Finance committee  Finding solutions to both challenges is what will make a real difference in the lives of middle-class Canadians. We know that, for Canadians to thrive, they need to be healthy and safe. This is why, in our pre-budget consultations, we have focused our discussions on how we can better meet the needs of Canadians when it comes to health care and pharmacare.

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Implementation Act  Our government will always stand up for our cultural industries because that means protecting a $53.8-billion industry representing more than 650,000 good jobs for middle-class Canadians. For Quebec, it represents 75,000 jobs. Yesterday, I was surprised to see the Bloc Québécois vote against this agreement. I was surprised because I know that Quebeckers, who the Bloc generally tries to represent well, want us to sign this agreement.

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Implementation Act  The agreement is a win for the environment. It is a win for labour. It is a win for hard-working middle-class Canadians from coast to coast to coast. It is a win for our businesses to help grow our economy and keep it moving forward. Second, the agreement would strengthen the state-to-state dispute settlement mechanism between parties and would ensure that disputes would be settled in an effective and efficient manner.

Business of Supply  One of the things Canadians ask of their government is to ensure that it is being a strong steward of their tax dollars. There is no question that middle-class Canadians are paying more taxes, but one of the things we want to raise awareness about today is that these policies have also made Canadian business uncompetitive. I want to talk about a constituent in southern Alberta, John Van Hierden, who has a grain business.

Business of Supply  It is why the first thing we did when we came here after 2015 was advance a tax cut for nine million middle-class Canadians and raise taxes on the wealthiest 1% of income earners. It is why the first thing we did when we got here in 2019 was put forward a measure to reduce taxes for 20 million Canadians and eliminate federal income tax altogether for more than one million low-income Canadians.

Taxation  Speaker, we are prepared to work to make sure that our tax system ensures that people pay the appropriate amount of taxes. We have reduced taxes on middle-class Canadians. Our most recent approach is to make sure that not only middle-class Canadians but also those at the lowest end of the income scale have the opportunity to have reduced taxes.

The Economy  Despite her riding being within walking distance of Parliament Hill, and despite making over five times the average Canadian, she is now asking for $2,000 more for a motor car allowance. Does the minister think a taxpayer-funded car allowance is a reality for middle-class Canadians, or is the reality another thing she cannot define?

The Economy  Madam Speaker, the reality is that the middle class is very important to this country. We understand the challenges that middle-class Canadians face. The cost of living changes based on where you live in the country or whether you live in a large city. Some families have two incomes, while others are single-parent families.

Housing  We introduced the first-time home buy incentive so that the dream of home ownership could be within reach for middle-class Canadians.

Business of Supply  Madam Speaker, I appreciate the element of the motion that suggests the basic personal amount should be targeted more specifically to people in need and middle-class Canadians. I would like to think I had a middle-class upbringing, having been raised by two teachers, and I think that should be the focus of our efforts. Some of my concern comes from looking at the distributional analysis of the PBO.

Business of Supply  They also mentioned that the new tax cut we are proposing would make a difference, with more money in their pockets. Many measures we have proposed will help middle-class Canadians in their day-to-day lives. We know we still have work to do, and that is why we are working to make sure we propose different measures. We must make sure we understand what Canadians need and which measures we should be proposing next.

International Trade committee  Our industry is a major employer in rural and urban communities, providing high-paying jobs to middle-class Canadians. Canadian dairy processors have invested $7.5 billion over the past decade in their business. This includes capital investment to expand and update existing facilities as well as to build new ones to support increased production.

Agriculture committee  Our industry is a major employer in rural and urban communities and provides good jobs for middle-class Canadians. Canadian processors have invested approximately $7.5 billion over the past decade. This includes capital investments to expand and modernize existing facilities or to build new ones to support increased production, and research and development to stimulate innovation and bring new products to market.

International Trade committee  AHAM has been a strong advocate for advancements in energy efficiency standards, but making Energy Star mandatory will have negative consequences for middle-class Canadians. Thank you.

Finance  Can the Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance please update the House on our government's plan to make life more affordable for middle-class Canadians?