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.
Louis Villeneuve Liberal Brome—Missisquoi, QC
Mr. Speaker, does my colleague not find it surprising that the Conservatives describe Canada as a complete failure when millions of Canadians are working, investing, creating businesses and contributing every day to one of the strongest economies in the world?
Mark Gerretsen Liberal Kingston and the Islands, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is absolutely correct. The reality is that we live in a world right now that we could not have predicted two years ago. We are responding to the uncertainties in that world and laying the framework and the groundwork to have a stronger economy that is not reliant on one particular trading partner but that can be diverse throughout the world. I have full confidence in the Prime Minister's ability to do that. I think it is glaringly obvious to Canadians that the alternative in the Leader of the Opposition just does not measure up.
Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC
Mr. Speaker, the member talked about AI, which I want to talk about. We know that Canadians right now are facing rising costs and economic uncertainty. Financial fraud is even becoming a greater threat, and it is not being talked enough about today. Organized crime is using AI-generated scams for deepfakes, spoof calls and fake investment schemes to target people already under financial pressure.
A record amount of fraud is impacting seniors in my riding who are losing their life savings. Families are being defrauded, and victims are often left to recover on their own. Protecting Canadians requires urgent government intervention: blocking scam calls, holding financial institutions and digital platforms accountable, ensuring that victims have access to support and recovery services, and growing the scale and urgency of this problem at a time when every dollar counts. When will the Liberals finally combat fraud using the measures they have, as a key tool in protecting Canadians' financial security and economic well-being?
Mark Gerretsen Liberal Kingston and the Islands, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that this is something the government takes extremely seriously. This is the first government to have a Minister of Artificial Intelligence who is directly overseeing how we can safely implement artificial intelligence, which is inevitably going to make its way through society, and how we can safely do that in a way that protects Canadians but still sees the maximum potential that can come from this technology, including when that potential uses the opportunity to critique opposition motions from the Conservatives.
Éric Lefebvre Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, I want to note that I will be sharing my time with the member for Newmarket—Aurora.
I rise today in the House to support the Conservative motion calling on the Prime Minister to take action to deal with the recession. I do so with a deep sense of responsibility, but also with great concern for the economic future of our country and that of our children and our grandchildren.
The facts are unequivocal, stark and beyond dispute: Canada is in a recession. The motion tabled today makes that clear. It calls on the House to recognize that the Liberal Prime Minister has given Canada the only economy in recession in the G7. The current Prime Minister has the unenviable distinction of being the only leader among all our partners to have led his country down this path.
While our international partners are tackling global challenges with resilience, Canada is sinking. The Liberals like to hide behind flowery words and their speeches. They call this situation a technical recession. Let us be very clear: There is absolutely nothing technical about this. There is nothing technical about a family having to choose between filling up the gas tank and buying groceries. There is nothing technical about the thousands of workers who have lost their jobs, while our country now has the second-highest unemployment rate in the G7, one-third higher than that of the United States. There is nothing technical about people seeing their dream of home ownership vanish forever because this government's policies have led us to the highest housing costs in the G7.
What the Liberals call a technical anomaly is in reality a crisis of their own making, caused by their own decisions that are suffocating the public by creating the highest household debt in the G7. This is very bad news for Canada, for Canadians, for Quebeckers, and for the people of Beauce, as my colleague would proudly say. People from coast to coast to coast need a strong economy and a government that supports it, rather than weakened Liberals.
Unfortunately, I am not surprised. No one on our side of the House is surprised. This recession is not just happenstance or the result of unpredictable international circumstances. It is the direct result of a decade of Liberal mismanagement.
After 10 years of this government, Canada's federal debt has more than doubled, soaring from $616 billion to $1.473 trillion. This Liberal government has racked up more debt on Canada's credit card than all previous governments put together. The Liberals have flooded the economy with printed money, triggered an inflationary crisis and made life more expensive for everyone from coast to coast to coast. The economy is suffering, and Canadians are being left to foot the bill.
Where is the Prime Minister's leadership while our economy is collapsing? What is his response to this major crisis affecting Canadian families? It is silence. The Prime Minister has not said a word about the recession. He refuses even to utter the word. He refuses to face reality. He refuses to answer Canadians' valid questions. Instead of presenting a serious economic plan, he prefers to look the other way and feign ignorance. This silence is an insult to workers who are losing their jobs and to families who are asking for only one thing: leadership. The Prime Minister has chosen to hide behind his ministers and stock phrases. His lack of public comment on the matter demonstrates a complete disconnect and a profound disregard for the economic hardship Canadians are facing.
Let us talk about the Liberals' disastrous mismanagement and its devastating effects. While ordinary Canadians are being forced to stretch their own budgets and food banks across the country are seeing record demand, this government continues to squander taxpayers' money on misguided projects, crony contracts and inefficient bureaucracies. Public funds are being managed as though there were no obligation to be a good steward.
Let us look at a few flagrant examples of this waste.
First, let us consider the ArriveCAN scandal. This app was supposed to cost $80,000 and ended up costing $60 million.
Worse still was the Cúram fiasco, which was supposed to cost $1.75 billion and ended up costing $6.6 billion. In the most recent update, the government added an additional $500 million for this system. That is a cost overrun of over $5 billion. Who is paying for that? It is Canadians. It is those who work hard every day. It will be our children and grandchildren who will pay for the Liberals' mismanagement. That is a national disgrace.
The list goes on. I spoke about this next example already this week. A private company is leasing a plot of land from the provincial government for $13,500. That company then turned around and sublet the same land to the Liberal federal government for $20 million a year on a 10-year contract, for a total of $200 million. That is $200 million out of Canadians' pockets for a plot of land that is worth $13,500.
Instead of providing real answers, the minister told me this week that he would love to arrange for me to meet with some astronauts. I will invite my friend from Beauce to come to the meeting. The minister's brilliant management tactic is to offer us a meeting with astronauts in order to explain how a $13,500 lease turned into $20 million in subletting fees every year for 10 years. Come on.
The recession we are in today is no accident. It is the inevitable result of 10 years of structural deficits, stifling bureaucracy, punitive taxes and blatant contempt for sound fiscal management. Spending money does not lead to prosperity. Taxing people does not enrich this country.
That is why our motion today is centred on the need for the House to call on the Liberal Prime Minister to immediately present a plan to reverse all the economic policies of the Liberal government that have given Canada the G7's worst economy.
Canadians are fed up with their government asking them to tighten their belts while the Prime Minister stays silent and his ministers squander billions of dollars on a defective IT system. There is nothing that could justify wasting so much taxpayer money.
Quebeckers and Canadians deserve a responsible government, one that respects every hard-earned dollar of its citizens. They deserve a government that understands that taxpayers' money does not belong to the state.
That is why I support this motion with pride and determination. It is high time to cut Liberal waste, abolish Liberal taxes, restore a balanced budget, reverse these destructive policies and finally give Canadians back control of their economy, along with the hope and the chance to dream once again of a great and proud country.
Steeve Lavoie Liberal Beauport—Limoilou, QC
Mr. Speaker, I find my colleague's alarmist rhetoric a bit sad.
I want to congratulate him. He is about to become a grandfather for the first time. I am a grandfather myself, twice over.
However, for my part, I can look forward to a bright future for my grandchildren thanks to the decisions being made by the government. Just think of the Lévis region, where the Davie shipyard has started construction and will be providing jobs for people from Beauce.
So I would like to know if he really sees this as alarmist rhetoric or if he will side with the government for the sake of his grandchildren's future.
Éric Lefebvre Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, my colleague opposite, whom I like a lot, also has the privilege of being a grandfather. It is unacceptable that our children and grandchildren are already $44,000 in debt the day they are born because the Liberal government caused the deficit to balloon from around $700 billion to $1.4 trillion in the space of 10 years.
Sonia Sidhu Liberal Brampton South, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight Canada's leadership in strengthening global health systems.
As UNITE chapter chair for North America, I had the honour of welcoming Dr. Ricardo Baptista Leite to Ottawa, who is president of UNITE. Alongside colleagues and leading health experts, we discussed how legislators can work together to advance innovation, preparedness and stronger outcomes internationally.
UNITE is a global parliamentary network with more than 552 members across over 120 countries working with partners, such as the WHO and the United Nations, to promote fair and sustainable health systems and digital innovation. Canada has the expertise, the institutions and the credibility to help shape global solutions, from prevention and preparedness to supports for women, children and vulnerable communities.
By working together with partners through UNITE, we can drive meaningful progress that reaches communities in every corner of the world.
Éric Lefebvre Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, this year, the Victoriaville CEGEP's Vulkins sports program is proudly celebrating its 55th anniversary.
For over half a century, the Vulkins have embodied the pursuit of excellence, perseverance and teamwork. The CEGEP's dynamic teams and athletes have made Victoriaville famous across Quebec and far beyond.
This anniversary is significant for me personally because my brother Carl and I were lucky enough to wear Vulkin purple. During our time as Vulkin athletes, we developed values, friendships and a sense of belonging that have stayed with us to this day.
I want to pay tribute to all the generations of athletes, coaches, volunteers and staff members who built the big Vulkin family over the past 55 years. I also want to take this opportunity to invite all alumni and members of the public to the Vulkin reunion from October 9 to 11 and to the inauguration of the Boralex sports centre, which is happening around the same time. As they say in Victoriaville, once a Vulkin, always a Vulkin.
Gurbux Saini Liberal Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kaur Collective Foundation, a national organization advancing South Asian women's health equity and collective care.
Founded and led by Jessie Kaur Lehail, Kaur Collective Foundation works at the intersection of women's health, culture and power. It leads health equity research and projects that improve access to culturally safe care for South Asian women. Kaur Collective Foundation also pushes government and institutions to see intimate partner violence, human trafficking and food security labour through a cultural lens.
I ask all members to join me in thanking the Kaur Collective Foundation for its vital work supporting South Asian women.
Branden Leslie Conservative Portage—Lisgar, MB
Mr. Speaker, there is a time of year on the Prairies when the alarm clock is mostly just for show because the work starts long before it rings.
In Manitoba, the last few weeks have thrown just about everything at us, including snow, sleet and wind that tried to relocate about half of the province. The plan can be made, the equipment ready and the fields waiting, and they will still end up in a fight with the weather. Farmers do not get to press pause; only the weather can do that. That is farming. They repair equipment, seed, spray, fuel up, pray for rain, pray for sun and then get up the next morning and do it all over again. Through it all, farm families just keep going. That is just what they do.
It may surprise some to learn that food does not magically show up on the grocery store shelves. It starts with families that take risks most people never see. It is parents, kids, siblings, grandparents and neighbours trying to pull together through long days and late nights for the kind of work that simply needs to get done. We thank the farm families who feed our country and keep rural Canada thriving. I wish them all a safe and prosperous season.
Jacques Ramsay Liberal La Prairie—Atateken, QC
Mr. Speaker, the government is aware of the challenges facing SMEs, particularly the issue of hiring well-trained employees. With the team Canada strong initiative, we want to address these challenges by offering grants to apprentices in Red Seal skilled trades and to the SMEs that hire them.
That could include the bakery Le Duo Choc in Candiac, owned by two dynamic individuals, Katryne Deguire and Florent Lehmann, where apprentices would learn from the best, and for good reason. Florent and his employee, Félix Jeandot, were recently recognized at the Bakery Cup of Canada, winning the categories of best croissant and best baguette. Félix also won the award for outstanding assistant.
I want to congratulate these two artisans. I wish Le Duo Choc bakery every success, as it will be proudly representing Canada at the Mondial du Pain championship to be held next year in France.
Rhonda Kirkland Conservative Oshawa, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart today to pay tribute to one of Oshawa's most devoted and generous community leaders, David Burns, who passed away this past Wednesday.
Dave was the cherished husband of Christine for 62 years, a loving father and proud grandfather. Born in Halifax, he moved to Ontario to start a life grounded in faith, family and later politics.
While his family will miss him terribly, he also leaves a deep void in Oshawa's tightly woven Conservative family. He was a long-time federal PC supporter who would become one of Oshawa's original Reformers, and in 2004, he became a founding member and director of the Oshawa Conservative Association, which he served continuously until just last year.
From the nineties through to my own campaign last year, Dave was on the front lines of nearly every single Oshawa election. Known for his dry humour and quick wit, he was a passionate man who stood unapologetically for his principles. That is the man our team and I will miss and remember.
I thank Dave for his unwavering service, humour and generosity. May God bless Christine and the entire Burns family.
Ginette Lavack Liberal St. Boniface—St. Vital, MB
Mr. Speaker, today I rise with great pride to recognize an extraordinary group of young girls from my riding of St. Boniface—St. Vital, Team Bison. These five students recently competed in the 2026 Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton. In their fourth consecutive year at the fair, they earned a bronze medal as well as several prestigious awards and scholarships.
As someone who believes deeply in the potential of young people, I am especially proud of what they accomplished. Their curiosity, hard work and passion for discovery are inspiring. They are helping show the next generation of girls that they belong in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Their example reminds us of the importance of continuing to support and empower women and girls in these fields.
I thank Team Bison for making our community proud. Their accomplishments inspire us, and I have no doubt this is only the beginning of what they will achieve. I congratulate them on this well-deserved achievement.
Roman Baber Conservative York Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, sometimes I think the Prime Minister is trolling us.
What did he propose to protect the Jewish community? It was the Advisory Council on Rights, Equality, and Inclusion, with Omar Alghabra of all people. It is an insult. That is the Prime Minister's solution to synagogues being shot at and thugs harassing senior homes or marching in North York and chanting for intifada. Liberals love advisory councils. It is grade school level.
Why not take some real steps? They could enforce the law, call the RCMP's integrated security enforcement team. This is a national security matter. The Liberals need to deport the 700 IRGC agents from Canada. So far, they have deported one. They could listen to the Association for the Chiefs of Police and pass my bill, Bill C-257, which would criminalize the wilful promotion of terrorism. Work with us and pass my bill.
To the 400,000 Jewish Canadians, I am embarrassed by the Liberal government. The Conservative leader and all of my Conservative colleagues will not tolerate this nonsense. We will always protect Canada's Jews.
Yves-François Blanchet Bloc Beloeil—Chambly, QC
Mr. Speaker, when we think of Warwick, we think of cheese. For world-renowned cheeses and culinary and regional specialties that set trends everywhere, look no further than the best cheese maker in Quebec, who can be found in Sainte-Élizabeth‑de‑Warwick.
Jean Morin, the charming, generous and indispensable master and founder of Fromagerie du Presbytère, was named Artisan of the Year at the Gala des Lauriers de la gastronomie québécoise. This is yet another one of the many accolades received by Jean Morin and his team. He has an entire wall of them. It is thanks to him that we have the Louis d'Or, the Bleu d'Élizabeth, the Religieuse and the Taliah. All of these cheeses are a pure delight and pair well with a variety of Quebec wines.
A lover of local foods, Jean also knows how to bring people together with his Friday events at the Presbytère, which draw tens of thousands of tourists for delicious picnics and great music. Jean embodies the very essence of one of Quebec's most beautiful and gastronomically rich regions.
Bravo, Jean.
Brendan Hanley Liberal Yukon, YT
Mr. Speaker, the Yukon has recently lost a treasure in the beloved and historic Westminster Hotel. I caught a last glimpse of this famous establishment, affectionately known as “The Pit”, while attending Dawson City's Gold Show just a couple of weeks ago.
Though closed after flooding during December's deep freeze, the hotel still glowed with rose-coloured pride in the evening light of Dawson's early summer. Sadly, it was just the next morning that we watched this storied pink dame of Dawson give way to a fatal fire.
Built during the gold rush in 1898, The Pit weathered repeated challenges from permafrost thaw, as it witnessed over a century of Dawson's countless colourful chapters, earning its reputation as Dawson's shared living room, informal post office and obligatory gathering place. My mind floods with memories soaked in the cheeky artwork of Halin de Repentigny, and I still hear the echoes of music of all brands, festive seasonal celebrations and the quiet murmur of chatting locals.
An era has ended. I bid farewell to The Pit and give a fond nostalgic embrace to all in Dawson City.
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Liberal Prime Minister's latest report card is out. Canada is the only G7 country with a leader who took its economy into a recession.
Canada's economy declined in the last two quarters and contracted in three of the last four quarters. There were 112,000 jobs lost in just three months and 46,000 more Canadians are jobless than when the Prime Minister took office. Business investment fell for the fifth straight quarter and $109 billion in investment has fled Canada since he took office.
Canadian households now carry the highest debt in the G7, the least affordable housing in the G7, the highest food inflation in the G7, the lowest investment per worker in the G7 and the second-highest unemployment in the G7. Consumer insolvencies are up 19%, 1.5 million Canadians missed a debt payment in just three months and mortgage delinquencies are up 32%. Nationally, food bank visits have doubled, one in four Canadians is food-insecure and households pay 120% of their income on rent and food.
Canadians do not need more bureaucracies and slush funds for Liberal insiders. Conservatives will end inflationary deficits, repeal Liberal antidevelopment laws, cut red tape and bring home jobs, investment and hope.
Salma Zahid Liberal Scarborough Centre—Don Valley East, ON
Mr. Speaker, on the weekend, the Pakistani community in Canada lost a giant with the passing of Khalid Usman, and for me, he was Khalid Bhai. A friend and mentor to so many, he always had a smile on his face and never lost his sense of humour.
A Markham city councillor for 14 years, he lived a life of public service and gave back to the community in so many ways. As a dedicated philanthropist, he raised millions for charity, including Markham Stouffville Hospital and Shaukat Khanum, a cancer hospital in Pakistan.
For Canadians of Pakistani origin, he was a trailblazer, showing us what a career and a life dedicated to building a better Canada could be. I appreciated his encouragement and support from the earliest days of my career.
My prayers are with his wife, Dr. Abida Khalid, his three daughters, Hina, Rabia and Maria, his grandchildren and all the extended family members, and all those whose lives he touched.
May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.
Rachael Thomas Conservative Lethbridge, AB
Mr. Speaker, while the current Prime Minister is the only G7 leader to take his country into a recession, the consequences are felt by Canadians from coast to coast. Food Banks Canada just released its poverty report card for 2026, and it shows that one in four Canadians is food-insecure and food bank visits have doubled since 2020. These are not just stats; these are real people with real stories.
Parents call my office saying that they are giving up meals in order to make sure that their kids have enough to eat, but the Prime Minister refuses to take responsibility. Hard-working families cannot get ahead when they are left carrying the cost of Liberal waste, runaway spending and failed policies. Canadians cannot afford more of the same. They deserve a government that will end inflationary spending, repeal antidevelopment laws and cut excessive red tape.
We Conservatives will unleash Canada's economic potential. We will ensure Canadians keep more of their hard-earned dollars and we will build a more prosperous future for generations to come. Canadians do not need a government that stands in their way. They need one that is going to help them get ahead.
Danielle Martin Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is Red Shirt Day for Accessibility. In recent weeks, both in my riding of University—Rosedale and in the work of the Standing Committee on Finance, we have heard from Canadians with disabilities and the organizations that support them.
Too many Canadians with disabilities live in poverty. I was so pleased to see our government announce important improvements to the disability tax credit and to join the Secretary of State for the Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions at Community Living Toronto, an extraordinary organization in my riding, to highlight how we are simplifying the application process and making it easier for eligible Canadians to access supports.
Along with Canada's disability benefit, these measures represent meaningful progress. I look forward to helping build on this work because I know our government is committed to a more inclusive and accessible Canada.
Shannon Stubbs Conservative Lakeland, AB
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has made Canada the only G7 country in a recession. Even though the other countries face the same global challenges and tariffs, Canada's economy shrunk 75% of his term, with the lowest investment per worker in the G7. That is less opportunity and more stress for Canadians who cannot afford it. A year in, almost 46,000 more Canadians are jobless, household savings are at their lowest and millions of Canadians, especially kids, visit food banks just to get by.
These are predictable results with deficits double Trudeau's, higher carbon taxes and a decade of top-down “Ottawa knows best” chaos and division. So much for the elbows-up man with a plan for Canada. Canadians get photo ops, discussion papers and a self-identified European PM who just said he wants to make America great again.
Conservatives will cut taxes and inflationary spending, slash big bureaucrat bonuses and corporate cronyism and axe antidevelopment laws and red tape that block building to unleash Canada's economy so Canadians can hope to thrive, not just survive.
Arielle Kayabaga Liberal London West, ON
Mr. Speaker, May was Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to recognize individuals and families across Canada living with the rare genetic disorder that requires lifelong medical, behavioural and social support. Last Wednesday, families from across the country gathered on Parliament Hill for FPWR Canada's first day on the Hill, raising awareness and advocating for stronger support, timely access to therapies and more inclusive policies for Canadians living with rare diseases.
This cause is especially meaningful to me, because one of those remarkable children is Olivier, my very own nephew. Like so many families, ours has witnessed both the incredible resilience of individuals living with Prader-Willi syndrome and the daily challenges they face. These families are not asking for sympathy; they are asking for equity, dignity and the opportunity for loved ones to live full lives.
I want to thank FPWR Canada and the families, caregivers, researchers and advocates who continue to push for progress and bring hope for rare disease communities across Canada.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Liberal Prime Minister. Five days after learning that Canada was the only G7 country in recession, the Prime Minister finally decided to answer a question from the media and offer fresh excuses. He says the reason we are in a recession is that immigration is too low and that per capita GDP is actually very good. Per capita GDP has risen by 0.2%.
Is the Prime Minister expecting a parade for that?
Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister answers questions rather than insulting the media. That is the first point.
The second point is that I think it is important to understand that our plan is working. Our non-U.S. exports are on the rise; in fact, they are doubling. The other point is that wages have consistently outpaced inflation. Furthermore, we can see that Canada is the most attractive destination in the G7 for foreign investment.
It is clear that our plan is working.