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    Mr. Speaker, before I begin my remarks, I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people.

    I would also like to congratulate you, Mr. Speaker, on being elected by the members of the House yesterday. We have conferred upon you great responsibilities as Speaker, and though I have known you only a brief time, I am confident you will serve this Parliament well.

    Today is a momentous day for this country and an unforgettable day for all of us in the chamber. I am personally honoured to rise in the House as a newly elected member of Parliament. I would like to thank my family for their love and support: my wife, Lori, and our children Annelies, Ben and Sam. I ran for office in no small part because I want them to have the opportunities Canada provided me and then some. I also want to thank my volunteers. Without them, none of this would have been possible.

    We all went through a vibrant election campaign just a few weeks ago. Canadians were given the chance to look at the options the candidates for office put before them and make their choice by casting their ballot. It is democracy at its best.

    The result of this election is such that every one of us here has been given the honour of serving our constituents. I know that we take this privilege to heart. I congratulate all of my MP colleagues.

    As this parliamentary session begins, I am committed to working collaboratively with everyone on behalf of the people who sent us here.

    I am deeply honoured that the people of Calgary Confederation have put their trust in me to be their representative in Parliament. As a proud Albertan and a proud Canadian, I stand here today in the chamber in genuine awe of the responsibilities that have been bestowed upon me, and all of us, at this important moment. This is a great nation, a nation of ten provinces and three territories, all working hand in hand with first nations, Inuit and Métis people, with whom we share our history.

    We are a nation of regions from coast to coast, but we are one nation. It is especially important, at this moment in our history, that we remember this. No matter where we come from in this wonderful country called Canada, we are called upon to work together as a united people. That is at the core of our government's agenda to build a better and stronger Canada. It is also at the core of the Speech from the Throne. Let us review some of the highlights.

    We are at a critical point in our nation's history with regard to our place in the world and the system of global trade. We are facing a turning point that we cannot shy away from. The trading system is changing, and we must understand that the relationship with our trading partners is evolving. It is a turning point that requires us all to accept what needs to be done and work together to accomplish it. In the throne speech, our government faces that reality.

     Canadians understand that, since the Second World War, our world has never been more dangerous or unstable, but amidst this instability, there is an incredible opportunity. Our government intends to lead a confident Canada into the largest transformation of our economy since the Second World War. We will stay true to our values and build new alliances to strengthen our economy. As the throne speech reminds us all, “Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away” from us.

    As Canadians, we all know of the long-standing relationship our country has with the United States. It dates back many generations. We have friends there. We have family there. I am no exception. It is a relationship of two good neighbours built on mutual respect and a desire to strengthen each other's economies and national security.

    This year has brought a fresh perspective to that relationship, one which has awoken the patriotism of Canadians and sharpened our resolve to maintain our national identity. The Prime Minister has been clear about his own resolve. He has visited the President of the United States in Washington, D.C., and as the throne speech notes, he and the President have begun to define “a new economic and security relationship” between our countries. That relationship will remain “rooted in mutual respect” and founded on our common, yet sovereign, interests. As we move forward, we will work towards delivering transformational benefits to both countries. As we do this, our government is determined not to avert our attention away from the rest of the work ahead.

    Canada has much of what the world wants and needs, so our government will be strengthening Canada's relationship with reliable trading partners throughout the world. We will work towards building a coalition of nations that believes in co-operation and is ready to engage in the free exchange of goods, services and ideas. Canada can lead the way, and this will become even more apparent when we chair the G7 summit in my home province of Alberta next month.

    I would now like to turn my attention to something closer to home. Throughout the country, many Canadians are having difficulty paying their bills. The cost of living has become unaffordable for many people. They are struggling to keep up and to get ahead of the daily pressures.

    Our government will act to help Canadians get ahead. We will be reducing middle-class taxes as part of our economic agenda. This is a priority for us. Canadians can count on it.

    The tax cut will put money back into the pockets of Canadian families. It will save the average two-income family up to $840 a year. We will cut the GST for homes at or under $1 million for first-time homebuyers. This will deliver savings of up to $50,000. We will also lower the GST on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million.

    As we do this, we will take concrete steps to double the rate of homebuilding in this country, using technology, skilled work and lumber that comes from Canada itself. We will take action to ensure the housing market works better, including cutting municipal development charges in half for all multi-unit housing.

    The plan is clear. The government will drive the housing supply up to bring housing costs down. The bottom line is that our government knows Canadians need relief, and we are supplying it.

    We will ensure the future sustainability of programs that have already saved families thousands of dollars a year. This includes child care and pharmacare. It also encompasses the recent expansion of the Canadian dental care plan, which is now available to another 8 million Canadians, saving the average family more than $800 per visit.

    Our government has a fundamental goal with regard to the Canadian economy: It is our core mission to build the strongest economy in the G7. As we move towards that goal, it is imperative to recognize that we must create one Canadian economy out of 13 economies. For far too long, we have been held up by internal barriers to trade and labour mobility, and these barriers cost us as much as $200 billion per year. The throne speech made it clear that our government will introduce legislation to remove all remaining federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility by Canada Day.

    We are moving quickly because the time for action is now. We cannot delay. The premiers of several provinces and territories have already taken steps to remove barriers. Our government is committed to working with all the others to continue moving in this direction.

    As we move this way, it is important that we, as Canadians, recognize that this is a time to not only build but also build big. We must now build major projects to further secure our national economy and create high-paying jobs that will last for generations. To assist in this, our government will create a new major federal projects office, through which the time needed to approve projects will be shortened from five years to two years, a goal that would make us among the best, if not the best, in the OECD. This will be done while upholding Canada's environmental standards and its constitutional obligation to indigenous peoples.

    Removing these obstacles will put Canada in a better position to withstand any trade war we might experience. The change will create jobs and make us stronger. As the throne speech says, it will enable us to become a superpower in both green and conventional energy. This is a message Canadians from all regions should hear. It is certainly music to Albertans' ears.

    The government recognizes that Canadians have legitimate concerns about the safety of their neighbourhoods and streets. We will introduce legislation to enhance security at our borders. We will introduce new tools for our law enforcement intelligence agencies to stop the flow of fentanyl. The criminal code will be toughened to make bail harder to get for repeat offenders convicted of crimes such as car theft, home invasion and human trafficking. The Canada Border Services Agency will be given new powers to crack down on the stolen car trade to prevent the transport of illegal products.

    To further protect our communities, the government will hire 1,000 more RCMP personnel. We will take action to stem gun violence through changes to firearm licensing and through the use of scanners, drones and helicopters to stem the flow of drugs and guns across the border.

    Earlier, I spoke of how we live in a world of uncertainty and instability. Our government has the responsibility to protect Canada's sovereignty, and we will do that. The government will rebuild, rearm and reinvest in the Canadian Forces. We will work with our European allies to strengthen transatlantic security, and we will invest in the Canadian north as part of our commitment to keep the country safe from existing and emerging threats.

    As an Albertan and the son of a Quebecker, I am proud to live in a country where the French language and the Quebec culture are embodied in our very national identity. The throne speech makes our government's values clear and respects the country's official and aboriginal languages. Moreover, it is a commitment to protecting the institutions that are a showcase for those cultures, like CBC or Radio-Canada.

    Our government is also deeply committed to upholding fundamental obligations to advancing reconciliation with indigenous peoples. We must and we will assist in the creation of sustainable prosperity for them. As part of that, we will increase funding for the indigenous loan guarantees program to help more indigenous communities own major projects.

    Also central to our identity is the pristine beauty of our land. Canadians are rightly proud of their natural habitat. Our government will protect this distinct feature of Canada by creating new national parks and marine protected areas.

    For many decades, Canadians have taken great pride in our immigration system. It has helped paint the portrait of the Canadian mosaic while also fuelling the engine of the economy. Maintaining public trust in the system is integral for the system itself to be sound. Our government will take steps to build trust and restore balance. We will place a limit on the number of temporary foreign workers and international students while taking steps to attract the best talent in the world to come here and join us in building our economy.

    Let me end with some remarks about the government's commitment to responsible fiscal management. Our government brings a new approach to this matter. The throne speech notes that the government's operating budget has been growing by 9% every year. That must change. It will change. Our government will bring in measures to reduce the growth of that budget to below 2%. Moreover, we will set a responsible target for deficit reduction. The government will balance its operating budget over the next three years through responsible and prudent fiscal management.

    Transfers to provinces, territories and Canadians themselves will be maintained. These are the actions of a new government determined to set concrete objectives to build Canada into a stronger and more prosperous nation for its people. Today's throne speech provides a road map for how we will get there. It is an ambitious agenda. It is an agenda that Canadians, working together, can achieve.

    I move, seconded by the hon. member for Thérèse-De Blainville, that the following address be presented to His Majesty the King:

     Mr. Speaker, the Liberals put forward a plan that includes a section on Canadian unity but does not mention the west once. The Liberals offer empty words on making Canada an energy superpower but provide absolutely no concrete action to spur investment and growth in our energy sector. This is what the Prime Minister's energy minister offered in Calgary last week: empty words, void of tangible commitments.

    Let us be clear: The job losses and cancelled projects in our energy sector are the direct result of Liberal laws and policies. Making Canada an energy superpower begins with repealing the Liberal anti-energy laws. We must repeal Bill C-69, the no new pipelines act, which blocks energy infrastructure; Bill C-48, the oil tanker ban, which landlocks our energy; and the oil and gas production cap, which will gut $20 billion from the Canadian economy and kill 54,000 jobs, many of them in my own riding.

    The energy minister failed to do it, so here is the chance for the Prime Minister to unequivocally commit to undoing the Liberal anti-energy laws. Will the Prime Minister repeal the no new pipelines law, the oil tanker ban and the oil and gas production cap so that Canada can build energy infrastructure and get our resources to market?

     Mr. Speaker, I was with the Minister of Energy when he made that speech, and the vibe in the room was very different. We ended up hearing a very positive response from people who were looking forward to turning a page and having more productive conversations, something I would encourage all members to take to heart. It is not surprising the minister got a positive response, given that the Liberals received the highest percentage of votes that they have had in Calgary in generations, since 1968.

    This is a new government that will bring new balances to our energy and environment conversations, and those are needed. I will remind the members opposite that pipelines were going down to failure long before any of the bills they listed as possible reasons for it. In fact, northern gateway did not manage to pass court challenges, because the environmental reviews and the indigenous consultations were deemed too insufficient by the courts, a problem that this side of the House has cleaned up.

    Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by thanking the people of Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine for putting their trust in me. I will endeavour, at every opportunity, to be worthy of them and stand up for the interests of Quebec and its regions.

    The Speech from the Throne in no way prioritizes the interests of our regions. We have just come out of an election campaign that was entirely focused on the importance of protecting our economy against Donald Trump, but the Speech from the Throne makes no mention of Quebec's forestry industry and its needs in the softwood lumber dispute. It makes no mention of aluminum, which is one of the sectors hit by the U.S. tariffs. It makes no mention of the fishery, an important and fragile sector whose exports rely far too heavily on the Americans.

    This text was read by a British monarch and it is so disconnected from the needs of Quebeckers that it could just as easily have been written in London. Where are Quebec's interests in that document?

    Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for his question.

    Canada is a nation of regions. I know this well as an Albertan. A speech of this nature is about the nation as a whole. There is much detail to come afterward and much discussion to have in the days to come.

     Mr. Speaker, Canadians elected—

    Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

    This is the first test, I guess.

    The hon. member for Winnipeg North.

     Mr. Speaker, I missed my Conservative friends too, especially Pierre Poilievre.

    Having said that, Canadians elected a new government here in Canada. It is a government that understands the benefits of building a strong economy and a strong nation for all Canadians. We have seen that clearly demonstrated in the throne speech delivered by the King of Canada earlier today.

    Would my friend and colleague from Alberta not agree that one of the most impressive initiatives the Prime Minister took on day one was to give Canadians a tax break? Hundreds of millions of dollars will go into the pockets of Canadians in every region of our country.

    Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly agree with my colleague. This is another example of a new government bringing a new agenda, and Canadians will be well served by that government in the weeks, months and hopefully years to come.

     Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise as the first Conservative woman to ever serve the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador in the House of Commons.

     I was born and raised, laid roots and built a career in Newfoundland and Labrador. Unfortunately, for young people today, building a life in Newfoundland and Labrador is becoming a distant dream. Too many are forced to pack their bags and head elsewhere across Canada. The blame is with the federal government, for implementing policies that block investment and kill major projects that create jobs young people could build a life on.

     I have combed over the speech and cannot seem to find any firm commitment for young Newfoundlanders who want to build their lives and stay in the province. Will the Prime Minister commit to reversing the anti-energy Liberal laws, excessive red tape regulation and high taxes that are crushing the dreams of young people in Newfoundland and Labrador?

    Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the hon. member on her election.

    From coast to coast to coast, the throne speech speaks about economic opportunity. It talks about the ways we are going to build things, the ways we are going to grow things and, most importantly, the way we are going to do it quickly, because time is not our friend. There is a commitment within the throne speech to have a major projects office and to move the approval of projects from five years to two years. That would make us among the best, if not the best, in the OECD. Therefore, I am optimistic for the future. I hope the hon. member across the way will keep an open mind as we implement this agenda.

    Mr. Speaker, I congratulate my colleague on his election.

    New Democrats will be here to hold the government to account, of course, and collaborate where possible, notwithstanding that we do not have official party status.

     On the issue around housing, and we all heard it on the ground during the election campaign, there is nothing in the throne speech that talks about renters. There is nothing in the throne speech that talks about building social housing and co-op housing, recognizing it was the Liberals who cancelled the national affordable housing program, and there are no measures in the throne speech to address housing profiteering. Is it because the Minister of Housing is saying that affordability is not an issue faced by Canadians?

     My question for the member is this: What is he going to do to ensure social housing and co-op housing—

    Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

     A very brief answer by the member for Calgary Confederation.

    Mr. Speaker, this is a throne speech that is heavy on housing. It takes a land, sea and air approach to housing that reduces the costs of developing and building, and increases supply through the largest action since World War II.

    Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, a document, in both official languages, entitled “Report on Federal Tax Expenditures” for 2025.

    Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. As you may be aware, although the hon. member for Vancouver East is some distance from the Chair, there unfortunately has been more heckling than one would want on the day when we receive the Speech from the Throne.

    Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

    Elizabeth May: I am being heckled as I make this point, Mr. Speaker.

    In your election, there were many commitments made in this place from many quarters that we want to see better decorum in Parliament. On the part of my ability to understand and hear the member who is right next to me, the heckling was too loud.

     It is noted. I would remind all members that we have to be able to hear what is being said.

    Mr. Speaker, hon. colleagues, before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe nation.

    I am both humbled and excited to rise as the member for Thérèse-De Blainville. It is an honour to be here today, on behalf of my constituents, to deliver this speech. As I often tell my friends and family, I do not take my good fortune for granted.

    I congratulate you on your new position, Mr. Speaker, and I congratulate all members of the House. I look forward to working with everyone.

    First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to my constituents for the trust they have placed in me. I thank them for their questions, their commitment and all their suggestions. I want to sincerely thank my husband Claude, my family, and the volunteers who supported me throughout this campaign.

    In my previous role as Canada's ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD, I was deeply concerned about the place of democracy in the world. I am pleased to see our Canadian democracy so strong and healthy. All of our conversations have been respectful. In this chamber that embodies our country's democratic values, I rise today with a deep sense of responsibility.

    As stated in the Speech from the Throne, all Canadians are experiencing major changes at this point in time. These profound changes mean incredible opportunities for our entire country: opportunities for renewal, opportunities for growth and, above all, opportunities for Canada to undertake its greatest economic transformation since the Second World War. We are going through these changes together. They are affecting our families, our communities and our workplaces. Yes, these changes will challenge us, but they will also give us the impetus to build a better future. By remaining true to its values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that works for all Canadians. Canada is ready to build a coalition with countries that share its values and believe in international co-operation, as we will demonstrate a few weeks from now, when Canada chairs the G7 summit in June.

    Until recently, I served as Canada's ambassador and representative to the OECD, the International Energy Agency, the International Transport Forum, the Nuclear Energy Agency, and the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence. I can assure the House that member countries are ready for this partnership with Canada. This kind of involvement on the world stage does not detract from our national interests. On the contrary, it is a natural extension of those interests. We believe that in order to be strong at home, we have to be present, respected and engaged internationally.

    No discussion of change and opportunities would be complete without considering what is going on with our neighbours in the United States. The Prime Minister and the President of the United States have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between our two countries, rooted in mutual respect and founded on the common interests of our two sovereign nations. This renewed partnership with our neighbour to the south offers us an opportunity to write a new chapter in our history of collaboration, mutual growth and shared prosperity. At the same time, our government is strengthening ties with our trading partners and allies. We already have 50 free trade agreements. Now more than ever, we need to put them to good use. Today, our economic future hinges on our ability to build strong, lasting strategic ties around the world.

     The people of my riding made it abundantly clear to me that they believe the economy is only truly strong when it serves everyone and is consistent with what all Canadians want. That is why we are reducing middle-class taxes, saving two-income families up to $840 a year. We will also be reducing the GST on homes at or under $1 million for first-time homebuyers, which will save them up to $50,000. Our constituents want concrete action. These measures are concrete. They will have a direct impact on the lives of Canadians and Canadian families by improving both access and security.

     Furthermore, we will protect the programs that are already helping Canadians save thousands of dollars a year, such as the child care program, pharmacare and more. What we heard from our constituents as we went door to door is that our social programs must be maintained because they have a real impact on Canadians' everyday lives. These programs enable many people to access essential services, and that is something we will never jeopardize.

    Everyone knows, because we said it very clearly during the recent campaign, that our government's main goal is to build the strongest economy in the G7. That starts with creating one Canadian economy. It is an ambitious and critical plan. It is time to break down silos, overcome internal barriers, and build a true economic union among our provinces and territories. The OECD, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, has been recommending this for years in its economic reports. Now there is a sense of urgency that is driving us to act. Internal barriers to trade and labour mobility cost Canada as much as $200 billion each year. That is unacceptable, and so we will be introducing legislation to remove all federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility by Canada Day. Numerous premiers have already taken vital steps to break down provincial and territorial barriers to trade, and we will build on that progress to create a strong economy for the whole country. Working with provincial and territorial premiers is the key to success, and everyone in the House has a role to play in this joint effort so that we can reach our full economic potential.

    However, that is not all. A lot more needs to be done to reach our full potential and build Canada strong. This cannot happen without a strong commitment to collaboration. For that, we will need to work closely with provinces, territories and indigenous peoples to implement projects of national significance. Throughout my career, I have worked with the business community, unions, civil society, as well as diplomats and governments around the world. Now more than ever, our Canadian pride must deepen our ties with the world to create high-paying jobs for Canadians. We know that these projects require leadership, but also a listening ear, flexibility and respect for jurisdictions. More importantly, this plan to build Canada strong resonates with our constituents.

     Given the scale of opportunities before us, speed is of the essence. The new major federal project office will reduce the time needed to approve a project from five years to two, all while upholding Canada's world-leading environmental standards and its constitutional obligations to indigenous peoples. This will enable us to strike a balance between efficiency and accountability. Our government will also strike co-operation agreements with every interested province and territory within six months to realize its goal of “one project, one review”. By removing these barriers holding back the Canadian economy, we will unleash a new era of growth in Canada that will ensure we do not just survive trade wars, but emerge from them as a stronger sovereign nation.

    It is that resilience, that ability to turn adversity into opportunity, that has always characterized our country. During the election campaign, I heard from my constituents that housing was a top priority for them, as it is for all Canadians. Their message is very clear. Major changes are needed; concrete action must be taken, and quickly. That is why our government will undertake a series of measures to help double the rate of home building while creating an entirely new housing industry using Canadian technology, Canadian skilled workers and Canadian lumber. We must also be ready to innovate so that we can meet our climate challenges. We have the resources, we have the know-how and we have the will. It is time for action.

    Our government will also introduce measures to deliver affordable homes by creating a mission-driven organization called build Canada homes, which will accelerate the development of new affordable housing, invest in the growth of the prefabricated and modular housing industry, and provide significant financing to affordable home builders.

    Our constituents want concrete actions like these. Together with all stakeholders and regional parties involved, we will innovate and overcome challenges.

    In recent months, we have also heard a lot of talk about Canada's security, especially at our borders. To that end, our government will introduce legislation to enhance security at Canada's borders. A strong country must be able to protect its borders, its citizens and its territorial integrity. New tools to stop the flow of fentanyl and its precursors will also be introduced. The Canada Border Services Agency will be given new powers to examine goods destined for export in order to prevent the transport of illegal and stolen products, including cars, which we all know has become a serious problem.

    We will not stop there. Our government will protect Canada's sovereignty by rebuilding, rearming and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces and will strengthen Canada's presence in the north. We will also join ReArm Europe to invest in transatlantic security.

    Security also means solidarity. Ensuring that our borders are secure is one thing, but we cannot ignore the safety of our communities. Our communities are where we live, where our loved ones live, our children and our parents. We must ensure that they are safe places for everyone, at all times. To that end, we will hire 1,000 more RCMP personnel and make changes to firearms licensing. We are going to take car theft and home invasions very seriously, and we are going to toughen the Criminal Code to make bail harder to get for repeat offenders charged with committing these crimes, along with human trafficking and drug smuggling. The safety of our communities is non-negotiable.

    Now I want to turn to something that is ingrained in me, something essential for building a strong Canada. I have said this many times to the constituents of Thérèse‑De Blainville: I am a proud Quebecker and a proud francophone. At the same time, I am a proud Canadian. The French language and Quebec culture are both at the heart of the Canadian identity. They define the country that Canadians and I love so much. I have promoted our country throughout my career, right across Canada and internationally. That is the kind of leadership we all need to show every day. Protecting our language, our traditions and our heritage is essential. It is also an incredible asset in our international trade. I know what I am talking about.

    Canada is a country that respects and celebrates its official languages and indigenous languages. The government is determined to protect the institutions that bring these cultures and this identity to the world, like CBC/Radio‑Canada, and programs that really make a difference, such as the indigenous loan guarantee program, which will double from $5 billion to $10 billion. Our government will be a reliable partner to indigenous peoples, upholding its fundamental commitment to advancing reconciliation. We will meet that commitment with conviction.

    We are also committed to protecting our farmers, who provide us with fresh, healthy, high-quality food. Protecting supply management is very important. Our food sovereignty is an essential component of our national sovereignty.

    Canada's immigration system has also long been a source of pride for Canadians. That is why we are committed to rebuilding Canadians' trust in immigration by restoring balance to the system.

    This responsibility will demand both structure and compassion.

    With that in mind, our government will cap the number of temporary foreign workers and international students allowed to come to Canada. We will attract the best talent from around the world to build the Canadian economy.

    In all of its actions, our government will be guided by a new fiscal discipline, one that involves spending less so that Canadians can invest more. This is also something the people of Thérèse-De Blainville have been calling for. We believe that every public dollar should be spent wisely in the collective interest. Our government will work hard to achieve this.

    Our government will balance its operating budget over the next three years by cutting waste, capping the public service, ending duplication and deploying technology to improve public sector productivity. In parallel, we will take a series of measures to catalyze new investments and create better jobs and higher incomes for Canadians.

    The scale of this government's initiative will match the challenges of our times and the ambitions of Canadians.

    I want to close by telling my esteemed colleagues that we, as Canadians, are strong and free, and that we will do everything we can over the course of this mandate entrusted to us to make this great country even stronger. Doing so will require more than just programs and policies. It will require a commitment to moving our country forward despite the challenges ahead.

    Canada has tremendous assets and economic leverage: our talents and ability to innovate, the private sector's expertise combined with the public sector's, our rich multicultural mosaic and our strength when it comes to inclusion and global partnerships.

     Canada is also brimming with hope and opportunity. By working together with the provinces and territories, indigenous peoples and all stakeholders, we can build a strong future for all Canadians, a future where our shared values continue to be a priority.

    Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking the citizens of Montmorency—Charlevoix for placing their trust in the Conservative Party and in me for this 45th Parliament. I will meet this challenge with respect, as well as with profound dedication.

    The government's Speech from the Throne is a nearly 30-page document that is supposed to define the priorities of the Canadian government, yet it contains but one mention of the French language and Quebec culture. There is only one reference, nothing more. There were no major commitments whatsoever.

    Meanwhile, the decline of French throughout the province of Quebec and across the country is very real. It is picking up speed in the workplace. It is disappearing from government offices. Francophone civil servants are telling us how difficult it is for them to express themselves in French.

    Despite this brief mention in the Speech from the Throne, there are no concrete measures to ensure that French will be protected in Canada. The town of Château-Richer, in my riding, was home to the first French colony. It led to the creation of the Canada we know today.

    Let me be clear: The Conservatives believe in the French language. We have advocated for it for a long time. We want to promote it, and we want to protect it.

    When the Prime Minister met with Donald Trump in the Oval Office, what guarantees did he get that our French language will never be on the table, not now and not ever? Did he merely talk about it?

    Mr. Speaker, for starters, members need to stop scaring our fellow Quebeckers and French Canadians with respect to our ability to maintain our language.

    I have said it before and I will say it again: Our leaders are taking action. Our government has plenty of francophone leaders and leaders who share their pride in our French language. We are going to speak it.

    I want to reiterate that we are all committed to promoting the French language across our beautiful country.

    Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity, my first time rising to speak, to thank the people of Repentigny who put their trust in me. I will not compromise when it comes to protecting their interests and the interests of Quebec.

    The throne speech confirms that Ottawa wants to replace its environmental assessment process with an oil and gas project fast-tracking office. It confirmed its intention to make Canada a conventional energy superpower, in other words, a fossil fuel superpower. It talks about respecting Canada's environmental standards without saying a word about respecting Quebec's environmental standards, particularly in land use planning.

    In short, the throne speech seems to allow the possibility of forcing Quebec to accept pipelines. Now is not the time to build new pipelines, however. This is not simply our opinion. The new Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture said so himself on May 14. Furthermore, now is not the time to end federal carbon pricing, as the government did in its very first ways and means notice, tabled today. Again, these are not our words. They are the words of the OECD, the organization to which the member was formerly posted as Canada's ambassador before she entered politics.

    Does the member agree with her ministerial colleague and the OECD that now is not the time to build new pipelines or undermine carbon pricing?

    Mr. Speaker, yes, I worked at the OECD and at the International Energy Agency.

    I will say that Dr. Fatih Birol, the IEA's executive director, has repeatedly stated in international forums that Canada has everything it needs to succeed by combining all of its energy sources. He has also repeatedly stated that the energy transition is important. I have heard him say that a number of times, and the Prime Minister has been very clear about his objectives. Our government wants to build and turn Canada into a “superpower in both clean and conventional energy” while reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Let us stop focusing on just one part of the conversation. Energy means the full range of energy sources Canada is blessed with.

    Mr. Speaker, congratulations on your new mandate.

    I want to take this opportunity to thank the people of Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester for putting their trust in me. I will work very hard these next few years.

    Over the past few weeks, Canadians across the country and in the riding of Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester that I represent sent a clear message. We need to be united, sovereign and responsible. We need to protect and create new jobs and new careers to make Canada more competitive and innovative. We need to create a single economy, not 13, if we want to build a stronger G7 economy.

    Can the member for Thérèse-De Blainville elaborate on the measures we will be taking to improve the quality of life of Canadians?

    Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my esteemed colleague for that question.

    I will simply say that we have an economic framework for managing quality of life in Canada that will help build our economy. That framework encompasses housing, transportation and the environment. I am not going to go into detail, since it is all written down. In doing so, we will all work together to ensure that this economy delivers results for every region.

     Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to stand in the House on behalf of the people of Windsor—Tecumseh—Lakeshore.

     Windsor workers are rightly worried. They are worried about threats from the United States toward their jobs. They are worried about their shifts being cut. They are worried about paying their mortgage and putting food on the table. In Windsor, we can literally see the car manufacturers and industries across the river in Detroit, Michigan. American workers at these plants do not need to worry about a costly, job-killing carbon tax. They know that their jobs are more secure without an industrial carbon tax. That is not the case on this side of the border. The Liberal government is making our industry and our manufacturers less competitive by keeping in place the costly industrial carbon tax.

     We need to work together and do everything we can to protect our jobs. By keeping the industrial carbon tax on steel, aluminum and other manufacturing, the government is forcing our workers to fight with one elbow tied behind their back. Will the government unshackle our workers and cancel the whole carbon tax on everything for everyone?

    Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague did a good job summarizing the issues and concerns of Canadians and business owners. I would like to add that the current context is not necessarily like a boxing match or hockey game. It is more like tai chi, which I have been practising for 30 years now. In tai chi, we use each other's energy to move forward.

    I would say that, yes, the economy will be the priority. As for industrial carbon pricing, it generates billions of dollars in investments and creates tens of thousands of jobs across Canada. It is three times more effective than consumer carbon pricing.

    I will end by saying that we need to take the right measures to ensure our economic growth while, of course, protecting our environment.

    Mr. Speaker, as members know, it is the convention here that we not be terribly critical of His Majesty's speech while he is still in the national capital. There will be lots to say tomorrow about the deficiencies, the lack of details and the lack of a plan to implement anything that was in there, but I would be remiss if I did not point out just a few things. I will elaborate more tomorrow, so I expect all members to be here for that.

     It is not good enough to say what one intends to do; they have to provide some kind of a road map to get there. The Prime Minister has set the bar extremely high. He will not be able to get the benefit of the doubt that Justin Trudeau had when he first started in this place, after his background. He has promised Canadians that he will resolve the challenges facing Canadians, and yet—

    Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

    Hon. Andrew Scheer: No, members will not like what comes next.

    Mr. Speaker, in these early days, we already see that the Prime Minister cannot get results, so he is very quickly learning how to be a Liberal politician: Promise a lot and deliver little. That is the track record of the government.

     The only parts that were even remotely decent in the throne speech, of course, were plagiarized from Conservative policies that we have been fighting for, and the Liberals have been fighting against, for a decade. However, we know that the Prime Minister is no stranger to copying work and passing it off as his own.

    Given that we are early in this Parliament and will have lots more to say tomorrow, I move:

    Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

    Some hon. members: Agreed.

    Mr. Speaker, allow me to take a moment to tell all my hon. colleagues that tomorrow, the House will hold its first day of debate on the address in reply to the Speech from the Throne. We anticipate that the six days of debate on the address will be consecutive and that the final vote will take place next Wednesday.

    In closing, I move:

    Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

    Some hon. members: Agreed.

    The Speaker: The House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 2 p.m. pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

    (The House adjourned at 1:53 p.m.)