Debates of June 9th, 2026

Forbes Kennedy

[Sean Casey, Liberal, Charlottetown, PE]

Mr. Speaker, last week, a funeral took place at the Eastlink Centre hockey arena for a true Prince Edward Island legend, Forbes Kennedy.

Raised in Charlottetown, Forbie built an extraordinary career in professional hockey, playing more than 600 games in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks, the Detroit Red Wings, the Boston Bruins, the Philadelphia Flyers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Known for his toughness, determination and fierce loyalty to his teammates, he earned the respect of players and fans across North America.

Beyond the rink, Islanders knew him as someone who never forgot where he came from. Forbes Kennedy represented the grit, humility and work ethic that Islanders value so deeply. He coached generations of young athletes and remained an important figure in our province's rich hockey and baseball history.

I offer sincere condolences to Forbes's family, friends, former teammates and all those mourning his loss. May his memory continue to inspire, both on and off the ice.

Community Service

[Jeff Kibble, Conservative, Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, BC]

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honour a man who has spent a lifetime proving that success means nothing unless one shares it. Bob Saunders has been called a perennial booster of good things, a title that is well earned.

From founding Saunders Subaru to supporting arts, youth, sports, health care, veterans and education across Vancouver Island, Bob has never stopped giving back. I can speak to this personally. As a former Wounded Warriors Canada team runner, I have seen first-hand what Bob's generosity means to those who carried the weight of service long after coming home, not just in dollars, but in dignity, hope and healing. Bob believes that paying it forward and civic-minded people who lead by example inspire the next generation of community leaders. He has lived every word of that and he has inspired me.

Recently, I had the honour of joining Bob and his beloved Norma at a Victoria Shamrocks season opener, celebrating 70 years of marriage and 70 years of making our island better. On behalf of Cowichan—Malahat—Langford and those across Vancouver Island, I thank Bob, Norma and the entire Saunders family. Their legacy is written in the lives that they have changed.

Hugo Jobin

[Marilène Gill, Bloc, Côte-Nord—Kawawachikamach—Nitassinan, QC]

Mr. Speaker, visitors strolling through the Parc des pionniers in Baie-Comeau will see a 1,150-foot-long snake winding its way across, made up of some 34,000 rocks painted by people from around the world, like a fantastical creature emerging from the nearby sea.

This immense creature sprang from the genius of a young boy, Hugo Jobin. At eight years old, when leukemia was threatening his childhood, Hugo chose to bring his rock snake to life, because he decided then that he would beat not only leukemia, but also a Guinness world record.

Two years later, Hugo has beaten cancer and has already beaten every possible record for love and solidarity, alongside an entire community and, of course, his parents, Mélanie and Nicolas, as well as his little sister.

I want to thank Hugo for showing us that the act of creating gives us even greater strength. He is 10 years old today. The Bloc Québécois is celebrating life with him and, soon, his Guinness world record.

Dr. Peter Centre

[Hedy Fry, Liberal, Vancouver Centre, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I stand today to champion the Dr. Peter Centre, an organization in my riding that integrates housing, health care, nutrition, therapeutic and cultural programs to serve the underserved and the vulnerable. The centre's integrated model has demonstrated positive and measurable results among its clients for decades. I have personally witnessed its impact: Reduced dependence on emergency departments, improved health status and fewer overdoses equal a decrease in health care costs in the long run. However, most important is the hope that the clients get from this program and the sense of belonging and integration into the community.

The Dr. Peter Centre has begun to extend this program across Canada. The vulnerable and underserved need our help and support to achieve these outcomes: positive health and social and economic well-being. After all, is this not what we all came here to do?

Chinese Canadians

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

Mr. Speaker, 20 years ago, former prime minister Stephen Harper delivered in this House a historic apology and redress for the Chinese head tax. That was a defining moment in our country's reconciliation. It recognized a historic wrong and affirmed the great contributions of Chinese Canadians to Canada. From the railways that united our nation to the businesses, professions and communities that strengthen it today, Chinese Canadians have shaped our country's success for generations.

Today, Chinese Canadians continue to excel in public service, entrepreneurship, academics and culture. That is why I have introduced Motion No. 32, which would designate June 22 as national Chinese Canadian contributions day and recognize June as Chinese Canadian contributions month.

As we mark this important anniversary, let us honour the resilience, achievements and legacy of Chinese Canadians and ensure that their contributions continue to be recognized for generations to come.

Youth in Port Moody—Coquitlam

[Zoe Royer, Liberal, Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC]

Mr. Speaker, over the past three weeks in Port Moody—Coquitlam, I have been truly inspired by remarkable young people. I met students at the Youth Leadership Society of B.C.'s Model UN, the HanaTV youth press corps and the Steps Together Foundation public speaking contest, young people who were debating human rights and diplomacy, learning journalism and finding the courage to use their voices. I also had the honour of meeting members of the 754 Phoenix Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and hearing the remarkable Port Moody Youth Symphony Orchestra.

These opportunities do not happen by accident. They are built by founders, mentors, families and leaders in every field who pour their hearts into helping young people grow and lead. This gives me great hope for Canada.

The Economy

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

Mr. Speaker, the sad reality is that Canada is in a recession.

While the Liberals refuse to acknowledge this and continue to play with words, Canadians are facing very real hardships. A total of 2.2 million Canadians, a third of whom are children, rely on food banks. Canada has the worst food inflation in the G7. Housing is no longer affordable, and young people are giving up on the dream of home ownership. The overall economy is not doing any better. Productivity is tanking, businesses are investing less, and this marks the fifth negative quarter. The Parliamentary Budget Officer says that the labour market has weakened and that businesses are postponing their investment plans because of increased uncertainty.

Banks are forecasting dismal growth of 0.8% according to Scotiabank and 0.5% according to BMO. That is the reality for all Canadians. Since the Prime Minister took office, we have had three negative quarters. Unfortunately, yes, Canada is in a recession. When will we see real results for all Canadians?

Remorquage Boissonneault

[Louis Villeneuve, Liberal, Brome—Missisquoi, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today I want to highlight an act of generosity that deserves recognition.

Recently, my father, who is 94 years old, had his mobility scooter break down. This vehicle is much more than a means of transportation for him. It also represents his independence and freedom.

We called Remorquage Boissonneault for help. Once the vehicle had been towed, I asked the tow operator, Luc Dumont, how much we owed him. His response was that we did not owe him anything and that he does not charge seniors for that type of service.

My father was touched by this simple gesture, which allows seniors, who often live on modest incomes, to avoid an extra expense and maintain their mobility. At a time when we often talk about the major challenges that our seniors face, it is important to recognize these concrete gestures that are truly making a difference in their daily lives.

I want to thank Remorquage Boissonneault for their generosity and for their example of solidarity with our entire community.

The Economy

[Laila Goodridge, Conservative, Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Canada is falling behind. Under the Liberal Prime Minister, Canada stands alone as the only G20 country in a recession. Families feel it every day. Paycheques do not stretch as far, bills keep piling up, and home ownership is slipping out of reach. Canadians are left asking a simple question: How did we get here? The answer is a decade of Liberal economic failure.

The Liberals said this spring that they would borrow $65 billion, yet the independent budget watchdog says the real number is $72 billion. That is $7 billion more on debt, $7 billion more to be paid by our children and grandchildren. The Liberals keep spending like there is no tomorrow, while Canadians are left paying the price today with higher debt, higher costs and less opportunity.

Canadians deserve better than excuses. They deserve a government that grows the economy instead of growing the debt. It is time to end the reckless spending, restore fiscal responsibility and get Canada back on track.

National Indigenous History Month

[Patrick Weiler, Liberal, West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC]

Mr. Speaker, June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, languages and contributions of first nations, Inuit and Métis people across Canada.

In my riding of West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, we live on the ancestral and unceded territories of the Squamish, shíshálh, Líl̓wat and N'Quatqua nations. Archeological evidence from B.C. shows that indigenous peoples have lived on these lands for more than 14,000 years, representing one of the longest continuous human histories anywhere in the world.

This month, communities across our region are coming together to celebrate indigenous history and culture. Whether attending syíyaya Days on the Sunshine Coast, joining National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre or learning about indigenous history from a guided Talaysay Tour in West Vancouver, there are many opportunities to learn from and celebrate the first peoples of these lands.

I encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity to listen, learn and celebrate the rich indigenous heritage that continues to shape our communities and our country.

[Member spoke in Ucwalmícwts]

Rail Transportation

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are paying the price for having the only recession in the G20. Now the Prime Minister is forcing Canadians to pay $90 billion for a high-speed rail project that will destroy farms in Quebec, all without consulting farmers. Communities in regional Quebec will pay the price, yet they will not even get a station.

Why is the Prime Minister sacrificing Quebec's regions for yet another Liberal white elephant?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, Quebeckers voted for a Liberal government in the last election. They elected 44 Liberal MPs in Quebec, and high-speed rail was part of the Liberal election platform in that province.

High-speed rail will create over 50,000 jobs, contribute over $37 billion to GDP and bring a more prosperous and sustainable future for Quebec.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, it just creates jobs for their Liberal friends.

This “phantom” railway already has 13 vice-presidents, all of whom have received a $2.3-million bonus, even though not a single inch of track has been laid in Canada. Now, the Prime Minister wants to force farmers to lose their land and charge every Canadian family $4,000.

Why is he proposing yet another white elephant when we are already in a recession?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we need to support large-scale national projects.

The corridor will be only 60 metres wide, but it is the largest infrastructure project in the country's history.

Now is the time to build Quebec strong and build Canada strong, and we are going to do it.

The Economy

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal Prime Minister has created the only recession in the G7 and the G20. Today, the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy revealed it is getting worse: an 8% increase in consumer insolvencies and a 10% increase in bankruptcies. In the 12 months the Prime Minister has been in office, we have had the highest number of insolvencies in a decade and a half. The Liberal Prime Minister created this mess by doubling the deficit, driving up inflation and grinding growth down.

Will he reverse these disastrous Liberal policies before more Canadians go bankrupt?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we are in the midst of the biggest transformation of the Canadian economy in decades. We are building a stronger economy, a more resilient economy and a more independent economy, and our plan is taking root.

Last week, we just heard that we have created over 88,000 jobs, all full-time, all private sector. This economy is creating jobs at twice the rate of the United States. More Canadians are in work than the Americans, and more Canadian women, by seven percentage points, than the U.S.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Oh, Mr. Speaker, he is transforming the economy. He has transformed it into the only recession in the G20. Regretfully, this year there has been a net loss of 24,000 jobs, meaning that we have the second-highest unemployment in the G7, a third higher than in the United States.

Today, Equifax said that “Canadian entrepreneurship is on the decline and business payment challenges continued to build as more companies fell behind on [their] payments”. A third fewer small businesses launched in the last 24 months.

Current businesses are going bankrupt. New ones are not launching. Will he reverse course before more go bankrupt?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, what matters is that people believe in this economy and are moving forward. The Leader of the Opposition does not believe in Canada.

This is what is happening. More Canadians are in the workforce than the Americans. More Canadian women are in the workforce than the Americans by seven percentage points. Investment in machinery and equipment by businesses is up 10%. We have the highest level of foreign direct investment in 20 years. A trade surplus was just registered. We are building Canada strong.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister accuses me of not believing in Canada. It is my patriotic duty to fight for the people who are suffering as a result of his recession.

Once again, he is making the mistake of confusing Canada with the Liberal Party. We are not going to take any lessons on patriotism from a guy who stashes his corporate cash in a tax haven and moves his corporate head office out of this country. We are going to continue to fight for Canadian workers, Canadian consumers and a strong Canadian economy.

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I did not hear the question. We will go to the next question.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, I understand that the Prime Minister cannot stand up for the miserable economic track record he has created. Canada is the only G7 country in a recession.

Instead of attacking other people's patriotism, why does he not take responsibility for the damage he has caused? Equifax reports that the national 60-day delinquency rate for businesses rose 11% year over year in the most recent quarter, with escalating costs and higher inflation being the main culprits. That is what the organization reports.

We know the Prime Minister managed to put us in the only recession in the G7. Will he reverse these disastrous policies before he drives more people into bankruptcy?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we are growing an economy that is stronger, more resilient and more independent. The flash GDP estimate for April is 0.4% growth. I will annualize that to help out the Leader of the Opposition. That is 5% growth.

A trade surplus just registered the strongest job growth in the G7 in just this last month, at 88,000 jobs, which is twice the rate of the United States', and twice the rate of foreign investment.

Canadian Identity and Culture

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

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is abandoning Quebec culture to please the web giants and Donald Trump. First, he scrapped the digital services tax, which represents a loss of $1.4 billion per year, in exchange for absolutely nothing. Today, he is ordering the CRTC to waive every penny of the levies charged to streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, and yet the European Union imposes levies on streaming platforms and they comply without any significant cost increases for their customers.

Why is the Prime Minister in such a hurry to leave our culture at Donald Trump's mercy?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the real question is this: Why does the Bloc Québécois vote against investments in Quebec culture, francophone culture and Canadian culture at every opportunity? There is over $760 million for culture in the most recent budget, and we just proposed $600 million for the francophone and Canadian cultural sector.