MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

Rhonda Kirkland

Conservative Oshawa 37 statements translated

Kirkland reliably pushes core Conservative talking points on economic issues like inflation and fuel taxes, often connecting them to anecdotes about how people are struggling in her riding of Oshawa. She's quick to blame problems on Liberal policies and eager to promote her party's plans as the solution. In other policy areas, she tends to frame her positions as being responsive to concerns of specific constituent groups she's spoken with, like auto workers or the local police association.

Oral Questions

The Economy

2026-06-04

“The Prime Minister isn't answering the question. He won't say if we're in a recession. Canadians are worried about their jobs and savings. He should stop dodging and give a straight answer.”

Statements by Members

David Burns

2026-06-02

“I am sad because a man who did a lot for my political party died. He helped us for a long time. I hope his family is okay.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart today to pay tribute to one of Oshawa's most devoted and generous community leaders, David Burns, who passed away this past Wednesday. Dave was the cherished husband of Christine for 62 years, a loving father and proud grandfather. Born in Halifax, he moved to Ontario to start a life grounded in faith, family and later politics. While his family will miss him terribly, he also leaves a deep void in Oshawa's tightly woven Conservative family. He was a long-time federal PC supporter who would become one of Oshawa's original Reformers, and in 2004, he became a founding member and director of the Oshawa Conservative Association, which he served continuously until just last year. From the nineties through to my own campaign last year, Dave was on the front lines of nearly every single Oshawa election. Known for his dry humour and quick wit, he was a passionate man who stood unapologetically for his principles. That is the man our team and I will miss and remember. I thank Dave for his unwavering service, humour and generosity. May God bless Christine and the entire Burns family.

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Government Orders

Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2

2026-06-01

“The Quebec Premier said you're a disgrace. And now you're acting like it. I want you to stop avoiding questions and just answer them already. What are those guardrails in the bill? List them.”

Statements by Members

Fiesta Week

2026-05-27

“I want to cheer for a program that promotes my riding. I'm excited by the pavilions. Everyone should go and have fun.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of Oshawa's most cherished annual traditions, Fiesta Week. For 52 years, Fiesta Week has brought our community together through cultural performances, traditional foods, costumes and displays from around the world. This year, residents and visitors will once again experience long-standing Greek, Caribbean, French Canadian, Polish, German, Ukrainian, Portuguese, Italian and Romanian pavilions. We are also proud to welcome the new Indian pavilion and welcome back the Hungarian pavilion. Volunteers work all year long preparing for this week-long celebration. I encourage everyone to join us in Oshawa from June 21 to 27 to experience 14 incredible cultural pavilions in our city. The doors are open, and people do not want to miss it. Follow along with Oshawa Fiesta Week on Facebook. Happy Fiesta Week, Oshawa.

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Government Orders

Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act

2026-05-25

“I don't care about the program. What about jobs? People in my riding are worried. I want the government to make sure there are jobs after training.”

“I say this government isn't really helping. It pretends to care. It pretends to make things affordable. But my voters don't feel helped. I bet yours don't either. It's all smoke and mirrors.”

Oral Questions

Taxation

2026-05-25

“People are struggling with inflation. The government should cut fuel taxes to lower prices.”

Oral Questions

Finance

2026-05-25

“Inflation is high. Prices are rising. This government spends too much. Gas costs more. It's the same old story. This government makes everything cost more. Do something real about it.”

Government Orders

Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act

2026-05-25

“I think this government doesn't listen or act. Auto workers in Oshawa have wanted action for over a year. The Prime Minister said he would get a deal. He didn't. So why trust him now? He says he's answering questions. But he's not. He was asked if three hours is enough. He won't answer. Three hours is just over three minutes per section. That's not enough to be held accountable.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I find it remarkable to listen to the finance minister talk about how Canadians demand action, when auto workers in Oshawa have been asking for action from the government for well over a year. They believed the Prime Minister during the election campaign, when he said he was the guy to get a deal. They believed him when he said he would go to Washington and get a deal by July 21 last year. Why should they believe that the government wants action now? Is the minister listening to the Bloc, Conservative and Green members when they talk about the affront to democracy this is? Is he listening to the questions? He says he is answering them, but, frankly, he is not. The question that was posed to him several times is whether three hours is enough. That is just over three minutes per section. Is that enough time to be held accountable?

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Government Orders

Military Justice System Modernization Act

2026-05-08

“I mostly agree with you that we need to protect women. But this bill seems to take away their choice. I think this issue should not be partisan. You rejected amendments from all the other parties. That confuses me.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the words coming from the parliamentary secretary, and I can agree with some of them. As a woman, I know that women are more predominantly the victims of sexual misconduct and sexual assault, so this bill means something to me. However, for women and all victims and survivors of sexual assault, the thing that is taken from them is choice at that time. I would suggest that this bill would also remove choice for those folks who want choice in how justice is continued for their case. In addition, she said that this was non-partisan. It is my understanding that the Conservatives, the NDP and the Bloc put forward amendments that were passed and that the Liberals have rejected. I would like to understand that as well.

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Oral Questions

Youth

2026-05-07

“Liberals made a crisis. Then they make programs to fix it. The programs don't work. Young people are worse off. Liberals just tax and spend. It's the same as before but worse. Liberals make young people pay for Liberal mistakes.”

“Young Canadians are having a hard time finding jobs. The Fraser Institute says youth unemployment is very high. The Prime Minister should spend less money so young people in Oshawa and Canada can afford to live.”

Oral Questions

Taxation

2026-05-06

“You say I'm delusional, but you're the one not living in reality. High gas prices aren't just global oil prices - they're a Canada problem. It's the Liberal carbon tax and our weak dollar from a weak economy. Adopt our plan - unblock oil and gas and make Canada strong and affordable at home.”

“I know blaming just one government is silly. But I want voters to think only the current government makes gas prices go up. I want voters to think my party's plan would make gas cheap.”

Statements by Members

Fuel Taxes

2026-04-30

“Families in my riding are struggling with high gas prices. I want the government to stop taxing fuel so much. That would help families a lot. They need real relief, not the small temporary help the Prime Minister offers.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, in Oshawa, I hear from seniors on fixed incomes, families and workers who are doing everything right, raising their kids and still falling behind. Every trip to the gas pump stretches them far too thin and, for many, filling their gas tank means cutting back somewhere else. The Prime Minister cannot have it both ways. He says affordability is the best it has been in a decade but then also admits that there is a problem. That flip-flopping does nothing for my neighbours in Oshawa and his plan still offers only temporary, partial relief that will not ease the real burden they are facing. Conservatives have a better plan. We propose scrapping all federal gas and diesel taxes for the rest of 2026, including the fuel excise tax, the GST on gas, the industrial carbon tax and the fuel standard. That would mean real relief, up to 25¢ per litre and over $1,200 this year for a family of four. It is time the Liberal government gave them full relief for the full year.

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Oral Questions

Finance

2026-04-27

“Hey, big spender! You think you're doing a good job? Think again. Oshawa families are struggling because of you. Time to get your act together and lower prices.”

“My riding can't afford more inflation or debt. Does the PM promise to stop the spending spree?”