Doug Eyolfson

[Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act, June 11th, 2025]

Madam Speaker, we know that those in the lower tax brackets with the lowest incomes are the ones most disproportionately affected by affordability problems. This will give meaningful financial relief to people in the lowest income brackets to help them make ends meet. This is how we are going to continue to improve the lives of Canadians, particularly those who are struggling most.

[Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act, June 11th, 2025]

Madam Speaker, I live in Winnipeg. I have been inhaling the remains of much of northern Manitoba for the last two weeks, and I appreciate the catastrophic fires we are dealing with.

We are not backing down on our climate commitments. We have made one change to our carbon pricing system. We are still holding large industrial polluters responsible by having them pay a carbon price, and we are going to be investing heavily in non-polluting forms of energy.

[Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act, June 11th, 2025]

Madam Speaker, it is interesting to hear the member of the party across talk about conspiracy theories. I will say that it was a product of its time. At the time, it was doing what it was supposed to do. We have a changing economy, and we heard from Canadians that they want a change.

[Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act, June 11th, 2025]

Mr. Speaker, I will be splitting my time with the member for Burnaby Central.

Today I rise in this House to speak to Bill C-4, the making life more affordable for Canadians act, a piece of legislation that stands at the heart of our government's commitment to build an economy that works for everyone, not just for the privileged few.

During the election campaign, I heard a clear message from voters; they want a government that delivers real results, not three-word slogans. Today, through Bill C-4, we are doing just that. Bill C-4 addresses one of the most pressing and immediate challenges facing Canadians in every corner of the country: affordability. The cost of living has risen sharply in recent years, whether for groceries, gas or rent. These are not abstract issues. They are the everyday realities faced by families, seniors, students and workers alike. These are the conversations unfolding in homes across every province and territory.

Our government was elected on a promise to build the strongest economy in the G7 and to strengthen the middle class and support those working hard to join it. Bill C-4 is a crucial step in fulfilling that promise. It would deliver on three key priorities announced in the Speech from the Throne: a middle-class tax cut, which would provide relief for nearly 22 million Canadians; the elimination of the goods and services tax for first-time homebuyers purchasing new homes valued up to $1 million; and the removal of the consumer carbon price. While each of these initiatives stands on its own merit, together they form a cohesive strategy aimed at reducing the everyday financial burden on Canadians and restoring a stronger sense of economic security.

Let me begin with the middle-class tax cut. Canada's personal tax system is structured on the principle of progressivity: Those who earn more pay a higher share. However, even within this structure, we know that relief at the lowest tax bracket has the widest reach. That is why we are reducing the lowest federal personal income tax rate from 15% to 14%, a change that would directly benefit nearly 22 million Canadians. To put this into perspective, with the full effect of this measure taking hold, individuals would save up to $420, and two-income families would see up to $840 in tax relief. That is not just a number. It is tangible, meaningful relief.

We are not waiting to act. The Canada Revenue Agency would update its deduction tables by July 1, 2025, ensuring that paycheques reflect this change immediately. This means more money in people's pockets now, not just next year during tax season. Lowering the tax rate is not just a fiscal move. It is a statement of principle. It sends a clear signal. This government is taking action so that Canadians can take care of what matters most: their families, their future and their peace of mind.

For far too many Canadians, the dream of owning their first home has become a distant and daunting goal. The soaring prices and limited availability in our housing market have created barriers that seem insurmountable. We understand all too well the deep frustration and disappointment felt by those who have worked tirelessly, scrimping and saving for years, only to find that their hard-earned savings still fall short of turning their hopes into reality. That is why Bill C-4 introduces the first-time homebuyer GST rebate, a bold and transformative measure designed to lift a significant barrier for those striving to enter the housing market.

This rebate offers 100% relief of the GST on new homes priced up to $1 million, while homes valued between $1 million and $1.5 million qualify for partial GST relief. In real terms, this translates into up to $50,000 in tax savings for first-time buyers, a substantial financial boost that could make the dream of home ownership a reality.

Recently, I spoke with people in my riding of Winnipeg West, who are working hard and saving diligently but feeling overwhelmed by the rising costs and mounting fees just to get their foot in the door. This rebate would make a world of difference for them, turning their hope of owning a home into a real possibility. It would be a powerful catalyst that acknowledges the perseverance and discipline required to save for a first home and rewards that commitment by making housing more affordable and accessible. Moreover, this initiative would send a strong signal to real estate developers, incentivizing the construction of a broader range of housing types, from townhouses and semi-detached homes to condominiums, co-operative housing and even mobile homes, with the aim of expanding supply where it is needed most.

Since day one, our government's mission has been unwavering: to confront the housing crisis head-on by building more homes, building smarter and building affordably. This measure is one of the key steps that would deliver just that.

Finally, I want to address a measure that has sparked significant discussion across the country, namely the removal of the consumer carbon price. As part of the legislation, our government is proposing to permanently repeal the fuel charge framework outlined in part 1 of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. This repeal would be carefully and responsibly implemented in four phases, beginning with a retroactive repeal of charging provisions, effective April 1, 2025, and concluding with a full wind-down by April 1, 2035.

Why are we taking this significant step? It is because responsible government must be attentive and responsive to the lived realities of its citizens. We have listened closely to the voices of Canadians from coast to coast to coast, from hard-working farmers in rural heartlands to families in remote communities and small business owners who face mounting expenses. We understand that the rising cost of fuel, driven in part by the consumer carbon price, has disproportionately impacted these groups, creating additional financial strain that makes day-to-day life more challenging.

Let me be clear. Repealing the consumer carbon price does not signal a retreat from our climate commitments. Part 2 of the act, which includes the output-based pricing system for large industrial emitters, remains firmly intact. Our commitment to reducing emissions, advancing clean energy and achieving our net-zero targets remains unwavering and focused. However, for everyday Canadians, especially in communities without reliable transit options or alternative heating sources, this measure would deliver much-needed certainty and relief from rising costs, helping to ease the financial burden while we continue to build a cleaner, more sustainable future.

I want to emphasize that the measures outlined in Bill C-4 are not isolated actions and are part of a comprehensive affordability agenda being rolled out by our government. From early learning and child care investments such as the national school food program to national pharmacare and the Canada dental plan, we are taking a balanced approach, one that defends fiscal responsibility while making smart, targeted investments in the lives of everyday Canadians.

We also recognize that economic uncertainty persists, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, shifting global trade dynamics and, more recently, tariff threats from our international partners. In the face of these challenges, our government is choosing action.

Bill C-4 would ensure that we are proactively reducing costs for Canadians at a time when external pressures are rising. We are not waiting for the perfect moment or for uncertainty to pass. We are acting decisively now to protect the financial well-being of families and workers across the country. By cutting taxes, supporting first-time homebuyers and easing energy costs, Bill C-4 offers real, tangible relief that Canadians can feel in their daily lives.

Our commitment is clear: to build a stronger, more resilient economy that works for everyone, even in the face of global economic uncertainty and trade challenges. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Canadian has the opportunity to thrive.

[Strong Borders Act, June 5th, 2025]

Madam Speaker, that is exactly what I said, and I stand by it.

We knew that this policy could not recover, given the misinformation surrounding it.

[Strong Borders Act, June 5th, 2025]

Madam Speaker, the carbon tax, in its time, was something I supported. It did what it was supposed to have done. It was a victim of misinformation, and we know—

[Strong Borders Act, June 5th, 2025]

Madam Speaker, I was proud to have been part of some of the improvements made by this government in the 2015 mandate, including the report that was the building block of our pharmacare program.

We have also gone forward with the co-operation and valuable help of our NDP colleagues with the Canada dental care plan.

We also had the Canada child benefit, which decreased poverty across Canada. Poverty, as we know, is one of the prime drivers of ill health.

[Strong Borders Act, June 5th, 2025]

Madam Speaker, I share the hon. member's concern for the protection of civil liberties. These powers for increased surveillance are all under judicial oversight. Postal workers would not be opening mail. This would be done by the police with warrants. The changes to the immigration system would still be subject to review to make sure that people's fundamental civil liberties are protected.

[Strong Borders Act, June 5th, 2025]

Madam Speaker, I was very supportive of many of the policies that were undertaken by former prime minister Justin Trudeau. I am certain he saved countless lives in Canada through the pandemic and brought us through one of the fastest economic recoveries in the G7. I make no apologies for that. However, it is a new time and new challenges, and I am here to continue working on these challenges.

[Strong Borders Act, June 5th, 2025]

Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the hon. member for Richmond East—Steveston.

As I rise in the House today to deliver my maiden speech, I do so with deep humility and heartfelt gratitude. On April 28, the people of Winnipeg West honoured me by placing their trust in me once again and electing me to be their voice in this esteemed chamber. Having served from 2015 to 2019, returning to the chamber is more than just a homecoming; it is a renewed call to service. I am profoundly thankful to the constituents of Winnipeg West for entrusting me with the privilege of representing them, and for allowing me to champion their causes, advocate for them and bring attention to the pressing issues facing our community.

I would like to give special thanks to my wife, Sowmya. From my very first campaign in 2015 to my return in 2025, she has been my constant source of encouragement, strength and support, and, yes, I have already apologized for, once again, leaving her with the unfortunate duty of dealing with our cats' litter box.

As I reflect on the journey that brought me here, I must take a moment to recognize the extraordinary volunteers of Winnipeg West. Their dedication, passion and tireless efforts were the heartbeat of the campaign. As I juggled emergency department shifts alongside the campaign, it was our incredible volunteers who carried the torch and kept us moving forward. From door knocking with me in snowstorms to making countless phone calls, organizing events and spreading our message, they showed up day after day with purpose and resolve. The campaign simply would not have been possible without them, and I am endlessly grateful for their steadfast belief in our shared values and vision for a stronger, more inclusive Canada.

Having practised emergency medicine in Winnipeg for over 25 years, I have always believed that a fundamental duty of a society is for us to look out for one another. I had a personal experience that tells me what that means. In 2022, while visiting Vancouver, I suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while running in Stanley Park. I survived because complete strangers stepped in, performed CPR on me for 25 minutes and administered two shocks with a defibrillator before paramedics rushed me to St. Paul's Hospital, where I underwent emergency coronary bypass surgery. I was discharged a week later, and the total medical bill to me was zero dollars.

That experience reaffirmed something deeply meaningful: This is what Canada is all about, a country where people step up for each other and a place where our public institutions are there to care for those in need without asking whether they can pay. This is the Canada I believe in and the Canada I am committed to helping preserve.

Winnipeg West is a unique riding, a place where diversity, resilience and unity come together. What sets the community apart is its blend of urban vibrancy and rural character. While rooted in the west end of Winnipeg, our riding also stretches across municipalities like Headingley and Rosser, each with its own identity, history and contribution to the fabric of Manitoba.

From thriving suburban neighbourhoods to family-run farms and tight-knit rural communities, Winnipeg West represents a microcosm of the province itself: diverse, connected and grounded in shared values. Our riding of Winnipeg West is a true reflection of prairie pragmatism, a place where politics are not measured by headlines but by results. In my riding, people are less concerned with partisan politics and are more focused on real, tangible solutions that improve everyday life. Whether it is advocating for affordability measures, improved infrastructure in our municipalities or support for small businesses and the local agriculture sector, residents want action that makes a difference.

Our riding has long been a political battleground, not because it is divided but because its people are engaged, thoughtful and principled. There, people do not hesitate to ask the hard questions, challenge assumptions and expect their elected representatives to earn their trust every single day. This spirit of democratic engagement is not only a cornerstone of Winnipeg West; it is also a strength of our democracy, and it is a responsibility I carry with great humility and purpose.

In last week's Speech from the Throne, our government laid out a bold and unifying vision: to build one strong Canadian economy out of 13, and to position Canada as the strongest economy in the G7. At a time when we are facing significant generational challenges, including mounting economic pressures from our closest ally, the United States, our government remains focused on delivering real, tangible results for Canadians.

This means making life more affordable for Canadians by implementing targeted measures like the middle-class tax cut that puts more money back into the pockets of people in communities like Winnipeg West, tackling the housing crisis head-on by accelerating home construction at a pace this country has never seen before, and investing in critical infrastructure and nation-building projects that will drive long-term economic growth and unlock new opportunities for every generation of Canadians.

One of the key pillars of the plan is securing our borders, as to be truly strong, Canada must be secure. Border security is critical, not only to ensuring public safety but also to safeguarding our economic prosperity and national sovereignty. That is why, earlier this week, the Minister of Public Safety introduced Bill C-2, the strong borders act, a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at strengthening Canada's border integrity and enhancing our capacity to respond to evolving security threats.

The strong borders act would build upon Canada's $1.3-billion border plan, the largest single investment in border security in Canadian history. Bill C-2 proposes important measures to modernize our border infrastructure, improve information sharing among Canadian agencies, preserve the integrity of our immigration and asylum systems, and prevent the unlawful movement of goods and people across our borders. It also addresses growing concerns about the illegal fentanyl trade, transnational organized crime, money laundering and terrorist financing, all of which pose serious risks to both our public health and national security. With the legislation, we would be reaffirming our commitment to a secure, resilient and sovereign Canada.

In my riding of Winnipeg West, home to the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, the proposed changes would have a direct and positive impact. The bill would help strengthen frontline operations and would ensure law enforcement agents are equipped with the right tools to secure our borders and carry out their duties more effectively, while ensuring accountability and transparency.

As I conclude my remarks today, I would be remiss not to acknowledge the devastating wildfires currently sweeping across Manitoba. This year's wildfire season has escalated with unprecedented speed and intensity, displacing thousands of families and putting many first nations communities at serious risk. With a provincial state of emergency now in effect, countless Manitobans have been forced from their home and are facing profound uncertainty and loss. My thoughts are with everyone affected by the crisis.

In response to urgent requests from the province, the federal government acted swiftly by deploying the Canadian Armed Forces to support evacuation efforts and ensure the safe relocation of residents. Multiple agencies and organizations are working around the clock in close coordination, to deliver critical aid and assistance on the ground. To support recovery efforts, the Government of Canada has also committed to matching donations to the Canadian Red Cross campaigns, offering Canadians a way to stand in solidarity with those who have lost so much.

Finally, I am thankful to all the brave heroes on the front lines: first responders, firefighters, volunteers, humanitarian workers and the local community leaders. Their courage, compassion and unwavering dedication are a source of strength for the entire community. In the face of hardship, they remind us what it means to be truly united.