Ryan Turnbull
Whitby, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, before I get started, I will just let you know that I will be sharing my time with the member for Beauport—Limoilou . I am pleased to rise today to debate Bill C-30 , which is an act to implement certain provisions of the spring economic update tabled in Parliament on April 28.”
“This would provide a savings of 10¢ per litre on gasoline and four cents per litre on diesel from April 20, 2026, through to Labour Day. The bill would also extend the suspension of the excise tax to aviation fuel over the same period to help mitigate the very high costs of jet fuel.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is good to be here in the very last moments before the House rises for the summer. I know that there are a large number of farms in the member opposite's riding. There are farm succession plans all across this country, and farmers do struggle with succession, so I understand the issue the member is speaking about.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would just say that it has become apparent in the House, through question period and many of the proceedings, that the Conservatives claim that they are about protecting and supporting vulnerable people, but in fact, they just seem to use those people's hardship for political gain.”
“It includes suspending the excise tax on fuel and extending that to aviation fuel. It includes a cap on the excise tax for alcohol, wine, spirits and beer. Craft brewers have been asking for this. Obviously, it would be capped at 2% of the escalator on the excise tax on alcohol.”
“It is a measure I have supported from day one because it offers owners of businesses that are small- to medium-sized, or they could be larger, the opportunity, when they want to sell the business, to protect those businesses and also to hand them down to workers.”
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“Mr. Speaker, it is great to rise again to rebut the remarks of the member opposite. Our government has worked tirelessly for 10 years to help Canadians afford a home, but also to increase supply. We have done all kinds of work. We have decreased mortgage insurance. We have waived GST on new rental construction. We have helped with the national housing strategy and the rapid housing initiative to build new supply. I have six examples of projects in my riding that have gotten done as a result of those investments, which are key, and hundreds of new affordable housing units in our riding. Now we are adding more. There is also a tax-free savings account for Canadians so that young families can save up, tax-free, to purchase their first home. There is a whole package of measures. Obviously, I am running out of time.”
“We need the detailed analyses, policy checks and meticulous preparations that budgets always entail. That is, in my view, the proper process for developing a budget. Budgets are not types of documents that should be rushed. I hear my colleagues heckling me. I welcome that because it eggs me on, makes me feel good and actually makes me want to talk even more. We will definitely deliver a budget this fall.”
“That said, it is precisely why budget 2025 must be delivered in a logical sequence that takes national and international priorities into account. As Canada forges a new relationship with the United States based on respect and common interest, we must remain hyperfocused on reinforcing Canada's strength at home, safeguarding our workers and businesses, and defending their interests. These discussions are ongoing and vitally important for our shared future. They are also vitally important as we see investments in our defence spending and reaching our NATO target this year. I welcomed the great announcement the Prime Minister made. Of course, in the midst of all of these changes internationally, it is prudent of us to take the time we need to prepare a budget properly.”
“It should very much please the Conservative Party of Canada that we have removed the consumer carbon price from law, effective as of April 1 of this year, as part of our plan to refocus federal carbon pollution pricing standards. We will do all of these things while keeping our industrial carbon tax in place so that Canada can remain aligned with global best practices and continue to build a competitive and more sustainable economy. These three measures send a strong and clear signal to Canadians right across the country that we will remain focused. Our top priority will be them as we build the biggest and fastest-growing economy in the G7. Speaking of priorities, I recognize the federal budget is a critically important financial and democratic document.”
“That is exactly what we are doing, and we are doing it with strength, purpose and agility. First, we introduced a middle-class tax cut, a hugely significant investment in Canadians that will put more money in their pockets. There are 22 million Canadians across this county who will get a tax break. Conservatives can complain about that, but that is delivering for Canadians. Second, we will help to further bring down costs for Canadians, especially young people. I take to heart that young people in my riding have said it is hard to purchase their first home. We are removing the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes valued at $1 million and saving them up to $50,000. We are also lowering the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes valued between $1 million and $1.5 million. Third, we are honouring a commitment we made.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure to be here tonight at 11:30 to answer the member's question, and it was great to see us all vote together in this chamber to pass the main estimates tonight. I note that the members opposite have supported a number of pieces of legislation in this House just this week. It is great to see us working together on behalf of Canadians. It is also great to be back in government on behalf of Canadians. My condolences to the members opposite for returning to their rightful place on the opposition benches. Canadians expect us to take bold actions that will drive economic growth, create good-paying jobs and ensure that all Canadians benefit from Canada's incredible talent and ingenuity, our strong free trade agreements already in place and our unique and vast wealth and prosperity.”
“Canadians could actually realize the benefits of major projects as we move forward. There is much more I could talk about, but I think that is probably all I have time for right now.”
“Mr. Speaker, there is a lot in that question, and I thank the hon. member, for whom I have the utmost respect, for asking it. I have served on committees with the member, and she is always insightful. There are many benefits in this legislation. Obviously, increased labour mobility is key, but so are all kinds of cost benefits and the possibility of boosting productivity and decreasing prices for Canadians, which I know we are all concerned with. As well, there is the cost of living challenges, which I know my constituents and, I am sure, all residents in Canada are concerned about. We could also get major projects built a lot faster and give investors confidence to mobilize the capital that is needed. We could do big things with timelines that matter, within a short period of time, four or five years, which is fantastic.”
“Mr. Speaker, as always, I know my colleague asks good questions. We often disagree at committee, and I know we can disagree in this House. That is part of what it means to be a democracy. We are not short-circuiting democracy. This legislation has been tabled in this House. We are debating it today. We have debated it on other days. It will be referred to committee. That is my understanding. The process is important, but it is also important to balance that with the moment we are in. We have a short window to get this bill through Parliament. We want to see major projects and see those internal trade barriers come down. That is important in order to respond to the moment of crisis we are in, where our sovereignty and economic security are under threat.”
“Mr. Speaker, that is a very good question. I am glad the member asked it. My understanding is that the major projects office would have a list that is developed in consultation with provinces and territories. Obviously, that list is not necessarily formulated yet, because I am not sure that all of the major projects have been vetted or evaluated due to the five-point criteria I mentioned in my speech.”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my hon. colleague's question and his reference to something that is a core commitment for me, which is to build a sustainable economy in Canada. I think this bill tries to strike a balance between where we are at as a country, having to move much faster, and also trying to balance that with protecting what we hold as core values on this side, which is to protect our environment. We need to ensure that we have projects and a major project list that contribute to our climate commitments and help Canada take advantage of the clean growth opportunities, but also have mitigation measures, accommodations and adaptations that can be built into the core requirements of any project.”
“It is going to help us generate more revenue for our businesses and grow our economy. That is good for Canadians. It is good for workers—”
“Mr. Speaker, it is great to receive a question from my hon. colleague, with whom I have served on multiple committees. I look forward to collaborating with him further. He always asks really good questions. We are having a rigorous debate on this piece of legislation. I think it is a very important piece of legislation, and it is time-sensitive, given the threats to our economic security. Canada and Canadians voted in a government that had a platform in the last election based on building Canada strong. This particular piece of legislation would help us reduce those internal trade barriers and boost our economy through reducing red tape and deregulating on behalf of Canadians. At the same time, we are moving forward on expediting major projects. That is going to help get goods to market.”
“I certainly respect the members opposite for wanting to advocate for conventional energy, but I think we must understand that we need a balanced—”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada has so much to offer the world. It really does. I know that the members opposite tend to focus on pipelines and conventional energy, but Canada has so many advantages around the world. Our agricultural industry is a source of pride for us. Our critical mineral and mining industry is very much a source of pride for us. Quebec and many other parts of the country have a strength in AI, which can augment and enhance productivity across industries. Business models can achieve a lot more and productivity gains can be had. The clean-tech industry, which I am obviously privy to, has a really large strength in Canada. We punch well above our weight. We have a lot to gain with a lot of possibilities.”
“I know that Conservative members and all members of this House want to build big things in this country. They want major projects. They want to build a stronger economy. I think that, deep down inside, they want to preserve our environment for future generations. They want to ensure that indigenous communities can be equity partners in major projects. I think these things are core to the Canadian values that we have. I know they are core to our Liberal values on this side. I feel very proud to be standing here as part of a government that is advancing legislation to build the strongest economy in the G7. I certainly stand for that. I will keep fighting for that. My constituents voted for me and for that vision. I am really happy to be here and participating in this debate.”
“We have built great things before. Obviously, we want to build big things again. We want to build big, bold and beautiful. That is going to make us a stronger country. The one Canadian economy act includes legislative proposals to remove federal internal trade barriers and advance national interest projects. It provides a framework to strengthen the Canadian economy, diversify our trade relations and increase domestic productivity, resilience and competitiveness. I encourage all hon. members in this House to support this important piece of legislation. It will make Canada stronger. We have the best country in the world, there is no doubt, but we can always build a stronger country. I think it matters that we have the will to work together in this House across party lines.”
“By cutting the GST, as proposed in Bill C-4 , Canadians would face lower upfront housing costs and keep more money in their pockets. It would also have a dynamic effect on increasing supply, spurring the construction of new homes all across the country. (1735) Back to the legislation at hand, Bill C-5 comes at a time when there is a consensus on the urgent need to strengthen the Canadian economy and make it easier for businesses and Canadians to trade goods and services by removing barriers. It takes all levels of government to make that happen. The spirit of co-operation in the face of adversity, which we have seen in recent months, is one of the things that built this country. It keeps it strong today, but it can become even stronger. I think we have come a long way as a country. We have built railroads.”
“On the subject of building things, the government is also going to undertake a series of measures to help double the rate of homebuilding while catalyzing a new housing industry in Canada. This will help to meet growing housing demand while strengthening the construction sector. At the same time, I would be remiss if I did not point out or put in a plug for Bill C-4 , which is also before Parliament right now. This bill would eliminate the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes at or under $1 million and reduce GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. This tax cut would save Canadians up to $50,000, allowing more young people and families, like the ones in my riding, to enter the housing market and realize the dream of home ownership.”
“Likewise, on June 11, the Minister of Finance and National Revenue convened a virtual meeting with provincial and territorial finance ministers to advance shared priorities and strengthen Canada's economic resilience. The Minister of Finance and National Revenue welcomed the growing momentum among provinces and territories to reduce internal trade barriers and unlock the full potential of the Canadian economy, in line with the federal government's nation-building agenda. In keeping with the positive and optimistic tone of both meetings, the finance ministers agreed to remain in close contact in the weeks ahead and keep driving momentum to build the strongest economy in the G7.”
“Earlier this month in Saskatoon, first ministers acknowledged the significant progress that has been made toward removing internal trade barriers and further facilitating the movement of goods, services and workers across the country. They also recognize that there is more work to do, and they are committed “to unlock multilateral, economy-wide mutual recognition and labour mobility”. That is their commitment. I think it is great. We are working together. For the first time in my 47 years, I have seen provinces and territories and the federal government aligned to work together. That is a great thing to see. I think we should all be very proud of that. They also agreed on the urgency of building major projects that produce and connect clean and conventional energy, goods and services to markets across Canada and the globe.”
“These conditions would also include mitigation and accommodation measures to protect the environment and to respect the rights of indigenous peoples. As we heard from His Majesty King Charles III last month, “When Canadians come together, Canada builds things that last.” As the Prime Minister has said, “It's time to build big, build bold, and build now.” After all, our country and economic security are under threat. At this time, I would like to commend the numerous premiers who have already taken vital steps to break down provincial and territorial barriers to trade. This new legislation is aligned with those efforts to accelerate the mutual recognition of rules and regulations.”
“A federal major projects office would coordinate and expedite these reviews, and it would include an indigenous advisory council with first nation, Inuit and Métis representatives. The results of the reviews would inform a single set of binding federal conditions for the project. We are essentially pulling all of the requirements into one, almost like a term sheet or a document that says it is approved based on all of these conditions. That would make it significantly easier for proponents to go through the approval process, because they would have everything in one place. They would have one window, one office to work through, a streamlined process, and a will from the federal government to essentially get things done, instead of proponents feeling like there are all of these hurdles to jump through.”
“It is hard for the bank officials to project what is going to happen. There is a lot of uncertainty out there, so this is our way of reducing that uncertainty. The goal is to send a clear early signal to build investor confidence and start investment in construction faster. (1730) The ultimate objective is to reduce decision-making timelines on major projects down to two years. That is a significant improvement, whereas it has taken, in some cases, five years or even more. Getting it down to two years is ambitious, but I think it is good to be ambitious. When governing a country through a crisis, we need to be ambitious. We need to get big things built. We need to overcome these internal trade barriers. We need to expedite these large, nation-building projects.”
“There would still be existing review processes, but the government's aim is to strike co-operation agreements with every interested province and territory within six months to realize the end goal of one project, one review. This means realizing a single assessment for projects, better coordination of permitting processes with the provinces and territories and streamlining of multiple decision points for federal approval to minimize uncertainty for proponents, which is very important. Our economy has been riddled with uncertainty, based on the threats that we have been experiencing. At the PM's economic growth caucus, we had our major banks' chief economists come, and every one of them said the main word that they think represents where Canada is right now is “uncertainty”. There is investor uncertainty.”
“A project should strengthen Canada's autonomy, resilience and security; provide economic or other benefits to Canada; have a high likelihood of successful execution; advance the interests of indigenous peoples; and contribute to clean growth and to Canada's objectives with respect to climate change. I realize that is a high standard. However, when we come together as a nation, as we have seen over the last few weeks with the Prime Minister 's meeting with first ministers, there seems to be a real excitement to build big things in Canada again, to get big things done for the good of the country and to stand up for our economic security and sovereignty. When a project is designated, it would be conditionally approved up front, which is a very unique and significant change to how we have done things in the past.”
“As some concrete examples, such projects could include highways, railways, ports, airports, oil and gas pipelines, critical minerals and mining projects, nuclear facilities and electricity transmission systems. The idea is that the federal government would determine whether a major project is in the national interest, again, based on consultations with provinces and territories, and it would only be designated following full consultation with affected indigenous people. Indeed, the government is already working closely with provinces and territories and indigenous peoples to identify and operationalize such projects. The intention is for projects to be evaluated on whether they meet all the following criteria. I will reiterate them for those who may need a reminder.”
“I can say that they are projects that would make a significant contribution to Canada's prosperity and advance national and economic security and autonomy. They would do this through increased production of energy and goods and the improved movement of goods, services and people throughout Canada. The projects would strengthen access to Canadian resources, goods and services to a diverse group of reliable trade partners. Again, this is all within the national interest, if we think about what we are really focused on here, which is expediting major nation-building projects. They are in the national interest. They would help us increase productivity, help the movement of goods as they flow across the country and help us diversify our trade relationships and access foreign markets.”
“It goes without saying that making it easier for workers to get a federal licence by recognizing workers' provincial or territorial credentials for the same job benefits both the workers and the employers by providing more employment opportunities and a broader selection of candidates. It would really increase labour mobility across Canada and widen the pool of candidates for all employers. The second and equally important aspect of Bill C-5 , as I have mentioned, is aimed at unlocking and accelerating major projects of national interest. Such significant nation-building projects can help accelerate Canada's economic growth and create well-paying jobs. Members might be asking, what are projects of national interest?”
“This will help provide Canadian businesses with greater opportunity to compete across the country. On the subject of labour mobility, the bill would provide a framework to recognize provincial and territorial licences and certifications for workers. For example, I hear from nurses in my riding of Whitby that they cannot easily have their certifications and licences acknowledged in other jurisdictions across the country; the bill would make it easier for them to work in other parts of the country. This is really good news for nurses and many other health care workers. This means that a worker authorized by a provincial or territorial jurisdiction could more quickly and easily, in the same occupation, work in other jurisdictions.”
“This means that a good or service produced, used or distributed in line with the requirements of a province or territory would be recognized as meeting comparable federal requirements. For example, a food product that meets one province's organic standards or an appliance that meets provincial energy efficiency standards would be treated as if it meets comparable federal standards. Federal recognition of goods that meet comparable provincial requirements would make it easier for Canadian businesses to sell their products across the country and, in turn, increase consumer choice for Canadians. In addition to tabling Bill C-5 , the government is also committed to removing further federal exceptions in the Canadian free trade agreement by July 2025.”
“It seems we have the will today as we face the threats that have come from abroad, specifically our southern neighbour. There is a new will from provincial and territorial partners to overcome these internal trade barriers. The bill would also make it easier to do business across Canada by removing regulatory duplication and cutting federal red tape. It would reduce costs or delays for Canadian businesses that follow comparable provincial and territorial rules by providing a framework to substantially reduce the burden of federal rules that apply to trade across provincial and territorial borders. This, as I said earlier, could add up to $200 billion in economic activity. It could boost productivity by up to 7% and possibly even reduce prices by as much as 15%.”
“In cases where there is a federal barrier, the legislation would allow a good or service that meets comparable provincial and territorial rules to be considered to have met federal requirements for internal trade. (1725) For Canadian businesses, this will make it easier to buy, sell and transport goods and services across the country. It sounds simple, but smooth internal economic flows have been stubbornly impeded for a long time. It is literally the friction in the economy that has been there for quite a number of decades, including under both Conservative and Liberal governments. These internal trade barriers have proven incredibly challenging because, of course, there need to be willing partners in provinces and territories to work on this together.”
“The government's goal is to unleash a new era of growth that will ensure Canada does not just survive ongoing trade disputes but emerges from them even stronger than ever. This brings me to the proposed legislation we are debating today. Bill C-5 , the one Canadian economy act, is aimed at eliminating federal barriers to trade and labour mobility. It also lays the groundwork to advance nation-building projects that are crucial for driving Canadian productivity growth, energy security and economic competitiveness. First, the new legislation addresses the goal to create one economy instead of 13. It would remove federal barriers to free trade within Canada's borders while protecting workers, the environment and the health and safety of all Canadians.”
“It supports economic competitiveness by creating jobs, helping businesses expand, enhancing consumer choice and increasing Canada's overall economic growth. As it stands now, internal barriers to trade and labour mobility across Canada cost as much as $200 billion each year. Therefore, removing those barriers that have held back our economy is critical to unlocking Canada's full economic potential. Another major aspect of strengthening Canada's economy is to think big and get infrastructure projects of national significance both designed and completed faster. As a country, we need to accelerate the realization of major nation-building projects that will help Canada become the strongest economy in the G7, deepen our trade relationships with reliable partners and create good Canadian jobs.”
“What has not changed is that Canada has what the world needs and that bilateral trade benefits both parties. This is why the government is working to strengthen its relationships with reliable trading partners and allies around the world while also improving our domestic transport infrastructure, logistics and supply chains to create a more nimble and streamlined economy. Delivering more of Canada's goods to more parts of the world and being a reliable and ethical source of natural resources for more markets will help build prosperity here at home. At the same time, when it comes to transactions within our borders, the government's goal is to create one Canadian economy instead of 13 as part of our commitment to strengthening internal trade within Canada. Internal trade is an essential element for the Canadian economy; we all know that.”
“The system of open global trade we have relied on for decades is now weakened and uncertain. Even without the illegal and unjustified tariffs launched and thrust upon us by the United States, it had already been clear for many years that Canada's economy was over-reliant on trade with the United States. True, it remains the greatest bilateral economic relationship in the world and, in many ways, the envy of other regions. It is a historic and mutually beneficial relationship that certainly served both countries well and will continue to do so, both out of necessity and under improving terms that I hope are being negotiated as we speak. The current reality is that diversifying Canada's trade relationships and building a more robust domestic economy have become as important as ever.”
“Madam Speaker, I hear applause starting already. I would hope they would wait until the end of my speech, but I appreciate it nonetheless. It is a privilege to rise to participate in this important debate on a landmark piece of legislation, Bill C-5 . Our government has a nation-building mandate and a bold and ambitious plan for Canada's future. Our core mission is to build the strongest economy in the G7. As a country, we are facing new and unprecedented economic challenges. Of course, we know that our sovereignty and economic security are under threat, but Canadians are resilient. We are ambitious. We are ready to think big and undertake a historic economic transformation that can deliver greater prosperity for future generations. As we know, Canada's relationship with our economic partners is changing.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is great to rise again and answer this question. Obviously, I have done so numerous times in this question period, and I am happy to do so continuously for the remaining time that we have together today. GC Strategies is no longer able to enter into government contracts for up to seven years. That is an investigation that we triggered. The matter has been referred to the RCMP and legal action is ongoing.”
“Mr. Speaker, of course, misconduct in our procurement process, at any moment, is completely unacceptable. That is exactly why our government has acted on this matter. We have done so responsibly. We have ensured the integrity of the system. We have ensured this company can no longer do any business with the federal government for seven years. The matter has been referred to the RCMP and legal action is ongoing.”
“Mr. Speaker, we agree, as I have said, that the integrity of our procurement process is of the utmost importance to Canadians. That is exactly why we have deemed this company ineligible to enter into contracts for the next seven years. We have referred the matter to the RCMP. Legal action is ongoing.”
“Mr. Speaker, misconduct of any kind in our procurement process is completely unacceptable. That is exactly why we have acted on this matter and ensured there is an investigation. The company in question is no longer eligible to enter into contracts with the federal government. The matter has been referred to the RCMP. Legal action is ongoing.”
“Mr. Speaker, misconduct of any kind in our procurement process is completely unacceptable. We agree with the members opposite. That is exactly why we have acted on this matter. We have conducted an investigation and assessment. The company in question has been deemed ineligible for any federal government contracts for seven years. The matter has been referred to the RCMP for legal action.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am happy to repeat for my colleagues again that GC Strategies has been deemed ineligible by the office of supplier integrity and compliance to enter into any contracts with the federal government. The matter has been referred to the RCMP. Legal action is under way.”
“Mr. Speaker, we can all agree in this House that the integrity of our procurement processes is of utmost importance. Certainly, taxpayers are owed some answers. This company has been referred to the RCMP, and legal action is under way. We have also ensured that it can no longer enter into any contracts with the federal government for seven years.”
“Mr. Speaker, misconduct of any kind in our procurement process is completely unacceptable. This is why we are making changes to ensure the integrity of our system. We have made sure GC Strategies has been terminated from all contracts and that its security clearance has been suspended. The investigation of OSIC has deemed it ineligible for any federal government contracts for seven years. The matter has been referred to the RCMP, and legal action is under way.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know that all of us in the House can agree on one thing, which is that the integrity of our procurement processes is of utmost importance. It is taxpayers' money that is in question, and we take that matter very seriously. We have conducted an investigation through the office of supplier integrity and compliance. They deemed GC Strategies to be ineligible to receive any federal government contracts for seven years, and we have referred this matter to the RCMP for legal action.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am more than happy to repeat this as many times as the members opposite would like me to. Our government has taken a firm stance on this matter and has said that any misconduct of any kind within our procurement processes is completely unacceptable. We have made improvements to the integrity of the system, based on the Auditor General's report and recommendations. We have made sure that GC Strategies can no longer receive any government contracts for seven years, and the matter has been referred to the RCMP for legal action.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know that all of us can agree in the House that misconduct of any kind in our procurement process is completely unacceptable. That is why our government has acted on this matter. An investigation was undertaken by OSIC. The company in question has been deemed ineligible for receiving any federal government contracts for seven years, and the matter has been referred to the RCMP. Legal action is ongoing.”
“Mr. Speaker, we thank the Auditor General for her work. Obviously, we can all agree in the House that misconduct of any kind in our procurement processes is completely unacceptable. It is notable that we have terminated all contracts and suspended security clearance for GC Strategies. An investigation and assessment were undertaken, and GC Strategies was deemed ineligible for receiving government contracts for seven years. This matter has been referred to the RCMP, and the legal matter is ongoing.”