Debates of June 5th, 2026

Filipino Heritage Month

[Anthony Housefather, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

Madam Speaker, June is Filipino Heritage Month. It is a chance to celebrate the amazing Filipino Canadian community that has enriched our country in so many ways. It is a chance to celebrate the culture and traditions of the Philippines. It is a chance to celebrate Dr. José Rizal, the founder of the modern Philippines, who championed patriotism, education, justice and civic duty, which are values shared by the Filipino community today.

In my riding of Mount Royal, which is the heart of the Filipino community in Montreal, we will have a large number of events. I want to thank the Filipino Heritage Society of Montreal and its president, Al Abdon; the Council of Canadian Filipino Associations of Quebec and its leaders, Dario Boco and James de la Paz; the Filipino Association of Montreal and Suburbs and its president, Jojo Laud; and the Knights of Rizal and its regional commander Gerry Danzil for hosting these events.

Let us all join together and say Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. Long live the Philippines.

Scholarship Winner

[Gaétan Malette, Conservative, Kapuskasing—Timmins—Mushkegowuk, ON]

Madam Speaker, today I am proud to recognize a rising young leader from northeastern Ontario, Alexandra Gauthier from Shillington, near Matheson, who is one of only 20 recipients across Canada of the TD scholarship for community leadership. It is one of the most desirable awards in the country, awarding recipients a full post-secondary scholarship and summer employment.

Alexandra represented Ontario's two million students through the Ontario Student Trustees' Association. She went to school in Iroquois Falls and is one of only two recipients from Ontario.

Alexandra is an inspiring model of an exemplary leader driven by a desire to uplift her community. It fills me with pride and optimism to see young leaders like Alexandra Gauthier shaping their own futures.

Graduating Classes

[Marie-France Lalonde, Liberal, Orléans, ON]

Madam Speaker, from June 17 to 25, exactly 1,871 students from eight high schools in Orléans will be celebrating their graduation, one of the most important milestones in their academic journey. This journey is marked by perseverance, growth and success. They have acquired the tools they need for the next stage of their lives.

It is always quite inspiring to personally sign each of their certificates. I want to congratulate each of them. They did it.

I want to congratulate all of them on their success.

Additionally, I would like to recognize Orléans resident Sara Siddiqi, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Ottawa and recipient of the 2026 Learner Changemaker Award from the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada. Through her leadership, she has advanced student support, equity and inclusion and strong clinical care across Canada.

I congratulate Sara and thank her for inspiring us all.

Retirement Congratulations

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

Madam Speaker, I am rising today to recognize Caroline Mulroney, member of provincial Parliament for York—Simcoe, who retires from politics today.

Locally, Caroline's legacy is historic. She pushed through the Bradford bypass connecting Highways 400 and 404, she championed the new Southlake hospital in Queensville, she was responsible for the creation of the North Gwillimbury Forest, preserving nearly 1,000 acres for future generations, and she made sure that the Ford government approved a state-of-the-art phosphorus reduction facility for the health of Lake Simcoe.

She was and remains a principled, reasonable Conservative, never overly partisan. She always supported Conservatives, no matter the stripe. She always said yes, always took my calls and always gave honest, prudent advice. I know she is a proud mom and a loving wife, too.

Caroline will be deeply missed by our community and by me personally. For everything she has done, I thank her.

Great Glebe Garage Sale

[Yasir Naqvi, Liberal, Ottawa Centre, ON]

Madam Speaker, it is a great joy to celebrate the Great Glebe Garage Sale in my community of Ottawa Centre. If anyone happens to be in Ottawa, in my community, on the third Saturday of every May, the Great Glebe Garage Sale is the place to go.

For 40 years, neighbours have participated in this sale. People can get such incredible, great deals on hidden treasures that people have stored in their basements. It also acts as a fundraiser for the Ottawa Food Bank. There were 25,000 people who came out this year. It was incredible. My team was there as well.

I want to thank the Glebe Community Association for organizing this incredible event every year. I congratulate all the volunteers; John Crump, president; June Creelman, vice-president; and Sam Woods, who coordinated the 40th version of the Great Glebe Garage Sale.

Airport Workers Day

[Chak Au, Conservative, Richmond Centre—Marpole, BC]

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Airport Workers Day and to pay tribute to the thousands of dedicated workers who keep Canada's airports operating safely, efficiently and reliably every day.

As the member of Parliament for Richmond Centre—Marpole, home to the Vancouver International Airport, I see first-hand the vital roles played by these workers in connecting our communities, supporting our economy and strengthening Canada's links to the world. They are the engineers, ground crews, security personnel, cargo handlers, maintenance staff, emergency responders and logistics professionals whose hard work often takes place behind the scenes.

Last year, YVR welcomed a record 26.9 million passengers and handled over 365,000 tonnes of goods. These achievements are a testimony to the professionalism, dedication and excellence of airport workers. On June 25, national Airport Workers Day, let us thank them and recognize their outstanding service and contributions across Canada.

100th Anniversary of Arvida

[Mario Simard, Bloc, Jonquière, QC]

Madam Speaker, this year, we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of Arvida, an iconic industrial town in the Saguenay region.

Founded in 1926, Arvida is considered an outstanding example of urban planning. It is known for its innovative architecture and the remarkable diversity of its working-class neighbourhoods, which are unique in the history of industrial towns.

Arvida has played a pivotal role in Quebec's development by making a major contribution to aluminum production. Its legacy is recognized in several ways: It has been designated a Canadian national historic site and a Quebec heritage site, and more recently, it was recognized by the Quebec National Assembly for its exceptional contribution to Quebec's cultural history and for its potential to be added to the tentative list of UNESCO world heritage sites.

I want to commend Carl Dufour and the Arvida Heritage Committee. Thanks to their commitment, Arvida is getting the recognition it deserves.

On this 100th anniversary, we are celebrating a legacy that reflects the important role that the aluminum industry and our local expertise play in the economy.

Happy anniversary, everyone.

Graduation Congratulations

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

Madam Speaker, June has arrived, and in a few weeks' time, it will bring the cheers of proud parents and the tossing of graduation caps as high school students across Don Valley West accept their diplomas and start the next chapter of their lives. It is a time of immense excitement, marking the culmination of years of hard work that now opens the door to a future filled with endless possibilities.

I thank the many teachers and administrators in Don Valley West for their tireless dedication to nurturing the bright young minds of our community. To parents and guardians, I extend my warmest thoughts as they balance the many emotions that come with such a momentous occasion.

Finally, to the graduates of Don Mills Collegiate Institute, Leaside High School, Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute and Northern Secondary School, as well as the many middle school students about to enter high school, I offer my best wishes and congratulations as they start their next adventure.

Williams Lake Stampede

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Madam Speaker, it is my favourite season of the year, rodeo season, in Prince George, Quesnel, Vanderhoof, and in my hometown, the greatest show on dirt, the Williams Lake Stampede.

The dust is rising, the countdown's on,
And before you know it, rodeo season will be gone.
From near and far for 98 years,
They’ve packed the stands for the sweat and the tears.
The Williams Lake Stampede is second to none,
The roping, the riding, the legendary fun.
Where the cowboys ride, and cowgirls fly,
And city folks learn about dust in the eye.
The Williams Lake Stampede is more than a show—
It's community, tradition, and full-blown rodeo!
To the volunteers, competitors, handlers, and sponsors too,
We tip our hats for all you do.
If I’ve said it once I’ll say it again,
You son of a gun,
We’re the best there’s ever been!
It's the bulls and the blood, it's the dust and the mud
It's the roar of a Sunday crowd
It's the boots, the chaps, and the cowboy hats
And they call the thing rodeo.
Yee-haw!

2026 Canadian Screen Awards

[Chi Nguyen, Liberal, Spadina—Harbourfront, ON]

Madam Speaker, last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the 14th Canadian Screen Awards right in my riding of Spadina—Harbourfront. This annual celebration recognizes the very best in Canadian film, television and digital media.

The industry gathered together to cheer on Canadian legend Mike Myers, who received the show's Icon Award. The Toronto-born comedian has made us laugh for decades here at home and around the world.

From North of North and Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent to Les Furies and Honey Bunch, so many of the stories that kept us glued to our screens this past year were honoured.

As we kick off Pride Month, I was happy to see Heated Rivalry recognized. This powerful series has touched the hearts of so many and reminds us of something simple but important: to be ourselves, fully and proudly.

This is the impact of Canada's film and TV industry. I am especially glad that our government is supporting this sector, investing $450 million over the next three years, championing the important work of this vibrant and essential part of our economy.

At a time when the world wants what Canada has, we are yearning to hear our own stories. Let us celebrate our incredible talent.

The Economy

[Marc Dalton, Conservative, Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC]

Madam Speaker, last year Canadians thought they were electing someone with exceptional economic skills who could strengthen our economy and quickly negotiate a deal with the United States. Well, it is becoming increasingly evident that we have been duped.

Under the Liberals, Canada has the only recession in the G20. We have now suffered economic decline in three of the last four quarters. The Parliamentary Budget Officer paints a grim picture, saying there is only a 1% chance the Liberals will meet their own fiscal targets. As for businesses, they are retreating from investment amid soaring uncertainty. The Liberals claim to be cutting costs, but they plan to hike personnel expenses from $69 billion to $86 billion by 2031. Then there is the $72 billion in deficit borrowing this year alone. This is not just numbers; it is diminished paycheques, fewer jobs and strained households.

Canadians deserve better than a Liberal government that has lost its way.

Éliane Blais

[Tim Watchorn, Liberal, Les Pays-d'en-Haut, QC]

Madam Speaker, on a more positive note, I am honoured to rise today to commend the perseverance of Éliane Blais, a young athlete from my riding, Les Pays-d'en-Haut. At just 16 years old, she is already a four-time Canadian U17 mountain bike champion, all while continuing her studies.

After a serious accident, surgery and rehabilitation, she joined the U19 junior category last fall and won two medals at the Canada Games. On May 2, she finished ninth in the Olympic Junior series in the Czech Republic, and on May 31, in Sherbrooke, she won a bronze medal at the Canada Cup.

Éliane Blais is a true source of inspiration for all young people in Canada. She has big ambitions. Although she is the youngest rider on the circuit, she is aiming for a spot in the top eight in the junior downhill category at the Mountain Bike World Championships in Italy this summer. That kind of passion is exactly why we are investing $755 million in our young athletes.

I would like to congratulate Éliane and thank her for representing Les Pays-d'en-Haut and Canada so well on the international stage.

Finance

[Pat Kelly, Conservative, Calgary Crowfoot, AB]

Madam Speaker, under the Liberal Prime Minister, Canada is the only G20 country in a recession. This was reported last Friday, based on Statistics Canada's negative growth data.

Then, yesterday, the Parliamentary Budget Officer reported that there is only a 1% chance that the Liberal government's fiscal anchor will hold. The PBO also said that the Liberals are borrowing $72 billion this year, not $65 billion as they budgeted. Yesterday, the Montreal Economic Institute said that the deficit is on track to “hit $117 billion by 2035”, even if they do not add any new spending programs. Scotiabank and the Bank of Montreal both released dismal economic growth projections. Stats Canada also reported labour productivity is falling.

The Prime Minister promised fiscal restraint. He promised competent management. He promised Canadians that he was the man for this moment of crisis, but under his leadership, Canada is in a Liberal recession. His budgets have no credibility, and it is Canadians who have to pay for it.

Retirement Congratulations

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

Madam Speaker, after more than five decades in business, Laura Landers of Laura's Art Shoppe in Cobalt has retired, closing the doors on a remarkable career that helped shape the artistic and cultural life of the Timiskaming region. For 45 years, her shop has been a destination for artists, collectors, tourists and residents alike.

Laura promoted the work of countless northern Ontario creators, helped to showcase the beauty of Lake Timiskaming through her support of the Tour du lac Témiscamingue programming and celebrated Cobalt's rich mining heritage through her own artwork. Laura's Art Shoppe became one of Cobalt's top-rated attractions, with visitors praising her knowledge and dedication to sharing local history and culture.

I would like to wish Laura Landers congratulations on an exceptional career. Her legacy as an entrepreneur, an artist and an ambassador for Cobalt will continue to inspire many for many years.

The Economy

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Madam Speaker, under this Liberal Prime Minister, Canada is the only G20 country in a recession. We are glad to see that more Canadians are working this month than last month, but we are down over 20,000 jobs since the beginning of this year. We are still expecting negative growth, and we have the second-highest unemployment in the G7. Simply put, we are comparing to a worse baseline. This should not be the new normal for this great country.

Why is Canada the only G20 country in a recession?

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

Madam Speaker, members will appreciate that this morning we woke up to some incredibly good news for Canadian workers: The Canadian economy added 88,000 jobs in May alone, mainly in the private sector and mainly in full-time work. Job growth in May was broad-based across all industries, but get this: Since December 2024, Canada has added more jobs per capita than the United States. We have incredibly good news from one coast of this country to another to another, and we are celebrating today for—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès), Alexandra Mendes]

The hon. member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan.

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Madam Speaker, I want to be clear that it is good news that more Canadians are working this month than last month, but we have to be honest about these numbers, because the government House leader is eager to cherry-pick. We have 24,500 fewer Canadians working today than were at the beginning of the year. Compared to pre-pandemic averages, unemployment is up by 0.6% overall and over 2.5 points for youth. Under this Liberal Prime Minister, we have the second-highest unemployment in the G7.

Having the best job numbers in Canada should not be like having the best bobsledding team in Jamaica. Canada is the only G20 economy in a recession.

[Patty Hajdu, Liberal, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario]

Madam Speaker, I will pass by the obvious material in that question to focus on what is important, which is jobs, and jobs for youth. That member has spoken many times about the importance of creating good jobs for youth, and in fact 99,000 new jobs for youth is something to celebrate. In fact, Benjamin Reitzes from the BMO said that the solid May jobs report should silence the people who are talking down the Canadian economy. He said this “should silence the recession crowd.” I guess he is speaking about the member opposite.

While those guys are running down Canadian opportunities, we are focused on creating jobs for everyone.

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Madam Speaker, the so-called “recession crowd” is literally the analysts at Statistics Canada. Here is the fact: Canada is in a recession under this Liberal Prime Minister.

Let us talk about youth unemployment. The pre-pandemic average for youth unemployment was 10.8%. We are 2.5 points above the pre-pandemic average. The question for the government is this: Is this the new normal? It should not be the new normal; we should be back to where we were.

A recession is not success. Canada is the only G20 economy in a recession, objectively. Why?

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

Madam Speaker, I have a lot of time and respect for my colleague, but the reality is that he did not read the news this morning. I think he took his notes from yesterday, and he is trying to keep the same narrative today.

The reality is, indeed, we are in job-creation mode. Indeed, notwithstanding the trade war, which the Conservatives never acknowledge, that we are dealing with unjustified tariffs from the U.S., we were able to create 147,000 jobs in this country. Last month alone, it was 88,000. We are building the economy and building the country strong.

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

Madam Speaker, here is yesterday's reality, today's reality and, unfortunately, likely tomorrow's reality: Canada is the only G7 country, and in fact the only G20 country, that is in a recession.

Take the issue of housing. We have hyperinflation that continues to have a devastating impact on our young people. The dream of home ownership is drifting out of reach for young people, and one in three families will not be able to make all their mortgage payments this year. That is the reality.

Can the minister acknowledge that?

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

Madam Speaker, we are very proud of the results we delivered for Canadian workers this morning: 88,000 jobs were created in the month of May alone. The unemployment rate has dropped.

For my colleague's information, the unemployment rate in Quebec, which interests me and my colleague, who is from Quebec, is the second lowest of all the Canadian provinces. That result is driven by the construction and manufacturing sectors and led by young Quebeckers.

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

Madam Speaker, of course, on this side of the House, we are always pleased when Canadians find jobs. However, as of right now, there has been a net loss of 24,500 jobs since the beginning of the year.

I also want to talk about young people. The reality is that youth unemployment has gone up.

The Parliamentary Budget Officer was scathing yesterday when he said that the odds of this government hitting its fiscal anchor of reducing the deficit is less than 1%. That is the reality we get with this government.

Is the government capable of admitting that, yes, Canada is the only G7 country that is in a recession?

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

Madam Speaker, I know that my colleague is passionate about the economy. We have had several conversations about it. I also know that he is a numbers guy and that he respects facts.

The truth is that the figures are clear this morning. We helped create 88,000 new jobs. My colleague said that youth unemployment is up, but it is actually down. It dropped by nearly 1% in the past month.

I can, of course, provide him with the most recent figures from Statistics Canada. I am sure he will read them.

There is also good news when it comes to affordability. This morning, the Prime Minister made an important announcement—