A debate about US tariffs on Canadian goods like steel, aluminum, lumber and auto parts. Instead of discussing solutions, MPs spent most of their time talking about the impacts on businesses in their own ridings, praising colleagues, and sparring over other unrelated economic policies.
“People in my riding are sad. Taxpayers must spend $1.5 billion on businesses we like. These tariffs are bad. Let's spend $4 billion on the environment.”
“I say many people in London—Fanshawe are sad because of tariffs and unemployment. The Prime Minister didn't talk to Trump for seven months. I want the government to fix tariff problems now.”
“I say we are already helping. Vulnerable Canadians will get a cheque soon. We announced $1.5 billion for companies affected by tariffs. This keeps employees working. The government is taking action.”
“You say you are helping Canadians. But are you really respecting provincial jurisdictions? Are you actually consulting provinces and respecting their priorities? A strong Canada should mean respecting each province and Quebec. The Prime Minister talks about nationalism. But is he including respect for provincial jurisdictions in that? The government should listen to provinces and create programs that respect their jurisdictions and priorities.”
“We say we respect provincial jurisdiction. After all, the Prime Minister met the Quebec Premier right away. And we say we will work with Quebec on programs. We'll give Quebec money like usual. We're talking to Quebec about it.”
“I want the government to take its time to get a good deal with the United States. A good deal is whatever is best for Canada. The government should take a holistic approach and keep doing all the good things it's already doing to build the economy and make Canada strong. That's what's really important here.”
“I don't have a clear answer to give you in the time we have. We're trying to get a good trade deal with the US, but the details are complicated. But our government is working on lots of big, impressive-sounding building projects too! Did you hear about our high-speed train plans? And expanding ports? That should count for something too, right?”
“I represent a riding where steel and auto companies are really important. The US keeps raising its tariffs on our exports, and that's really hurting us. But our government is spending a lot of money to help these companies get through it. We're giving them billions of dollars and trying to help them export to other countries instead of just the US. I know the US is our most important trading partner, and a lot of our companies depend on exporting there. But we can't be too dependent on them, because they keep changing the rules on us. We need to be tougher and more independent so we can handle these shocks. We're still allies and friends with the US, but we need to know we can trust them to stick to the deals they sign. Until then, we can't let our companies be too exposed.”
“You say the big companies in your riding have the political clout to get big loans. But I'm more worried about the small businesses in my riding. They don't have the same pull. They can't get million-dollar loans. They're going to shut down soon if we don't help them out. Your announcement yesterday didn't do anything for them. I want to know if you think you really did everything you needed to do.”
“You say big businesses are taken care of, but I still worry about the small businesses in my riding. I want them to get help too. We announced half a billion dollars for them yesterday. Is that enough? Who knows. I guess we'll see if we need to spend even more later.”
“I get that you care about businesses. But you praise the government for acting. Name one U.S. tariff on Canada that Trudeau's government actually got lifted.”
“Mr. Speaker, the government is doing all it can to protect Canadian industries. The U.S. President's decision is not something we want. Canada must do everything it can to ensure the section 232 tariffs are removed.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want us to talk about our response to the tariffs. Let's condemn the tariffs and make it all about our workers. Our government wants to look like it's building a stronger economy, especially now that businesses are being affected.”
“I want people to think our government is trying to build a strong economy. It's not about the companies. We visited a steel plant and talked to a worker. I want the government to get credit for her job. I want people to think we're doing all this for the workers.”
“I'm frustrated that the government isn't doing more to help workers hurt by U.S. tariffs. The government keeps talking about companies but I want them to think about the people. Many good jobs have been lost in Quebec. The government is slow to act and their solutions like loans won't help the most vulnerable small businesses. They should give wage subsidies to businesses hit hardest by the tariffs to help them keep their workers employed. The government needs to give us better information on exactly who is impacted by the tariffs so we can come up with better solutions.”
“My riding's businesses are suffering. I want to mention many problems at once. They need money and information. Loans aren't enough. The smallest ones are hit hardest. I'm plugging my party for being on top of things.”
“Businesses are suffering. The tariff is driving them to lower prices or close down. The government's loan program doesn't help. Businesses still have to pay back those loans while making less money. I want the member to admit the program isn't enough and could make businesses close faster.”
“Small businesses have it rough. It's harder for them to find new markets. They sell more of their stuff to the US. The government's loan program timeline is too short. These businesses know they need to get better or change, but three years isn't enough time for them.”
“I'm not an expert. I want the government to keep spending money on businesses. We should just copy the big pandemic program we already did. Why isn't Trudeau doing that? I don't need to know if it makes sense; the Prime Minister is the expert, not me.”
