Chi Nguyen

In response to a question from Rechie Valdez

“I support this bill. Canadian democracy faces real threats, and this law helps make sure everyone, especially young women, can participate in it safely.”

“Madam Speaker, the minister and I really enjoyed watching the film together. At this time when many young women are thinking about what it means to step into and engage in democracy, we have a responsibility to step forward and make sure we get this right. There are real threats to Canadian democracy, and we want to make sure we can all participate safely. What we are doing here sets the groundwork for that.”

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In response to a question from Elizabeth May

“That is a good question about how to regulate social media platforms. Our plan to set up an independent digital safety commission will give us the guidance we need.”

“Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague has asked a fantastic and very thoughtful question about where this sits in the ecosystem. We are all asking thoughtful questions about what the right regulatory regimes and tools are, and I think the approach that our government is taking around an independent digital safety commission will help give the guidance that is needed here.”

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“I want the House to pass this bill to protect children online. It stops kids under 16 from having social media accounts unless a platform can prove it is safe. It also forces social media companies and AI chatbots to quickly take down harmful content and act responsibly.”

“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Nipissing—Timiskaming. I rise in the chamber in support of Bill C-34, the safe social media act. As a mom of two young boys, I think a lot about what it means to help them navigate an increasingly digital and online world. I want them to be able to learn and keep up with the things that delight them, while also keeping them safe from the challenges that the digital environment presents. I know first-hand that parents are doing their best to help their kids to navigate an online world that is changing faster than any generation has experienced before. I also know that keeping up with fast-paced changing technology is a full-time job. I frequently speak with parents about how difficult it is to understand the apps our children use, as well as the difficulty in managing the content and people they might encounter. By the time many of us feel that we have understood one platform, something new replaces it and the learning curve starts all over again. Even if we do everything we can, there is still a steady stream of decisions that are being made about our children’s online experiences that we do not always have control over. We may not always understand why an algorithm keeps recommending specific videos or how a platform responds to discrimination and harassment. We cannot know everything an AI chatbot might say to a child who stumbles across it on purpose or by accident. Those decisions often belong to companies that build and operate these services. They have responsibilities here too. In a 2024 survey from Public Safety Canada, only three in 10 youth said they felt safe online. Parents were even less likely to feel their children were safe in these digital spaces. The data is alarming. Young people spend so much of their time learning how to interact with one another and the world online. This is the new place where they explore who they are and find a sense of belonging. We also know that these consequences reach well beyond the screen. Classmates can circulate messages and pictures too quickly for parents, teachers and educators to keep up. All of this has an impact on whether our children can walk into school the next morning. With artificial intelligence advancing at a rapid pace, we are at a crossroads. As legislators and parliamentarians, we have a responsibility to act now to ensure that these technologies are safe and accountable and that they support, rather than harm, the well-being of our children. That is the future I want for my two young boys and for every child growing up in Canada. It is in this context that our government is introducing Bill C-34. This legislation would ensure that social media services and AI chatbots are safe by design. The bill includes measures such as a ban on social media for those under the age of 16 until a service can prove it is safe, a new digital safety commission to adjudicate the efficacy of a platform’s safety policies and hold them to account, and faster removal processes for harmful or victimizing content. The commission would be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the act. In this era where we are all navigating lives that have a physical and digital presence, there is a real urgency to act and to do this thoughtfully and well for all Canadians. It is an issue that many stakeholders who are concerned with the well-being of children and women have raised the alarm bells on, and on behalf of the residents of Spadina—Harbourfront, I am grateful that we are using our legislative tools to act. One of the key measures of Bill C-34 is that it would ban children under the age of 16 from having accounts on social media services. AI chatbots would be subject to the duty to protect children and the duty to act responsibly, requiring them to mitigate risks of harmful behaviour by or induced by the chatbot. Everyone has a responsibility to protect our kids. Bullying 25 years ago often ended when the school day was over. Today, children carry that harassment with them everywhere they go, with direct access through their phones and on social media platforms. They are also more vulnerable to online predators and other harmful actors who can now reach them easily. From online harassment and the spread of misinformation to the proliferation of harmful content such as revenge porn and AI-generated deepfakes, young people are facing challenges that previous generations could never have imagined. In this new digital era, AI, algorithms and deepfake technologies are also enabling new forms of gender-based harassment and violence toward women and young girls. We must take a whole-of-government approach and consider how these measures, along with the actions we have taken over the past year, connect together. We moved forward on part of this work through Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act, whereby our government introduced reforms to protect children in online environments. This has included expanding the child luring offence to better address sextortion, criminalizing non-consensual sexual deepfakes, criminalizing bestiality depictions used to groom children, increasing penalties for child exploitation offences, and requiring online platforms to preserve evidence longer so offenders can be brought to justice. As a woman who stands in public office, it has been incredibly powerful to see our government work alongside other parties in the House to ensure that the sharing of non-consensual sexual deepfakes was criminalized. No one bill can address every angle of these harms. Our legislation, prevention efforts, stakeholder groups and other supports must work in concert together to keep young people safe. Last week, I hosted a documentary film screening on the Hill where parliamentarians, staff and community partners gathered together to watch Miss Representation: Rise Up. The documentary, directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, explores how social media and AI are fuelling a cultural backlash against women and young girls, affecting their mental health, autonomy and political power. The film is a sequel to the original, which debuted 15 years ago, and this update demonstrates how women’s and young girls’ experiences with media and technology have intensified quickly over time. The film not only reminds us of the harms the online space can present to young women but also sends a powerful message that technological innovation must be accompanied by accountability. We need social media platforms to have the framework and regulations in place so that our children are safe online. Bill C-34 is the first piece of national legislation that establishes a regulatory framework for AI chatbots. The bill would require greater transparency from AI chatbots and impose obligations to direct users to intervention services when they express suicidal thoughts, self-harm or an intent to seriously harm others. It would also require operators to provide the new digital safety commission with clear, transparent information on their policies for referring conversations to the RCMP and other emergency services in the case of threats to seriously harm others. The tragedy in Tumbler Ridge is a stark reminder of what is at stake. It reinforces an important principle as we build this legislation and framework. Canadians expect online platforms to have robust safety protocols and escalation practices in place to protect online safety and ensure that law enforcement is warned about potential violence. We must and can do better for our children and their families. The bill is an important step toward creating a safer digital environment for children across Canada. As the world changes, our legislation must reflect the new terrain we are living in, and the responsibility does not lie with parents and educators alone. Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to participate in a round table discussion with Pinterest alongside representatives from civil society and academia. The message that came through clearly was that we must get the legislation right. That includes building a system that provides strong protections for children and young people while also recognizing that digital platforms are not all designed or used in the same way. Bill C-34 reflects this approach. The commission can exempt certain companies from the age limit requirement if they demonstrate that they meet adequate safeguards designed to protect children and youth. Our government was elected on a mandate to protect Canadians, and that responsibility includes our children. Many democracies around the world are already taking action and understanding that the digital age requires new safeguards and standards of accountability. As a middle power with strong democratic values and a tradition of defending human rights, Canada now has the opportunity to help shape the growing global conversation on digital safety. We can work alongside our international partners and establish common standards, best practices and shared expertise. As we consider what will work best in Canada, we have an opportunity to encourage platforms to design safer spaces from the beginning. That means giving clear responsibilities to put young people’s safety at the centre of how their products are built. Blanket bans alone are not enough to support young people navigating the digital world. We must pair this with the right skill sets to recognize harm and set boundaries so everyone can use the technology responsibly. This can act as a model for the rest of us as we all trip through using new technologies together. We do not have to choose between innovation and safety. Canada can lead with both. Through legislation such as Bill C-34, Canada can help set the standard for a digital future that puts the well-being of young people first.”

“I want the House to pass this bill. It makes our sanctions laws stronger against cybercrime and foreign repression, increases penalties, and requires yearly reports on our work to protect human rights around the world.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise in the House today to speak to Bill C-219, the Sergei Magnitsky international anti-corruption and human rights act. I would like to thank the hon. member for Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman for bringing this legislation forward. It was very helpful to have more of the context and the story behind why he has been pushing forward this bill. Bill C-219 reflects core values that Canada has always represented. These values are represented in the institutions we have built as a country, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The charter was introduced under a Liberal government and reflects our nationwide commitment to fundamental freedoms, equality, democratic rights and the rule of law. These values do not stop at our borders. They also shape how we engage internationally. When we speak out against human rights abuses or take action against corruption and repression abroad, we do so because these are the core values that Canadians believe in. Bill C-219 would build on these principles by strengthening Canada’s ability to better respond to international human rights challenges and violations while also continuing to uphold the humanitarian principles that define us. Bill C-219 proposes amendments to three laws: the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act; the Special Economic Measures Act; and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act. The amendments would strengthen Canada’s sanctions and update human rights frameworks. These amendments would occur in the following ways. Firstly, the bill would amend the DFATD Act to require the minister to report annually on human rights efforts, including efforts to secure the release of human rights defenders and prisoners of conscience. The bill would also amend the Special Economic Measures Act and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act to lower the threshold for the use of sanctions to be inclusive of emerging threats like transnational repression and cybercrime. It would also provide for increased penalties, establish clear timelines and rename Canada’s existing sanctions legislation to commemorate Sergei Magnitsky. The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development also made important amendments to further strengthen the bill. The reporting provisions were amended to take into consideration the complex situation that prisoners of conscience and human rights defenders are in, while still making sure the government is accountable in publishing an annual report on these activities. The committee also adopted a broadened trigger related to conduct that undermines peace, stability and democracy, allowing the government to sanction individuals for a wide range of activities including cybercrime, organized crime, arbitrary detention and other forms of transnational misconduct. These changes recognize that threats to human rights increasingly cross borders. Canada must be equipped to respond to evolving challenges. The amendments would also ensure that the seizure of private assets of sanctioned individuals follows a clear legislative process and timeline while ensuring that due process is respected. These changes would also increase and align evasion penalties to provide greater consistency through a Canada sanctions framework. The work on this bill shows what we can achieve when parliamentarians work productively together. The committee spent weeks working collaboratively to strengthen the legislation by removing provisions that could have created unnecessary burdens, hindered the government’s ability to adapt sanctions or potentially put human rights defenders at risk. This is a strong example of how multipartisan efforts can make Canada stronger, both here at home and abroad. Bill C-219 would make important changes to modernize Canada’s sanctions regime. These measures would increase accountability by requiring the government to publish an annual report on efforts to advance human rights. In recent months, our country has been having important discussions about how Canada can strengthen its role on the stage as a middle power. As Prime Minister Mark Carney has noted, middle powers like Canada are not powerless in the face of global uncertainty. By working with like-minded partners— An hon. member: Oh, oh!”

In response to a question from Maxime Blanchette-Joncas

“I want this bill to move forward. It improves how we manage our ports and makes sure project reviews are done properly.”

“Mr. Speaker, I think it is really important to recognize that the bill would address changes in governance as well to the ports and other parts of the ecosystem. In terms of making sure that those assessments are done appropriately and well, we are getting to a decision point about whether to move forward. This does not mean that all of the work is completed, but all of those efforts are going to be in place.”

In response to a question from Will Greaves

“I support this bill. It keeps all the proper checks in place, but makes decisions faster so we can build what we need.”

“Mr. Speaker, I think this approach of making sure that we put the steps in place to get to the right decision, but knowing that the work, the assessments, all of those pieces are still there as part of the process, allows us to move with the speed and the efficiency that we are looking for in order to make the investments that we need for our future.”

In response to a question from Maxime Blanchette-Joncas

“I support this bill. It lets us build big projects faster while still making sure we check their environmental impacts carefully.”

“Mr. Speaker, as a mom of two kids, I am often thinking about the future that we are building for this country. I strongly believe that we are finding an approach and a process that allows us to move more quickly while still putting the work in place to do the assessments and make sure that the rigour is in place for us to move forward on these major projects.”

“I want the House to pass this bill. It will speed up decisions on major building projects and strengthen our ports and trade routes. It does this while protecting workers' rights, consulting Indigenous groups, and keeping strong environmental rules.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this chamber to speak to Bill C-39, the building Canada strong act. Over the past year, our government has been hard at work for Canadians at one of the most pivotal moments in our history. We continue to respond to the threats against our economy and to the social vulnerabilities that Canadians face every day. The trade war with the United States and recent tariffs have worsened many of these challenges, and as the world continues to rapidly change, Canadians expect us to act. Our government was elected with a mandate to build a stronger, more resilient economy. For the past year and a half, we have been working hard to deliver on this mandate. We have strengthened the economy by cutting taxes for the middle class. We have eliminated the GST on new homes valued up to $1 million, helping first-time homebuyers save up to $50,000. We have partnered with the Government of Ontario to eliminate the full 13% of the HST on new homes valued up to $1 million, saving up to $130,000 for all buyers in Ontario. We are seeing early and fast results. Our economy continues to show resilience, growing by 3.3% in Q2, the fastest in the G7. This summer, our government posted a record high of non-U.S. trade at $25.6 billion, with productivity rising by 4% in the second quarter, the largest increase since 2020. We have also introduced measures to address affordability for Canadians. Canadians expect us to continue this work. The building Canada strong act is nation-building legislation. It is about how we invest today in Canadian infrastructure to shape our strength and resilience for generations to come. The building Canada strong act would bring greater speed, certainty and predictability to strengthen our economy, attract investment, create good union jobs and position Canada for long-term success in the 21st century. As the Prime Minister has stated, Canada is a country of high standards, but high standards should not mean slow decisions. This legislation is one of the most ambitious reforms in recent history and is built knowing that in one year, with one consultation, we can come to one decision on some of the most critical projects in Canada’s history. Our government knows that we cannot build a resilient economy without protecting the rights of workers and all Canadians who work hard every day to keep this country together. We will do this while upholding Canada’s environmental standards and respecting indigenous rights. Canada’s long-term economic success depends on reliable and efficient transportation networks that connect businesses to domestic and international markets. My riding knows this very well. Spadina—Harbourfront lives at the intersection of trade, transportation and economic growth. From the port of Toronto to major rail corridors and regional transportation infrastructure, residents see how much of Canada’s prosperity depends on our ability to move people and goods effectively. Bill C-39 would strengthen Canada’s trade corridors and ports, helping Canadian goods move more quickly, unlock new markets and build more resilient supply chains. For those who call our waterfront home, these waters are an integral part of our community and our economy. Our government has also made record investments to decarbonize our trade. The green shipping corridor program, with a total funding budget of nearly $150 million, is removing barriers to the adoption of emissions-reducing equipment and infrastructure. We are introducing measures to embed indigenous representation in Canadian ports, amending the Canada Marine Act to establish indigenous advisory committees to enhance dialogue with indigenous communities. Indigenous consultation is essential to building the projects that Canada needs. Beyond ports, we cannot now or ever build without respecting indigenous rights and ensuring that indigenous communities are engaged as true, meaningful partners throughout this process. This legislation builds on the important study undertaken by the transport, infrastructure and communities committee earlier this year through its study on Canada’s ports. We heard from witnesses across the sector about the urgent need to improve supply chains, reduce bottlenecks, modernize port infrastructure and improve Canada’s competitiveness as a trading nation. Bill C-39 responds directly to these challenges. It would create the conditions for a more reliable, resilient transportation system. Our government knows that we cannot build a resilient economy without protecting the rights of workers and all Canadians who work hard every day to build this country. I am proud to come from a family of union workers. My riding also includes a strong union presence, including IATSE Locals 58 and 822, CUPE Local 79, USW Local 1998, SEIU, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, ACTRA, and the Canadian Media Guild, among many. Workers are critical to a strong Canadian economy. The building Canada strong act would modernize the federal labour framework and strengthen protections for workers in federally regulated sectors, helping to support good jobs for a growing economy. The legislation would introduce greater transparency and accountability around the use of section 107 by requiring the minister to consider an independent special mediator’s report and assess the national interest impacts of a dispute before exercising these authorities. The special mediator is to ensure that disputes are approached through dialogue and negotiated solutions that reflect both the interests and needs of workers and the broader public interest. These changes would reinforce the central role of collective bargaining, encourage parties to resolve disputes at the bargaining table and fully protect the right to strike. Strong labour relations contribute to a stronger Canada. Our government knows that we cannot build fast without ensuring we maintain high environmental standards. These projects, including transmission lines, hydro, renewables projects and critical minerals are necessary for our future and will also deliver good jobs and investment. As a waterfront community, Spadina—Harbourfront understands that economic growth and environmental stewardship are not competing priorities. We all rely on clean water and healthy ecosystems. We all benefit from strong economic growth. Canadians want to see major projects move forward, but they also expect strong environmental safeguards. Our goal is to build faster where we can while continuing to preserve our environment for future generations. Protecting these resources is a shared responsibility, which is why I welcome the work of my colleagues, the hon. Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, who just announced our new oceans protection plan, and the hon. Minister of Environment and Climate Change, who recently launched public consultations to inform Canada’s first national water security strategy, soliciting input from Canadians from coast to coast to coast. This builds on the work we have already committed to, such as the Pacific salmon strategy initiative and the freshwater action plan. Our government understands that in order to strengthen our ports, we need to also protect our waterways. These efforts go hand in hand. Our government understands that how we respond to climate change will shape our economy, our communities and our global standing for generations to come. Canada is rising to this challenge. One bill does not capture the full scope of the work our government is doing. Bill C-39 is part of a broader strategy being taken to accelerate the development of nation-building projects. We must take a whole-of-government approach and consider how these measures, along with the actions we have taken over the past year, connect together. We are creating jobs, strengthening trade and growing our economy while continuing to uphold Canada’s high environmental standards. This legislation would also establish clearer, simpler and more predictable processes for project proponents and indigenous groups participating in project consultations, giving investors the clarity they need to put capital to work and build in Canada. No efforts we make happen in isolation, and if we are to work together towards the shared ambition of building Canada strong for all, we must start with understanding how we can rebalance our systems. Before I was an elected member of this House, I worked on building system solutions to our most intractable challenges, such as affordable housing, gender-based violence and social financing. These experiences reinforced for me the importance of ambitious public policy. Governments have a responsibility not only to respond to challenges, but also to help shape the conditions for long-term prosperity. Bill C-39 recognizes that government has a role to play in helping Canada build, compete and grow while ensuring that the benefits of that growth are shared across the country. As Professor Mariana Mazzucato at University College of London describes, we must believe in our power to shape markets, direct innovation and lead social transformation. An element she defines as critical for achieving the common good is this idea of access for all and reward sharing. This is a moment that calls for ambition. Bill C-39 would help Canada build faster and compete in a changing world. I will support it, and I encourage all members of this House to do the same.”

In response to a question from Sébastien Lemire

“People need housing everywhere in Canada, not just in big cities. Our government is funding modular homes in Nunavut. This kind of building helps make the country stronger.”

“Mr. Speaker, when we talk about rurality and the need for housing, we know that this is a challenge not just in downtown Toronto or in downtown Vancouver; it is a challenge across our country. However, one of the things that I have learned about, in terms of the new investments that we have been making, is an initiative in Nunavut where we will be building modular housing and building that in the north. It is a step in the right direction, and it is a step in the work of building the infrastructure we need to make Canada strong. Those efforts are really critical for this time, and I know that this is a huge part of the work that we all want to be doing as Canadians.”

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In response to a question from Tony Baldinelli

“This bill is a chance for the federal and provincial governments to work together on housing. We set targets for building homes, and we make sure governments only keep the money if they meet those targets.”

“Mr. Speaker, I think this is a really important opportunity to show that kind of collaboration between the provincial government and the federal government, and to get the communications and clarity around the policy decisions that we need. We have set targets for our housing pieces. I know that last year in Toronto we actually took back some of the funding because the city was not meeting some of the targets around multiplexes, and in Vaughan as well. There are mechanisms, and we are making sure that the housing we are investing in gives us the returns we are looking for.”

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“I support this bill. It gives $1.7 billion to the provinces and territories to help them build more homes faster, lower building fees, and protect construction jobs.”

“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Winnipeg North. I rise today in the chamber in support of Bill C-26, an act to authorize certain payments to be made out of the consolidated revenue fund for the purpose of improving housing supply. At its heart, this bill is intended to make it easier for Canada to build more homes and the kinds of communities where people can truly live. For many Canadians, housing is not an abstract policy issue. When we think about housing, we must consider it as the starting place for the way Canadians imagine their future, where workers can live close to their jobs; seniors can remain close to their communities and age in place; and young people can rent, own or raise a family. This is an issue that even my preteen son is thinking about, wondering how he can remain in the city he loves. It comes as no surprise that global economic pressures have reshaped the housing market. Rising construction costs, labour shortages and wages that have not kept pace with inflation have all contributed to the challenges we face today. We know that without secure housing, it is impossible to plan for the future, to build stability or to fully participate in Canada’s economy. I see this clearly in my riding of Spadina—Harbourfront. Spadina—Harbourfront is one of the densest communities in this country. It is a riding of high-rises, condominiums, co-operatives, rental buildings, shelters, supportive housing, student housing and seniors housing. This is a place where people live vertically. They share public space, rely on transit, walk to work, gather in parks, hang out at STACKT market, the Waterworks Food Hall, One Love market, Sugar Beach or The Island Cafe, and build community in ways that are deeply urban and deeply Canadian. In my riding, I see the beauty and possibility of density every day. Density can mean a senior is better able to live closer to health care, groceries and neighbours who can check in. It can mean that a young person can walk to school or work. It can also mean that families can share playgrounds, libraries, community centres and waterfront spaces. Just last weekend, the waterfront was vibrating with excitement as we welcomed the world for the FIFA World Cup, with thousands cheering for Canada right from their condo balconies and watching the crowds gather in the streets. We could live in communities with less sprawl, stronger transit and more vibrant main streets. Vertical living can work when we plan for people instead of units. We see examples of this across our community. Harbour Square, for example, has long shown how vertical communities can include shared services, including shuttle services that help residents move through the city and remain connected. Across the riding, we see buildings where neighbours organize, support one another, share amenities and create a real sense of belonging. This is the kind of city building we should be learning from. We also know the best housing solutions do not come from government alone. They come from housing co-operatives that show us that affordability, stability and community ownership go hand in hand. They can also come from organizations like Eva’s Initiatives, which supports young people experiencing homelessness and reminds us that housing is not only about a roof, but about safety, connection, trust and the chance to rebuild a life. The best housing solutions also come from thoughtful public planning, like the work of Waterfront Toronto, which has shown that the when we build with intention, we can create communities that include housing, transit, parks, public space, climate resilience and access to water. This is the vision that we need more of in Canada: not just buildings, but more homes where people feel they have complete communities. The housing crisis has also placed enormous pressure on the construction sector. In the greater Toronto area, new home sales fell to just over 5,300 units in 2025, which is the lowest level in more than 45 years. That slowdown has already led to job losses in the skilled trades and construction sector. These are the very workers Canada needs if we are going to build the houses people are counting on. Approximately 80,000 people are leaving the GTA because of affordability pressures. A study by Altus Group for the Building Industry and Land Development Association found that without urgent action, nearly half of all residential construction jobs in the region could be at risk and housing starts could fall by more than 60% compared to 2024 levels. We must act in order to protect housing supply and keep skilled workers on the job. We must make it easier to build, to build quickly and to build well. Through Bill C-26, our government is proposing to provide $1.7 billion to provinces and territories immediately so they can implement measures to increase Canada’s housing supply. This funding is designed to help remove the barriers slowing down homebuilding, including by lowering development charges, fees, levies or sales taxes on new homes. It would also support efforts to harmonize rules, improve internal trade and increase productivity in the residential construction sector. At a time when the housing market is under real pressure, this bill would keep projects moving, maintain construction activity, protect skilled jobs and unlock the homes Canadians urgently need. Fixing Canada’s housing issues will require a wide range of solutions and, above all, close collaboration. No single order of government can solve the housing crisis alone. The strongest housing systems are built when public, private, non-profit and community partners are all at the table. We are already seeing what that collaboration can look like. In March, the federal government and the Province of Ontario signed a historic partnership agreement to build homes, transit and communities, backed by $8.8 billion in joint funding over 10 years. This agreement supports housing-enabling infrastructure and helps reduce the cost of building new homes. It includes support for municipalities that reduce and maintain low development charges. This includes an HST rebate to incentivize new home construction and support for major transit projects to connect people to jobs and services. Ontario’s removal of the full 13% HST for eligible buyers of new homes valued up to $1 million, for one year from April 2026 to March 2027, is one example of what this kind of partnership can make possible. Through Bill C-26, our government has agreed to cover the 5% federal portion of that HST relief. This is a practical measure because it supports near-term construction activity while longer-term work continues to lower the cost of building homes. Since that announcement, new home sales in the GTA have begun to recover. In April alone, approximately 1,100 new homes were sold, nearly triple the number sold during the same period last year. In Toronto, housing and infrastructure must be planned together. This is why investments like the waterfront east transit project are so important. This project will connect communities such as East Bayfront, the Port Lands and Ookwemin Minising. It is not only a transit investment, but a housing strategy. Good transit helps unlock new neighbourhoods and connects people to work, school, child care and community. It supports the construction of thousands of new homes in places where people can live with dignity and connection. We are also moving forward with Build Canada Homes, an ambitious initiative to accelerate homebuilding across the country, including transitional, supportive and deeply affordable housing. This program includes a $13-billion initial investment, the development of federal lands, support for factory-built housing and measures to preserve long-term affordability. It is already supporting thousands of new units and has the potential to deliver tens of thousands more. The legislation before us would give these efforts the flexibility and tools they need to accelerate delivery, take on risk responsibly and build the housing Canadians are counting on. In a city like Toronto, where affordability remains one of our greatest challenges, this kind of relief can make a meaningful difference. It helps more buyers enter the market and supports the construction of the homes we so urgently need. This why this bill is so important. It is a measure that has been called for by housing advocates, including organizations like BILD, and it represents a clear win for builders, workers and residents in my riding. Canada’s housing market is going through a period of adjustment, but that does not change the reality that we are facing a structural housing supply shortage. Our government has been clear: We will build more homes faster and more boldly. Bill C-26’s purpose is to support housing supply, protect Canadian jobs and maintain capacity in the construction sector. By acting now, we can keep construction activity moving, retain skilled workers and ensure that builders can continue to plan and launch new projects at a time when that continuity is critical. The housing crisis did not happen overnight and it will not be solved overnight, but the choices we make today will shape the future of housing in this country for generations to come. Our government is here today working to provide Canadians with the tools they need to build that stability. Bill C-26 is one important step toward that goal. We are taking meaningful action to address one of the most pressing challenges facing Canadians today. We are working closely with provinces, territories and municipalities, because we know that collaboration is essential in a moment like this. In Spadina—Harbourfront, I see every day that density can be beautiful, that vertical living can be full of community and that good planning can help people build real lives in the heart of a city. This is the future we should be building toward. For that reason, I urge all members to support Bill C-26.”