Debates of June 4th, 2026

Kitchener Rangers

[Tim Louis, Liberal, Kitchener—Conestoga, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Kitchener Rangers on capturing junior hockey's top national honour this year, the Memorial Cup, after an amazing season that also saw them win the OHL championship. The Rangers demonstrated remarkable determination and composure throughout their run, excelling in both the OHL playoffs and the Memorial Cup tournament. They have met every challenge with confidence and resolve, proving what their fans already knew, which is that they are true champions.

I send my congratulations to the players for their dedication and performance and to the coaches and staff for their ongoing leadership and guidance. I also send my thanks to the billet families and to the fans, whose steadfast belief and passion have been the foundation of this team's success. Their support has carried the Rangers every step of the way.

Once again I congratulate the Kitchener Rangers. They have brought pride, inspiration and lasting memories to our community. This achievement stands as a proud moment for Kitchener and for all who believe in them.

Go, Rangers, go!

Summer in Sudbury East—Manitoulin—Nickel Belt

[Jim Belanger, Conservative, Sudbury East—Manitoulin—Nickel Belt, ON]

Mr. Speaker, summer is on the way, and in Sudbury East—Manitoulin—Nickel Belt, that means agricultural fairs and vibrant community celebrations, such as Valley East Days, the Verner Ram Rodeo and the Massey Fair.

This weekend, I am very proud to participate in the Rayside-Balfour heritage days hosted by Café Heritage, an organization led by Gary Michalak and Éric Lachance. With the help of many volunteers, they are doing an excellent job of promoting our history and culture.

This year, we are paying tribute to the pioneer families who founded our community. There are nearly fifty of them, including the Bélangers, the Blais, the Carrières, the Castonguays, the Grattons, the Leroux, the Pilons, the Poulins, the Séguins, the Trottiers, the Vaillancourts, the Watiers and many others.

I invite people to come out in large numbers to celebrate and join us for our parade, which will take place this Saturday at 11 a.m. in Chelmsford.

Johnny Pauls

[Paul Connors, Liberal, Avalon, NL]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the remarkable life of Mr. Johnny Pauls, who passed away at the age of 102.

Johnny Pauls was among the last surviving veterans of the Second World War from our province. He served as a member of the merchant marines. His contributions helped secure the freedoms we continue to cherish today.

Born in Rencontre East, he later moved his home to beautiful Spaniard's Bay. Johnny Pauls spent his life on the water, and in his retirement enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing. He dedicated more than 75 years to the Royal Canadian Legion as a founding member of branch 9 in Spaniard's Bay.

Today I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and all those whose lives he has touched. May we honour his memory by striving every day to live up to his standard of service to the country and his community.

I thank Mr. Pauls for his service. May he rest in peace.

The Economy

[Mike Lake, Conservative, Leduc—Wetaskiwin, AB]

Mr. Speaker, in 2015, the last year of the Harper government, Canada's national debt was $616 million. Today, under the Liberals, it is an astonishing $1.4 trillion, and Canada is the only G20 country in recession.

In 2015, Canada had a balanced budget and the richest middle class in the world. Today, we spend more on federal debt interest than we do on the Canada health transfer, and we are now forced to subsidize groceries for a full third of the population.

While Liberals debate terminology to describe the economic crisis, today's consequences are the result of a decade of deliberate Liberal choices, such as the choice to take on mountains of debt early on; the choice to use the cover of a global pandemic to undertake a massive, permanent expansion in inflationary spending; and the choice to kill private sector oil and gas projects that would have provided immense economic and security benefits to Canadians today.

JFK once famously said, “Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.” It is time someone in the Liberal government took some responsibility for the economic disaster it has made to happen here in Canada.

10th Anniversary of Jazz Teasdale Residence

[Tatiana Auguste, Liberal, Terrebonne, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last May, I had the honour of marking the 10th anniversary of Jazz Teasdale. The residence organized a celebration under the leadership of Geneviève Wellens, executive director, and Malinda Campo, recreation coordinator, which took place in a festive atmosphere, enlivened and energized by jazz music.

This event was an opportunity to see just how much Jazz Teasdale contributes to providing a humane, warm and respectful living environment for all those who built Quebec and helped build Canada—a legacy for which I am deeply grateful.

Thanks to the attentive and deeply compassionate care they receive, residents can continue to enrich their daily lives and enjoy genuine quality of life.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire team that has made the Jazz Teasdale residence a wonderful place to live.

The Economy

[Ted Falk, Conservative, Provencher, MB]

Mr. Speaker, under the Liberal Prime Minister, Canada is the only G20 country to fall into a recession. Just like he manufactured a Liberal majority government, he has now manufactured a full-blown Liberal recession. Instead of building the second-fastest growing economy he promised, he has actually shrunk it. All of this is from the same Prime Minister who described himself as the best person equipped to manage an economic crisis. In any other industry, that alone would call for a performance review.

The Parliamentary Budget Officer just reported that there is only a 1% chance the government will meet and maintain its fiscal anchor of shrinking the deficit.

Canada now has the highest household debt, the worst housing costs and the second-highest unemployment rate in the G7.

Excuses simply do not cut it for children with empty stomachs, moms with empty grocery carts and parents with hollow bank accounts. The Liberals need to admit their policies have failed, reverse course and position Canada for the win. It is time to get Canada back on track.

Retirement Congratulations

[Shannon Miedema, Liberal, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an exceptional Haligonian, someone who has had a long and storied career supporting some of our most vulnerable residents.

Since 1985, Linda Wilson has dedicated her career to organizations that have significant community impact. From early career roles to senior leadership positions, and with over 40 years of service, her impact is lasting. She had five years at Adsum House, eight years with Phoenix Youth Programs, 16 years at HomeBridge Youth Society and now over 11 years as the CEO of Shelter Nova Scotia, where she is overseeing the charitable, not-for-profit organization that supports 1,500 Haligonians navigating times of crisis and transition through residential, trustee and outreach programs annually.

This summer, Linda will officially step into her next chapter, which is retirement. I wish her all the best and some much-deserved rest. On behalf of all Haligonians, I ask the members of the House to celebrate this remarkable woman.

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I am going to ask the hon. member for Gaspésie—Les Îles‑de‑la‑Madeleine—Listuguj to repeat his statement from the top. There was an audiovisual problem the first time he spoke.

[Alexis Deschênes, Bloc, Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today is Gaspé Day, a day to celebrate the region that I love. The landscapes there are breathtaking, but let us talk instead about the people back home and, above all, about the bond that unites us.

Loneliness is taking a toll on society, but the Gaspé is an exception. Back home, when I see an ambulance go by, my heart sinks as I wonder who has run into some misfortune. Back home, I only ever honk my horn to get my friends' attention when I pass by their house and they are puttering around their yard. Back home, the cashier at the grocery store comments on what people buy and sometimes shares recipes. Back home, my son plays hockey with the son of my childhood friend, whose father coached us 30 years ago. Back home, we love to tease each other, laughing as we look back on our own clumsy mistakes. It is as if the Gaspé Peninsula, with its sea, mountains and rivers, seeps into our souls and makes us better people, not perfect, but cheerful and warm-hearted.

Since June 4 is Gaspé Day, I encourage everyone to let a little bit of Gaspé into their hearts.

The Economy

[Jacob Mantle, Conservative, York—Durham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, there is Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Russia, Mexico, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the EU, the U.S. and the U.K.

As Big Bird would say, “One of these things is not like the others. One of these things just doesn't belong.” Can the Prime Minister tell us which one of these G20 economies is not like the other? I will give him a hint: Only one is in a recession. Which one is it?

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

Mr. Speaker, as we know, the world has gone through some incredible headwinds. Canada has been no exception and perhaps has been singled out as we are a neighbour of the country that has launched an unprovoked and unjustified trade war. That is why we are putting in place measures that will grow our economy.

However, I do want to ask this member which of the countries that he listed would he rather live in. I know there is 173 of us who would rather live in and face the economic prospects of this country, Canada.

Long live Canada.

[Jacob Mantle, Conservative, York—Durham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, that is an easy answer: a Canada led by a strong Conservative government.

Under the Liberal government, poor economic management leads to more bad news, the only G20 country in a recession. Today, the parliamentary budget watchdog said that the Prime Minister has a 1% chance of keeping his promise of a declining debt-to-GDP ratio. Growth is downcast for 2026 and 2027.

Is this a recession or is this all just technical?

[François-Philippe Champagne, Liberal, Minister of Finance and National Revenue]

Mr. Speaker, Germany, Italy, Mexico, France—

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I cannot hear. There is too much noise. It is a bit like yesterday and the day before. I know the summer break is coming up, but I would ask that members settle down.

The hon. Minister of Finance may start over.

[François-Philippe Champagne, Liberal, Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is going to be a real pleasure to start again.

Let us take the list: Germany, Italy, Mexico, France, Japan, United Kingdom and Canada. Canada is going to have the second-fastest growth in the G7. This is the Canada we are building. This is the Canada that this team is building. This is the Canada that the Prime Minister is building. This is the Canada that Canadians want, and we are going to build it with them.

[Rhonda Kirkland, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

Mr. Speaker, under the Liberal Prime Minister, Canada is the only G20 country in a recession, yet for a week now, the Prime Minister has outright refused to address the seriousness of the situation, ignoring the fact that Canadians are worried about their jobs, their savings and whether they can afford to make ends meet.

The Prime Minister has spent more time avoiding the word “recession” than he has explaining the plan to end one. Will the Prime Minister stop dodging the question and tell Canadians if we are in a recession or just a technical recession?

[Wayne Long, Liberal, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)]

Mr. Speaker, there is China, Japan, Australia and India. Our Prime Minister has just signed billions of dollars of trade deals with those countries, creating thousands of jobs in this country.

Canadians elected a leader with world-class business and economic credentials. They have no time and will take no advice from a leader who has never worked one day outside of the House.

[Rhonda Kirkland, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

Mr. Speaker, everyone knows that the first step to fixing a problem is admitting that there is one. Liberals think the word “recession” is like the word “Beetlejuice”. If they do not say it, then it does not exist, but ignoring reality does not change reality. The Liberal government has spent months telling Canadians it has the fastest-growing economy in the G7. The reality is that we are the only country in the G20 in a recession.

Will the government finally answer if Canada is in a recession, or is it just a technical one?

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, what we are listening for is something rational, something thoughtful, something coherent, something comprehensive, maybe even a plan. How about a plan that is a fiscal plan? How about an economic plan? What about an industrial plan? What about a defence and security plan? How about supports and social services for Canadians?

All we hear is about driving this country down. It is absolutely ridiculous.

[Gabriel Hardy, Conservative, Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC]

Mr. Speaker, under this new Liberal Prime Minister, Canada is the only G20 country in a recession. The economy has shrunk in three out of four quarters. Productivity is falling. Investors are fleeing the country. Government borrowing is $7 billion above target. Today, the Parliamentary Budget Officer said that the Liberal government has only a 1% chance of meeting its budgetary commitments.

My question is very simple. Does the Prime Minister acknowledge, yes or no, that his management of the country's economy is a failure?

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

Mr. Speaker, clearly my colleague was not with us on Friday when we were in Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean, not far from his riding, to support the employees of Rio Tinto and the entire aluminum sector, who are the victims of a ruthless tariff war.

Surely my colleague is aware that we, together with the Premier of Quebec, made an incredible announcement for the aluminum sector: the expansion of the AP60 plant. Furthermore, we have invested an additional $100 million in the new Elysis technology, which will ensure that Quebec's aluminum is the greenest in the world.

[Gabriel Hardy, Conservative, Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC]

Mr. Speaker, here is what real people are facing, as described in a message from Matis, a young Quebecker who wrote to me this week:

I just wanted to tell you that many of my generation are starting to lose faith in the idea that we will ever become homeowners. Housing prices, rents, and the cost of living are rising so fast that I feel like I am chasing something unattainable. We are not out to get rich. We just want to be able to live with dignity after working hard. We want to build a future without constant financial stress.

We are in a full-blown recession. The Liberals' economic plan is not working. When are they going to give young people a little hope? When will they stop governing for the bankers and start governing for the people?

[Joël Lightbound, Liberal, Minister of Government Transformation]

Mr. Speaker, I have so much empathy for Canadians like Matis. These are the people for whom we stand up every day, the people for whom we fight, the people for whom we implement programs that work.

I do not have their names, but my colleague's riding has 13,500 families who receive $80 million thanks to the Canada child benefit. My colleague voted against that. What does he tell them? His riding has 23,500 citizens who benefit from the Canada dental plan. I do not know their names, but he voted against those 23,500 constituents.

My colleague should change his mind and support measures that truly help his people, our people.

Canadian Identity and Culture

[Christine Normandin, Bloc, Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is neglecting culture yet again.

After scrapping the digital services tax last summer without getting anything in return, yesterday he scrapped the proposed increase in levies on tech giants for Quebec cultural production. His first instinct in dealing with Donald Trump was to hand out billions of dollars in gifts to the tech giants and pass the bill on to taxpayers. It took less than 24 hours of negotiations in Washington for the Prime Minister to agree to that sacrifice.

Why is he so eager to capitulate when it comes to the future of Quebec culture?