The Economy

During oral questions on the economy, the Bloc Québécois raised job losses at two long-standing Quebec furniture manufacturers, saying U.S. tariffs had cost 300 jobs in four days and calling on the government to fund wage subsidies before layoffs happen rather than after. The Bloc also proposed paying for such help by ending oil and gas subsidies. Liberals replied that they are supporting Canadians through tax cuts, school food funding and worker training, asked the Bloc where they would cut spending instead, and said the job losses stem from U.S. tariffs and dumped Asian products, with investigations under way and actions to be announced soon.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text (opens in a new tab)

4 statements

Yves Perron, Berthier—Maskinongé

Bloc Québécois
“Two long-running furniture companies in Quebec are closing or going bankrupt, and 300 people lost their jobs in four days. U.S. tariffs and trade issues are causing this. I want the government to act now and offer wage subsidies to save these jobs.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, we just lost 300 jobs in only four days in the Chaudière-Appalaches region. Following the announcement by South Shore Furniture, Bestar announced yesterday that it would have to declare bankruptcy. We are talking about companies that have been in business for 86 and 75 years, respectively. In both cases, the U.S. tariffs, lack of liquidity and the dumping caused by the trade war are to blame. There are a number of things that should be done. The first is a wage subsidy to save our jobs. We have been proposing that for a long time. When will the government finally take action?

Caroline Desrochers, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure

Liberal
“We are helping Canadians by lowering taxes, funding school food, and training workers. I want the member to say what he would cut. Would he cut funding for Quebec, local housing, or infrastructure projects?”
  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 11 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, on this side of the House, we are here for Canadians. We understand that things are tough. That is why we lowered taxes, implemented the school food program and provided training for workers. We are here for Canadians. I want to ask my colleague, where would he cut? Would he cut the infrastructure agreements that we signed with Quebec? We gave them $1 billion. Would he make cuts to the 855 units we just announced a few months ago in Joliette, in his riding, and in the Laurentides? Would he make cuts to infrastructure projects, the expansion of the port in Contrecoeur—

Yves Perron, Berthier—Maskinongé

Bloc Québécois
“The government should stop funding oil and gas companies. Instead, it should help pay workers' wages now so companies do not lay people off because of tariffs. Hundreds of manufacturing workers have already lost their jobs, and many businesses need help immediately.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, we, the Bloc Québécois, are in favour of scrapping oil and gas subsidies. Our wage subsidy proposal to protect jobs during the tariff crisis involves taking action before layoffs occur, not after. This week, 300 jobs were lost at two furniture manufacturing plants. This follows on the heels of 300 layoffs at Paccar, in Sainte‑Thérèse. A lot of other companies are crying out for help, including Liard Industries in Joliette, Cyrell AMP in Beloeil, ADF in Terrebonne, Max Atlas in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, M.L. Pro‑tech in St-Boniface or Acier Hason in Lanoraie, and the list goes on. We are going to work with the government. Our hand is outstretched. However, does the government realize the urgency involved?

Carlos Leitão, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry

Liberal
“I agree this is a serious problem, and I want to work together on it. The issue comes from unfair U.S. tariffs and cheap Asian products being dumped in Canada. We are investigating and will announce actions soon.”
  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 100 of 100

    Of this answer, 100% addressed the question that was asked.

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, yes, of course we realize the seriousness of the situation. I also gladly accept my colleague’s offer to collaborate. Naturally, this situation results from the unjustified and unjustifiable U.S. tariffs, but also from products manufactured in Asia and dumped on our markets. Investigations are in progress and announcements will follow very soon.

Discussion

No comments yet

See the full discussion

Comment rules

More from sitting 115

  1. Government Orders Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act 29 statements
  2. Oral Questions Finance 12 statements
  3. Oral Questions The Economy 4 statements
  4. Oral Questions Small Business 2 statements
  5. Oral Questions Finance 14 statements
  6. Oral Questions Finance 4 statements
  7. Oral Questions The Economy 5 statements
  8. Oral Questions Industry 2 statements
  9. Oral Questions The Economy 2 statements
  10. Oral Questions Finance 18 statements
  11. Oral Questions Sport 2 statements
  12. Oral Questions Health 6 statements
  13. Oral Questions Climate Change 2 statements
  14. Oral Questions Finance 2 statements
  15. Oral Questions Labour 2 statements
  16. Oral Questions Climate Change 2 statements
  17. Government Orders Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act 20 statements
  18. Oral Questions Public Services and Procurement 4 statements
  19. Government Orders Privilege 2 statements
  20. Private Members' Business Offender Rehabilitation Act 14 statements
  21. Government Orders Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act 21 statements