Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
“This week we helped Canadians with money for groceries, heat pumps, and lower gas taxes. Here is our plan for upcoming debates, including clean water for First Nations, national defence, fuel costs, and social media safety. I am asking all parties to agree to work late on October 19 to debate the fuel tax bill.”
“Mr. Speaker, first of all, we certainly want to acknowledge the very high ratings for this part of the week with the Thursday question. I also want to celebrate the fact that, while every week is a good week to help Canadians with affordability, this week was a particularly good week, because the groceries and essentials benefit, which is up to $1,800 or $1,900 a year, went into the bank accounts of Canadians. The quarterly deposit was made. The Prime Minister announced today measures that will help tens of thousands of Canadians convert their homes to heat pumps, saving them money while helping with the cost of installation. The Parliamentary Budget Officer confirmed that our measures to reduce the gas tax and prolong the reduction will save the average family about $275 a year. It is a good week for affordability. Finally, the bill that is so obviously and patently good in terms of moving Canada’s strong economy forward that even Conservatives realized it was worthy of their support, Bill C-39, has now passed through second reading and is off to a special legislative committee. It has indeed been a good week for Canadians. Tomorrow we will proceed with second reading of Bill C-37, the first nations clean water act. When we return from constituency week, priority will be given to Bill C-40, which aims to strengthen Canada’s defence sector; Bill C-38, the Canadian fuel affordability act; and Bill C-34, the safe social media act. Note that Thursday, October 22, shall be an allotted day. Finally, seconded by the member forRegina—Qu’Appelle, I would like to seek unanimous consent for the following motion: That, notwithstanding any standing order or usual practice of the House, on Monday, October 19, 2026, the House shall continue to sit until midnight, provided that: (a) at 6:30 p.m., the Speaker shall interrupt any proceedings then before the House and such proceedings shall be deemed adjourned, and the House shall proceed forthwith to the consideration of Bill C-38, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (extension of the federal fuel excise tax relief); (b) after 6:30 p.m., no quorum calls, dilatory motions or requests for unanimous consent shall be received by the Chair, except for a unanimous consent motion to see the clock.”
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Speech in the House
Signal 36 of 100
Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.
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Mr. Speaker, first of all, we certainly want to acknowledge the very high ratings for this part of the week with the Thursday question. I also want to celebrate the fact that, while every week is a good week to help Canadians with affordability, this week was a particularly good week, because the groceries and essentials benefit, which is up to $1,800 or $1,900 a year, went into the bank accounts of Canadians. The quarterly deposit was made. The Prime Minister announced today measures that will help tens of thousands of Canadians convert their homes to heat pumps, saving them money while helping with the cost of installation. The Parliamentary Budget Officer confirmed that our measures to reduce the gas tax and prolong the reduction will save the average family about $275 a year. It is a good week for affordability. Finally, the bill that is so obviously and patently good in terms of moving Canada’s strong economy forward that even Conservatives realized it was worthy of their support, Bill C-39, has now passed through second reading and is off to a special legislative committee. It has indeed been a good week for Canadians. Tomorrow we will proceed with second reading of Bill C-37, the first nations clean water act. When we return from constituency week, priority will be given to Bill C-40, which aims to strengthen Canada’s defence sector; Bill C-38, the Canadian fuel affordability act; and Bill C-34, the safe social media act. Note that Thursday, October 22, shall be an allotted day. Finally, seconded by the member forRegina—Qu’Appelle, I would like to seek unanimous consent for the following motion: That, notwithstanding any standing order or usual practice of the House, on Monday, October 19, 2026, the House shall continue to sit until midnight, provided that: (a) at 6:30 p.m., the Speaker shall interrupt any proceedings then before the House and such proceedings shall be deemed adjourned, and the House shall proceed forthwith to the consideration of Bill C-38, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (extension of the federal fuel excise tax relief); (b) after 6:30 p.m., no quorum calls, dilatory motions or requests for unanimous consent shall be received by the Chair, except for a unanimous consent motion to see the clock.