Finance

During question period on finance, the Conservatives raised the rising cost of food, saying about one in three Canadians is borrowing money to buy groceries and that more than two million people a month use food banks, and they asked whether the government’s spending, which they put at a $67-billion deficit, is hurting Canadians. The Liberals said food costs are a serious concern and pointed to investments in programs such as the Canada child benefit to help families with expenses, adding that they are proud to maintain and build social programs that set Canada apart.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text (opens in a new tab)

4 statements

Gérard Deltell, Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk

Conservative
“Canadians are struggling to buy food, and food bank use is way up. At the same time, the government is running a $67-billion deficit. Will the Prime Minister admit his spending is costing Canadians?”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, there is nothing more important than having enough to eat. After 10 years of Liberal governance, the situation here in Canada is terrible. One in three Canadians has to borrow money to put food on the table. Some 2.2 million Canadians are visiting food banks every month. What is really heartbreaking is that one in three children has to go to a food bank. That does not make any sense. Now, the Prime Minister has just tabled a $67‑billion deficit. Will he admit that he is yet another costly Liberal and that Canadians are now paying the price for that?

Carlos Leitão, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry

Liberal

Linked statement

“Food costs are a big problem, and families are struggling. We are spending money on programs like the Canada child benefit to help them pay for what they need.”
  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 45 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

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Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, of course, issues related to the cost of food are very important. We are all saddened by the fact that some Canadian families have to turn to food banks to put food on the table. That is why we are making significant investments in social programs that help families, including the Canada child benefit. Thousands of families in every riding are getting thousands of dollars to help them get through these tough times. Social programs are important and they are what sets Canada apart—

Gérard Deltell, Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk

Conservative
“The parliamentary secretary used to balance the budget in Quebec, but now his government has a 67-billion-dollar deficit. The Liberals spend money on programs that do not work, and over two million Canadians use food banks. How can he be proud of his government's bad record?”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, the parliamentary secretary knows very well that I have a great deal of respect for him because, when he was a member of the provincial government, he ran a zero deficit. However, he is currently a member of a government that has run up a $67‑billion deficit. The problem is that these Liberals have launched all kinds of programs over the past 10 years, all with zero results. Some 2.2 million Canadians are going to food banks. Is the parliamentary secretary proud of how poorly his colleagues are handling things, considering how well he managed Quebec’s affairs?

Carlos Leitão, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry

Liberal
“Our government is spending a lot of money to support families. We are protecting and growing social programs that help Canadians care for one another.”
  • Government answer in Question Period

    Signal 26 of 100

    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

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Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, I am proud to be part of a government that is investing heavily in our families. We have social programs. We have programs that our American neighbours do not have. We are proud to be able to preserve, maintain and build upon these programs. That is what sets Canada apart. It is what makes Canada Canada. We support one another. It is not every person for themselves. It is not survival of the fittest. We know that by working together, we will go further.

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