A motion from the Bloc Québécois condemning new U.S. tariffs on Canadian products containing steel, aluminum or copper. The Bloc accused the Liberal government of not doing enough to fight the tariffs and protect jobs. The Liberals defended their response and efforts to diversify trade. The Conservatives criticized the government's handling of the file, saying they were all talk but haven't gotten results.
“I'm filling time with kind words about my colleagues from Quebec. I want to look like I care about their businesses. But really I just want to remind you that the government has made investments in the port of Contrecoeur. I hope that helps those companies so they stop asking for more money.”
“I want taxpayers to spend $1 billion on loans for businesses that use a lot of metal. Tariffs are bad and un-free-trade. Government must spend money to protect these companies now.”
“There's already lots of programs to help those industries. We'll keep adding more. Some loans, some other things. The details don't matter, just trust us. We're doing stuff now and we'll do more stuff later.”
“I want to look smart by hinting I know about this topic. But really I want to change the subject to something that might make us look good. Look at this big increase in exports. It's all because of our policies. I want to talk about diversification now because that works in our favor.”
“I'm saying something nice about free trade because that goes over well. I'm trying to make us look good by tying any increase in exports to a trade agreement the previous government signed. I don't really say how.”
“The forestry sector is having problems. This is different from manufacturing problems. We want to make a deal with the United States. Negotiations are happening.”
“Wow, what a great point I just heard. We need the best deal, not just any deal. It's so important to wait for the best deal. Can you please say more words about why waiting for the best deal is important?”
“You say you want solutions. We already gave you two solutions. Canadian companies get special treatment. Ridings will get more handouts to fight tariffs. What more do you want from us? That sounds pretty concrete to me.”
“I want my local building project to get money and attention. Let's talk about that instead of trade problems. I don't care if it fits this discussion. I want to look good to local voters.”
“I want to cheer for our trade diversification strategy. I think the government should keep spending money on it. My examples are the tariff and seafood spending. They make me happy.”
“I will say something nice about a charity first. That will make me look good. Then I will say Canada needs to trade. We must trade more. The whole world wants to trade with us. Trump is giving us trouble. That is bad. Our leader can fix it. We are doing many things. I will list them so it sounds like we are working hard. We will spend lots of money on this. That will get us votes. We want people to like us.”
“I don't like that you called us oil-obsessed. I want to talk about something else. I will answer a different question. Our government cares about all industries. We can protect the environment and develop energy too. Let us not deny opportunities. We want Canada to grow and prosper.”
“I don't like that my opponent went to the United States. He said something I didn't like. I don't know what my opponents want. They just say get it done. We will get it done. We will get the best deal. We're not selling out Canada. We're working hard.”
“I want the government to spend $1.5 billion more on the Minister's new program. I'm using my committee's conversations to make this seem necessary for businesses. The government must spend more money.”
