Government Priorities

The House debated the Building Canada Strong Act, a comprehensive bill implementing various changes to project evaluations, environmental assessments, and labour standards. The government supported the act, stating that it is necessary to initiate large-scale development that will create jobs and utilize Canadian businesses and materials. Conversely, the NDP argued that the bill favors foreign investors over the rights of Canadians, the environment, and Indigenous peoples, and called for an extension of committee hearings to allow for thorough public and expert review.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

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2 statements

Don Davies, Vancouver Kingsway

NDP
“This bill makes drastic changes to Canada and puts foreign profits ahead of workers, the environment, and Indigenous peoples. Scientists warn it will cause irreversible harm unless it is changed. I want the minister to extend the committee hearings so experts and Canadians can properly review it.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Bill C-39 would make drastic changes to our country. It puts the profits of foreign investors over Canadians’ labour rights, environmental protections and indigenous peoples, yet Liberals, aided by Conservatives, are shutting out critical voices who want to be heard. This includes eminent scientists from the Royal Society of Canada who today warned that without major amendments, the bill will inflict irreversible harm. Will the minister extend the special committee hearings to ensure full scrutiny of this sweeping legislation by experts, stakeholders and ordinary Canadians?

Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport

Liberal

Linked statement

“I want the House to pass this bill. It will start big projects that use Canadian businesses and materials. It will also create jobs for Canadian workers, including union members.”
  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 40 of 100

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

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  • A repeated line

    “I have a great deal of respect for my colleague.”

    Said 7 times by 6 members since April 24.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I have a great deal of respect for the member, but we disagree here. This is the time to build and build now. Across the country, large-scale projects will employ Canadian people, will involve Canadian businesses and will use Canadian materials. The bill catalyzes all of that, and it is very important that we pass the bill because, in particular, when it comes to building Canada, we do that with unionized workers.

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