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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“Madam Speaker, I wanted to ask my hon. colleague to comment on the hypocrisy that we are hearing today from members opposite, who complain about debate being contracted here in the House when they wasted almost 30 hours of time in committee, filibustering with eight subamendments just on lowering CPP contributions. That kind of behaviour is a waste of time, taxpayer money and the resources of this House, which are valuable in committee and could have been used to debate this legislation. Here we are in the House, having to move closure. Why? It is because Conservatives are not serious about getting legislation done, and when they have the opportunity, they waste it. Could my colleague speak to the hypocrisy that we experience here in the House?”
“To conclude, I would accordingly urge that Bill C‑269 , unfortunately, not be given the support of the House. I appreciate the opportunity to make this case today.”
“The budget process also ensures due consideration of the potential fiscal costs of proposed tax measures to ensure that they are consistent with the fiscal framework and overall coherence of the tax system. I believe we have a responsibility, as parliamentarians, to maintain these standards outside of the budget process. I also believe Bill C‑269 does not meet these standards for the reasons I have outlined today. While the bill is laudable in its intent, and I give the member opposite credit for including the technology he is proposing to support, which I believe in, I believe it is duplicative in that there are existing tax supports for investments in certain heat recovery equipment, it is not appropriately targeted and it may have costly, unfair and unintended consequences.”
“It is also the case that Bill C‑269 proposes a non‑refundable tax credit, while all of the other ITCs are refundable, which is another inconsistency that I would point out. This would result in the lack of a tax refund and it would be used only to deduct from taxes owed, which is a significant inconsistency with the other ITCs that we have offered. These are all important facts that should be taken into account when considering Bill C‑269 . Having done so, our government cannot support the bill in its currently structured form. Changes to tax laws are ideally considered as part of the budget process so that all relevant facts can be taken into consideration.”
“The proposed new tax credit in the bill also has several inconsistent features that would introduce significant new policy precedents and irregularities into the investment tax credit regime. The proposed tax credit would be permanent, for example, while existing clean economy investment tax credits are time‑limited to encourage investment in the short and medium term. The proposed credit also lacks certain integrity rules that apply to many of the other clean economy ITCs. For example, eligible capital costs under the proposed credit would be reduced by other government assistance received or unpaid amounts, as is generally the case with the clean economy investment tax credits.”
“(1125) Moreover, in the way the bill is currently structured, it would hit more than just the intended target. That is because the eligibility under the proposed tax credit is defined very broadly and could include not only waste heat‑to‑power technology, but also a much wider range of equipment used in industrial heat recovery and energy generation processes. While a narrowly focused tax credit for waste heat‑to‑power technology could cost roughly $70 million per year ongoing, the proposed tax credit would be available to other types of heat recovery and energy generation equipment, and its fiscal impact is expected to be significantly higher. Opening the door to energy‑efficient technology could create a significant new precedent in this regard.”
“They are already attracting major job‑creating projects, ensuring that we remain globally competitive, from new carbon capture projects that will decarbonize heavy industry to new clean electricity projects that will provide clean and affordable energy to Canadian homes and businesses. These new clean economy ITCs would put Canada on track to achieve a net‑zero economy by 2050. I appreciate that one of the intentions of this private member's bill, Bill C‑269 , is to address a perceived gap in the design of those clean economy investment tax credits. However, as I have already noted, certain energy-efficient equipment generally already benefit from the immediate expensing measures that are part of the productivity superdeduction. Therefore, Bill C‑269 is aimed at a target that is already being hit by some of these other measures.”
“It has also gone up about 13% in IP protection, which is also included in the immediate expensing measures we put in budget 2025. These measures are already starting to take some effect in the economy, and we are seeing business investment where we have not seen it in past years. Of course, a cornerstone of our new economic plan is an exceptional and unprecedented suite of clean economy investment tax credits, which will help attract investment from here in Canada and from around the world through tens of billions of dollars in incentives. These clean economy investment tax credits are providing businesses and other investors with the certainty they need to invest and build in Canada.”
“It introduces immediate expensing for manufacturing or processing buildings and it includes the reinstatement of the accelerated capital cost allowances for liquefied natural gas facilities, but only for those that are low‑carbon liquefied natural gas. Together, these measures that form the productivity superdeduction would lower costs, spur investment and reduce Canada's marginal effective tax rate to 13%, reinforcing Canada as the most tax‑competitive country for new business investment in the G7 and supporting the adoption of cleaner and more efficient technologies. I would add that we see numbers going up for investments in this area. Business investment has gone up by over 10% for new machinery and equipment.”
“That is why we already have measures in place to support the adoption of energy‑efficient technologies, which are helping us meet our goals of improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Let me clarify. With budget 2025's productivity superdeduction, for example, we have reinstated the accelerated investment incentive, as well as immediate expensing for manufacturing or processing machinery and equipment for clean energy generation, energy conservation equipment and zero‑emission vehicles. The productivity superdeduction also provides for immediate expensing for productivity‑enhancing assets and capital expenditures for scientific research and experimental development.”
“For example, waste heat-to-power technologies capture heat that is typically lost during industrial processes and converts it into electricity. Common applications include energy‑intensive industries such as oil and gas refineries, steel mills, cement kilns and many others. By utilizing energy that would otherwise be wasted, this process can improve energy efficiency while also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are, indeed, the sorts of objectives our government supports, and these are the sorts of technologies we would like to see adopted to help achieve these objectives.”
“Madam Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to take part in the debate on private member's bill, Bill C‑269 . I thank the member for Calgary Centre for putting it forward. I appreciate all members' private member's bills. They are an opportunity for us to work on projects and ideas and bring things forward. I appreciate the hard work that goes into that. As we know, the bill proposes a set of amendments to the Income Tax Act to establish a new, permanent 30% non‑refundable investment tax credit for certain heat recovery equipment, which would be available as of January 1, 2026. In short, the intent of the bill is to support the adoption of certain heat recovery equipment, including waste heat-to-power technology. I should make it clear from the outset that this is an objective that our government considers very worthy.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the 2025-26 annual report of the Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson, entitled “In Pursuit of Better Service—Taxpayers Deserve More”.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know the member opposite has the Holland Marsh in his riding, a lot of fruit and vegetable growers who are growing great produce for Canadian and Ontarian families. I know that his riding and people in his riding would support a national food security strategy that invests in seasonal extension and that builds processing and distribution capacity in regions across Ontario and across Canada alike. That will improve our economy. That will improve competition. That will bring down grocery prices in the long term. These are the root causes of insecurity in Canada, and we are dealing with them.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have good news for the member opposite. Just yesterday, Canada announced the first‑ever national food security strategy, with over $3 billion in investments, and investments that are strategic. They are smart investments in building regional supply chain capacity, ensuring that we can have shorter and more resilient supply chains in Canada, that we can support independent grocers and that we can have more competition and bring down prices for the average Canadian. That is exactly what Canadians want to see. They want to see progress at the grocery store—”
“Mr. Speaker, the member opposite should recognize that the expertise of the International Monetary Fund and the OECD is well recognized across the globe. They say that Canada's economy has the strongest fiscal position in the G7. It is expected to have the second-highest growth. That is good news for our country. I know it sounds like bad news to Conservatives, but it is good news for Canada. We have the fiscal capacity and we are using it to invest in the growth of our economy to make sure we have prosperity for future generations. That is good-paying jobs for Canadians for generations—”
“Mr. Speaker, if Conservatives are so concerned with supporting Canadians' affordability and the economy and wanting to keep people employed and supported, why did they spend 25 hours this week filibustering a bill that would support workers across Canada? That bill has tax deductions, the labour mobility tax deduction, which would support workers who travel for work, and would put $6,000 more in those workers' pockets every single year moving forward. We see job numbers going up, especially in the skilled trades in this country, due to our government—”
“Mr. Speaker, we have seen the Canadian economy prove to be much more resilient than anticipated. We had $11.5 billion less of a deficit. The economy, in the last job numbers, added 88,000 jobs, 800%, exceeding expectations, recovering 80% of job losses due to the trade war with the United States. That is good news for our country, but it is not the only good news. We also had a 1.5% increase in consumer spending. We have wages outpacing inflation in every month this government has been in power. That is good news for Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, in Whitby, a simple cup of hot cocoa became something much greater. At just 13 years old, Cohen Lane turned gratitude into action when SickKids hospital worked another miracle and saved his cousin's life. What began as a small, driveway hot chocolate stand grew into a remarkable effort, including ties and scarves, that has raised over $100,000 to support children and families facing some of the hardest days of their life so their kids can access the life-saving care SickKids provides every day. This year, SickKids is recognized as the number one pediatric hospital in the world and marks its 151st anniversary. Cohen's story reminds us all why this matters: Behind every hospital room is a child, a family and a community hoping for health. Whitby and all Canadians are proud of Cohen for his compassion and leadership.”
“Mr. Speaker, there are many signs of progress in the Canadian economy. There is a 1.5% increase in consumer spending, and GDP per capita is up almost 1%. Wages have outpaced inflation, and the new May job numbers came out just last Friday. I know the Conservatives want to completely and wilfully ignore those numbers, but there are 88,000 net new jobs in the Canadian economy, 800% beyond expectations and recovering 80% of the job losses due to the tariff threats from the United States. That is good news for Canada. We are building the foundations.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want Canadians to realize what the Conservatives choose to spend their time on in a time of great anxiety and uncertainty. They choose to amplify bad news in our economy. They choose to be pessimistic at a time when Canadians need optimism. Canadians need a government that lifts them up. That is what our government is doing by investing in 12 million Canadians with the groceries and essentials benefit. We are celebrating 88,000 new jobs in the Canadian economy, exceeding expectations by 800%. That is the kind of government Canadians deserve. They deserve much better—”
“Mr. Speaker, it is times like this that remind me of the famous pragmatic philosopher William James, who famously said, “Pessimism leads to weakness, optimism to power.” Perhaps there is no quote that could better explain the misfortunes of the Conservative Party of Canada in the House. However, let us be honest. Despite the headwinds, there is much to be optimistic about in the Canadian economy: 1.5% in consumer spending, wages outpacing inflation every month this government has been in power and 88,000 jobs in May. That is 800—”
“Madam Speaker, her party voted against the national housing strategy. It did not support those organizations. What about the national school food program? Our government put in $1 billion over five years and then made that program permanent. I have gone and seen that program deliver food to kids who badly need it in her riding—”
“Madam Speaker, this gives me the opportunity to point out many of the announcements I have happened to make in the member's riding. We have helped women's shelters in her riding. She was nowhere to be found—”
“It is short-term, temporary, targeted support, which is exactly what the Governor of the Bank of Canada said at committee is needed, in a time of crisis when we do not know how long the oil price shock is going to last. We know that Canadian families are struggling. That is why we keep stepping up with affordability measures that will help them get through the challenging times, while we are building a stronger, more resilient economy, making the investments that are needed, attracting private investment and ensuring that we have growth for generations to come.”
“Madam Speaker, that is a great question, and I appreciate the opportunity to talk more about the affordability measures the government has put forward. Obviously, we have cut back and have found optimization within the federal public service. We have reduced operational spending by $60 billion over five years, creating fiscal room both to make generational investments and to offer tax deductions and tax cuts, but we have also protected and, in fact, added federal benefits. We added the groceries and essentials benefit, which went out last Friday to 12 million Canadian families. This is good news. I have heard anecdotally from residents of my riding that they have received upward of $500 in their bank accounts. That is going to help.”
“Madam Speaker, I was answering the hon. member's question. It pertained to the opposition day motion, which is claiming a number of things that are completely untrue. I am sure the member opposite is actually concerned with facts and figures given by Canadian financial institutions that do economics reports.”
“Madam Speaker, we have heard from the banks, the C.D. Howe Institute and Desjardins. The Conservatives seem to love to talk down the Canadian economy and Canadian workers, and to jump prematurely into a narrative that they then, by the end of the week, find out is untrue. However, the Bank of Montreal has said that the solid May jobs report “should silence the recession crowd”. RBC has said there are still signs that labour markets are broadly improving. The C.D. Howe Institute says the latest job figures show that it is too soon to use that label based solely on a pair of small quarterly contractions in the economy. Desjardins says, “according to our analysis, the Canadian economy"—”
“Canadians are navigating a rapidly changing and increasingly fragmented world. The global economy is more than a year into a profound rupture. Economic security, industrial policy and geopolitical competition are increasingly shaping investment, trade and financial decisions. The conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted key shipping routes and damaged energy security, has pushed energy prices higher, underscoring the fragility of global supply chains and adding to already elevated uncertainty. (1235) Canada is obviously dealing with this by diversifying trade. We have signed 20 new trade and security agreements in the last year, and we will continue that work as we move forward to diversify and strengthen the Canadian economy.”
“With significant investments to support infrastructure, innovation and productivity and to develop our domestic industrial capabilities, budget 2025 set out a clear plan to build the strongest economy in the G7. The government also remains committed to the disciplined implementation of budget 2025's efficiency measures. This includes the comprehensive expenditure review, which will save Canadians $60 billion over five years. With implementation well under way, the focus is now turning toward targeted, ongoing horizontal reviews, beginning with efforts to rein in spending on external management and other consulting services. These are challenging times, but these are necessary actions, and we will continue to support our objectives of spending less and investing more in Canadians.”
“This strength carries into future years, improving the budgetary balance, relative to budget 2025, by an average of $10.7 billion per year from 2026-27 to 2029-30 before new measures. This fiscal room allows the government to improve affordability and raise Canadians' standard of living through targeted and responsible policy measures, particularly in the areas of fuel, food and housing affordability. This move to invest more in Canadians started with budget 2025. It marked a strategic shift in the government's management of public finances, focused on expanding federal capital spending to mobilize investment, while maintaining fiscal responsibility.”
“In addition, last week, more than 12 million Canadians began receiving hundreds of dollars more in their bank account through the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit. These are important measures for serious times. In a world of geopolitical instability, governments need to rethink how they respond to the headwinds we face and to build resilience for the future. From a fiscal perspective, economic resilience, bolstered by government policies to respond to immediate challenges through temporary supports, is delivering an $11.5-billion improvement in the projections of the budgetary balance in 2025-26. That is $11.5 billion less of a deficit than was projected, due to the Canadian economy's being more resilient.”
“Nearly 22 million Canadians are keeping more of their hard-earned money with the middle-class tax cut that will save two-income families up to $840 this year. First-time homebuyers are saving up to $50,000 with the removal or reduction of the GST on new homes. With the deal that we signed with Ontario, that number goes up to 13%, up to about $130,000 of savings on a new home purchase, plus a 50% reduction in development charges. That could be estimated at up to $200,000 off the price of a first home purchase. We have also removed the consumer carbon price, driving gas prices down by about 18¢ per litre across most provinces and territories. We have reduced Canadians' bills at the gas station by up to 10¢ per litre on regular gasoline and 4¢ on diesel, by suspending the fuel excise tax over the summer.”
“(1230) We are advancing major projects that connect and transform our nation, turbocharging housing construction, catalyzing an entirely new housing industry and forging new economic and security partnerships. We are acting decisively to protect our economic sovereignty, strengthen our strategic industries and position Canada for long-term growth. It is a principled and pragmatic approach that is moving Canada's economy from reliance to resilience. However, some of the biggest long-term payoffs of this transformation will of course take time to be felt. To ensure that Canadians have the support they need right now, the government is providing a boost today and a bridge to a better tomorrow. For over a year, Canada's new government has been relentlessly focused on making life more affordable for Canadians.”
“member that the government's fiscal plan remains rooted in fiscal responsibility, not for its own sake but to create capacity to invest in long-term economic strength and greater self-reliance. Consistent with this approach, the recent spring economic update 2026 is the government's next step in our plan to build a stronger, more independent and resilient Canada for all Canadians. It advances our progress of building more affordable homes and the major infrastructure that transforms and connects our economy and helps us get goods to foreign markets, while bringing down costs to help Canadians get ahead. We are providing a clear and transparent account of how Canada's economy is performing in an increasingly uncertain world.”
“I am not sure how Canadians can take Conservatives seriously when the Conservatives stand up in the House every day and say that they are empathetic towards what Canadian families are going through, but then they come skipping into the House with jubilation, clicking their heels, ready to pounce on any sign of bad news that the Canadian economy is struggling. They even do it prematurely, which they did last week when job numbers exceeded expectations by over eight times. It just shows us where the Conservative Party of today is at, looking for anything negative to support its narrative. While Conservatives talk down Canadian businesses, Canadian innovators and Canadian workers at every opportunity, we will take today's opposition day motion as an opportunity to set the record straight. Let me reassure the hon.”
“We will hear no mention, in their social media clips or their fundraising emails, of Canadian job gains or support for groceries, because we know that what is good news for Canadian families, industries and workers is bad news for Conservative politicians, who have, honestly, nothing to offer in the House but tired, insulting and repetitive rhetoric that Canada is broken. In fact, the bottom fell out of the Conservatives' narrative at the end of last week. They could not even support that narrative for longer than a single week. They jumped on calling something a “technical recession” that clearly was not.”
“The second piece of good news is that 12 million Canadians woke up to having received the first instalment of the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit on Friday, which boosted the GST rebate by 50% this year, delivering almost $1,900 to the average family of four, and which will continue for another four years at an increase of 25%. This provides significant support for the people who need it the most, at a time when many families are struggling to afford the high cost of food and essentials. None of this, of course, will make its way into today's Conservative opposition day motion. It will not make it into the Conservatives' petty slogans.”
“With 88,000 net new jobs created, far higher than market expectations, which was 10,000 jobs, the Canadian economy performed in May at almost nine times the expectation. That means that on a year-over-year basis, Canada has created 147,000 new jobs, all in the face of historic economic uncertainty, trade tensions and geopolitical volatility. Since December 2024, in fact, Canada has added more jobs per capita than the United States has, creating 2.8 jobs per 1,000 people, nearly double the rate of the United States.”
“Madam Speaker, I cannot believe I was away from the House for a whole weekend. It is great to be back. I will be sharing my time with the member for Beauport—Limoilou , my hon. colleague. It is a pleasure to participate in today's debate and speak about the government's plan to maintain fiscal sustainability in Canada's outperforming economy. On Friday, Canadians woke up to good news on two fronts. First, the May labour force survey results showed that our plan, one that will build a strong and resilient economy and create good-paying jobs for Canadians, is working. Last week's labour force survey, despite the Conservatives' not wanting to talk about this, reinforces the fact that the Canadian economy is stronger than expected.”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member's concern. As I said in the remarks I have given here tonight, we understand that the decision may cause uncertainty and concern for private landowners. People want to know what this means for their homes, their communities and their futures. We hear those concerns, and we take them very seriously. Keeping private property predictable and stable is fundamental, and we will advance all viable arguments in court to protect it. Our goal is to advance reconciliation in a practical and responsible way that both respects indigenous rights and also gives property owners confidence and peace of mind. We will keep working collaboratively with all parties to the litigation and remain available to them throughout this process.”
“We will keep working to gain the needed clarity that the member opposite seeks and that, I am sure, all British Columbians and all Canadians seek from the courts to build a future grounded in respect, stability and lasting predictability for everyone.”
“It would also introduce evidence that was not before the court during the trial. Our approach going forward continues to be grounded in respect and constructive dialogue with all parties. This is the foundation for both advancing reconciliation and addressing further uncertainty. This approach is also how we negotiate on modern treaties and self-government agreements with first nations. These types of agreements provide clarity, stability and long-term predictability for everyone. Importantly, these measures provide a path forward that respects privately owned property while addressing land claims responsibly.”
“Justice Young has reserved her decision, and there is no indication of when she will give her decision. Canada's response is consistent with the position it took in 2017 when Canada applied for private landowners within the claim area to be made aware of the case. It is important that parties that may be affected by the court's decision have an opportunity to be heard. Private landowners are best placed to share any uncertainty they are feeling arising from the decisions that could impact them. If the Montrose application is successful, it would allow Montrose to participate formally in the proceedings as a party or intervenor, and it would reopen portions of the trial so evidence and perspectives related to the impacts of the ruling on Montrose can be considered by the court.”
“Private property ownership is a foundational part of Canada's legal system. It gives people predictability and confidence in their homes and businesses. It is important to Canadians, it is important to our economy, and it is important to all of us. All parties to the decision are seeking greater clarity from the courts as its interpretation and implications are clarified. To gain that clarity, the Government of Canada's grounds for appeal are focusing on specific legal questions. We are also hoping to gain additional clarity through the Montrose application, which seeks to reopen the trial in a limited way and add Montrose as a party to the proceedings. The Montrose application was heard by the British Columbia Supreme Court on May 25 and 26, 2026.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me start by pointing out that the Government of Canada will be in a much better position to speak publicly once we have formally submitted our arguments for the appeal. The Cowichan case remains before the courts, and it is important that all members of the House, including me, speak carefully and responsibly while that process is under way. I will emphasize that keeping private property predictable and stable is our priority. We are carefully considering all viable arguments on the appeal to protect private property rights while also respecting the Constitution. I recognize the uncertainty and concern many Canadians might be feeling right now, particularly private property owners in British Columbia. We hear those concerns and are working to get the clarity that everyone in Canada is deserves.”
“Madam Speaker, the member is being a bit more moderate in his assessment of the Conservative motion, which is obviously inaccurate, overstates and, in a way, exaggerates. It is nothing but hyperbole. In terms of his question, our government has taken a responsible approach to immigration levels. We have reduced those immigration numbers in almost every category, with the intention to ensure that we are not straining our health care and housing—”
“I wonder why the Conservatives have stalled and obstructed many of those Criminal Code changes, many of those changes that have added tools to police services to ensure that our kids and communities are safe.”
“Madam Speaker, this is an example of the members opposite not even being able to stay on track with the motion they proposed in the House. Today we are debating a motion that creates all kinds of illusions about an economic reality that the Conservatives seem to have created, which they do every day in the House, to purport and disseminate narratives that are untrue, and the claims they are making in this motion are untrue. We have taken the time to provide information that dispels the many myths in the Conservative motion. In terms of children's safety and security, our government has advanced the most comprehensive set of legislative reforms in Canadian history to keep Canadians safe.”
“Economic hardship—not arbitrary GDP thresholds—is what defines a recession. The economy remains fragile and uncertainty is elevated, but we are not ready to throw around the “R” word just yet. That is from the National Bank. I have quotes from RBC's Steven Gordon and many, many other professionals who analyze the economy and do not think that the Conservatives are accurate, so AI is right and the experts agree.”