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Government Priorities

During question period on government priorities, members discussed Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, which among other things speeds up federal approvals for major projects such as pipelines, power lines and nuclear projects, and makes changes affecting labour relations. Christine Normandin of the Bloc Québécois opposed the bill, saying it weakens environmental assessments, places limits on workers’ right to strike, and affects provinces and Indigenous reconciliation, and she asked why Liberals were supporting it. Liberals, including Sean Fraser and Julie Dabrusin, urged passage of the bill, saying it is meant to attract investment, create jobs, and help build clean electricity and transit projects that reduce emissions, and they questioned why the Bloc was now opposing projects it had previously supported.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

4 statements

Christine Normandin

Bloc Québécois

Linked statement

“I oppose this bill. It stops environmental reviews for pipelines and nuclear projects, approves work before studies finish, limits workers' right to strike, and lets the government take land in the provinces. I want Liberals to explain how they can support it.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Bill C-39 is a case of conservative, authoritarian overreach. It eliminates environmental impact assessments for pipelines and nuclear power, gives the green light to projects without waiting for studies to be completed, places workers’ right to strike under government control and allows for the seizure of land in Quebec and the provinces. Simply put, neither Stephen Harper nor the current Conservative leader would have ever dared dream of introducing such a bill. It is no surprise that so many Conservatives are defecting to the Liberals. What is surprising is that the Liberals are staying put. I am genuinely concerned. Do they feel even somewhat torn about failing to stay true to their convictions?

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Sean Fraser

Liberal
“I want the House to pass this bill. It will bring in investment, create good-paying jobs, and grow Canada's economy. The opposition parties should not be trying to stop it.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Clarity 33 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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  • 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, I disagree with my colleague. As the member is well aware, this bill is designed to attract investment throughout the country in order to create good-paying jobs across the country and strengthen Canada’s economic growth for future generations. The House now has an opportunity to advance legislation that will help build a stronger and more competitive economy. It is a shame that the parties on the other side of the House are opposing this bill, which is so important for Canada.

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Christine Normandin

Bloc Québécois
“I oppose this bill. It is an authoritarian shift that harms the environment, workers, provinces, and Indigenous reconciliation. Environmentalists, unions, and First Nations oppose it, while only the Conservatives support it. The Liberals should stop supporting this bill.”

  • Opposition question in Question Period

    Respect 88 of 100

    This statement targeted a person rather than their actions or views: “Is he the only Liberal who has principles?”.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Bill C-39 is an authoritarian shift to the right that will have a lasting impact on the environment, labour relations, relations with Quebec and the provinces, and even reconciliation with indigenous peoples. Environmentalists are against it. Unions are against it. We heard from them yesterday in committee. Many first nations are against it. Oddly, the only ones in favour are the Conservatives. That speaks volumes and should give the Liberals pause. Only the member for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country had the courage to criticize Bill C-39. Is he the only Liberal who has principles?

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Julie Dabrusin

Liberal
“This bill helps us build clean energy and electricity projects that cut pollution. The Bloc Québécois used to support these projects, but now they oppose the bill. That makes no sense. I want them to vote for it.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, it is true that Bill C-39 will have a major impact. It will help us build major electricity and clean energy projects. In fact, it will also help us build projects such as Alto that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I thought the Bloc Québécois supported this project, but now it does not. It makes no sense. Will the Bloc Québécois help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make life easier for Canadians?

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