Hon. Rachel Bendayan · TranslatePolitics.ca

Oral Questions

The Economy

2026-06-08

“We made a lot of jobs since summer. Look at all the jobs! Lots of jobs. We made double the jobs per person compared to the US. Canadians are happy and think the future is bright.”

Oral Questions

Families, Children and Social Development

2026-05-29

“I'm filling time with kind words about existing programs and ignoring the question about new parental leave reforms.”

Statements by Members

Local Businesses

2026-05-29

“Thanks to all small business owners for making our neighborhood great. Ellie and I handed out lemonade. Everyone should support these local businesses.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, summer has arrived in Outremont, Mile End and the Plateau. I would like to say thanks to all our shopkeepers, restaurant owners, cafés and everyone who brings our shopping areas to life. Bernard Avenue is once again a pedestrian zone this year. Children are playing in the street, parents are enjoying the patios and everyone gets ice cream. Last week, I took part in a Mile End celebration, alongside thousands of people, thanks to the incredible work of the Laurier West BIA, the Mile End Business Association and, of course, Gabriel Dallaire and his entire team. This year, I was able to count on the invaluable help of my daughter Ellie to hand out lemonade and popcorn to residents. She rose to the challenge brilliantly. In the Plateau, the Rue Saint-Denis BIA and Pauline Béchu helped make the Montreal Comic Arts Festival a resounding success. On Mont-Royal Avenue, which is once again pedestrian only, the trade fair is in full swing until Sunday. This summer, support local businesses.

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Government Orders

Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act

2026-05-25

“We're committed to net zero by 2050. I want to say that again and again.”

“I want to spend lots of money on housing programs and brag about how much we're spending. I also want to pat my friend on the back for spending billions.”

“I want to look like I'm doing something without committing to anything.”

“You caused a problem. Now you're taking credit for a solution. I don't like that. We're going to study it more.”

“I want Canadians to feel good about our economy. We are doing a lot of things. Our economy is growing. We are giving people money. We are investing in many big projects. I hope people will like all the things we are doing.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to share my time with my friend and colleague, the member for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas. I am very pleased to rise today to speak to Bill C-30, which implements certain measures from the 2026 spring economic update. As members are well aware, we are debating this bill at a pivotal moment for our country. Around the world, economic and geopolitical uncertainty has reached unprecedented levels. Global markets remain extremely volatile. Conflicts in the Middle East and Europe continue to disrupt supply chains. Global energy disruptions and trade tensions are on the rise. Protectionism is making a comeback. Around the world, economies continue to face significant instability. The world uncertainty index recently surged to its highest level ever recorded in its more than 60 years of history. Global growth remains very uneven. Trade tensions are on the rise. Geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and in Europe continue to disrupt our supply chains and to create uncertainty in international markets. Many advanced economies are struggling with sluggish productivity growth, persistent inflationary pressures and rising debt burdens, and Canadians understand these global realities. However, as I spoke with many constituents over the course of the last few weeks, and many Canadians indeed across the country, the feeling that keeps coming across is one of optimism. People see the chaos unfolding around the world, and more than ever, they are proud to be Canadian. In fact, a recent poll released just a few days ago shows that the number of Canadians who believe that Canada, this country, is headed in the right direction is at its highest level in a decade. What Canadians expect from their federal government is seriousness, discipline and a clear economic path forward, and that is exactly what this government is delivering. The best way to ensure that Canada can weather this global wave of instability is by focusing on what we can control and building a strong economy here at home. The numbers speak for themselves. Wage growth has now outpaced inflation for more than three consecutive years, meaning Canadians are seeing sustained income growth. Inflation here in Canada has remained within the Bank of Canada's target range for two years now. In fact, inflation in Canada is now 26% lower than in the United States. Canada has the second-fastest growth rate in the G7 despite the trade war waged by the U.S. and continued global uncertainty, and according to the IMF, Canada is projected to remain the second-fastest growing economy in the G7 this year and next year. Since last summer, Canada has created over 77,000 jobs. Per capita, that is approximately two and a half times the pace of job creation in the United States. While the war in Iran and the resulting disruptions in global energy flows have significantly increased prices at the pump, our government has taken decisive action to mitigate those impacts for Canadians by suspending the federal excise taxes on fuel from now until Labour Day. Next Friday, 12 million Canadians will receive a one-time payment as part of the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit. This means a payment of up to $267 for individuals and up to $533 for a family of four. This benefit represents nearly $1,900 this year. That is real money and a real boost for Canadians who need it most. Next Friday, 12 million Canadians will receive a top-up payment as part of our new groceries and essentials benefit. That means $267 for a single person and up to $533 for a family of four. We are talking about approximately $1,900 for the year. That is very tangible support that will make a real difference. Over the past year, we have announced 15 major projects of national interest and six transformative economic strategies that will generate over $125 billion in investments and support more than 60,000 jobs across the country. That includes the expansion of the Port of Montreal back home in Contrecoeur. It also includes Nouveau Monde Graphite's Matawinie mine in the Lanaudière region and the transformative high-speed rail project between Quebec City and Toronto. To meet this moment, we also need to ensure that Canada has the reliable and affordable electricity needed to power the economy of the future. Through our new national electricity strategy, we will double our electricity supply here in Canada while building a stronger, more interconnected electricity grid right across the country. This means accelerating investments in transmission infrastructure, clean power generation, energy storage and grid modernization, all so that Canadian businesses and workers have access to the affordable energy they need in order to compete and to grow. This is good for our environment, and it is good for our economy. Canada's electricity is some of the cleanest in the entire world, and it is key to attracting more investments in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and critical minerals and, of course, to ensuring the competitiveness of our economy overall. In the economic update, we are providing more than $13 billion in international climate finance. Although this investment received relatively little media attention, it was very important to me. It was also important to the Prime Minister. At a time when many countries, such as the United Kingdom and France, are cutting back on aid for climate protection, it is essential for all of us that Canada continue to show leadership, because climate change knows no borders, and helping the most vulnerable countries adapt and build their resilience is not only a moral responsibility for Canada, but also in our strategic interest. As we make these investments, we are fulfilling our commitment to reduce the government's operating spending. Since last fall, we have reduced the deficit by $11.5 billion. In fact, Canada continues to have the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7. Canada has by far the strongest fiscal position of any G7 economy, as well as an AAA credit rating, the highest in the world. I am not saying this just to boast about the Canadian economy, but because this fiscal strength is essential. In a world marked by instability, countries with sound and solid public finances like Canada have the ability to act, invest, and protect their citizens. Canada is positioning itself to lead, and the world is taking notice. Foreign direct investment in Canada has reached its highest level in nearly two decades. Investors are choosing to invest here in Canada because of our skilled workforce, our stable institutions, our abundant natural resources and our responsible fiscal framework. That investment translates directly into jobs for Canadians, and it means new factories, new supply chains, new export opportunities and stronger economic sovereignty. We are also redoubling our efforts to diversify Canada's economy. In a world where supply chains are being reshaped and global trade is becoming more fragmented, Canada must expand its economic partnerships and open new markets for Canadian businesses. Our objective is as clear as it is ambitious: to double Canada's non-U.S. trade over the next decade. I have only a little time left but a lot to say. We simply cannot rely too heavily on any single market. That is why we have concluded over 20 new trade and security agreements on four different continents. Our non-U.S. exports are now up nearly 40%. That diversification makes Canada stronger and much more resilient. As the Prime Minister said very clearly at Davos, we know that “The old order is not coming back. We should not mourn it.”

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Government Orders

Business of Supply

2026-05-05

“I don't have a clear answer to give you in the time we have. We're trying to get a good trade deal with the US, but the details are complicated. But our government is working on lots of big, impressive-sounding building projects too! Did you hear about our high-speed train plans? And expanding ports? That should count for something too, right?”

“We say we respect provincial jurisdiction. After all, the Prime Minister met the Quebec Premier right away. And we say we will work with Quebec on programs. We'll give Quebec money like usual. We're talking to Quebec about it.”

“I say we are already helping. Vulnerable Canadians will get a cheque soon. We announced $1.5 billion for companies affected by tariffs. This keeps employees working. The government is taking action.”

“People in my riding are sad. Taxpayers must spend $1.5 billion on businesses we like. These tariffs are bad. Let's spend $4 billion on the environment.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I would first like to thank the Bloc Québécois for introducing this motion on U.S. tariffs. I would especially like to thank my colleague from Joliette—Manawan, who is the sponsor of this motion. I have had the opportunity to work closely with him for many years and have always been impressed by his professionalism, pragmatism and kindness, even when we were in deep disagreement. It is clear that the unjustified tariffs imposed by the United States on Canadian metals directly affect workers, businesses and communities in Quebec and across the country. This is a very serious situation, and our government takes these measures very seriously. The imposition of tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper is not an abstract decision. These tariffs have very real consequences for business owners and workers in Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean and the north shore, as well as in Hamilton or Sault Ste. Marie, and for manufacturers and small and medium-sized businesses across the country. From the very beginning, from day one of these unjustified tariffs, our government has been working hand in hand with the Aluminum Association of Canada and the Canadian Steel Producers Association, with business leaders, yes, but also with workers and the entire aluminum and steel sector. That is why we are providing $1.5 billion in targeted support for affected businesses. This includes a new $1-billion program from the Business Development Bank of Canada to support liquidity and investment, as well as an additional $500 million to support businesses directly on the ground. We are providing $1.5 billion in targeted support for businesses affected by these tariffs. This support will help companies maintain operations, protect jobs and adapt in the face of disruptions. While we cannot control the decisions of the White House, we can control how we respond to them and how we prepare for our own future. Our approach is not only one of mitigation. It is also one of transformation. We are taking concrete steps to support those sectors most impacted, as we diversify our trade and increase our exports to reliable trading partners around the world. This work has been a major focus of our government over the last year, and we are already seeing concrete results. Canada's non‑U.S. exports are up nearly 40%. Our aluminum exports, in particular to Europe, have surged as producers pivot to new markets. Canadian businesses are demonstrating incredible resilience, adaptability and ambition, and our government is backing them every step of the way. We are accelerating investments in strategic sectors and strengthening Canada's economic sovereignty. As part of this work, Canada has now concluded 56 different critical mineral agreements with over 10 different countries, positioning Canada as a global leader in the economy of the future. Canada has also signed over 20 different trade and security agreements across our four continents over the last year, strengthening our ties with trusted allies and opening new markets for Canadian businesses. As we work to diversify, we continue to engage constructively with our American partners to seek a fair and sustainable agreement that benefits both our economies. I believe that my colleague, the member for Burlington, will be sharing time with me, as she would also like to contribute to this debate. Let us be very clear that, as the Prime Minister has said, “We need a good deal...what we don't need is chasing a small deal that disadvantages us.” The risks of such an approach are very plain to see. Just last week, the United States announced significant new tariffs on European goods, despite the EU's having signed a tariff deal with the U.S. on July 27, 2025. That is a clear warning. A deal must be worth the paper it is written on. Canadians expect their government to stand firm and to protect their interests, and that is exactly what we are doing. As we respond to this trade war, we are also building a stronger and more resilient economy at home. We are already seeing a rise of nearly 40% in non‑U.S. exports. We are investing in the economy of tomorrow while supporting Canadians during this very difficult transition period. We have also strengthened our social safety net. Employment insurance is more flexible, with temporary measures to support workers impacted by these tariffs, including extended benefits and faster access. We have also enhanced the work-sharing programs to help employers retain their workforce and avoid layoffs. We are also advancing a game-changing defence industrial strategy, one that will boost economic growth, create high-quality jobs and reinforce Canada's sovereignty in an increasingly uncertain world. Our leadership is being recognized internationally, and I am proud to state that Canada has just been chosen, through a unanimous vote, to host the new defence, security and resilience bank, reflecting the confidence of our allies in Canada's stability, credibility and economic strength. If we are fighting so hard to protect our sovereignty and to build our economy stronger, it is because we believe in Canada and in the values that define us as a country and as Canadians. That is why we introduced a climate competitiveness strategy, ensuring that Canadian industries remain leaders in low-carbon production. Canadian aluminum, for example, is among the cleanest in the world. That is a competitive advantage, and we intend to build on it. Our country's greatest riches are in its people and in its land. We are investing in training and in the talent that thrives in every single Canadian. We are also investing in the beauty and in the biodiversity of our land. We are providing $4 billion for a historic nature strategy to protect and strengthen Canada's natural infrastructure. This strategy supports new protected areas while also mobilizing and protecting more money for national parks and urban green spaces, and supporting indigenous leadership in conservation. This is how we build a more resilient, competitive and sustainable economy for Canada and for our children. We are putting nearly $4 billion on the table for a historic strategy to protect nature because Canada's wealth depends as much on its lands as it does on its talent. This investment will support conservation projects across the country and help build a more resilient, competitive and sustainable economy. Protecting nature also means building a sustainable and resilient economy. To conclude, in the face of this trade war, Canada is taking decisive action. We are supporting our workers, we are standing up for our industries, we are diversifying our trade, we are strengthening our alliances and, most importantly, we are standing united against this threat. As a proud Quebecker and proud Montrealer, I would be remiss if I did not mention the Montreal Canadiens' victory in game 7 against the Tampa Bay Lightning last Sunday. In this long-standing rivalry with our neighbour and largest trading partner, this time the result was conclusive and certainly satisfying. The Montreal Canadiens reminded us that when Canada plays with determination, discipline and trust, we can do great things. We know how to win.

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