House Publications

    Mr. Speaker, as chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, I was proud to welcome last week, here in Ottawa, more than 80 parliamentarians from 25 countries from across Latin America and the Caribbean, alongside indigenous leaders and youth, for the 10th gathering of the Open Parliament Network.

    ParlAmericas has become the leading interparliamentary organization of the western hemisphere, connecting and engaging national legislatures to strengthen democracy, co-operation and collective action on trade, innovation, security and sustainability.

    Through Canada's leadership on AI, security, climate action, food security and democratic governance, Canada is helping set the frameworks others will follow. We also witnessed the signing of an MOU between the United Nations' development program and ParlAmericas, reaffirming the commitment to collaborative legislative action and strengthening co-operation throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.

    Muchas gracias to the participating parliamentarians who made the gathering possible, memorable and successful.

    Mr. Speaker, as a member of Parliament, I attend some fantastic events with some of the most amazing people in the world. Shine On was one such event, held on a beautiful Niagara evening. It was hosted by John Howard of Megalomaniac winery, and we could feel right away that it was something special. It really spoke to the kind of community we have and that I am so proud to represent.

     What stood out most to me at the event was the leadership from Kevin and Linda Luttjehuizen and their daughter Kaitlyn. Kevin and Linda are proud owners of Harmony Jewellers. They have raised over $1 million for the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation and McNally House Hospice, two of the most important organizations in our community. What an incredible contribution that is by this family.

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of Harmony Jewellers. After five decades of support from the community, they are making sure they return that support in a meaningful way. Given the challenges that Harmony Jewellers and its staff have faced over the past year, seeing that kind of generosity and resilience on display was remarkable.

    It was one of those nights that remind us of what our community is really all about.

     Mr. Speaker, with the death of Robert K. Irving earlier this month, New Brunswick has lost one of its greatest business and community leaders. Mr. Irving and his brother, Jim, were co-chief executive officers of J.D. Irving, Limited, which employs more than 20,000 New Brunswickers and drives economic activity that employs thousands more. At the time of his death, Robert Irving had been the face of JDI's operation in the greater Moncton area for nearly 50 years.

    He was often the face of philanthropy in our community as well, publicly and privately contributing to more good causes, large and small, than anyone could count. Mr. Irving will also be remembered for his founding and ownership of the Moncton Wildcats, the Québec Maritimes Junior Hockey League team that delighted and inspired hockey fans from around New Brunswick and also across Canada.

    On behalf of the people of Moncton—Dieppe and the entire community, I want to offer my sincere condolences to his wife, Jill, to his four children and to his entire family. May he rest in peace.

     Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of Oshawa's most cherished annual traditions, Fiesta Week.

    For 52 years, Fiesta Week has brought our community together through cultural performances, traditional foods, costumes and displays from around the world. This year, residents and visitors will once again experience long-standing Greek, Caribbean, French Canadian, Polish, German, Ukrainian, Portuguese, Italian and Romanian pavilions. We are also proud to welcome the new Indian pavilion and welcome back the Hungarian pavilion. Volunteers work all year long preparing for this week-long celebration.

    I encourage everyone to join us in Oshawa from June 21 to 27 to experience 14 incredible cultural pavilions in our city. The doors are open, and people do not want to miss it. Follow along with Oshawa Fiesta Week on Facebook.

    Happy Fiesta Week, Oshawa.

    Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 40th anniversary of Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges, a pillar of economic development in our region. For four decades, it has been staunchly and passionately supporting the entrepreneurs, municipalities and organizations that help make Vaudreuil-Soulanges a vibrant, innovative and prosperous region. Thanks to its leadership, hundreds of projects have been launched, businesses have grown and our community has flourished, while remaining close-knit and continuing to provide a high quality of life.

    I want to acknowledge the remarkable work of the entire team at Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges, its partners and all those who have contributed to this collective success over the past 40 years. On behalf of the people of Vaudreuil, I wish this organization many more years of success.

     Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the remarkable life of the iconic Albertan Don Seaman. His influence in Alberta and all of Canada will be felt for generations, especially by his friends and family and by the business leaders he mentored.

    A visionary pioneer of Alberta's energy sector, Don helped build Canada's economy, but his impact will reach far beyond business. In the true spirit of “build it and they will come”, Don helped build a field of dreams in Okotoks, where Seaman Stadium is the crown jewel of Canadian baseball. He literally placed the building blocks not only of a stadium but also of the renowned Okotoks Dawgs Baseball program, which stands as a proud symbol of his commitment to youth, sport and country. Through the Donald and Eleanor Seaman Family Foundation, he supported education, health care and community development, and he improved countless lives.

     Now as we celebrate Don's beloved Dawgs' 20th baseball season in Okotoks, I will remember him sitting in the warm summer sun watching baseball, savouring a life well lived with thousands of friends in what we now call our field of dreams.

    Mr. Speaker, from May 17 to May 23, we mark Paramedic Services Week, a time to honour the dedicated professionals who respond with compassion during Canadians' most difficult moments. In Orléans and across Ottawa, paramedics serve our community every day with courage, professionalism and care. To all those who answer the calls, I thank them.

    It was very important for me to recognize their work and fully support the project to build a national paramedic monument in Ottawa. This monument will be a lasting symbol of our gratitude and will pay tribute to paramedics' dedication and sacrifice.

    I also want to acknowledge the leadership of Norm Robillard, a retired paramedic from Ottawa, and the vital work that has been done by the Canadian Paramedic Memorial Foundation.

     Paramedics deserve recognition equal to their dedication. Their service inspires unity and gratitude in communities across Canada.

     Mr. Speaker, this evening I will have the honour of co-hosting the annual Terry Fox Humanitarian Awards, where 15 exceptional young Canadians will be recognized for receiving one of our country's most prestigious scholarships.

    From Surrey, B.C., to St. John's, Newfoundland, the 2026 cohort represents communities across our country united by a shared commitment to service, compassion and leadership. These students carry Terry Fox's spirit forward through leadership in community service, academics, athletics and humanitarianism while the award is supporting them through their undergraduate studies so they can continue making a difference in their communities and abroad.

    To the 2026 cohort and graduating recipients, I say that Parliament recognizes and commends their remarkable leadership and dedication to serving others. They reflect the very best of Canada and serve as an inspiration to Canadians across the country.

    I would also like to recognize award recipient Pania Ghaneian and award graduate Caleb Small from my riding of Barrie South—Innisfil. On behalf of the community, I say that we are incredibly proud of all they have already accomplished and are excited to see all they will continue to achieve in the years ahead.

    Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of Ottawa Senators fans in the Outaouais region, and we salute them. However, there are also a lot of fans who love truly great hockey, and they want to watch the Montreal Canadiens' playoff games at the Slush Puppie Centre.

    However, the National Hockey League and the Senators are standing in their way. They invoked territorial rights to prevent Habs games from being broadcast in the arena. If the Senators want their games to be broadcast, all they have to do is not get eliminated after just four games.

    As a result, the people of Gatineau are missing out on a great event. Worse still, a local mental health organization is missing out on tens of thousands of dollars, because proceeds from ticket sales were supposed to go to it.

    Yesterday, the Quebec National Assembly unanimously joined the City of Gatineau and 7,700 petitioners in calling on the league and the Senators to back down. Quebec is Habs country, and that includes the home region of “Le Démon Blond”.

    Fans should be able to get together to cheer the Canadiens on all the way to the cup, because the people of Gatineau are chanting “Go, Habs, go”.

     Mr. Speaker, I have some great news for the House. On Friday the Minister of Industry joined me at Tenaris, and we announced over $70 million in funding towards a project that is going to maintain 811 jobs and is also going to create 200 new jobs.

    As members know, I was elected in 2015, and when I was elected, Tenaris had only 25 people working there. It lay the blame squarely on the previous government for lack of inaction on supporting steel. However, today we are celebrating 1,111 workers who are working to support Canada to become the energy superpower the Prime Minister has said we will be, and the Tenaris workers are going to make that vision become a reality. Let us celebrate the success in front of the tariffs and this unjust, unreasonable situation.

     I congratulate Tenaris.

    Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure today to welcome 58 students and staff from Jacob Hespeler Secondary School in my hometown of Hespeler, who are visiting Parliament Hill today to observe our democracy in action. These students are taking part in an important learning experience, gaining first-hand insight into Canada's parliamentary system, civic engagement and public service.

    I would like to recognize the dedication of the teachers and chaperones, Dave Lambert, Ashley Pederson, Mishelle Bird and Cole Boland, for helping to guide and inspire the next generation.

    I welcome all 58 members of the Jacob Hespeler Secondary School visiting today to Ottawa. I hope their visit encourages them to stay engaged and involved in shaping the future of our communities and our country. To the Liberal members across the aisle, Conservatives will be asking hard questions today that pertain to the real-life future prospects of these young people. I beg them to try actually answering today and put on a proper show.

     Mr. Speaker, May is Sexual Violence Prevention Month in Ontario. Every day, news stories show how widespread and devastating intimate partner and sexual violence is across Canada. These are not isolated incidents. They are not private matters. They are part of a systemic crisis with real human and social costs.

    In Canada, a recent report shows that sexual violence costs nearly $15 billion every year in lost wages, counselling, investigation, courts and more. About one in three police-reported violent incidents involves IPV, and we know that this is the tip of the iceberg.

    Bill C-16 would expand protections, increase access and help address systemic vulnerability, but cops, courts and counselling are all after the fact. Prevention must be the goal, through education, early intervention and addressing root causes, including gender inequality, racism and discrimination.

    I thank Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis, support teams at the University of Guelph and Guelph General Hospital, Victim Services Guelph, Guelph Police Service, and groups like them across Canada. Ending sexual violence is not just their work. It must be all of ours and it must be done every day.

    Mr. Speaker, just the other day, while I was filling up on gas in Stoney Creek, a member of my community commented on how ridiculous these gas prices are, and I could not agree more. Gas prices are 10% higher in Canada than they are in the United States, which is costing Canadians an average of 16¢ more per litre.

    Canadians want relief. The Liberal finance minister says they have already acted, but they have only acted on one-third of the taxes for one-third of the year. Our Conservative plan to remove all Liberal taxes on gas and diesel would save a family of four in Hamilton $1,200 per year.

    If the Liberals support our Conservative motion today, we could bring real relief at the pumps. It is what Canadians want, but more importantly, it is what Canadians deserve. Canadians have been getting squeezed for way too long, and this is a great opportunity to put money back in their pockets. Let us do the right thing today and vote yes for our Conservative motion. Let us give Canadians the win they deserve.

    Mr. Speaker, as we saw during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Canadian athletes show us what is possible when talent, hard work and opportunity come together. Today, we have the privilege of recognizing and thanking these extraordinary athletes here in Ottawa.

    Last winter, team Canada brought home 21 medals, finishing eighth in the overall standings, and at the Paralympic Winter Games, Canadian athletes proudly added 15 medals. Every athlete competed with heart, perseverance and excellence. With podium finishes and many personal bests, they demonstrated the talent, character and determination that define Canadian sport.

    To all our athletes, we want to say that we are proud to have seen them wear the maple leaf and represent Canada on the world stage.

    I would also like to thank the coaches, families, volunteers, support staff, officials, and the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee for their dedication to our athletes.

    On behalf of all Canadians, I thank them for inspiring the next generation of Canadian sporting heroes.

    Mr. Speaker, Canadians are finding themselves on the outside looking in. The Liberal government is wasting insane amounts of money and driving up inflation while our citizens cannot afford to eat or house themselves. It is enough to blow the hat right off one's head. It has spent $300 million on the PrescribeIT scandal, $800 million on their gun buyback program, $12 billion on foreign aid, $19 billion on government insiders, $1 billion on health care for fake refugees and $200 million on a concrete launch pad. It is like something right out of Spaceballs.

    Canadians are right to be angry. They are being forced into food banks, living on the streets and waiting years for basic medical procedures while the Liberals keep on wasting taxpayer dollars. Why is it that our people are always at the back of the line in their own country? When will the Prime Minister start putting Canadians first?

    Mr. Speaker, in life, if we are lucky, our paths will cross with those of some truly extraordinary people. My dear friend, Jeff Kovalik-Plouffe, was one of them.

    On May 12, we lost this incredibly kind, generous and loyal man at the age of only 43. He gave back to the community and served proudly as a key member of the University of Winnipeg Wesmen basketball team. He served admirably in senior roles supporting federal ministers here in Ottawa, one of whom was my late father, Jim Carr.

    Jeff was well known to many who sit in this chamber for his incredible spirit. He managed my father's campaigns, as well as mine in 2023. When my dad was diagnosed in the hospital with cancer, Jeff was there. As my dad neared his final breath, Jeff was there. Whenever I needed him, Jeff was there, notwithstanding everything that was going on in his life. Jeff faced more health challenges than anybody should ever have to endure, but he met every one of them with strength, courage and grace. He never complained. He just kept going.

    We will miss him dearly, and we are very grateful for the contributions that he and his family have made to this country. May his memory be a blessing.

    Mr. Speaker, while families are wondering how they will pay for their groceries each month, this Liberal Prime Minister continues to max out the national credit card to fund one scandal after another: $300 million wasted on PrescribeIT, $200 million on a space project located on land that cost next to nothing, $742 million on confiscating firearms from law-abiding hunters. The result: higher costs, higher taxes, higher debt and higher inflation. Gas prices have soared by 28.6%. Grocery bills continue to stretch families thin.

    When will this Liberal Prime Minister put a stop to his credit card budgets?

    Mr. Speaker, early this morning, even before this MP or his colleagues rose to speak, Canada announced that we are back in the business of building military jets. We also announced that we are exporting liquefied natural gas to Europe. These are incredible partnerships with Europe. These are incredible partnerships that will create jobs and opportunities right here in Canada. That is how we will build a country.

     Mr. Speaker, Canadians will soon realize that, just like the Liberals' other announcements, these announcements are merely illusions. Nothing ever comes of any of their announcements. Canadian families are working harder than ever, so why are they getting poorer? The reason is because this government is spending taxpayer money like there is no tomorrow. Food inflation is 3.8%. Families are now spending over 100% of their income on food and housing.

    This Liberal Prime Minister is just another costly Liberal. Is he going to stop spending recklessly for his buddies' benefit and start looking after ordinary people instead?

    Mr. Speaker, my colleague just referred to some good news today for the over 3,000 people who are about to get jobs because of the new partnership between Saab and Bombardier. Finally, we are going to get a surveillance aircraft not only for Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces, but for the whole world. The United Arab Emirates, France and several other NATO countries want to buy this aircraft, which is finally going to be manufactured in Canada by Canadians.

     Mr. Speaker, costly Liberal policies drive inflation up, forcing Canadians to pay more for gas, food and rent. Members do not need to take my word for it. The April stats prove it. Inflation, gas prices and food prices are all up, yet the Liberal Prime Minister keeps spending: $290 million for the failed PrescribeIT scandal, $200 million for a gravel space pad in a Liberal riding and $742 million for a failed gun grab. It is more costs, more taxes, more debt and more on the national credit card.

    The Prime Minister is just another costly Liberal with nothing to show for his waste. When will he stop?

     Mr. Speaker, do members know what Canadians are not talking about? It is whatever was written by the Leader of the Opposition for that member.

    Do members know what they are talking about? They are talking about the first-ever long-term contract for liquid natural gas off our west coast, a partnership with indigenous peoples, a partnership that lasts and a partnership with our allies, and that was all before noon. There is the first-ever deal with Sweden to manufacture military aircraft here in Canada, with 3,000 jobs. That is just before noon. We are just getting going.

     Mr. Speaker, Canadians do not want empty promises and empty announcements. The minister can deflect, but the reality is that rent has skyrocketed. After years of costly Liberal housing failures, energy prices rise because the Liberal government's identity is to punish Canadian energy and target regular families.

    With the Liberal Prime Minister, it is more costs, more inflation and more of the same. He is just another Liberal. Will he finally admit that his tax-and-spend agenda has failed, stop using the credit card and support the Conservative plan to make Canada affordable again?

     Mr. Speaker, I have good news for that member. There is almost $1 billion for a small craft harbours. The member may not speak to her constituents, but they speak to me. They are excited. They see this as an opportunity. I invite the member to speak to her constituents.

    Mr. Speaker, to describe a gullible listener, we used to say, “I have some swampland in Florida for you.” Now, thanks to the Minister of Defence, we can say a Canadian version: “I have a gravel pit in Nova Scotia for you.”

     At the low cost of just $200 million, the Liberals are trying to build a spaceport. The problem is that the company that is leasing it is paying just $13,000, and construction will cost only $70 million.

    If the construction is $70 million, and the lease is only $13,000, why are Canadians forking out $200 million?

    Mr. Speaker, I have really good news. Today we announced our commitment to procure the GlobalEye, Saab's airborne early warning and control aircraft platform. This investment will open new opportunities for Canadian workers, and it is projected to create 3,000 jobs in the Canadian aerospace and defence sector. This is going to be a key resource for the Canadian Armed Forces to enhance our North American security by detecting and deterring threats across the Arctic and beyond.

    We are just getting started.

    Mr. Speaker, my colleague begged the Liberals to try to have some respect for this place and answer the questions, but that is the essence of the scam. It is just illusions. The Liberals have figured out how to turn a gravel pit into a money pit. It is more costs and more debt, all on the national credit card.

     If everything is above board and hunky-dory, as the minister claims, why does he not table in the House the lease agreement and give us the details? While he is at it, maybe he could explain why it is Liberal insiders who lobbied for it and Liberal insiders who would benefit from it.

    Will the minister come clean today and give us a copy of the agreement?

     Mr. Speaker, they do not want to hear them, but here are the facts: enhanced recruitment, up 61%, the highest in 30 years; biggest pay raises in a generation; major infrastructure renewal on 33 bases; new rifles, new kit and new uniforms for women; 7,500 new housing units, 800 of which are under construction; serious investments in Arctic offshore patrol ships; P-8 maritime patrol aircraft; 11 new SkyGuardian drones; space-based polar communications; and Arctic over-the-horizon radar. We are just getting started.

    Mr. Speaker, I never thought I would say this, but those of us with an environmental conscience end up missing Justin Trudeau every so often. I sometimes find myself thinking that the Leader of the Opposition misses him too, but for different reasons, and I am sure the member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie misses those days. He has finally had enough of the government and the Prime Minister backtracking all the time and giving up on the environment. They have literally forced out a highly credible spokesperson on environmental issues.

    Does the government realize that its climate betrayal has gone way too far this time?

    Mr. Speaker, I want to assure my colleague that our benches are full of members who are ready and willing to continue fighting climate change and protecting the environment. Canada is a global leader for its efforts, its nature strategy, its methane regulations and its international climate financing.

    We are continuing to do the work, and we are doing it as a team.

    Mr. Speaker, there is indeed such a thing as climate change. We can combat the effects of climate change, but not by scrapping the carbon tax, not by funding new oil pipelines, not by suspending environmental assessments and abandoning biodiversity protection measures, not by scrapping greenhouse gas emission caps, and not by abandoning emission capping targets.

    Will the government start listening and reverse course on its huge climate betrayal blunder?

    Mr. Speaker, I am not going to take lessons from the leader of the Bloc Québécois, who authorized oil drilling on Anticosti Island.

    If the member wants to talk about the work we are doing here, Canada is a global leader thanks to the work we do. When it comes to protecting nature, we just protected an area in British Columbia that is larger than Prince Edward Island.

    We are continuing to make progress with our nature strategy. We have one of the cleanest power grids in the world. We plan to double its capacity through our electrification strategy, working with Hydro‑Québec and our other partners.

    We are getting the job done.

    Mr. Speaker, I would remind the leader that there has been no drilling on Anticosti Island. Furthermore, the member for Laurier—Sainte‑Marie attempted to change the government and Canada from within. He failed, though I commend his courage in trying. As he said, he had little to no impact under Mr. Carney's government. Meanwhile, the Liberal Party's environment caucus—

    The leader of the Bloc Québécois knows that members may not be referred to by name in the House.

    He may continue.

    I apologize, Mr. Speaker. I should have said “the Prime Minister”.

    Meanwhile, the Liberal Party of Canada's environment caucus says that its job is not to talk about or protect the environment, but to support the Prime Minister. Now that the member for Laurier—Sainte‑Marie has left, is there anyone with an environmental conscience left in this government?

    Mr. Speaker, I will respond again. We have a team here. The benches are full of members. We are united in building Canada, building it well, protecting the environment and fighting climate change. What we are seeing is that, with the electricity strategy, as I said, we have one of the cleanest electricity grids in the world.

    When I spoke with Hydro‑Québec, they asked us how we could help them build better electricity grids in the province. That is what we will do through investment tax credits.

    That is exactly what we need to ensure we continue to fight climate change.

    Mr. Speaker, Canadians were promised that life would become more affordable if they trusted the Liberal government. Instead, families are falling further behind as the cost of everything keeps rising. After years of reckless spending, inflation, debt and more taxes, the Liberal Prime Minister is proving more costly than Justin Trudeau.

    How does the Liberal government justify spending $90 billion, which is more than its entire deficit, on the Alto rail boondoggle in a transportation corridor that is already the most heavily serviced in Canada?

     Mr. Speaker, Canadians are tired of the podcasts, bizarre workout videos and empty parking lot press conferences. They are tired of it.

    On this side of the House, we are going to build the strongest economy in the G7. Abroad, we are signing trade deals that bring billions of dollars to our country. At home, we are cutting taxes. It is time for the Conservatives to put down the kettlebells and help us build Canada strong.

    Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

     I will ask members to try to refrain from provocation.

     The hon. member for Haldimand—Norfolk.

     Mr. Speaker, I am hearing from desperate Canadians who are frustrated that the Liberal government prioritizes wasteful projects over the needs of families. In Haldimand—Norfolk, people are crushed by the cost of gas and basic necessities and the price of groceries, and they are choosing to pay their bills rather than putting food on the table. Now the government wants to spend $90 billion on a rail line that most people will never use, while Canadians are lining up at food banks just to survive.

    Which Liberal insider stands to profit from this tax—

    The hon. Minister of Jobs and Families.

     Mr. Speaker, constituents I am meeting in my riding are talking about the changes in their lives through the Canada dental care plan. People who have never been able to get dental care, who have not been covered by plans, for the first time in their lives are able to see the dentist. People with young children who have not been able to bring their children for dental care now have coverage.

    Let us talk about child care for a minute. Over 900,000 children are benefiting from child care, and families in Ontario, that member's province, are now seeing savings of, on average, $13,000 per child. These are all things the Conservatives voted against.

    Mr. Speaker, Canadians were billed $195,000 for inflight catering for the Prime Minister for three trips: Scottish salmon fillet, sautéed beef with world-famous creamy sauce and, for dessert, luxury Normandy butter cups. Every dollar the Prime Minister spends on his elite palate was first taken from a hard-working Canadian. This Prime Minister means more costs, more taxes, more debt and more on the national credit card.

    Will he cut out his fine dining and rein in his inflationary spending, so Canadians can afford to eat?

     Mr. Speaker, when the Prime Minister travels, does the member know what happens? He brings back jobs. He brings back investment. He brings back opportunity for indigenous people to participate with equity in projects. He brings back technology. He brings back expertise. He brings back military and industrial benefits to Canada.

    The Prime Minister travels. Oh yes, he does, and do members know what he does? He brings back jobs, investment and energy to Canada.

    Mr. Speaker, is the member saying that $195,000 for steak and fine wine is necessary for the Prime Minister to do his job? That is shameful.

    In April alone in Canada, Canadians saw gas rise 28%, food rise 3% and hydro rise 20%. At a time like this, Canadians expect fiscal restraint because, for them, the cost of food and shelter is more than 125% of their income.

    If the Prime Minister really wants luxury Normandy butter cups, can he just put them on his own credit card instead of on the backs of Canadians?

    Mr. Speaker, we can be proud to have a Prime Minister who not only is travelling across the world to bring back investment and jobs but also is working in a very difficult environment across the world as the international rules order is shifting. That is what Canadians expect.

     We were able to create jobs across this country. We have been able to create more than 70,000 jobs since last fall, and we will continue to do so.

    Mr. Speaker, we see another month gone and another disastrous report card on Liberal affordability measures. Food inflation is up, yet nobody on the Liberal benches can tell me their plan to increase food production. Rent is up, despite a fourth housing bureaucracy presented as a silver bullet. Now gas prices have surged 28% in April, the largest monthly increase ever recorded. Liberals promised relief, but instead, food, rent and fuel are further out of reach.

    Today the Liberals have an opportunity to bring down food and fuel prices by taking all the tax off all the fuel for the rest of the year. Will the costly Liberal Prime Minister and his get-along gang vote in favour today?

    Mr. Speaker, Canadians voted in this new government to get results, and that is what we are doing.

    The member opposite voted against every measure we are taking to support Manitobans. We are investing in housing, infrastructure and aerospace. In fact, I just met with students from the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, Local 254. They are so excited about our Red Seal program and are working hard to get that $5,000 bonus. I do not understand why the member opposite keeps voting against these measures.

    Mr. Speaker, in typical Liberal fashion, there was nothing about the fuel tax.

    The Liberals' half measure on fuel tax is just three months away from expiring. Does the member know any Canadians who have felt real relief? I sure do not. In fact, the only people I see waving the “mission accomplished” flag are people like the minister who are Liberals. Everyone knows that it will take years to truly solve the Liberal inflation crisis. The least these tired, costly Liberals could do is give Canadians a real break on all their fuel taxes.

     Is the Liberal plan really to tell Canadians that their affordability crisis will be solved by the end of summer? Seriously? Why do they not take all the tax off all the fuel for the rest of the year and give Canadians some real relief today?

     Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, we focus on affordability. They are focused on bluster. We just paused the consumer excise tax on gas, which is 10¢ a litre. Combine that with the cut—

    Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

     We need to lower the decibels.

    The hon. secretary of state may continue.

     Mr. Speaker, we cut the excise tax on gas, which was 10¢ a litre. We cut the consumer carbon tax, which was 18¢ a litre. That is 28¢ a litre for Canadians when they fill up at the pump.

    That side continues to vote against every affordability measure we have ever put forward. They do not have Canadians' interests at heart.

    We are going to focus on delivering affordability for Canadians on this side of the House.

     Mr. Speaker, Windsor families are tired of being failed by this Liberal government. They are paying about 30¢ more per litre of gasoline than people across the river in Detroit.

    This Liberal Prime Minister is the same as the previous one. He is very expensive and has nothing to show for his spending. All we get from him is more costs, more taxes, more debt and more on the national credit card.

    We Conservatives have a real plan. Canadian families are looking for relief. Let us provide it by removing all federal gas taxes for one year, with no more half measures.

    When will the Liberal government get it done?

     Mr. Speaker, that member knows very well that we have taken a number of initiatives that have helped Windsor families. People in Windsor know that the member has voted against every one of those measures.

    However, what we know is that it is time to invest and build. Canada is building again. Today, we announced Canada's first European LNG agreement, which will attract more than $30 billion in investment. We are building new nuclear in Ontario, critical mineral projects in Quebec, like the Nouveau Monde Graphite's Matawinie mine project, and in the Prairies, major infrastructure across the country from Newfoundland and Labrador—

    The hon. member for Beloeil—Chambly.

    Mr. Speaker, drawing on his deep understanding of Quebec, the Prime Minister, who said a few months ago that the Battle of the Plains of Abraham was just one big hug fest, very clearly told us yesterday that he thinks a majority of 50% plus one on sovereignty issues is unclear. In that case, I think we ought to start by overturning the 1995 referendum and starting all over.

    Evidently, this time he should have minded his own business. The Quebec National Assembly reminded him of that with a unanimous motion. There are about 170 Liberal members here, about 40 of whom are from Quebec. I want to know if the members—

    The hon. Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade.

    Mr. Speaker, perhaps I can help the leader of the Bloc Québécois. I think I know what question he was going to ask. The answer is the same as it was earlier this week.

    I realize that the Bloc Québécois members are experts at picking fights, sowing division and creating controversy where none exists. As my colleagues just said, we are fundamentally focused on issues that matter to Quebeckers and all Canadians. We are trying to work with the Quebec government, as well as with businesses and workers in Quebec and across Canada. That remains our priority, and things are going well.

    Mr. Speaker, the Quebec National Assembly was unanimous in not sharing that view. Some people support sovereignty. Others are on the fence. Some people say they want it later, and some do not want it at all. However, Quebeckers all agree that they have the right to make their own decisions, 30 years on from the shenanigans surrounding the previous referendum.

    Are the Prime Minister and the government telling Quebeckers that they should not count on Ottawa to defend democracy and their rights and that they can only count on their own will as Quebeckers?

    Mr. Speaker, we understand that the Bloc Québécois is once again trying to create division and controversy where there is none. As the leader of the Bloc Québécois is well aware, we are working with our Bloc colleagues and with all MPs to find ways to address the U.S. tariff threat and support the businesses and workers across Canada that are dealing with completely unjustified tariff threats.

    We will continue to do this work and I would like the Bloc Québécois to work with us on these issues that are important to Quebec.

    Mr. Speaker, food insecurity is a very real problem. In my region of Chaudière–Appalaches, demand is skyrocketing. One food aid organization has seen a 66% surge in visitors in just three years. The situation is so critical that some organizations will soon have to tighten up their eligibility criteria and, unfortunately, turn away families and requests for help. As we know, the increase in demand is caused by this government's costly policies.

    When will the Liberal Prime Minister finally help Canadians pay their bills and feed their families properly?

    Mr. Speaker, I have a great deal of respect for my colleague. We sit together on a committee and always have lively discussions.

    What perplexes me about her speeches in the House is that I get the impression there is a disconnect between what she advocates for in committee and what she calls for in the House. She is always very keen to support community organizations, prioritizing support for families and women, yet that is not what I hear once we are in this chamber.

    Mr. Speaker, this government's housing and inflation crisis is tearing families apart. Rents have jumped 3.6% in one year. Since 2021, there has been a 31% increase. Today, food insecurity is so severe that some Canadians have to spend 120% of their income just to put food on the table or pay for housing.

    When is this Liberal government going to put an end to its costly, out-of-control budgets and finally take the cost-of-living crisis seriously? Now would be best.

    Mr. Speaker, we take this very seriously, particularly the housing crisis. We have established a federal agency called Build Canada Homes. It is rare for federal agencies to be created. Under this agency, the government's priority is affordable housing. We understand that. A large portion of people's income goes toward housing. This is especially true in the riding I represent, Hochelaga—Rosemont-Est.

    This is the government's top priority.

    Mr. Speaker, I met with many constituents of Portneuf—Jacques‑Cartier over the past few weeks, and it is glaringly obvious that the cost of living has become unaffordable. Seniors and young people are paying dearly for the effects of this Liberal government. For 10 years, the Liberals have tried program after program. Nothing has worked. Alarm bells should be ringing now that people are being forced to dip into their savings just to put food on the table.

    When is the Liberal Prime Minister going to stop recklessly wasting money on Canadians' credit card and start making life more affordable for Canadians?

     Mr. Speaker, my colleague from Hochelaga—Rosemont‑Est just asked a highly relevant question. What is inflationary spending? The Conservatives tell us that our spending is making life harder for Canadians. However, people rely on dental care. People rely on the Canada child benefit. People rely on the GST rebate for groceries. Conservative MPs seem to object to these measures, but we cannot understand why. Do they have a plan to help people, or is it all just empty opposition rhetoric?

    Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are out of touch, which is unfortunate. The member should have listened to my question. I will ask another one.

    There was a global energy crisis in 2014. The price of a barrel of oil was $100, but the price at the pump was only $1.34 a litre. That was during the Harper era. Today, the price of a barrel of oil is the same, but gas costs 40¢ more per litre. That is the result of Liberal policies.

    Will the Liberal Prime Minister take the bull by the horns and implement measures to help Canadians make ends meet?

    Mr. Speaker, we will not take any lessons from those Conservatives. Rather than standing up and asking the same question over and over every day this week, my colleague, whom I respect, should instead stand up and vote in favour of Bill C-30, a bill that will put more money in the pockets of 12 million Canadians. I know people in Portneuf who will be happy about that.

    Will the member do the right thing for the people of Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier? I know they are listening today, and they expect their member of Parliament to stand up for them when they need some support.

    Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are throwing out all sorts of statistics to make us believe things are going well. However, it is always the same story: higher costs, higher taxes, more debt and more credit card spending. For me, the real statistics are what I see when I am out in my community. People constantly tell me they have to make choices just to put food on the table and pay the rent, something they never had to do before.

    Will the government finally get the message and stop making Canadian families pay for its costly mismanagement?

    Mr. Speaker, as my colleague explained, Build Canada Homes is there for affordable housing. We are welcoming athletes to Ottawa today and making sport affordable through a $755-million investment to make sport accessible to all. We are developing projects and programs for our society on so many issues, including tax cuts. On this side of the House, we are taking swift action to help the people in our ridings. In my riding of Thérèse‑De Blainville, I can say that organizations are thanking us for everything we are doing for our constituents.

     Mr. Speaker, Canadians watched with pride as over 250 Canadian athletes competed this year in the Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Games.

    Nothing makes us prouder than cheering on team Canada, so can the Secretary of Sport tell us how the Government of Canada is supporting these incredible athletes?

    Mr. Speaker, my friend and colleague from Mississauga East—Cooksville knows what it takes to be an Olympic medallist, an Olympian. He has raced the marathon at the Olympic Games for team Canada, so I thank him very much.

    Today we welcome the 2026 team Canada Olympic and Paralympic athletes to Parliament Hill. Every time team Canada athletes compete, they represent our country and wear the maple leaf. It makes us proud.

    Our world-class teams and athletes deserve a world-class sport system. That is why we are building Canada strong, from playground to podium, by investing over $755 million into the Canadian sport system over the next five years to improve access to higher sport participation, host more international sporting events and support our incredible national team athletes.

     Mr. Speaker, 74,000, three‑quarters the size of Red Deer, is the number of rejected refugees still in Canada getting luxury, taxpayer-funded health care that Canadians can only dream of. They are supposed to be deported, not given better care than those paying for it. Worse, the Liberal government has lost track of 28,000 of these fraudsters. They have vanished into our communities and are still billing Canadians.

    Where are these 28,000 fraudsters, and when will the Liberal government deport them?

    Mr. Speaker, as I said yesterday, this is a temporary program for health coverage. It covers essential services. The cost is tied to volumes. The good news, which the Conservatives do not want to hear, is that we brought the volumes down by 59% because of a Liberal budget, because of a Liberal bill. As the PBO said this week, we will save taxpayers over $400 million annually.

    Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Liberal House leader defended luxury health benefits for asylum claimants whom his own government rejected, stating they are “the most vulnerable people on...earth”. Really? How about William Imona-Russel, the rejected asylum claimant who raped two women and murdered a 20-year-old girl while still in Canada? Under the Liberals, criminals like him remain eligible for luxury health benefits like physiotherapy and home care.

    Do the Liberals still believe these rejected asylum claimants deserve better health benefits than Canadians?

     Mr. Speaker, we believe that criminals should be in jail. We believe that criminals should be prosecuted to the full—

    Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

     The hon. government House leader, from the top, please.

     Mr. Speaker, we believe that criminals should be prosecuted and jailed to the full extent of the law. We also believe that Canada has an obligation under international treaties to accept vulnerable people from war-torn and ravaged areas around this world. Every single Canadian I know, except perhaps that member, would give care to a vulnerable human being who arrives on Canadian shores and needs our care.

    Mr. Speaker, the Liberal asylum system is a dumpster fire. The minister told Canadians the government stopped paying for asylum seekers' accommodations, but it is now simply bankrolling municipalities to do that for it. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has found that nearly 74,000 failed asylum claimants are also still receiving luxury health benefits. After a year, the Prime Minister's immigration system looks like the anniversary edition of the last 10.

    Will the Prime Minister stand up, admit that his Justin Trudeau-inspired immigration policies have failed and finally end the luxury health benefits for failed asylum claimants?

    Mr. Speaker, I know that member and I respect him, and I know he knows that I am here to manage immigration and migration responsibly to strengthen our rural communities. That is exactly what we are doing. Our asylum claims are down 59%. The PBO confirmed with us that because of the measures we have taken with co-pays and with Bill C-12, we will be reducing those costs by $400 million annually. We will continue to protect those who are in need of protection.

    Mr. Speaker, a non-citizen on a student visa organized major theft from an Alberta store not once, but 14 times. They were convicted of a major crime under Canada's Criminal Code, which carries a punishment of up to 10 years in prison.

    They should have been deported, as the law requires, but today we found out that they were not. The National Post reported that a judge gave them a sweetheart deal, house arrest, so that they could avoid deportation. By voting against our bill to ensure non-citizen criminals do not get sweetheart sentences, the Liberals sent a message that it is okay for non-citizens to commit major crimes.

    Why?

    Mr. Speaker, the member knows that there is nothing in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act that allows judges to discount any sentences. She also knows that, Canadian or not, no one can commit a crime on Canadian soil with impunity, including those who are on asylum and anyone else. We have brought in measures. We have brought in criminal bills. The Conservatives keep avoiding voting with us. We expect them to let us, in the next couple of weeks—

     The hon. member for Calgary Nose Hill.

     Mr. Speaker, the minister is right. There is not anything in the Criminal Code. That is why we put forward a bill to put something in the Criminal Code to stop this. When she had an opportunity to sway the justice minister to support the bill, the man who created the massive Liberal dumpster fire that she is perpetuating, she said, “No, it is fine.”

    Today, the Liberals are defending this abysmal practice. This is divisive post-nationalism that the Liberals have put forward for years. The respect for the rule of law is a minimum requirement for anybody in our country, and when they erode that, they erode our national identity. Every normal Canadian would agree with this.

    Why do the Liberals not agree?

    Mr. Speaker, the issue that the member raises has been an issue in Canada for a number of years. She should know well that the Supreme Court of Canada, in 2013, actually ruled on this specific issue. What is interesting about the timeline of that decision is that she was sitting in the federal cabinet at the time and chose to do absolutely nothing about it.

    For our part, we are in the midst of launching the most serious set of criminal law reforms to strengthen the Criminal Code that this country has seen in generations. Regardless of one's immigration status, if they commit a serious crime, they should be met with a serious penalty and, where a court deems appropriate, that can and should include deportation.

    Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister called Beijing Canada's greatest security threat. That was during the election. Despite this, within a year, he signed a memorandum of understanding with Communist China as it relates to security matters. I have been asking for that memorandum of understanding for over five months. The minister and the Prime Minister have refused to disclose it.

    When will they produce the memorandum of understanding that was signed with Communist China?

     Mr. Speaker, let us be clear: Canada has had an MOU with China on combatting crime in various forms since 2010. These have never been made public. As with the potential release of any sensitive national security document, we are carefully following the advice of our intelligence and law enforcement agencies. We will continue to work collaboratively with international and law enforcement partners to combat transnational criminal networks to keep Canadians safe. Canada will always be guided by three principles, including the rule of law, protection of Canadians and the defence of—

    The hon. member for Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola.

    Mr. Speaker, if the minister wants to talk about history, let us talk about history. When in the past did a Prime Minister call Beijing Canada's greatest security threat, and then within a year sign a memorandum of understanding? Never before had we heard stories of foreign interference to the same degree. Never before had a Prime Minister said exactly what he said.

    Why is he unprepared to shine the light? The Liberals do not want to shine the light and they do not want to inform Canadians. Will they do it today, yes or no?

     Mr. Speaker, let me reiterate that we have had some form of an agreement on safety and security since 2010 with China. They have never been made public, including under the opposition who were in government at that time. We will continue to work in collaboration with law enforcement and with our international partners to ensure the safety and security of Canadians. We are a country of the rule of law and we will be guided to protect Canadians and to defend Canada's democracy and sovereignty.

     Mr. Speaker, one year ago, Canadians did not feel safe on their own streets. After a year of the same old Liberal government, they are now afraid in their own homes. In Cambridge, people are being attacked where they sleep. A 60-year-old senior was assaulted in his own home. A homeowner had his wallet taken while the offenders also tried to steal his car. In the middle of the night, a woman was sexually assaulted by a stranger who broke into her home. This is what happens when repeat offenders are let back out instead of being kept behind bars. Canadians are paying the price.

    How much worse does it have to get before these Liberals stop letting criminals cycle through the system and start keeping Canadians safe in their own homes?

     Mr. Speaker, we have been working aggressively to put forward many pieces of legislation, a record number, over eight pieces of legislation, in the House that address these issues and that address public safety, to make more changes to the Criminal Code of Canada than any other government has made.

    We are strengthening bail laws and we are making sentences longer, but the provinces also have to do their part. What we have heard is that many Crown attorneys dismiss charges, even to the point where we have seen prisoners accidentally released. The provinces, too, have to resource their courtrooms.

     Mr. Speaker, the Liberal minister just told Canadians to feel safer because they proposed a band-aid for a system they broke. Canadians do not need another paper promise. They need to be safe in their own homes. The Liberal government's soft-on-crime laws let repeat offenders walk free and come right back through Canadians' front doors. Police are forced to arrest the same offenders again and again because the system keeps letting them out.

    Criminals are not getting the message and are getting bolder because they know they will not face real consequences. A system that will not keep them behind bars is not protection. It is failure. It is like putting a screen door on a submarine; it is completely useless.

    When will they shut down this revolving door and start protecting Canadians?

     Mr. Speaker, we are strengthening penalties and we are giving law enforcement the tools they need to catch criminals. Just last week, Peel Regional Police arrested over 65 individuals connected to organized retail crime. These are criminals who were going out and looting our small businesses. We are working to make sure that bail laws are strengthened.

    Do members know who has been getting in the way? The Conservatives have. Time and time again, police chiefs across the country are telling us they need the tools in Bill C-22 and the—

    The hon. member for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles.

    Mr. Speaker, Canadians watched with pride as more than 250 Canadians competed in the Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Games this year. Nothing makes us prouder than cheering on team Canada.

    Can the Secretary of State for Sport tell us how the Government of Canada is supporting these outstanding athletes?

    Mr. Speaker, today we welcome the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic athletes from team Canada. They represent our country and wear the maple leaf and we could not be more proud.

    Our world-class teams and athletes deserve a world-class sport system. We are building Canada strong from playground to podium by investing over $750 million to strengthen Canada's sport system.

    I congratulate all members of team Canada. Go, Canada, go!

     Mr. Speaker, after much hype, the Minister of National Defence paraded the Snowbirds in front of the media for all of Canada to see. He then shamefully announced that the Snowbird team was grounded after the 2026 season and that the people behind them were losing their jobs.

    Which Liberal government was wrong, the one that spent $30 million to keep them flying or the one that is prematurely grounding them? Both L3Harris and Magellan Aerospace, who inspected the jets, say the Tutors are safe to fly until 2030.

    Was the squadron ever asked if the team could fly until 2030?

    Mr. Speaker, our government is taking action to ensure that Canadians can continue—

    An hon. member: Oh, oh!

    The hon. member for Regina—Lewvan should allow the minister to answer the question.

    The minister can begin from the top.

     Mr. Speaker, our government is taking action to ensure that Canadians can continue to enjoy the iconic nine-plane Snowbird formation for generations to come, and the member knows that. Instead of hyping things up, why does he not work with us? We announced a commitment to procure the CT-157, the Pilatus C-21, that will serve both the future Snowbirds team and pilot training. This new capability will be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and is expected to be operational by the latest in the early 2030s. We intend to procure these aircraft quickly and we will do so.

     Mr. Speaker, if they are safe to fly now, why are they not safe to fly next year? The Liberal government took over a decade to sign the F-35 contract, which is now under review and delayed. If the Snowbird replacement follows that timeline, the team will not fly again until the 2040s.

     For 55 years, the Snowbirds have been a jet team. The replacement the minister has announced is a propeller aircraft. Who made the decision not to pick jets?

     Mr. Speaker, what we will not do on this side of the House is take our lead from social media sites. What we will do is work with the Royal Canadian Air Force. We will listen to the experts there. That is exactly what we have done. As the air force advances its air and space modernization efforts, we remain firmly committed to a future air demonstration capability that continues this proud legacy. Canadians across North America can look forward to the Snowbirds' distinctive nine-plane formation for generations to come in an outstanding replacement plane.

     Mr. Speaker, the Secretary of State for Rural Development, the only Liberal MP in Saskatchewan, called the grounding of the Snowbirds and the potential loss—

    Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

     That was not provocative and it created disorder, so we will let the member start from the top, please.

    Mr. Speaker, the Secretary of State for Rural Development, the only Liberal MP in Saskatchewan, called the grounding of the Snowbirds and the potential loss of 80 jobs a very, very joyous and happy event. Given his track record for 26 years as an MLA, including eight as a cabinet minister for the NDP, this is not surprising. He destroyed our province for a generation, and he is living up to that record so far in his first term in Ottawa.

     The Snowbirds are a Canadian icon, so why are the Liberals not keeping their promise and keeping this national symbol?

     Before we start, I would remind the member to go through the Chair, please.

    Mr. Speaker, more Liberals from Saskatchewan are coming, so the cavalry is on its way.

    We will take no lessons from the Conservatives over there. Why? Because they did nothing for 10 long years.

     Since their absence from Saskatchewan to come over here and do nothing, what has happened back home? This headline reads, “Saskatchewan Value Added Agricultural Revenue Reaches Record $8.4 Billion”, which is twice as much as 10 years ago when you guys left Saskatchewan, so we will not take any lessons from you guys—

     I did not live in Saskatchewan. I never left it. It is a great province, but I never lived in Saskatchewan and I never left it.

    The hon. member for Cardigan.

     Mr. Speaker, that is a hard act to follow, but as we are dealing with climate change, and it continues to increase the frequency and severity of emergencies like flooding, wildfires and storms, it is critical that indigenous communities are recognized as equal partners in emergency preparedness and response efforts that keep community members safe.

    Can the Minister of Indigenous Services update this House on the historic agreement signed with the Abegweit First Nation and the Government of P.E.I., and on how our government is advancing indigenous-led approaches to emergency management and community resilience in P.E.I. and across the country?

    Mr. Speaker, we have just signed a historic, first-of-its-kind, multilateral emergency management agreement among the Abegweit First Nation, the Government of P.E.I. and our new government. I want to thank Chief Gould and his council for hosting this important event. The agreement recognizes Abegweit First Nation as a full and equal partner in emergency management. It strengthens planning, preparedness and coordination in regionally specific ways that are culturally appropriate and responsive to community needs.

    Working in partnerships with indigenous people is something I am proud of doing.

    Mr. Speaker, after the Prime Minister took office, China announced a 25% tariff on Canadian seafood. A few months later, I was sitting right here listening to the Liberals brag about how they sold out the automotive industry, allowing thousands of Chinese spy cars onto our streets, to save the seafood industry, but that deal covered only two species. Other seafoods, including sea cucumber, are still at 25% tariffs.

    Will the Prime Minister go to the wharves and speak with the Canadians whose jobs are at risk to justify this fishy deal?

     Mr. Speaker, I want to reassure the member that I meet regularly with harvesters on the wharves, as well as here in Ottawa and across the country. I also meet with ambassadors across this country to bring forward the need for our seafood to enter into markets. I have colleagues who are doing the same thing.

    I am going to ask the member if he is going to support small craft harbours, with almost $1 billion dollars in support for this industry. I will be watching how he votes.

    Mr. Speaker, later this afternoon we will hear the hon. member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie address the House one last time.

    I thank him. I salute him. He is a man of integrity and courage.

    My question is for the Minister of the Environment. Will she find the courage to fight for climate? Will she find the courage to fight for our future?

     Mr. Speaker, I would like to assure the House and all Canadians that I and the entire team of people on the Liberal benches fight every day against climate change. We fight for good, strong climate policy that is unifying and pragmatic, and it will work. We are taking action. We are protecting nature. We are protecting the environment.

    We are going to continue to do that work because we know that is what is best to build a strong Canada.

     I wish to draw the attention of members to the presence in the gallery of three delegations: the delegation of Commonwealth Parliamentarians, hosted by the Canadian branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association; Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee; and the recipients of the 2026 Terry Fox Humanitarian Award.

    It being 3:17 p.m., pursuant to order made on Thursday, April 30, the House will now resolve itself into a committee of the whole to welcome Canada's 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Games athletes.

     On April 30, 2026, the following motion was adopted by unanimous consent of the House:

    I know that my hon. colleagues are as excited as I am to welcome these extraordinary Canadians. We have many athletes to celebrate, too many to fit all together at once in the chamber, so we will be welcoming them in two waves.

    This means that we must be patient and disciplined to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

    I draw the attention of colleagues to the last item of the motion I have just read and ask members not to take photos during the proceedings.

    Now it is my great privilege and pleasure to welcome onto the floor of the House of Commons Canada's Olympians and Paralympians from the 2026 Milano Cortina Games.

    Some hon. members: Hear, hear!

     [Members and athletes sang the national anthem]

    Dear athletes, you are nothing short of extraordinary.

    “Extraordinary” is the word that describes each one of you.

    You inspire us with your dedication to excellence and your commitment to bringing out the best in yourselves, thanks to the years of training, sacrifice and the determination it takes to become the best.

    We also recognize that no one achieves the heights of Olympus without a team, so let us celebrate the coaches, families, administrative and support teams, staff and the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic committees for their hard work and dedication. Through all your efforts, team Canada won 21 medals, including five gold, during the Olympic Games; and 15 medals, including three gold, during the Paralympic Games.

    On behalf of all parliamentarians, thank you. You made us so very proud.

    Thank you all for coming here today.

    We will now welcome the next group of Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

    Hon. members: Hear, hear!

     [Members and athletes sang the national anthem]

    Bonjour and welcome to you all.

    Welcome to Parliament.

     On behalf of my colleagues here in the House, it is a great pleasure to welcome you today. Canadians across the country are so proud of you. Everyone appreciates the years of training, sacrifice and determination it takes to become a world-class athlete.

     Your example of hard work and dedication in the pursuit of your sport is such a source of inspiration. You motivate all of us to perform to the best of our abilities, no matter what our field of endeavour, and in this way, you are helping to build a better and stronger Canada. Indeed, that is the power of greatness. It expands beyond the individual and touches everyone.

     We are so proud to have you with us today, and we want to recognize the special people who have been by your side on your journey to excellence, the coaches and your families, as well as the administrative and support teams and the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic committees, for their constant support.

     Thanks to your efforts, the Canadian team won 21 medals, including five gold medals, at the Olympic Games, and 15 medals, including three gold medals, at the Paralympic Games.

    On behalf of all members of Parliament, I would like to thank you for representing our country so well. We are proud of you.

     Before I end, I would like to say, pursuant to the order made on Thursday, April 30, the names of the Olympic and Paralympic athletes are deemed read and will be printed in the Debates of the House.

    Canada's 2026 Olympic and Paralympic athletes:

    Brooke Ailey, Kailey Allan, Cynthia Appiah, Emma Archibald, Rob Armstrong, Taylor Austin, Jesse Bachinsky, Evan Bichon, Danaé Blais, Ivanie Blondin, Vincent Boily, Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt, Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes, Rachel Brown, Florence Brunelle, Cédrick Brunet, Josip Brusic, Kaylie Buck, Collin Cameron, Florence Carrier, Jane Channell, Hallie Clarke, Skye Clarke, Dominic Cozzolino, Antoine Cyr, William Dandjinou, Gilbert Dash, Jay Dearborn, Dylan Deschamps, Maxime Deschamps, Laurianne Desmarais-Gilbert, Brooke D'Hondt, Rikki Doak, Jasmine Drolet, Rémi Drolet, Kevin Drury, Laurent Dubreuil, James Dunn, Trinity Ellis, Kalle Eriksson, Mike Evelyn O'Higgins, Jasper Fleming, Tracy Fleury, Ina Forrest, Amy Fraser, Liliane Gagnon, Brett Gallant, Elena Gaskell, Arnaud Gaudet, Felicity Geremia, Rachel Germain, Piper Gilles, Dillan Glennie, Stephen Gogolev, Alexis Guimond, Auren Halbert, Daniel Hall, Laura Hall, Sandrine Hamel, Ben Heldman, Tyrone Henry, Liam Hickey, Carolina Hiller-Donnelly, Maximillian Hollmann, Chris Holmstead, Elizabeth Hosking, Brittany Hudak, Mark Ideson, Lewis Irving, Anton Jacobs-Webb, Brianne Jenner, Anders Johnson, Collinda Joseph, Rachael Karker, Adam Kingsmill, Ashley Koehler, David La Rue, Marjorie Lajoie, Maxime Laoun, Marie-Jade Lauriault, Romain Le Gac, Jessica Linton, Andrew Longino, Melissa Lotholz, Brendan Mackay, Alison Mackie, Valérie Maltais, Dylan Marineau, Emerance Maschmeyer, Alexander Massie, Nicole Maurer, Brooklyn McDougall, Evan McEachran, Tyler McGregor, Xavier McKeever, Audrey McManiman, Trennt Michaud, Emma Miskew, Kelsey Mitchell, Liam Moffatt, Aurélie Moisan, Madison Mullin, Ali Nullmeyer, Kurt Oatway, Megan Oldham, Pascale Paradis, Lia Pereira, Jocelyn Peterman, Christina Picton, Beattie Podulsky, Paul Poirier, Bianca Ribi, Dawn Richardson Wilson, Gavin Rowell, Brian Rowland, Leo Sammarelli, Courtney Sarault, Maddie Schizas, Hannah Schmidt, Cassie Sharpe, Skylar Sieben, Amelia Smart, Cameron Spalding, Deanna Stellato-Dudek, Thomas Stephen, Katherine Stewart-Jones, Laurence St-Germain, Luka Stoikos, Abigail Strate, Embyr-Lee Susko, Marion Thénault, Marielle Thompson, Jon Thurston, Tyler Turner, Naomi Urness, Elliot Vaillancourt, Devin Wardrope, Isabelle Weidemann, Amelia Wells, Greg Westlake, Sarah Wilkes, Natalie Wilkie and Mark Zanette.

    And Canada’s 2026 Olympic and Paralympic athletes having left the Chamber:

    The committee will now rise.

    It being 3:50 p.m., the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion of the member for Richmond—Arthabaska relating to the business of supply.

    Call in the members.

    And the bells having rung:

    The question is as follows.

    Shall I dispense?

    Some hon. members: No.

    [Chair read text of motion to House]

    I declare the motion defeated.

     The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading of Bill S-233 under Private Members' Business.

    Mr. Speaker, I believe if you seek it you will find consent to apply the results from the last vote to this vote, with Liberal members voting yes.

    Mr. Speaker, Conservatives agree to apply the vote, and we are enthusiastically supporting the bill.

    Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois agrees to apply the vote and will be voting in favour.

    Mr. Speaker, New Democrats also agree to apply the vote, and we enthusiastically support the bill.

    Mr. Speaker, Greens agree to apply the vote, thank the good lord, and vote yes.

    I declare the motion carried. Accordingly, the bill stands referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

     The Speaker: I wish to inform the House that because of the deferred recorded divisions, Government Orders will be extended by 16 minutes.

    Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8)(a) I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 22 petitions. These returns will be tabled in an electronic format.

    Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to virtually present, in both official languages, the fourth report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, entitled “Canada-United States Border Management”.

    Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.

    moved that Bill S-242, An Act respecting national action for the prevention of intimate partner violence, be read the first time.

    She said: Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to rise in the House to introduce Bill S-242, an act respecting national action for the prevention of intimate partner violence, also known as Georgina's Law.

    This is an initiative by our colleague Senator Fabian Manning, who decided to take action after meeting with Georgina McGrath, a survivor of domestic violence.

    This bill proposes that the government pursue, on a permanent basis, national action to combat violence against women and intimate partner violence, while also—and this is important to emphasize—requiring accountability for its performance.

    Here are some statistics. In Quebec, there have already been 10 femicides since January alone. Across Canada, a woman or girl is killed every 48 hours in an act of gender-based violence. There has been a 76% increase in sexual assault in Canada. We are facing a national crisis affecting women.

    Bill S-242 will serve as the guiding principle that brings together every province, every territory, and every community so that everyone can mobilize, unite, and overcome this challenge.

    Bill S-242 is another tool in our arsenal for protecting women.

    Mr. Speaker, I have several petitions to present today.

     The first one is regarding the alarming increase in repeat violent offenders being released on bail. The petitioners have witnessed a sharp increase in car theft, gang violence and drug-related deaths. In fact, one constituent warned me about a car theft at my house just this week. Violent crimes have increased by 50%. Violent gun crime has surged by 116%. In 2022, 256 Canadians were tragically killed by people out on bail, thanks to Liberal catch-and-release policies under Bill C-75.

    The petitioners are calling on the Minister of Justice, urgently, to reform Canada's bail laws and restore safety on our streets.

    Mr. Speaker, the second petition I would like to present today is regarding the ongoing challenges British Columbians are facing regarding recreational access to coho and chinook in British Columbia.

     Constituents are calling in good faith on the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to leave the current salmon allocation policy alone and to uphold the cultural rights and traditions of all British Columbians to access fish, especially on the Fraser River.

    Mr. Speaker, the final petition I would like to present today is on behalf of Canadian organic growers who are concerned about the closure of the organic and regenerative research program at the Swift Current Research and Development Centre.

    Petitioners note that this was the only dedicated organic research initiative within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Therefore, they call on the government to reinstate the program and strengthen public research in organic and regenerative agriculture within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to align with the government's own goals of increasing agricultural exports abroad.

    Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure this afternoon to rise and present a petition signed by Canadians from across my province of Saskatchewan, and actually many from my riding of Saskatoon South, who strongly oppose Bill C-9 for its infringement upon the fundamental right of free speech. Many of the people who signed the petition in Saskatchewan in the last couple of months came to Saskatoon as we held a round table, and many of these people are upset with Bill C-9 and what the current government is doing with the infringement of their rights.

    Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table a petition today on behalf of fellow chartered professional accountants and other tax preparers who are concerned about how the Canada Revenue Agency authorizes its tax representatives. The petitioners point out that the CRA has moved to an online-only system, through “My Account”, creating real barriers for Canadians. Seniors, those with disabilities and those who have unreliable Internet and digital skills are left behind. It is unfair. Many of these individuals rely on trusted tax preparers to help them meet their obligations. Under the previous system, only a year ago, certified e-filers could securely and efficiently process authorizations on behalf of their clients. That process worked up until a year ago, but now it has become difficult to get the representatives authorized.

    The petitioners acknowledge the importance of preventing fraud. However, they believe the current system unfairly penalizes the vast majority of honest taxpayers and tax professionals because of the actions of a small number of bad actors. They are calling on the government to direct the CRA to restore the accessible authorization methods for approved tax preparers and to ensure that fraud prevention efforts are targeted only at those who are bad actors.

    Mr. Speaker, it is an honour and privilege to table this petition on behalf of people living in Port Alberni, in my riding. They highlight and want to draw the House of Commons' attention to these facts: that wealth inequality in Canada is rising, with more Canadians struggling to afford the basics of life while corporate profits continue to break records; that austerity measures often exacerbate inequality; that the federal government is implementing austerity measures, including a massive cut of $25 billion to publicly funded jobs and programs that Canadians rely on; that the federal government has cut and plans on further cutting taxes on the wealthy; and that climate change is worsening, causing Canadians a projected $25 billion in losses each year.

    The petitioners highlight that a wealth tax could, as per the Centre for Policy Alternatives, generate more than $32 billion in its first year alone. They are calling on the government to reverse the sweeping cuts to Canadian jobs and services and to put forward a bill to fund good-paying jobs, public services and the transition to a sustainable economy by making corporations and the wealthiest Canadians pay their fair share.

     Mr. Speaker, on behalf of over 1,000 residents of Kingston and the Islands and surrounding communities, I am pleased to present a petition that highlights the limits to freedoms that exist around communication, Internet access, etc., in Iran. In particular, they are calling on the federal government to assist in maintaining Internet access for those who are affected, to advocate for investigations into humanitarian violations, to support international initiatives to protect detained citizens and to facilitate humanitarian pathways for family reunification.

     Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to table a petition today on behalf of residents of Perth—Wellington who are advocating for Canadians living with disabilities. They are calling for an increase in the lifetime contribution for the RDSP and, further, that these contributions be indexed annually to the rate of inflation.

    Mr. Speaker, I rise to table a petition from constituents of the riding of LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, because the constituents tell me their MP would not table it.

    The petitioners note that Canada acceded to the Arms Trade Treaty in 2019, committing to prevent the transfer of arms where there is a substantial risk that they could be used in human rights abuses, war crimes or crimes against humanity. They also note that a significant loophole in Canada's export laws currently allows Canadian-made weapons, parts and components to be exported to the United States, from where they may be transferred to third countries. They note that international bodies, including the UN Human Rights Council, and independent UN experts have called on all states to halt arms transfers where there is a substantial risk of their use in violations of international humanitarian law.

    Therefore, the petitioners are calling on the House of Commons to enact legislation to close existing loopholes in Canada's arms export laws, including removing exemptions for the U.S., strengthening oversight and ensuring that Canadian arms are never used to commit or facilitate human rights abuses.

    Before we return to petitions, I just want to remind members to not provide extraneous information to the House that has nothing to do with the context of the petition, such as referencing whether another member did or did not want to table a petition.

    The hon. member for Saanich—Gulf Islands.

    Mr. Speaker, I am presenting an e-petition that has the signatures of just under 5,000 Canadians, raising an issue that seems pretty much a no-brainer.

    The death benefit from the Canadian pension plan has been frozen at the same level since 1998, at $2,500. Obviously, the cost of living and the cost of a funeral, the cost of dying, in this country have more than doubled since 1998.

    Since many Canadians outlive their savings, the petitioners are asking the House of Commons to consider that the CPP top-up death benefit really applies only to people who have never received CPP. The number of people who are suffering and who are living below the poverty line calls us to consider this: that the House of Commons and the government increase the CPP death benefit.

    Petitioners have calculated the inflation-adjusted 2025 value of where the benefit was in 1998, so they are calling on the government to increase the CPP death benefit to $6,400 and to provide tax deductions and credits for families for funeral expenses and other final expenses, to help all Canadian families afford a dignified funeral and burial for their loved ones.

    Mr. Speaker, if the government's responses to Questions Nos. 1017, 1018, 1019, 1020, 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1027, 1028, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034, 1035 and 1036 could be made orders for return, these returns would be tabled in an electronic format immediately.

     Is it agreed?

    Some hon. members: Agreed.

     Mr. Speaker, I ask that all remaining questions be allowed to stand.

     Is it agreed?

    Some hon. members: Agreed.

    [For text of questions and responses, see Written Questions website]

    Mr. Speaker, I ask that all notices of motions for the production of papers be allowed to stand.

    Is it agreed?

    Some. hon. members: Agreed.

    Mr. Speaker, I rise on the question of privilege that the Bloc Québécois raised the other day. I would like to add a few comments for the Speaker's consideration.

    I think the specific situation described by the hon. member for Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères speaks to a worrying, broader trend with the Liberal government and its cozy relationships with corporate insiders. At the root of it is a Prime Minister who remains invested in Brookfield through what is called “carried interest”, despite that company's extensive presence in many fields where the Prime Minister and his ministers have control of powerful policy levers that can greatly influence Brookfield's asset prices and revenue streams.

    The House's ethics committee heard last autumn about Brookfield executives being able to call up the Prime Minister and secure private meetings with him. That is something the average Canadian certainly cannot do. The government's first major bill in the present Parliament, Bill C-5, was about empowering Liberal ministers to waive red tape for select insiders, rather than getting out of the way of economic development for the benefit of all Canadians.

    The Major Projects Office, established to provide a concierge service for the Liberals' approved insiders, is being staffed with friends of the Prime Minister from Bay Street whose salaries are being topped up by banking and corporate interests and who very well may stand to benefit from the decisions their loaned-out employees are making. The Prime Minister's approach to bureaucracies he does not like has not been to fix them to work better but to add another layer of bureaucracy and bring in corporate friends to run them.

    The list of examples goes on, including now the Bloc's observations about Air Canada's getting an inside track on changes to the handling of air passenger complaints. Of course, the Liberals' proposed fix for air passenger complaints is to replace Canadian public servants with European-modelled consultants, adding to the Liberals' unrelenting, multi-billion-dollar addiction to outsourcing as it hands out contracts, hand over fist, to well-placed, friendly consulting firms.

    There is an age-old saying in this town: “Whenever the Liberals are in office, it is all about who you know and the PMO.” That is probably more true now than it has ever been. These are issues that, quite honestly, vigilant committees need to stay on top of, though I know the Liberals' engineered majority on committees will make sure these issues will not see the light of day. That is why a question of privilege and the proposed referral to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs would be quite timely.

    I would urge the Speaker to find a prima facie case of privilege in this case so we can get the wheels in motion on a study about yet another apparent cozy corporate crony relationship to the Liberal government and its parliamentary proposals.

     I thank the official opposition House Leader. It is noted.

    It is my duty pursuant to Standing Order 38 to inform the House that the questions to be raised tonight at the time of adjournment are as follows: the hon. member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, Employment; the hon. member for Courtenay—Alberni, Fisheries and Oceans; the hon. member for Riding Mountain, Health.

     moved that Bill C-31, A second Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025, be read the second time and referred to a committee.

    Mr. Speaker, a few months after I turned 25, I embarked on my first overseas trip, one that, without my knowing it, would set the course of my entire life. I was heading to Berlin for what was then a little-known gathering: the very first conference of parties on climate change, COP1. History was being made, and I was lucky enough to be in the room.

    Like many of my peers at the time, I was setting off for the old world with my backpack, but unlike them, I was not going to be backpacking across Europe. Instead, I slept on a gymnasium floor with 600 young people from all over the world in what had, a few years earlier, been East Berlin.

    We had a common goal: to convince governments around the world to agree on an ambitious plan to tackle climate change.

    The experience made me realize not only how crucial the climate crisis and, as I would later discover, the nature crisis are, but also how important international collaboration is to finding solutions to these complex issues.

    Over the next two decades, I channelled this conviction into environmental work with NGOs, advocating for change, mobilizing support and building bridges between science, civil society and public policy. It was this experience that ultimately led me to politics.

    In 2019, then prime minister Justin Trudeau asked me to join the Liberal team to help accelerate action on climate change. When I became environment minister, my mandate included developing Canada's first comprehensive climate plan to meet our international obligations. We also developed the country's first comprehensive adaptation plan to prepare and protect Canadians from the dangers of a changing climate, changes that we can no longer avoid, and those plans were working.

    These plans, through policies, regulations and legislation, have been designed to ensure that Canada makes its fair contribution to reducing pollution and protecting Canadians from the devastation we are already seeing in communities from coast to coast to coast.

    Before making the final decision to run, there was one thing I asked: the ability to distance myself from the decision by the government to purchase the Trans Mountain pipeline. As an environmentalist with deep understanding of the scientific consensus on the urgency and need to rapidly reduce heat-trapping gases, I had opposed a number of oil and gas projects and had criticized the Trudeau government for moving ahead with the purchase of TMX.

    Many of my political opponents have used these positions to try to portray me as anti-development. That has always made me smile a little, because throughout my professional career, I have championed numerous development projects across the country, such as wind and solar projects, public transit and active mobility initiatives, the electrification of our public transit system, including boosting sales of electric vehicles, and, more recently, the high-speed rail project.

    I was onstage in Edmonton in 2015 when then NDP premier Rachel Notley announced her climate leadership plan. Again I was roundly criticized by some environmentalists for doing so, but I have always believed in collaborating with provinces within the framework of the scientific reality of climate change.

    Much has changed since then. Just 10 years ago, for every dollar invested worldwide in fossil fuel production, another dollar was invested in clean and renewable technologies. Today, that ratio is two to one in favour of renewable energy. Last year, global electric vehicle sales reached nearly 23%.

    There are not many reasons that lead people to enter politics. In my case, it was a desire to pursue my quest for a better environment, for the fight against climate change, and for nature protection. These intense, demanding and deeply meaningful seven years have been among the most formative of my life. I leave proud of what we have accomplished together.

    After nearly seven years serving as the member for the beautiful riding of Laurier—Sainte‑Marie, the time has come for me to seek new avenues to continue my life's work. I will therefore be resigning my seat in the House later this summer.

     I am profoundly grateful to my children, family, friends, staff and constituents, as well as volunteers, many of whom have come to Ottawa today to be with us and who have made this work possible. They gave me far more than I can ever give back. Mr. Speaker, I will not mention the fact that some of them may be here in the House, because you would tell me I am not allowed to do that.

    The journey that began in Berlin more than 30 years ago is not over. It is simply continuing in another direction, with the same urgency and renewed hope.

    The fight for our planet is the struggle of our generation, and I fully intend to keep fighting. It has been the honour of my life to represent my community and my country.

    Mr. Speaker, I am a rookie in the chamber, a new member of Parliament having served barely, not even, three years. However, I can acknowledge that public service comes at a price, a cost to our friends, our family and all our loved ones.

    The hon. member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie certainly has committed himself to this service. We could say that he has very deep convictions. Perhaps we would not agree on anything. Probably we would not agree on anything, but his deep convictions might have been taken a bit too literally by him over the years. In fact, as colleagues may know, the hon. member was arrested in Lakeview in my riding, scaling former premier Ralph Klein's home, and was taken into custody. In a sense, he may have served more time in Calgary than I have.

    Let me just say that it is a complex issue, because we know that his policies have caused hardships for over a decade. His policies have caused so much hardship for so many families across this country that the price that has been paid by millions of Canadians for his determination has been a very heartbreaking one for all Canadians to bear witness to, but rest assured that his legacy lives on with the current Liberal Prime Minister.

    The Prime Minister has kept the tanker ban in place. The Prime Minister has kept the “no more pipelines” ban. The Prime Minister has kept the net-zero doctrine. He has kept the EV mandate. The Prime Minister has made sure that his legacy of plastic lids on coffee has been maintained, and in Calgary we cannot use compostable bags. He has kept the industrial carbon tax.

    One must ask, as I conclude, if the member draws some satisfaction from the Liberal Prime Minister's carrying on his legacy.

     Mr. Speaker, I think I heard a compliment in there somewhere. I think if all of us listened really hard, we would find it. I will take it.

    Mr. Speaker, today I want to heartily commend the member for Laurier—Sainte‑Marie, the former minister of environment and heritage, for his public service. I am even taking the unusual liberty of addressing him by name, Steven, this one last time.

    He and I have known each other for 25 years. Back then, he was with Greenpeace. He had long hair and a longer beard, but with fewer grey hairs. He enjoyed climbing towers and installing solar panels on premiers' homes. Some people even called him “Jesus of Montreal”.

    We crossed paths for years within the Quebec, Canadian and international environmental movements, and at over 30 international climate conferences, or COPs, which he participated in and excelled at, including a number which he attended as environment minister.

    Without a doubt, one of his greatest achievements was the Kunming-Montreal agreement on biodiversity, a resounding success that would not have been possible without him. His accomplishments also and obviously include the climate change plan, which may not have been perfect or ambitious enough, but was by far the most ambitious in Canada's history.

    We have certainly had our differences when it comes to the best way to serve the environmental cause. We did not always agree on the best strategy to take. We were sometimes critical of one another, but I never doubted his commitment to fighting climate change.

    On behalf of the Bloc Québécois and myself, I want to wish him all the best going forward. I know that he will continue to advocate for the environment and climate in other forums and other groups, and I would be pleased to be able to work with him again one day. It is unfortunate that he is leaving, but it is a consequence and an illustration of a fundamental divide in Canada.

    He was by far the most ambitious environment minister in the history of this country, the one who did the most. He is, without a doubt, the best environment minister this country has ever known. However, it was too much for Canada, and yet despite always being between a rock and a hard place, he truly did everything that he could. For that, I sincerely thank you, Steven.

    Now that he might have more free time on his hands this summer, I heard that, if he wants to have a bit of fun and if he wants to send a clear message to the government about climate change, he can always visit the CN tower.

    The question that I want to ask him today and the one that is on everyone's mind is this: Will he take this opportunity to give us a sneak peek at what he plans to do next?

    Mr. Speaker, I sincerely thank my colleague and friend from the Bloc Québécois, the member for Repentigny, for his kind words, on his own behalf and, as I understand it, on behalf of his party.

    The political arena can sometimes be very difficult, but it is also a place where we can accomplish great things.

    When the United Nations approached us in spring 2022 to ask us to host COP15 in Montreal, a conference that normally takes a year, if not two, to organize, we had only six months to do so. On top of that, we had to work closely with China, which was presiding over the conference, a country with which our diplomatic relations at the time were rather limited. The prime minister at the time, Mr. Trudeau, supported in particular by our former foreign affairs minister and current minister responsible for economic development, did not hesitate to support me in embarking on this adventure with the entire Canadian community, including NGOs, indigenous peoples and many private-sector companies. In the span of two weeks, we succeeded in convincing 196 countries to protect 30% of the planet. Today, this is referred to as the “Paris agreement for nature”, the equivalent of the Paris climate agreement.

    People can achieve great things by getting into politics. I urge everyone watching who is wondering whether they should one day take the plunge to go for it, pursue their dreams and do everything they can.

    Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the time he has spent in the House. I certainly will not forget when he was first elected in 2019. I had been here for four years, and I was sitting in the House when he was about to give his first speech. He turned around to me and said, “Do I start talking now?” He was just getting his feet established here, but it did not take him long to become a force to be reckoned with in the House.

    I thank him for the time he spent with us and for always pushing the government, for always pushing us individually, to do more and to be more thoughtful when it comes to climate change and what we could do. He always pushed us to do better no matter the circumstances.

     The member opened his speech by talking about a young 20-year-old who travelled for the first time to engage in activities around climate change. What would he say today to that young 20-year-old to give him advice?

     Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the government whip for everything he has done for me personally and professionally in the House. He has been an incredible ally, as have many people on both sides of the House.

    To answer his question, like I said in French a few moments ago, I would tell this young 25-year-old, wide-eyed Canadian going abroad for the first time to believe in his dreams. If I told him then that one day he would serve as a member of Parliament, that he would even be the minister of environment and climate change, I am not sure that 25-year-old would have believed that. We should believe in our dreams. Sometimes they come true.

    Mr. Speaker, this resignation should be of serious concern to all Canadians. It is a huge wake-up call, hopefully for everybody. What our colleague is doing today takes incredible courage. It takes courage to stand up for climate science and environmental protection for future generations when powerful interests inside government are pushing in the opposite direction.

     As New Democrats, we have had the opportunity to work across the aisle with our colleague when he was a former minister on a number of important issues, including climate accountability, biodiversity protection and building a fair transition for workers and communities. We may not have always agreed, but he understood that the climate crisis demands action, not delay. The people of Laurier—Sainte-Marie were represented by someone who consistently fought to put the climate crisis and environmental protection on the national agenda. Now the government is weakening emissions caps, backing away from environmental protection and putting fossil fuel expansion ahead of climate leadership while Canadians face devastating fires, floods and extreme weather.

    We as New Democrats want to thank the member for his courage and his public service. We want to wish him well and encourage him to keep fighting for climate justice and for the future of our planet. We look forward to continuing to work with him to tackle the climate crisis.

    Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my hon. NDP colleague from Courtenay—Alberni for his comments. He has been an incredible ally and friend in the House. He is right that we have worked closely together on a number of issues. I have always appreciated his dedication to environmental issues and to working together to find solutions, something that is not always necessarily easy in this place. For that I want to thank him.

     I want to assure him that the fight is not over. I will continue my battle for a greener, safer planet outside of this great House.

    Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank our colleague and dear friend, the member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie.

    I just want to say that it is an honour to work with him here. We have been friends for a long time, of course. It was an honour to work together as MPs in the House. It is a great honour for me. It is true that I will miss him here in Parliament, but I know that we will continue to work together.

     I do not know in what fashion, I do not know how, but I know that courage should be respected regardless of views. What we are dealing with is a crisis, but it is heartbreaking in this moment.

     I would like to thank the residents of Laurier—Sainte-Marie for their wisdom in electing him as their MP.

    The only question I would have would be to give the member one more chance to tell us, of all the extraordinary things he has accomplished in his service to this place, what achievement he is most proud of or would want us to remember.

    Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my long-time friend, the leader of the Green Party and member of Parliament for Saanich—Gulf Islands, for her remarks.

    We have indeed known each other for a very long time. We worked together before we entered politics, although her political career began much earlier than mine. We have a lot in common, including our birthday, which is coming up soon, for those who are interested.

    I want to assure her that I will continue to be there for her and for everyone who wants to work on issues related to fighting climate change and protecting biodiversity. I will never be far away if they need me. I will always be happy to help.

    Mr. Speaker, I am rising to respond to the point of order raised by the hon. member for Mirabel on May 25, 2026, on the application of Standing Order 69.1 to Bill C-31, the second budget 2025 implementation act.

    The member is of the view that division 17 of Bill C-31, which amends the Canada Transportation Act, should be separated out for a distinct vote at the second and third reading stages.

    Standing Order 69.1(1) states:

     The matter in question specifically concerns paragraph 2 of Standing Order 69.1, which makes an exception for budget implementation bills:

     The government's objective in division 17 of Bill C-31 is to clear the backlog of air travel complaints by engaging a neutral third-party dispute resolution organization and to enhance both the transparency of the complaints process and the enforcement of passenger rights regulations. I am certain that all members will agree that ensuring a timely resolution of air passenger complaints will better support our tourism industry and address travel costs.

    The hon. member for Mirabel has argued that division 17 should be separated out for the purpose of voting as the provisions are “within a distinct area of public policy, introduce substantive and independent changes, and are not essential to the implementation of the budget.”

    The member's first two arguments run counter to the objectives of Standing Order 69.1(2), which protects the various targeted or broad measures included in budget documents from being separated from the budget implementation bill.

    The question at hand is the linkage between division 17 and budget 2025. In his ruling of November 6, 2018, Speaker Regan noted the complexity in addressing what is not always explicit. He stated:

     Page 100 of the 2025 budget document announced that the government was taking action to catalyze investment in our airports and ports so that we could encourage more tourism in Canada and bring down travel costs for Canadians. Further, page 218 of the budget document notes a review of the administration monetary penalties and fines for violations of certain legislation or regulations. This included those that address air passenger rights.

    In line with this commitment, the amendment to the Canada Transportation Act increases the maximum administrative penalty payable to corporations for certain violations of the Canada Transportation Act or its regulations. The precise details of the proposal were subsequently announced in the 2026 spring economic update document. In conclusion, I submit that the broad policy objectives were announced in the 2025 budget, as provided for under Standing Order 69.1.

    Lastly, in response to the member for Mirabel's intervention, I would like to clarify that Standing Order 69.1 does not contemplate the division of a bill for the purpose of a committee referral. This would be a separate and distinct question for the House to consider.

    I thank hon. members for their attention in regard to this particular matter.

     Mr. Speaker, I have one other item I would like to address. I am rising to respond to the question of privilege raised by the member for Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères respecting Bill C-31, the budget 2025 implementation act, no. 2.

     The member alleges that information that was made public prior to the introduction of Bill C-31 was a breach of the privileges of members of the House. The member cited a number of precedents in raising the matter. I would like to draw to the attention of members clear rulings from Speakers that categorically state that public consultation by the government with stakeholders on matters of public policy is a normal and expected part of the policy development process.

     The question of whether the privileges of members have been violated in the case of the premature divulgation of the contents of a bill turns on when the information is publicly disclosed. Precedents are clear. The period between the publication of the long title of a bill on the Notice Paper and the introduction of the bill in the House is the time frame in which the government, and indeed all members, must ensure that the contents of the bill are not publicly divulged.

     On June 8, 2017, the Speaker ruled on a question of privilege respecting the premature divulgation of a bill. In this ruling, the Speaker stated:

     Let us review the facts of the matter before the House. The member states that on April 8, 2026, Air Canada made a public announcement respecting a new arbitration mechanism intended to expedite the processing of user complaints, and on April 28, the Minister of Finance delivered the 2026 spring economic statement in the House, which included this particular proposal. On May 1, the Minister of Transport announced a plan to clear the backlog of air travel complaints. On May 4, the notice of a ways and means motion respecting measures to be included in the budget 2025 implementation act, no. 2, was tabled in the House, which included a measure respecting a new arbitration mechanism intended to expedite the processing of user complaints. On May 6, the House voted on the ways and means motion, and the government then introduced Bill C-31, the budget 2025 implementation act, no. 2.

     This is consistent with the practice of the government undertaking consultations on matters of policy to finalize a policy proposal in advance of any implementing legislation being put before the House. In fact, on May 4, as stated earlier, the government tabled the notice of ways and means in the House with all measures that were contained in Bill C-31.

    The member has not stated that the government made public statements about measures that were on notice and were not before the House. Therefore, according to well-established practice and precedent, the government fully respected the importance of ensuring that the House had first access to the legislative measures contained in the ways and means for the second 2025 budget implementation bill while the implementing bill was on the Notice Paper.

     As a result, I submit to the House that the member has not demonstrated a case to substantiate that the House was not the first to see the content of the bill during the notice period, since all of these legislative measures were tabled in the form of a ways and means motion before the bill was placed on the Notice Paper on May 4, 2026.

     Finally, the member references public statements about the measure in question that clearly precede the notice of the bill by nearly a month. The second reference the member makes is that the statement he referred to on April 28, 2026, was the spring economic update made by the Minister of Finance in this House, which also precedes the notice period for a bill to implement this measure.

     It is clear beyond any reasonable doubt that the government respected practices and precedents by ensuring that the House was the first to have access to this and other measures contained in Bill C-31.

    Mr. Speaker, before I get started, I just wanted to ask for unanimous consent to split my time.

    Is it agreed to split the member's time?

    Some hon. members: Agreed.

    The Deputy Speaker: Yes, it is agreed that time will be split.

     The hon. member.

    Mr. Speaker, I will be splitting my time with the fine member for Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman.

    The costliest budget in Canadian history outside of COVID is back to haunt us once again. This is the biggest deficit outside of COVID that the government dropped on top of Canadians, and it is back. It is back to traumatize them once again. Canadians are visiting food banks at record numbers. Insolvencies are up and Canadians just cannot afford the cost of living. With the crisis that the current Liberal government created, Canadians are being reminded once again of how irresponsible the Liberal government is with Canada's finances, and the tough position that the Liberal government put Canadians in.

     In fact, in the current Liberal government, this out-of-touch Prime Minister says that affordability is the best it has been in a decade. By every measure in every Canadian's life today, that is simply untrue. One just has to go to the grocery store. This Prime Minister admits he does not do his own groceries, so it does not really matter to him. When people go to the grocery store or fill up their gas tank, or just in everyday life, everything has gotten expensive.

     When we dig deep into why that has happened, we see that ever since the Liberals formed government, everything got worse. The economy got worse. Crime got worse in this country. This did not happen by accident or by some global forces, which the Liberal government always likes to blame. This happened because of changes that the Liberal government itself made.

     Before the Liberal government, when we had a sound, responsible, strong Conservative government, the middle class was one of the strongest in the entire world. In fact, there used to be articles written back then saying that the American dream had moved to Canada. However, it did not take long for the Liberal government to come in and destroy all that great work, and then the Canadian dream went away.

    When I was growing up, it was not uncommon to have one household income to run a house. People could afford a house back then, too. These failed Liberal policies, these out-of-control deficits, changing laws to make it easier for repeat offenders to get out, and all the bad economic policies that the Liberals imposed on Canada, which drove out $1 trillion of Canadian investment to the U.S., ended up making Canada more unsafe and more unaffordable than ever before.

    It was this Liberal Prime Minister who was advising the then prime minister, Justin Trudeau, that the interest rates would be low for a long time, so people should go out and buy and spend as much as they want. After giving that advice, he gave other pieces of advice that completely made Canadians' lives miserable. That was to make sure that the Liberals spent and racked up deficits on Canadians. In fact, there was the most growth in the deficit and the most spending that ever happened in Canadian history at that time. Canadians' bank accounts were wiped out and their cabinets were wiped out of food. That is why we now see 2.2 million Canadians going to food banks. The cost of housing has gone up. The cost of food has gone up. The cost of gas has gone up. All of that is because of Liberal taxes and Liberal policies.

     Canadians are working harder than ever now. In fact, who is using those food banks is becoming more and more concerning. It is now people in households of two income earners who are going into food bank lines, because their incomes are still the same, but everything else has gone up. The cost of housing has gone up because of inflation that the current government created. Rents skyrocketed under the Liberals. There are food taxes, including the industrial carbon tax and the clean fuel standard. There are all these other things. Driving out investment also drove out competition, which would have helped bring down the cost of food and fuel.

    Whereas the out-of-touch Liberal government only took off 10¢ per litre, a third of the tax for a third of the year, Conservatives were calling for all fuel taxes to be removed for all of the year. That would have helped save families 25¢ per litre, or $1,200 for the whole year. That would have been real savings. Conservatives would also completely remove this carbon tax in the form of a clean fuel standard that the Liberals implemented.

    When we look at the economy, $1 trillion has left. Why did it leave? Let us look at some of the projects that could have been built, but were not, under the government because of its radical eco ideology. Nothing is getting built. In fact, the Liberals have put up even more barriers so that nothing could be built in the last 11 years. Bill C-69, the “no new pipelines” bill, ensures nothing can be built in this country, whether it is a pipeline, mine or dam. In fact, when I talked to a mining company in B.C., they said that it takes about 18 years just to get a permit approved, and that is a maybe. What Canadian would want to invest in a project like a mine that may get built in 18 years?

    Then the Liberals put up Bill C-48, the tanker ban, which does not let our product leave the west coast and go to the Asian markets. They introduced the industrial carbon tax, which makes Canada less competitive, but also makes the cost of the goods that Canadians buy more expensive: food, fuel and any other goods.

    The Prime Minister says that no one uses steel. He is obviously out of touch. Canadians are using steel; it is in almost everything. When someone is building a home, there is steel in that home. It is also in cars and a lot of other goods. Steel is very much being used, yet the Liberals put an industrial carbon tax on it. That is the hidden tax that, at the end of the day, whoever is buying the goods has to pay. Canadians are paying it. It is bad, reckless Liberal policy.

    Canadians are stuck with the bill, which is why we see record food bank usage. When we look at Canadian households, one in four now are food-insecure. These are not stats that we heard about before; not until the Liberal government took over. Right now, Canadian households are the most indebted in the G7 because the cost of everything has gone up and, as I said, incomes have not moved at all. In fact, Canadian household debt has reached $2.6 trillion in Q4. For every dollar of disposable income that Canadians earn, they owe approximately $1.77.

    We are seeing delinquencies go up as well. In the first three months of the year, 1.4 million Canadians have missed a payment on a credit card or mortgage. Canadians are putting essentials, more and more, on their credit cards, and they are either putting everything else back on the shelves because they cannot afford it that week, or making really tough decisions they should not have to make. We need to turn that around.

    Under a Conservative government, we would get rid of these antidevelopment laws, including Bill C-69, Bill C-48 and the industrial carbon tax, so we could get many different projects up and going, including LNG, oil and gas, pipelines, mines and dams. Whatever they are, not only would Canada be more self-reliant, but we would create good jobs and a good economy. That would not only serve Alberta; that would help the unity crisis that the out-of-touch Liberal government has created. In fact, it would help Canada, and it could help the world because we could have our low-carbon energy in places that need it the most around the world. We would also cap government spending and the wasteful spending of the Liberal government. We would bring back the Canada that we all knew, where hard work would earn Canadians a good paycheque with low taxes. With that same paycheque, they should be able to afford groceries and a house in a safe neighbourhood.

    That is what a Conservative government will do when we come back.

    Mr. Speaker, when the member and several others opposite stand up, it is often the same string of hyperbole and cynicism that we hear over and over again. I often think about how sad it would be to live in a world that is that cynical all the time about everything.

    I grew up in Canada's steel city, Hamilton. My family worked in the steel industry. Steel is in our blood.

    I want to give the member opposite the opportunity to acknowledge the harm that Donald Trump and his illegal and unjustified tariff war against Canada have caused to Canada's economy.

    First of all, Mr. Speaker, the member can tell his Prime Minister that steel is still used around the world. His Prime Minister does not believe anyone even uses steel. Second of all, he can tell his Prime Minister to remove the industrial carbon tax that gets put on that steel.

    The member, in particular, is completely out of touch. His government is completely out of touch. It is his government that has caused the pain to Canadians. Donald Trump did not impose a carbon tax on Canadians. Donald Trump is not the one who made Canada's permitting process the second-worst in the entire OECD. Donald Trump is not the one who is sending more and more Canadians to food banks. It is the out-of-touch Liberal government, and he should apologize for that.

    Mr. Speaker, I have a very important question for my colleague about the government's amendments to the Excise Tax Act under Bill C-31. We have noticed that none of those amendments address the inequity and injustice between producers of mead and producers of blueberry spirits.

    A few years ago, the Bloc Québécois persuaded the government to exempt small local and regional producers from the excise tax so that they could make a living from their production. The government granted an exemption to mead and apple cider producers, but it did not grant the same exemption to producers of berry-based or maple spirits.

    Does my colleague think that the government is making a mistake? By refusing to exempt producers of berry-based spirits from the excise tax, it is limiting the economic development of our regions.

    Mr. Speaker, the translation was a bit behind, so I hope I heard the question right.

    If the question is about the excise tax, Conservatives, from day one, every single year, put forward motions at the finance committee and I have written letters to the finance minister saying there should be zero tax on these beverages and that should be frozen. At a time when restaurants are closing more than ever before because of high Liberal taxes and the high bureaucracy and regulatory burden the Liberal government has created, we need to do as much as we can, not just for the people producing the beverages but also for the restaurants and the knock-off effects after that.

    The Liberal government is obsessed with taxing businesses to death. It needs to reverse course so that restaurants are opening more than they are closing in this country.

    Mr. Speaker, we know why grocery prices are so high. It is because there are a couple of grocery chains, including the ones owned by Galen Weston, that are hogging all the space in the market and price-gouging at the checkout. People literally cry when they buy groceries.

    The member's party has said nothing about the reality of this situation. New Democrats have a solution, and that is to offer a public option for food. We know that is the real solution. Does my honourable colleague agree, or is he going to keep supporting corporations that are starving people?

    Mr. Speaker, I will have to disagree with the hon. member because we do have solutions. Conservatives have identified the problem. When the Liberals drove out $1 trillion of investment, they also got rid of the competition. Competition in a free market helps to drive costs down. We would eliminate, in their entirety, the industrial carbon tax, the clean fuel standard and any other taxes the Liberals implemented that make the cost of food go up.

     Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from Calgary East for his intervention today and for laying out exactly how bad the Liberals have been, especially when it comes down to things like balancing the budget.

    Bill C-31 is over 330 pages. We look at this thing and they are doing everything in here. So much of it has nothing to do at all with the budget. I want to speak specifically about division 16, which is on the establishment of the defence investment agency act and amending the Defence Production Act and renaming it the defence and national security production and procurement act.

    We are talking about substantive changes to the way the Liberals want to do procurement. When we start dealing with major changes like this, like giving a new minister new powers with up to $1 billion of spending without any oversight or accountability tied to it, I think these types of changes need to be legislated through their own bills and debated separately. Because this is part of the budget implementation act, we are not even able to study this at the defence committee. It is going to be done through the finance committee, which has to look at everything else in the budget, not just the changes that are happening to the defence investment and procurement processes that are currently under way with the government.

    We have been quite critical of how the government has gone and set up the Defence Investment Agency. What we are seeing is more layers of bureaucracy, another level of red tape, and it is just another illusion the Liberals are trying to pull on Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces. They are saying they are doing something when, in actuality, they are doing nothing. They went and hired a CEO. Doug Guzman is a lovely gentleman and I had a chance to meet him, but he comes to the table with no defence experience. He has no procurement background at all. His claim to fame is that he is an investment banker, and a very successful one at that. He used to be the Prime Minister's colleague at Goldman Sachs back in the day.

    We have a junior secretary of state who is overseeing the Defence Investment Agency, but again, it does not provide that one point of accountability in ensuring that our parliamentary processes are properly respected. We have a junior minister who is still reporting to another minister who then has to report back up to the Prime Minister. A junior minister, being the Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, does not sit at the cabinet table. We also have been critical about the fact that the Defence Investment Agency is about how the government can coerce more jobs out of other companies that are going to want to do defence contracts, but will those jobs ever actually materialize? How much is it going to cost the taxpayer? How much more is the defence equipment we are buying for the Canadian Armed Forces going to cost because they have tied in all these extra things they want to do with the dollars they are spending?

    The top priority has to be making sure we are getting the right equipment for the Canadian Armed Forces. As Conservatives, we have always supported the proud women and men who serve in uniform. We expect them to do dangerous things in the protection of Canada and to work with our allies. We have to make sure every decision we make is a prioritization of the equipment and kit that is required by the Canadian Armed Forces to do that job. We have to be capable. We have to be ready. We have to make sure the stuff we are buying is meeting those operational requirements and that we are interoperable with our allies and neighbours. Let us make sure we are not just creating more red tape, more bureaucracy or more cost in the name of a defence investment agency.

    We have been down this path before. The Liberals' track record on this for the past 10 years has been pitiful, as it was under the decade of darkness back in the day under Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin. What we get is all rhetoric and no action. We need to make sure we are taking action. It has been more than four years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The minister of the day talked about putting Canada on war footing with the defence industry. That never ever materialized.

    Here we are, four years after the fact, and the only increases in the production of munitions, artillery shells and rockets in this country have all been through contracts with the U.S. armed services, whether that is its army, air force, special services or navy. Those same benefits are not occurring for the Canadian Armed Forces, because the government has not signed any contracts.

    We can have all the agencies, bureaucracies, red tape and fancy announcements, but it means nothing unless we are actually putting ink to the dotted line and signing contracts with our defence industry that would then create the jobs because we are buying stuff that the Canadian Armed Forces needs to replace the hollowed out air force and army and the rusted out navy we currently have.

     Just to make that point, the results for 2024-25 for the Department of National Defence show that only 59.6% of the maritime fleet is serviceable and ready to go out on operations. The only reason it is at 60% is that it had to retire the entire fleet of our Kingston-class coastal maritime vessels. Only 51% of the land fleets are sitting at the ready and are well maintained so troops can use them. It is because of the underfunding for the national procurement of the aging fleet and because of the high operational tempo. They have been worn out and have not been properly maintained, because of budget cuts that happened under the Liberals. Over $2.7 billion a year was cut from 2021 to 2025.

    We know that the aerospace fleet is even worse, with only 42% of our aircraft in the Canadian Armed Forces ready to serve and having the proper maintenance, but they are so aged out and so worn out. All we have to do is look at our CF-18s and the debacle with respect to their replacement. Because of the political games the Prime Minister plays with the F-35s, we have to get the F-35s to do the job.

    What we are seeing in Bill C-31, in division 16, with the establishment of the defence investment agency act, is that it would lock in all the inefficiencies that are already under the Defence Investment Agency. The bill does not name who the designated minister would be. There is no title or styling for that minister; it would just be a designated minister. It could be the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, or the Minister of National Defence, which I think would not be a bad idea, or there may be the creation of another junior minister who would not have the power and strength to go to the cabinet table and make the investments that are required to drive home what is asked for by our forces.

     The bill would establish more boards, more advisory committees and more people who are going to be hired. We are talking about more patronage and more Liberal insiders. We see, as we read through the bill, in clause 310, more opportunities for sole-sourcing and not running competitive competitions. Although it says in clause 322 that there would be a competitive procurement process, if we look at the exceptions, we see that almost everything could be excepted from it, and the minister would have the power to exclude companies and individuals from participating in the procurement but never say why they were excluded. There would be no transparency.

    What would the procurement ombudsman say about this lack of competition and the ability to sole-source without proper explanation? If the national security exemption is required, let us make sure we use it. This would create more contracting, more consultants and more Liberal insiders getting rich, which is the type of corruption we have to prevent. That is why we are asking why there are some rather strange definitions in the bill, such as “things”.

     There would be no guardrails, other than defence services, which is in clause 318, proposed paragraph 16(3)(d): “acquire defence services or professional or commercial services other than defence services”. Why are we even putting that under the defence investment act?

    The fact there would be no reporting, no performance and no transparency really raises a lot of red flags. Clause 312 would provide for the ability of the minister to procure shares of corporations; replace all members, directors and officers; and then place people in there the minister wants to run those organizations or those companies. It sure sounds a lot like nationalization. We have been down this path before with the Liberal government. It is called the Emergencies Act, and this reeks of having that overreach and that unaccountable style that we saw with the Emergencies Act.

     To conclude, I move, seconded by the member for Calgary East:

    I advise the hon. member that we will come back to say if the amendment is in order.

     Questions and comments, the hon. Parliamentary secretary to government House leader.

    Madam Speaker, I am sure Canadians would find it interesting to hear the Conservatives actually make the type of statements that were just made in regard to military expenditures. The member opposite was the parliamentary secretary for defence at the time when we invested just under 1% of Canada's GDP towards defence, towards our military. We would have to go back generations to realize the type of commitment that the Prime Minister, who was elected just over a year ago, has made. Not only did he say 2% of GDP, but we achieved 2% of the GDP last year.

    We can talk about tendering and providing the equipment that is necessary and about supporting our men and women in the forces in terms of pay increases. In a very real and tangible way, the current government has been there for our Canadian forces.

     Does the member have any regrets that the Stephen Harper regime could give only 1% of the GDP?

     Madam Speaker, the one thing the member for Winnipeg North never talks about is the creative accounting that the Liberals did to get the 2%. They added these in, which have never been added in before, until 2017, and then they added in the big numbers last year: veterans pensions; the Canadian Coast Guard's entire budget, even though it is not a defensive organization nor does it have the ability to be a defensive organization; and Transport Canada airplanes.

     The pay raise the Liberals gave was long overdue, yet today there are still forces members who have not received the benefits or the bonuses for staying on as members, especially for those who serve in the Canadian reserves. The army reserves have not had those benefits yet at all.

    The Liberals can sit here and talk the game, but we know that, even with the increases in salaries, they have clawed them back by increasing rents on our troops. They have increased the living differentials, especially for the people who are now deployed overseas in Latvia. Their take-home pay has dropped since the so-called raise, because the Liberals are clawing it back through other deductions.

    If we had used the same math when we were government, our spending would have been well over 1.5%.

    Madam Speaker, this bill is more than 300 pages long and contains many questionable amendments and provisions. Among other things, there are measures that expand the government's powers and reduce transparency. There are measures that limit who can file a complaint with the procurement ombudsman and what types of complaints the ombudsman can review.

    Given that procurement, especially military procurement, is set to become increasingly important, does my colleague welcome this type of measure from a transparency perspective?

    Mr. Speaker, I can tell my colleague that if we look at actual things the Liberals have bought for our troops, we see that they have not resulted in increased lethality or kinetic capability within the Canadian Armed Forces.

    It took the Liberals over 10 years just to replace the sidearms for our forces. Today, members of the Canadian Armed Forces in Ottawa, in the national capital region, have been asked to turn in their rucksacks, sleeping bags, frag vests and body armour because there is not enough to be sent abroad for the people who are deployed in Latvia, where there could be a hot conflict in short order. We know that the people going through basic training right now do not even have enough uniforms, and there are not enough beds.

    This is a failure of the government to recognize what we need to keep our troops healthy, as well as to make sure that our Canadian Forces has the equipment to deal with the conflicts of today and tomorrow.

    Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. As you know, today's schedule has been disrupted, albeit in a positive way, by the arrival of the Olympic and Paralympic athletes we welcomed earlier. In light of that, I would like to ask you to confirm what time the consideration of Private Members' Business will begin.

    It will begin in exactly one minute.

    Questions and comments, the hon. member for Yellowhead.

    Madam Speaker, I know that my hon. colleague was at one point a visitor to the public accounts committee when some of the military generals were there. I specifically asked this question then, and I am wondering if he can comment about it.

    The Liberals said they want the F-35, but it has changed multiple times, and now they are delaying again. If the procurement process is so bad that it is going to take 15 years, when are we expecting to actually spend the money?

     Madam Speaker, as my colleague from Yellowhead knows, Justin Trudeau said he would never buy the F-35. He then ran a competition, and they ran it again. Guess what. The F-35 beat all the other fighter jets every single time, on cost, lethality, survivability and interoperability.

    The Prime Minister is now playing politics with a jet we need in order to protect Canada and to work with our allies.

     I would like to inform the hon. member that the amendment is in order and we will proceed with debate on it after the bill next comes before the House.

     moved that Bill C-247, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code, be read the second time and referred to a committee.

    She said: Madam Speaker, I would like to begin by expressing on behalf of the NDP our deepest gratitude to all the workers, unions and labour leaders who have voiced their support for this bill to repeal section 107 of the Canada Labour Code and uphold the right to strike.

    In just two years, the Liberals have used section 107 eight times, each time violating the Constitution and disrespecting the rights of millions of workers on whose backs our country runs. Members do not need to take it from me. We can ask the representatives of workers themselves.

    Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, leads over three million workers across the country. Speaking on repealing section 107, she said, “No government should ever be able to strip workers of their right to free and fair collective bargaining. Canada’s unions will fight alongside the NDP to get this bill passed...and ensure that Canada’s labour laws protect workers, not undermine them”.

    Mark Hancock, national president of CUPE, said, “It's hard to calculate the damage that's already been done by this Liberal government repeatedly stepping in to take away the only leverage workers have at the bargaining table. It's bad for workers' livelihoods, and it's bad for the constitutional rights of all Canadians. Section 107 has got to go”.

    The CLC, CUPE, CUPW, the United Steelworkers, Teamsters, PSAC, the ILWU and more are all standing in solidarity behind this bill to uphold the right to strike. This is the rule of law. One of the biggest outcomes of solidarity is that workers understand their rights.

    Let us talk about workers' rights. In 2015, in its decision on the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour v. Saskatchewan hearing, the Supreme Court of Canada recognized that the right to strike is protected by the Constitution as an “indispensable” part of collective bargaining rights. It is no wonder the Liberals have continued issuing their back-to-work orders in backrooms with CEOs rather than out in the open and on record. They are afraid to leave evidence of their unconstitutional behaviour.

     Even Stephen Harper's anti-worker Conservative labour minister said, regarding the use of section 107 to end strikes, “If you find a lawyer who can tell you that it's possible...then I wish I had their advice 15 years ago. But as far as I'm concerned, you aren't able to do that.”

    The issue goes beyond Canadian law. Just last week, the International Court of Justice issued a landmark ruling that “the right to strike of workers and their organizations is protected” under international law. Workers fighting section 107 in Canada are on the front lines of a global workers' movement. I commend them and say, “Good on you.”

    I wonder whether the Liberals care, since they are so routinely turning their backs on international law, whether it is a violation of indigenous rights through Bill C-5, migrants' rights in Bill C-12 or the right to peaceful assembly in Bill C-9.