Ali Ehsassi

[International Trade, January 28th, 2026]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member might think nobody cares, but I would beg to differ with him. Canadians have been witnessing a government that is serious about all of our economic relationships, and the pace and scale at which our government is acting is truly unprecedented. Just to take an example, today we all heard about an announcement. The Minister of Industry has signed an MOU with the Republic of Korea. However, there are many more examples.

In fairness to my hon. friend, he has asked about the significance of our relationship with our largest trading partner, the United States. Canada's trade relationship with the United States remains one of the most important economic partnerships in the world. It is a relationship that has long supported our shared prosperity by creating jobs, fostering innovation and contributing to economic stability on both sides of the border. I think that is something the hon. member will agree with.

Today, we can all see that we face a disrupted global trading order with long-standing assumptions being upended. As we navigate this challenging period, we will continue to seek solutions with the United States, while also, of course, pursuing a broader strategy of trade diversification and building one Canadian economy. We certainly remain committed to the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, and we are taking the CUSMA review very seriously.

To buttress my point, I think it is important to remind the member that this past Sunday, several days ago, the Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade had a very cordial and productive discussion with the U.S. Trade Representative, Mr. Jamieson Greer, where he reiterated that Canada remains fully committed to CUSMA. In turn, it is also important I point out that Ambassador Greer confirmed a very clear desire to work with both Canada and Mexico as we begin this review process.

We are ready, and I think it is important for the member to know that. We have been conducting consultations across our country. We have been hearing from industry stakeholders. We have been working closely with the provinces and territories, and we are leaving no stone unturned to make sure we stand up for Canada. It is important to bear in mind that we will take the time needed and necessary to reach a deal that is in the best interests of Canadian workers and Canadian industry.

To further this momentum, as I am sure the member is well aware, the Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade will soon be leading a high-level delegation to Mexico, which includes prominent business leaders and representatives from key economic sectors. I am told, and from everything I see, this is going to be one of the largest trade delegations Canada has ever sent out into the world.

This is all to say, the changes we are experiencing are taking place in real time and the trade landscape is shifting, but our government is doing everything with respect to the CUSMA review and also with respect to all the economic relationships we currently maintain.

[International Trade, January 26th, 2026]

Mr. Speaker, what I have been trying to emphasize to the member is that we are forging stronger ties with a range of trading partners, and we are building a stronger domestic economy, one economy that works for all Canadians.

As I listen to the member, I would say the opposition can criticize all it likes, but Canadians expect action, not slogans.

Our government is standing up for workers, defending key industries and doing the hard work of diplomacy, whether it comes to the United States or to other countries. We are working to negotiate with all these countries. We are protecting jobs, stabilizing sectors under attack and keeping the door open to a negotiated solution with the U.S. while we diversify our relationship with other countries.

Walking away or posturing might make for good politics, but I would say that Canadians—

[International Trade, January 26th, 2026]

Mr. Speaker, allow me to join my colleagues in extending my condolences to the family of the Hon. Kirsty Duncan. She was a brilliant and passionate member of the chamber, and she will very much be missed.

I am thankful for the opportunity to address the House on a matter of critical importance to Canada's economy.

Canada's prosperity has always been tied to strong, reliable trade relationships, and none, I would add, is more important than the one we share with the United States. In 2024 the United States remained Canada's top merchandise trading partner, receiving $595.9 billion of Canada's merchandise exports. Over 75% of Canadian exports were destined for the United States in 2024. Every day, over 3.4 billion dollars' worth of goods and services cross our shared border, supporting jobs and driving innovation on both sides of the border.

For decades this fundamental trade relationship has been anchored in rules, predictability and mutual benefit. Together we have fostered a North American economy that is competitive, resilient and innovative. However, as we know, the United States is fundamentally reshaping all its trade relationships, causing major disruption and upheaval for its trading partners, including Canada. The U.S. administration's imposition of tariffs of up to 50% on Canadian steel, aluminum and other critical exports is not just economically harmful; the tariffs also disrupt supply chains, inflate costs and erode the trust that has sustained our partnership for generations.

Our industries, including the steel, aluminum, forestry and automotive sectors, are the backbone of our Canadian communities. The steel sector alone contributes over $4 billion to our GDP and sustains more than 23,000 jobs, with tens of thousands more in related sectors. These industries are critical for building homes, infrastructure and the clean energy future Canadians expect.

That is why, on November 26, Canada's new government moved quickly to protect and strengthen the sectors most affected by the U.S. tariffs, introducing new measures to help workers gain new skills, support businesses as they modernize and diversify, and boost domestic demand for Canadian goods. However, we recognize that our priority and the government's focus must be to find a long-term solution to the harmful tariffs with the U.S. administration.

Where do these negotiations stand? Before President Trump abruptly paused discussions last month, our teams were making progress, exploring pathways toward a sectoral deal that could restore stability in our bilateral trade. Canada remains ready and open to re-engage. We are also preparing for the CUSMA review scheduled to begin this year.

Our message to the United States is clear: Canada will always defend its interests, but we will do so as a constructive partner committed to stability, prosperity and growth.

[The Economy, December 11th, 2025]

Mr. Speaker, as we bring this year to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of my constituents in Willowdale the most joyful of holidays and a wonderful and exceptional year ahead.

The residents of Willowdale appreciate full well that Canada stands at the cusp of a defining moment. Allow me to reassure them that our new government has been moving at an unprecedented scale. We are undertaking some of the most ambitious nation-building efforts in generations, renewing essential infrastructure, driving clean energy and critical mineral projects forward at an unprecedented pace and accelerating homebuilding throughout our beautiful country. These initiatives demonstrate the urgency with which we are acting to meet the needs of Canadians today and stand as a testament to our commitment to strengthen the foundations of our economy for tomorrow.

Allow me to conclude by wishing all of the wonderful individuals working in Parliament and, indeed, all the members of the House the happiest of holidays.

[Ethics, November 28th, 2025]

Madam Speaker, let me remind the member that we are doing very well. We woke up to tremendous news this morning. He can rest assured that our government is entirely focused on building our economy and supporting industries and workers who require our help. We were elected to build Canada, and that is exactly what we are doing.

[Automotive Industry, October 10th, 2025]

Here we go again, Mr. Speaker. I want to reiterate that Canada currently enjoys the best trade agreement with the U.S., and this is not up for debate.

However, we are not entirely pleased. Discussions are ongoing because, as the member knows, the Prime Minister has consistently emphasized that we will only accept the best agreement for Canada.

[Automotive Industry, October 10th, 2025]

Mr. Speaker, Canada currently enjoys the best deal among U.S. trading partners. This is not up for debate.

However, as the member would like to see us do, our government is committed to ongoing negotiations and to securing greater tariff relief for all of our industries. We are laser-focused on protecting Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. Trade discussions are ongoing, and we will not apologize for it.

[Mid-Autumn Festival, October 7th, 2025]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my diverse riding of Willowdale, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to all those celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. Referred to by many as the Moon Festival, and in Korea as Chuseok, in Japan as Tsukimi and in Vietnam as Tet Trung Thu, it is considered one of the most cherished festivals by Asians around the world. It is a time for families and friends to gather and celebrate a good harvest while also enjoying delicious cuisine and one another's company under a full moon.

To the many celebrating in Canada, may the glow of the full moon illuminate their path and bring them peace and prosperity throughout the year ahead.

[Iran, June 19th, 2025]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the escalating war between Iran and Israel.

For almost five decades, the Iranian regime has repressed its own citizens and exported violence beyond its borders, yet this odious Iranian regime certainly belongs to the dustbin of history. This military confrontation, however, should be constrained by the principles of international law and not be permitted to devolve into wanton destruction.

The citizens of Iran are in a particularly precarious spot. They have endured decade upon decade of brutal repression, and the overwhelming majority detest the theocratic regime in Tehran, yet they are caught in the crossfire of a war they are not responsible for and that is not of their making, nor is the Iranian regime making any provisions for their safety.

That is why Canada should call on all parties to this dispute to exercise maximum restraint and also fully embrace the recently announced diplomatic initiative—

[Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply, June 4th, 2025]

Mr. Speaker, that is a very good question. As I tried to indicate in my speech, this is a government that appreciates full well how incredibly important it is to partner with the provinces and the territories. As the member knows, earlier this week, there were some very robust discussions taking place, so we will have to wait to see what the conclusion of those discussions is. I am sure there will be some great news.

Given what we just heard, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Garneau family. I know that for all of us here who had the privilege of working with Mr. Garneau, he really embodied the best qualities and was by all means one of the most honourable people I have had the great privilege of working with.