“I want the House to pass this bill. It will lower costs for Canadians, help workers, and speed up the building of new homes and infrastructure.”

“Madam Speaker, it is good to see you in the chair today. As Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and National Revenue, I have the honour and privilege of beginning debate on Bill C-30, an act to implement certain provisions of the spring economic update tabled in Parliament on April 28, 2026. Earlier this week, the Minister of Finance delivered a riveting 2026 spring economic update, which builds upon the momentum of budget 2025 by announcing the next steps in our ambitious plan to build Canada strong for all. The spring economic update provided a clear update on the strength of Canada’s economy, giving Canadians confidence in our plan. Through it, and through the legislation, we are offering targeted relief to make life more affordable, support workers and accelerate the construction of homes and major infrastructure across the country. We are strengthening Canada’s competitiveness and economic growth, while investing in strong, safe communities across the country. We are doing all this at a time when Canadians are navigating a rapidly changing and increasingly fragmented world, one that is more complex, more volatile and, for many people, more costly and unpredictable. Every day, we seem to awaken to news of trade conflicts and wars that would have seemed unthinkable just a few years ago. These are developments that Canada had no role in precipitating, yet they are developments from which we are not immune. Today’s highly integrated global economy is built on tight supply chains and just-in-time deliveries. While these arrangements have created tremendous benefits and efficiencies over the years, they also come with vulnerabilities. This means that when the system is disrupted anywhere, people are affected everywhere. That includes here in Canada. In response, Canada’s new government continues to focus on what we can control here at home: building a strong Canadian economy, diversifying our trade partners abroad, delivering responsible fiscal management and supporting Canadians who are under pressure from everyday expenses, with a boost today and a bridge to tomorrow. With the spring economic update 2026, “Canada Strong for All”, we are proposing the next steps in this plan. It advances our progress of building more affordable homes and the major infrastructure that transforms and connects our economy, while bringing down costs to help Canadians get ahead. It also provides a clear and transparent account of how Canada’s economy is performing in an increasingly uncertain world. This transparency is critical in order to lift the fog of uncertainty, help businesses seize new opportunities and give families the confidence to plan for their future. With our plan, we are building a Canada that is not just strong but good, and not just prosperous but fair, a Canada that is not just for some people most of the time but for all people at all times. It is a plan to build Canada strong for all, and with Bill C-30, we are moving forward with that plan. We have a plan to help grow a strong and resilient economy, but it is Canadian workers who are ultimately going to help build the strongest economy in the G7—”

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“I want the House to pass this budget bill. It lowers taxes on gas and diesel for the summer and cuts taxes for craft breweries. It also gives tax breaks to tradespeople who travel for work, extends benefits for seasonal workers, and gives first-time homebuyers more time to pay back their savings plans.”

“Madam Speaker, with our plan, we would build a Canada that is not just strong but good, and not just prosperous but fair, a Canada that is not just for some people most of the time but for all people at all times. It is a plan to build Canada strong for all, and with Bill C-30, we are moving forward with that plan ambitiously. We know that workers are at the centre of that plan. They are the ones who will help us build the strongest economy in the G7. That is why the spring economic update is making historic investments in the Canadian workforce. In order to create new opportunities for young Canadians, we would launch the team Canada strong initiative to recruit, train and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal skilled trades workers by 2030-31, aligned to Canada’s housing, infrastructure and defence needs. We are expanding training capacity to deliver results at scale, modernizing apprenticeship grants to meet the needs of the current labour force market while working with labourers, employers and provincial and territorial partners to shorten timelines and improve labour outcomes. We are also moving forward with something that is close to my heart: employee ownership trusts. Because Canadian workers are going to help build a strong and resilient Canadian economy, purpose-built for the 21st century, they should share in the success of the businesses they are helping to build. That is why we are making the employee ownership trust tax exemption permanent. Building and buying Canadian is a core mission of our government, and employee ownerships trusts empower Canadian workers to buy into the businesses they help create and build. With generational wealth transfers set to occur over the coming decades, EOTs, employee ownership trusts, would enable workers to participate directly and to benefit from the companies they make stronger. That is exciting news for workers all across this country. We have seen examples in the U.K. and the U.S. of true success with employee ownership trusts’ exhibiting a collective ownership model that truly shows how successful those businesses can be. Our government is also enhancing the labour mobility deduction, which recognizes that investing in transportation infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s economy. Among other things, it allows our workers to go where the work is, because we recognize that some workers in the construction trades incur high expenses to travel for temporary jobs. To recognize these costs, the labour mobility deduction for tradespeople currently provides tax recognition on up to $4,000 per year in eligible temporary relocation expenses for tradespeople and apprentices who relocate to temporary lodging that is at least 150 kilometres closer to a job site where they are performing construction activities. To recognize additional costs, the spring economic update proposes to increase the annual limit on expenses that can be deducted, from $4,000 to $10,000, indexed annually to inflation, and to modify the minimum distance threshold for relocations, from 150 kilometres to 120 kilometres. Those changes would be effective for 2026 and subsequent taxation years. I am pleased to say that Bill C-30 would make this increased support for Canadian workers a reality, making it more economical for them to bring their skills to where the work is and to build Canada strong. However, helping workers move to where the jobs are is just one way through which Bill C-30 would support Canadian workers. We know, for example, that many sectors in Canada, including agriculture, the fishing industry, forestry and tourism, rely heavily on seasonal workers due to weather, natural cycles and fluctuating demand. Employment insurance currently provides temporary income to support these workers during off-season periods, when their seasonal work is unavailable, helping them maintain financial stability and remain in their community. This support also benefits employers and regional economies by ensuring that experienced workers return each season, which helps industries operate efficiently and supports economic activity in many rural and coastal regions across Canada. To better address gaps in EI support between seasons in specific regions, temporary rules were introduced in 2018 to provide up to five additional weeks of EI regular benefits, for a maximum of 45 weeks, to eligible seasonal workers in 13 economic regions. While this support was set to expire in October 2026, the spring update announced our government’s intention to extend this support in the 13 targeted regions until October 2028. Bill C-30 would make this extension a reality, delivering an estimated additional $356 million in support for seasonal workers over the next five years. We also would be extending the RRSP homebuyers’ plan in Bill C-30. To further support workers and their families, the legislation before us would also deliver cash flow support to make it more manageable for Canadians to finance home ownership. The homebuyers’ plan would allow first-time homebuyers to withdraw up to $60,000 from their registered retirement savings plan to buy or build a qualifying home, or $120,000 per couple. Under the plan, withdrawals would not be included in income when withdrawn. Instead, they must be repaid to the RRSP over a period of no more than 15 years, starting in the second year following the year in which the withdrawal was made. I know that sounds complicated, but this is good news for anybody who is able to take money out of their RRSP to help purchase a first home. The spring economic update 2026 proposes to extend the grace period during which homeowners are not required to start repaying their withdrawals, from two years to five years for participants making a first withdrawal between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2028. This would build on the extended grace period that already applies to withdrawals made between 2022 and 2025, providing cash flow relief of up to $4,000 per individual per year for the three years over which they are not required to repay the amount into their RRSP. Once again, Bill C-30 would make this support a reality. Our government also recognizes that supporting Canadian workers means protecting them from the economic impacts of an uncertain world. Military conflicts are disrupting global energy supply, pushing up prices worldwide and leaving Canadians and consumers around the world facing higher prices at the gas pump, creating uncertainty and pressure on household finances. That is why our government recently announced that it is taking action to help Canadians through these challenges by suspending the full amount of the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline and diesel fuel and aviation fuels from April 20 until Labour Day, which is September 7. By legislating this change, Bill C-30 would reduce pressure on prices at the pump and lower Canadians’ bills at the gas station, with expected savings of up to $5.75 on a tank of gasoline and up to $2.30 on diesel when filling up a roughly 50‑litre tank of fuel. All told, it is estimated this would provide over $2.4 billion in total tax relief that would ease the pressure of higher fuel prices on Canadians in 2026, and once again, Bill C-30 would transform this relief into law. At the same time, this is not the only excise tax relief that Bill C-30 would deliver to bring down costs and support our economy through current challenges. It would also implement a two-year extension of the alcohol excise duty relief to protect brewers, distillers and winemakers during this period of global uncertainty. We know, for example, that Canada’s small craft brewers are not only among the finest in the world, which I truly appreciate, but are also important contributors to a growing economy, creating jobs in communities across the country. There is quite a number of craft brewers that I am quite proud of in my community of Whitby, and I want to see those craft brewers continue to thrive. The Canadian Craft Brewers Association estimates that there are currently nearly 1,200 small and independent craft breweries and brew pubs across Canada, and they are not just making world‑class products. They are the backbone of many communities, supporting thousands of jobs across the country and contributing significantly to local economies. What makes Canada’s craft brewers so great, and popular, is the care and pride they take in producing their fine products and their understanding of the ingredients needed to make a product truly exceptional. In past years, we saw the cost of those ingredients, like hops, barley and other grains, rise significantly due to global inflationary pressures stemming largely from COVID-19 supply chain disruptions, and this presented a real challenge for our brewers in Canada. That is why our government acted, back in March 2024, to extend budget 2023’s 2% cap on the inflation adjustment for beer, spirits and wine excise duties. At the same time, we announced that we were cutting in half the excise duty rate on the first 15,000 hectolitres of beer brewed in Canada for two years, providing a craft brewery with up to $86,952 in additional tax relief in that tax year. It was the right thing to do then, and there was tremendous support from the industry for this relief, which helped the sector weather a period of elevated inflation as economic conditions started to normalize. As we all know, the world is once again changing rapidly and unpredictably, bringing with it a new round of challenges for many industries, this industry included. Long-standing and fruitful trade relationships that countries have relied on for decades are being fundamentally reshaped by these global changes, leaving economies, businesses and workers under a cloud of uncertainty. Unfortunately, Canada is no exception in this regard, and that includes our craft brewing sector. We know, for example, that small brewers are particularly exposed to trade-related swings in commodity prices, as they do not enjoy the economies of scale that major industrial brewers enjoy. We know the industry is concerned about these developments, which is why we recently announced that Canada’s new government will continue to support Canadian breweries by maintaining for an additional two years the 2% cap on excise duties for beer, spirits and wine. We similarly announced that we will also maintain for an additional two years the halving of the excise duty rates on the first 15,000 hectolitres of beer brewed in Canada. For a craft brewery, this second measure means up to about $90,000 in tax relief for the coming year. That is not small potatoes. That is significant support. Combined, these two support measures are expected to provide over $30 million in relief to the sector through 2028. Bill C-30 would make this extended support a reality. By extending this relief, Bill C-30 would be providing stability at a critical moment, helping small and medium-sized businesses focus on what matters most: growing their operations, supporting local workers and keeping our economy strong and resilient. I would also note that the bill would take action on the tax front to lower the cost of food production at this time of global uncertainty by implementing our government’s commitment to introducing immediate expensing for greenhouse buildings. This means agricultural producers would be allowed to fully write off investments in greenhouses that were acquired on or after November 4, 2025, and that become available for use before 2030. Supporting Bill C-30 also means supporting increased domestic supply and investment in food production over the medium term, which is a major focus for our government in the spring economic update. In conclusion, I hope I have conveyed, in my allotted time, that Bill C-30 means more than just supporting affordable food and fuel. It means helping key sectors of the economy through an ongoing challenge, or set of challenges, so they can thrive and grow, supporting the communities that depend on them. It means supporting Canadian workers, making it more economical for them to go where the jobs are and making it easier for them to manage the financing of home ownership. It also means advancing our mission to build Canada strong for all. I encourage my hon. colleagues to look at our government’s plan in detail. I would similarly encourage them to carefully consider the measures in Bill C-30 and how they will advance our plan to build a stronger Canada. I encourage them, and I think this goes without saying, to join the government in advancing this plan. We will always welcome their support. It is never too late to have a change of heart. I know the opposition has to do its job and hold the government to account, but I think we can all agree that there are substantive, significant measures within this bill that would advance a plan for Canada that truly supports Canadians right across the country. I look forward to the support of my hon. colleagues and welcome any questions.”

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“We are cutting the tax in half for the first 15,000 hectolitres of beer for craft brewers. We also capped tax increases at 2% for bigger brewers, which is what they asked for.”

“Madam Speaker, while I appreciate the member opposite’s question, I think, just to clarify, what I said was that “we were cutting in half the excise duty rate on the first 15,000 hectolitres of beer brewed in Canada for two years,” so this is an extension of a previous measure, which does change the escalator. There are two different portions of this. The portion I am mentioning is geared toward craft brewers, but in general, we have decreased the escalator to 2%, or capped it at 2%. That is good news because what we have heard from our major brewers in Canada is that they budget for 2% excise duty, so it is exactly what they would expect and what they have asked for.”

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“I care about farming, and I will talk with the member after this session to look into the details of his concerns.”

“I must say, Madam Speaker, I wish my French was better so I could answer en français. I appreciate the member opposite’s question. I enjoyed the time we spent on the agriculture and agri-food standing committee together. The agriculture industry is very important to me. What I can do is commit to speaking with the hon. member about his concerns and look into the very details of what he has brought forward today. I would be happy to do that with him after the session.”

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“This bill creates a wealth fund that will help build a strong Canada. I want the member to explain why the other parties should stop opposing it.”

“Madam Speaker, yesterday the member had some time to talk about the sovereign wealth fund. That is a major aspect of the spring budget update. I think it makes a very powerful message to Canadians that the government and the Prime Minister are committed to get the funds that are necessary to build Canada strong, which is great for all Canadians. I wonder if the member could just provide his thoughts, upon reflection on the discussions in the chamber yesterday, where the Conservatives and the Bloc came together in opposition to the sovereign wealth fund, as to why they might want to reconsider that position.”

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“I support this fund because it lets regular Canadians safely invest small amounts of money in big building projects and earn good returns. For example, a new nuclear project in my area will create thousands of jobs and grow our economy. Everyday people should be able to share in that wealth.”

“Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for the opportunity to speak to this a little more. In my view right now, Canadians across the country believe in our country and in the strength of our country. They are resilient, but they want to help build the strongest economy in the G7. They are aligned with that vision, and I think people want to participate meaningfully in that. The sovereign wealth fund would give them an opportunity, a retail opportunity, to invest small amounts of money that are highly protected from any downside risk and that will get high returns, based on investments across Canada in major pieces of infrastructure that I know many of us are very proud to see are starting to get built. In my area, at the Darlington new nuclear facility, four small modular reactors are getting built, with 21,700 jobs. It is exciting. It is going to add $38 billion to Canada’s GDP over time. This is a good example of a project that will be highly revenue-generating and that many pension plans in Canada and around the world, such as the Canada Growth Fund, have invested in. The idea here is to make sure the Canadian public can also benefit from the prosperity and wealth that we are building together. That is exciting, and Canadians want to participate.”

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“I do not know if that part will be removed from the bill. I will check and give the member an answer later.”

“Madam Speaker, I would have to look into that matter further and get back to the member because I am not aware of whether this particular section would be carved out of Bill C-30. I think the proposition now is that the bill is packaged into one piece, but I would be happy to look into it and get back to the member.”

“Our economy is doing well. Our deficit is $11.5 billion lower than expected, foreign investment is at an 18-year high, and wages are growing twice as fast as inflation. Experts say Canada has the strongest financial position in the G7. The opposition should stop talking down our economy.”

“Madam Speaker, it is interesting to listen to the way the hon. member positions and contorts reality. When we look at what the government had projected in the previous budget, the spring economic update shows that we have $11.5 billion less of a deficit. That is due to the Canadian economy being more resilient. I do not know why the opposition is so triggered by this stuff. The International Monetary Fund would, arguably, be the world’s expert at analyzing the global economy and nations’ economies. It has said very specifically that Canada has the strongest fiscal position in the G7. I do not know how opposition members come into this House every day and talk down the Canadian economy. We have seen many signs of progress with foreign direct investment being at an 18-year high and wages doubling the rate of inflation. There is a lot of progress in our economy.”

“Our economic choices are helping the country. Can the member share examples of how our plan helps families, young people, and businesses in Quebec?”

“Madam Speaker, our government is making responsible choices to support the economy. That is a fact, even though the opposition members seem to be the only ones oblivious to it. Can my colleague give me concrete examples of how these measures are strengthening prosperity in Quebec and supporting families, businesses and, above all, our young people?”

“Our government is making responsible choices. We are funding small craft harbours, sports, and making the disability tax credit easier to get.”

“Madam Speaker, I agree with the member that the government is making responsible decisions, whether it is investing in small craft harbours or sports from playground to podium. We are making it easier to access the disability tax credit. We are building a stronger Canada.”

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“Many Canadians borrow money to buy a home and build long-term wealth. We should give more people the chance to do that.”

“Madam Speaker, as we know, many Canadians borrow money in order to buy a home and build equity and financial stability for their future. The member should understand that there are ways we can build generational wealth in Canada and give Canadians the opportunity to participate in that.”

“Our government is investing in big projects across the country, including the Port of Montreal. The Conservatives do not care about building Canada, and their extreme ideas do not work anywhere in the world.”

“Madam Speaker, talk about being completely out of touch with reality and with what is happening around the world and a lack of understanding. The member even made reference to the port of Montreal, that we need to invest in Montreal. Of all the major projects, maybe that one escaped him. The government is investing in expanding the port of Montreal. We have expansion and growth taking place in every region of the country. I do not know where the Conservative Party of Canada is today. The Conservatives have demonstrated that they do not care about developing and promoting and building a strong Canada. Their approach is one line, to get out of the way. Tell me another nation that has adopted the far-right position that the Conservative Party of Canada has. Name a country. Give me a country in the G20 that the member actually supports and whose government he believes is doing a good job. I advise the member to also take into consideration the debt-to-GDP financing. Let us make sure it is apples to apples.”

“If Canada is doing so poorly, how does the member explain that our country still has a top AAA credit rating?”

“Madam Speaker, I just have one short question. How does the hon. member explain the fact that, despite all of the doom and gloom, that Canada is broken, we still have a AAA credit rating?”

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“This bill helps train up to 100,000 new skilled trades workers over the next five years. The Conservatives say they care about young people, but they are voting against this help. I want the member to explain why.”

“Madam Speaker, the Conservative Party has adopted a new-found “Get out of the way; I do not care” attitude. I reference the member’s opening comments, when he was talking about young people and doing things for youth. Within the spring update, there is a serious commitment to increase skilled trades Red Seal holders by between 80,000 and 100,000 over the next five years. The Conservative Party is actually voting against that particular project. I wonder how the member can justify it. Given his opening remarks regarding being there and supporting youth, why would the Conservative Party oppose a federal initiative to deal with Red Seal workers?”