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

Business of Supply

2026-05-26

“I don't want to answer the question. I want to change the subject to something that makes my government look good.”

“Housing prices are going down. That's good. For the space launch pad, just look how cool it is! We can reach space from Canada. You should be happy we're spending so much money on it.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, I would like to add a few points. I would like to give him a precise answer. For 19 consecutive months, we have seen a decline in housing prices nationwide. Regarding the issue of space launches, I think my colleague needs to take a step back and consider the benefits of being able to launch spacecraft from Canada. This is a matter of national security. I can tell him that I would be happy to introduce him to astronauts and arrange for him to speak with people on the American side. He will understand that Canso, Nova Scotia, is one of the few locations from which one can reach geostationary orbit. This is an issue of national security for the country. He should be pleased to see that we are investing in the space sector.

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“I want to change the subject to a different stat that looks better for us.”

“I don't have the numbers in front of me. I'll send you some data later to back up what I'm saying.”

“I'll pretend I answered your question about Quebec by talking about big cities instead.”

“You and I both come from rural communities. I'm filling time by saying I care about affordability. My real point is to remind you that our government gave Canadians money during the pandemic.”

“I want to joke around and avoid your question about grocery prices.”

“I'm glad I knew the common price of an item. That could have been embarrassing.”

“I want that to sound good. I like my constituents to see me. I want them to think I am just like them.”

“I'm in good health. I ran today. Let's keep going.”

“I want to cheer again for my colleague. Journalists are very important to our democracy. We need to give them taxpayers' money. We held consultations on a journalism tax credit. We know we need to support newsrooms. We will spend more to support journalism in the economic update. Journalists play a very important part in democracy.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, I have to congratulate my colleague once again. She has been on top of this issue. We have seen in newsrooms across Quebec and Canada how important journalists are for our democracy and how important it is to support their work. That is why we launched consultations, for example, on the Canadian journalism labour tax credit. That is because we know how vital it is to support newsrooms across the country. On behalf of my colleagues, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who is doing that work, because they are playing their part. Both government members and opposition members have a part to play in our democratic system, but journalists also play a very important part. Indeed, we announced measures in the spring economic statement to support the work of journalists—

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“I want voters in Compton—Stanstead to think the MP is doing a good job. The MP told me things, I met with some businesses, and referred something to a tribunal. I want people in Quebec to think the government is helping this industry. I won't say whether our actions will actually work. I want to cheer for the MP so she looks good.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, before I answer, I want to commend my colleague from Compton—Stanstead for her extraordinary work. The people of Compton—Stanstead are watching us tonight on television. The Habs are not playing this evening, so I am sure they are all watching what is happening in the House. I want to tell everyone in the region how my colleague has been a strong voice, not only as an MP but also as the chair of the rural caucus. She told me what SMEs in her part of the country are going through. They include SMEs in the furniture industry, and I had a chance to meet with them. I want to thank her because she played a key role in the measures that we are taking as a government. Following my meeting with manufacturers in the furniture and cabinetry sector, we referred their request to the Canadian International Trade Tribunal. We also considered safeguards. We know that this is an important industry in Quebec. I have to say that my colleague has done a great job in this area. This shows that an MP can make a difference. I want to thank her for that. I admire my colleague, who has done a tremendous job defending the interests of furniture and cabinet manufacturers. I listened to them and I heard them. My colleagues will be pleased to hear that we have taken action, because we know they need a helping hand. We have put in place support measures for workers in the industry. We have also taken steps to ensure that the Canadian International Trade Tribunal gives this issue all the attention it deserves. Once again, I want to thank my colleague for her exemplary work on this issue.

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“I'm repeating myself to run out the clock. I won't say whether I'll meddle in picking the board or not. I just keep saying 'arm's length' and 'best practices'.”

“I don't want to say who picks the board. I'll just talk about Canada being great at this stuff.”

“I'm just repeating the official line that this slush fund will be independent.”

“I want people watching to think you're bad for questioning this. I'll talk about how this creates wealth for everyone and hope that sounds better than your accusations.”

“I don't care about other countries' funds. Canada's fund should spend inside Canada. We must build more in Canada.”

“I want a wealth fund. I don't care how we pay for it. You should like my idea. Why don't you like it?”

“I want Canadians to give the government more money so politicians can spend it for them.”

“I don't want to say directly that taxpayers are paying for it. I will say it in a confusing way instead.”