“I served in the military and have been an MP for years, and no chaplain has ever brought this concern to me. I have only ever seen respectful prayer at events. If the member knows chaplains or Indigenous leaders who are worried about this, I want to speak with them myself.”

“Mr. Speaker, let me address the member’s comments in regard to chaplains. I have mentioned before that I served in the Canadian Forces. I have been here since 2010, and I can honestly say that I have never been approached by a chaplain raising the issue that the member has raised. I have never have been approached by anyone from Manitoba, or anywhere period. If the member is aware of any chaplains or indigenous leaders who are genuinely concerned about what can take place at armouries or gravesites, I would be more than happy to have that discussion personally with them. I have attended events. I have always seen respectful prayer.”

“The member opposite is sharing conspiracy theories. We have explained the definition of a Canadian business to him many times. It means having a physical presence in Canada, paying taxes here, and using Canadian goods and workers. I want him to admit that our buy-Canadian policy is important during a global trade war.”

“Mr. Speaker, Jacques Cartier, right this way I’ll put your coat up on the bed Hey man you’ve got the real bum’s eye for clothes It was interesting hearing the member opposite talk about fool’s gold. I guess he is an expert in that, especially in conspiracy theories. We are doing this study right now in the government operations and estimates committee, and the definition of what is Canadian has been explained to the member, I do even know how many times. It is a physical presence in Canada, tax registration and sourcing of Canadian goods and labour. It is pretty straightforward. It also follows well-established practices. Would the member opposite agree that Canada’s buy Canadian policy is important in the context of a global trade war?”

“The member is exaggerating. The company he is criticizing employs people in Manitoba and across Canada. The Commissionaires are not all veterans, only about 20% are. The new company has already rehired about half the workers, including about a dozen veterans. I want him to stop exaggerating.”

“Mr. Speaker, gross exaggeration is probably one of the ways I would describe many of the comments made by my friend across the way. The company he is shooting down employs Manitobans. The footprint in Canada is significantly large. The Commissionaires defend the commissionaires until the end. At the end of the day, I believe in the support they give. However, the member should not give the false impression that the commissionaires are 100% veterans. They are not. It is probably closer to about 20%, and the company that has taken over the contract has rehired 30, maybe 33, of the 60 who were working there, a dozen of whom are veterans. Let us not grossly exaggerate the situation. Would the member not agree?”

“Our government is already doing what this motion asks. We buy from Canadian businesses whenever we can. Over eight months, we gave $17.7 billion in contracts to suppliers in Canada. We are using government spending to create good jobs and support Canadian workers in housing, defence, and major projects.”

“Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by saying I will be sharing my time with the member for Surrey Newton. I welcome the opportunity to debate the motion from the hon. member for Battle River—Crowfoot. At a time of open challenges to our economic security and sovereignty, I can think of few more pressing public policy issues than the question of where and when key government contracts go to Canadian firms and suppliers. This is at the root of the motion put to us today, and I can assure all members that the government shares this concern. Since last December, the buy Canadian policy has been at the centre of a suite of measures introduced by the Government of Canada to stimulate the growth of Canada’s builders and suppliers. Last September, we launched Build Canada Homes, a new federal agency that is building affordable housing at scale, fuelling a new and thriving housing industry. With an initial investment of $13 billion over five years, Build Canada Homes is investing in the development of public lands sites in partnership with Canadian builders, suppliers, other levels of government and indigenous communities. That investment is already making a difference, with multiple direct-build projects across multiple cities delivering up to 4,000 new homes on federal land, with at least 40% at below market rents. There is also the Defence Investment Agency. The need for a more strategic and responsive approach to defence procurement has long been acknowledged in Canada, but only in the last year has real action been taken. Since its inception last October, the Defence Investment Agency has been delivering for the Canadian Armed Forces while driving investment, innovation and industrial growth by targeting procurements that support strategic defence sectors such as aerospace and advanced manufacturing. The agency is driving the creation of high-quality, skilled jobs to communities across Canada and bolstering our country’s industrial capacity and technological competitiveness. Finally, the Major Projects Office was introduced last year to put transformative, nation-building ideas on a viable path to fruition through the co-operation of federal departments, provinces and territories, indigenous peoples and industry. The goal is to identify projects with maximum benefit for Canadians. For example, just last month, the government announced that the new west coast pipeline, known as Pacific link, would be listed as a project of national interest. Whether it is the need for affordable housing, state-of-the-art defence capabilities or major infrastructure, these initiatives do not simply recognize the great reservoir of talent and experience within Canadian industry. They bank on it, and so does the buy Canadian policy. In fact, the policy is something of a common thread that runs through all these initiatives. The buy Canadian policy prioritizes Canadian suppliers and materials, strengthens supply chains and incentivizes Canadian content in strategic federal procurements. It applies to the ongoing work of the Major Projects Office, the Defence Investment Agency, Build Canada Homes and Crown corporations and their subsidies, as well as the hundreds of federal grants and contributions programs. In just over eight months, between December and October, Public Services and Procurement Canada awarded over 1,600 new contracts, worth approximately $23.8 billion. Of these, roughly 1,340 contracts totalling $17.7 billion were awarded to suppliers operating in Canada. These efforts are transforming local communities across the country with long-term, well-paying job opportunities for skilled workers. Last February, Kitchener’s Colt Canada was awarded a $307-million contract to supply the Canadian Armed Forces with assault rifle systems under the Canadian modular assault rifle project. By investing in local expertise, we are ensuring that the forces are ready for the challenges ahead. In August, the government awarded a $768.6-million construction services contract to PCL Constructors Canada for the full construction of a new federal regulatory science facility at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Ottawa laboratory in Nepean, Ontario. On average, the site will employ about 250 workers a day. Also last summer, the government announced an investment of $2 billion over four years to General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada to build 190 armoured combat support vehicles. This strategic partnership is truly a pan-Canadian feat of co-operation, with several companies supporting the effort. Ryan Manufacturing in Richmond, BC, will supply military-grade cable and wire harness assemblies. InterPro in Regina, Saskatchewan, will supply advanced armour. Thales Canada in Saint-Laurent, Quebec, will supply thermal imaging systems. IMP Aerospace and Defence in Enfield, Nova Scotia, will supply other specialized components. The difference under the buy Canadian policy is that Canadian suppliers are now prioritized as a matter of practice. Suppliers must demonstrate that they meet the policy requirements, including through eligibility and Canadian content attestations, and the government has put compliance and monitoring mechanisms in place. The buy Canadian policy goes beyond giving preference to Canadian suppliers. In strategic federal procurements covered by the policy, bids receive additional evaluation points for higher proportions of Canadian content and value added activities, such as manufacturing and research development. This encourages businesses to source more from Canadian partners, extending opportunities to Canadian firms that supply components, materials and expertise. Our goal is to create an incentive for businesses to do more in Canada and to have more Canadian workers, more Canadian suppliers in their supply chains, more Canadian manufacturing, more Canadian research and development, and more investment in Canadian facilities and communities. In conclusion, it was said once that the world needs more Canada. With these policies and programs, the government is taking the position that Canada needs more Canada. International co-operation with trusted partners, both public and private, will always be a part of our efforts as a responsible federal government, but if the last two years have taught us anything, it is that our future is best placed in our own hands. We have made significant progress in less than a year, but this is not the finish line. We will continue expanding opportunities for Canadian businesses, strengthening Canadian supply chains and ensuring that federal government procurement serves as an economic lever for this country, because federal procurement is more than just purchases; it is an opportunity to build Canadian capacity, support Canadian workers and invest in Canada’s economic future. This is the essence of the buy Canadian policy, and I look forward to seeing where it takes us in the years ahead.”

“That is a good question. When new programs start, people have questions. We need to share more information about them. But our local offices already help small businesses in our ridings use these programs.”

“Mr. Speaker, the hon. member’s question is a very good question. It is a very timely question. We do know that, when a new program is introduced, there are questions. We need to be expanding what we are doing and the information we make available, but the offices of members of Parliament are already available. My own office, and I am sure the hon. member’s office as well, is assisting small businesses in the riding to take advantage of these important government programs.”

“We have made promises to our veterans, but systems must change after 100 years. The government must buy goods and services based on what is best for everyone today.”

“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my colleague’s valuable work with me on the health committee. Yes, we do have a social contract with our veterans, and there are established practices, but of course we talk about things that have been going on for over 100 years. A hundred years is a long time. There are going to be changes in our processes. Our government procurement decisions have to be made with the best decisions for all stakeholders in Canada at the time.”

“The opposition is wrong to say we do not help small businesses get federal contracts. We launched a program this summer that makes it easier for them to win government work. I want to know what the member across the way is doing in his own riding to help local businesses get these contracts.”

“Mr. Speaker, I would like to follow up on a question from the opposition regarding the claim that the government does not support small businesses and that they do not have access to federal contracts. I believe that the small business procurement program, which was introduced over the summer, helps by simplifying procurement processes, scaling contracts for SMEs and supporting small businesses in gaining access to contracting opportunities. I would like to ask my colleague whether he himself takes steps in his riding to assist businesses seeking to obtain contracts with the federal government. If so, what exactly is he doing?”

“The member is right that we are making this process simpler. My office staff helps local businesses learn about federal programs and how to apply. If they run into problems, we help them fix them and contact the right departments.”

“Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is absolutely right. The process is being streamlined. I, like I am sure almost every MP in here, have people working in my office who work directly with constituents, including constituent companies. When they call us, they want to know what is available. We make sure that they know the programs that are available and exactly how the process works. If they have problems with the process, we can help them navigate those and call the relevant departments for clarification.”

“Our government supports the policy to buy Canadian goods and services. When the federal government buys things, it chooses Canadian workers, materials, and companies first. This helps our own industries, like steel and wood, and means we rely less on other countries.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to reaffirm the Government of Canada’s commitment to the buy Canadian policy. We are incredibly proud of how this initiative is transforming government procurement, giving Canadian businesses, workers, manufacturers and suppliers greater access to opportunities and delivering real results for Canada. The government will always stand with Canadian workers and Canadian businesses, and that is how we will build the strongest economy in the G7. We remain committed to prioritizing Canadian suppliers and Canadian-made goods and services in federal procurement. This is a pledge we have made to Canadians and it is unwavering. Since the buy Canadian policy came into force in December 2025, it has been reshaping how the federal government spends by prioritizing Canadian content, materials, suppliers and workers at every opportunity. From steel and aluminum to wood products, the government’s purchasing of goods and services is being used as a powerful tool to back key industries and strengthen domestic supply chains. The rollout of the buy Canadian policy marked a major step toward building a more resilient Canadian economy. It was designed to ensure clear advantages are available to suppliers who invest, innovate and produce here at home. By prioritizing Canadian suppliers, Canadian materials and Canadian content in federal procurement, we are becoming our own best customer by reducing reliance on any single trading partner and building—”

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“Our policy to buy from Canadian businesses is working. Most of our recent contracts went to suppliers operating in Canada. A business counts as Canadian if it does real work here, pays taxes here, and hires workers here, even if its owners are outside Canada. That is why the tax agency rightly gave its contract to a company that employs many Canadians. We should reject this motion.”

“Mr. Speaker, by prioritizing Canadian suppliers, Canadian materials and Canadian content in federal procurement, we are becoming our own best customer. By reducing our reliance on any single trading partner and building resilience through strong domestic demand, we are bolstering Canada’s economy. The policy on prioritizing Canadian suppliers and Canadian content in strategic federal procurements initially applied to procurements valued at $25 million or more. In June, we lowered that threshold to $5 million, significantly expanding its reach. We are also putting Canadian materials at the centre of major federal construction and defence projects. For procurement of $25 million or more, the policy requires Canadian-produced steel, aluminum and wood. We are making it easier for Canadian small businesses to compete for federal opportunities through the small business procurement program, which will simplify procurement processes and introduce new digital tools. Ultimately, the test of this policy is whether federal spending creates economic activity here at home. In the spirit of the buy Canadian policy, the government continues to work to identify opportunities for Canadian suppliers to benefit from federal procurement policies and ultimately support Canadian workers, Canadian businesses and Canadian communities. This includes attracting investments that deliver tangible and lasting benefits to Canadian communities and supply chains. This is about driving growth, creating opportunities and enhancing prosperity for all Canadians. In the current situation we are in, this has never been more important, particularly when it comes to protecting Canada’s sovereignty. We know that the world has changed and that Canada must change with it. That is why Canada is also making generational investments to rebuild and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces. These investments are guided by Canada’s first-ever defence industrial strategy, a whole-of-government approach to transform Canada’s defence industry. The strategy will prioritize Canadian suppliers and materials, invest in Canadian innovation and streamline defence procurement. It is supported by the new Defence Investment Agency. Between December 2025 and October 1, 2026, Public Services and Procurement Canada awarded a total of 1,644 new contracts worth roughly $23 billion. Of these, 1,342 contracts, representing about $17.7 billion, were awarded to suppliers operating here in Canada. That is the kind of progress we want to build on. With regard to today’s motion, the Canada Revenue Agency, following a fair and open procurement process, decided to award the contract to a company that operates extensively in Canada and employs Canadian security guards, supervisors and managers. This brings me to an important point of what we mean when we talk about a Canadian supplier. Being a Canadian supplier is not simply a question of who owns the shares of a company. We also need to look at where the economic activity takes place. Under the buy Canadian policy, the definition of Canadian supplier is based on substantive economic activity in Canada. That includes having a place of business here, being registered here, filing taxes here, conducting ongoing activities and employing people in Canada to deliver goods and services. That distinction matters. A company can be part of a global enterprise and still employ thousands of Canadians. It can pay taxes here. It can operate facilities here. It can conduct research and development here, and it can purchase from Canadian suppliers and invest in Canadian communities. Those jobs are Canadian jobs. Those investments are investments in Canada, and that economic activity matters to Canadians and Canada. Buy Canadian is not simply about where a company’s headquarters is located. It is about where the jobs are, where the investment is, where the innovation happens, where the supply chain is built and ultimately, where the economic benefits land. We continue to work closely with businesses, suppliers and stakeholders to develop and refine procurement measures that support Canadian industry, strengthen supply chains and drive our country’s economic growth. Our government will always stand with Canadian workers and Canadian businesses, and we will build a stronger economy in the G7. We will always support our veterans with job opportunities. I want to assure this House that we are fully committed to our buy Canadian policy, the substantial opportunities it is providing for Canadians and the powerful benefits for our country. We are transforming our economy through buy Canadian. We are supporting our industries today while keeping a clear focus on this sustainable future. That is our promise to Canadians, which is one that we are delivering on.”

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“Most businesses in both of our ridings are small businesses. We already lowered the contract limit from $25 million to $5 million to help them, and we are looking for more ways to support them. We both need to keep pushing our government to help small businesses succeed.”

“Mr. Speaker, the member understands very well that I come from a small business, and 85% of the businesses in my constituency, in fact even in his constituency, are small businesses. That is where our government’s focus is: lowering that threshold from $25 million to $5 million, and now we are looking at other ways the government can provide support. He and I have to keep advocating and making sure that our government does what is necessary for small businesses to succeed. That is what I will continue to fight for, and that is what I have been fighting for in the many years I have been in Parliament.”

“Most government contracts go to Canadian companies. Out of 1,644 contracts worth about $23 billion, 1,342 contracts worth around $17.7 billion went to suppliers in Canada. We will keep sending more contracts to Canadian businesses.”

“Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, most of these projects have gone to Canadian companies. If we look at the numbers I talked about, between December 2025 and October 1, 2026, Public Services and Procurement Canada awarded a total of 1,644 contracts worth roughly $23 billion. Of these, 1,342 contracts, representing about $17.7 billion, were awarded to suppliers operating in Canada. That is the kind of progress we want to build on, and we will continue to build on having more contracts going to Canadian suppliers in the coming days, weeks, months and years.”

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“We have tripled Canada's defence budget since 2015, and we spend much more on veterans now too. Everyone agrees we need to hire Canadians and buy Canadian. I want my colleague to speak about the money we have invested in defence and veterans.”

“Mr. Speaker, when I first came to the House in 2015, I remember that the defence budget was less than 1% of GDP. Now it is over 2%. Of course, the economy has also grown in that perspective, which means it is actually a tripling of the defence budget. We have similarly seen increases in the Veterans Affairs budget. I think everyone in the House agrees we need to build Canada strong, we need to hire more Canadians and we need to buy more in Canada. Would my friend, like to comment on the significant investments and the improvements we have made both for Canadian defence and for Canadian veterans?”

“Our government promised to take care of veterans, and we have kept that promise. All members of the House respect their sacrifices, and we will keep working hard for them.”

“Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has already answered the question that he asked. There was a promise made by our government and a promise kept when it comes to veterans and making sure that we take good care of veterans. Every member of the House, irrespective of the side of the House they are on, respects the sacrifices they made, and we will continue to work hard for those veterans and—”

“Conservatives are ignoring our answers and exaggerating this issue. The company that won the contract employs thousands of people, including in Manitoba. Also, the Canada Revenue Agency hands out contracts independently from the government. The Commissionaires is still a great group, but it has changed over time. Does the member even know how many of their workers are veterans?”

“Mr. Speaker, throughout the day, the member has heard different types of arguments that provide the answers to many of the questions he posed, but of course, the Conservatives do not want to listen to the answers. Rather, they have their spin and speaking lines to try to give a gross exaggeration of the reality of this. For example, the company that won the award has thousands of employees, some of them in my own province of Manitoba. It has a very significant footprint. CRA is independent of the government in putting out tenders. The Commissionaires, which is a fantastic organization that I have been saying nothing but positive things about, has evolved. Does the member know what percentage of the Commissionaires is made up of veterans?”

“We have the F-35 planes, and Canadian pilots are training on them. I want the member to admit this and thank us for it.”

“Mr. Speaker, I have good news. We do have the F-35s. We have Canadian pilots being trained on the F-35s. Would the member acknowledge and express his appreciation for the fact that we have them?”

“I want all members to recognize and support our veterans. Our government does a lot for them, including supporting groups like the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, where more than one in five workers is a veteran.”

“Mr. Speaker, as we wind up the debate, I want to recognize not only the valuable role but the very existence of our veterans and what they have done in the past. November 11 at 11 o’clock is a very special moment in time when we should all take time to pray and give thanks to our veterans, both past and present. I suggest that all members recognize the true value of that. I would ask them to recognize and appreciate that there are many different things the government does for vets and that all members support veterans in Canada. We continue to look forward to the fine work that the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires does every day in serving in different capacities, many of whom, 20% plus, are veterans.”

“I want the House to agree to call it 6:30 p.m. so we can start the late show.”

“Mr. Speaker, I suspect if you were to canvass the House, you would find unanimous consent to call it 6:30 p.m., to begin the late show.”