Bill C-38, Canadian Fuel Affordability Act · Report stage · now law Where it stands
The law extends the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax until January 31, 2027. Between February 1, 2027, and March 31, 2027, excise tax rates on fuels are set at 50% of their regular rates.
164 statements
“I am asking everyone in the House to agree to split our party's speaking time.”
“Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I would like to seek unanimous consent to split the time in the first Conservative slot.”
Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I would like to seek unanimous consent to split the time in the first Conservative slot.
“We agree to let the Conservatives split their speaking time at third reading, but only after we finish the report stage.”
“Yes, Mr. Speaker, we are prepared to give unanimous consent to split the time at third reading for the Conservatives once we get through report stage.”
Yes, Mr. Speaker, we are prepared to give unanimous consent to split the time at third reading for the Conservatives once we get through report stage.
“I want the House to pass this bill. Wars and global problems have pushed gas prices up and made life expensive. This bill temporarily pauses the fuel tax to save drivers up to 10 cents a litre.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to take part in today’s important debate on the third reading of Bill C-38, the Canadian fuel affordability act. This bill aims to extend the federal excise tax on gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels. This is a very important issue at a time when many Canadian families continue to face a high cost of living. Some of them find it difficult to afford groceries, fill up their gas tank and pay all their bills. Before we continue, I would like to clarify a few things about the affordability challenges we are all facing. Let me start by saying that this is a global issue. Ultimately, all OECD countries are now feeling the effects of an affordability crisis that is challenging for many households. We need to try to put this into context. In fact, we need to go back to the time of the COVID‑19 pandemic. I know that seems like a long time ago, but it really had a significant impact on the global economy, especially in the period following the COVID‑19 pandemic, when consumer spending here, as elsewhere, rebounded very quickly, even as supply chains remained disrupted and were not yet operating at full capacity. This led to high and rapid inflation, here as elsewhere. In Canada, for example, the inflation rate reached 8%, a level not seen in generations. As a result, many Canadians, as well as Americans, Europeans, and Japanese, were caught off guard by this rapid rise in inflation and all the upheaval it caused. Just as we were starting to get a bit of a handle on the situation, the war in Ukraine broke out, triggering a sharp increase in energy prices due to the entirely justified boycott of Russian oil and natural gas exports. Ironically, some countries are currently backtracking on that boycott, but that is a discussion for another day. All of that contributed to a sharp increase in energy prices, which has kept inflation high and forced central banks to raise interest rates very quickly. This rise in interest rates also had an impact on housing affordability, as mortgage rates suddenly began to rise rapidly. Meanwhile, very few Canadian households were prepared to cope with those rising mortgage rates. In many cases, they rose from barely 1% to 3%, 4% or 5%. Needless to say, that can dramatically alter a family’s budget. Thus, a global crisis and a full-blown energy crisis were followed by shocks in food production, since Ukraine was also a major grain exporter. The price of raw food materials, in particular, rose rapidly as a result. All of this happened at the same time and, to make matters worse, in February 2026, a new war broke out in the Middle East, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Suddenly the price of oil was back up to $100 a barrel. Just when things were beginning to get back to normal, everything went off the rails again. This situation began a long time ago outside of Canada, and it is complicated for us and for other countries. It is also worth noting, and so I will point it out, that there is a difference between the very high cost of living caused by all of the crises that I just mentioned, which caused price increases year after year, and the rate of inflation. As we saw this week, the inflation rate in Canada is currently 3.1% , which is not that far outside the Bank of Canada’s target range. The biggest factor driving inflation right now, in September and October 2026, is energy prices, gas prices. In Canada, the inflation rate is less than 2% if we exclude gasoline. The most recent shocks that have occurred since February 2026 because of the war in the Middle East are having a major impact on inflation. Inflation is returning to the target range, but the cost of living remains very high. That is the situation we are facing today. Similar conditions exist in many parts of the world. Naturally, our government cannot control decisions made elsewhere. What we can control, however, is what we do here at home. We can put in place measures that help families and households cope with these challenges. In a situation where the shock is external and persistent, government measures must be targeted, timely and temporary. They must be phased out quickly, because there is no certainty as to how long these external pressures may last. Through Bill C‑38, we will make it possible for millions of Canadians to save money by continuing to suspend the excise tax on gasoline. Canadians who drive to work and those who take their children to school or to sporting activities can continue to do so. The bill proposes to extend the suspension of the federal fuel excise tax until January 31, 2027. In February and March 2027, rates will then gradually return to just half their usual level, before returning, on April 1, 2027, to what they were. Canadians will therefore keep receiving relief of up to 10¢ a litre until January 31. Since that announcement was made, and although the price of crude oil remains above $100 a barrel, the price of gasoline has increased a bit, but remains relatively stable. As we had hoped, this shows that extending the excise tax suspension is directly benefiting Canadian consumers. We have seen all that take effect now. The government estimates that this extension will provide about $2.9 billion in additional tax relief to Canadians, raising the total fuel tax relief to approximately $5.3 billion in the 2026-27 fiscal year. It is important to mention that the cost of this to the government is substantial, at $5.3 billion. We are well aware that it is substantial. We are well aware that it takes effort, but it is effort that the government is willing to make, considering the steep rise in fuel prices confronting Canadian households. Something had to be done, and we acted quickly by implementing targeted measures aimed at lowering the price of gas. This is a temporary measure because, of course, we, like everyone else, want the crude oil market to return to more normal, stable levels, similar to where it was before hostilities broke out in late February 2026. We will reassess this at the appropriate time, but we are confident that this is a temporary situation and that our support measures should also be temporary. However, as I said, it is a substantial amount. We need to find a way to fit this $5.3 billion into the federal budget. As the Minister of Finance mentioned earlier today, the budget will be tabled on November 5, and we will be able to measure the progress of Canada’s public finances at that time. All that to say that $5.3 billion is no small sum. Canadian households can count on this significant support to help them get through this tough period. This measure is in addition to other measures that we have already put in place, such as the Canada groceries and essentials benefit and the tax cuts that we had previously made. These are a few measures that we have put in place and that we believe are necessary to help people get through this situation, but we should not assume that they will be permanent, because, as I just mentioned, the cost to the public purse is pretty substantial. However, there is a real need and we are in a real emergency, which fully justifies this situation. Bill C‑38 is a necessary tool. We have clearly recognized this reality, and we are responding to it. As Canadians continue to suffer the consequences of an uncertain global context, our government is taking action to help them. Bill C‑38 is a perfect example of that. It is a targeted measure that will help all Canadians cope with the cost of living. This is a measure that will provide real, direct help to families, workers and businesses. I therefore enthusiastically urge everyone here in the House to support Bill C‑38 and vote in favour of it.”
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to take part in today’s important debate on the third reading of Bill C-38, the Canadian fuel affordability act. This bill aims to extend the federal excise tax on gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels. This is a very important issue at a time when many Canadian families continue to face a high cost of living. Some of them find it difficult to afford groceries, fill up their gas tank and pay all their bills. Before we continue, I would like to clarify a few things about the affordability challenges we are all facing. Let me start by saying that this is a global issue. Ultimately, all OECD countries are now feeling the effects of an affordability crisis that is challenging for many households. We need to try to put this into context. In fact, we need to go back to the time of the COVID‑19 pandemic. I know that seems like a long time ago, but it really had a significant impact on the global economy, especially in the period following the COVID‑19 pandemic, when consumer spending here, as elsewhere, rebounded very quickly, even as supply chains remained disrupted and were not yet operating at full capacity. This led to high and rapid inflation, here as elsewhere. In Canada, for example, the inflation rate reached 8%, a level not seen in generations. As a result, many Canadians, as well as Americans, Europeans, and Japanese, were caught off guard by this rapid rise in inflation and all the upheaval it caused. Just as we were starting to get a bit of a handle on the situation, the war in Ukraine broke out, triggering a sharp increase in energy prices due to the entirely justified boycott of Russian oil and natural gas exports. Ironically, some countries are currently backtracking on that boycott, but that is a discussion for another day. All of that contributed to a sharp increase in energy prices, which has kept inflation high and forced central banks to raise interest rates very quickly. This rise in interest rates also had an impact on housing affordability, as mortgage rates suddenly began to rise rapidly. Meanwhile, very few Canadian households were prepared to cope with those rising mortgage rates. In many cases, they rose from barely 1% to 3%, 4% or 5%. Needless to say, that can dramatically alter a family’s budget. Thus, a global crisis and a full-blown energy crisis were followed by shocks in food production, since Ukraine was also a major grain exporter. The price of raw food materials, in particular, rose rapidly as a result. All of this happened at the same time and, to make matters worse, in February 2026, a new war broke out in the Middle East, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Suddenly the price of oil was back up to $100 a barrel. Just when things were beginning to get back to normal, everything went off the rails again. This situation began a long time ago outside of Canada, and it is complicated for us and for other countries. It is also worth noting, and so I will point it out, that there is a difference between the very high cost of living caused by all of the crises that I just mentioned, which caused price increases year after year, and the rate of inflation. As we saw this week, the inflation rate in Canada is currently 3.1% , which is not that far outside the Bank of Canada’s target range. The biggest factor driving inflation right now, in September and October 2026, is energy prices, gas prices. In Canada, the inflation rate is less than 2% if we exclude gasoline. The most recent shocks that have occurred since February 2026 because of the war in the Middle East are having a major impact on inflation. Inflation is returning to the target range, but the cost of living remains very high. That is the situation we are facing today. Similar conditions exist in many parts of the world. Naturally, our government cannot control decisions made elsewhere. What we can control, however, is what we do here at home. We can put in place measures that help families and households cope with these challenges. In a situation where the shock is external and persistent, government measures must be targeted, timely and temporary. They must be phased out quickly, because there is no certainty as to how long these external pressures may last. Through Bill C‑38, we will make it possible for millions of Canadians to save money by continuing to suspend the excise tax on gasoline. Canadians who drive to work and those who take their children to school or to sporting activities can continue to do so. The bill proposes to extend the suspension of the federal fuel excise tax until January 31, 2027. In February and March 2027, rates will then gradually return to just half their usual level, before returning, on April 1, 2027, to what they were. Canadians will therefore keep receiving relief of up to 10¢ a litre until January 31. Since that announcement was made, and although the price of crude oil remains above $100 a barrel, the price of gasoline has increased a bit, but remains relatively stable. As we had hoped, this shows that extending the excise tax suspension is directly benefiting Canadian consumers. We have seen all that take effect now. The government estimates that this extension will provide about $2.9 billion in additional tax relief to Canadians, raising the total fuel tax relief to approximately $5.3 billion in the 2026-27 fiscal year. It is important to mention that the cost of this to the government is substantial, at $5.3 billion. We are well aware that it is substantial. We are well aware that it takes effort, but it is effort that the government is willing to make, considering the steep rise in fuel prices confronting Canadian households. Something had to be done, and we acted quickly by implementing targeted measures aimed at lowering the price of gas. This is a temporary measure because, of course, we, like everyone else, want the crude oil market to return to more normal, stable levels, similar to where it was before hostilities broke out in late February 2026. We will reassess this at the appropriate time, but we are confident that this is a temporary situation and that our support measures should also be temporary. However, as I said, it is a substantial amount. We need to find a way to fit this $5.3 billion into the federal budget. As the Minister of Finance mentioned earlier today, the budget will be tabled on November 5, and we will be able to measure the progress of Canada’s public finances at that time. All that to say that $5.3 billion is no small sum. Canadian households can count on this significant support to help them get through this tough period. This measure is in addition to other measures that we have already put in place, such as the Canada groceries and essentials benefit and the tax cuts that we had previously made. These are a few measures that we have put in place and that we believe are necessary to help people get through this situation, but we should not assume that they will be permanent, because, as I just mentioned, the cost to the public purse is pretty substantial. However, there is a real need and we are in a real emergency, which fully justifies this situation. Bill C‑38 is a necessary tool. We have clearly recognized this reality, and we are responding to it. As Canadians continue to suffer the consequences of an uncertain global context, our government is taking action to help them. Bill C‑38 is a perfect example of that. It is a targeted measure that will help all Canadians cope with the cost of living. This is a measure that will provide real, direct help to families, workers and businesses. I therefore enthusiastically urge everyone here in the House to support Bill C‑38 and vote in favour of it.
“This gas tax cut is supposed to be temporary, but it looks like it will become permanent. No government will want to bring it back once people get used to not paying it. I want the government to promise here today that it will bring this tax back when the deadline arrives.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are told that this type of measure is temporary, but it seems to be becoming permanent. Which government will want to reinstate the excise tax when, increasingly, the Liberals are getting people used to the fact that this tax no longer applies when they fill up? My question is extremely simple. Will my colleague formally commit before the House that, when the deadline set by the Liberals arrives, they will reinstate the excise tax?”
Mr. Speaker, we are told that this type of measure is temporary, but it seems to be becoming permanent. Which government will want to reinstate the excise tax when, increasingly, the Liberals are getting people used to the fact that this tax no longer applies when they fill up? My question is extremely simple. Will my colleague formally commit before the House that, when the deadline set by the Liberals arrives, they will reinstate the excise tax?
“This fuel tax break is temporary. The bill says the full tax comes back automatically in April 2027.”
“Mr. Speaker, Bill C‑38 clearly states that, as of January 2027, the suspension of the excise tax will be reduced by half and that on April 1, we will return to where we were before. Yes, the tax suspension will be eliminated. We will go back to where we were. That is why I have said several times that this is a temporary measure.”
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See full analysisMr. Speaker, Bill C‑38 clearly states that, as of January 2027, the suspension of the excise tax will be reduced by half and that on April 1, we will return to where we were before. Yes, the tax suspension will be eliminated. We will go back to where we were. That is why I have said several times that this is a temporary measure.
“Other rich countries are acting on this crisis. My colleague is an economist, so I want him to explain why we must pass this fuel tax bill quickly to help people.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague is an economist, and I would like him to explain something to us. He touched on it in his speech. The countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD, are responding to the current crisis. In this context, why do we need to quickly pass Bill C‑38 to help our constituents?”
Mr. Speaker, my colleague is an economist, and I would like him to explain something to us. He touched on it in his speech. The countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD, are responding to the current crisis. In this context, why do we need to quickly pass Bill C‑38 to help our constituents?
“High fuel prices are a global problem, and world economic groups say governments should use temporary measures to help. Countries like Spain and Germany are temporarily lowering fuel prices right now. This oil price spike will not last forever, and prices will drop again once the shipping routes clear up. We should pass this temporary relief until that happens.”
“Mr. Speaker, this is indeed a global situation that affects not only Canada, but also all other countries. What is being suggested, whether by the OECD, the International Monetary Fund or even the World Bank, in the face of a shock like the one we are currently experiencing, is that governments respond in a targeted, temporary way. That is what is happening elsewhere. That is what is happening in some European countries, in Spain, for example, and in Germany as well. These are temporary measures that are lowering fuel prices. Everyone wants that. Everyone assumes that the oil shock is artificial in some way, because it is caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and that eventually this situation will subside and oil prices will return to where they were before, around $60 to $70 a barrel. Then we will no longer require the kind of assistance that is currently being implemented.”
Mr. Speaker, this is indeed a global situation that affects not only Canada, but also all other countries. What is being suggested, whether by the OECD, the International Monetary Fund or even the World Bank, in the face of a shock like the one we are currently experiencing, is that governments respond in a targeted, temporary way. That is what is happening elsewhere. That is what is happening in some European countries, in Spain, for example, and in Germany as well. These are temporary measures that are lowering fuel prices. Everyone wants that. Everyone assumes that the oil shock is artificial in some way, because it is caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and that eventually this situation will subside and oil prices will return to where they were before, around $60 to $70 a barrel. Then we will no longer require the kind of assistance that is currently being implemented.
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“The government is saying two different things. The bill sets a clear date to bring back the fuel tax, but the member says it will come back sooner if prices drop. I want to know which one is true.”
“Mr. Speaker, this actually goes back to the question I just asked my hon. colleague. What I am hearing is that the government is not setting an actual date. My colleague is telling me that, yes, the date is specified in the bill, but what I just heard is that if the price goes down, the suspension of the excise tax would be lifted at that point. My colleague is telling me two things right now. Either we really have to believe the government when it gives us a date, or we have to listen and believe it when it says that it will reinstate the tax once prices go down. I do not know which one I am supposed to listen to or what I am supposed to make of this. Will the tax be reinstated when gas prices go down, or will it actually be reinstated on the date specified in the bill? It is not clear.”
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See full analysisMr. Speaker, this actually goes back to the question I just asked my hon. colleague. What I am hearing is that the government is not setting an actual date. My colleague is telling me that, yes, the date is specified in the bill, but what I just heard is that if the price goes down, the suspension of the excise tax would be lifted at that point. My colleague is telling me two things right now. Either we really have to believe the government when it gives us a date, or we have to listen and believe it when it says that it will reinstate the tax once prices go down. I do not know which one I am supposed to listen to or what I am supposed to make of this. Will the tax be reinstated when gas prices go down, or will it actually be reinstated on the date specified in the bill? It is not clear.
“The date is set in the bill. Gas prices are high right now because oil costs more, and we hope that gets better soon. This tax cut will end in March 2027.”
“Mr. Speaker, the date is in the bill. The current situation reflects the rise in crude oil prices. Like everyone else, we hope this situation will be resolved. The measure we will be voting on here in the House expires at the end of March 2027.”
Mr. Speaker, the date is in the bill. The current situation reflects the rise in crude oil prices. Like everyone else, we hope this situation will be resolved. The measure we will be voting on here in the House expires at the end of March 2027.
“Gas, groceries, and the cost of living are too high. The Bloc Québécois wants to bring back fuel taxes, but I want the government to make the fuel tax cut permanent.”
“Mr. Speaker, something just happened that really highlights the difference between the Bloc Québécois and the Conservative Party. The Bloc Québécois is asking questions as though it wants Quebeckers and Canadians to pay more taxes. It is asking the government to bring taxes back. While we are in the midst of an affordability crisis with regard to gas, groceries and the rising cost of living, the Bloc Québécois wants the government to raise taxes. What I am asking the government to do, to help Quebeckers and Canadians cope with the cost of living and to bring down the cost of living, is to make the tax cut permanent.”
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See full analysisMr. Speaker, something just happened that really highlights the difference between the Bloc Québécois and the Conservative Party. The Bloc Québécois is asking questions as though it wants Quebeckers and Canadians to pay more taxes. It is asking the government to bring taxes back. While we are in the midst of an affordability crisis with regard to gas, groceries and the rising cost of living, the Bloc Québécois wants the government to raise taxes. What I am asking the government to do, to help Quebeckers and Canadians cope with the cost of living and to bring down the cost of living, is to make the tax cut permanent.
“This bill keeps the fuel tax cut until January 2027. We will decide what happens after that when the time comes.”
“Mr. Speaker, the tax cut will remain in effect until January 2027. That is what Bill C‑38 proposes. What happens after that will happen after that.”
Mr. Speaker, the tax cut will remain in effect until January 2027. That is what Bill C‑38 proposes. What happens after that will happen after that.
“The bill sets an end date for cutting the gas tax. But the government says the cut will last until gas prices drop. I want to know what happens if prices stay high by that date. Will they extend the tax cut again and make it permanent?”
“Mr. Speaker, let us put aside the Conservative Party’s populist rhetoric. We have gotten used to it. In fact, it cost them many seats in Quebec. There are few of them left. I do not even know if there are even 10 of them. Here is what I wanted to ask my Liberal colleague. What happens if gas prices have not come down by the date set out in the bill? What he is saying is that the tax will be suspended until prices come down, yet the bill still sets a date. If prices have not come back down, will the bill as drafted still stand, or will he once again choose to extend the measure, ultimately turning what was supposed to be a temporary measure into a permanent one? That is my main question. If the price of gas has not dropped at Christmas and in April, will he maintain the measure proposed today?”
Mr. Speaker, let us put aside the Conservative Party’s populist rhetoric. We have gotten used to it. In fact, it cost them many seats in Quebec. There are few of them left. I do not even know if there are even 10 of them. Here is what I wanted to ask my Liberal colleague. What happens if gas prices have not come down by the date set out in the bill? What he is saying is that the tax will be suspended until prices come down, yet the bill still sets a date. If prices have not come back down, will the bill as drafted still stand, or will he once again choose to extend the measure, ultimately turning what was supposed to be a temporary measure into a permanent one? That is my main question. If the price of gas has not dropped at Christmas and in April, will he maintain the measure proposed today?
“I want us to vote on this bill soon. It keeps the fuel tax paused until 2027 and then slowly brings it back by April. We can only control what happens until then, not what happens after.”
“Mr. Speaker, we will be voting soon, I hope, on Bill C‑38, which provides that, starting in January 2027, the suspension of the tax will gradually decrease, and then in April, we will return to where we were before. What will happen in April? I am no psychic. I cannot predict what will happen, but whatever we can control, we control. This is how it will be until April 1. After that, it will be in God’s hands.”
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See full analysisMr. Speaker, we will be voting soon, I hope, on Bill C‑38, which provides that, starting in January 2027, the suspension of the tax will gradually decrease, and then in April, we will return to where we were before. What will happen in April? I am no psychic. I cannot predict what will happen, but whatever we can control, we control. This is how it will be until April 1. After that, it will be in God’s hands.
“The government says it is cutting the fuel tax because gas prices are high. I want to know if the government will bring the tax back on the date in the bill even if gas prices stay high.”
“Mr. Speaker, the government justifies this measure on the grounds that gasoline prices have risen as a result of the oil shock. It even tells us that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has called on certain member countries to take this approach. However, if gasoline prices have not come down, the government’s entire rationale falls apart, and what it is proposing makes absolutely no sense. That is my main question. I am being told that the bill specifies a date, but what the bill proposes is tied to the price of gasoline. Let me be clear. The question is straightforward. I do not want to hear about a date. If, when the bill calls for the excise tax to be reinstated, gasoline prices have not fallen and remain at the same high level, will the government nevertheless restore the excise tax regardless of the price of gasoline? That is my question.”
Mr. Speaker, the government justifies this measure on the grounds that gasoline prices have risen as a result of the oil shock. It even tells us that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has called on certain member countries to take this approach. However, if gasoline prices have not come down, the government’s entire rationale falls apart, and what it is proposing makes absolutely no sense. That is my main question. I am being told that the bill specifies a date, but what the bill proposes is tied to the price of gasoline. Let me be clear. The question is straightforward. I do not want to hear about a date. If, when the bill calls for the excise tax to be reinstated, gasoline prices have not fallen and remain at the same high level, will the government nevertheless restore the excise tax regardless of the price of gasoline? That is my question.
“This bill brings back the 10-cent fuel tax on April 1, 2027. I do not know if there will be another bill after that.”
“Mr. Speaker, under Bill C‑38, the excise tax of 10¢ a litre will be reinstated on April 1, 2027. That is what the bill provides for. Will there be another bill down the road? I have no idea. We will see when the time comes. However, according to this bill, the excise tax of 10¢ a litre will be reinstated on April 1, 2027.”
Mr. Speaker, under Bill C‑38, the excise tax of 10¢ a litre will be reinstated on April 1, 2027. That is what the bill provides for. Will there be another bill down the road? I have no idea. We will see when the time comes. However, according to this bill, the excise tax of 10¢ a litre will be reinstated on April 1, 2027.
“The Bloc Québécois is asking the government to raise taxes on Canadians again. The debate today shows the clear difference between our parties. Even the Liberal member looks uncomfortable with these questions because he also wants Canadians to have a good life.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are currently witnessing a historic moment. The Bloc Québécois is once again speaking out to demand that the Liberal government impose even more taxes on Quebeckers and Canadians. I would encourage people to listen to what was said in the past 10 minutes. We really see the difference between the Bloc Québécois, the Conservative Party and the Liberal Party. I understand why my hon. colleague, for whom I have a great deal of respect, is uncomfortable with these questions, because he, too, wants to make sure that Canadians have a good quality of life.”
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“For whom I have a great deal of respect.”
Said 5 times by 4 members since May 25.
Every time it was saidMr. Speaker, we are currently witnessing a historic moment. The Bloc Québécois is once again speaking out to demand that the Liberal government impose even more taxes on Quebeckers and Canadians. I would encourage people to listen to what was said in the past 10 minutes. We really see the difference between the Bloc Québécois, the Conservative Party and the Liberal Party. I understand why my hon. colleague, for whom I have a great deal of respect, is uncomfortable with these questions, because he, too, wants to make sure that Canadians have a good quality of life.
“This bill has an end date. That is simply how it is written.”
“Mr. Speaker, in less than 15 seconds, I will say that Bill C‑38 has an expiration date. That is how it is.”
Mr. Speaker, in less than 15 seconds, I will say that Bill C‑38 has an expiration date. That is how it is.
“I support cutting fuel taxes, but this bill does not go far enough. High diesel prices raise costs for farmers and drive up grocery bills. The government should remove all federal taxes on gas and diesel until July 2027, end the carbon tax on industry, and help build more refineries.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I am going to talk about a subject that directly concerns the wallets of Canadians, Quebeckers and, obviously, the people of Beauce. I am going to talk about diesel prices, which have an impact on our families, on inflation, on the cost of groceries and on our constituents’ abilities to make ends meet. To begin, I would like to talk about my magnificent region, Beauce. Beauce is a region of entrepreneurs, builders, manufacturers and, of course, farmers. Beauce is the entrepreneurial capital of Canada. It is home to proud, and even very proud, people who work hard. The people of Beauce are job creators and wealth creators. In my riding, entrepreneurs do not wait for the government to move forward. They wait for neither government money nor, above all, subsidies. In Beauce, we work together, support one another and stand united. The people of Beauce are asking the government to stop putting obstacles in their way through the layers of red tape created by the Liberals over the past 11 years. Today, one of those obstacles is the cost of fuel. Diesel is a tool of the trade in Beauce. It powers tractors, farm equipment and delivery trucks, and it is an important part of the regional economy. When the cost of diesel goes up, it is not just another bill; the effects ripple through the economy and drives inflation. When I meet with farmers from Beauce, whether in Saint‑Isidore, Saint‑Éphrem‑de‑Beauce, Saint‑Victor, Saint‑Gédéon‑de‑Beauce or elsewhere in my riding, they all tell me the same thing: Their production and operating costs are skyrocketing. Over the past year, they have had to cope with periods when the price of diesel nearly doubled. Imagine a farmer who suddenly has to pay almost twice as much to run his machinery. He cannot simply decide not to cultivate his fields. He cannot stop feeding his livestock. He cannot stop producing the food that Canadians need. He has to keep going as well as keep paying his bills. According to estimates by the UPA, the Union des producteurs agricoles, the rise in diesel prices could cost Quebeckers as much as an additional $200 million. That is $200 million in Quebec alone. The worst part is that this money is not being invested in farms. It is not being used to buy new equipment or create jobs. This $200 million will directly drive inflation. The cost always ends up being passed along the supply chain. The cost of diesel does not stop at the farm gate. It follows the produce. It follows the truck. It follows the distribution network. Ultimately, it is passed on in the price paid by consumers. The producer is the first to absorb the increase. That is always how it goes. However, it is always Canadian families who foot the bill in the end. That is why I am pleased to see that the government has finally decided to defer the excise tax on gasoline. However, let us be clear that this did not happen by chance. It happened because Conservatives spent months pressuring the government to do it. We asked the government to stop adding to Canadians’ tax burden. We asked the government to recognize that families had had enough. Now the Liberals are finally being forced to acknowledge that reducing fuel taxes, which was not possible a few months ago, can help bring down the cost of living. They found a calculator and realized that it could lower prices. That is good news, but it is not enough. A cost-of-living crisis cannot be resolved with temporary half measures. Our Conservative proposal is clear: eliminate all federal taxes on gas and diesel until July 1, 2027. This includes the excise tax, the GST on fuel and regulatory costs that contribute to higher prices. We are also calling for the permanent elimination of industrial carbon pricing. We need to grant emergency permits and tax relief for refinery construction so we can boost diesel production to one million barrels per day and thereby increase supply to meet demand. We estimate that these measures could save each family nearly $1,000 a year. I want to emphasize something. I am talking about both diesel and gasoline. Cutting the cost of gasoline helps families get around, spend time with their families and travel, but lowering the cost of diesel also helps reduce the cost of producing and distributing almost everything we consume. I would now like to talk about something that is particularly close to my heart: the impact of diesel on food inflation. For several years now, Canadians have been seeing higher grocery bills. They have to make choices they should never have needed to make. Seniors are having to choose between certain food products and other essentials. Meanwhile, we continue to hear all sorts of explanations for this increase. There is talk about producers, processors, wholesalers, distributors and retailers, but who can really explain to Canadians where these increases are in the food supply chain and, most importantly, who is benefiting? Those are the questions we have to ask ourselves. I am particularly proud to make an announcement today in the House. At the request of my colleague, the member for Nanaimo—Ladysmith, I have agreed to serve on a special committee focused on the supply chain and food inflation. Why is that important to me? It is simple. It is because I know the industry. I spent 30 years of my life working in the grocery sector and across the entire supply chain. I am familiar with these realities and these challenges and, more importantly, I have worked at every stage of the supply chain. I grew up in a farming family, worked on the supplier side for 15 years, worked in distribution and worked with wholesalers. Now, I also understand the reality of the final link in the chain, that is, the point of sale. At every stage, there are costs involved. At every stage, business decisions have to be made. At every stage, prices might have to go up. Where are the costs really going up? What increases are justified? Which companies are absorbing higher costs and which ones are passing them on to consumers? I truly believe in transparency, and when millions of Canadians are struggling to pay for groceries, they deserve answers. That is what we want. I can assure the House that we will leave no stone unturned. I intend to put my 30 years of experience to work for the public in this effort. There is one thing that I think is especially important in the debate on diesel. The government is talking about inflation as though it were an abstract phenomenon, as though prices just magically appear on items on store shelves. However, behind every price is an economic reality. There is a farmer who has to pay for diesel, a business that has to pay for power, a trucker that transports goods, a retailer who has to pay their employees, pay their electricity bill, buy equipment and fund their operations. That is why the cost of fuel is so important. Diesel is like the blood flowing through the veins of our economy. We do not have to like it. People may not like it, but that is a fact of life. That is how it is. When the price of diesel goes up, the strain is felt everywhere: on our farms, in our factories, on our roads, in our businesses and at the grocery store checkout. That is why the government needs to stop treating taxes on fuel as simply a tax issue. This is a matter of competitiveness, food security, purchasing power and respect for those who feed our country. We welcome the Liberal government’s backtracking on rising gas prices, but we are not going to stop there. We will continue to fight to eliminate federal taxes on gas and diesel. We will continue to stand up for our farmers. We will continue to stand up for our manufacturers.”
A repeated line
“When the cost of diesel goes up?”
Said 4 times by 4 members since October 6.
Every time it was saidMr. Speaker, today I am going to talk about a subject that directly concerns the wallets of Canadians, Quebeckers and, obviously, the people of Beauce. I am going to talk about diesel prices, which have an impact on our families, on inflation, on the cost of groceries and on our constituents’ abilities to make ends meet. To begin, I would like to talk about my magnificent region, Beauce. Beauce is a region of entrepreneurs, builders, manufacturers and, of course, farmers. Beauce is the entrepreneurial capital of Canada. It is home to proud, and even very proud, people who work hard. The people of Beauce are job creators and wealth creators. In my riding, entrepreneurs do not wait for the government to move forward. They wait for neither government money nor, above all, subsidies. In Beauce, we work together, support one another and stand united. The people of Beauce are asking the government to stop putting obstacles in their way through the layers of red tape created by the Liberals over the past 11 years. Today, one of those obstacles is the cost of fuel. Diesel is a tool of the trade in Beauce. It powers tractors, farm equipment and delivery trucks, and it is an important part of the regional economy. When the cost of diesel goes up, it is not just another bill; the effects ripple through the economy and drives inflation. When I meet with farmers from Beauce, whether in Saint‑Isidore, Saint‑Éphrem‑de‑Beauce, Saint‑Victor, Saint‑Gédéon‑de‑Beauce or elsewhere in my riding, they all tell me the same thing: Their production and operating costs are skyrocketing. Over the past year, they have had to cope with periods when the price of diesel nearly doubled. Imagine a farmer who suddenly has to pay almost twice as much to run his machinery. He cannot simply decide not to cultivate his fields. He cannot stop feeding his livestock. He cannot stop producing the food that Canadians need. He has to keep going as well as keep paying his bills. According to estimates by the UPA, the Union des producteurs agricoles, the rise in diesel prices could cost Quebeckers as much as an additional $200 million. That is $200 million in Quebec alone. The worst part is that this money is not being invested in farms. It is not being used to buy new equipment or create jobs. This $200 million will directly drive inflation. The cost always ends up being passed along the supply chain. The cost of diesel does not stop at the farm gate. It follows the produce. It follows the truck. It follows the distribution network. Ultimately, it is passed on in the price paid by consumers. The producer is the first to absorb the increase. That is always how it goes. However, it is always Canadian families who foot the bill in the end. That is why I am pleased to see that the government has finally decided to defer the excise tax on gasoline. However, let us be clear that this did not happen by chance. It happened because Conservatives spent months pressuring the government to do it. We asked the government to stop adding to Canadians’ tax burden. We asked the government to recognize that families had had enough. Now the Liberals are finally being forced to acknowledge that reducing fuel taxes, which was not possible a few months ago, can help bring down the cost of living. They found a calculator and realized that it could lower prices. That is good news, but it is not enough. A cost-of-living crisis cannot be resolved with temporary half measures. Our Conservative proposal is clear: eliminate all federal taxes on gas and diesel until July 1, 2027. This includes the excise tax, the GST on fuel and regulatory costs that contribute to higher prices. We are also calling for the permanent elimination of industrial carbon pricing. We need to grant emergency permits and tax relief for refinery construction so we can boost diesel production to one million barrels per day and thereby increase supply to meet demand. We estimate that these measures could save each family nearly $1,000 a year. I want to emphasize something. I am talking about both diesel and gasoline. Cutting the cost of gasoline helps families get around, spend time with their families and travel, but lowering the cost of diesel also helps reduce the cost of producing and distributing almost everything we consume. I would now like to talk about something that is particularly close to my heart: the impact of diesel on food inflation. For several years now, Canadians have been seeing higher grocery bills. They have to make choices they should never have needed to make. Seniors are having to choose between certain food products and other essentials. Meanwhile, we continue to hear all sorts of explanations for this increase. There is talk about producers, processors, wholesalers, distributors and retailers, but who can really explain to Canadians where these increases are in the food supply chain and, most importantly, who is benefiting? Those are the questions we have to ask ourselves. I am particularly proud to make an announcement today in the House. At the request of my colleague, the member for Nanaimo—Ladysmith, I have agreed to serve on a special committee focused on the supply chain and food inflation. Why is that important to me? It is simple. It is because I know the industry. I spent 30 years of my life working in the grocery sector and across the entire supply chain. I am familiar with these realities and these challenges and, more importantly, I have worked at every stage of the supply chain. I grew up in a farming family, worked on the supplier side for 15 years, worked in distribution and worked with wholesalers. Now, I also understand the reality of the final link in the chain, that is, the point of sale. At every stage, there are costs involved. At every stage, business decisions have to be made. At every stage, prices might have to go up. Where are the costs really going up? What increases are justified? Which companies are absorbing higher costs and which ones are passing them on to consumers? I truly believe in transparency, and when millions of Canadians are struggling to pay for groceries, they deserve answers. That is what we want. I can assure the House that we will leave no stone unturned. I intend to put my 30 years of experience to work for the public in this effort. There is one thing that I think is especially important in the debate on diesel. The government is talking about inflation as though it were an abstract phenomenon, as though prices just magically appear on items on store shelves. However, behind every price is an economic reality. There is a farmer who has to pay for diesel, a business that has to pay for power, a trucker that transports goods, a retailer who has to pay their employees, pay their electricity bill, buy equipment and fund their operations. That is why the cost of fuel is so important. Diesel is like the blood flowing through the veins of our economy. We do not have to like it. People may not like it, but that is a fact of life. That is how it is. When the price of diesel goes up, the strain is felt everywhere: on our farms, in our factories, on our roads, in our businesses and at the grocery store checkout. That is why the government needs to stop treating taxes on fuel as simply a tax issue. This is a matter of competitiveness, food security, purchasing power and respect for those who feed our country. We welcome the Liberal government’s backtracking on rising gas prices, but we are not going to stop there. We will continue to fight to eliminate federal taxes on gas and diesel. We will continue to stand up for our farmers. We will continue to stand up for our manufacturers.
“This bill will bring quick, real help to millions of Canadians by cutting fuel taxes. I want to know if the Conservatives will support it or stand in its way.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, whom I respect very much, for his speech. In his speech, he said that we had announced some good news with this bill but that it was not enough. That is a valid argument. I think reasonable people can have opposing views on the best course of action. However, I think there is no question that this measure will bring concrete and immediate relief to millions of Canadians. Will the Conservative Party support the bill or stand in the way of it? Is the Conservative Party prepared to work with the government to make life more affordable for Canadians?”
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, whom I respect very much, for his speech. In his speech, he said that we had announced some good news with this bill but that it was not enough. That is a valid argument. I think reasonable people can have opposing views on the best course of action. However, I think there is no question that this measure will bring concrete and immediate relief to millions of Canadians. Will the Conservative Party support the bill or stand in the way of it? Is the Conservative Party prepared to work with the government to make life more affordable for Canadians?
“This bill is not enough. Fuel prices keep rising each month while people struggle to afford living. We sell our oil to the United States and pay 24 cents more per litre than they do. We should invest in our own refineries to permanently lower diesel prices.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Brome—Missisquoi, whom I hold in high regard, for his excellent question. Why am I saying that this is not enough? I do not know whether the Liberals have any data suggesting that diesel prices will fall in the coming weeks, but for the time being, prices are increasing month after month. I do not know whether they are aware that there is currently a cost of living crisis. People are struggling to make ends meet. I do not know whether the government realizes that we sell our oil to the United States while paying 24¢ more per litre than they do. We have the resources; we have everything we need. Why are we not investing in refineries to ensure a long-term, permanent reduction in the price of diesel?”
Reply to a debate question
Relevance 45 of 100
None of this reply addressed the specific point raised or the topic under debate.
See full analysisA repeated line
“People are struggling to make ends meet.”
Said 13 times by 10 members since April 27.
Every time it was saidMr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Brome—Missisquoi, whom I hold in high regard, for his excellent question. Why am I saying that this is not enough? I do not know whether the Liberals have any data suggesting that diesel prices will fall in the coming weeks, but for the time being, prices are increasing month after month. I do not know whether they are aware that there is currently a cost of living crisis. People are struggling to make ends meet. I do not know whether the government realizes that we sell our oil to the United States while paying 24¢ more per litre than they do. We have the resources; we have everything we need. Why are we not investing in refineries to ensure a long-term, permanent reduction in the price of diesel?
