James Cumming

[The Economy, June 21st, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, the government introduced its budget with limited targets, and one of the few measurements was the declaration on chart 35 that one million jobs would be recovered by the end of June. The fact is that between March and May of this year, our economy lost jobs. We have the second highest unemployment rate of all the G7, and inflation is running rampant.

Will the Prime Minister deliver on his promise of 1 million jobs recovered by the end of June?

[Budget Implementation Act, 2021, No. 1, June 14th, 2021]

Madam Speaker, it has been two years since there was a budget, and this is a budget that is spending like there is no tomorrow. Parliament was prorogued and the natural resource sector is missing from the budget.

Why is it that the government cannot manage its time and is going to restrict debate on this very important piece of legislation?

[Housing, June 8th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government's promised rapid housing initiatives have been anything but rapid. The government has spent billions of taxpayers’ dollars on housing, yet families in Edmonton are struggling to secure a roof. The first-time home buyer program is a failure. The removal of regulatory barriers, incentives for municipalities to increase density, and leadership that can resolve a trade dispute are what we need.

How many families in my riding unable to buy or rent a home will it take for the Prime Minister to finally capitalize on NGOs and the private sector's ability to help housing?

[COVID-19 Emergency Response, June 3rd, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister irresponsibly financed our country with hundreds of billions of dollars of new debt and he did it on the backs of those struggling most. Of the $95.2 billion in direct government transfers related to COVID-19 last year, the bottom 20% of earners in the country got just 14%. Canadians needed help, but due to poorly directed programs, those who needed it most were left behind.

Will the Prime Minister fix this mess through calculated actions or will he just continue to blindly make decisions hoping things will just work out?

[COVID-19 Emergency Response, June 3rd, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, it is appalling the Prime Minister's disregard for the lowest-earning households in the country. The government's pandemic aid was focused on the top 20% of income earners, who received $6,700, while those who are working to make ends meet received $4,100. It is apparent the programs were ill-designed, especially for those in dire need.

Will the Prime Minister agree today that a review of the efficiency and effectiveness of these programs will be completed immediately?

[Housing, June 1st, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, home prices continue to rise beyond the affordability level for many Canadians. In my city of Edmonton, a single-family detached home increased by more than 11% year over year in the month of April. Inflation in this sector is particularly pronounced and on top of that, we have new mortgage rules. The U.S. is doubling tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, yet another factor in increasing the prices on homes.

When will the Prime Minister take decisive action versus hollow announcements to improve housing affordability in this country, or will he continue to ignore this massive issue?

[Budget Implementation Act, 2021, No. 1, May 27th, 2021]

Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his intervention today. I appreciated the content of it. I just wanted to clarify, given some of the questions the member received.

How important does he think it is for Canada to play a major role in supplying natural resources to the rest of the world because of the way that we extract in a very ethical and environmentally friendly fashion? Should we not be looking at gaining market share, rather than depleting market share?

[Business of Supply, May 26th, 2021]

Mr. Chair, on what date can I tell my grandchildren the government will finally balance a budget?

[Business of Supply, May 26th, 2021]

Mr. Chair, I take it that is none.

Can the minister tell me what specific measures were taken to lower input costs and taxes to SMEs?

[Business of Supply, May 26th, 2021]

Mr. Chair, what specific programs are newly incorporated businesses eligible for?