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Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal 3:55 p.m.

“I want you to agree with me that our government is very good. We got rid of one tax and moved some other taxes around to help pay for gas. Those are good things that you should cheer for.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, my friend was making reference to the important issue of taxation during his speech. I would remind my friend that it has been about one year since the election, and the very first action that our Prime Minister took was to get rid of the carbon tax, which I think was very well-received by Canadians. Then a second action, taken just before summer, was a tax break for the middle class that benefited 22 million Canadians. Fast-forward to today, and we have yet another tax break dealing with the important issue of affordability, where we see the gas tax being reduced by the federal government on a temporary basis to help deal with the price of gas, given what is taking place in the Middle East. I am wondering if my friend would not agree that those three tax initiatives were wonderful to see put into place and that he clearly supports them.

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John-Paul Danko

Liberal 4:15 p.m.

“I'm filling time by talking about world events that the other party can't control. I want to avoid defending my government's actions on the issues the other member brought up.”

Hon. Rachel Bendayan

Liberal 4:20 p.m.

“I want Canadians to feel good about our economy. We are doing a lot of things. Our economy is growing. We are giving people money. We are investing in many big projects. I hope people will like all the things we are doing.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to share my time with my friend and colleague, the member for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas. I am very pleased to rise today to speak to Bill C-30, which implements certain measures from the 2026 spring economic update. As members are well aware, we are debating this bill at a pivotal moment for our country. Around the world, economic and geopolitical uncertainty has reached unprecedented levels. Global markets remain extremely volatile. Conflicts in the Middle East and Europe continue to disrupt supply chains. Global energy disruptions and trade tensions are on the rise. Protectionism is making a comeback. Around the world, economies continue to face significant instability. The world uncertainty index recently surged to its highest level ever recorded in its more than 60 years of history. Global growth remains very uneven. Trade tensions are on the rise. Geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and in Europe continue to disrupt our supply chains and to create uncertainty in international markets. Many advanced economies are struggling with sluggish productivity growth, persistent inflationary pressures and rising debt burdens, and Canadians understand these global realities. However, as I spoke with many constituents over the course of the last few weeks, and many Canadians indeed across the country, the feeling that keeps coming across is one of optimism. People see the chaos unfolding around the world, and more than ever, they are proud to be Canadian. In fact, a recent poll released just a few days ago shows that the number of Canadians who believe that Canada, this country, is headed in the right direction is at its highest level in a decade. What Canadians expect from their federal government is seriousness, discipline and a clear economic path forward, and that is exactly what this government is delivering. The best way to ensure that Canada can weather this global wave of instability is by focusing on what we can control and building a strong economy here at home. The numbers speak for themselves. Wage growth has now outpaced inflation for more than three consecutive years, meaning Canadians are seeing sustained income growth. Inflation here in Canada has remained within the Bank of Canada's target range for two years now. In fact, inflation in Canada is now 26% lower than in the United States. Canada has the second-fastest growth rate in the G7 despite the trade war waged by the U.S. and continued global uncertainty, and according to the IMF, Canada is projected to remain the second-fastest growing economy in the G7 this year and next year. Since last summer, Canada has created over 77,000 jobs. Per capita, that is approximately two and a half times the pace of job creation in the United States. While the war in Iran and the resulting disruptions in global energy flows have significantly increased prices at the pump, our government has taken decisive action to mitigate those impacts for Canadians by suspending the federal excise taxes on fuel from now until Labour Day. Next Friday, 12 million Canadians will receive a one-time payment as part of the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit. This means a payment of up to $267 for individuals and up to $533 for a family of four. This benefit represents nearly $1,900 this year. That is real money and a real boost for Canadians who need it most. Next Friday, 12 million Canadians will receive a top-up payment as part of our new groceries and essentials benefit. That means $267 for a single person and up to $533 for a family of four. We are talking about approximately $1,900 for the year. That is very tangible support that will make a real difference. Over the past year, we have announced 15 major projects of national interest and six transformative economic strategies that will generate over $125 billion in investments and support more than 60,000 jobs across the country. That includes the expansion of the Port of Montreal back home in Contrecoeur. It also includes Nouveau Monde Graphite's Matawinie mine in the Lanaudière region and the transformative high-speed rail project between Quebec City and Toronto. To meet this moment, we also need to ensure that Canada has the reliable and affordable electricity needed to power the economy of the future. Through our new national electricity strategy, we will double our electricity supply here in Canada while building a stronger, more interconnected electricity grid right across the country. This means accelerating investments in transmission infrastructure, clean power generation, energy storage and grid modernization, all so that Canadian businesses and workers have access to the affordable energy they need in order to compete and to grow. This is good for our environment, and it is good for our economy. Canada's electricity is some of the cleanest in the entire world, and it is key to attracting more investments in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and critical minerals and, of course, to ensuring the competitiveness of our economy overall. In the economic update, we are providing more than $13 billion in international climate finance. Although this investment received relatively little media attention, it was very important to me. It was also important to the Prime Minister. At a time when many countries, such as the United Kingdom and France, are cutting back on aid for climate protection, it is essential for all of us that Canada continue to show leadership, because climate change knows no borders, and helping the most vulnerable countries adapt and build their resilience is not only a moral responsibility for Canada, but also in our strategic interest. As we make these investments, we are fulfilling our commitment to reduce the government's operating spending. Since last fall, we have reduced the deficit by $11.5 billion. In fact, Canada continues to have the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7. Canada has by far the strongest fiscal position of any G7 economy, as well as an AAA credit rating, the highest in the world. I am not saying this just to boast about the Canadian economy, but because this fiscal strength is essential. In a world marked by instability, countries with sound and solid public finances like Canada have the ability to act, invest, and protect their citizens. Canada is positioning itself to lead, and the world is taking notice. Foreign direct investment in Canada has reached its highest level in nearly two decades. Investors are choosing to invest here in Canada because of our skilled workforce, our stable institutions, our abundant natural resources and our responsible fiscal framework. That investment translates directly into jobs for Canadians, and it means new factories, new supply chains, new export opportunities and stronger economic sovereignty. We are also redoubling our efforts to diversify Canada's economy. In a world where supply chains are being reshaped and global trade is becoming more fragmented, Canada must expand its economic partnerships and open new markets for Canadian businesses. Our objective is as clear as it is ambitious: to double Canada's non-U.S. trade over the next decade. I have only a little time left but a lot to say. We simply cannot rely too heavily on any single market. That is why we have concluded over 20 new trade and security agreements on four different continents. Our non-U.S. exports are now up nearly 40%. That diversification makes Canada stronger and much more resilient. As the Prime Minister said very clearly at Davos, we know that “The old order is not coming back. We should not mourn it.”

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Hon. Rachel Bendayan

Liberal 4:20 p.m.

“You caused a problem. Now you're taking credit for a solution. I don't like that. We're going to study it more.”

Hon. Rachel Bendayan

Liberal 4:20 p.m.

“I want to look like I'm doing something without committing to anything.”

Patrick Weiler

Liberal 4:20 p.m.

“The government is spending $7 billion on a housing program. I met some people who bought a house. Talk about our housing plans some more so we look like we're helping young people.”

Hon. Rachel Bendayan

Liberal 4:35 p.m.

“I want to spend lots of money on housing programs and brag about how much we're spending. I also want to pat my friend on the back for spending billions.”

Hon. Rachel Bendayan

Liberal 4:35 p.m.

“We're committed to net zero by 2050. I want to say that again and again.”

John-Paul Danko

Liberal 4:35 p.m.

“I want voters to know I like volleyball. I like sports programs. I want the government to spend $775 million on sports programs. Our party is doing a good job. Life is hard. Sports teach you that. I want to talk about good things our party has done. I want to talk about many areas of government spending. Our party is managing the government's money well. I am very optimistic about the future.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, as the representative for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, I want to take this moment to congratulate the Ancaster Lions Volleyball Club. The 18U rep team won a gold medal at nationals this past weekend in Calgary. The adage in sports is that we want to win the last game we play, and for many of these players, this was their last game of competitive volleyball. It was just amazing to go out on such a tremendous victory. I want to thank the coaches: Ed Bosveld; Coach Smitty, Jeff Smith; Caleb Joosse; and Brenden Vanderkruk. As I reflect on this amazing achievement, I realize the importance of competitive sports, especially on the development of young men in their lives. It gives them a competitive outlet. There is the commitment, the training, the practice and the work on self-improvement. There is the personal responsibility that comes when the team relies on its players, and learning that their actions have consequences. Players learn that sometimes life is not fair and that, even when they do everything right, sometimes they do not win, and they have to learn how to deal with those losses. They have to train for success, learn the value of hard work, eat healthy and have healthy habits. Above all, there is leadership and what it is to be part of a team working together towards a common goal. We are so proud of all the years of hard work by the athletes, coaches and the parents who supported these athletes all the way along. I say, “Way to go, boys.” On that note, I will reflect on the spring economic statement. There is a $775-million investment in sports infrastructure and programming, from house leagues to the Olympics. Having been through competitive volleyball for a number of years, I can see first-hand the need for that investment on the ground in communities, in particular in the Golden Horseshoe area for court sports, such as basketball and volleyball, and for racquet sports. I am committed to advocating for those investments in our community. I also want to take a moment to say happy birthday to my wife. It was her 50th birthday this past week when we were in our ridings. Members might ask how we celebrated her birthday. Well, it was a riding week, so we went to the Legion for Catch the Ace. We had a great evening. Everyone was very welcoming, but I do owe her a little bit more of a special evening event. As we move on to the spring economic statement, I want to reflect that, just over a year ago, Canadians elected a serious, pragmatic government. Over the past year, our focus federally has really been on three major priorities: our economic and national security, responding to major global uncertainty and maintaining Canada's economy in constant in the face of that uncertainty. We are focused on affordability, lowering costs, supporting families, cutting taxes, and economic investments. In my personal role in advocating for federal investments in Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, my focus is on infrastructure spending, housing, and investments in the skilled trades and the next generation of workers. I am really optimistic about Hamilton, Ancaster and Dundas's future. We have seen positive momentum in Canada over the past year, and Hamilton, Ancaster and Dundas are very well positioned for future growth. Our industrial base continues to power Canada's economy. We have one of the most diverse economies in all of Canada, led by steel and manufacturing and by health care and life sciences, which are actually Hamilton's largest employers. We are also leaders in research and innovation, with three post-secondary institutions in my riding, McMaster, Mohawk and Redeemer, leading in research and innovation and the skilled trades. Hamilton is a place that is known for labour for the skilled trades, and it will continue to lead in those sectors. Of course, it goes without saying that there are challenges. The illegal American tariffs are an ongoing economic pressure for local industry. This is with an ongoing, unprecedented uncertainty in the world as we are dealing with a now hostile neighbour to the south. There are issues in Ukraine, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, Taiwan and China, and a U.S. administration that has caused the single largest increase ever in the price of oil. While the U.S. has caused this problem and is risking a global recession because of it, it is the rest of the world that is left mitigating the impacts. I also want to reflect on some of the successes of the past Trudeau government. There are three areas that come to mind as being particularly high points for the Trudeau government. The first is environment and climate change, making key commitments to take action on climate change, beginning Canada's transition to an electric future and taking action on mitigation of climate impacts. The second is the protection of minority rights, in particular the rights of women. We have seen, in the U.S., systematic and deliberate erosion of the rights of women. MAGA-style politics is the basis for a lot of the current conservative approach. When I was watching The Handmaid's Tale with my wife, some of the flashbacks they showed hit a little too close to home, where we could see that kind of Christian nationalism taking form in the United States at this very moment. I want to talk about my Bloc colleagues as well. They are leaders on the separation of church and state, and I would like to work with them more collaboratively on how to make sure we continue that fundamental differentiation in Canada. Last, the Trudeau government had an amazing response to the COVID pandemic. In hindsight, of course, our vision is 20/20. At the time, I was with the City of Hamilton, and we were dealing with the most profound public health crisis of the past century. From vaccines to taking concrete steps and leadership around the world in the face of a crisis, I think this will stand the test of time as being one of the shining moments for Canada. That brings me to the need for true leadership in a time of crisis. There has been economic momentum in Canada, with Canada having the strongest fiscal position in the G7, among the highest employment growth, the second-highest GDP, inflation within the Bank of Canada's target range and wage growth exceeding inflation. We are the most tax-competitive jurisdiction for new business in the G7, and we have the lowest marginal tax rate. We have the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7, and not just by a little bit. It is five times lower than Germany's and 10 times lower than the United States'. We have the best credit rating; record-high oil and gas production; record-high global investment, the highest in the G7, double that of the U.S.; and a 40% increase in non-U.S. trade in the last few months. We are making investments to maintain this momentum. Locally in Hamilton, we are supporting workers with a regional tariff response plan, buy Canadian procurement policies and protections against unfair foreign steel dumping, and we are making major investments in Canada's economy, not for the next year or the next election cycle but for the next century. We have invested $115 billion in infrastructure, including the $51-billion build Canada strong fund; $25 billion in housing, including $13 billion on build Canada homes, modernizing modular construction and supporting the housing industry; $30 billion toward defence and industrial strategy, currently at 2% of GDP, with a goal to be at 5% within five years; and $115 billion of investment in productivity, innovation and trade diversification. We are taking fiscal responsibility for Canada's finances. We are balancing the operating budget within three years, a $60-billion savings target, and we are already $11 billion lower than targets. On top of all of this is diversifying Canada's trade, making real investments to diversify our reliance on one single trading partner, the United States. That work is already showing dividends right now, because Canada is not broken. Our challenges exist, but we are defining our own path. With respect to federal affordability measures, we have also cut income tax. We have provided relief on gas prices by removing the consumer carbon tax, saving consumers 18¢ a litre, and by suspending the federal fuel excise tax, saving consumers 10¢ a litre. All of this is, as I said, in the context of ongoing global conflicts. Canada is facing real challenges, such as global instability, tariffs and economic uncertainty, but Canada also has enormous strengths, which our government is leveraging: strong institutions, skilled workers, natural resources, industrial capacity, and innovation and research. The spring economic update focuses on protecting Canadians while preparing for the future, because we are optimistic about Canada's future, we are optimistic about Hamilton's future and we believe in Canada and Canadians.

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John-Paul Danko

Liberal 4:45 p.m.

“I want to look good by saying we're spending a lot of money in my riding. The other guy should be quiet.”

John-Paul Danko

Liberal 4:50 p.m.

“I want to cheer for a program that spends money in my riding. I agree the government should spend more on sports programs for everyone, not just elite athletes. I want the government to take a leadership role and partner with provinces and municipalities to spend even more on sports and sports infrastructure.”

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal 4:50 p.m.

“I want the government to spend more money on training programs for skilled trades. I think this will help young Canadians get jobs in those trades. I am asking you to agree with me that the government should spend money on this.”

John-Paul Danko

Liberal 4:50 p.m.

“I'm glad I get to talk about my government spending $51 billion on Build Canada and $13 billion on Build Canada Homes. I think this is very important. I used to work in construction. I think skilled trades jobs are good for communities. I want the government to spend more money on training the next generation of workers.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I did not get to that in my speech, but I am glad I get to answer it here. As we are investing $51 billion to build Canada strong and $13 billion in the affordable homes plan, or Build Canada Homes, we need to make sure that we have the next generation of workers in the skilled trades available to work on those projects. I spent 20 years working in heavy civil construction, working with workers in the skilled trades directly. I know the amazing benefits those jobs have to communities, as well as the high pay and the pride workers take in the job they do when they are working in the skilled trades. Our government is investing in the next generation to make sure they have the jobs to provide for their families.

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Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal 4:50 p.m.

“No, no, our trade deals are great! We've signed some with other countries too, you know. And we're talking to even more countries about trade. The Prime Minister is bringing in lots of money and expanding Canada's economy. How can you say otherwise?”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I would take the member to task for his comments in regard to the degree to which this Prime Minister and this government, through their approach, are expanding Canada's economy beyond the United States. We have a Prime Minister who got commitments of billions of dollars last year. We have a Prime Minister and a government that have secured numerous signatories on trade agreements of different forms. We have passed legislation on trade agreements with Northern Ireland and Indonesia. We have trade agreements that are in the works for countries such as India, from which the biggest delegation ever, from what I understand, is in Ottawa today dealing with trade. We have commitments working with Philippines and other countries developing trade. I wonder if he might want to retract some of his comments. We are seeing real results with trade.

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Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal 5:15 p.m.

“I want to cheer for a program that spends money. Other countries spend money too. The opposition doesn't understand why this program is good. They say it's bad. That's wrong. Spending more money will make Canada strong.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the member talked about reality at the very beginning, and he needs a reality shake. We can look at the holistic approach of this government in the last year, with a new Prime Minister and a new government, and look at the many initiatives that are actually driving and making a positive difference. I will use one example. The member mocks the idea of a sovereignty fund. Other countries around the world actually have sovereignty funds. The Conservatives do not understand what it is. I have heard the debate, and the Speaker will not allow me enough time to provide the rationale as to why the sovereignty fund, or the Canada strong fund, is a good fund. The Conservative Kool-Aid says no, it is bad, and it is broken. That is all they ever say. They go around Canada, and Canada is—

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Pauline Rochefort

Liberal 5:20 p.m.

“I want people to feel included. I bought savings bonds when I was young and it made me feel good. I think a new fund can make us feel like a team. Our riding gets money for many things already.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with my colleague from La Prairie—Atateken. I rise today to speak to the spring economic statement and to confirm that I will be voting in support of Bill C-30, an act to implement certain provisions of the spring economic update that was tabled in the House of Commons on April 28. There are many important elements within both the bill and the statement, but today I would like to focus on two central themes. First is the proposed Canada Strong fund and what it represents for the people of Nipissing—Timiskaming in providing an opportunity to be all in for Canada. Secondly, I would like to speak to the many ways that Canada is supporting the residents of Nipissing—Timiskaming, demonstrating that Canada is also all in for its citizens. I am glad that today in the House, there are members from my riding. On that note, I spent the last two weeks in my riding meeting with residents and attending community events and local functions. What I sensed in general was a growing feeling that this is a moment for Canadians to come together. I believe it is much like being part of a team, and I am sure fans of the Montreal Canadiens understand the analogy well, especially today. When the stakes are high, it is not the time to sit back on the bench. It is time to ask ourselves, how can we contribute to the success of the team? The same is true for Canada today. We may have different views on strategy, but once the game has started, our success depends on our ability to work together toward a common goal. In many ways, the times we are living in now remind me of the period following the Second World War. I was not alive then, but according to history books, Canada was facing the enormous task of rebuilding and strengthening the country. At that time, Canadians were able to directly participate in building the nation through Canada savings bonds. As part of the spring economic statement, the Prime Minister announced the Canada Strong fund, the country's first national sovereign wealth fund. This proposed fund would allow individual Canadians to co-invest alongside institutional partners in large-scale, nation-building infrastructure projects. While we have discussed it here today, the final design of the fund has not yet been announced, as it will be shaped through consultations that will begin shortly. However, even at this early stage, the spirit behind the initiative reminds me of the era of Canada savings bonds, established in 1945 under former prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. For generations, Canada savings bonds provided Canadians with a trusted and accessible way to support the growth and transformation of the economy, while building wealth for themselves and their families. They were promoted not merely as financial instruments but as tools of nation building, fostering a culture of shared economic purpose during a period when millions of Canadians were emerging from uncertainty and insecurity. One constituent in my riding recently shared with me how much pride his father had. His father worked for a small township in Timiskaming, and he earned a modest income. His son spoke of how his father was proud when he purchased his first Canada savings bond because for him, it meant that he was contributing to Canada, to its growth, to the country he loved and to something that was larger than himself. I can actually relate to that personally because when I started to work, I purchased my own Canada savings bonds. I was in my 20s. I am somewhat embarrassed to say that my motivation was not about savings at that age, but it was about contributing to Canada. It was about supporting my country and feeling connected to something bigger than myself. Although the program ended almost a decade ago, for almost 70 years it meant Canadians had the opportunity to contribute directly to our country's success. Because of my own experience, and what I continue to hear from residents across Nipissing—Timiskaming, I strongly support both the concept of and the rationale behind the proposed Canada Strong fund. A strong economy is not built by government and industry alone. It is built when citizens feel connected to the opportunities ahead and confident they have a role to play in shaping the future. The Canada Strong fund is about building Canada together. From energy to infrastructure to mining, the fund will invest across key sectors while delivering market rate returns for Canadians who choose to participate. I particularly appreciate the Prime Minister's emphasis on making the fund accessible to all Canadians, regardless of their economic situation. In my view, that is important because it strengthens Canadians' connection to their country and to the values that define us. In many ways, the Canada Strong fund reflects the same spirit that was once behind the Canada savings bonds. As Prime Minister Mackenzie King said, our duty is to give all of our citizens a greater measure of security. Today, Canada continues to pursue that same goal: to provide Canadians with greater security and greater certainty at a time that is marked by economic and geopolitical uncertainty, as many in the House have mentioned. I am proud to live in a country that has the backs of its citizens in practical and meaningful ways. Canada is supporting families, workers, seniors, businesses and communities, including the residents of my riding, Nipissing—Timiskaming. While time permits only a few examples, these measures demonstrate how federal investments are making a tangible difference in the lives of the people in my riding. Last week, I was pleased to announce funding through the regional tariff response initiative to support five prominent mining sector companies in my riding as they modernize and expand their operations in the face of unfair and unjust tariffs. These investments will protect jobs and create better-paying jobs throughout our riding. Through the strategic response fund, we also saw approval for Electra Battery Materials Corporation's $100-million project to produce battery-grade cobalt sulphate in Timiskaming. For our country, domestic cobalt sulphate production will reduce the reliance on imports and strengthen key sectors such as electric vehicles, defence manufacturing, semiconductors and medical technologies. For Nipissing—Timiskaming, that represents 60 direct jobs and, during the construction, 100 skilled trade workers who will be working on the construction site. Last week, I was pleased to confirm an investment through the Canada-Ontario community housing initiative to support the construction of 60 affordable homes in North Bay. Affordable housing remains one of the most—

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Pauline Rochefort

Liberal 5:20 p.m.

“I'm listing off as many programs and numbers as I can. Look at all the benefits my riding gets! I want voters to think I got them these things. And look, a tax cut and some infrastructure money too! Home builders like those, so I'll name-drop them too. I'll even throw in some military spending, maybe that will impress voters. All these different programs prove that Canada is doing a lot for my riding.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I also wanted to point out that I was surprised to see the numbers. In my riding, approximately 28,000 residents will begin benefiting from the new groceries and essentials benefit in July. There are more than 14,000 residents in Nipissing—Timiskaming who qualify for dental care support, more than 12,000 elementary school students benefit from healthy meal programs, and over 10,000 families are receiving the Canada child benefit. Then there is the very strong support in Nipissing—Timiskaming for the recently announced 13% HST relief on new homes. This measure will help make home ownership more attainable for young people and families seeking to enter the housing market. At the same time, the federal government and the Province of Ontario have announced an $8.8-billion cost-shared infrastructure program over 10 years to support municipalities. This funding will help lower development costs for contractors and home builders while ensuring continued investment in roads, water systems and other housing-enabling infrastructure. These are precisely the kinds of measures that municipalities, builders and organizations, such as the Northern Ontario Home Builders' Association, have been calling for. I believe I am coming to the end of my speech. I could give several more examples, but I would like to talk about 22 Wing in North Bay and the Northern Ontario Road to Defence. Residents are also seeing that new investments are strengthening Canada's ability to maintain its sovereignty, such as the over-the-horizon radar, which is very important for the town of North Bay. Taken together, these measures demonstrate how Canada is supporting the residents of Nipissing—Timiskaming and showing that our country is all in for its residents. That matters because the federal government has important responsibilities to protect national security and public safety, to provide support through programs such as the Canada pension plan and old age security, and to provide support to indigenous communities to promote economic stability—

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Pauline Rochefort

Liberal 5:35 p.m.

“I agree that local media is important. CBC/Radio-Canada is very important in my riding. The government's support for local journalists is important too. I just want to say that I agree and I support this.”

Pauline Rochefort

Liberal 5:35 p.m.

“I don't want to answer your specific question about Canada's debt accounting. Instead I will talk about how the International Monetary Fund praises Canada's fiscal responsibility. I encourage everyone in your riding to read our economic update and see the positive economic indicators.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I understand the question fully. I would like to point out to my colleague that the International Monetary Fund is a very important organization. Practically 90% of countries across the world belong to the fund. It plays an important role in comparing economies across the world. What it states, with respect to Canada, is very important. Basically, in April, it stated that Canada, among the G7, is the most fiscally responsible country. It takes a very important position. It speaks strongly about Canada. There are so many other indicators that we could point to, and that is why I encourage all the citizens from my colleague's riding to read the spring economic update and to see and take good note of the many positive economic indicators.

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Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal 5:35 p.m.

“I want to create a contrast where Liberals look generous and opposition looks stingy. I want my riding to think government is investing in them.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I appreciated my colleague's comments on the Canada Strong fund. I think it is a wonderful opportunity for Canadians to invest in Canada. To have that opportunity, I think is something that is being provided for here. The Conservatives have come out against it. We often hear Conservatives being against the Infrastructure Bank, for example. It is a bank that, along with the federal government, has lured billions of dollars of investment, generated thousands of jobs and had major projects in every region of the country. The contrast seems to be that the current government believes in investing in Canada, in infrastructure and in Canadians, while the Conservatives tend to just want to get out of the way, as they often say. I am wondering if the member could provide her thoughts on why it is really important that, as a government, we invest in Canadians and in infrastructure.

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