Maninder Sidhu
Brampton East, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for that very important question. The national contact point does amazing work to make sure that our supply chains are protected against forced labour. We will continue making sure that it does this diligent work. In terms of the CORE, we will make a decision in due course.”
“Mr. Speaker, our international efforts are about bringing results home for workers here in Canada. I will talk about our trip to China in January and the $7 billion dollars of agriculture access to China for our farmers across the country. That is more access for our canola growers, our beef farmers and our seafood sector.”
“Mr. Speaker, investments coming into Canada are at record levels, actually close to 20-year highs. Last year alone, there was $97 billion of foreign direct investment into Canada. That is more major projects being built. That is major, big aircraft being built here in Canada. Airbus has a current deal with Mirabel.”
“Madam Speaker, we are building big projects across the country to create new opportunities and new jobs through the new build communities strong fund.”
“Mr. Speaker, this is not a Google search. These are real projects with real workers building big things. There is Darlington's new nuclear project in Bowmanville and its 18,000 jobs; the Port of Montreal expansion and its 8,000 jobs; the copper mine project in Saskatchewan and its 500 jobs; the Grays Bay road and port project, which is en…”
“Mr. Speaker, to get more Canadian exports to new markets and create jobs, we are championing major projects like the Darlington nuclear project with 18,000 jobs in Ontario; the port of Montreal project, 8,000 jobs; the copper mine project in Saskatchewan, 500 jobs; the Grays Bay road and port project, nearly 3,000 jobs in the north; and t…”
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“Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition has been in this House for more than 20 years with not much to show for it. Here is what we have accomplished in the last few months in trade. We have signed new trade deals with Ecuador and Indonesia. We are advancing trade discussions with ASEAN, the Philippines and Thailand, and we are wrapping up—”
“Mr. Speaker, the Conservative leader continues to stand against support for Canadian workers and businesses. He has refused to support our government's plan to double non-U.S. exports over the next decade. In fact, he called Canadian exports other than oil “pixie dust”. Does the Conservative leader think our $5 billion in beef exports is pixie dust, or the LNG headed to South Korea from B.C.? What about the 7.6 billion dollars' worth of fish and seafood caught by hard-working Canadians? Whether it is imaginary taxes or pixie dust, the Conservative leader needs to get on board and out of the way.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have good news for Canadians. Germany just signed a $1-billion deal with Lockheed Martin Canada to support jobs right here in this country. This is what Canadians are getting from the Prime Minister 's being on the world stage, selling what Canada has to offer. It is about unlocking new markets and creating good jobs here in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, speaking of young people, the first new medical school in the GTA in over 100 years in Brampton is happening, with a $25-million investment in budget 2025. This government is stepping up to support the new TMU medical school to train the next generation of doctors in Brampton. This is how we are empowering young Canadians across the country. This is how we build Brampton and Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, 67,000 is how many new jobs were created last month. Twenty thousand of these jobs were for young Canadians, a clear sign that our plan is working. In Canada, one in five jobs is related to trade. From small businesses to major exporters, Canadians are driving growth and creating opportunities. In budget 2025, we have a plan to support our entrepreneurs, our workers and our exporters as we build the strongest economy in the G7.”
“Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and in accordance with the enhanced transparency requirements set out in the amended policy on tabling of treaties in Parliament, I am pleased to notify the House of Commons of the government's intent to initiate negotiations for a Canada-Philippines free trade agreement. The Government of Canada intends to commence negotiations with the Philippines no earlier than 90 days from the date of this notice.”
“Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and consistent with the policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, a treaty entitled “Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement” done at Ottawa on September 24, 2025.”
“Mr. Speaker, speaking of young Canadians, they are looking at this budget for generational opportunities. We are unlocking new markets for them. With budget 2025, we are getting young Canadians and young entrepreneurs export-ready through our SME export readiness program. Once they are export-ready, we will launch the CanExport program to support them in attending trade shows globally to showcase their goods. Once they have orders ready to go out, EDC will step in to support them in getting into new markets around the world. This is how we are helping young Canadians and young entrepreneurs access new markets and create jobs here at home.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for her important work on Filipino Heritage Month. Last week, I joined the Prime Minister in the Indo-Pacific, one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, to expand trade and investment opportunities for Canadians. We announced the launch of the Filipino and Thailand free trade agreement and led forward on the Canada-ASEAN FTA. The numbers typically show that within six years of signing an FTA, trade doubles. That means more opportunities for Canadian workers here in Canada. This new government is laser-focused on opening markets, creating opportunities across the country and expanding trade by double for non-U.S. exports.”
“Mr. Speaker, our new government is supporting young Canadians with the skills and opportunities they need to build their futures. This is why, when the Prime Minister announced on campus just yesterday that we will double Canada's non-U.S. exports over the next decade, it mattered. We are talking about two-thirds of our economy driven by international trade. It means millions of jobs and more careers in communities across Canada producing the goods the world wants to buy.”
“Mr. Speaker, young Canadians vividly remember when the Conservative Leader of the Opposition stood up and voted against the removal of interest from Canada student loans that saves young Canadians thousands of dollars every year. The new government will always stand up for young Canadians. Yesterday the Prime Minister announced that we will double non-U.S. exports by $300 billion. That means thousands of new opportunities for young Canadians to produce the goods that the world wants to buy.”
“Mr. Speaker, there is good news: Today we tabled legislation to expand the CPTPP trading bloc to welcome our partners from the United Kingdom, which is a major step forward for Canadian trade. Why the U.K.? The U.K. is Canada's third-largest trading partner. Last year alone, it represented $28 billion of Canadian exports. That is billions of dollars of Canadian products produced by Canadian workers in communities across Canada. This is yet another step forward in our trade diversification efforts.”
“Bill C-13. Introduction and first reading moved for leave to introduce Bill C-13, An Act to implement the Protocol on the Accession of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership . (Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians elected this government to protect, build and transform our economy. We are protecting and supporting our industries with a new $5-billion strategic response fund and the $1-billion tariff relief initiative, which will give thousands of Canadian businesses financial support to access new global markets. We are building Canada with new nation-building projects, which will lead to thousands of new careers in the skilled trades across Canada, and we are transforming our economy by unlocking new market opportunities so that Canadian businesses have preferential access to fast-growing regions around the world. We are laser-focused on building Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and consistent with the policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaty entitled “Decision No 1/2024 of the Joint Committee on Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications of 10 October 2024 setting out an agreement on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications for architects”, adopted at Brussels on October 10, 2024.”
“Madam Speaker, our government expects Canadian companies to respect human rights at home and abroad. Canada’s National Contact Point is part of our commitment to further the effectiveness of OECD guidelines. The guidelines are the most complete and authoritative set of global standards on how to run a business responsibly. Canada’s National Contact Point contributes to the resolution of disputes. We encourage all businesses to follow responsible business practices. I look forward to following up with my colleague after QP on her very important question.”
“Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Hamilton Mountain for her tireless work in her community. This is a game-changing announcement: Canada and Indonesia have signed a free trade agreement. Indonesia has a $2-trillion economy, and it is a huge market for Canadian goods produced by Canadian workers in communities across Canada. This is one way that our international efforts are leading to new doors being opened and new deals being signed. This is trade diversification at work.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is building bridges internationally, and I have good news for Canadians. We just signed a generational trade agreement with Indonesia, the fourth-largest country in the world, with over 275 million potential consumers and the fastest-growing middle class that is looking to buy Canadian products. This is another concrete example of how our international efforts are opening new doors for Canadian workers and businesses in communities across Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Davenport for her efforts in bringing together the Canadian Brazilian business community. It is those insights that I took to Brazil a few weeks ago as we announced the launch of Canada-Mercosur discussions, a trading bloc consisting of over 250 million potential consumers who want to buy more Canadian products. This is just one of the many initiatives that our government is taking to get world-class Canadian products to new markets around the world.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will not go to personal attacks, as the member opposite did. We will focus on the facts. There are people watching in the gallery. I think it is very important to know that Canada and Mexico have shared over 30 years of strong friendship and economic partnerships rooted in trust, trade and mutual respect. In fact, Canadian direct investment in Mexico was over $45 billion in 2024. The Prime Minister will be meeting with President Sheinbaum to defend our industries and grow our economies. Canada is committed to CUSMA, and we are actively collaborating with Mexico. That is why the Prime Minister is there to make sure we open the door to—”
“Mr. Speaker, as we look at what is happening with global trade headwinds, we need to step up as a country and be there around the world to make sure countries know that we are here. They want to deal with a reliable, stable trading partner. It is our 15th free trade agreement with 51 different countries, with access to the 1.5 billion consumers countries rely on and Canadian workers rely on. That is why the Prime Minister will be there to make sure we are opening up new markets for Canadian businesses and workers.”
“Mr. Speaker, under the provisions of Standing Order 32(2), and consistent with the policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaty entitled “Protocol on the Accession of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership” done at Auckland and Bandar Seri Begawan on July 16, 2023; an accompanying legally binding instrument on culture done at Auckland on July 16, 2023; and an accompanying legally binding instrument on intellectual property done at Auckland on July 16, 2023.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the hon. member for Mississauga Centre on his recent election win. I recently attended CANSEC, Canada's largest defence trade show, and it had over 40 international delegations present. It was an opportunity for me to meet with industry leaders, connect with international delegations, and see world-class innovation first-hand. The industry supports over 200,000 jobs in communities across the country: Mississauga, Brampton and many others, including Halifax. We have what the world needs, and I look forward to showcasing Canada's aerospace and defence companies in global markets to grow exports and create jobs here at home.”
“Mr. Speaker, we will always defend our national interest in the best interest of Canadians. Last week, I sat down with the Minister of Commerce from China, Minister Wang, to talk about some of these issues that we are working though, whether it is canola, beef or pet food. These are some of the issues that came up at the table. We agreed to launch the JETC, the joint economic and trade commission, to work through some of these issues, because we know we need to continue to open new markets for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, we expect all Canadian companies to follow all guidelines and, of course, protections for labour provisions, protections for environment and protections for indigenous peoples. That is what we expect. We do have systems in place to ensure that there is a complaint line and there are follow-ups through the national contact point.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has ambition, and we have a strong mandate from Canadians to build Canada strong. Part of building Canada strong is these major projects to get our resources to market.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that we want to make sure trade is easy for businesses to do. Why did a previous government, the Conservative government, bring forward the CARM system? It is because it is about the collection of revenues and accuracy. We want to make sure that we are able to bring it into force, but of course, that falls under the scope of the Public Safety Minister and the CBSA, which I will be working—”
“Mr. Speaker, what I do know is that the CBSA is working very hard to resolve these issues. It is important to note the Minister of Public Safety , whose scope this falls under, is fully aware of them.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have attended many trade shows and have come across many importers that have come across the CARM system, and yes, there are importers that are fully set up and using the system, but there are also other importers that are having some issues. This is what I brought up to our Minister of Public Safety . As I said, this impacts importers across Canada, and we want to make sure the system works accurately.”
“Mr. Speaker, the CARM project was put in place way back when, during a Conservative government. This has been going on for over a decade, and we need to continue working together with all parties and my other ministerial colleagues to work through it. CARM is an important adjustment for collecting revenues accurately from importers that bring in goods, but that is a conversation I will actively have with our Minister of Public Safety .”
“Mr. Speaker, the issue around CARM is what we studied. It is a new way for Finance and the CBSA to collect revenues. The Auditor General has said it is the way forward to improve accuracy. Of course, there are always kinks to be worked out when a new system is put in place, but I believe this is under the scope of the Minister of Public Safety and the CBSA, and those are discussions I will continue to have with my colleagues.”
“Mr. Speaker, speaking of our beef and meat industry, I did have a conversation earlier today and last week on access to new markets, including in the United Kingdom, for our sectors. This will be a conversation we will have, and I know officials will follow up as well.”
“Mr. Speaker, what the trade minister and I talked about was a commitment to making sure we are able to restart talks on that. I am sure our officials will get to it as soon as possible. We look forward to having the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom come, this weekend, to Canada, so that we can welcome them, continue to discuss our relationship and grow it even further.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that the United Kingdom is an important trade partner for Canada. Currently, we have a system in place to give us access to 99% of its market. It is working really well. I sat down with the trade minister when I was in Paris last week to open discussions on coming to a trade agreement. Right now, we have access to 99% of its market.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that at this current time we are in a crisis, and we need to continue supporting our workers and our industries. CBAM is a very important part of that conversation, which came up at committee. I remember when the Conservatives were against any type of progressive environmental policy. We knew that it would hurt our workers at the end of the day, and we want to make sure that we remain competitive—”
“Mr. Speaker, we talked about the EU, and I believe that measure is coming into force in 2026. That is something we are working on with our colleagues, but it is important to note that, right now, we have progressive environmental policies in place to make sure we protect our industries and our environment at the same time.”
“Mr. Speaker, I enjoyed sitting on the trade committee with the hon. member. Speaking of CBAM, the carbon border adjustment mechanism, which came up a lot at committee, it is very important to note that Canada has very progressive environmental policies in place to make sure we are on a level playing field with other countries that believe in protecting the environment. It is important to note that we will continue trading with the EU and like-minded countries, but we do have a leg up in our progressive environmental policies.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada has what the world needs. It is about energy security. I think we have a lot of energy. Hon. Mike Lake: Are you allowed to say "oil"? Hon. Maninder Sidhu: Different types of energy go out to different markets around the world. We need to get these supplies to export markets. Some of these big projects that we are going to be building with the provinces will support jobs across Canada and—”
“Mr. Speaker, since Ecuador came up, it gives me an opportunity to talk about that important relationship. I was just in Ecuador a couple of weeks ago to finalize the conclusion of negotiations of an Ecuador free trade agreement with Canada. That is going to be a trade agreement that opens up a market to close to 20 million people. We already have Canadian companies doing over $4 billion of business in Ecuador, and we need to continue growing that.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that we will continue supporting our agriculture sector. Just today I met with leaders in the sector to talk about diversifying trade and also to support them locally here. The agriculture minister and I sat down to talk about some of the government supports today.”
“Mr. Speaker, the question is a very important one. When we are talking about fertilizer and export markets, it is very important to note, as I have been talking to colleagues and trade ministers across the globe, that people are looking towards our fertilizer industry, at potash specifically and how they can get that into their markets.”
“Mr. Speaker, the provinces are very ambitious. The Prime Minister is very ambitious. We have a strong mandate from Canadians to work with the provinces and territories to reduce internal trade barriers.”
“Mr. Speaker, coming back to my scope and mandate, they are to make sure that I am out there diversifying trade in international markets. Of course, we have a Minister of Transport and Internal Trade as well, whom we will be working closely with, but we want to reduce trade barriers, whether they are international or within our own country.”
“Mr. Speaker, this new government has a strong mandate from Canadians to make sure that we are able to diversify trade, but while we do that, of course, we are going to reduce internal trade barriers by working with provinces and territories. I think that is important to note for Canadians watching.”
“Mr. Speaker, internal trade barriers do exist, and that is why it is important that we work with our provincial and territorial partners to ensure that we are able to unlock those barriers and unlock over $100 billion in economic activity in our country. However, while we do that, we also want to focus on export markets. The agriculture industry is one industry that is highly supported by exports, and we need to make sure that we are able to diversify trade.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that we have a Minister of Transport and Internal Trade . I am not allowed to say her name, but I think it is important that as cabinet colleagues and MPs, we all work together to ensure that we are able to reduce barriers to grow internal trade throughout our country.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome the new member to the House, but I hope he studies which ministers do what, because as members know, I am the Minister of International Trade. My focus and mandate are to diversify trade to external markets.”
“Mr. Speaker, what our government is doing is supporting industries and supporting workers. Just today I met with the agriculture industry, and they were very happy that we are opening up talks with partners like those in China. As a path forward, we are going to relaunch the JETC, the joint economic and trade commission, to ensure that we are able to—”
“Mr. Speaker, I think it is important to note that these numbers are all available on the website. What we want to talk about today is workers and Canadian industries. That is what people at home are watching for. This is a time of crisis. Some 75% of our trade that goes to the U.S. is at risk, and that is why it is important that we open up new markets such as the Indo-Pacific region and the European Union. This is what I will be focused on.”
“Mr. Speaker, thousands of jobs across this country are supported by trade, and it is very vital. We are a trading nation. That is why we have 15 trade agreements with over 50 countries around the world. We have access to 1.5 billion customers, whom we need to continue shipping good Canadian-made goods out to.”