House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2025, with 56% of the vote.
Finance December 16th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, at a time when Canadians are struggling, we are happy to bring forward measures that are going to assist them, things like the GST tax cut that took place, starting this past Saturday and going until February 15. While the Conservative leader and the members of his caucus stay focused on us, we are going to stay focused on helping Canadians.
Finance December 16th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, our government looks forward to presenting the fall economic statement later this afternoon. I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude for all that the member for University—Rosedale has accomplished for this country and will continue to do for this country. She has played an integral role in the government, first of all, by standing up for Canada in defending NAFTA, by bringing forward universal child care and by the incredible work she has done in defending Ukraine. We are very grateful for all that she has contributed to the government and to Canada.
Finance December 16th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, our government looks forward to presenting the economic update this afternoon. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the member for University—Rosedale for everything that she has done and for everything that she will continue to do for this country. She has a long list of accomplishments that are part of this government's history. We are very proud of everything we have done as a government.
Business of the House December 12th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, I do want to thank my hon. colleague for the kind wishes. Of course, I extend my merry Christmas and happy holidays to him and to all members of the House as well.
This is the last Thursday question and answer for the period. It is something I look forward to every single week, and I look forward to returning to it in January 2025.
In response to my hon. colleague with regard to next week's business, as we will be returning for a couple of days, as was announced earlier this week, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance will be presenting the fall economic statement in the House at 4 p.m. next Monday. I know that Canadians across the country and all hon. members in this place will be looking forward to it.
As you well know, Madam Speaker, the last few months have posed several unique challenges around the House of Commons, but I would also like to extend my gratitude to you and to your three fellow chair occupants for all your hard work.
I would also like to pay tribute to the staff who work so hard to help us accomplish so many important tasks, starting of course with the Clerk of the House, Eric Janse, and his colleagues at the table. Our gratitude extends to the House of Commons administration across all sectors and services, to those who provide security services in the parliamentary precinct, and to the pages in the House. We are served by a remarkable group of people, and we are truly always grateful for what they do.
Finally, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to all of the members' staff on the Hill and in our constituency offices for their dedication and tireless efforts.
On behalf of the Liberal members of Parliament, I would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas, a very happy Hanukkah, happy holidays and all the best for the new year.
Finance December 12th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, for many Canadians, the GST tax holiday actually makes a difference. Just because it does not make a difference for that member of Parliament, does not mean it is not meaningful for many Canadians.
When I speak to constituents in my community and to small business and restaurant owners, they have told me how important this GST tax holiday is going to be for them over the next couple of months. Just because the tax break is not meaningful for Conservative MPs, that does not mean it is not meaningful for Canadians.
Finance December 12th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, I am glad to hear the member opposite talk about groceries, because I have great news for him. The House actually passed a GST tax holiday over the next couple of months to reduce the cost of groceries. I am sorry. I forgot that the member and all members of the Conservative Party voted against that, because even though they say they want a tax break for Canadians, when it comes time to actually give them one, they are opposed to it.
On this side of the House, we are happy to be able to provide that extra relief to Canadians on groceries, toys for kids, clothing for kids and other essential items.
Finance December 12th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, the nature of the questions coming from the opposition today speaks more about its opposition to feminism than it does about our commitment to feminism. That is typical, because actions speak louder than words in this case. When we brought forward things like the Canada child benefit or child care, actual policies that help women, what did the Conservatives do? They voted against them.
When we stand up for a woman's right to choose, what do the Conservatives do? They vote against it and bring in backdoor legislation to make it harder to access sexual health and reproductive rights in this country.
When we work to make contraceptives free in this country, what do the Conservatives do? They stand in opposition. The real fake feminists are the folks on the other side in the Conservative—
Fall Economic Statement December 11th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties, and if you seek it, I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move:
That, notwithstanding any Standing Order, special order, or usual practice of the House, at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, the Speaker shall interrupt the proceedings to permit the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance to make a statement followed by a period of up to 10 minutes for questions and comments; after the statement, a Member from each recognized opposition party, and a Member of the Green Party, may reply for a period approximately equivalent to the time taken by the Minister's statement and each statement shall be followed by a period of 10 minutes for questions and comments.
Finance December 10th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, the member knows very well that we are bringing forward the fall economic statement next Monday. We are very much looking forward to the finance minister presenting that to the House, and we are exceptionally proud of the record of this government, of which the finance minister has been an incredible leader. Whether it comes to the Canada child benefit, child care for Canadians, a national school food program or supporting Canadians and businesses through the worst pandemic in our lives, she was at the helm of it and led us through those difficult times. We know that together we will continue to support Canadians and lead them through these tough times.
Finance December 10th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, again, what we see from Conservative members of Parliament is their attempt to distract from the fact that when given the opportunity to vote for a tax break for Canadians, they voted against it. They are travelling across the country saying that they are going to cut taxes, but at the very first opportunity to do that, they say “no.” This is actually a pattern of behaviour because, over the past nine years when we have brought forward other tax cuts for the middle class or benefits for Canadians, they vote against them.
On this side of the House, we are going to stay focused on Canadians and delivering for them in their time of need.