Justin Trudeau

[The Economy, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, we have continued to invest in the middle class and have supported them throughout, from the very, very beginning of our coming into office.

The member opposite wants to talk about results. We have seen results in over a million new jobs being created and in almost a million Canadians lifted out of poverty. We have seen investments in public transit, in housing and in approaches that have made a real, material difference in the lives of millions of Canadians. We have chosen to invest in Canadians and their families, unlike the Conservatives, who choose cuts and austerity as their only tool in the fiscal tool box.

[The Economy, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, Conservatives continue to talk down the Canadian economy. We can understand that Canadians might wonder where we are going.

I am happy to reassure them that not only is our plan working to lift Canadians out of poverty and see jobs created, but the international bond rating agencies have unanimously given Canada a AAA rating, the top rating, in terms of our fiscal plan for going forward. We are the only other country with Germany in the G7 that has that top, unanimous AAA rating, and it is because international agencies know that our plan is working for Canadians.

[The Economy, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, the basic approach that the Liberal government has taken is very different from the approach of the Conservatives.

We believe that investing in Canadians is the way to build the economy. Conservatives believe that austerity and cuts are the way to help Canadians. We know that they are wrong, because over the past years we have demonstrated that investing in families and investing in communities has not only seen Canadians create over one million jobs over the past few years but has also reduced poverty by record amounts, seeing almost one million Canadians lifted out of poverty, including over 300,000 kids.

We are going to continue to invest in Canadians.

[Finance, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, once again the NDP is choosing to share this erroneous perception that we have not taken real action on moving forward on reducing the cost of prescription drugs for Canadians. We have moved forward in significant ways that have lowered the cost for prescription drugs for Canadians. We have continued to move forward on creating a national drug agency and to move forward on the strategy for high-cost rare disease medications. There is much more to do.

We will continue to work with the NDP and everyone in the House to deliver on affordable health care for all Canadians.

[Consular Affairs, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, all members in the House take the security and safety of Canadians abroad very seriously. That is why I am pleased to say that Canadian officials in Ottawa and in China are working closely with their Chinese counterparts. We continue to liaise closely with our international partners on developing options to ensure the safety and health of Canadians in the affected region.

So far, we have received repatriation requests from 160 Canadians. Every Canadian who has contacted us will receive consular help with this situation. We will keep people apprised of the next steps.

[International Trade, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to provide the hon. leader of the Bloc Québécois with many reasons to support this NAFTA agreement, which is good for workers from coast to coast to coast, including farmers, steel and aluminum workers, small and medium-sized businesses, investors who want to expand their businesses and families who depend on trade with the United States. There are many reasons to support this agreement, which provides certainty and opportunities for workers in Quebec and across the country.

[International Trade, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, in the new NAFTA, we secured guarantees for steel and aluminum. The new agreement guarantees that 70% of the materials used in the production of automobiles in North America must be steel from North America and aluminum from North America. The Americans will indeed have different concerns and requirements with regard to the aluminum or steel sector. We always stand up for our aluminum and steel sectors.

[Public Safety, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, as I said, this was a tragedy and we offer our support to the family and friends of Marylène Levesque.

Obviously, decisions of a parole board are independent from government. However, we are pleased to see that the Correctional Service of Canada and the Parole Board are launching a board of investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragic case. I assure the House that all Canadians want answers to this.

[Public Safety, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, we extend our deepest and sincerest condolences to Marylène Levesque's family and loved ones. Such a loss under these circumstances would be tragic for any family. The individual has been arrested and is facing charges. The Parole Board operates at arm's length from the government. Nevertheless, the Parole Board of Canada is launching an inquiry into the circumstances that led to this tragic situation.

[Natural Resources, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, 10 years of Conservatives railing against activists, celebrities or ordinary Canadians with concerns did not help the energy sector.

What has helped the energy sector is a responsible approach that recognizes environmental stewardship, partnership with indigenous peoples and moving forward in a thoughtful way toward a lower-carbon future is the right path for Canadians. The way we do that needs to be in partnership with all sectors in this country. That is why we are focusing on making the right decisions for all Canadians and that is what we will continue to do.