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The Economy

During question period on the economy, Conservative MP Pierre Paul-Hus said Quebec businesses are holding back on investing and expanding because of uncertainty around U.S. tariffs and trade issues, and asked what the government is doing about the economic pressure. Liberal ministers Mélanie Joly and Joël Lightbound replied that the government is supporting businesses affected by the American tariffs, including $1.5 billion for the steel and aluminum sectors and help for the forestry industry, and said it is helping companies innovate and find new markets, pointing to projects like the Quebec City tramway. Lightbound also said he did not understand the Conservatives’ opposition to this support.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

4 statements

Pierre Paul-Hus

Conservative
“Quebec businesses are hurting and holding back on investments because of U.S. tariffs and trade issues. Does the Prime Minister realize Quebeckers are paying the price for his failure to fix our economy?”

  • A repeated line

    “Canada is now the only G7 country in recession.”

    Said 3 times by 3 members since June 1.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, last week we met with businesses across Quebec. The picture is the same everywhere: The uncertainties surrounding CUSMA and the U.S. tariffs under section 232 are increasing the financial pressure on our manufacturers and hampering investment. Business owners tell us they are putting expansion plans on hold, delaying equipment purchases and hesitating to invest in their growth. That is the reality on the ground, while Canada is the only G7 country in recession. Does the Prime Minister understand that Quebeckers are the ones now paying the price for his inability to restore confidence in our economy?

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Mélanie Joly

Liberal
“We are giving $1.5 billion to steel and aluminum businesses, and more money to the forestry industry. We are doing this to protect Canadian workers and companies from American tariffs.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 100 of 100

    Of this answer, 100% addressed the question that was asked.

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  • A repeated line

    “We are in the midst of a trade war.”

    Said 3 times by 3 members since June 9.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, we are working with the Government of Quebec to help companies in Quebec and across the country that are affected by tariffs. That is why we recently announced $1.5 billion to support businesses in the steel and aluminum sectors that were affected by the White House’s new tariffs. At the same time, my colleague responsible for natural resources has just announced more funding for the forest products industry. We are in the midst of a ruthless tariff war, and we will protect our workers and our businesses.

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Pierre Paul-Hus

Conservative
“Businesses are not investing or expanding because of the government's economic policies. I want the Prime Minister to explain why he is proud of creating this uncertainty during a recession.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, what the government has to understand is that businesses have told us that they are waiting. They are waiting to invest, they are waiting to expand their facilities and they are waiting to take risks. Is that the government’s idea of good economic conditions: a climate of uncertainty that is paralyzing private investment at a time when Canada is in a recession? Is the Prime Minister proud of having created an economic climate where business owners are choosing to wait or to invest outside Canada?

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Joël Lightbound

Liberal
“We are supporting Canadian workers and businesses against unfair American tariffs. We are helping them find new markets and building big projects like the Quebec City tramway, which will create 77,000 jobs. I do not understand why the Conservatives oppose this.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 40 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, as everyone knows, we are facing illegal and unjustified tariffs from the Americans. However, on this side of the House, we will always support our businesses and workers. We will support them by investing in their ability to innovate, to produce and to diversify their markets. It should be noted that Canada’s non-U.S. exports have increased by 40% year over year. We will also support them by building major projects. For example, the Quebec City tramway project will generate $10.5 billion in economic spinoffs and create 77,000 direct and indirect jobs. I cannot fathom why the Conservatives are against that.

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