Leitão defends the government’s strategy against the U.S. trade war, advocating for projects like the Alto rail and programs like Bill C-38. He often characterizes policy implementation by obscuring actors, for instance, stating, “New solutions and new proposals had to be put in place.”Written by AI from their statements. Updated .
Average grade
B+
The average grade of 85 analysed statements. 16 more were analysed but were too short to grade.
81 / 100 over 85 statements
Signal78 / 100
Relevance81 / 100
Respect100 / 100
Clarity86 / 100
Loses points more than most for Wording that hides who did something, or who will.2.7 times as often as most members.What the tags mean →×2.7A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.1.9 times as often as most members.What the tags mean →×1.9A remark off to the side of the point.1.6 times as often as most members.What the tags mean →×1.6Loses points less than most for A story that illustrates instead of making a point.Less often than most members.What the tags mean →Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.Less often than most members.What the tags mean →
Averaged over the 85 of 101 statements graded so far.
“Our economy faces real pressure from trade problems with the United States. Many small businesses closed under the previous Conservative government, but our government is helping businesses recover.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are going to keep going. Canadians know that, under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, 5,000 small businesses closed their doors. Canadians know that the Canadian economy is under pressure from the United States. No, that is not an excuse. I heard my colleagues say that the international context is an excuse. Come on, how could that be an excuse? It is very real, very tangible. There is a trade war being waged by a partner that used to be trustworthy but is not anymore. We in the government are helping businesses get back on track, and we are going to succeed.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, we are going to keep going. Canadians know that, under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, 5,000 small businesses closed their doors. Canadians know that the Canadian economy is under pressure from the United States. No, that is not an excuse. I heard my colleagues say that the international context is an excuse. Come on, how could that be an excuse? It is very real, very tangible. There is a trade war being waged by a partner that used to be trustworthy but is not anymore. We in the government are helping businesses get back on track, and we are going to succeed.
“Our economy is doing well. In May, we added 88,000 jobs, including 154,000 full-time jobs and 27,000 in construction. Our trade surplus grew, and the government just signed 5 billion dollars in new contracts.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that in May, we created 88,000 jobs. Canadians know that in May, there were 154,000 full-time jobs. Canadians know that 27,000 of these jobs were in the construction sector. Canadians know that the trade surplus grew in April and May. Canadians know that, just yesterday, the Prime Minister announced 13 contracts worth $5 billion. Canadians know this—”
Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that in May, we created 88,000 jobs. Canadians know that in May, there were 154,000 full-time jobs. Canadians know that 27,000 of these jobs were in the construction sector. Canadians know that the trade surplus grew in April and May. Canadians know that, just yesterday, the Prime Minister announced 13 contracts worth $5 billion. Canadians know this—
“We are doing two things at once. We are giving emergency help to workers and businesses, and we are working to change the Canadian economy for the future.”
“Mr. Speaker, this will be a very brief response. Yes, we are working on two parallel tracks, including emergency support for businesses and workers through a variety of programs. We continue to develop new models of emergency assistance, but there is also more fundamental and structural support aimed at transforming the Canadian economy.”
Mr. Speaker, this will be a very brief response. Yes, we are working on two parallel tracks, including emergency support for businesses and workers through a variety of programs. We continue to develop new models of emergency assistance, but there is also more fundamental and structural support aimed at transforming the Canadian economy.
“The Conservatives delayed our work. They only brought forward changes in English, so we had to wait for translations. They also refused to let us keep working on other things while waiting.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague is correct. They were subamendments. Every time the Conservative Party proposed a subamendment, the subamendment was always worded in English only, so we had to wait for it to be translated. That was one of the factors that caused the delay in our proceedings. Whenever we asked if we could set that aside and keep working while the translation was being done, we were denied.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, my colleague is correct. They were subamendments. Every time the Conservative Party proposed a subamendment, the subamendment was always worded in English only, so we had to wait for it to be translated. That was one of the factors that caused the delay in our proceedings. Whenever we asked if we could set that aside and keep working while the translation was being done, we were denied.
“We will not give in on culture or supply management in trade talks. We will not sign a bad deal.”
“Mr. Speaker, culture and supply management are issues on which we will not compromise. That is important. We have said it before, we stand by it and that will not change. However, it must also be noted that we have said from the start that a bad deal would be far worse than signing just anything. So far, we have not signed anything precisely because what was presented to us was unacceptable. No, we have not caved. On the contrary, we are standing our ground.”
Mr. Speaker, culture and supply management are issues on which we will not compromise. That is important. We have said it before, we stand by it and that will not change. However, it must also be noted that we have said from the start that a bad deal would be far worse than signing just anything. So far, we have not signed anything precisely because what was presented to us was unacceptable. No, we have not caved. On the contrary, we are standing our ground.
“Canada is nowhere near its borrowing limit. We have a top credit rating, lower interest rates than the United States, and financial markets trust us. We will keep working to diversify our economy.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is clear that our borrowing capacity is not unlimited. Of course there are limits. However, in Canada, we are still a long way from that limit. Canada continues to have very easy access to financial markets. We have a AAA credit rating. The interest rate on 10-year government bonds is much lower than in the United States. The financial markets have confidence in Canada, and we will remain committed to diversifying the economy.”
Mr. Speaker, it is clear that our borrowing capacity is not unlimited. Of course there are limits. However, in Canada, we are still a long way from that limit. Canada continues to have very easy access to financial markets. We have a AAA credit rating. The interest rate on 10-year government bonds is much lower than in the United States. The financial markets have confidence in Canada, and we will remain committed to diversifying the economy.
“I want us to pass this budget bill. Conservatives delayed it in committee just to get concessions on a different bill. Canada's economy is doing well, our deficit is manageable, and we are meeting our defence spending goals.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time. It is my turn to speak to Bill C-30, which seeks to implement the economic update. I want to address several issues, but, first, I want to talk about why we are doing things a bit differently here today. Last week, at the Standing Committee on Finance, on which I serve, the Conservative members used some pretty intense filibustering tactics during the study of C-30. What I found especially shocking was that the Conservatives themselves admitted that this filibustering had nothing to do with any specific concerns about this bill but everything to do with winning concessions on another bill, Bill C-22. They said so themselves. They made it very clear. To get concessions on Bill C-22, they were prepared to filibuster, change everything and take as long as necessary to achieve that goal. This filibuster was clearly deliberate, especially given how much of the committee’s time was spent on a single clause and on an amendment moved by the Conservatives themselves. They then moved subamendment after subamendment. They used a very clear tactic: These subamendments were drafted in English only. We had to wait for them to be translated before work could resume. We can see the mechanism at play. Also, the Conservatives’ discussions on these subamendments involved a lot of repetition and many digressions that had very little to do with the matter at hand. That also contributed to delays. In any event, we spent hours and hours on it. It quickly became clear that no progress was going to be made at all. That is a big problem because Bill C-30 is so important. It concerns the April 28 economic update, which contains a number of very useful and very important measures for our economy. I suspect I may run out of time, but before I talk about those measures, I want to address a few problems that have been mentioned today in the conversations and in the debates that we have had here so far. For example, as of the end of the fiscal year, March 31, Canada had met the target of 2% of GDP for spending and investments in national defence. That was confirmed by NATO itself, and it is something that Canada had not done in a very long time. Liberal and Conservative governments kept national defence spending at 1% or 1.5% of GDP. We very quickly and practically reached the 2% target, and we committed to allocating 5% of GDP to national defence by 2035. That is a very significant commitment. We are making this commitment because the world is a different place now. Today, our situation is very delicate. Our biggest trade and economic partner is also our neighbour: the United States. It is a partner that has very plainly and clearly told us that it does not need what Canada has to offer. We could discuss that at great length. It does not need anything except our energy, our aluminum and other resources. The Americans imposed a number of sector-based tariffs, which is not entirely consistent with CUSMA requirements, but they did it anyway to put the Canadian government under a lot of pressure. They really want to put a lot of pressure on the economy to force us into making all sorts of concessions, to the point where our own sovereignty is at risk. That is why we are investing heavily in defence. It is also why we are going to keep strengthening ties with reliable, dependable and predictable partners. That said, it is also clear that 70% of our exports go to the United States. Our neighbour will always be our neighbour. We cannot change geography. We still have good relationships with American businesses and the American people. We are going to maintain those relationships. We have also committed to doubling our non-U.S. exports. Let us look at the reasoning behind that. Even if we can double the 30% of our exports going to non-U.S. countries, and I think we will get there, 40% to 50% of our exports will still be going to the United States. It will still be important to maintain our trade relationship with the United States. That is why we are still committed to updating CUSMA. That work continues, despite the obstacles the administration sometimes puts in our way. We remain focused on that, but we need to have a broader perspective on all of this. It is important to point out one other thing that is very clear in the economic update. Our colleagues opposite keep saying that we are running huge deficits, that we are heading straight for a wall and that things are not working. Our colleagues sometimes paint a rather apocalyptic picture. Let us review some basic facts. Our deficit stands at 2.1% of GDP, which is entirely manageable. Canada’s public debt is equally manageable. In fact, that is why our AAA credit rating is being maintained. If Canada were truly a country on the brink of ruin, how could we still have a AAA credit rating? I will conclude on this point. How is it that long-term bond yields, for example 10-year yields, are around 3.5%? That is roughly 100 basis points, or one percentage point, lower than in the United States. If we are as broke as our colleagues opposite claim, why are interest rates on the financial markets still so favourable in Canada? We are on the right track. We are going to diversify our economy and continue to sign trade agreements.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time. It is my turn to speak to Bill C-30, which seeks to implement the economic update. I want to address several issues, but, first, I want to talk about why we are doing things a bit differently here today. Last week, at the Standing Committee on Finance, on which I serve, the Conservative members used some pretty intense filibustering tactics during the study of C-30. What I found especially shocking was that the Conservatives themselves admitted that this filibustering had nothing to do with any specific concerns about this bill but everything to do with winning concessions on another bill, Bill C-22. They said so themselves. They made it very clear. To get concessions on Bill C-22, they were prepared to filibuster, change everything and take as long as necessary to achieve that goal. This filibuster was clearly deliberate, especially given how much of the committee’s time was spent on a single clause and on an amendment moved by the Conservatives themselves. They then moved subamendment after subamendment. They used a very clear tactic: These subamendments were drafted in English only. We had to wait for them to be translated before work could resume. We can see the mechanism at play. Also, the Conservatives’ discussions on these subamendments involved a lot of repetition and many digressions that had very little to do with the matter at hand. That also contributed to delays. In any event, we spent hours and hours on it. It quickly became clear that no progress was going to be made at all. That is a big problem because Bill C-30 is so important. It concerns the April 28 economic update, which contains a number of very useful and very important measures for our economy. I suspect I may run out of time, but before I talk about those measures, I want to address a few problems that have been mentioned today in the conversations and in the debates that we have had here so far. For example, as of the end of the fiscal year, March 31, Canada had met the target of 2% of GDP for spending and investments in national defence. That was confirmed by NATO itself, and it is something that Canada had not done in a very long time. Liberal and Conservative governments kept national defence spending at 1% or 1.5% of GDP. We very quickly and practically reached the 2% target, and we committed to allocating 5% of GDP to national defence by 2035. That is a very significant commitment. We are making this commitment because the world is a different place now. Today, our situation is very delicate. Our biggest trade and economic partner is also our neighbour: the United States. It is a partner that has very plainly and clearly told us that it does not need what Canada has to offer. We could discuss that at great length. It does not need anything except our energy, our aluminum and other resources. The Americans imposed a number of sector-based tariffs, which is not entirely consistent with CUSMA requirements, but they did it anyway to put the Canadian government under a lot of pressure. They really want to put a lot of pressure on the economy to force us into making all sorts of concessions, to the point where our own sovereignty is at risk. That is why we are investing heavily in defence. It is also why we are going to keep strengthening ties with reliable, dependable and predictable partners. That said, it is also clear that 70% of our exports go to the United States. Our neighbour will always be our neighbour. We cannot change geography. We still have good relationships with American businesses and the American people. We are going to maintain those relationships. We have also committed to doubling our non-U.S. exports. Let us look at the reasoning behind that. Even if we can double the 30% of our exports going to non-U.S. countries, and I think we will get there, 40% to 50% of our exports will still be going to the United States. It will still be important to maintain our trade relationship with the United States. That is why we are still committed to updating CUSMA. That work continues, despite the obstacles the administration sometimes puts in our way. We remain focused on that, but we need to have a broader perspective on all of this. It is important to point out one other thing that is very clear in the economic update. Our colleagues opposite keep saying that we are running huge deficits, that we are heading straight for a wall and that things are not working. Our colleagues sometimes paint a rather apocalyptic picture. Let us review some basic facts. Our deficit stands at 2.1% of GDP, which is entirely manageable. Canada’s public debt is equally manageable. In fact, that is why our AAA credit rating is being maintained. If Canada were truly a country on the brink of ruin, how could we still have a AAA credit rating? I will conclude on this point. How is it that long-term bond yields, for example 10-year yields, are around 3.5%? That is roughly 100 basis points, or one percentage point, lower than in the United States. If we are as broke as our colleagues opposite claim, why are interest rates on the financial markets still so favourable in Canada? We are on the right track. We are going to diversify our economy and continue to sign trade agreements.
“Canada's economy created 88,000 jobs in May, mostly in full-time work and construction. This means our economy is growing and building things.”
“Mr. Speaker, there is a whole jumble of things in there. Anyway, let us focus on what I think is the main thing: the statistics. Let us look at the statistics. What the statistics also say is that Canada’s economy created 88,000 jobs in May, including 150,000 full-time jobs. Most of these new jobs were in construction. I am assuming that if people are being hired to work in construction, the purpose is to build something. There are indeed 27,000 new jobs in construction. That is where we are headed.”
Mr. Speaker, there is a whole jumble of things in there. Anyway, let us focus on what I think is the main thing: the statistics. Let us look at the statistics. What the statistics also say is that Canada’s economy created 88,000 jobs in May, including 150,000 full-time jobs. Most of these new jobs were in construction. I am assuming that if people are being hired to work in construction, the purpose is to build something. There are indeed 27,000 new jobs in construction. That is where we are headed.
“The Conservatives do not understand how Canada's economy is doing. Our interest rates are stable. This shows that financial markets trust our economy and trust how our government is running it.”
“Mr. Speaker, once again, I suggest that our colleagues in the Conservative Party consult the C.D. Howe Institute’s Business Cycle Council over the weekend to gain a proper understanding of what is currently happening in the Canadian economy. Beyond that, I would also like to mention to the House that short-term and long-term interest rates in Canada are stable. What does that mean? It indicates that the financial markets have full confidence in the Canadian economy and full confidence in how the Government of Canada is managing the Canadian economy.”
Mr. Speaker, once again, I suggest that our colleagues in the Conservative Party consult the C.D. Howe Institute’s Business Cycle Council over the weekend to gain a proper understanding of what is currently happening in the Canadian economy. Beyond that, I would also like to mention to the House that short-term and long-term interest rates in Canada are stable. What does that mean? It indicates that the financial markets have full confidence in the Canadian economy and full confidence in how the Government of Canada is managing the Canadian economy.
“We have changed our plans over the past year. Trade disputes and global economic problems make things difficult, so we brought in policies to broaden our economy.”
“Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what we have been doing for the past year: changing course. We recognize that we are in a very complicated situation because of the tariff war and the global economic situation. That is why we have introduced policies to help diversify our economy. Now, I also want to tell my colleague that, over the weekend, perhaps he could consult the C.D. Howe Institute’s Business Cycle Council to get a real definition of what is going on right now.”
Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what we have been doing for the past year: changing course. We recognize that we are in a very complicated situation because of the tariff war and the global economic situation. That is why we have introduced policies to help diversify our economy. Now, I also want to tell my colleague that, over the weekend, perhaps he could consult the C.D. Howe Institute’s Business Cycle Council to get a real definition of what is going on right now.
“I want the member to say more about how she is working with the government to help her local economy.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague as well for her excellent speech and her commitment to Canada. Could she elaborate on what she just mentioned, about the work that she is doing with the government on behalf of her community to ensure that her riding also fully participates in the Canadian economy?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague as well for her excellent speech and her commitment to Canada. Could she elaborate on what she just mentioned, about the work that she is doing with the government on behalf of her community to ensure that her riding also fully participates in the Canadian economy?
“I want my colleague to speak about how our government is helping Canadian industries that are hurt by the trade war with the United States.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for the excellent speech she made and also for underlining her commitment to this country and to progress. I thank her for that and welcome her, again, to the group. I have a question about the economic update and Bill C‑30. Could my colleague speak to the fact that the government continues to intervene to protect industries that are at risk from the U.S. trade war, and could she speak to the measures we continue to put in place to support industries at risk?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for the excellent speech she made and also for underlining her commitment to this country and to progress. I thank her for that and welcome her, again, to the group. I have a question about the economic update and Bill C‑30. Could my colleague speak to the fact that the government continues to intervene to protect industries that are at risk from the U.S. trade war, and could she speak to the measures we continue to put in place to support industries at risk?
“We have to talk about racism to fight it. I want my colleague to share her thoughts on how racism is still built into our systems today.”
“Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to congratulate my colleague on her excellent speech and her overview of the history, origins and evolution of racism in North America. We have to talk about racism in order to combat it. I would like to hear her thoughts on the systemic nature of racism, even today, in 2026.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to congratulate my colleague on her excellent speech and her overview of the history, origins and evolution of racism in North America. We have to talk about racism in order to combat it. I would like to hear her thoughts on the systemic nature of racism, even today, in 2026.
“Today is Portugal Day. I moved here from Portugal, and Canada gave me a good life. Portuguese Canadians do a lot to help our communities. Happy Portugal Day to everyone celebrating.”
“Mr. Speaker, today we are celebrating Portugal Day, the day of Camões and Portuguese communities. For me, this day holds a very special significance. Like thousands of Portuguese before me, I left my country of birth in search of new opportunities. Canada welcomed me and allowed me to build a career, a family and a life, for which I am deeply grateful. Today, Canadians of Portuguese descent contribute to the prosperity of our communities. They are entrepreneurs, workers, teachers and artists. I wish everyone celebrating this day in Canada, in Portugal and around the world a very happy Portugal Day. Long live Canada. Viva Portugal.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, today we are celebrating Portugal Day, the day of Camões and Portuguese communities. For me, this day holds a very special significance. Like thousands of Portuguese before me, I left my country of birth in search of new opportunities. Canada welcomed me and allowed me to build a career, a family and a life, for which I am deeply grateful. Today, Canadians of Portuguese descent contribute to the prosperity of our communities. They are entrepreneurs, workers, teachers and artists. I wish everyone celebrating this day in Canada, in Portugal and around the world a very happy Portugal Day. Long live Canada. Viva Portugal.
“Jeremy Hansen is visiting Ottawa. He is the first Canadian to orbit the moon. I want to thank him for his work.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada is a space-faring nation. We have contributed valuable technologies, research, scientists and engineers, and we are a global leader in the field of space exploration. We can now add another achievement to our list of accomplishments. The first Canadian to orbit the moon, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, is in Ottawa today following the success of the Artemis II mission. This mission has inspired Canadians and stands as a symbol of hope for our continued exploration of the final frontier. We commend Mr. Hansen’s contribution and, on behalf of all Canadians across the country, thank him for his service.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, Canada is a space-faring nation. We have contributed valuable technologies, research, scientists and engineers, and we are a global leader in the field of space exploration. We can now add another achievement to our list of accomplishments. The first Canadian to orbit the moon, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, is in Ottawa today following the success of the Artemis II mission. This mission has inspired Canadians and stands as a symbol of hope for our continued exploration of the final frontier. We commend Mr. Hansen’s contribution and, on behalf of all Canadians across the country, thank him for his service.
“We are talking with steel and aluminum businesses and workers. A new committee met to help us understand trade issues with the United States. We will keep working with this industry to protect workers, help businesses compete, and support fair trade.”
“Mr. Speaker, the government remains in constant communication with businesses and workers in the steel and aluminum industries. On April 29, the Prime Minister’s new Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations held its first meeting. This forum will help us better understand the impact of the situation and strengthen our ability to respond to future developments. While quick responses remain important in the short term, our government will continue to work with industry to develop long-term strategies that build resilience, support workers and position Canadian businesses to succeed in an ever-changing and competitive North American market. We will always protect Canadian interests and promote stable, predictable and fair international trade.”
Mr. Speaker, the government remains in constant communication with businesses and workers in the steel and aluminum industries. On April 29, the Prime Minister’s new Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations held its first meeting. This forum will help us better understand the impact of the situation and strengthen our ability to respond to future developments. While quick responses remain important in the short term, our government will continue to work with industry to develop long-term strategies that build resilience, support workers and position Canadian businesses to succeed in an ever-changing and competitive North American market. We will always protect Canadian interests and promote stable, predictable and fair international trade.
“We are prioritizing Canadian steel and aluminum in government projects to protect workers from unfair U.S. tariffs. We are also spending 5 billion dollars to help local businesses make the products Canada needs.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to respond to comments by the hon. member for Edmonton Strathcona regarding the buy Canadian policy and the use of Canadian materials in public projects. We have taken decisive and unprecedented action to help Canadian steel and aluminum producers secure a larger share of the Canadian market. With that in mind, one key element of our response to U.S. tariffs is to ensure that, moving forward, we become our own best customer. We are therefore prioritizing Canadian steel and aluminum in government procurement contracts through our buy Canadian policy. This policy ensures that federal spending prioritizes Canadian suppliers. For example, Canadian steel and aluminum will be used in future infrastructure projects, including ports, bridges and energy projects. The government’s buy Canadian policy stimulates our economy while supporting local businesses and workers. By gearing government contracts to Canadian businesses, we keep investments in our country, support small and medium-sized businesses and strengthen supply chain resilience. This approach helps create good-paying jobs, encourages local production and reduces dependence on unstable global markets. It also ensures that taxpayer dollars provide communities with maximum benefits, while fostering sustainable and reliable production. It is worth noting that this approach does not mean we are closing our borders. Rather, it means we are building a stronger, more independent economy that puts Canada on the road to long-term prosperity and shared growth. To further facilitate this transition, notably through the $5-billion strategic response fund, we are supporting companies that are shifting their production to Canadian supply chains. This program will provide Canadian steel and aluminum companies with the support they need to manufacture products that are in demand in the domestic market but are not yet produced here. Furthermore, in a trade environment marked by growing protectionism, the ongoing need for investment in defence equipment manufacturing and critical infrastructure is helping Canadian companies shift their production to meet domestic needs. Our government remains focused on stimulating domestic demand so that Canadian businesses and workers in the steel and aluminum sectors can maintain and expand their operations. Above all, we will continue to support Canadian workers and businesses affected by the instability caused by the arbitrary and unfair tariffs imposed by the U.S. government.”
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to respond to comments by the hon. member for Edmonton Strathcona regarding the buy Canadian policy and the use of Canadian materials in public projects. We have taken decisive and unprecedented action to help Canadian steel and aluminum producers secure a larger share of the Canadian market. With that in mind, one key element of our response to U.S. tariffs is to ensure that, moving forward, we become our own best customer. We are therefore prioritizing Canadian steel and aluminum in government procurement contracts through our buy Canadian policy. This policy ensures that federal spending prioritizes Canadian suppliers. For example, Canadian steel and aluminum will be used in future infrastructure projects, including ports, bridges and energy projects. The government’s buy Canadian policy stimulates our economy while supporting local businesses and workers. By gearing government contracts to Canadian businesses, we keep investments in our country, support small and medium-sized businesses and strengthen supply chain resilience. This approach helps create good-paying jobs, encourages local production and reduces dependence on unstable global markets. It also ensures that taxpayer dollars provide communities with maximum benefits, while fostering sustainable and reliable production. It is worth noting that this approach does not mean we are closing our borders. Rather, it means we are building a stronger, more independent economy that puts Canada on the road to long-term prosperity and shared growth. To further facilitate this transition, notably through the $5-billion strategic response fund, we are supporting companies that are shifting their production to Canadian supply chains. This program will provide Canadian steel and aluminum companies with the support they need to manufacture products that are in demand in the domestic market but are not yet produced here. Furthermore, in a trade environment marked by growing protectionism, the ongoing need for investment in defence equipment manufacturing and critical infrastructure is helping Canadian companies shift their production to meet domestic needs. Our government remains focused on stimulating domestic demand so that Canadian businesses and workers in the steel and aluminum sectors can maintain and expand their operations. Above all, we will continue to support Canadian workers and businesses affected by the instability caused by the arbitrary and unfair tariffs imposed by the U.S. government.
“Our economy was weak recently partly because government spending dropped, but that is temporary. A bigger problem is that our exports to the United States are falling. Because of trade uncertainty, businesses are also not investing in new equipment. I want to know what my colleague thinks we should do about this lack of business investment.”
“Madam Speaker, we could have said a lot of things, but we are short on time. I will just say two things. First, when we break down GDP, we should note that one of the sources of weakness in the first quarter was government spending. We know this is temporary. It is an adjustment, and it will change. However, I agree with my colleague that one of the main issues is exports. Indeed, exports to the United States are a significant problem, and it will need to be addressed over time. I would like to know what my colleague thinks about private investment, especially in a climate of uncertainty. After all, the decline in exports and the trade war are also creating a great deal of uncertainty. Another trend we are seeing is a freeze on private investment, particularly in machinery, equipment, and so on. What does my colleague have to say about that?”
Official Hansard
Madam Speaker, we could have said a lot of things, but we are short on time. I will just say two things. First, when we break down GDP, we should note that one of the sources of weakness in the first quarter was government spending. We know this is temporary. It is an adjustment, and it will change. However, I agree with my colleague that one of the main issues is exports. Indeed, exports to the United States are a significant problem, and it will need to be addressed over time. I would like to know what my colleague thinks about private investment, especially in a climate of uncertainty. After all, the decline in exports and the trade war are also creating a great deal of uncertainty. Another trend we are seeing is a freeze on private investment, particularly in machinery, equipment, and so on. What does my colleague have to say about that?
“American tariffs are hurting Canadian aluminum companies. We have already given over $20 million to help aluminum businesses in Quebec as part of a $500-million plan to support our industry.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the fine member for Terrebonne, for that very good question. Our aluminum processing companies across Canada, and particularly in Quebec, are facing difficulties related to the tariffs imposed by the United States. Our aluminum processors are the backbone of the Quebec and Canadian economy, representing more than 30,000 jobs and more than $11 billion in sales. That is why we have already allocated more than $20 million to Quebec aluminum processors as part of our regional tariff response initiative, with an overall budget of $500 million. Our government is taking concrete action and we will always be there to help our—”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the fine member for Terrebonne, for that very good question. Our aluminum processing companies across Canada, and particularly in Quebec, are facing difficulties related to the tariffs imposed by the United States. Our aluminum processors are the backbone of the Quebec and Canadian economy, representing more than 30,000 jobs and more than $11 billion in sales. That is why we have already allocated more than $20 million to Quebec aluminum processors as part of our regional tariff response initiative, with an overall budget of $500 million. Our government is taking concrete action and we will always be there to help our—
“Canada is not in a recession. However, our economy is threatened by U.S. tariffs because we rely heavily on trade with them. We have a plan to deal with this.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will say it again: Canada is not in a recession. Statistics Canada has never said that we are in a recession. The financial markets will determine that. There is no cause for alarm. However, our economy is under threat. Our economy is directly affected by the tariffs. We are the only G7 country that borders the United States, and we are heavily dependent on trade with the United States. That is our problem, and we have a plan to address it.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, I will say it again: Canada is not in a recession. Statistics Canada has never said that we are in a recession. The financial markets will determine that. There is no cause for alarm. However, our economy is under threat. Our economy is directly affected by the tariffs. We are the only G7 country that borders the United States, and we are heavily dependent on trade with the United States. That is our problem, and we have a plan to address it.
