy industry is at the heart of the regional economy.

Behind every glass of milk, there are families who work seven days a week, innovate and contribute to our food security.

Our dairy producers also play an important role in making sure that Canadians have access to a stable, high-quality local food supply.

Today, I invite all of my colleagues to raise a glass of milk in recognition of the farmers, workers and families behind this important industry.

I want to say thank you to all those who contribute to this vital industry and wish them a happy World Milk Day.

Seniors

[Anna Roberts, Conservative, King—Vaughan, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today marks the beginning of Seniors Month in Ontario, as well as the beginning of Seniors' Week in Alberta and British Columbia.

As the Conservative shadow minister for seniors, I want to take this opportunity to recognize the seniors who built this country. They are seniors who worked hard, paid their dues, raised families and helped shape the communities we all rely on today.

As we commemorate this month of recognition, rising costs continue to surpass seniors with limited incomes. Many seniors are worried about the cost of housing, groceries and being able to live independently in their own home. Seniors deserve real action that restores affordability and respect for the contributions they have made.

I also want to acknowledge the caregivers, volunteers and community organizations across the country that continue to step up.

To the seniors from coast to coast to coast, we honour and thank them for all of their contributions to our country.

East Coast Music Awards

[Mike Kelloway, Liberal, Sydney—Glace Bay, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Cape Breton artists who took home honours at the 38th East Coast Music Awards last week in Sydney, Cape Breton.

Goldie Boutilier, of Reserve Mines, had a historic week, winning album of the year, breakthrough artist of the year and rock/alternative release of the year. Morgan Toney, from We’koqma’q, won both the indigenous artist of the year and the fusion release of the year, and Elyse Aeryn of Glace Bay, my hometown, claimed release of the year.

The Barra MacNeils received the Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award. Emily Dingwall received the musician's achievement award. Nik MacDonald received artist management of the year. Joseph Parris received the Bucky Adams Memorial Award. Donnie MacNeil received the technical excellence award. The Celtic Colours International Festival won event of the year. The late Laura Mercer received the Stompin’ Tom Award.

Cape Breton was not just the host for the ECMAs. We are its heart.

Shomrim Toronto

[Melissa Lantsman, Conservative, Thornhill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an extraordinary demonstration of community strength right here in Canada.

When a young girl went missing in north Toronto, Shomrim Toronto, a volunteer community safety and security organization, mobilized immediately. Shomrim coordinated its members alongside local law enforcement, community organizations and thousands of residents who answered the call without hesitation. They were strangers who dropped everything to help. The young girl was found safe, and we send our deepest thanks to everyone who helped.

What unfolded over those first critical hours, days and weeks is a testament to their professionalism and compassion. They are ordinary people working around the clock for days and weeks. That is a testament to their professionalism. It is not just a supplement to public safety, but an essential pillar of it, and we should recognize that.

Shomrim Toronto deserves the full recognition of the House. This year, it will receive a community heroes award. Those who know Shomrim's value understand it is as sacred as the life and universe it helped save this time and every time before it.

Housing in Whitby

[Ryan Turnbull, Liberal, Whitby, ON]

Mr. Speaker, for 46 families in Whitby, the hope of owning an affordable home is becoming a reality. That dream is being realized thanks to the work of Habitat for Humanity GTA. I was honoured to be there to break ground on Hickory Street in downtown Whitby for a project that will provide families a safe and stable place to grow and put down roots in the community they love.

This milestone proves what is possible when governments, community leaders, local partners, volunteers and future homeowners all pull in the same direction. Through the housing accelerator fund, as well as the new HST relief on new home purchases across Ontario, our new government is helping Whitby unlock land, cut red tape and build more homes for families in need.

We believe everyone deserves more than a roof over their head. They deserve a place to truly call home, and that is exactly what we are delivering with this project.

Prime Minister of Canada

[Michael Cooper, Conservative, St. Albert—Sturgeon River, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Liberals on the ethics committee are blocking transparency around the Prime Minister's ethics screen. The screen was mandated by the Ethics Commissioner because of the Prime Minister's vast conflicts. Canadians deserve to know how the screen is working, including instances in which potential conflicts are flagged but the Prime Minister's advisers decide against activating the screen.

It is precisely those records that the Liberals are hiding from Canadians. The question is why. Is it because those records would show that the Prime Minister is involved in making decisions on matters in which he has a conflict of interest?

Enough of the stonewalling. The Prime Minister needs to come clean, and he needs to come clean today by releasing all records related to the application of his ethics screen.

Writer from South Shore—St. Margarets

[Jessica Fancy-Landry, Liberal, South Shore—St. Margarets, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable achievement by a talented writer in my riding of South Shore—St. Margarets. Darcy Rhyno from Little Harbour has been honoured in the Canadian chapter of the Society of American Travel Writers awards, earning three distinctions for his outstanding storytelling.

First, he received bronze for the best service story for his piece highlighting a geocaching project that brings African Canadian history to life in Shelburne County. He earned silver for the best Canadian story for his exploration of Anticosti Island. Finally, he won a bronze for the best international story for his travel feature on cycling around Lake Constance in Europe.

These awards are a testament not only to Darcy's talents, but to his ability to share meaningful stories. His work helps shine a light on history, culture and place, and it also reflects the creativity and excellence found in our region.

Golden Wedding Anniversary

[Lianne Rood, Conservative, Middlesex—London, ON]

Mr. Speaker, in March 1974, a 16-year-old girl from a Polish immigrant family went on a school trip to Greece. She was an adventurer with no fear. On that trip, she met a 19-year-old Dutch boy, also from an immigrant family. Back home, he asked her out on their first date and took her to the boys' athletic club, of which he was the president.

Even though he taught her how to drive a motorcycle, her parents approved of the nice Dutch boy. She graduated high school in June 1976 and two weeks later, on July 10, they were married. From starting out farming Dutch sets together and losing their entire crop to later farming with her family, they built a produce farm that became the first farm in Canada to market many potatoes. They raised three children on their own and then welcomed a fourth when he was 14. They volunteer in churches and are an example of putting faith first in all they do.

This incredible couple, Diane and Theo Rood, are celebrating 50 years of marriage on July 10. It is a milestone we seldom see. I am incredibly proud to call them Mom and Dad.

I thank them for their support and for always being an example of faith, family and love. Jeremy, Anna and I love them.

Congratulations, and happy 50th anniversary, Mom and Dad.

World Milk Day

[Sébastien Lemire, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

Mr. Speaker, let us all raise a glass today in honour of World Milk Day.

Today is a reminder of how important dairy farmers and processors are. Lucky for us, we have dairy farmers in almost every region of Quebec. The dairy sector is a major driver of rural development, employment and the vitality of our regions and local economies. Consequently, continuing to protect supply management is essential to ensuring stable incomes, supporting the next generation of farmers, preserving family farms and offering high-quality products that are among the best in the world. On this World Milk Day, I want to sincerely thank those who feed us with passion and make us proud.

As I conclude, I want to point out that we need to think about Alto. We need to consider how it will impact agricultural land and the fact that it is putting nearly 1,700 properties at risk of expropriation. We are talking about 50 farms, many of which are dairy farms. This must be taken seriously if we want to protect our production capacity, our food security and the mental health of our farmers.

Canadian Victoria Cross

[Pauline Rochefort, Liberal, Nipissing—Timiskaming, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on April 15, I had the honour of presenting petition e-6661 to the House of Commons. Since then, nearly 65,000 letters of support have been received, adding to the tremendous backing reflected in the petition.

In addition, unanimous motions of support have been adopted by the provincial governments of Alberta and New Brunswick, joining similar motions previously passed in Saskatchewan, Ontario and Nova Scotia. Together, these provinces represent nearly 60% of Canada's population.

I would like to thank all those who have expressed their support, including the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs and the Senate of Canada. In this context, it was encouraging to hear the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence state on Friday that the government supports “the establishment of an independent military honours review board”. This board will re-examine the files of deserving Afghanistan veterans when new evidence suggests they meet the criteria for the Victoria Cross.

I would like to thank everyone who supported this petition.

The Economy

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

Mr. Speaker, Canada is in a recession. It is a distinction no other G7 nation shares. Despite facing the same international pressures as our allies, including American tariffs and global energy constraints, Canada stands alone in this regard. The government needs to take a hard look at why.

In fact, the Liberal government routinely claims that Canada has the best tariff deal in the world with the U.S. Just last week, appearing before a committee, the Minister of Finance stated that Canada has one of the lowest tariff rates overall, so why is Canada in a recession?

Poor domestic policy has driven a $20-billion loss in net investment over the past year, the loss of more than 100,000 jobs in the last three months alone and inflationary spending that continues to drive up the cost of living. I urge the Liberal government to recognize the gravity of the situation and take the necessary steps to pull Canada back from the brink of economic calamity.

Claude Lemieux

[Stéphane Lauzon, Liberal, Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is with heavy hearts we learned of the sudden passing of Claude Lemieux at age 60.

Born in Buckingham, my riding, Mr. Lemieux's talent, determination and immense love of competition left a mark on hockey in Quebec, Canada and around the world. Drafted by the Montreal Canadiens, he helped his team achieve a Stanley Cup victory in 1986. I was there. He stood out as one of the greatest playoff competitors of his generation. Over the course of his brilliant career, he won four Stanley Cups. He gained a reputation as a player who could rise to the occasion in the toughest moments and turn games around.

Quebec has lost one of its greatest sports ambassadors, a man who inspired generations of young hockey fans with his dedication and perseverance. On behalf of all Quebeckers and Canadians, and on behalf of the constituents of Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, I offer my sincerest condolences to Claude Lemieux's family and loved ones, and to his extended family of Montreal Canadiens.

The Economy

[John Barlow, Conservative, Foothills, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister told Canadians he had a plan, but he did not say his plan was to plunge Canada into a recession.

Every G7 country is facing global instability, economic headwinds and tariffs, but Canada stands alone as the only G7 country in a recession. Canada stands alone as the only G7 country whose economy has contracted in three of the last four quarters. Canada stands alone in a recession because of Liberal policies that have stalled our economic engines, like natural resources, agriculture and manufacturing.

There are consequences, as more than 100,000 Canadians have lost their jobs over just the last few months. Canadians have already suffered through the lost Liberal decade. They do not need any more economic mismanagement, deficit spending and high taxes. Canadians want answers, not photo ops. That is why Conservatives are asking the Prime Minister to hold an emergency debate on this economic crisis, which his government has caused.

World Milk Day

[Kent MacDonald, Liberal, Cardigan, PE]

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate World Milk Day today, on June 1, I rise to recognize the hard-working dairy farmers who have helped feed our country and strengthen our communities. Having spent most of my life as a dairy farmer in Little Pond, Prince Edward Island, this day holds special meaning to me.

Canada's dairy sector includes more than 9,000 farms and supports over 270,000 jobs in communities across our country. Our supply-managed dairy sector helps provide something no other country can give us: the ability to feed ourselves. At a time of increased global uncertainty, our food sovereignty has never been more important, so today, I invite all Canadians to raise a glass to our dairy farmers and thank them for the important role they play in our communities and our economy.

I am proud to be a Canadian dairy farmer, the son of a dairy farmer and the father of another.

The Economy

[Sandra Cobena, Conservative, Newmarket—Aurora, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canada has entered a recession, the only country in the G7 to do so. Our economy has shrunk three out of the past four quarters, but what does this mean?

This means jobs are at risk, paycheques do not go as far, housing is out of reach and one in four Canadians are now food-insecure. We have neighbours who are saying that they are leaving our country in search of better opportunities elsewhere, yet, this Liberal Prime Minister says that affordability is the best it has been in a decade. I hate to break it to him, but Canadians do not get to blow $200,000 worth of inflight catering on the taxpayer credit card like he does. Canadians deserve fiscal responsibility today, where every tax dollar taken from them is respected.

Conservatives are committed to cutting taxes, removing red tape and ending wasteful spending to finally get Canada building, hiring and growing.

Jean Augustine

[Greg Fergus, Liberal, Hull—Aylmer, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a true mother of Confederation, the Hon. Jean Augustine.

Jean is in Ottawa today to receive the Pearson Laureate Award, its highest honour, joining such past honourees whose leadership has helped make Canada a better country, including Jean Chrétien, Joe Clark and Irwin Cotler.

Born in Grenada, she emigrated to Canada in 1960 under the West Indian domestic scheme, the same scheme under which my mother came to Canada. She worked in education, and later served on the founding committee to organize Caribana, now known as the Toronto Caribbean Carnival.

Jean Augustine was the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons in 1993, and became the first Black woman to serve in a federal cabinet. She introduced the motion to recognize February as Black History Month. She also introduced a motion to have the Famous Five monument erected on Parliament Hill.

On behalf of the entire House, I would like to salute Jean Augustine for her life of public service, and thank her for helping make Canada the modern and inclusive country we enjoy today. I hope all members will join us this evening—

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

The Economy

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, G7 countries are all facing tariffs and global economic impacts. However, Japan is not in recession. The United States is not in recession. The United Kingdom is not in recession. France, Italy and Germany are not in recession.

Why is Canada, under the Liberal Prime Minister, the only country in recession?

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

Mr. Speaker, we are currently managing a tariff war, with an economy that is much more integrated with that of the United States, and my colleague across the way knows that very well.

One thing is clear, though: We are creating jobs in the meantime. We have also been able to attract jobs in a number of sectors in our economy. I will give some examples: 3,000 jobs thanks to the agreement with Saab and Bombardier to develop a surveillance aircraft; 350 new jobs at the Kruger plant, in Trois‑Rivières; and 250 new jobs at MDS Coating Technologies, in Prince Edward Island.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, Mexico also shares a border with the United States and is also facing a trade war but it is not in a recession. In North America, only Canada is in recession.

That is not all. Mortgage delinquencies are up a third compared to last year and are at a 17‑year high. In addition, Canadian households are the most indebted in the G7. Today, Food Banks Canada published a report in which it gave Canada a failing grade, stating that a quarter of Canadians are food insecure.

Why is Canada the only country in a recession?

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

Mr. Speaker, as my colleague just said, we are facing a tariff situation that is unfair and unjustified in light of our free trade agreement with the United States.

We have another opportunity this week to discuss this agreement with U.S. representatives. However, at the same time, we are not sitting idly by. We are protecting Canadian workers, we are protecting Canadian industries and we are working with the provinces to ensure that we can support these industries in a positive way. In the meantime, we are building Canada.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the group of seven industrialized nations all face tariffs and global economic forces. However, Japan is not in recession. The United States is not in recession. The United Kingdom is not in recession. France is not in recession. Germany is not in recession. Italy is not in recession. The only G7 country in recession is Canada.

Why is it that Canada, under this Liberal Prime Minister, is the only G7 country in a recession today?

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

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member should do his economic homework. He should understand that Canada is the country most integrated with the United States in the world. The United States has declared a trade war on us. This side of the House understands that. We will control what we can control.

That is why we are building four new mines at Red Chris. That is why we are building new pipelines under Sunrise. That is why we are building four new mines in Saskatchewan, including a uranium mine, a potash mine and a copper mine.

The Conservatives should start to understand economics and try to help build this country instead of tearing it down.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, Mexico shares a border with the United States and is as integrated with the U.S. as we are and Mexico is not in a recession. In all of North America, only Canada is in a recession.

Not only that, but since this Liberal Prime Minister took office, he has lost 46,000 jobs, 112,000 in the last three months alone. We have the second-highest unemployment rate in the G7, a third higher than the rate in the U.S. The economy has contracted three of the last four quarters. Over $20 billion of net investment has fled the country. There have been five consecutive quarters of investment dropping. Mortgage delinquencies are up a third at a 17‑year high.

Why are we the only country in a recession?