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The Economy

During Question Period on the economy, Conservative members asked whether the government would admit Canada is in a cost-of-living and economic crisis, citing rising housing, grocery and fuel prices and the latest unemployment numbers after 11 years in office. Liberal ministers replied that affordability is a challenge but pointed to measures such as lower taxes for 22 million Canadians, a fuel tax pause, grocery support, dental care, and hundreds of announced projects and investments, with one minister noting affordability pressures affect other G7 countries as well.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

6 statements

Jason Groleau

Conservative
“Housing prices have tripled and the cost of food and fuel has doubled under this Liberal government. Life is too expensive for Canadian families. Will the government admit that Canada is in a cost-of-living crisis?”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, the cost of living has skyrocketed over the past 11 years under this Liberal government. Whether it is the price of housing or homes, which has tripled, or the price of groceries, gas or diesel, which has doubled in recent years, everything is more expensive under this inflationary and completely irresponsible government. Even a Thanksgiving meal is no longer affordable for Canadian families. My question is simple. Does the government acknowledge that, after 11 years of the Liberals, Canada is officially in a cost of living crisis?

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Caroline Desrochers

Liberal
“The economy is uncertain right now, but our government is investing to create jobs. We have funded hundreds of projects, including some in Quebec, to support families and workers.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, we recognize that we are going through a period of economic volatility and uncertainty. However, our government is choosing to invest in our economy, in our families and in our workers. Since this summer, we have announced hundreds of projects and investments, including some in my colleague’s riding. These projects will create jobs. We have signed agreements with Quebec for the Davie shipyard, the Contrecoeur terminal and Churchill Falls. We are there for Canadians and Quebeckers.

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Joël Godin

Conservative
“The government's plans are not working, and the latest unemployment numbers prove it. After 11 years in power, the government needs to take responsibility. Will it admit that Canada is in an economic crisis?”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, simply put, the hundreds of announcements that were made this summer are not working. We saw the unemployment rate this morning. The Liberal government has been in office for 11 years and it has to accept responsibility for the current situation. Will the government acknowledge that Canada is in a difficult economic situation and that Canadians are experiencing an affordability crisis? Families will be feeling the effects of that crisis even more acutely this Thanksgiving weekend. If we want to find solutions, we need to admit that there is a problem. Will the government acknowledge the situation and admit that we are in the midst of a crisis?

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Daniel Gobeil

Liberal
“Things cost too much, but our government has done a lot to help this past year. We lowered taxes for 22 million people, helped with groceries, paused the fuel tax, and paid for dental care. We will keep helping Canadians.”

  • A repeated line

    “We cut taxes for 22 million Canadians.”

    Said 17 times by 12 members since April 27.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, the Liberal Party recognizes that affordability is a challenge. We have implemented a lot of measures over the past year. We lowered taxes for 22 million Canadians, provided help with groceries and essential services and paused the tax on fuel. We also implemented the Canadian dental care plan for families, seniors and children. All these measures are helping Canadians with affordability. We are not going to stop there. We will continue to help Quebeckers and Canadians.

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Pat Kelly

Conservative

Linked statement

“Canadians are struggling to afford food. Turkey costs 10% more than last Thanksgiving. This is because of 11 years of Liberal taxes and spending. I want the Liberals to admit their plan has failed to help.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, Canadians have much to be thankful for in our beloved country, but many Canadians are struggling with the high cost of food. Dalhousie University reports that turkey is up 10% from last Thanksgiving, which of course was up from the year before, because 11 years of Liberal taxes, spending, deficits and declining economic productivity have created a homegrown Canadian affordability crisis. Will the Liberals admit that their response to this crisis is all talk and has produced no results?

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Kody Blois

Liberal
“Affordability is a problem, but it is not just happening in Canada. Other countries face the same pressures, including global energy issues. We are doing what we can by lowering taxes and giving families money for groceries and essentials.”

  • A repeated line

    “That is why we have the groceries and essentials benefit.”

    Said 3 times by 3 members since September 22.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, we certainly recognize that there are affordability challenges across the country, but I would reject the premise and the way in which the member opposite has framed it, which is that this is a homegrown challenge. There are challenges across the G7. We are dealing with circumstances with a blockade at the Strait of Hormuz and its impacts on energy. The government has been focused on what we can control in this country. That is why we have lowered taxes. That is why we have implemented the groceries and essentials rebate, which is supporting up to $1,800 for a family of four in the country. We are building the Canadian economy strong. That is our focus right now.

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