This was a Business of Supply debate taking place during consideration of the government’s recent economic update legislation. Conservatives pressed the Finance Minister on deficit spending, asking when the budget would be balanced, how many homes are being built, the costs of a planned sovereign wealth fund, and details of specific spending items such as a spaceport lease, while repeatedly saying the minister was not answering their questions. Liberals defended the government’s record, saying the economy is strong, the deficit is lower than expected, and housing prices and rents have come down. The Bloc Québécois asked about the exemption of American companies from the global minimum tax in Bill C-31 and about wage subsidies for workers affected by tariffs, and the NDP asked why the government is not taxing oil company excess profits or banning surveillance pricing. Some members also raised local matters such as support for regional media.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .
“Other major countries are also facing delays with these plans. We need to invest in current industries while preparing for the future.”
“Mr. Chair, my colleague is a very experienced member of the House. He will have seen that in all G7 countries, and I have just come from the G7, these plans have been delayed. What we are saying about the north star is that we need to invest in what they make today, but also prepare for the future.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Chair, my colleague is a very experienced member of the House. He will have seen that in all G7 countries, and I have just come from the G7, these plans have been delayed. What we are saying about the north star is that we need to invest in what they make today, but also prepare for the future.
“The member already understands what I said and is just looking for a video clip. We want to invest in vehicles.”
“Mr. Chair, I am happy to repeat what I just said, but I know my colleague understood. He is looking for some kind of clip, but he is not going to get it. What I can say tonight is that we want to invest in the vehicles that are—”
Mr. Chair, I am happy to repeat what I just said, but I know my colleague understood. He is looking for some kind of clip, but he is not going to get it. What I can say tonight is that we want to invest in the vehicles that are—
“We worked with unions and Ontario to build a strong car industry in Canada. The opposition should support our auto workers instead of criticizing the industry.”
“Mr. Chair, I am sure my colleague will have seen our auto strategy, which has been presented. We have worked with unions and with the Province of Ontario, among others, to make sure that we will have a resilient auto sector in Canada. I would say that I am proud of the auto workers. I am proud of our industry. I am proud of what they do. Instead of talking down the industry, I think my colleagues should be cheering up and saying we will work together to support the auto industry in Canada.”
Mr. Chair, I am sure my colleague will have seen our auto strategy, which has been presented. We have worked with unions and with the Province of Ontario, among others, to make sure that we will have a resilient auto sector in Canada. I would say that I am proud of the auto workers. I am proud of our industry. I am proud of what they do. Instead of talking down the industry, I think my colleagues should be cheering up and saying we will work together to support the auto industry in Canada.
“We are creating a national fund to build wealth for Canadians. It will follow the best models from around the world and run independently from the government.”
“Mr. Chair, I am happy that my colleague is focusing on the Canadian sovereign wealth fund that we are creating. This is going to be a great instrument to create collective wealth. It is going to be applying the best practices that we see around the world. The governance model will reflect its independence from the government.”
Mr. Chair, I am happy that my colleague is focusing on the Canadian sovereign wealth fund that we are creating. This is going to be a great instrument to create collective wealth. It is going to be applying the best practices that we see around the world. The governance model will reflect its independence from the government.
“We should all care about young people who need jobs. Our plan will help 80,000 to 100,000 young Canadians get trained in skilled trades so they can help build the country.”
“Mr. Chair, we should always be concerned about youth unemployment on both sides of the aisle, obviously, as Canadians. That is why team Canada strong would provide opportunities for 80,000 to 100,000 young Canadians to get into the trades and get their Red Seal certification so that they can contribute to building the country at this—”
Mr. Chair, we should always be concerned about youth unemployment on both sides of the aisle, obviously, as Canadians. That is why team Canada strong would provide opportunities for 80,000 to 100,000 young Canadians to get into the trades and get their Red Seal certification so that they can contribute to building the country at this—
“High youth unemployment is not just happening in Canada. Global uncertainty is hurting jobs in many countries, and we are working to give young people opportunities.”
“Mr. Chair, what we are seeing in terms of youth unemployment in Canada is not unique to Canada. We see this in other G7 countries. What we are seeing is that the impact of what we are facing in the world in terms of uncertainty has affected a number of industries and has affected youth unemployment in particular. That is why I think we should be happy that we have team Canada strong. We are going to provide opportunities—”
Mr. Chair, what we are seeing in terms of youth unemployment in Canada is not unique to Canada. We see this in other G7 countries. What we are seeing is that the impact of what we are facing in the world in terms of uncertainty has affected a number of industries and has affected youth unemployment in particular. That is why I think we should be happy that we have team Canada strong. We are going to provide opportunities—
“Youth unemployment is an important issue. The government is helping up to 100,000 young Canadians get jobs in the trades, and we want to do even more to support them.”
“Mr. Chair, I want to thank my colleague for focusing on youth unemployment. It is something that every member of the House should be focusing on. That is why the government has taken action. Team Canada strong is going to provide the opportunity and possibility for 80,000 to 100,000 young Canadians to get into the trades. We want them to help us build Canada strong. We want them to help us build this country. This is the kind of measure that is going to help youth in the country, but we can always look at measures that do more for them. We want to support our youth in our country.”
Mr. Chair, I want to thank my colleague for focusing on youth unemployment. It is something that every member of the House should be focusing on. That is why the government has taken action. Team Canada strong is going to provide the opportunity and possibility for 80,000 to 100,000 young Canadians to get into the trades. We want them to help us build Canada strong. We want them to help us build this country. This is the kind of measure that is going to help youth in the country, but we can always look at measures that do more for them. We want to support our youth in our country.
“It is not fair to say I have not answered questions. I have been answering them for more than three hours. I agree that we need to cut red tape, and we are acting to help young people.”
“Mr. Chair, it is unfair to say I have not answered questions. I have been answering questions for more than three hours. I am not sure that any member on that side has answered questions for more than three hours in their lives. They say that I have not answered questions, but they have not answered questions for three hours in their lives. I agree with the member that we need to focus on reducing red tape. That is why we are taking action to support youth in the country.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Chair, it is unfair to say I have not answered questions. I have been answering questions for more than three hours. I am not sure that any member on that side has answered questions for more than three hours in their lives. They say that I have not answered questions, but they have not answered questions for three hours in their lives. I agree with the member that we need to focus on reducing red tape. That is why we are taking action to support youth in the country.
“Immigration helps Canada bring in great people, and we are a welcoming country. But we also need to keep immigration at a manageable level, and our government is doing that.”
“Mr. Chair, I think immigration in this country has allowed the country to attract some of the best and brightest. This is who we are as Canadians. We are a welcoming nation. I also agree that we need to bring the immigration level to a more sustainable level. That is exactly what we have done as a government.”
Mr. Chair, I think immigration in this country has allowed the country to attract some of the best and brightest. This is who we are as Canadians. We are a welcoming nation. I also agree that we need to bring the immigration level to a more sustainable level. That is exactly what we have done as a government.
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Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
LiberalLib
“Our tax on foreign wind towers helps Canadian steel makers, but it is hard on wind energy projects in Nova Scotia that already signed power contracts. I want the minister to look into giving these specific projects a break so they can still get built.”
“Mr. Chair, it is a privilege to be able to join today’s debate on the estimates and be able to put good questions on behalf of the good people of Kings—Hants to the Minister of Finance. I want to start by saying, having served for seven years as a member of Parliament, I appreciate the work of the hon. member from Shawinigan. I appreciate his work in his capacity in a variety of files. I have had the chance to see his leadership first-hand. I want to start by talking about renewable energy. In Nova Scotia, we have seen a tremendous and successful growth of wind power generation. This government has made important decisions around protecting Canada’s steel industry, notably putting a surtax on fabricated wind towers that are generated outside of Canada. I know Marmen, for example, in Quebec is a great example of that leadership in Canadian fabricated wind towers. I have had proponents in Nova Scotia come to me to talk about projects, particularly those that are already under construction or those that have a power purchase agreement. The ability to pivot at this point in the game is quite difficult. They are certainly looking at using Canadian supply chains now that we have the surtax in place. I want to give compliments to the minister. We have a remission order for fabricated wind towers that were already under construction. Some proponents have suggested an ability to use proponents that already have a power purchase agreement would be a reasonable balancing to make sure that some of these projects can go forward. I know it is a difficult balance. Is the minister aware of this? Is it something that he could at least consider in the days ahead?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Chair, it is a privilege to be able to join today’s debate on the estimates and be able to put good questions on behalf of the good people of Kings—Hants to the Minister of Finance. I want to start by saying, having served for seven years as a member of Parliament, I appreciate the work of the hon. member from Shawinigan. I appreciate his work in his capacity in a variety of files. I have had the chance to see his leadership first-hand. I want to start by talking about renewable energy. In Nova Scotia, we have seen a tremendous and successful growth of wind power generation. This government has made important decisions around protecting Canada’s steel industry, notably putting a surtax on fabricated wind towers that are generated outside of Canada. I know Marmen, for example, in Quebec is a great example of that leadership in Canadian fabricated wind towers. I have had proponents in Nova Scotia come to me to talk about projects, particularly those that are already under construction or those that have a power purchase agreement. The ability to pivot at this point in the game is quite difficult. They are certainly looking at using Canadian supply chains now that we have the surtax in place. I want to give compliments to the minister. We have a remission order for fabricated wind towers that were already under construction. Some proponents have suggested an ability to use proponents that already have a power purchase agreement would be a reasonable balancing to make sure that some of these projects can go forward. I know it is a difficult balance. Is the minister aware of this? Is it something that he could at least consider in the days ahead?
“The member for Kings—Hants has done great work helping us shape our policies for Nova Scotia and the wind industry. We have a plan to double our electricity supply, which will help our businesses and our economy grow. We are working together to support energy companies and make sure new projects move forward.”
“Mr. Chair, let me take a moment to thank the member for Kings—Hants. Everyone in Nova Scotia should know that this member in particular has played a key role in helping us shape our policy. He embodies the best of the best. Like my colleagues here tonight, they are MPs. They are standing up for their communities. It is fairly late for those who are watching at home. We are getting close to 11 p.m., and these members are here working hard to represent their constituents, to participate in democracy and to hold debates. I would say the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister has been playing a big role. The people of Kings—Hants should be very proud of their member of Parliament because he has spoken not only for them, but also for Nova Scotia and the wind industry, which we know is very important. We have put together a strategy to double the electricity generation in this country. Oftentimes, we say demography is destiny. I would say that energy is destiny. If we produce more energy in this country, it is certainly going to help our businesses. It is going to help this country to grow. The member is right that Marmen is a great company. I have been working with him, with the premier of Nova Scotia and the Atlantic premiers to strike that right balance. We need to make sure that projects under construction can benefit from a remission so that we have a framework that, on one hand, supports a key industry in our country and, on the other hand, allows projects to go forward. I want to thank him for his leadership in informing me and the Government of Canada on how we can strike this right balance. We would expect a member of Parliament to work with the government and to work with ministers. I have seen his example. I am looking around at all my colleagues who have played such a key role in making sure that their policies are reflected in the budget that we presented and in the spring economic update. On behalf of everyone in Kings—Hants, I just want to thank the member for his outstanding work.”
Mr. Chair, let me take a moment to thank the member for Kings—Hants. Everyone in Nova Scotia should know that this member in particular has played a key role in helping us shape our policy. He embodies the best of the best. Like my colleagues here tonight, they are MPs. They are standing up for their communities. It is fairly late for those who are watching at home. We are getting close to 11 p.m., and these members are here working hard to represent their constituents, to participate in democracy and to hold debates. I would say the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister has been playing a big role. The people of Kings—Hants should be very proud of their member of Parliament because he has spoken not only for them, but also for Nova Scotia and the wind industry, which we know is very important. We have put together a strategy to double the electricity generation in this country. Oftentimes, we say demography is destiny. I would say that energy is destiny. If we produce more energy in this country, it is certainly going to help our businesses. It is going to help this country to grow. The member is right that Marmen is a great company. I have been working with him, with the premier of Nova Scotia and the Atlantic premiers to strike that right balance. We need to make sure that projects under construction can benefit from a remission so that we have a framework that, on one hand, supports a key industry in our country and, on the other hand, allows projects to go forward. I want to thank him for his leadership in informing me and the Government of Canada on how we can strike this right balance. We would expect a member of Parliament to work with the government and to work with ministers. I have seen his example. I am looking around at all my colleagues who have played such a key role in making sure that their policies are reflected in the budget that we presented and in the spring economic update. On behalf of everyone in Kings—Hants, I just want to thank the member for his outstanding work.
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Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
LiberalLib
“Our plan to lower Canada Pension Plan rates will save workers around $170 a year and save money for employers too. I want the minister to talk about how this helps small businesses and workers.”
“Mr. Chair, I appreciate the attention to that matter from the minister. Yes, we do have a great working relationship, and I know that will continue. We have a lot of small businesses in Kings—Hants. When we talked today in the House about affordability, I chastised some of the Conservative positions in the opposition day motion as being too narrow and not looking at broader affordability measures. Yes, we have already reduced gasoline prices by 28¢ a litre, but I talked about some of the social programs we have put in place, and I also talked about the CPP rate reduction. In the spring economic update, the government, through the Minister of Finance, is proposing to take the rate reduction from 9.9% down to 9.5%. This is going to save a T4 employee in the economy about $170 a year, which is important. That is more money back in people’s pockets. Of course, there is a corresponding connection to the employer not having to put that CPP contribution in, and that can be multiplied by the amount of T4 employees that it has. Would the minister care to comment on that CPP rate reduction being a small but meaningful policy to move the needle for small businesses and employees across the country?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Chair, I appreciate the attention to that matter from the minister. Yes, we do have a great working relationship, and I know that will continue. We have a lot of small businesses in Kings—Hants. When we talked today in the House about affordability, I chastised some of the Conservative positions in the opposition day motion as being too narrow and not looking at broader affordability measures. Yes, we have already reduced gasoline prices by 28¢ a litre, but I talked about some of the social programs we have put in place, and I also talked about the CPP rate reduction. In the spring economic update, the government, through the Minister of Finance, is proposing to take the rate reduction from 9.9% down to 9.5%. This is going to save a T4 employee in the economy about $170 a year, which is important. That is more money back in people’s pockets. Of course, there is a corresponding connection to the employer not having to put that CPP contribution in, and that can be multiplied by the amount of T4 employees that it has. Would the minister care to comment on that CPP rate reduction being a small but meaningful policy to move the needle for small businesses and employees across the country?
“I want to thank all the House staff working late tonight. Every province agreed with our plan to cut this cost. It is a great example of governments working together to save money for workers and businesses.”
“Mr. Chair, before I do that, I want to thank the staff of the House of Commons. I see these young pages and the staff at the table working hard. I know it is getting late, and I just want to give kudos on behalf of all parliamentarians for the work they are doing on behalf of all of us and to support democracy. To every employee in the House, the security folks and everyone who is working extra late tonight to support our work, I want to thank them on behalf of colleagues. My colleague is so right. Not only was it a flagship measure, but it was unanimously approved and supported by the provinces. When we make policies, when we talk about a co-operative federalism, this is one of the best examples I can imagine. We had a meeting with the federal, provincial and territorial ministers. I made the recommendation that we would lower it, because that would be an affordability measure. It would leave more money in the pockets of workers and businesses. Unanimously, the provinces came back and said, “Yes, we support you in that.” For me, this is a great example of how our country is working and how we should be working with our colleagues in the provinces and territories. We can put proposals on the table and make sure we work together. This is a great example of us working as one country to the benefit of businesses and workers.”
Mr. Chair, before I do that, I want to thank the staff of the House of Commons. I see these young pages and the staff at the table working hard. I know it is getting late, and I just want to give kudos on behalf of all parliamentarians for the work they are doing on behalf of all of us and to support democracy. To every employee in the House, the security folks and everyone who is working extra late tonight to support our work, I want to thank them on behalf of colleagues. My colleague is so right. Not only was it a flagship measure, but it was unanimously approved and supported by the provinces. When we make policies, when we talk about a co-operative federalism, this is one of the best examples I can imagine. We had a meeting with the federal, provincial and territorial ministers. I made the recommendation that we would lower it, because that would be an affordability measure. It would leave more money in the pockets of workers and businesses. Unanimously, the provinces came back and said, “Yes, we support you in that.” For me, this is a great example of how our country is working and how we should be working with our colleagues in the provinces and territories. We can put proposals on the table and make sure we work together. This is a great example of us working as one country to the benefit of businesses and workers.
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Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
LiberalLib
“Wine growers in my riding really like the federal program that supports them. It ends next year. I want the minister to talk about why the Canadian wine industry matters.”
“Mr. Chair, I represent the largest agricultural riding in Atlantic Canada. Kings—Hants is home to a whole series of different commodity groups and one is the wine sector. We have an emerging grape and wine sector in Kings—Hants. The hon. minister had an opportunity to visit the riding. I know he is a great friend to the agricultural community across the country. One program that is of deep interest to the wine and grape sector is the wine sector support program. The hon. minister was part of the cabinet in the last government that helped put this program together. I compliment him on his leadership. This program does not sunset until the next fiscal year, but some of the wine growers in the community that I represent have highlighted it as a great initiative of the federal government being involved in agriculture under a trade-compliant program. I do not expect the minister tonight to have an answer about the future of that program, but he knows the importance of the wine sector across the country. I am wondering if the minister might talk about that industry, whether it is in Niagara, the Okanagan, Kings—Hants or areas of Brome-Missisquoi. Maybe he could share some of his experience as a member of Parliament in seeing that first-hand and what it means across the country.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Chair, I represent the largest agricultural riding in Atlantic Canada. Kings—Hants is home to a whole series of different commodity groups and one is the wine sector. We have an emerging grape and wine sector in Kings—Hants. The hon. minister had an opportunity to visit the riding. I know he is a great friend to the agricultural community across the country. One program that is of deep interest to the wine and grape sector is the wine sector support program. The hon. minister was part of the cabinet in the last government that helped put this program together. I compliment him on his leadership. This program does not sunset until the next fiscal year, but some of the wine growers in the community that I represent have highlighted it as a great initiative of the federal government being involved in agriculture under a trade-compliant program. I do not expect the minister tonight to have an answer about the future of that program, but he knows the importance of the wine sector across the country. I am wondering if the minister might talk about that industry, whether it is in Niagara, the Okanagan, Kings—Hants or areas of Brome-Missisquoi. Maybe he could share some of his experience as a member of Parliament in seeing that first-hand and what it means across the country.
“Our government supports farmers. Many of our members have personal experience with farming and use that knowledge to shape our food policies.”
“Mr. Chair, the member brought me to a number of wineries and a number of food producers. Together, we had round tables. I also think of my colleague who is a farmer who I see in the House tonight. These farmers need to be celebrated. They put food on the table. That is why the national food security strategy is so important, and that is why supporting our farmers is so important. The member went beyond his normal duty. He went to China, along with the Premier of Saskatchewan, to defend the industry and to defend our canola farmers. We have always been there for our farmers. We have members in our caucus who have deep experience in farming. This is the richness of the people who are working on the government benches. They have personal experience, they know how the industry works and they give us advice. I would say that the member for Kings—Hants is one great example. I could name a number of other colleagues who I see in the House tonight who are also contributing very much to the work we are doing. I want to celebrate them tonight, because not only are they helping us to shape policy, but they are the best of the best in representing the interests of their constituents and bringing their experience to this House of Commons.”
Mr. Chair, the member brought me to a number of wineries and a number of food producers. Together, we had round tables. I also think of my colleague who is a farmer who I see in the House tonight. These farmers need to be celebrated. They put food on the table. That is why the national food security strategy is so important, and that is why supporting our farmers is so important. The member went beyond his normal duty. He went to China, along with the Premier of Saskatchewan, to defend the industry and to defend our canola farmers. We have always been there for our farmers. We have members in our caucus who have deep experience in farming. This is the richness of the people who are working on the government benches. They have personal experience, they know how the industry works and they give us advice. I would say that the member for Kings—Hants is one great example. I could name a number of other colleagues who I see in the House tonight who are also contributing very much to the work we are doing. I want to celebrate them tonight, because not only are they helping us to shape policy, but they are the best of the best in representing the interests of their constituents and bringing their experience to this House of Commons.
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Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
LiberalLib
“Our plan asks farming regulators to think about the economy when they make rules. Environmental and health safety still matter, but so does food security. I want the minister to explain how changing these rules will help cut red tape and grow the economy.”
“Mr. Chair, I agree with the hon. minister. He may have been referencing the hon. member for Peterborough and her experience in working in the agriculture sector. Let me go on the record in seconding the minister’s belief that the member for Peterborough is a great champion in this House, along with the hon. member for Compton—Stanstead. We have a whole host of leaders in that agricultural space. There is one thing I want to ask the minister. In the spring economic update, there is an intention from the government to change the mandate of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, CFIA, and also the Pesticides Regulatory Directorate, the former PMRA, to put an economic lens on the decisions. Of course, I know all members of this House would agree that environmental and health safety are paramount, but so too is food security and economic decision-making around the regulators. The minister has a very big portfolio, but this is part of the work that the government is doing around red tape. Whether they are in Peterborough or Kings—Hants, farmers have pointed to this government leadership as being a great example of trying to look at regulatory agility. Would the hon. minister be able to speak to the CFIA and PRD amendments specifically, or talk more broadly about regulatory reform and agility and how it is part of our economic growth agenda?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Chair, I agree with the hon. minister. He may have been referencing the hon. member for Peterborough and her experience in working in the agriculture sector. Let me go on the record in seconding the minister’s belief that the member for Peterborough is a great champion in this House, along with the hon. member for Compton—Stanstead. We have a whole host of leaders in that agricultural space. There is one thing I want to ask the minister. In the spring economic update, there is an intention from the government to change the mandate of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, CFIA, and also the Pesticides Regulatory Directorate, the former PMRA, to put an economic lens on the decisions. Of course, I know all members of this House would agree that environmental and health safety are paramount, but so too is food security and economic decision-making around the regulators. The minister has a very big portfolio, but this is part of the work that the government is doing around red tape. Whether they are in Peterborough or Kings—Hants, farmers have pointed to this government leadership as being a great example of trying to look at regulatory agility. Would the hon. minister be able to speak to the CFIA and PRD amendments specifically, or talk more broadly about regulatory reform and agility and how it is part of our economic growth agenda?
“We are supporting Canadian farmers to protect our food supply. Canada imports most of its fresh produce, especially in the winter. We are helping people get money for groceries and investing in greenhouses so we can grow more food here.”
“Mr. Chair, it is amazing. We are getting to 11 p.m. and the questions are getting better and better. It is great. I will not say they are coming from this side of the House, but I want to celebrate the member for Peterborough to start with. She is an amazing colleague, but also a great farmer. I want to thank her. Being members of Parliament, bringing our expertise and our experience to the House is what our work is all about. She is a farmer. She knows how things work. I can tell everyone who is watching in Peterborough that they have an amazing member of Parliament. Every opportunity she has to tell me about the reality of farming in this country, she takes. I want to celebrate her and all the farmers in the country. Wherever they are in the country, we celebrate them, and they should be feeling good that they have people in the House who represent their industry. It is a way of life when one is a farmer. Being both a member of Parliament and a farmer is quite a unique position. I want to thank the member for Compton—Stanstead as well. To my colleague’s point, it is true that when we think about farming, it is also about economic security. I would say the world today realizes the nexus between food security, energy security, economic security and national security. There is this great nexus that is coming together. When it comes to food security, Canadians can count on Canadian farmers. We can play a big role in feeding Canadians. This is why we want to make structural investments. The member for Kings—Hants has been helping us. Not only do we have the groceries benefit that is going to come to Canadians, with 12 million Canadians receiving it on June 5, but we have also made structural investments in greenhouses, for example, so we can grow more. During the year, we might import 60% of our fresh produce, but when it gets to winter, we get to 80% or 90%. One way of having better management of the cost is to grow more in Canada, to become more resilient. I want to thank the member for Kings—Hants again for bringing me to some of these facilities to better understand how we can support that, with the member for Peterborough—”
Mr. Chair, it is amazing. We are getting to 11 p.m. and the questions are getting better and better. It is great. I will not say they are coming from this side of the House, but I want to celebrate the member for Peterborough to start with. She is an amazing colleague, but also a great farmer. I want to thank her. Being members of Parliament, bringing our expertise and our experience to the House is what our work is all about. She is a farmer. She knows how things work. I can tell everyone who is watching in Peterborough that they have an amazing member of Parliament. Every opportunity she has to tell me about the reality of farming in this country, she takes. I want to celebrate her and all the farmers in the country. Wherever they are in the country, we celebrate them, and they should be feeling good that they have people in the House who represent their industry. It is a way of life when one is a farmer. Being both a member of Parliament and a farmer is quite a unique position. I want to thank the member for Compton—Stanstead as well. To my colleague’s point, it is true that when we think about farming, it is also about economic security. I would say the world today realizes the nexus between food security, energy security, economic security and national security. There is this great nexus that is coming together. When it comes to food security, Canadians can count on Canadian farmers. We can play a big role in feeding Canadians. This is why we want to make structural investments. The member for Kings—Hants has been helping us. Not only do we have the groceries benefit that is going to come to Canadians, with 12 million Canadians receiving it on June 5, but we have also made structural investments in greenhouses, for example, so we can grow more. During the year, we might import 60% of our fresh produce, but when it gets to winter, we get to 80% or 90%. One way of having better management of the cost is to grow more in Canada, to become more resilient. I want to thank the member for Kings—Hants again for bringing me to some of these facilities to better understand how we can support that, with the member for Peterborough—
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Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
LiberalLib
“Canada has a strong economy, a top credit rating, and the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7. I want the minister to briefly explain how he shares this good news with Canadians.”
“Mr. Chair, the hon. member for Waterloo is a great colleague. She and I have talked a lot about Canada’s fiscal position. We have a AAA credit rating. We have the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7. We have a strong fiscal position. I do not want the minister to take a whole lot of time, because I only have two minutes, but does he have quick comments on Canada’s fiscal position and how he would message that to Canadians?”
Mr. Chair, the hon. member for Waterloo is a great colleague. She and I have talked a lot about Canada’s fiscal position. We have a AAA credit rating. We have the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7. We have a strong fiscal position. I do not want the minister to take a whole lot of time, because I only have two minutes, but does he have quick comments on Canada’s fiscal position and how he would message that to Canadians?
“I want to praise the member for Waterloo for her work supporting innovation in her community.”
“As I said, Mr. Chair, the questions are getting better and better. I think we will ask if we should extend a bit now because we are getting into the real issues. I want to thank the member for Waterloo, who hosted me recently. We have seen so much innovation in that region. Mr. Chair, I know you do not have the time to travel with me everywhere I go in the country, but you should come once to Waterloo with me. You would see that the member of Parliament is so well respected by everyone. She represents the University of Waterloo. Every person I have met there knows the work she is doing. She has been an amazing ambassador for the innovation and the work in Waterloo. I want to applaud her and celebrate her work. She has been a—”
As I said, Mr. Chair, the questions are getting better and better. I think we will ask if we should extend a bit now because we are getting into the real issues. I want to thank the member for Waterloo, who hosted me recently. We have seen so much innovation in that region. Mr. Chair, I know you do not have the time to travel with me everywhere I go in the country, but you should come once to Waterloo with me. You would see that the member of Parliament is so well respected by everyone. She represents the University of Waterloo. Every person I have met there knows the work she is doing. She has been an amazing ambassador for the innovation and the work in Waterloo. I want to applaud her and celebrate her work. She has been a—
Loses points more than most for Aside×1.6Loses points less than most for Unearned certainty
Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
LiberalLib
“Fishing is the base of Atlantic Canada's economy. I want the minister to talk about our big investment in small craft harbours.”
“Mr. Chair, I am sorry I had to cut the minister off. He is great, but I have to get in one last question. I see the hon. member for South Shore—St. Margarets, who has done great work on China, on the file around lobsters and working with the government to remove tariffs. I see the hon. member for Labrador and the member for Avalon. I can say that it is fisheries that matter in Atlantic Canada. It is the base of our economy. I would be remiss as a member from Nova Scotia to not ask the minister in the time we have remaining to talk about small craft harbours and a generational investment. Why does the hon. minister not take us away on that happy note?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Chair, I am sorry I had to cut the minister off. He is great, but I have to get in one last question. I see the hon. member for South Shore—St. Margarets, who has done great work on China, on the file around lobsters and working with the government to remove tariffs. I see the hon. member for Labrador and the member for Avalon. I can say that it is fisheries that matter in Atlantic Canada. It is the base of our economy. I would be remiss as a member from Nova Scotia to not ask the minister in the time we have remaining to talk about small craft harbours and a generational investment. Why does the hon. minister not take us away on that happy note?
