House of Commons Hansard #132 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was affordable.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Instruction to Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security Conservative members move to split Bill C-22 into two parts to address government surveillance concerns effectively. Conservatives argue that splitting the bill would allow expedited passage of part 1 while providing necessary time to debate contentious provisions in part 2. Liberal members criticize the delay, characterizing Conservative tactics as an attempt to impede tougher crime measures and hinder law enforcement access to modern investigative tools. 4400 words, 1 hour.
Bill C‑20—Time Allocation Motion Members debate a time allocation motion for Bill C-20, which establishes "Build Canada Homes." Minister Gregor Robertson defends the new Crown corporation as essential for the housing crisis. Conservative MPs criticize creating a redundant housing agency without clear targets, while the Bloc Québécois requests flexibility for regions facing unique costs. The House then moves to a recorded vote. 4500 words, 30 minutes.
Build Canada Homes Act Third reading of Bill C-20. The bill proposes establishing Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation to accelerate affordable housing delivery. Liberal members argue this necessary Crown corporation provides the autonomy and tools needed to increase housing supply. Conversely, Conservative MPs contend the legislation creates a fourth federal housing agency, arguing it imposes unnecessary bureaucracy without clear, measurable targets. Opposition members further claim the focus should remain on lowering construction costs rather than expanding federal administrative structures. 42100 words, 6 hours in 3 segments: 1 2 3.
Remarks by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry—Speaker's Ruling The Speaker rules on a question of privilege raised by the member for Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk, concluding that the dispute over economic data interpretations does not constitute a prima facie case of intentionally misleading the House. 600 words.
Corrections and Conditional Release Act Second reading of Bill C-232. The bill mandates that dangerous offenders and multi-murderers remain in maximum-security institutions. Conservative members argue these serious criminal offenders require strict confinement to ensure public safety and respect victims, whereas Liberals and the Bloc Québécois contend such policies undermine rehabilitation efforts and favor punitive measures over evidence-based correctional practices. 7600 words, 1 hour.
Protecting Victims Act Third reading of Bill C-16. The bill, titled "the protecting victims act" (/debates/2026/6/9/anthony-housefather-2/), aims to update the Criminal Code to address modern crimes, including coercive control and online child exploitation. While the government argues the legislation strengthens protections for children and victims of gender-based violence, the Conservative opposition has criticized the inclusion of a "safety valve" provision (clause 63, /debates/2026/6/9/larry-brock-3/) that allows judges to bypass mandatory minimum penalties, arguing it undermines accountability for serious offenses. 25500 words, 3 hours.
Adjournment Debate - Marine Transportation Gord Johns criticizes the inequitable federal funding for BC Ferries compared to Atlantic Canada, arguing for a new support model. Caroline Desrochers defends the current arrangements, emphasizing the federal government's existing indexed contributions and reaffirming that ferry operations remain, by agreement, a primary responsibility of the British Columbia provincial government. 1400 words, 10 minutes.
Claude Guay LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois is only capable of saying no, and it certainly cannot walk and chew gum at the same time.
We can fight climate change while protecting our economy and developing our natural resources. That is what we are doing here in Canada, and we are doing so responsibly.
Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC
Mr. Speaker, last week we met with businesses across Quebec. The picture is the same everywhere: The uncertainties surrounding CUSMA and the U.S. tariffs under section 232 are increasing the financial pressure on our manufacturers and hampering investment. Business owners tell us they are putting expansion plans on hold, delaying equipment purchases and hesitating to invest in their growth. That is the reality on the ground, while Canada is the only G7 country in recession.
Does the Prime Minister understand that Quebeckers are the ones now paying the price for his inability to restore confidence in our economy?
Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Mr. Speaker, we are working with the Government of Quebec to help companies in Quebec and across the country that are affected by tariffs. That is why we recently announced $1.5 billion to support businesses in the steel and aluminum sectors that were affected by the White House's new tariffs. At the same time, my colleague responsible for natural resources has just announced more funding for the forest products industry.
We are in the midst of a ruthless tariff war, and we will protect our workers and our businesses.
Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC
Mr. Speaker, what the government has to understand is that businesses have told us that they are waiting. They are waiting to invest, they are waiting to expand their facilities and they are waiting to take risks. Is that the government's idea of good economic conditions: a climate of uncertainty that is paralyzing private investment at a time when Canada is in a recession?
Is the Prime Minister proud of having created an economic climate where business owners are choosing to wait or to invest outside Canada?
Joël Lightbound LiberalMinister of Government Transformation
Mr. Speaker, as everyone knows, we are facing illegal and unjustified tariffs from the Americans. However, on this side of the House, we will always support our businesses and workers.
We will support them by investing in their ability to innovate, to produce and to diversify their markets. It should be noted that Canada's non-U.S. exports have increased by 40% year over year. We will also support them by building major projects. For example, the Quebec City tramway project will generate $10.5 billion in economic spinoffs and create 77,000 direct and indirect jobs. I cannot fathom why the Conservatives are against that.
Jason Groleau Conservative Beauce, QC
Mr. Speaker, over the past few days, we have met with dozens of businesses across Quebec regarding the CUSMA review.
The situation is clear: This Liberal government has completely abandoned businesses in the steel industry. The United States is protecting its steel market with tariffs of up to 100% on Asian imports. What are the Liberals doing here in Canada? They are doing nothing at all. Worse still, they are letting Asian countries dump their steel products here and flood our Canadian market.
Will this Liberal government put its foot down and defend the Canadian steel industry?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, it is funny to be sitting here listening to the Conservatives talk about SMEs when they are against the high-speed rail project that will create thousands of jobs in SMEs across Quebec. It is funny to hear them talk about steel when we are planning a project that is incredibly promising for steel producers. It is mind-boggling to hear the Conservatives taking a stand against a transformative project that will improve mobility, connect the four biggest cities in Quebec and create thousands of jobs for our SMEs.
It is quite ironic that they are standing up to talk about what our SMEs are experiencing.
Jason Groleau Conservative Beauce, QC
Mr. Speaker, there is nothing funny about it.
As I said, the Liberals are allowing Asian countries to dump their steel here. Garaga, a company in the Beauce region, sent emails to the Liberal government with evidence that non-compliant garage doors from Asia containing toxic substances banned in Canada are entering the country. What have the Liberals done about it? They have not done a thing yet. They are letting them come in. Garaga just has to fend for itself. After a decade of failures, the only thing this Liberal government has managed to do is put Canadians in debt and hurt our businesses.
Will the Liberals wake up and take care of our people?
Steel and Aluminum IndustryOral Questions
Ahuntsic-Cartierville Québec
Liberal
Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Mr. Speaker, we are taking care of our people. That is why Quebeckers and Canadians trust us.
The Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, the Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade and I work every day to protect people in the steel sector. Among other things, we have protected the steel sector by preventing all forms of dumping.
If my colleague wishes to raise a particular issue, we are ready to work with him and with all steel producers in Canada because we have to protect our factories and steel mills. At the same time, we are providing funding to help our workers and our businesses.
Bernard Généreux Conservative Côte-du-Sud—Rivière-du-Loup—Kataskomiq—Témiscouata, QC
Mr. Speaker, last week, along with my colleagues, I had the privilege of meeting with some of the largest companies in my riding. They all told me the same thing: they are feeling the impact of the U.S. tariffs, economic uncertainty, the current recession and labour shortages. Most concerning is that several of them told us they have never been consulted by the Liberal government on the future of CUSMA, despite the direct impact on their workers and investments.
Why do the Liberals keep making decisions that affect our businesses without taking the time to listen to them?
Dominic LeBlanc LiberalPresident of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade
Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, we are deeply involved at every level with Canadian companies, with representatives of Canadian workers, and with our colleagues in the provinces and territories. We hold regular, weekly consultations and round tables with various sectors of the economy. We will be holding them next week. We held them this week. We held them last week. We are very involved and very active because it is important for us to listen closely to the very people our colleague is talking about.
Wade Chang Liberal Burnaby Central, BC
Mr. Speaker, happy Pride. Today the Prime Minister and parliamentarians gathered on Parliament Hill to raise the Pride flag and mark the beginning of Pride season in Canada. Pride is more than a celebration. It is a reminder that the rights and freedoms of 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians cannot be taken for granted. At a time when hate is on the rise and when some voices in the House continue to question the full inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ people, Canadians expect leadership to stand firmly on the side of equality, dignity and human rights.
Can the Minister of Women and Gender Equality tell the House how our government will continue to protect the safety, dignity and full inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians?
Rechie Valdez LiberalMinister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his incredible advocacy. Canada is at its best when everyone can fully participate in society, free from fear, discrimination and hate.
As we mark the beginning of Pride season, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that we are protecting the Charter of Rights and Freedoms for all Canadians, regardless of who they are or whom they love. Through budget 2025, we have committed $54.6 million over five years to strengthen 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations across Canada, including $7.5 million to keep Pride festivals safe.
Happy Pride season.
Lianne Rood Conservative Middlesex—London, ON
Mr. Speaker, every other G20 nation is facing the same global headwinds as Canada is, yet under the Liberal Prime Minister, Canada is the only G20 nation facing a recession. In the last few days, we have learned even more about the dire state of our economy under his watch. The economy has shrunk in three of the last four quarters, per capita GDP is stagnating, and our productivity has hit a seven-year low.
Will the Prime Minister admit that his failed policies have caused this recession, or will he keep denying the reality lived by millions of Canadians who are suffering under his watch?
Wayne Long LiberalSecretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)
Mr. Speaker, Canadians are going to take no advice from a leader who has never worked a minute in the economy. He has no practical experience.
Those of us who have actually worked in the economy, when we are faced with challenges, have a choice. We can be like the Conservative leader, flail our hands, offer no solutions and blame everybody else, or we can lead. We can make decisions. We can lay a strong foundation for a future strong economy.
The Conservative leader has no experience. Our Prime Minister is going to build the strongest economy in the G7.
Lianne Rood Conservative Middlesex—London, ON
Mr. Speaker, Canadians cannot trust the half-truths or honeyed words coming off the lips of any of the Liberals right now. The Parliamentary Budget Officer gives a less than 1% chance that the Liberal government will meet its own fiscal anchor. Banks forecast growth of 0.5% in 2026.
Will the Prime Minister take responsibility for delivering Canada's last-place economy, or will he keep borrowing and keep spending so he can take credit for our economic collapse?
Wayne Long LiberalSecretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)
Mr. Speaker, if the leader actually worked in the economy and sat in front of a board of directors, blaming everybody and offering no solutions, he would be fired. Actually, he already was fired, by the former riding of Carleton.
On this side of the House, we are focused on building a strong economy. Canada just created 88,000 jobs last month. The fundamentals of our economy are strong. We are focused on building the strongest economy in the G7. The Conservative leader offers nothing but empty parking lot press conferences, rhetoric and slogans.
Blaine Calkins Conservative Ponoka—Didsbury, AB
Mr. Speaker, under the Liberal Prime Minister, Canada is the only G20 country that is in a recession. In the past few days, we have learned much more about how dire the state of our economy is under his watch. Here are the facts. The economy has shrunk in two of the last three quarters and in three of the last four. Two major banks, BMO and Scotiabank, both forecast that Canada's economy will grow less than half as much as America's. Our per capita GDP is lower than it was three years ago. Our economic picture after a decade of Liberal rule is getting worse by the day.
Will the Prime Minister do his job, stand up and tell Canadians why he has led Canada into a recession?
David McGuinty LiberalMinister of National Defence
Mr. Speaker, here are the facts. We added 88,000 jobs last month. Unemployment is down. Foreign direct investment is up at the highest it has been in 20 years, the highest in the G7. We have dropped our fuel excise tax by 10¢ a litre. We increased capital gains eligibility. We have cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. We are making massive investments in housing, infrastructure and defence, and now the trade surplus is up.
The member has to get his facts straight.
Blaine Calkins Conservative Ponoka—Didsbury, AB
Mr. Speaker, in spite of everything the minister just said, Canada is still in a recession. However, we already know that the Prime Minister cannot do his job, because Canada is the only country in the G20 that is in a recession. After a decade of Liberal rule, businesses are not investing. Capital investment has fallen for the fifth quarter in a row. The government's new Parliamentary Budget Officer has just reported that there is only a 1% chance that the government will meet its fiscal anchor.
The Prime Minister claims he is a crisis manager and a master economist. If he truly is, could he stand in the House and tell Canadians why he has led Canada into a recession?
David McGuinty LiberalMinister of National Defence
Mr. Speaker, here is where we have led Canadians on the defence side alone: joint support ships, 3,500 jobs; Arctic and offshore patrol ships, 2,300 jobs; fixed-wing search and rescue, 1,800 jobs; remotely piloted aircraft system, 700 jobs; River class destroyers, 5,250 jobs; logistics vehicle modernization, 1,900 jobs; armoured combat support vehicles, 1,650 jobs. There are tens of thousands of jobs in the defence sector alone.
Get on board. Stop running the country down. Help us build it.
The EconomyOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I remind members to speak through the Chair.
The hon. member for Saskatoon South.
Kevin Waugh Conservative Saskatoon South, SK
Mr. Speaker, under this Liberal Prime Minister, Canada is the only G20 country in recession. The economy has shrunk three of the last four quarters. The Liberals are already borrowing over their projected $65 billion. The Parliamentary Budget Officer projects borrowing now to climb to $72 billion.
Will the Prime Minister tell Canadians if they are in a recession or are they only technically doing worse after a decade of Liberal rule?
Buckley Belanger LiberalSecretary of State (Rural Development)
Mr. Speaker, there is a decade of 14 Saskatchewan Conservatives doing absolutely nothing to further Saskatchewan's interests.
On this side of the House, we are building an economy. We are proud of the entrepreneurs who created 88,000 new jobs. We are grateful for the investors. We are pleased to see the producers add to that strength: Saskatchewan canola, Canada's uranium, potash, oil and gas.
We are not sitting on our hands—
The EconomyOral Questions