“The International Monetary Fund says Canada's economy is strong, and our government's investments support that. We have not shared the final plan for our new investment fund yet because we are still talking to people. We are studying funds from around the world to build the best one for Canada.”

“Mr. Speaker, I have two comments. The International Monetary Fund speaks of Canada and its economy as being strong. It truly is the aggregate of the many organizations that work in the economic field. Canada’s Infrastructure Bank is an excellent example of that. As I said, there are many other indicators that are in support of all of the various investment actions and tools that the government is taking. With respect to the wealth fund, the sovereign fund that we have discussed, I do want to point out that it is very important that the design of the funds has not been publicly announced yet. There are consultations that are under way. Just to conclude, there are a hundred different funds across the world. Basically, the government is looking at all of these various funds as it structures what is best for Canada and for Canadians.”

“I support our economic plan. It lowers the deficit, helps people buy food, funds school lunches, and lowers bank fees. It also helps build more homes and creates jobs in the trades.”

“Mr. Speaker, it is always an honour to rise in the House on behalf of my constituents in La Prairie, Candiac, Sainte‑Catherine, Saint‑Constant, Delson, Saint‑Philippe, Saint‑Mathieu and Kahnawake. This is especially true today as I rise to illustrate what the spring economic update means in concrete terms for the families of La Prairie—Atateken, for our jobs, and for the future of our community. Let me be blunt: This government is working for the people of La Prairie—Atateken, and the measures announced in the recent economic statement are proof of that. The world has changed. Trade tensions with our neighbour, geopolitical turmoil such as the war in Iran, and disruptions in supply chains are creating real uncertainty. For the past year, we have been navigating an increasingly fragmented, rapidly changing world. However, what I can say is that, while other countries are retreating as they wait for better days to return, Canada is acting with conviction and resolve, without hesitation. The spring economic update confirms Canada’s fiscal strength, while investing in Canadians where it truly matters. The results speak for themselves. With an $11.5‑billion reduction in the projected deficit, our fiscal position is much stronger than expected. We are managing things well—all spending items have been reviewed—we are spending wisely, and we are focusing on long-term prosperity. Let us recall that, by 2028-29, the deficit will consist only of capital investment. The operating deficit, meanwhile, will have been eliminated. That is what is known as long-term vision. Let me begin by addressing something that has an immediate bearing on the day-to-day finances of my constituents. The Canada groceries and essentials benefit will support more than 30,000 residents of La Prairie—Atateken so they can buy groceries and essential goods. Payments will go out starting June 5. This support will go directly into the bank accounts of many of my constituents. It is not a promise. It is a cheque. We also made the national school food program permanent. This means that, year after year, Quebec will now receive its share to ensure that our schools can feed our children. Full bellies help children learn better. My colleague says that Quebec is handling that, but the federal government is also providing funds. Another measure has to do with bank fees. The government is now capping overdraft fees at $10, thereby strengthening consumer protection. It is these small, cumulative measures that make a real difference in a tight family budget. We have also simplified the application process for the disability tax credit for people with certain long-term medical conditions. For families who have been battling bureaucracy for years, this simplification is a tangible victory. I used to be a family doctor, so I can attest to this. The government is also extending assistance to people experiencing homelessness and working to ensure that victims of gender-based violence have access to safe housing. Of course, as is the case across the country, there is a shortage of public housing and transitional housing, but we are committed to supporting projects that address this need. Significant budgets are allocated for this purpose through Build Canada Homes, because a strong government is one that leaves no one behind. I said this during the election campaign, and I will say it again: Housing is a key priority for the government, particularly for La Prairie—Atateken. This economic update clearly demonstrates that. One of the things the government is doing is reducing development charges. The government is also providing GST relief for first-time homebuyers, as well as simplifying rules and modernizing building codes to facilitate the construction of prefabricated and modular housing. In fact, $7 billion in low-cost financing is being fast-tracked to CMHC so builders can get projects built sooner and get more rental units to market faster. Over the past year, there has been a significant increase in the supply of affordable housing in my region. Given that young families are looking to settle down and that property prices have skyrocketed in recent years, these measures are a lifeline that will help our children find housing close to home, not three hours away. Our constituency is made up of working people—people who build houses, work in factories and keep the south shore economy going. This economic update recognizes them. For example, I would like to mention the reduced CPP contribution rate, which will fall from 9.9% to 9.5% on January 1. This represents an annual saving of about $133 for an employee earning $70,000 a year, and equivalent savings for the employer. This is no small matter. For a couple where both partners work, that is nearly $270 more in their pockets each year. Parents hope that their children will be able to build a stable career on the south shore. For our young people who are about to enter the job market and who are being hit hard by current unemployment rates, the government is launching a national initiative aimed at recruiting, training and hiring between 80,000 and 100,000 new skilled trades workers by 2030-31. These are more than 50 in-demand trades with solid wages, such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters and welders. Now there is a national program to access these trades, and it is going to be funded to the tune of $2 billion over five years. The spring economic update also offers a long-term vision for Canada’s economy, and our region will benefit from it directly. The Major Projects Office will oversee 21 initiatives of national interest that will interconnect, diversify and power our economy. These initiatives will support the creation of 60,000 jobs during construction and generate over $125 billion in new investments. These infrastructure, road, trade corridor and energy projects will have a direct impact on our region, at the centre of Quebec’s economic corridor. Consider, for example, Canada’s defence industrial strategy and the proximity of the Saint-Jean military base. Consider, for example, the expansion of the Port of Montreal at Contrecoeur, which is expected to generate $140 million in spinoffs every year, including in my riding. Finally, consider the Saint-Hubert metropolitan airport, launched this week by Minister MacKinnon, which will soon welcome four million travellers a year—”

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“Our economy is doing well. We brought in over $100 billion in foreign investment and increased our exports, which creates jobs. Experts say Canada will have strong economic growth. This bill supports that growth by lowering taxes and helping people with housing and groceries.”

“Mr. Speaker, consider the Saint-Hubert metropolitan airport, which was inaugurated this week by the Minister of Transport and will soon welcome four million travellers a year, with major implications for the tourism industry, to name just one. Canada is buzzing with excitement. That is why the country has attracted more than $100 billion in foreign investment over the past year, a level not seen in nearly two decades. It also explains why we have established some 20 new economic and defence partnerships across four continents. Canada has also increased its exports to markets outside the United States by $33 billion this year. That means jobs are being created here in Canada, including on the south shore. Some might say we are spending too much, but let us hear what the experts have to say. Canada is on track for long-term prosperity, according to estimates from the International Monetary Fund, which ranks Canada second among G7 nations this year in terms of projected growth. We are investing in what matters, and we are doing so responsibly. As the member for La Prairie—Atateken, I want to tell my constituents that this economic update demonstrates that the government is working for them with lower taxes, greater affordability, more help with groceries, more accessible housing, jobs for our young people and a clear vision for Canada’s economic future, a future that is diverse and focused on buying local. That is what we are delivering. La Prairie—Atateken is growing, and the government will be there to support its development.”

“Our government is helping the economy in western Canada, and Alberta's premier supports our work there. We can protect the environment and build a strong economy at the same time.”

“Mr. Speaker, in response to my colleague, I would say that, on the contrary, our government is currently doing a great deal to develop the economy of the western provinces, and I would refer him to the statements made by Danielle Smith, who has welcomed the projects we are launching with Alberta. That said, there is no conflict here. I think that Canada, as a responsible country, must be concerned about the environment, certainly more than some of the countries my colleague mentioned. I believe we can do better than some of the countries he mentioned. There is no contradiction between building a strong economy and doing so efficiently and in an environmentally friendly way. I believe Canadians understand this and support the plan we are proposing.”

“The government buys a lot of goods and services, and we want to buy more from local and Canadian businesses. I want our contracts to require Canadian materials and Canadian workers.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am not sure that I properly understood the question. I understand that it had to do with buying local. I think the government has made its intentions clear on that subject. It took a tremendous amount of work to validate that. It was highly complex. The government buys a lot. There are a lot of contracts. However, our intention is very clear. We intend to deliver something that will stimulate our local industry and Canadian industry, not only in terms of materials, but also in terms of hours worked here, domestically. I also believe that provisions covering this should be included in the contracts. That is my position. I hope that my government will support it.”

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“We want up to 100,000 new workers in the skilled trades over the next five years. I want the member to say more about how we can get more young people into these good jobs.”

“Mr. Speaker, the member made reference to the Red Seal program. It is a program that I believe has a great deal of support. To elevate that program by saying we want more young people to enter these dozens of trades, of skilled, good quality jobs, and that we want 80,000 to 100,000 new workers over the next five years, is a very powerful statement to young people and others. Could the member expand on that point?”