Marc Serré

[Natural Resources, February 16th, 2024]

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for her important question.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is independent and does not approve projects unless it knows for certain that they are safe. We are looking at the issue with Canadians. We will protect the environment. We will hold consultations. The commission's independence is important.

The government is not the one deciding on these projects. Canadians do not want politicians to decide on these projects. We have an independent expert body that holds consultations and ensures that projects are safe. We will move forward. Right now, a judicial review is under way. We are waiting for the results of that.

[Natural Resources, February 15th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, it is incredible that the Bloc Québécois does not want to recognize the independence of a nuclear safety commission that approves only projects that have been subject to consultation with indigenous communities. Let us be clear, Natural Resources Canada does not have a role in this. Consultations were held.

The file is subject to judicial review and we are awaiting the results of that decision. In the meantime, we will continue to work together with the community and the indigenous peoples to ensure that the project is viable.

[Natural Resources, February 15th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, the independent Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission approves projects only if they are safe for Canadians and the environment.

After conducting consultations with indigenous communities and others concerned, Natural Resources Canada plays no role in the commission's decisions. As this matter is subject to judicial review, we are awaiting the outcome of the decision for the process.

[Northern Ontario Economic Development, February 15th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, our government is investing in and strengthening the economic prosperity of today and tomorrow. As a proud northerner and a rural MP, I have travelled and experienced first hand the resilience, innovation and creativity of northern Ontario communities. I have seen innovation and new ways of exploring critical minerals extraction to help fuel our transition to a zero-carbon economy that respects the environment and includes indigenous communities in true partnership.

Last week, I was in Cobalt with the member for Nipissing—Timiskaming to highlight a historic $5-million investment from FedNor to Electro Battery, a company that will support building over 1.5 million electric vehicles in Ontario.

I visited some businesses that we supported, like breweries, restaurants and tourism operators. Their important contribution is helping boost the economies of small towns in northern Ontario, a great place to call home. I want to thank them for sharing their success stories and for contributing to northern Ontario's prosperous future.

[Carbon Pricing, February 1st, 2024]

Madam Speaker, the Conservatives are reverse Robin Hoods, as was said earlier today. They are trying to take hundreds of dollars in rebates away from Canadians. While Conservatives debate whether climate change is real or debate fighting pollution, we know that there have been disastrous impacts on Canadians, and this cannot be ignored.

That said, as the economic statement makes clear, our government is committed to making life more affordable in this country and helping Canadians make the transition to greener heating.

I would like to thank everyone who participated in today's debate. We will continue to work with farmers across the country, including in Alberta.

[Carbon Pricing, February 1st, 2024]

Madam Speaker, it is really a pleasure to take part in the debate here tonight.

Late last fall, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance presented the 2023 fall economic statement. With the fall economic statement, we are taking further action to support the middle class and to build more homes faster. I am proud to say that our economic plan to build a stronger economy is working for everyone, with more great jobs for Canadians that they can count on, and the plan is working. I will give a few facts.

Inflation is 3.4%, down from its peak of 8.1%, and wage growth has outpaced inflation for 11 months in a row. Also, the private sector economists now expect Canada to avoid the recession that many had predicted, and both the IMF and the OECD predict that Canada will have the strongest growth in the G7 in 2025. As well, Canada maintains both the lowest deficit-to-GDP and net debt-to-GDP rations in the G7. These are some facts.

Nevertheless, rapidly rising interest rates are having an impact everywhere in Canada, including here. Canadians are having a hard time making ends meet.

That is why our government is adopting better targeted measures to stabilize prices, make life more affordable and protect people with mortgages to pay.

Let me give a few examples. We are moving forward with the new Canadian mortgage charter, which details the relief that Canadians can expect from banks in these difficult times. Also, we see our government is moving forward with meaningful actions to make life in Canada more affordable.

With respect to the environment, we understand that climate change is a threat not only to Canadians' health and safety, but also to financial security and economic well-being. That is why we have to stay the course with the price on pollution, which experts say is one of the best ways to fight climate change.

However, we understand that it continues to be difficult for some low-income families to make ends meet, and that is why we made the decision to temporarily pause the application of the federal fuel charge on deliveries of heating oil. We do this, not because it is a source of home heating, but because heating oil is the most expensive form of home heating, and because home heating oil is more expensive, it means lower-income Canadians face particular hardship incurring these costs.

It is important to understand that many low-income earners and rural residents are currently trapped in a vicious cycle where they have to pay for the most expensive form of home heating, the cost of which actually prevents them from investing in cleaner, more affordable forms of home heating.

As we confirmed in this fall's economic statement, we are now looking to provide financial assistance to help Canadians switch from heating oil to better heating systems. Heat pumps are a cleaner heating option that offers long-term savings on energy bills. Reducing the use of highly polluting heating sources will help combat climate change, which will particularly benefit women, indigenous peoples and those living in targeted communities.

[Natural Resources, February 1st, 2024]

Madam Speaker, the Government of Canada has invested millions of dollars in partnership with first nations, Métis and Inuit communities.

I will give some examples. There is the Old Crow solar project in Yukon with the first nations of Vuntut Gwitchin.

There is also the Burchill Wind Farm in New Brunswick, with the Tobique First Nation.

The Oneida Energy Storage project, with the Six Nations in Ontario, is another example.

There is the Bekevar Wind project and the Awasis Solar Project with the Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan.

These are examples of investments we have made with first nations. I could name many more, but these projects are just some of the ways we are partnering with indigenous leaders to deliver energy security, clean power and emissions reductions.

[Natural Resources, February 1st, 2024]

Madam Speaker, reconciliation with indigenous communities is a priority for our government. As part of our commitment to advancing reconciliation with indigenous peoples across Canada, Natural Resources Canada is developing a national benefits-sharing framework to ensure that indigenous communities benefit directly from major resource development projects. All Canadians deserve to share in Canada's economic prosperity.

The opportunity before us for a clean economy offers us new ways to move forward with economic reconciliation. Economic reconciliation, whether in engaging with our indigenous partners, creating good jobs in indigenous communities or ensuring that indigenous communities share in the prosperity of major projects, is a key aspect of the federal government's work to build a strong and sustainable economy.

The Government of Canada is making its contribution. In budget 2022, Natural Resources Canada received $103.4 million to advance economic reconciliation in the natural resources sector, including $3.4 million to develop a national benefits-sharing framework. The Government of Canada is committed to renewing its relationship with indigenous peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.

As we know, the world is facing the impact of climate change and we must invest in solutions to reduce emissions and foster prosperity. That is why we are investing in clean and renewable energy to reduce emissions and create jobs, including with our indigenous partners.

[Carbon Pricing, January 31st, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, everyone should file their income tax before April 30 to receive the credits and benefits to which they are entitled. For example, the quarterly issued carbon rebate in Ontario is for all taxpayers and it is a tax-free benefit to offset the cost of federal pollution pricing. Experts around the world agree that pricing pollution works. It is just one way Canada is fighting pollution. The carbon rebate quarterly payment went out January 15 and the next is April 15. The 2024 payment for a family of four in Ontario is $976; for a couple, it is $732; and for an adult living alone, it is $488.

I want to thank those who volunteer at the free tax clinics in Nickel Belt. They are a vital part of helping low- and modest-income Canadians access the important benefits they are entitled to.

Our future generations deserve a strong economy that attracts green investment and protects the environment.

[Food Banks, December 7th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite the people in Nickel Belt to support their local food banks.

More than 17,000 people visit the greater Sudbury food bank per month, and countless others depend on the food bank sites in Onaping Falls; Sturgeon Falls; Coniston; Garson, Valley East; and French River.

All these food bank locations, along with their incredible team of volunteers, have spearheaded countless fundraising efforts to ensure the most vulnerable do not go hungry.

Right now, the annual Edgar Burton food drive in Sudbury is taking place until December 15.

As the holidays approach, there is no better time to make a financial contribution or food donation, or to volunteer at a food bank.

Food banks are reporting that usage is up and there is a shortage of donations.

Let us help fight hunger and ensure that quality foods are available for seniors, families, children and all individuals who are in need.