Leslie Church · TranslatePolitics.ca

Oral Questions

The Economy

2026-06-18

“We want to spend more money doubling a program for kids' food and the provinces said yes. The opposition is the one standing in the way and saying no. They won't support our program that would help Canadian families afford to feed their kids.”

Oral Questions

Seniors

2026-06-15

“I deny that our program is complicated. We worked with some organizations and made changes. We will keep spending money in every riding. I will not hear criticism from you, because you didn't support our expensive plans.”

“You say seniors will have trouble applying. I say our program is big and will help many seniors. We are even giving more money. I hope service Canada can answer questions so seniors can still apply.”

Oral Questions

The Economy

2026-06-05

“88,000 new jobs is good. I'll talk about that instead of the recession or the budget.”

Adjournment Proceedings

2026-06-04

“I want taxpayers to keep spending money on my many programs. Deficits and debt are smaller than they could have been so everything is fine.”

Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, the spring economic update shows that the projected deficit is actually $11.5 billion lower in 2025-26 than forecast in budget 2025. This improvement is possible because of stronger-than-expected economic performance and higher revenues. We are concentrating on what we can control, such as maintaining fiscal sustainability while making targeted, high-impact investments for Canadians right across the country. This means eliminating the operating deficit over time, ensuring a declining deficit-to-GDP ratio and ensuring that every dollar spent on behalf of Canadians supports growth and resilience and improves the well-being of Canadians. That is what a fiscally responsible government looks like, and that is how we are building Canada strong for all. By making these adjustments now, we are making it possible to make generational investments that protect and transform Canada's industries, strengthen our economy and empower Canadians.

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“I want to say Canada is fiscally strong. Our debt ratio is good. We are spending carefully. We have money for things we care about. We will control inflation by giving out money in the right way. Young people need a fair shot. I want my colleague's support.”

Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, despite global uncertainty and ongoing geopolitical instability, Canada's fiscal position remains strong. The 2026 spring economic update confirms that our fiscal outlook has improved, not deteriorated. Deficits are declining over the medium term, and the government remains firmly committed to a declining federal deficit-to-GDP ratio. As a whole, Canada also continues to have one of the strongest fiscal positions in the G7, with the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio and the second lowest deficit-to-GDP ratio. That strong position is not accidental. It is the result of a government that is committed to making responsible, disciplined choices. That means spending less on government operations, cutting waste and ensuring public funds are used where they can deliver the greatest impact. By managing costs carefully, we are creating the fiscal room to invest more in the things that truly matter, such as supporting workers, helping businesses grow and building the nation-building infrastructure our economy depends on. Fiscal responsibility also means not fuelling inflation. Inflation has remained within the target range for 28 consecutive months, and we want to maintain the right conditions to keep it there. That is why the government is focused on improving supply, especially housing supply, and providing real targeted affordability relief without compromising economic stability. Even under more challenging global conditions, our fiscal position remains stable under our responsible fiscal plan. Let us talk about fairness, because fiscal responsibility is ultimately about intergenerational fairness. The government knows that young Canadians deserve more opportunities. By keeping debt under control and investing in growth, we are protecting their future. The 2026 spring economic update shows a government that is meeting today's challenges while protecting tomorrow's prosperity. I have to highlight for my colleague, given her interest in young Canadians and creating opportunities for them, the transformational $6-billion initiative in the spring economic update to invest in recruiting, training and hiring up to 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers right across the country. Canada's finances are improving, our fiscal anchors are intact, our debt remains sustainable, and our economy is being strengthened, not undermined by responsible public investment. That is fiscal responsibility. That is what the government is delivering. I hope that my colleague opposite gets on board.

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“I want to look responsible by talking about 'fiscal responsibility'. I say this government is doing a good job with money. I will talk about global problems to justify the government spending a lot.”

“The government spends money on programs for workers. I think that's good and helps everyone. The other party voted against spending more money on trades programs.”

Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, Canada's labour market development agreements and workforce development agreements demonstrate what is possible when governments collaborate with a common goal in mind. The economic impact is equally significant. As more Canadians enter and remain in the workforce, consumer spending rises, communities prosper and public revenues grow. This is why workforce development is more than a social policy. It is a cornerstone of economic strength. These agreements invest in people, respond to real labour market needs and deliver measurable benefits for workers and employers alike. They are not just supporting jobs. They are helping to develop a more prosperous and inclusive future for all Canadians. I thank my colleague opposite for answering my question and confirming the fact that he voted against the spring economic update and the $6-billion program we have to reinvigorate skilled trades in Canada and recruit 100,000 new tradespeople and apprentices.

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“The economy is struggling so the government must control more of it. We are spending billions on job training programs with the provinces that help people find work and help businesses hire faster. We are also spending more money to protect some industries and train skilled trades workers. I want the opposition to cheer for these programs because they spend a lot of money.”

Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, allow me to focus on the positive measures the government is continuing to pursue as we work to mitigate the impact of these uncertain times. As the Prime Minister has said, as we cope with economic uncertainty, our most powerful recourse, our most powerful tool is to control what is within our power to control, and that is what we are doing. Let me focus on the government's uncompromising commitment to build a stronger, more inclusive economy. Nothing represents the power of that commitment more than our labour market development agreements and workforce development agreements. These agreements forged between the federal government and the provincial and territorial governments are engines of opportunity, resilience and growth. They provide $2.9 billion annually in training and employment assistance services delivered through provincial and territorial employment assistance offices. This approach empowers Canadians with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing labour market. They offer targeted training programs. They offer career services. They offer all manner of employment supports. They are boosting the employment opportunities of Canadian workers, whether they are new graduates, mid-career professionals, or individuals facing barriers to employment. Through these programs, Canadian workers can adapt and thrive. The results speak for themselves. Each year, more Canadians are able to access skills training that leads directly to a career in a field where workers are needed. Job seekers are not only finding work faster but also securing more stable and higher-quality jobs. However, there are no jobs without employers, and this is why we are ensuring that employers also benefit. They get a more skilled and job-ready workforce and an ability to hire more quickly. Both of these advantages foster a boost in productivity. This alignment between worker skills and employers is crucial. It has the power to strengthen entire industries. A well-trained workforce drives innovation, attracts investment and enhances Canada's global competitiveness. This is why our government's workforce tariff response, for example, is providing a further $570 million until 2027-28 under the labour market development agreements. This is funding that will support tariff-impacted employers and workers in the steel and softwood lumber sectors and in other tariff-impacted industries. Global economies have shifted, and tariff tensions are high, but as Canadians, we do not stand idly by. We build, and our skilled trades workers are the ones who will build our future, but we are facing a serious shortage in the trades. This is why we have made a historic five-year, $6-billion investment to help workers and young people gain the skills, experience and support they need in order to thrive. This is where team Canada strong comes in. It is the basis of our spring economic update, and it is our plan to train, recruit and hire up to 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers to meet the demand. It is a plan that will help apprentices learn and train, and to access meaningful and well-paid careers. I can assure the House that the Government of Canada will always have the back of our workers and their families. With respect to the importance of the skilled trades and apprenticeships, I have to note that I would encourage the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan to support our new plan for the trades, and I ask him why he voted against it in our spring economic update.

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“I don't want to answer your question. I want to change the subject to something else. Conservatives are bad. We are good. You should talk about different things that make us look better.”

“I'm going to ignore your question and just say you're wrong. That program wasn't good and we stopped it. You're just attacking us to get attention. Your outrage looks fake. Your actions show you don't really care about healthcare.”

Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, I am very glad to have the opportunity to respond this evening. While the member opposite and many of his Conservative colleagues have drawn up elaborate theories about PrescribeIT and Canada Health Infoway, their position does not make any sense. The member opposite has been making absurd claims about a program launched by the previous government, but here are the facts. Our government ended funding for the program because it was not sustainable. Not only that, but the CEO of the organization that launched the program was fired. On top of that, in the House yesterday during question period, the Minister of Health said that she is reviewing funding for the organization in question, Canada Health Infoway. She is looking at its mandate and said that it is not getting any money unless we are sure that its work aligns with its mandate. It does not get more clear-cut than that, except the Conservatives have decided to spread misinformation about the program, all in the name of social media clicks. It is hard to take the outrage on this seriously, especially when we see the Conservatives' behaviour at the health committee, where they have been filibustering since May 7. For the last four meetings, they have used every tool at their disposal to stop the health committee from even voting on a study of the HIV crisis. Every so often they have asked who could possibly be asking for such a study, calling it useless. I think most Canadians in the House would agree that, particularly in Pride Month of all months, that is an untenable and unfathomable position. Does the House know who cares about doing this study? It is some of Canada's leading activists and organizations working in the field of HIV and AIDS who are calling for it. Who else cares about this study? It is the tens of thousands of Canadians living with HIV, not to mention their families and loved ones. When the Conservatives pretend to care about health care in this country, let us look at their actions: spreading false narratives about health care projects and preventing important health care studies from taking place.

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Oral Questions

The Economy

2026-06-04

“Families would be worse off without our big expensive programs. We are the good guys who take care of Canadians.”

“You've criticized our economic record. Tomorrow, we're sending your own voters emergency grocery money. Here, in your own area, they need this help. We'll make life more affordable where you live.”

Private Members' Business

Old Age Security Act

2026-06-03

“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later. Seniors are important. They deserve respect. The government is already helping them. We increased some payments to some seniors in 2022. That was the right decision. We have a program that funds local community groups to run programs for seniors. This helps them stay connected. The program is popular. It spends money in every riding, including yours. Supporting seniors is a priority for the government. It will always be a priority.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to Bill C-261 and to highlight the supports that the Government of Canada provides to seniors across the country. After a lifetime of hard work, of investing in and building our country, Canadians unquestionably deserve to retire free from the anxiety of struggling to make ends meet. This became even more pressing in recent years. Canada and the rest of the world witnessed a rupture of unprecedented scale: a global pandemic, disrupted supply chains, overseas wars and an unstable international order. These events have all contributed to the rising cost of living, with seniors often among the most affected. That is why the federal government is taking measures to make retirement even more affordable for Canadians. We have implemented targeted measures, such as the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, which will be deposited into Canadians' bank accounts starting Friday. This benefit will provide additional support to approximately three-quarters of seniors living alone. At the same time, Canada has one of the most reliable public pension systems in the world. This system includes old age security, which is available to all Canadians aged 65 and older, as well as the guaranteed income supplement, which provides additional support to low-income seniors who receive an OAS pension. However, we know that as people age, their income tends to decrease, while certain expenses may increase, particularly health care costs. This situation is made all the more difficult by dint of the fact that seniors have fewer opportunities to increase their income through work. Many are therefore at risk of depleting their savings over time. That is why, in 2022, the Government of Canada introduced a 10% increase in OAS for seniors aged 75 and older. We are directing support to the seniors who need it most, while recognizing that the oldest Canadians often face distinct socio-economic challenges and greater financial vulnerability. This decision was based on data and helps avoid lumping all older adults into the same category. Evidence tells us that seniors over the age of 75 are more likely to be in vulnerable financial circumstances and more likely to need support. The decision to increase OAS by 10% was in recognition of the more precarious life circumstances that happen more often at age 75 and upwards. Let us crunch the numbers to get a more detailed view. In 2020, more seniors aged 75 and over received the guaranteed income supplement compared to those aged 65 to 74. There are also more seniors with a disability in that age group. According to the Canadian Survey on Disability, in 2017, 47% of seniors aged 75 and over had a disability compared to 32% of seniors under 75. That is quite a jump, and one that is often associated with additional costs and financial burdens. This policy has already helped more than 3.3 million seniors. They received more than $800 extra over the first year of the increase. The benefit, of course, is indexed, and so that will continue to go up. What is more, this measure lifted almost 21,000 seniors out of poverty in 2021, and over 31,300 in 2022, the majority of whom were women. This was the right decision at the right time. It is measured, targeted and responsible. It is just as important for payments to be reliable and timely, especially for seniors who depend on them to meet their basic daily needs. By dedicating the necessary time and resources, we ensure that essential benefits continue to be paid on time, as Canadians have come to expect. This work ensures that all Canadians receive all the benefits they are entitled to, reliably and without interruption. We are strengthening programs such as old age security while ensuring that they are administered reliably and effectively, particularly for those who need them most. By 2059, seniors are expected to represent almost 25% of Canada's population. They are the fastest-growing age group, and we need to know how best to provide support. This support has never been more important. Aside from the direct financial benefits, think about a program like New Horizons for Seniors. It makes a huge positive difference in people's lives. It allows local community groups to provide programming to enrich the lives of seniors in their neighbourhood. It helps seniors stay connected to each other and to their community. It is about creating spaces where every senior belongs. It is about supporting projects for seniors led by seniors that help them stay active, engaged and connected. I can say that in my own riding of Toronto—St. Paul's, we have many organizations that benefit from the New Horizons for Seniors grant, including one of my favourites, the Yonge Eglinton Community Centre, that offers a tremendous range of programs for seniors, to make sure that they are local, engaged, active, meeting with one another and ultimately healthy as they age. Since this program started in 2004, the program has funded over 45,000 projects in more than 400 communities. It reaches more than 900,000 seniors each year. Investments in the program now exceed $1 billion, and the work continues. This year, we invested $54 million to help bring more than 2,600 of those community-based projects to life. In Beauharnois—Salaberry—Soulanges—Huntingdon, the riding of the member who sponsored this bill, our government has funded 12 projects, representing a total investment of $238,000 going to seniors in her community. I am also pleased to inform the House that the latest intake cycle for the New Horizons for Seniors program opened yesterday. Organizations across Canada can now apply for grants of up to $50,000. That is double the previous maximum of $25,000 to support projects that improve the well-being of seniors and strengthen their communities. I think that, as every member of this House knows from the operation of this program in their ridings right across the country, this is exactly the type of program that is making a difference in the lives of seniors. Countless seniors talk about how the programming that comes from these grants changes their lives, has made them healthier and has made them more active in the community. It is certainly something that we continue to support wholeheartedly. Supporting older Canadians has always been a priority for this government. It will always be a priority for this government.

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Oral Questions

The Economy

2026-06-02

“I want the government to spend more to make life affordable. It's bad that you won't vote to spend more. Your riding should want the money we are giving them.”

Oral Questions

Families, Children and Social Development

2026-05-29

“I don't want to answer the question about parental leave. That member's riding should have accepted our child care program. Our programs are good. That member doesn't support them.”

Oral Questions

The Economy

2026-05-29

“Don't look at inflation. Look at this new spending program! I want to make you look bad in front of 36,000 constituents.”

Statements by Members

Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work

2026-05-29

“I want you to spend more taxpayer money on this program that hires disabled people in my riding.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize an extraordinary milestone, the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work, a national organization headquartered in my riding of Toronto—St. Paul's. For half a century, CCRW has championed the idea that a stronger Canada is one where everyone can fully participate in the workforce. Its work has connected Canadians with disabilities to employment, supported inclusive workplaces and helped employers understand that accessibility and economic growth go hand in hand. Across our country, businesses succeed when they can draw on the full range of Canadian talent, workers succeed when barriers are removed, and communities succeed when all Canadians can contribute their skills, experience, hard work and ambition to the project of building Canada. The Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work has spent 50 fantastic years breaking barriers and helping make that vision a reality. I thank everyone who is a part of that important work for their leadership and commitment. Here is to more years building an inclusive Canada.

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Adjournment Proceedings

2026-05-27

“I want taxpayers to spend more money on training for trades. I think that it's good when young people learn trades. I met people who said nice things about our spending. I think that if we spend more it will create more jobs.”

Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, I was in the home province of the member opposite just last week. I was meeting with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, talking about the amazing work that is being done there to graduate young people into the trades. It is work that we continue to build on. Just yesterday, I met with the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum. They called our investments in the spring economic statement a project that made them feel heard. They said that their concerns about how we increase the number of apprentices and increase the number of skilled trade workers across the country are being focused on, and that these are incredible concrete initiatives to improve the recruitment, retention and training of our skilled workers in Canada. We are making these investments precisely because we know that the future of our country's economy, the future of our workforce and the future of so many young Canadians looking to build careers in good-paying jobs depend on our ability to have a skilled trades workforce that meets our needs. That is exactly what we are going to continue to do.

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“We are spending a lot of money on many programs. We are training many workers. These programs are very successful. The government is doing a good job.”

Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan for his question. It provides another opportunity to remind Canadians of our government's commitment to renew the nation's workforce with targeted, dynamic investments in our young people. We are building big, we are building bold, and we are building now. We are building at a scale not seen in this country since the end of the Second World War. We are building 500,000 homes and developing major projects in the national interest, all with Canadian steel, Canadian lumber and Canadian workers. We are not just building homes and infrastructure; we are training the workforce of the future that will build it. I do not have time to speak in detail about all the programs, but knowing the interest that the member opposite has shown in youth employment, let me focus on some of the highlights. Team Canada strong, a new measure announced in the spring economic update, is a $6-billion nationwide effort to recruit, train and hire up to 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers in the next five years. This is a plan to address the concerns we heard directly from unions, employers, industry and youth themselves. We are launching the build Canada apprenticeship service to provide up to $10,000 for an apprentice's first-year salary. This will help employers recruit new apprentices and allow us to help match apprentices to job opportunities. We are boosting training capacity and expediting certification in the Red Seal trades. We are helping hire new apprentices by providing a $400 per week top-up while apprentices attend mandatory in-class training and by offering a one-time $5,000 apprenticeship completion bonus to incentivize apprentices to finish their programs. This represents up to $16,000 in support for each apprentice, from recruitment through to training and hiring. It will help workers, whether they are transitioning to this new career or just getting started in the workforce. Similarly, Employment and Social Development Canada's youth employment program is helping more than 25,000 youth with tailored employment supports for the period of 2024-28. An assessment of this program found that nearly 76% of participants who received skills training and employment supports were still employed the following year. That is an impressive success rate and a sign that our investments as a government are targeted and effective. Equally impressive is the success we are seeing with the student work placement program. It is not only helping post-secondary students develop work-ready skills, but also giving employers the means to recruit and develop talent through paid, work-integrated learning opportunities. Again, the statistics tell us that this program is making a difference. In 2024-25, the program placed 51,000 post-secondary students with employers. That makes more than 300,000 opportunities since 2017. The beauty of this program is that it prepares young Canadians for their careers with employers in many sectors right across the economy. As we build this future workforce, private sector employers play a crucial role. It is why we have also introduced new measures to support strategic sectors of the economy and advance major projects. We are creating good, well-paying jobs and our government is continuing to announce significant measures to help employers do just that. Let me assure the member opposite that we take youth employment extremely seriously and we are working with all of our partners to make sure that they are equipped with the skills and opportunities that they need to thrive. This is work that we are going to continue to do and work that was set out so prominently in the spring economic statement as part of a massive new investment to help our young people have the skills they need for the future.

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