The hon. secretary of state for financial institutions.
House of Commons Hansard #127 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was economy.
House of Commons Hansard #127 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was economy.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Parliament of Canada Act First reading of Bill C-278. The bill requires Members of Parliament who change political parties to face a by-election to seek their constituents' approval, aiming to prevent MPs from unilaterally altering the democratic will of voters. 300 words.
Clarity Act First reading of Bill C-279. The bill seeks to repeal the federal Clarity Act, arguing that the existing legislation undermines democratic principles and that Quebec alone should determine its future based on a 50% plus one majority vote. 300 words.
Opposition Motion—Economic Policies Members debate a Conservative motion claiming Canada is in a full-blown recession. Conservatives criticize the government, citing the highest G7 household debt and rising unemployment, while demanding a new economic plan. Liberals dismiss these claims as alarmist, pointing to future economic growth and strategic investments. The Bloc Québécois emphasizes an export crisis linked to trade failures. Finally, the House pauses to bid farewell to MP Jonathan Wilkinson as he departs for a new diplomatic role. 49300 words, 6 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Remarks by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux argues that allegations from the opposition regarding misleading statements represent a difference of opinion rather than a matter of privilege, asserting that parliamentary disputes over facts should remain subjects of debate. 700 words.
Arab Heritage Month Act Report stage of Bill S-227. The bill S-227 proposes designating April as Arab heritage month in Canada. Members from all parties expressed strong support for the legislation, emphasizing the historical and ongoing contributions of Arab Canadians to the country's economy, arts, and culture. Proponents argue the designation will foster inclusivity and counter discrimination, while recognizing the diverse histories and achievements of communities that have shaped Canada. 8100 words, 1 hour.
The EconomyOral Questions
Wayne Long LiberalSecretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)
Mr. Speaker, I have a news flash for the leader and the party opposite. We are in a trade war. We are facing economic headwinds. Canadians do not want the political theatre that the leader loves. Listen to the chief economist of Scotiabank, who characterized his behaviour as “irresponsible”.
On this side of the House, we are going to build an economy for all Canadians. We are going to invest in infrastructure, in defence and in housing, in major projects. We will build Canada strong, a Canada for everyone. The opposition leader is missing in action. Where is he?
The EconomyOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I know that people are being very clever, but let us try not to be.
The hon. member for Terra Nova—The Peninsulas.
Jonathan Rowe Conservative Terra Nova—The Peninsulas, NL
Mr. Speaker, a recession is two consecutive quarters of economic decline. The Prime Minister has had three of his four quarters in decline. That puts Canada as the only G7 country in recession. While the Liberals are in denial, the facts do not lie. There are more small businesses in Canada closing than opening. More than half of small business owners do not recommend opening a business.
When will the Liberals at least admit that their policies put Canada into a recession?
Joanne Thompson LiberalMinister of Fisheries
Mr. Speaker, I want to celebrate the apprenticeship program, a program that is focused on getting young people trained to Red Seal status, with support at every step along that process.
We are building the economy with almost $1 billion for small craft harbours and support for our rural communities, as well as an economic boost for communities.
That is what Canadians expect, and that is what we are delivering.
Jonathan Rowe Conservative Terra Nova—The Peninsulas, NL
Mr. Speaker, I do not think those words are very comforting to the apprentices or to the 112,000 people who lost their job in the past three months. Mortgage defaults are growing year over year. Canadian households have the highest debt in the G7. Insolvencies hit their highest level since 2009. Twenty billion dollars has fled this country.
How much more data does the government need before it realizes that whatever the Prime Minister is pretending to do is not working?
Joanne Thompson LiberalMinister of Fisheries
Mr. Speaker, I want to remind the member opposite from Newfoundland and Labrador that we are working closely with the Conservative provincial government to build the province together, with Bay du Nord and with $8 billion for 5 Wing Goose Bay to expand the capacity of the base, but also, the support goes out into the broader region.
The work continues with housing initiatives. On and on it goes. There was an announcement today from the Finance Minister in Newfoundland and Labrador.
That is what Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and Canadians, expect us to do. That is what we are doing. We are laser focused, and we—
The EconomyOral Questions
Andrew Lawton Conservative Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON
Mr. Speaker, it was not that long ago that the Prime Minister got up and said he was the grand economist who would turn things around, the guy we could go to in a crisis. Well, here we are: Canada is the only G7 country in a recession, and where is he? He is nowhere to be found. He ran from a reporter who asked about it. He does not rise in the House of Commons to speak to it, while Canadians are suffering, struggling and paying the price.
When will the Prime Minister admit that Canada is in a recession and that he is the one to blame?
Yasir Naqvi LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and to the Secretary of State (International Development)
Mr. Speaker, I think it is time to get serious. I think members of the opposition and Canadians know that we are in very uncertain economic times and that we are engaged in a trade war that is not of our making. That is why the Prime Minister and the government have a plan. That is why we are so focused on diversifying our trade and engaging in free trade agreements with countries around the world. That is why we are selling uranium to India. That is why we are selling planes to Malaysia and selling canola to China.
Our plan is working. We will keep working hard to make sure we are creating good-paying jobs for all Canadians.
Andrew Lawton Conservative Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON
Mr. Speaker, we are never going to get to net zero with that level of gaslighting.
My goodness, the London economic region, which includes Elgin and St. Thomas, has the highest unemployment rate in Canada, at 9.2%, with 1,800 jobs lost in April. Does he expect me to go to my constituents and say, “Don't worry. You can sell all that uranium you've been working on”?
Families are struggling. Families are suffering. The government keeps spending more and more money and will not even acknowledge the consequences of its actions. When is it going to get serious and account for the fact that it has put Canada into a recession, the only country in the G7 to be there?
Yasir Naqvi LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and to the Secretary of State (International Development)
Mr. Speaker, the members opposite can be as gleeful and as jovial as they want, but Canadians know that this is a very serious moment for our country. That is why they require serious leadership. That is why they have elected a leader and a party that have a plan to diversify our economy. We not only will engage with the United States and Mexico to get the best deal possible for our country, but we will also build bridges and new partnerships around the world with China, India, Southeast Asia and Mercosur.
That is where our focus is and we will not stop until we create good-paying jobs for all Canadians.
Shuv Majumdar Conservative Calgary Heritage, AB
Mr. Speaker, members should not believe the Liberals when they say that we have the fastest-growing economy in the G7. We are the only one in a recession. The Liberals should try telling that to the mom skipping meals so her children will not. They should tell that to the grandma at the food bank who is just trying to put Sunday dinner on the table. They should tell that to the student whose future has been stolen. There are 112,000 jobs gone, a trillion dollars of investment gone and $670 billion in generational jobs gone. It is not wars. It is not tariffs. It is the Prime Minister's record.
Which Liberal will get up to defend that?
John Zerucelli LiberalSecretary of State (Labour)
Mr. Speaker, we are proud to stand up for our record every day in this House of Commons because the member knows very well that we are in the middle of a trade war. This country is facing headwinds, but we have a plan. Canada is building, from LNG in B.C. to critical minerals in the Prairies, from nuclear and transit in Ontario to ports and mining in Quebec and offshore energy in Atlantic Canada.
This is how we create good jobs, great opportunities in the skilled trades and good union jobs. We are building a Canada strong for all.
Patrick Bonin Bloc Repentigny, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals just keep backtracking on the fight against climate change, to the point where the outgoing MP for Laurier—Sainte-Marie has come to the worst possible conclusion.
Speaking on QUB radio, he said: “We're going to see that, with the backtracking there's been this year, the United States under Donald Trump is doing more to tackle climate change than Canada is.” By the end of the year, he believes that Donald Trump's record will be better than that of the green banker. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister just shrugs his shoulders and says that is just how it is.
How can the Liberals defend that?
Nathalie Provost LiberalSecretary of State (Nature)
Mr. Speaker, we stand by every position we take because we know that, under the current circumstances, these are the best choices we can make to ensure our economic independence as well as the survival of our planet.
Our nature plan will have a significant impact on biodiversity, but also on climate change. The methane regulations will have a major impact on reducing pollution from the fossil fuel industry. The EV strategy and the electrification strategy are a set of measures that ensure Canadians—
Climate ChangeOral Questions
Patrick Bonin Bloc Repentigny, QC
Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, in committee, the Liberals proved that they did not calculate how all their backtracking is affecting the achievement of their climate targets.
They do not have the numbers. The so-called “green banker” did not even take the time to calculate the harm this backtracking would cause. The outgoing member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie believes that, when we look at these numbers, we will see that Canada's record will be worse than the United States' record under Donald Trump.
If the minister does not agree with him, it is simple; all she has to do is show numbers that contradict him. When will we—
Climate ChangeOral Questions
Julie Dabrusin LiberalMinister of the Environment
Mr. Speaker, since the Bloc Québécois is interested in numbers, I want to talk about a few numbers.
We strengthened the methane regulations, which represents a reduction of 400 megatonnes. If he wants to talk about what we have done for the climate and for climate action internationally, Canada is a leader with our international action plan to support climate action. If he wants to talk about what we are doing for EVs, we are seeing a huge increase in EV sales because our government has made changes. We are continuing to do the work.
Éric Lefebvre Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, here is a sad reality: Canada is the only G7 country in a recession. The Liberals have been racking up deficits for 10 years. Since they took office, the debt has risen from $700 billion to $1.4 trillion. They are engaging in inflationary spending. There have been 10 years of economic mismanagement. The result is clear, and the facts are undeniable: 112,000 Canadians have lost their jobs over the past three months. Many Canadians are struggling to pay their mortgages and buy groceries. Two million Canadians visit food banks every month—
The EconomyOral Questions
Anna Gainey LiberalSecretary of State (Children and Youth)
Mr. Speaker, the government has a plan to build a strong, resilient economy. We see this in the 8,000 jobs in Contrecœur and in the 1,000 jobs at Nouveau Monde Graphite in Matawinie. In addition, this Friday, 12 million Canadians will receive the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. This is a significant top-up payment to help families cope with the cost of living. In addition, we have reduced the gas tax.
We are here to build the future and a strong economy for all while supporting Canadians and families across the country.
Éric Lefebvre Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, all G7 countries are facing the same challenges, yet Canada has the second-highest unemployment rate among them.
While Canadians are tightening their belts in the midst of a recession, the Liberals' wasteful spending is out of control. Just look at Cúram. The budgeted amount was $1.75 billion but the actual cost is $6.6 billion, which is a deficit of $5 billion. What about the plot of land that was rented for $13,500 a year, for which the Liberal government is paying $20 million a year?
Why is the Prime Minister asking Canadians to make sacrifices while the government is spending money like there is no tomorrow?
Anna Gainey LiberalSecretary of State (Children and Youth)
Mr. Speaker, we continue to be there for Canadian families. We are investing in a school food program to help families with the cost of groceries. That represents over $800 for a family that is benefiting from this program.
We also have a dental care program that is helping families and Canadians with the cost of living. I want to note that, in the riding of my colleague who asked the question, over 32,000 residents benefit from this dental care program. The opposition members voted against this program. This is the type of support we are giving Canadians by being there for them right now.