Justin Trudeau

[Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, January 27th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, the downing of flight PS752 was truly a national tragedy, and I thank the member opposite and indeed all members in the House for supporting their communities as we all grieve through a very difficult time.

We are committed to supporting the families and loved ones, with our priorities continuing to be transparency, accountability and justice. I told President Rouhani directly that Canadians expect and demand full co-operation from Iranian authorities. That means respecting the wishes of the families in regard to burial. I can confirm that the families that have wanted burial in Canada are receiving it so far, and we continue to expect full transparency and a full investigation from Iran.

[Privilege, December 12th, 2019]

Mr. Speaker, I know there will be many more moments for us to reflect and celebrate the dedication and service that the member opposite has offered and continues to offer to Canadians in his work as an MP for Regina—Qu'Appelle, in his work as the former Speaker of the House and in his work as the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada

I know thoughts, first and foremost, are for family. I want to salute Jill and recognize his kids who, I know better than most, have made significant sacrifices to see their father take on a leadership position like this. We deeply appreciate it.

I know from the many conversations I have had over the years with the hon. leader that he sees his responsibility as a parent very much the way I, and so many others, see our responsibility of being good parents to our kids.

In a similar way, we are politicians. We are in the House not in spite of having kids, but because we have kids and are dedicated to building a better world for them with everything we have. I respect that deeply and thank him for that focus on a better future for his kids.

I would also like to point out that few people know the challenges and possibilities, but also the roadblocks and barriers that exist for the leader of a diverse and national party like the Conservative Party or the Liberal Party.

We have a collection of MPs who are focused on representing their constituents and on serving their constituents. It is always a challenge and an incredibly rewarding experience to work with them as a leader.

I know that for all the challenges, it is an extraordinary privilege that is enriching and wonderful. I know that the member opposite has shown tremendous strength and compassion, as he has done through tragedies, difficulties, victories and more challenging moments.

I very much wish him all the very best in his next and exciting steps, whatever they be, be they here in the House or beyond. I want to thank him deeply for his service to Canada on behalf of all Canadians and on behalf of all Liberals. I know there are many more conversations to have.

Thank you, Andrew, for the work you are doing.

[Natural Resources, December 11th, 2019]

Mr. Speaker, we recognize how important it is to get our resources to new markets other than the United States. Indeed, for 10 years, the Conservative government was unable to do just that, which is why we are moving forward with the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.

At the same time, we recognize how important it is to invest in renewable energies and in a cleaner future for everyone, which is why all the profits from the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion will go into nature-based solutions and new technologies that will allow us to continue to grow our economy and create new jobs well into the future right across the country.

[Infrastructure, December 11th, 2019]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Sherbrooke for her question, and I congratulate her on winning her seat.

Green infrastructure is crucial to securing a sustainable future for our country. We allocated $30 billion to green infrastructure specifically. Projects have been approved across the country, and that includes flood mitigation projects. We know we must do more. In the years to come, we will invest in our country's future by supporting projects designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build more resilient and sustainable communities.

[Justice, December 11th, 2019]

Mr. Speaker, the confidence Canadians have in our justice system must always be strengthened. That is why we are continually looking at ways to improve the administration of justice and the fairness of our justice system across the country. We will continue to work with experts, with partners. I commend our Attorney General for the extraordinary task he has of making sure that every day we improve our system of governance and judicial oversight for Canadians.

[Agriculture and Agri-Food, December 11th, 2019]

Mr. Speaker, we are going to continue to stand up for Canadian agricultural producers, including our beef and pork farmers. We were pleased to re-secure access to the Chinese market after a period of time. We are going to continue to demonstrate world-class protections of our agricultural processes and ensure that people around the world know that Canadian products are world class, the best in the world, and should be encouraged and accessed everywhere in the world.

[Telecommunications, December 11th, 2019]

Mr. Speaker, we made a commitment in the last election to decrease cellphone bills by 25% for Canadians. That is something that we will do by working with the industry. If they do not bring down their prices, we will bring in significant measures around more competition in the industry to provide better options and opportunities for Canadians. This is a commitment we have made. It will save Canadian families thousands of dollars. We know that lowering cellphone prices is a priority for Canadians that we are going to take up.

[Taxation, December 11th, 2019]

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the member for Brampton East. I know he will serve his constituents well.

As the very first order of business, we are lowering taxes for the middle class and for people working hard to join it. Starting in 2020, this will put more money back in the pockets of Canadians. It will lift tens of thousands of people out of poverty and families, including single parents, will save nearly $600 every year. We hope all other parties in the House will support these measures.

[Foreign Affairs, December 11th, 2019]

Mr. Speaker, the member opposite mentioned the protests in Iraq. We strongly condemn the escalating violence in Iraq that has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of protestors and injured thousands more. We urge all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from violence. We support the people of Iraq, who deserve stability, prosperity and security. Human rights, including the right to protest and freedom of expression, must be protected. We continue to work closely with our allies and partners to follow the situation and play a constructive role.

[Natural Resources, December 11th, 2019]

Mr. Speaker, we take very seriously the situation faced by workers in the Prairies, including in Alberta and Saskatchewan. That is why I was pleased to sit down with Premier Kenney yesterday and talk about various initiatives we can work on together to solve and support some of the challenges faced by workers in Alberta. We are going to continue to roll up our sleeves and work hard to make sure that we are supporting Canadians right across the country and creating opportunities for people in the west.