“Canada has a strong economy and a top credit rating compared to other major countries. Because our finances are strong, we should spend money on infrastructure with provinces and Indigenous communities to help our economy now and in the future.”

“Mr. Speaker, when I take a look at the debt-to-GDP ratio, Canada is doing relatively well in comparison to all the G7 countries. When we look at Canada’s AAA credit rating, Canada is doing exceptionally well. When we compare that to G7 countries, only Germany has the same rating. The question I have is a principle question. If a government has fiscal capabilities, as we do, would the member not agree that, if we were to invest in Canada, work with provinces, indigenous communities and so forth, that we could build our infrastructure, which would help the economy, not only in the short term, but also in the long term?”

“Unfair U.S. tariffs mean we must work hard to create jobs here. Does the member agree that we need good-paying jobs and big national projects to build our country?”

“Mr. Speaker, when our government talks about building Canada strong and investing, especially with the unjustified tariffs from the U.S., we are having to put a lot of effort into creating jobs in the country. Would the member not agree that there is a great need for well-paying jobs and that these nation-building projects are part of the solution?”

“I want to thank Alberta for its help through equalization payments, which help all provinces afford good public services. The member wants oil to reach the west coast, but the Conservatives never built a pipeline to the west coast when they were in power. Justin Trudeau's government did, and this government will too. I want the member to respond to that.”

“Mr. Speaker, I just want to address a couple of comments from the member’s intervention. First, on behalf of the residents of Winnipeg North, I do thank the residents of Alberta and the Province of Alberta for their contributions through equalization. I like to think it is one of the things that makes Canada great. Some provinces are not blessed with the same sorts of resources and so forth. Having a balance of social services is really important for all of Canada. Second, I would note that the member talked a great deal about getting oil to the west coast. The demand that the member is referring to has been there for many years. When he was in government with Stephen Harper, the Conservatives did not build an inch of pipeline going to the west coast. Not only did our previous prime minister, Justin Trudeau, do that, but we have a strong indication that the current government will do likewise. I wonder if the member could provide his thoughts on that issue.”

“The housing agency helps people buy homes. We need to raise its limit to $1 trillion, just like Stephen Harper raised it before. I want the member to agree that this is good for housing in Canada.”

“Mr. Speaker, CMHC actually does an incredible job at enabling people to own a home. I suspect that many members of the House would not have had their opportunity at one point in time if it were not for CMHC. The increase to $1 trillion is something that is necessary. I do not know the actual number, but I suspect 50% of that allocation is already there in terms of being secure. Stephen Harper increased it by a couple of hundred billion dollars. I am wondering if the member would agree that it is good for the housing industry as a whole to enable CMHC to provide housing for Canadians and support that.”