House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 50% of the vote.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police October 25th, 2023
Mr. Speaker, when the opposition leader is bringing up matters that were duly settled four years ago, it is obvious they have no vision for the future of this country, no plan to move Canada forward and nothing to offer Canadians except cuts, austerity and partisan attacks.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police October 25th, 2023
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite knows well that the RCMP and the CBSA's professional integrity division are investigating. The CBSA has also launched an internal audit to look into contracting at the agency and has increased oversight processes when it comes to contracting.
Indigenous Affairs October 25th, 2023
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for Yukon for his leadership.
Yesterday's announcement represents an important milestone. This historic court settlement is the largest in Canadian history and will provide $23 billion to those impacted. While no amount of money can make up for the incredible pain that was caused, this is an important step toward affirming the voices of those affected and our commitment toward reconciliation. It could not have been achieved without the leadership of first nations, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside them to deliver for indigenous people across this country.
Foreign Affairs October 25th, 2023
Mr. Speaker, we unequivocally condemn Hamas's terrorist attack against Israel. We support Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international law.
We are deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza. As I said, there are ongoing diplomatic conversations about the consideration of humanitarian pauses, and that is something Canada supports.
Desperately needed humanitarian aid must reach vulnerable Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and Canada is working closely with partners to build a humanitarian corridor. Hamas must immediately release all hostages, and Canadians and foreign nationals who wish to leave Gaza must be allowed to do so.
Housing October 25th, 2023
Mr. Speaker, we are working very closely with municipalities across this country on housing and homelessness, on building more homes and on improving supply.
In the member opposite's hometown of Brampton, our housing agreement will spur the construction of more than 24,000 homes over the next decade by allowing higher density housing near public transit. Other cities, like Richmond Hill, Moncton and Ajax, just this week are passing more ambitious housing plans at their local councils in response to federal leadership. In Moncton, Halifax, Kelowna and other places across this country, we continue to invest in agreements that are going to build more homes quicker to support Canadians and build a brighter future for everyone.
Housing October 25th, 2023
Mr. Speaker, as the member opposite knows full well, and he can look in the history records, it was a $300-million program that delivered 99 homes.
The reality is that we are continuing to work hand in hand with municipalities, community leaders and non-profits across the country to move forward on building more homes and responding to the supply challenges. That is why, for example, we are removing GST from new apartment buildings. Unfortunately, the members opposite refuse to allow that bill to move forward, are continuing to block it and do not want to vote for it either.
We are going to be there to support Canadians every step of the way.
Finance October 25th, 2023
Mr. Speaker, Canadians are facing a housing crisis. The Conservatives' solution is to reduce the government's investments in housing.
We are choosing a different solution. We are saying that in order to bring down housing prices, we need to build more housing. That is exactly what we are doing. For example, today the City of Kelowna will simplify its building permit process and allow for greater density near public transit, which will stimulate the construction of 20,000 new housing units over the next decade.
We are here to invest and create more housing, while the Conservatives are proposing austerity and budget cuts.
Finance October 25th, 2023
Mr. Speaker, unlike the Leader of the Opposition, we will always respect the independence of the Governor of the Bank of Canada.
As is clear from the public accounts, we have reduced the deficit without cutting the supports Canadians depend on. We have the lowest deficit in the G7 and the best net debt-to-GDP ratio, and we have maintained our AAA rating, all while inflation continues to fall.
We do not need the Conservatives' budget cuts. We can be there in a responsible way to help Canadians, create growth and maintain our fiscal responsibility. That is exactly what we are doing.
Finance October 25th, 2023
Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that the Leader of the Opposition and I strongly disagree. At a time when Canadians are struggling and suffering, he is proposing cuts to services and to the help that we are offering. We will continue to be there for Canadians.
The Conservative Party will always choose austerity and budget cuts in difficult times. Such cuts would lead to longer wait times in emergency rooms, higher fees for child care services, uncertainty for seniors when they retire, and no action against climate change. That is an irresponsible approach, but it is the one the Conservative Party continues to offer.
We will be there to support people, to invest in their future and to help them now.
Intergovernmental Affairs October 25th, 2023
Mr. Speaker, according to the Bloc Québécois, sovereignty is urgent. They have been here in Ottawa for 30 years, and it has been urgent for 30 years. They keep trying to bring this up.
The reality is that we all have to work together to deliver for Quebeckers, to deliver housing, to deliver affordable groceries, to deliver a safer, cleaner planet. That is what we are working on. I work very well with the Government of Quebec and we will continue to do so. We will focus on Quebeckers' desire to build a better world, not the Bloc Québécois's desire to bicker.