“The Bank of Canada suggests we are not in a recession, but the Conservatives act like we are. I want the member to explain why the Conservatives seem happy that Canadians are having a hard time.”

“Mr. Speaker, the Bank of Canada has implied that the Conservative Party is actually being a little unrealistic by trying to suggest that Canada is in a recession, when in fact, it is 0.1% and there are a number of different indicators, yet the Conservatives seem to be gleeful that there appears to be a recession, in their minds. They are happy for Canadians on that fact. I wonder if the member could explain why the Conservative Party is so happy to see Canadians having a difficult time.”

“The Conservatives are out of touch and spread misinformation about our country. Canada's economy is strong, we lead the G7 in foreign investment, and we are expanding trade around the world. We are investing in our military and helping families afford food, while the Conservatives just vote against our progress.”

“Mr. Speaker, let me start off by commenting on the last statement the member put on the record. The member talked about disconnect. I would suggest that if there is a party that is disconnected from Canadians, it is the official opposition. The Conservative Party is completely out of touch with reality in terms of what is actually taking place in Canada. I think of our Prime Minister, who was elected just over a year ago when we had a new government, and I reflect on the many different actions, both legislative and budgetary, that this government has taken over the last number of months. One cannot help but see that within that blueprint, members will find the reflection of what Canadians are telling Liberal members of Parliament and the Prime Minister. The member implied that the government is out of touch with Canadians, but nothing could be further from the truth. Many of the actions we have brought forward clearly demonstrate that. On some of those actions that are reflective of the interests of Canadians, Conservatives have filibustered or have outright voted against. Whether it is economic development or the security of Canadians through the crime file, we have never seen such a proactive Prime Minister or government dealing in such an aggressive way as this Prime Minister and this government in the last 13 or so months. The numbers are there to substantiate it. All one needs to do is take a look at some of the actions taken by this government. There is one report that I thought was really interesting that I want to quote, coming from the International Monetary Fund. For those who are following the debate and discussion of this so-called opposition day motion, which has no legitimacy whatsoever as a motion, quite frankly, this is an organization that has over 190 member countries and is directly involved with the issues of finances around the world. Here is what the IMF had to say about Canada: “focus strategically on investment that [is] progrowth”. It projects Canada will have the second-strongest growth in the G7 in 2026. That is the IMF saying that, not members of the government side, and it is not alone. We are going to have the second-highest growth in the G7. That is what is being forecasted this year. I was here last Friday. When the Conservatives heard the news of the 0.1% GDP on the negative side, they were jumping up and down, virtually celebrating the fact that it had taken place. In public accounts yesterday, the deputy governor, on behalf of the Bank of Canada, warned that we should not be taking one figure such as that and reading too much into it. One would think that the accumulative brain thrust within the Conservative Party would understand the simplicity of it. When one starts saying that Canada is in this deep recession, which is not true, there are things one could look at that could very easily justify a second look, as the Bank of Canada will do, as opposed to trying to, once again, demonstrate to the Conservatives’ followers, that far-right element, that somehow Canada is broken, when it is just not true. I mentioned the other day that, whether it is the Prime Minister, other ministers or any member of the House who travels abroad, if they talk to business leaders and other stakeholders, other governments, they will find that there is a high level of interest. People want to look at Canada. They want to invest in Canada. In fact, what members will find is that Canada leads on per capita private investment coming into the country. It is the best and the highest in the world. Let us take a look at some of the things we have actually done as a government. We have a Prime Minister and a series of ministers who are aggressively going out and expanding export opportunities for small businesses, thereby supporting jobs in a very real and tangible way. The Conservatives ask about the results. Well, let us take a look. What was the commitment? The Prime Minister said, during the last federal election, 13, 14 months ago, that we wanted to expand our trade beyond the Canada-U.S. border, that it was important, and that we were going to strive to double that over the next decade. Today, because of the efforts of this Prime Minister and this government, and I would suggest every member of the Liberal caucus who continues to encourage trade with other nations, we are up in the double digits from last year. Depending on who we ask and how we look at it, it is anywhere from 15% to 30%. Trading opportunities continue to be enhanced. Is it any surprise, when we have had 20-plus agreements of trade and security over the last 13 months? We have brought in trade legislation dealing with trade between Canada and Indonesia, Canada and Northern Ireland, along with England. That legislation has passed. There is absolutely no doubt that we are moving forward on the trade file. We recognize the value of the United States and the trade that we have there. It is well over $3 billion a day, going both ways in terms of an accumulative total. Even that trade is up from last year. Unlike the Conservatives, we will continue to work with our American counterparts to achieve the best deal that we can for Canadians. We are putting Canadians’ interests ahead of political parties’ interests, which is contrary to what the Conservative Party is doing. Ultimately, they say we should capitulate. Let us remember the other day, on another opposition motion, they wanted us to capitulate completely on our arts community, saying that we have offended the trade negotiators because of a decision that was made by the CRTC, an arm’s-length organization. They saw that, and right away they wanted us to capitulate. Whether it is the Prime Minister or any member of the national Liberal caucus, we are not prepared to sign just any agreement. We are prepared to fight for the best deal for Canadians and ultimately prevail. That is what we are going to achieve. When we look at some of those indicators, and I am thinking of the G7 countries, we think of other aspects than what the Conservatives like to talk about. In terms of Canada’s credit rating, we are the best in the G7, and our fiscal position, again, is the best in the G7. With respect to growth for 2026, we are not the best, but we are next to the best. We will be number two. That is what is being projected for Canada. We are in fact not only the best in the G7 in foreign direct investment but are way out in front of the closest one to us. This does not surprise me, given the actions that the Prime Minister has taken and the world leaders he has met with, along with investors and many different stakeholders, not only within Canada but also outside Canada. I made reference to this in the past, and I will do it again now. Whether it is the Philippines or India, we have a Prime Minister who has met with their leadership. Ultimately we are hoping to be able to achieve agreements with those two nations, ideally in 2026. A number of individuals involved in trade came to Canada just last week, or 10 days ago, in regard to improving trade relations and building a stronger, healthier trade relationship between Canada and India. I have had a number of conversations with the high commissioner where he talked very positively about the opportunities for both Canada and India. At the same time, we can still deal with sensitive issues related to security, and other issues, but we understand how important it is to grow our economy by looking at diversifying our trade opportunities. For foreign direct investment, the Prime Minister goes abroad and ultimately attracts literally billions of dollars of foreign investment commitments to come to Canada. These are the types of things that can make a difference. The Conservatives seem to be of the opinion that after we won the election, one week later, everything should be done. It takes time. There were major projects we put together and legislation we ultimately passed, weeks after the election. We established a Major Projects Office to take in ideas and to support the projects in the city of Calgary a few months later. I believe it was in August or September; I am not 100% sure. We have major projects now on the books that are in every region of our great nation. As I have highlighted in the past, we can talk about wind and tide energy in Atlantic Canada. We can talk about the port and minerals in the province of Quebec. We can talk about nuclear energy in the province of Ontario. We can talk about Thompson and the mines. We can talk about Churchill in my own province of Manitoba. We can talk about copper, potash and canola in Saskatchewan. We can talk about pipelines for Alberta. We can talk about not only pipelines but also mining in B.C., and major developments of resources in the north. At the same time, we are being sensitive to indigenous, provincial and other stakeholders on critical issues such as our environment. When we talk about these developments, we have to ensure that they are done in a sustainable way. These are the types of things that the Government of Canada is moving forward with. A pipeline does not appear overnight. It takes time, but we have a Prime Minister and a government that not only have an MOU but have gone a step further. We are taking even more actions on the MOU. We have a government that understands the value of working collaboratively with indigenous people, provincial governments and more. That is how we are going to build Canada strong, a strong Canada that is there for all Canadians. Those are the type of things we have actually been doing. Then there is the Conservative Party, which ultimately votes against virtually everything. The Conservatives continue to talk negatively and to spread misinformation. Let me give an example from yesterday. We were having a debate yesterday, and the member for Brandon—Souris talked about the military. Part of the discussion that was going back and forth was with regard to the Canadian Forces and investments in it. Two things come to my mind on that issue. First is the issue of misinformation. Imagine that someone is the member of Parliament from Brandon and that they tell people that the veterans office in Brandon is actually closed. When I verbally challenged the member on that, the critic for veterans affairs, from his seat, tried to imply that I do not understand that the office in Brandon is closed. When we have the member of Parliament from Brandon saying that, and when we have the critic for veterans affairs saying that, and all one needs to do is to just take a look in Hansard, one might be led to believe that the office in Brandon no longer exists. Of course, like many other things that the Conservatives say and do, it is just not true. There is a veterans office in the community of Brandon. The reality is that it was the Conservative Party, and the leader of the Conservative Party today, that actually closed the office in Brandon, as well as eight other veterans offices. The Conservatives then had the audacity to say that how we treat veterans is going to have a negative impact on recruitment in the Canadian Forces, or so the critic for veterans affairs implied. Do the Conservatives not know that last year a historic number of people applied to become members of the Canadian Forces? I will make a suggestion as to why that is taking place. It is because we have a government that has recognized the value of the Canadian Forces and has actually met the 2% commitment and has committed to go far beyond 2% of GDP. Contrast that to where it was when the leader of the Conservative Party sat in government around the cabinet table. It was at less than 1% for one year. It is the absolute opposite in terms of what the Conservative Party tries to feed its constituents and Canadians as a whole, which is misinformation. Not only do Conservatives talk about misinformation here on the floor of the House, but they talk about it outside the House, through social media and emails. They talk about the issue of affordability, yet take a look at what they have said about issues such as the groceries and essentials national benefit program. By the way, the cheques and deposits are going out this week. The national food program feeds 400,000 young children. Some of the Conservatives have called it a “garbage” program. Others have said the program does not exist, even though it is feeding hundreds of thousands of children. It is truly amazing how the Conservatives oppose the government on affordability measures yet, on the other hand, criticize us for not having more affordability measures. I would suggest that the Conservative Party of Canada needs to rethink the way in which it presents itself, not only in the House but to all Canadians, on a multitude of different issues.”

• Echo ×33

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  “We are going to build Canada strong.”

  Said 33 times by 14 members since April 24.

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“Our government supports key Canadian industries with job training and money. We have grown our trade with other countries, and we already have a trade deal with the United States. We will keep talking with the Americans to get the best deal for Canadians, but we will not give in to them.”

“Mr. Speaker, whether it is our forestry, aluminum, steel or automotive industry here in Canada, these industries are of great concern to the federal government. That is one of the reasons why, through tariffs and monitoring these industries, we have come up with re-skilling programs to direct financial support. What I want to pick up on is the member’s comments with respect to the issue of the three Ts: the Trump, tariff and trade issue. The Prime Minister made a commitment to expand trade going outside the United States, and we have been exceptionally successful at doing that. With regard to an agreement with the United States, we currently do have an agreement. We are prepared to sit down and continue negotiations in good faith to protect the interests of Canadians, but we are not prepared to capitulate. I think it is important that we persist and that we push for the best deal we can for Canadians.”

“I trust the Bank of Canada more than the Conservative leader on whether we are in a recession. The Conservatives are wrong to say our economy is failing. Other signs show Canada is strong, and our economy is predicted to have the second-fastest growth in the G7.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am more inclined to believe what the Bank of Canada is saying on the issue of the recession than I am to believe the leader of the Conservative Party. I think the GDP, yes, is a very important indicator, but there are also other important indicators that should be looked at. At best, the Conservatives are being premature by going around and shouting in glee that Canada is in a recession, when there are other indicators that show that Canada is building strong and that the economy will grow. It is predicted to have the second-largest growth in the G7. I think there are some solid figures out there, and I look forward to ultimately being able to demonstrate very clearly in the coming months that we are, in fact, sticking to a strong build Canada.”

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“AI learns from what people post on social media, even when it is false. This makes AI biased. Can the member talk about how that affects society?”

“Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the member on his great speech, particularly around misinformation. As we know today, AI feeds on all sorts of comments, whether they are right or wrong, collectively on social media, and misinformation will obviously lead to a bias in the AI results. I wonder if the hon. member could speak on the impact of that for society in general.”

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“The Conservatives need to be more honest with their facts on social media. They shared wrong numbers about gas prices, claiming Canadians pay 22% more than Americans, but gas in Winnipeg was cheaper than in California.”

“Mr. Speaker, with today’s technology, when we look at social media and the ability to be able to communicate through computer and Internet networks, one should be concerned. At the end of the day, when someone promotes and encourages things that are negative, it does have a residual impact. That is why I think the Conservative Party of Canada, the official opposition, needs to be more, I would suggest, responsible in dealing with the facts on a number of different issues. I just cited one that took place yesterday. I could have easily cited another opposition day, when Conservatives were saying that Canadians were paying 22% more for gasoline than Americans. I took a picture of three different gas stations in Winnipeg that were all priced at around $1.55 for a litre, which is a whole lot cheaper than in California, where there are 39 million people.”

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“I want the member to talk about how things have changed in this Parliament, especially with money spent on Nunavut.”

“Uqaqtittiji, I always appreciate the member’s speeches in the House of Commons and always learn so much more about Canada, given the long time he has been an MP in the House. I wonder if the member would share with us how much change we have seen in the 45th Parliament, especially in regard to the focus we are seeing in investments for Nunavut.”

“Canada needs to invest more in the North, including in the military and mining. The North is a vital part of our country, and supporting it makes Canada stronger.”

“Mr. Speaker, on the ongoing advocacy over the years to where we are today, we can talk about the military investments and the importance of issues like that of the rangers, which I know is important to my colleague. I think of the whole area of mining. Yesterday, she was telling a story about a trucker and how indigenous people as a whole are protecting and advocating for our environment. There is the understanding of and relationship with the Government of Canada in recognizing that the north is such a critical component. Canada is not Canada without the north, and we need to invest in it. We need to make sure we are there in very real and tangible ways. I look to my friend and colleague to continue to do that advocacy, both within this chamber, within the caucus, and just in general, because I think it builds a stronger Canada.”

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“Our national school food program feeds over 400,000 young children because kids cannot learn when they are hungry. The Conservatives should support it.”

“Mr. Speaker, I was about to give a compliment after the member made reference to the Saskatchewan program. One has to remember that this is not for all children in school. It is for the youngest of children. Provinces and stakeholders have been widely supportive of the program. What I liked about her question was that she acknowledged it is a good program in the province of Saskatchewan. That is what she implied. I would suggest it is a good program for the 400,000-plus children nationwide. I have been a parliamentarian since 1988, and I can tell the member opposite that from virtually day one, I have heard about the issue of education and how important education is to our society. Part of that is that a child cannot learn on an empty stomach, which is why it is so important for the government to have established a national program by demonstrating leadership on the issue. Hopefully other provinces and so forth will be able to possibly grow the program, but at least we are making a very strong and positive statement. The Conservatives should reverse their position.”

“Canada is number one in the G7 for foreign investment per person. This foreign investment is why our economy is expected to have the second-best growth in the G7 this year. The Conservatives ignore this because they only want to be negative about Canada.”

“Mr. Speaker, maybe I can help the member. If we look at foreign direct investment per capita, Canada is number one in the G7 countries. Arguably, it would be in the top three worldwide. People living abroad deciding to invest in Canada, I would suggest, is a very good indication of why we are going to have the second-best growth in the G7 this year. That is what is being projected. The Conservative Party wants to deny that in favour of consistently being negative about Canada. That is all they do.”

“The government is working well with western provinces and northern regions, especially on natural resources. People out west feel good about this teamwork. What does the member think about this?”

“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate some of the comments the member has put on the record. I think in terms of the prairie provinces and the province of British Columbia. If we take a look at the Prime Minister and the government as a whole, working with the other jurisdictions, I believe we can see that there is a great sense of collaboration. People out west are appreciative. They see the collaboration that is taking place. There is a very strong sense of optimism, whether it is in resource development or in many other common interests that we have in western Canada and even going up north. I wonder if the member could provide his thoughts in regard to the collaboration that is taking place today and has taken place over the last number of months, which is really leading to a great deal of optimism out west.”

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“I am leaving Parliament after nearly 11 years. I am proud of the work we did to fight climate change, protect oceans, and grow clean energy. I am now leaving to become Canada's ambassador to the European Union.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to provide some final words after almost 11 years in this place. I want to begin by acknowledging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, as well as the many dedicated public servants and staffers with whom I have had the privilege to work during my time here. While I know there are some people in all parties who cannot get past the, at times, partisan nature of politics, I have made many friends across the aisle during my time here, folks who are here to serve their constituents, their province and their country but who can also be open to speaking to and even having fun with people of differing perspectives. Honestly, the fact that many of us actually like each other as people across the aisle is something that Canadians should see more often. I fully recognize that many people have devoted a significant part of their professional lives to building a better Canada and a better world. All members of the chamber have been fortunate to have been allowed to play a role in shaping public policy in this country and internationally. It is a privilege that very few folks enjoy. Before getting into policy issues, I want to point out that, in the House, we all give a lot, but we also receive a lot. One of the things I am particularly grateful for is having had the opportunity to learn Canada’s other official language. Although my French is far from perfect, this skill I have acquired here is a great gift. When I left the private sector to run for office, many people in the business community thought I was mad, but it has been the most rewarding experience of my life. As an MP and as a minister at DFO, at Environment Canada and at Natural Resources Canada, I have often said I had truly the best job in Canada. As MPs, we know well that the impact we can have on constituents’ lives can at times be profound, but it can also be profoundly rewarding. I do not typically like to use the word “proud”, as the people who have worked with me know, but today I will. Over nearly 11 years in government, I am proud of several things that I, my team and departments, and government as a whole, helped to accomplish. A few of the highlights include developing Canada’s strengthened climate plan, the healthy environment and healthy economy, the first plan in Canadian history to show in detail not only how we could achieve a climate target but how we could exceed one; launching Canada’s first critical minerals strategy and the investment tax credit regime to advance clean energy development; establishing what I believe will be transformational in this country, the indigenous loan guarantee program; catalyzing the full modernization of Canada’s aging Coast Guard fleet; creating the B.C. salmon restoration and innovation fund to address the decline of wild Pacific salmon, which is a critical issue in British Columbia; and expanding marine protected areas from 1% to over 14% during my time as minister of fisheries. Every member of the House will have heard many times people asking why they should engage in the political process, often saying that individuals cannot make a difference. That attitude is particularly prominent these days with young people. However, I would say, in my experience, that this is simply not true. I entered politics over a decade ago to tackle climate change in a way that creates economic opportunity and is not simply about sacrifice. Over that time, working alongside colleagues, I have had the chance to make meaningful and, I believe, lasting contributions to climate policy that builds a strong future economy. Individuals can make a difference through their words and through their actions. That is a message I often share with young people, whether in schools, through my youth council or in communities across the country, many of whom presently feel the system does not work for them. On the climate issue that brought me into politics, while today’s geopolitical climate may suggest that progress has slowed, I remain optimistic that Canada, Europe and the world will meet this challenge. Climate change is not going away. It is a scientific reality, with human and economic impacts that are growing every year. Climate change is a major challenge, but addressing it and building a strong economy for the future can and indeed must go hand in hand. Looking at actual global trends rather than simply rhetoric, it is clear that the world is moving to a lower-carbon future and that many countries, China in particular, have explicit economic strategies to accelerate the energy transition. Progress is being made, albeit more slowly than science suggests we need. Growth in energy-related CO2 emissions is continuing to decouple from global economic growth. Very importantly, climate progress is, increasingly, not simply being driven by government policy. It is being driven by technology. Simply put, many low-carbon energy technologies are now cheaper and often much better than conventional alternatives, and this is something we should all celebrate. Climate change and its impacts are a matter of science, not politics. How we choose to respond remains a fundamentally political decision, one that requires foresight, thoughtfulness and courage. The past 11 years have been enormously rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this country in a new capacity, as the Prime Minister has asked me to take on the role of Canada’s ambassador to the European Union. I accepted this position for the same reason I entered politics: a commitment to Canada and a belief that this is where I can make the greatest contribution right now. The Prime Minister has an ambitious vision for what this partnership can become. My role will be to help implement that vision and ensure that it delivers concrete results for all parties. I love this country more than I can fully express. Canada is the best country in the world, not because we are perfect but because we face our flaws and choose again and again to do better. Ours is a story of resilience, of expanding rights and of building a more inclusive and just society. Whether that story continues is up to us and our willingness to stand up for what we believe in, defend democracy, advance reconciliation, confront climate change and build an economy that works for everyone. Serving as a member of Parliament and a minister has been the privilege of my life. Serving in my new role will be a different kind of privilege, one that I approach with the same sense of duty and determination. I will conclude by waxing a bit philosophical. I think most of my staff who are here will probably find that funny. I believe we are capable as a species of enlightened self-interest. In this regard, acting on climate change is firmly in our collective self-interest. However, I also believe that many of us are also very much capable of altruism, of thinking not only about how building a better community or helping those less fortunate may benefit us in the longer term but actually also about how we are morally obligated in the direction of social justice. To all people in and outside the House, I say that we can indeed work to build a better and more just world if only we have the courage and the will to try. In this vein, I will conclude by quoting the words of William Blake, taken from his poem Jerusalem. I freely admit that I took these lines from the conclusion of speeches by the great Tommy Douglas. As a Saskatchewanian originally, and as someone who actually watched him in person and met him as a young person, I think Tommy would think that is just fine. These lines, I think, capture the essence of a commitment to community and to public service, which is, I believe, about striving each and every day to make this country and this world a better place in which to live. Blake wrote: I will not cease from Mental Fight, Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand: Till we have built Jerusalem, In Englands green & pleasant Land. It has been a pleasure and an honour to get to know and work with all of my colleagues. I look forward to seeing many of them in Brussels.”

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“The member for North Vancouver—Capilano will be missed as he moves to his new role. I invite him to thank the people he has worked with over the years.”

“Mr. Speaker, the member for North Vancouver—Capilano will be deeply and profoundly missed in this House, on the North Shore, in B.C. and across Canada. We were nominated as neighbours within weeks of each other, and for more than 12 years, I have had the pleasure of watching his impact on our community and our country. The only solace I have is that Europe, the world and Canada get to continue to benefit from His Excellency’s new position. He did not do this alone. He is notorious for surrounding himself with the best people, and I thought he might want to take this opportunity to acknowledge some of the great Canadians with whom he has had the opportunity to work over the years.”

“I want to thank the public servants, my local office staff, my Ottawa staff, and the volunteers who helped me do my job over the years.”

“Mr. Speaker, that is very nice, and it does give me an opportunity to give a few thanks. I would start by thanking the dedicated public servants who worked with me in various departments, and in particular the deputy ministers, who, honestly, were all excellent folks: Catherine Blewett at Fisheries, Stephen Lucas, John Moffat, Chris Hogan at Environment Canada, J.F. Tremblay, John Hannaford, Mollie Johnson, Michael Vandergrift and Jeff Labonté at Natural Resources Canada. Canada should be very comforted and proud that we have such amazing public servants. I thank my constituency staff. I often said, no offence to the other members in this place, but they ran one of the best constituency offices in the country, certainly the director, who has been long serving there, Cynthia Bunbury, and the many volunteers in my riding, in particular Duncan Frostick and Kevin Evans, who were great sources of guidance for me. Of course, I thank the folks who worked in my offices here in Ottawa and the chiefs of staff I have had: Marlo Reynolds, Claire Seaborn, Alexis McIntyre, Kyle Harrietha and a whole range of amazing staff, many of whom have chosen to be here today. I thank Laura Mitchell, who has been with me for 10 years, and a number of other folks who came with me from North Vancouver. I thank Richard, Kieran, Sandy, who ran all of Atlantic Canada for me very ably, and Erin Flanagan. I hope I am not missing somebody. I thank Sabrina Kim, who sometimes drove me crazy, but she was one of the best communications directors I had. It is because of folks like that that we are able to actually do our jobs in this place, and I was very fortunate to have amazingly dedicated, talented people. Thank you.”