MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

Hon. François-Philippe Champagne

Liberal Minister of Finance and National Revenue 265 statements translated

Champagne is a cheerleader for the Liberal government, frequently touting Canada's economic growth and the government's spending on programs and investments. He often deflects criticism by accusing the Conservatives of talking down the economy and highlights the government's 'generational investments' in housing, infrastructure, and innovation. He is skilled at filling time with kind words and praise for his colleagues while avoiding committing to specific actions or answering questions directly.

Government Orders

Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act

2026-05-25

“I want everyone to vote for this bill. Look at this part everyone should like. This part about growing more food in Canada is for you. I think you'll vote for the bill I want if committees can study it. Maybe if I say you support workers, you'll support my bill.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I have enormous respect for my colleague, and I always listen to her comments. In fact, what we are doing this morning would allow the committee to study the measures in the bill. The member will find that there are a number of measures there, for example with respect to seasonal workers and affordability. I know she would support them, because she is a member who has always supported the rights of workers. There are measures, for example, of immediate expensing for greenhouses so that we can grow more food in Canada, reduce our dependency and be more resilient. Those are the types of measures that I know every member of this House, regardless of their political affiliation, would support, because being able to grow more food in Canada, to be more resilient and to provide communities the power to grow food in their own communities is something we should all be supportive of.

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“I really want Bill C-30 to pass. I think it helps Canadians who have trouble affording things. But not just that! It also has things that some workers asked for. There are many measures in the bill. I think Canadians will like them. Every politician here should vote yes and pass the bill.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, indeed, this bill, Bill C-30, would be helping Canadians with affordability. We all know this is top of mind for Canadians, wherever we go in the country. Let me point out other good things that are in Bill C-30. It would modify the labour mobility deduction for eligible tradespeople by increasing the annual limit on expenses that can be deducted. It would make permanent the capital gains tax exemption for the sale of a business to an employee ownership trust or a worker co-operative. Those are the types of measures that have been asked for by labour, industry and workers, and they would make a difference. I know that everyone who was elected and sits in the House wants to make a difference for their constituents. There are 18 measures in Bill C-30 that would make a difference in the lives of Canadians. Therefore, I would hope and expect that every member of the House would stand up, support the motion and get down to work.

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“I'm very happy about our big spending. Canada can afford it. It doesn't matter if it increases debt.”

“I want to pass this bill quickly. It spends money on programs that buy votes. I'll blame inflation if anyone says it costs too much.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, who is someone I hold in very high regard. I think that the people watching at home understand the circumstances we find ourselves in. I just got back from meetings with my G7 colleagues. The world is changing. We have to take concrete measures. The issue of affordability, for example, is very real for all Canadians across the country. Bill C‑30 would allow us to implement the measure we announced to suspend the federal excise tax on gas and diesel. This is an important measure for Canadians as the summer season starts and Canadians travel across the country. I know that my colleagues in the House understand the importance of taking action. Canadians expect us to take action here, in the House, with all haste they are entitled to expect of measures that will help them over the summer.

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“I want taxpayers to know we are spending their money. Seasonal workers should get more money. I want the opposition to agree to spend more money for seasonal workers. I want Canadians to think my spending is helping them.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I am sure the cameras are on and I am quite happy to speak to Canadians. I will go to other measures that I think the Conservatives should support. Division 4 of part 3 would amend the Employment Insurance Act and extend, until October 7, 2028, the duration of the measure that increases the maximum number of weeks for which benefits may be paid in a benefit period to certain seasonal workers. I am sure the seasonal workers watching at home today would expect the opposition to stand up and say, yes, they support seasonal workers and they want to make sure they have the measures that will support them and their families. On this side of the House, I can assure everyone that all my colleagues want to make sure that, on the one hand, we respond to all the questions, but, on the other hand, we also do what is right for Canadians. That is what we will do.

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“Don't look at the debt. Look at these popular things we're doing with the money! Surely you won't vote against a gas tax holiday...”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I am surprised by the words used by the member, for whom I have enormous respect. I think he should listen to Canadians. In Bill C-30, we see important measures. Outside this chamber, the one thing Canadians talk to us about is affordability. Affordability is top of mind for Canadians when it comes to the price of homes, gas and food. Bill C-30 would implement the very important measure we said we would implement, which is to suspend the federal excise tax on gas and diesel. If the Conservatives are true to their word, I hope they will all stand up and say, yes, they will support the motion, because we need to act in favour of Canadians. That is what Canadians expect, and that is what we will deliver.

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Oral Questions

The Economy

2026-05-05

“I don't want voters to worry about rising costs. On June 5th the government will send money to voters. The government should spend money to help with food and rent. We will keep doing things and say it is making life affordable.”

Oral Questions

Finance

2026-05-05

“The PBO said our deficits are becoming smaller. We're growing government very fast. Spend more with us on what I want.”

Oral Questions

Taxation

2026-05-05

“I want to blame high gas prices on the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, and conflict. This is the biggest energy shock. The government suspended the federal excise tax on gas to help Canadians. We want to look like we're doing our part.”

“I want praise because I temporarily suspended one fuel tax to fight inflation. The International Monetary Fund says what I did was targeted and temporary so it's good. I will keep supporting Canadians and spending money to make Canada strong.”

“You should ignore high gas prices. There's a war. The government should spend more to help Canadians with the high prices it helped cause. We already cut the gas tax a little.”

Oral Questions

Finance

2026-04-27

“The economy is fine. The opposition leader just doesn't get it. We'll grow the economy by spending more.”

“I have good news. I'll create a giant government fund to control big projects across Canada. Let's spend lots of money together!”

“Good news! The International Monetary Fund says Canada is growing faster than Germany, Japan, and Italy. And we're starting a sovereign wealth fund so Canadians can build the country together. This is good news that makes our government look effective.”

“I have some good news that makes the government look good. We're creating a new fund to spend more of Canadians' money on big projects all across the country. The government will control the funding and pick the projects. This will make Canada look different from other G7 countries.”

Oral Questions

Taxation

2026-04-24

“I'm filling time with flattery and patriotism. We cut a gas tax and it's popular. The other party should agree our spending helps Canadians. We will spend more to reduce grocery prices too.”

Oral Questions

Natural Resources

2026-04-24

“You're wrong about everything. Quebec and Canada are good at mining. We built a battery system. Quebec will be good at building electric cars. Everyone should be proud of us.”

Oral Questions

Finance

2026-04-24

“You're asking the wrong question. Look over here instead. We have a fact from the IMF. I think you should tell your voters about it.”

“The IMF said something nice about Canada. The weather is nice today. I am just filling time and associating myself with good things.”

“I don't want to answer the question. I will just say our party is great and everything will be fine.”