“The auto sector is struggling. Many people are losing their jobs. I say this is because the US put tariffs on us, and because the Liberal government's approach didn't work. The finance minister was once in charge of industry. He agreed to spend up to $52 billion of Ontarians' money on electric vehicle subsidies, to make it look like Canada could build electric vehicle parts. He said that would be really good, but many projects didn't work. Now those jobs are gone. I want the minister to admit all that money didn't work.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
Recent debates
8 latest topics
Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act
57 statements
Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act
19 statements
Arab Heritage Month Act
5 statements
The Economy
15 statements
Government Priorities
2 statements
Government Priorities
2 statements
Housing
12 statements
The Environment
2 statements
Government Orders
Business of Supply
A wide-ranging bill to implement the Spring 2026 Economic Update, touching on everything from tax deductions for tradespeople to aviation fuel taxes to beer excise duty rates. In 5 hours of debate, MPs mostly grilled the Finance Minister on unrelated topics like ride-sharing regulation, StatsCan data collection, and election promises from 2015. Some substantive questions were asked about domestic investment levels and the bill's housing provisions, but mostly talk went in circles without many direct answers.
“I disagree. I think electric cars are still the future. Look, it took Tesla 17 years to be profitable. When the Model T Ford was introduced, it was not a success. We've been using the same car engines for 100 years. Now we're switching to a new technology. It's normal that it will take time for people to adjust. The U.S. has caused some delays. But I still believe we should spend taxpayers' money on electric car projects.”
“You made big promises and gave away a lot of taxpayer money for electric vehicle projects. But a lot of those projects are now delayed, cancelled, or went bankrupt. The jobs and investments you promised didn't happen. I'm listing off all the failures and delays to make you look bad. Do you really think your electric vehicle supply chain plan is working out as promised?”
“I'm very happy you asked me that. I want everyone to know that our electric vehicle plan is working great. Volkswagen is opening a big factory here. Did you know we've never had a big European car company come here before? You can see in my big smile how great this is. I know you agree with me in your heart even if you don't say it. You're smiling because you know we're doing great things for the workers. I could go on about this for a long time.”
“The government spent hundreds of millions on electric cars. But all these companies say electric cars lose them money. GM lost $6 billion. Ford lost $20 billion. Stellantis lost $26 billion. The market doesn't want electric cars. Why does the government keep spending on them?”
“You say companies lose money on electric cars. But the government is smart! We only give companies money after they sell a car. So the government isn't wasting anything. We spend lots of money and it's all very responsible.”
“EVs are struggling in North America. They only sell with huge taxpayer subsidies. The Liberals are doubling down, promising billions more dollars. But this $2.3 billion EV subsidy won't help our struggling auto sector much. It will go to foreign-made vehicles instead, because Canada only makes one or two eligible models. So our auto sector loses jobs while we subsidize Donald Trump's auto sector. How can the Liberals justify that?”
“I want you to celebrate spending taxpayer money to attract a European manufacturer. Never mind that these projects get delayed. Smart countries spend money now for benefits in the future. This will be good for one town in Ontario.”
“I don't like that the government is spending taxpayer money on electric vehicle subsidies that benefit other countries. The minister didn't answer my question about this. I think the government is having trouble with their electric vehicle strategy. I'm shocked that they are bringing in lots of Chinese electric vehicles even though we can't compete with China's subsidies. Our auto sector needs help.”
“I'm filling time by saying nice things about our government helping workers and industry. I want you to think we are doing a good job. I'm not going to talk about the problems you brought up.”
“I'm asking you to explain why the government signed a $200 million lease with Maritime Launch Services, and why the lease was backdated to April 1, 2025. It seems odd, and I want you to tell me what's going on.”
“I'm evading your question about a specific lease by talking about 'space' in general. I hope saying 'space is important' and talking about my old job will distract you so you don't notice that I didn't actually answer what you asked.”
“You gave a company $20 million for nothing and wasted taxpayers' money. I want you to admit it was wrong.”
“I don't like your accusation. Be careful. Space is good. The government should invest in space.”
“You gave money to a company that was almost bankrupt. You backdated the lease to hide it. I think you bailed out Maritime Launch Services.”
“I don't want you to criticize our space industry decisions. You should only say nice things about our moon trip.”
“This spaceport deal smells fishy. Why are we in bed with a company about to go under?”
“I want taxpayers to spend money on space in my riding. Never mind how much it costs or whether that company can deliver.”
“You promised a lot. How much have you actually delivered?”
“I want to change the subject to avoid the question. We should talk about other things.”