Discussion · Government Orders
Luc Thériault Bloc Québécois
“I oppose these bills. The government is using the trade war as an excuse to weaken the environment, workers' rights, and democracy. These laws give too much power to the government leadership and take power away from elected lawmakers. Future governments will keep these powers, and that is dangerous.”
“Mr. Speaker, democracy is a daily challenge involving a delicate balance between the executive and legislative branches. However, Bill C-5 and especially Bill C-39 represent a step backwards not only for the environment and workers’ rights, but also for democracy. The tariff war is being exploited to quietly push through permanent rollbacks that will have no effect for the remainder of Donald Trump’s term of office. The cornerstone of democracy is the legislative branch, namely, the people’s representatives, and we are part of that branch. Is the member aware that, despite his good intentions, there are sometimes changes in government and that we are setting a historical precedent by granting extraordinary powers to the executive branch?”
Mr. Speaker, democracy is a daily challenge involving a delicate balance between the executive and legislative branches. However, Bill C-5 and especially Bill C-39 represent a step backwards not only for the environment and workers’ rights, but also for democracy. The tariff war is being exploited to quietly push through permanent rollbacks that will have no effect for the remainder of Donald Trump’s term of office. The cornerstone of democracy is the legislative branch, namely, the people’s representatives, and we are part of that branch. Is the member aware that, despite his good intentions, there are sometimes changes in government and that we are setting a historical precedent by granting extraordinary powers to the executive branch?