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Foreign Affairs

During question period on foreign affairs, Harb Gill of the Conservatives asked the government to explain conflicting statements from the Prime Minister about why the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which he said is finished and ready, had not opened; Parliamentary Secretary Jennifer McKelvie replied that the bridge is a vital trade link with the United States and that the government is working with the U.S. toward an opening date. Alexandre Boulerice, sitting as an Independent, cited casualty figures in Gaza and conditions in the West Bank and asked the government to stop trading with Israel; Mona Fortier replied that Canada is joining Australia and the United Kingdom in a new International Peace Fund, contributing $2 million over three years to support peace between Israelis and Palestinians.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

4 statements

Harb Gill

Conservative
“The Prime Minister gave two different stories this week about opening the Gordie Howe bridge. The bridge is finished and ready. I want the government to be honest and tell Canadians the real reason it is delayed.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, as a cop, I was trained to ask questions when the facts did not match the story. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister said the Gordie Howe bridge was opening this weekend, and yesterday he said Canada agreed to a delay at the request of the U.S., because of technical issues, apparently. When asked the question of what the issue was, he had no answer. The bridge is built, and the staff are in place. The people in Windsor have been patient for years. Now they are getting fed up and tired of this drama, so what is the real reason for this delay, and why will the Liberal government not be honest with Canadians, who paid $6.4 billion U.S. for this bridge?

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Jennifer McKelvie

Liberal

Linked statement

“The Gordie Howe International Bridge is an important trade link between Canada and the United States. We are working together to open it on time, and I want the member opposite to work with us.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 31 of 100

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I want to start by saying that the Gordie Howe International Bridge is a vital economic link between Canada and the United States. As we work toward an opening date, we are taking a collaborative approach, reflecting our shared ambition for this important trade corridor. As an entire team, we are committed to the timely opening of the bridge, and I hope the member opposite is ready to work with us to deliver on this important national infrastructure project as we take a team Canada approach.

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Alexandre Boulerice

Independent
“Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank are increasing. I want the government to stop trading with Israel.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the genocide in Gaza has claimed 70,000 lives, including 20,000 children. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with infrastructure in ruins. In the meantime, life for Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the West Bank is appalling. Illegal settlements are multiplying. Palestinian villages, homes and farms are being destroyed on a regular basis. According to the UN, there are an average of six attacks per day against Palestinians in the West Bank. I repeat: six per day. When are the Liberals going to take action and suspend our trade relations with the Netanyahu regime?

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Mona Fortier

Liberal
“Canada is working with Australia and the United Kingdom to create a peace fund for Israelis and Palestinians. Canada will give $2 million over three years to help both groups live peacefully side by side.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 45 of 100

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to share the fact that Canada is taking concrete steps to support a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. We have joined forces with Australia and the United Kingdom to establish a new International Peace Fund. Canada will contribute $2 million over three years alongside its partners, and the funding will be provided to recognized and trusted civil society organizations. This initiative demonstrates our firm commitment to a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side.

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