Tim Watchorn

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Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take part in today’s debate at the third reading of Bill C-31, the budget 2025 implementation act, no. 2. Budget 2025 set out our detailed plan to build Canada strong at a time of great uncertainty. We all see it every day: The global economy is undergoing a profound transformation. After decades of growth driven by globalization and free trade, a fundamental change is under way, shaped by economic nationalism, geopolitical uncertainty and fast-paced technological advances. We can clearly see that these changes are generating a lot of concern in our communities. I must say that I see it in my riding. We cannot simply stand idly by while these changes happen. We must respond to them with meaningful measures. Above all, we must rely on our strengths to ensure that Canada not only withstands the global upheaval, but also makes the most of any opportunities it creates. Canada has everything the world wants. We are a superpower in both green and conventional energy, and we are among the world’s top five producers of many critical minerals. Canada is also a leader in AI and quantum computing. We have a highly educated workforce, and we can attract the best international talent. By investing in our strengths, particularly through projects of national interest, our government will stimulate the growth of these industries and help businesses thrive in today’s economy. Since this budget was tabled, our government has acted quickly to build the major infrastructure, homes and industries that drive Canada’s economic growth and create lasting prosperity. In doing so, we are giving Canadians what they need to succeed with more rewarding careers and a more affordable life. We are also protecting our communities, our borders and our way of life. Through Bill C‑31, we are implementing several of these important measures from budget 2025. As we all know, we live in a rapidly changing world, and the global economy is in a state of high uncertainty. Now more than ever, it is vital that we adapt and take steps accordingly here at home. It is also vital that our government invests in Canada so that we can build our industrial production capacity and enable all of our workers and industries to compete on the world stage. There are many measures in Bill C-31 that will help with that. These truly are measures to build Canada strong. One of the measures in Bill C‑31 provides for immediate expensing for manufacturing and processing businesses. Simply put, this means that these businesses will be able to write off 100% of their investment in the first year. Through this measure and the productivity mega deduction, our government is encouraging capital investment and long-term economic growth by allowing businesses to immediately write off more of the costs of their new investments. This measure will make it easier for businesses to invest and grow from now on. Another noteworthy measure in Bill C-31 is the expansion of the eligibility criteria for the clean hydrogen investment tax credit to include methane pyrolysis. As members know, Canada aims to build a future based on clean energy, and hydrogen is part of that equation. I would like to note that this expansion of the tax credit will be available retroactively as of December 16, 2024. Our government fully understands that a competitive labour market fosters innovation and productivity. However, the use of non-compete agreements that prevent workers from moving to rivals or starting a competing business reduces competition and undermines the efficiency of the labour market. That is why Bill C-31 amends the Canada Labour Code to restrict the use of non-compete agreements in employment contracts for federally regulated businesses. That way, we will protect workers’ rights, promote labour mobility, strengthen competition, and empower workers to move to a higher-paying job or start their own business. This is an important measure to support all our workers and to give them more freedom to act in their own best interests. Finally, the government is aware that millions of lower-income Canadians do not file their taxes, either because they do not have the resources to do so or because they think their income is too low to owe taxes. This means that people who most need benefits often do not receive them, causing some Canadians to miss out on the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, the Canada child benefit, the Canada workers benefit, and more benefits they are entitled to. That is why Bill C-31 proposes to allow the CRA to file a tax return on behalf of certain eligible individuals with lower incomes in simple tax situations who do not owe tax and do not file themselves. This measure ensures that help gets to the people who need it most. When Canadians keep more of the money they earn, they are better able to provide for their families, invest in their communities and build the future they want. We live in a rapidly changing and uncertain world. Now more than ever, we need to adapt to improve make our great country more competitive. Our government proposed several measures to enhance competitiveness in budget 2025, and Bill C‑31 will implement many of them. With these measures, we are helping our businesses, our industries and our workers be even more competitive on the world stage. In this uncertain world, our government is acting quickly and decisively. That is how we are going to build Canada strong. In conclusion, Bill C‑31 includes many measures that will help make our economy even stronger, and I urge all my colleagues to support it.