A bill to remove federal barriers to interprovincial trade and improve labour mobility within Canada. It also establishes a Building Canada Fund to support projects deemed to be in the national interest. During debate, members discussed the government's plan to create a sovereign wealth fund and whether it would attract private investment, but provided few details on how the fund would actually operate.
“I want to set up a silly story to mock the government. Here's my story. A neighbor has a lot of savings. I maxed out my credit cards to have more savings. Now I can't retire. That story is like the government. They want you to be impressed by all their spending. They want you to think it will be great. I think they are really spending too much and it will hurt us later.”
“The Liberals want to compare Norway and Alberta, but Alberta has sent $600 billion to the rest of Canada. If Alberta kept that, it would beat Norway. I'm concerned this fund won't have rules. Will the Prime Minister control it and give money to his friends?”
“The Prime Minister's $25 billion debt fund has vague details and many risks. It could distort private markets, cause inflation, and duplicate existing bureaucracy. The money would be better spent on cutting taxes, paying down debt, or providing affordability relief. The government should attract capital by improving regulatory and tax certainty, not creating a risky debt fund with political appointees.”
“I think the government's wealth fund plan is vague and expensive. I want you to prove you have a real business plan before we agree to spend that much.”
“The Prime Minister makes big promises and doesn't deliver. It's costing Canadians. Even my husband jokes we can put his motorcycle on the sovereign debt fund. This government is encouraging bad behavior.”
“Real sovereign wealth funds use resource royalties and avoid inflationary risks. My friend across the way is right about that. But Canadians don't trust this Prime Minister for good reason! His track record stinks. He funnels money to Liberal buddies. Scandal after scandal. Criminal. Money for slush funds. The corruption is never-ending. I'm sure the government has plenty to hide.”
“I'm making a big deal about predicting disaster. I want taxpayers to spend less money. I don't like the government's track record. I want the government to admit this is a bad idea and vote for our motion today.”
“I don't like the idea of a $25 billion fund paid for by borrowing. We already have the Canada Infrastructure Bank for big projects. I think more bureaucracy is a bad idea. I want to know who will be responsible for deciding how to spend this money. I am afraid politicians will use it to reward their friends. I think the government should stop spending so much of other people's money.”
“I don't like this fund. It's risky. Taxpayers will pay for losses. We should use the money better. Help families. Fix infrastructure. Don't make a new fund. I am against this fund.”
“I'm not rich like the Prime Minister. My money is my own business. We say Canadians should have freedom to choose. So let them decide what to do with their own money.”
“The government is adding more layers and structures. We already have the Canada Infrastructure Bank. I want the government to use existing tools instead of adding more bureaucracy and spending.”
