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The Economy

Question period focused on the economy, with Conservatives saying Canada is the only G7 country in a recession, pointing to job losses, falling GDP, rising food bank use, and what they called wasteful government spending, and asking why Canada is faring worse than other countries. Liberal ministers replied that the government has an economic plan, citing job-creating projects, the Canada groceries and essentials benefit arriving Friday, the national school food program, dental care, tax rebates, and support for Canadian industries like canola, potash and uranium, and arguing Conservatives vote against these supports. Several exchanges turned on each side accusing the other of political points rather than answers.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

26 statements

Eric Lefebvre

Conservative
“The government has doubled the national debt over ten years. Their spending has pushed Canada into a recession, cost 112,000 jobs in three months, and made it hard for people to afford food and housing.”

  • A repeated line

    “Canada is the only G20 country in a recession.”

    Said 104 times by 61 members since May 29.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, here is a sad reality: Canada is the only G7 country in a recession. The Liberals have been racking up deficits for 10 years. Since they took office, the debt has risen from $700 billion to $1.4 trillion. They are engaging in inflationary spending. There have been 10 years of economic mismanagement. The result is clear, and the facts are undeniable: 112,000 Canadians have lost their jobs over the past three months. Many Canadians are struggling to pay their mortgages and buy groceries. Two million Canadians visit food banks every month—

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Anna Gainey

Liberal
“Our plan is building a strong economy. We are helping create thousands of jobs, sending money to 12 million Canadians for groceries and essentials this Friday, and cutting the gas tax to help with the cost of living.”

  • A repeated line

    “12 million Canadians will receive the Canada groceries and essentials benefit.”

    Said 7 times by 5 members since June 1.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the government has a plan to build a strong, resilient economy. We see this in the 8,000 jobs in Contrecœur and in the 1,000 jobs at Nouveau Monde Graphite in Matawinie. In addition, this Friday, 12 million Canadians will receive the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. This is a significant top-up payment to help families cope with the cost of living. In addition, we have reduced the gas tax. We are here to build the future and a strong economy for all while supporting Canadians and families across the country.

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Eric Lefebvre

Conservative
“Canada has high unemployment and Canadians are struggling. The government is wasting billions of dollars on bad deals and overspending. Why is the Prime Minister asking Canadians to sacrifice while his government spends wildly?”

  • A repeated line

    “All G7 countries are facing the same challenges.”

    Said 3 times by 3 members since May 29.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, all G7 countries are facing the same challenges, yet Canada has the second-highest unemployment rate among them. While Canadians are tightening their belts in the midst of a recession, the Liberals’ wasteful spending is out of control. Just look at Cúram. The budgeted amount was $1.75 billion but the actual cost is $6.6 billion, which is a deficit of $5 billion. What about the plot of land that was rented for $13,500 a year, for which the Liberal government is paying $20 million a year? Why is the Prime Minister asking Canadians to make sacrifices while the government is spending money like there is no tomorrow?

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Anna Gainey

Liberal
“We are helping families with the cost of living through school food and dental care. School food saves families over $800, and our dental plan helps over 32,000 people in the member's riding. The opposition voted against it.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 44 of 100

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, we continue to be there for Canadian families. We are investing in a school food program to help families with the cost of groceries. That represents over $800 for a family that is benefiting from this program. We also have a dental care program that is helping families and Canadians with the cost of living. I want to note that, in the riding of my colleague who asked the question, over 32,000 residents benefit from this dental care program. The opposition members voted against this program. This is the type of support we are giving Canadians by being there for them right now.

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Jason Groleau

Conservative
“The Prime Minister's high taxes and spending have pushed Canada into a recession. The economy is shrinking, people in my riding are losing jobs, and rich corporations are benefiting. I want the Prime Minister to take this economic crisis seriously.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, this Prime Minister is the only G7 leader to have driven his economy into a recession. This recession is the result of a lack of leadership, unchecked spending and high taxes, which are causing record job losses. Over the past 360 days, GDP has fallen by 0.6%, yet Brookfield has surged by 19.56%. While the Prime Minister and his friends at Brookfield are getting richer, the people of Beauce are getting poorer. Will the Liberal Prime Minister show some leadership and take this crisis seriously?

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Marc Miller

Liberal
“The Conservatives complained about productivity for 10 years. Now productivity is going up, and they are staying silent.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, we always take what is happening in Canada seriously. What is not serious is the Conservatives’ rhetoric. For 10 years, they have been talking about productivity. Now, in the last quarter, productivity is rising, and they are saying absolutely nothing. That is hypocrisy, plain and simple.

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Jason Groleau

Conservative
“The Liberals are the only G7 government that led their country into a recession. They waste taxpayer money, like spending $60 million on an app budgeted at $80,000, and $180,000 on food for three flights. When will the Prime Minister manage our money properly?”

  • A repeated line

    “All G7 countries are facing the same challenges.”

    Said 3 times by 3 members since May 29.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, all G7 countries are facing the same challenges, yet the Liberals are the only ones who have led the Canadian economy into recession. The Liberals are squandering taxpayers’ money without a second thought. Let me give some examples. The budget for ArriveCAN was $80,000; the actual cost was $60 million. The budget for Cúram was $1.75 billion; the actual cost was $6.6 billion. Here is the icing on the cake: They spent $180,000 on food for just three flights for our Prime Minister. What is the big deal? It is free. When will the Prime Minister start managing Canadians’ money properly?

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Marc Miller

Liberal
“I want to know if the member supports funding meals for school children or not.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 48 of 100

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

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  • A repeated line

    “Let me give a concrete example.”

    Said 4 times by 3 members since April 24.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, let me give him a concrete example: ensuring the long-term future of the school meals program for children. Is he for or against it? I would like to hear his answer.

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Bernard Généreux

Conservative
“Canada is the only G7 country in a recession, and people are struggling to afford food. How can the government claim its plan is working when so many people need food banks?”

  • A repeated line

    “Canada is the only G20 country in a recession.”

    Said 104 times by 61 members since May 29.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Canada is the only G7 country in a recession. Yesterday, my colleague on the other side responded by trying to convince us that their approach is working. She said, “It is working.” However, a tremendous number of people back home are telling me that they feel a lump in their throat when they get to the supermarket checkout, praying that the payment will go through, because they are not sure there is enough money in their account. How can she say it is working when a rich country like Canada is forced to rely on food banks to feed its people?

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Nathalie Provost

Liberal
“Our grocery and essentials benefit is helping people. The Conservatives voted against it and do not support our investments in the economy.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 100 of 100

    Of this answer, 100% addressed the question that was asked.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, yes, it is working. It is working so well that, when I meet with people in my riding, they know that we are working hard to tackle the extremely difficult circumstances faced by my esteemed colleague’s constituents. They know that the Canada groceries and essentials benefit is a decision we have made and that it is working for them. It is a decision that the Conservatives did not support. When we support the economy through investment, the Conservatives are nowhere to be seen. They vote against it. Our constituents know that our approach is serious and that it will work.

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Alana Hirtle

Liberal
“Conservatives hope for bad economic news to score political points. We are working to make Canada's economy stronger and more affordable. I want the Secretary of State for Financial Institutions to share how Canadian workers and businesses are helping us succeed.”

  • A question from a government member

    Signal 28 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

Mr. Speaker, do members know what the difference is between this side of the House and that side of the House? Conservatives wake up hoping for bad economic news that they can use to repeat pithy slogans, fire off fundraising emails and talk down Canadian industries and Canadian workers. On this side of the House, we wake up knowing that Canadians are counting on us to build a stronger, more competitive and more affordable economy. That is exactly what we are doing. Can the Secretary of State for Financial Institutions update this House on how Canadian innovators, entrepreneurs and workers are helping us navigate a rapidly changing world?

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Wayne Long

Liberal
“Our economic plan is working. The economy is growing, we are building major projects, and we are bringing in record investment. The Conservatives only offer political games.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the last thing Canadians need right now is political theatre, and that is all they get from the leader of the Conservative Party, political theatre and empty parking lot press conferences. We have a plan. We are going to diversify trade relationships. We are supercharging major projects. We are investing in workers. The plan is working, the GDP is growing and we are attracting federal direct investment at a pace not seen in decades. That is good news for Canadians and bad news for Conservatives.

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Rosemarie Falk

Conservative
“Canada is the only G7 country in a recession, and food bank use is way up. I want to know why we are the only one in a recession if global issues are to blame.”

  • A repeated line

    “Canada is the only G20 country in a recession.”

    Said 104 times by 61 members since May 29.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Canada is now the only G7 country in a recession, and Canadians are facing the real consequences of that reality. Demand at food banks continues to surge across the country, and Food Banks Canada is now reporting that millions of Canadians are facing historic levels of food insecurity. The fact is, one in four Canadians is now food-insecure. If the Prime Minister says this recession is being driven by global energy markets and tariffs, why is Canada the only G7 country in a recession?

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Buckley Belanger

Liberal
“Canadian industries like canola, potash, uranium, and farming are doing well. The government will keep supporting these industries, protecting our workers from tariffs, and defending our sovereignty.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 45 of 100

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

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  • Government answer in Question Period

    Clarity 29 of 100

    Much of this statement used imprecise wording, lacked details on timing or responsibility, or made broad claims without support.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, it is time that we celebrate Canada. We have more good news. Canadian canola sales continue moving to supply the world, Canadian potash is needed everywhere and Canada will deliver. Canadian uranium sales to India are steady, and Canadian agribusiness is booming. We will continue doing what Canada needs. We will stand up for our industries impacted by tariffs. We will protect our workers. We will stand up for our sovereignty. We have a job to do, and we will get it done.

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Rosemarie Falk

Conservative
“Canada is the only G7 country in a recession, and low-income families are spending everything they make on basic needs. Why are Canadians paying for this government's bad economic policies?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, unlike that secretary of state, Canadians do not get to ignore the reality of the recession caused by the Liberal government’s terrible policies. Food Banks Canada is reporting that lower-income households are spending more than 100% of their income on basic essentials. Every other G7 country is facing the same global pressures, yet Canada is the only one in a recession. Why are Canadians paying the price for this government’s economic failures, while every other G7 country has avoided recession?

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Buckley Belanger

Liberal

Linked statement

“Conservatives need to stop being negative and support Canada. Saskatchewan Conservative MPs did nothing for ten years. Our Liberal government has done more in one year than they did in ten.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 10 of 100

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

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  • Government answer in Question Period

    Signal 24 of 100

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

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, it is very important that we protect and defend our country. All we hear from the Conservatives is negative. They need to stop talking down our country and start backing up Canada. The rest of Canada is doing that. We have seen, in Saskatchewan, for 10 long years, that those Conservative MPs sat on their hands, doing nothing. That is why the people of Saskatchewan are angry. At the end of the day, we come to Ottawa to work; the Conservatives have done nothing in 10 years. I have seen this Liberal government move more things in one year than in their 10 years.

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Connie Cody

Conservative
“Canada is the only G7 country in a recession. Food banks in my community are serving hundreds of people with full-time jobs every month. The government blames global problems, but other countries face the same issues and are not in a recession. I want to know why Canada is the only one.”

  • A repeated line

    “Canada is the only G7 nation in a recession.”

    Said 4 times by 3 members since May 29.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Canada is now the only G7 economy in a recession. It might be big news to the bankers and bureaucrats in Ottawa, but in my community, the warning lights have been flashing for months. The Cambridge Food Bank reports that hundreds of people with full-time jobs are using their services every month. These Liberals lecture hungry people about so-called global factors, but France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.K. all face tariff pressures from the U.S. and none of them are in a recession, just Canada. If our recession was about tariffs, war and oil prices, then why is it that Canada is the only G7 economy in a recession right now?

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Rechie Valdez

Liberal
“Our government is helping Canadians with high costs. We are feeding 400,000 kids at school. On Friday, we are giving families money for groceries and basic needs, averaging $1,900 for a family of four.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 46 of 100

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

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, we recognize that Canadians are facing challenging times. That is why our government is providing real relief for Canadians. Through the national school food program, we are feeding 400,000 kids healthy meals at school. I have good news. On Friday, Canadians are going to get the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. An average family of four will receive $1,900. This is real relief being provided to Canadians right now.

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Connie Cody

Conservative
“Over 100,000 jobs have been lost this year, and Canada is in a recession. Families are worried about keeping their jobs and buying food. I want to know why the Prime Minister is avoiding our questions instead of dealing with this economic crisis.”

  • A repeated line

    “Why is Canada the only G7 country in a recession?”

    Said 16 times by 13 members since May 29.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, that minister’s cherry-picking skills would put even the best fruit farmer to shame. Over 100,000 jobs have been lost since the beginning of the year, and business investment has declined for five straight quarters, but the Liberal government pretends that everything is fine. Families in my community have real questions about how they are going to make ends meet, put food on the table or just keep their jobs. The Liberal Prime Minister’s response is to go into hiding. He has been dodging the cameras and our questions for five days. Now that we have a real economic crisis, why is the Liberal Prime Minister missing in action, and why is Canada the only G7 country in a recession?

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Rechie Valdez

Liberal
“The member votes against programs that help people. Our government gave $2.2 billion to four million people in Ontario through tax rebates, and we are saving new homebuyers up to $200,000.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 33 of 100

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

    See full analysis

  • A repeated line

    “We are going to build Canada strong.”

    Said 33 times by 14 members since April 24.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I will point out that the member is from the province of Ontario and continues to vote against supports and affordability to help Canadians. Let us talk about Ontario. More than four million people have received the GST rebate, delivering $2.2 billion to Ontarians. We are also helping first-time homebuyers. In the province of Ontario, there is an average of savings of up to $200,000 for first-time homebuyers. We are going to help them with affordability. We are going to help them during these challenging times. That is how we are going to grow Canada strong.

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More from sitting 127

All 36 items ·
  1. Government Orders Business of Supply 105 statements
  2. Oral Questions The Economy 12 statements
  3. Oral Questions The Economy 14 statements
  4. Oral Questions Climate Change 4 statements
  5. Oral Questions The Economy 2 statements
  6. Oral Questions Employment 6 statements
  7. Oral Questions Indigenous Affairs 2 statements
  8. Oral Questions The Economy 2 statements
  9. Oral Questions Marine Transportation 2 statements
  10. Oral Questions Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship 2 statements
  11. Oral Questions Privilege 3 statements
  12. Oral Questions The Economy 26 statements
  13. Government Orders Business of Supply 40 statements
  14. Oral Questions Small Business 2 statements
  15. Oral Questions Forestry Industry 4 statements
  16. Private Members' Business Arab Heritage Month Act 10 statements
  17. Government Orders Privilege 2 statements
  18. Oral Questions Public Safety 4 statements
  19. Adjournment Proceedings Adjournment Proceedings 4 statements
  20. Adjournment Proceedings Adjournment Proceedings 4 statements