“Canada needs to protect its economy by keeping businesses owned and controlled by local workers, farmers, and consumers. Co-operatives do this and make our country stronger. I invite all members to join me for breakfast tomorrow to learn more about them.”

“Mr. Speaker, as Canada faces growing uncertainty from a trade war that we did not start, our economic security and sovereignty can no longer be taken for granted. That raises a fundamental question: Who owns our economy and the businesses that comprise it? Sovereignty is not just about what we produce. It is about who controls our businesses, where decisions are made and who benefits from the wealth we create together. That is why co-operatives matter. By putting ownership in the hands of members, workers, farmers and consumers, co-operatives keep capital and decision-making rooted in communities here at home while building resilience for the future. This Thursday morning, which is tomorrow, I invite all members to join me for breakfast with Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada to explore how these models can strengthen our local economies. Remember that more collective ownership means a stronger, more sovereign Canada. I hope to see many of my colleagues there.”