Carol Anstey
Long Range Mountains, Newfoundland and Labrador · Conservative · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, the Liberal Prime Minister has said affordability is the best that it has been in decades, even though some Canadians are crowdfunding their way through this cost of living crisis. He is so out of touch. The costly Liberal Prime Minister is the only G20 leader to drag his nation into a recession.”
“Mr. Speaker, targets may not matter to that Liberal minister, but disabled Canadians rely on those supports and they certainly deserve better. Large areas of Gros Morne National Park are covered in dry timber and at risk of wildfire because of the spruce budworm outbreak.”
“They have exhausted their savings, maxed out their credit cards and refinanced their homes just to keep up with food inflation, rising rents and soaring mortgage payments. Clearly, the plan is not working.”
“At a critical time when we need more supply and builders are asking for less government, the Liberals are focusing on building a new bureaucracy that is simply an expensive exercise in rebranding.”
“Do not take it from me. A witness from the Ontario Home Builders' Association testified, “As the industry association representing home builders...we know that builders are the experts and the ones who are best suited to construct the homes we need, not the government” and “the path forward is not for government to step into the role of t…”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend, who has strong ties to Newfoundland and Labrador, for that question. When we build out government bureaucracy, we build out the size of government and we increase government spending, which drives up inflation, which drives up the cost of everything, including the cost of homebuilding.”
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“It means shutting down opportunity for Canadians while forcing our allies to buy more oil and gas from dictators. The world is crying out for more secure, responsibly produced energy, and no country does it better, and in a cleaner or safer way, than Canada. However, instead of backing our workers, the government doubles down on policies that drive away investment. From May to September alone, $54 billion of investment fled Canada. That is on top of the half a trillion dollars lost during the Liberals' first three terms. What do we have to show for it? We have no new pipelines, no new mines, no new nuclear plants and now a proposed shadow carbon tax on top of the industrial carbon tax. The Prime Minister promised strength but has delivered weakness. He promised results but has delivered rhetoric.”
“The offshore oil and gas sector has the potential to create these high-paying jobs right here at home, keeping families together and communities thriving. The stakes are national. Instead of strengthening our economy and supporting workers, the Prime Minister 's emissions cap would devastate jobs in the energy sector and drive up costs, making life more expensive for Canadian families. The Parliamentary Budget Officer laid this out plainly back in March. This cap would slash oil and gas production by nearly 5%, wipe out $20.5 billion from our GDP annually and destroy 54,000 full-time jobs by 2032. This is not a theory; these are facts. These are numbers verified by Parliament's own budget watchdog, yet, despite all this, the government presses on with its ideological crusade against Canadian energy. What does this mean in practice?”
“Now is his chance to prove that he is not talking out of both sides of his mouth by backing up his words with action and supporting our motion. The truth is that this policy carries devastating real-world consequences. Newfoundland and Labrador's offshore sector employs tens of thousands of Canadians and significantly contributes to our GDP each year. By continuing to impose a cap, the government threatens thousands of jobs for the next generation. Every year, families leave Newfoundland and Labrador in search of well-paying jobs elsewhere in Canada. These are not just numbers. These are our neighbours, our friends and our children, who are forced to relocate because opportunities in their own province are being stifled.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is imposing an emissions cap that functions as a production cap, creating uncertainty, driving away investment and threatening the livelihoods of thousands of workers across our province. Offshore oil and gas requires high upfront capital costs and long timelines to production. Without certainty, there will be no investment. That is why this cap must be repealed to give investors the confidence they need to develop our resources and create powerful paycheques for Canadians. Newfoundland and Labrador has a saying. If a person is talking out of both sides of their mouth, it means they are saying one thing while their actions show the opposite. The Prime Minister came to the province and talked a good game about supporting our offshore oil and gas, but he has refused to repeal the production cap.”
“Instead of unleashing that potential, the Liberal government, with the support of Mark Carney, is imposing an emissions cap that functions as a—”
“Despite repeated attempts by the Liberal government today at the environment committee to frame this policy as merely an emissions cap and not a production cap, the reality is that it will directly cut production, kill jobs and weaken our economy. This issue gets right to the heart of something that matters a lot to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador: good jobs in the offshore oil and gas sector, investment in their communities and the ability to provide for their families with powerful paycheques. This is not just a provincial resource; it is a national asset, one of the few resources with direct access to tidewater. It has the potential to strengthen Canada's trade diversification, supply our allies with responsibly produced energy and secure prosperity for generations to come.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Tobique—Mactaquac . Before I begin, I just want to acknowledge my Conservative colleague from Terra Nova—The Peninsulas , who is also a new MP. He had so much passion in what he was speaking about, and I share that passion. It is an absolute honour and privilege to be back in the House after spending the summer in my riding and serving the incredible people of Long Range Mountains. It is a great privilege to rise today and support our Conservative motion calling on the Prime Minister to immediately repeal the oil and gas emissions cap. Let us be clear. This is a production cap.”
“Mr. Speaker, the requirement for the criminal record check is not written within the legislation. This is something that I am extremely concerned about. It is something that I hear. I am just curious if my colleague would like to speak to that or expand on that a bit more. I would give him the opportunity to respond if this is a concern that he also has.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think it is important to note that a lot of the time we think of these issues as big-city problems. In fact, even in the very small communities that I represent, I often get reports about this. Burnout is one thing I often hear about from the police officers who are dealing with this on a regular basis. Resources are getting eaten up on a regular basis. They are frustrated, they want to make a difference in their communities, and these policies are making them feel like they are on a hamster wheel. I wonder if my colleague might be also hearing about these frustrations in the areas she represents.”
“Mr. Speaker, despite the attempt to distract from the real issue, the reality is that everywhere I go in my riding, I hear the same concern. People are stretched thin and families are struggling to put food on the table. This is a national crisis. A new report from Food Banks Canada gives the Liberal government a failing grade on food insecurity. Beef is up 33%. Basics like sugar and potatoes are climbing by double digits, and food banks are stretched way beyond their limits. Will the Prime Minister finally admit that doubling the deficit will only make food inflation worse?”
“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister said Canadians would judge him by the cost at the grocery store. Canadians are indeed judging, and 25% of Canadian households are struggling to afford food. Food bank use since the pandemic is up from 600,000 to four million at Canada's largest food bank in Toronto. This is another Liberal broken promise. Does the Prime Minister understand that the country is facing a cost of living crisis, and will he admit that doubling his deficit will pour gas on the fire of food inflation?”
“Mr. Speaker, I am not sure whether my colleague was listening throughout my speech, but several times I made a plea to the government to repeal the antidevelopment legislation. That is what would make the people of my riding happy.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Newfoundland and Labrador. Our ridings share a lot of commonalities, and we hear a lot of the same things at the doors. It is absolutely true what he is saying. People feel that Ottawa is so far away that politicians are completely out of touch, and they just do not trust them. My concern is that we are continuing in the same vein and giving the Liberals way too much power to make decisions that are not in the best interests of Canadians or the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
“Mr. Speaker, as Conservatives, we believe in moving the economy and natural resource development forward. We do not want to be seen as standing in the way. Some development is better than no development, but we would rather see the antidevelopment legislation repealed. That is our suggestion to government.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am very familiar with all the Liberal government touts. I have been hearing, over and again, the Liberal talking points for days. My point is that this top-down approach of cabinet ministers sitting in ivory towers in Ottawa has proven to not be effective at getting our natural resources developed. The people of Newfoundland and Labrador have suffered immensely as a result of this approach by government deciding it knows best. This is the problem: the arrogance and the idea that it knows best and it touts itself. Meanwhile, people are out of work, out of money and out of time. It is time to get to work.”
“If this is truly a new government, as the Prime Minister and all his front bench have claimed, then they should prove it to Canadians by repealing Bill C-69 , removing the industrial carbon tax and scrapping the emissions cap. These measures would restore certainty and ramp up our economy, including our rural communities, so we can become a self-reliant, sovereign and independent country. In the meantime, as Conservatives, we intend to hold the government to account on this legislation to be sure Canadians are protected against Liberal corruption.”
“There are lots of projects that the Liberal government has failed to get built. When the Liberals say they are creating a new fast-track process under Bill C-5 for a select few national interest projects, why are the ones we already have across this country stuck in limbo? Why do Liberal cabinet ministers get to decide what is on the list and what is not? Jobs are being lost to delays, while cabinet gives itself the power to pick favourites. Since the government has admitted that its own legislation has created this problem, and it is now trying to bypass it with shortcuts, does it not just make more sense to repeal the legislation?”
“Recently, it was revealed that Newfoundland and Labrador is owed millions of dollars in unpaid fees from green energy companies, a development that raises serious questions about the financial viability of these projects and whether the multi-billion dollar investments touted by the government will ever materialize. Some owe a collective $13.7 million in fees due in 2024 for the use of Crown land. Politicians got carried away with announcements and hand-picked projects, but the real tragedy is that Newfoundland and Labrador missed out on an opportunity to provide Canadian LNG because someone in Ottawa thought that they knew best. This is a perfect example of why top-down decision-making does not work. It is not just about energy policy; it is about trust and credibility.”
“Newfoundland and Labrador could have been a part of this opportunity, but instead of answering that call, the Liberals claimed there was no business case for Canadian LNG. Under the legislation as it stands right now, all of the same Liberal ministers will get to choose which projects get hand-picked and fast-tracked. Furthermore, in that moment, with a great opportunity for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the government pivoted to hydrogen. Now, several of these projects are trying to launch wind hydrogen operations in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Liberals picked projects with promises of wind-powered hydrogen exports, new infrastructure and thousands of jobs. However, like so many other Liberal announcements, what was promised with cameras rolling is now wrapped in all kinds of uncertainty.”
“The people of Newfoundland and Labrador have wanted to see our natural gas sector developed for years. Recently, the province released its assessments on natural gas resources, highlighting that it could drive economic growth. However, we know the Liberals have driven away proponents looking to develop this resource, not because it was not viable but because the federal process dragged on so long that they simply just walked away. On this point, everyone will remember the Liberals' 2022 announcement with the German chancellor, when Canada was asked directly to help Europe reduce its reliance on Russian gas. The chancellor actually visited my riding, and he made it clear that Europe would really like Canada to export more LNG. Our allies were looking to us for a reliable, democratic energy supply.”
“However, we should allow the private sector to drive innovation and growth, but the Liberal government insists on picking winners and losers. I ask why this is. Instead, and I say this once again, it could simply repeal the bad policies that block projects. What about all of the major resource and infrastructure projects, which are already stuck in the federal system, that may not be deemed national interest projects? These are all with the growth of the Canadian economy, jobs and investment on the line. Where is the fast track for them? (1610) In Newfoundland and Labrador, there are projects caught on the other side of federal red tape and regulatory paralysis. These projects will grow local economies and provide growth and financial prosperity for rural communities in my riding. Where is the fast track for them?”
“Rather than fix the broken system and get rid of the laws that prevent us from developing our natural resources, like repealing Bill C-69 , the energy cap and the industrial carbon tax, they are creating an exclusive shortcut for a select few based on political convenience. The bill trades fairness and long-term certainty for more centralization and more Liberal control. Canadians deserve better. Conservatives want to protect Canadians from government corruption while also developing our natural resources and unlocking our immense potential, which means stopping Liberal ministers from circumventing conflict-of-interest laws. Thankfully, Conservatives have added amendments that would remove this ability.”
“What is deeply concerning is the method by which the projects of natural interest get to be selected or, thereafter, taken off the list. The legislation would give sweeping power to cabinet to pick winners and losers behind closed doors. Once a project is declared a national interest project and added to schedule 1, all required federal authorizations are automatically rubber-stamped, but the Liberals can thereafter remove them from the list. This is not reforming the current system. It is a power grab, and it is political favouritism. In addition, the creation of the bill by the Liberals is effectively admitting what Canadians already know, which is that their own laws have paralyzed our ability to build and grow.”
“Thankfully, our amendments have decreased some opportunity for Liberal corruption, but despite having the most resources per capita of any country, our economy has had the worst economic growth in the G7, and we have become more dependent on the United States because of Liberal laws that have blocked resource development. Canada's unemployment rate in May was at its highest level in over eight years, excluding the pandemic. Youth unemployment has skyrocketed, and Canadians cannot afford groceries. Quite simply, we are not meeting our potential, and the legislation before us is supposed to be a part of charting a course for Canada's economy and our economic future. Unfortunately, this legislation does not give the confidence to workers, businesses or investors that we need in this situation.”
“The building Canada act is the government's answer to this moment. As Conservatives, we agree with building Canada and creating growth in our economy. In fact, I campaigned on it. After close to 50 years, a traditionally Liberal riding flipped. That was because the people of Long Range Mountains recognized that, while we have a province rich in natural resources, we also have some of the worst economic outcomes in the country. They believed that a Conservative government would unlock the opportunities in their communities. We are thankful that the Liberals have finally recognized that this is extremely important to Canada and Canadians, but unfortunately, this plan would give way too much power to politicians to pick and choose projects.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is always a pleasure to rise in the House to represent the wonderful people of Long Range Mountains. I have sat in the House and listened carefully to many of the debates on Bill C-5 . Let me begin by stating clearly that, of course, Conservatives support natural resource development. We always have. For nearly a decade, Conservatives have been pressing the Liberal government to repeal the legislation that has been blocking responsible development in regions right across the country. We know that Canadians are living through deep economic uncertainty, and they are looking for a serious plan that would give that certainty, but they also want to create competitiveness in the private sector and have a plan that creates jobs, attracts investment and delivers hope for the future.”
“Mr. Speaker, my question relates to the elimination of large cash deposits over $10,000. I represent a riding that is very rural. There are several small business owners in rural communities who are still dealing with cash. Oftentimes, financial institutions are hundreds of kilometres away. There might be long periods of time before they can get to the bank to deposit those cash amounts, which is driving up their costs. I am just wondering if the Liberals will consider these small, responsible rural business owners when implementing this cash transaction limit in their legislation.”
“Mr. Speaker, obviously, as Conservatives, we believe in moving forward and building Canada. I am curious to know if there would be a public list of eligible projects that qualify under this legislation.”
“Mr. Speaker, the oil and gas industry is critical to Newfoundland and Labrador, making up 25% of our GDP and 41% of our exports. The province has targets to double oil and gas production and create thousands of good-paying jobs, but energy companies have made it clear that they will not invest while the Liberals' no new pipelines law, Bill C-69 , as well as the oil and gas production cap, and the punishing industrial carbon tax, remain on the books. Does the Prime Minister not realize that no one will build a pipeline under his anti-energy laws, or is it the plan to keep Canadian oil and gas in the ground?”
“Mr. Speaker, I am happy the minister is referencing the tariffs. In the face of unjustified 50% tariffs from the U.S. on Canadian industry, why is the minister continuing to charge Canadian businesses an industrial carbon tax?”
“Mr. Speaker, I am glad to hear the minister cares about Newfoundland and Labrador. Does the minister agree that the industrial carbon tax makes our industry less competitive and drives jobs and opportunities out of Canada?”
“Mr. Speaker, “Canadians will hold account by their experience at the grocery store.” These are the words of the Prime Minister . Single mothers go to the grocery store and walk out with two bags of groceries, enough for two days, and it costs them $100. Now the Liberals are bringing in a half a trillion in new spending, increasing it by 8%, when they had promise to cap it at 2%. Once again, will the Liberals table a spring budget that reduces inflation and cuts taxes so Canadians can afford to feed their families?”
“Mr. Speaker, Bridges to Hope is a vital food bank in Newfoundland and Labrador that is being forced to double its size due to a 30% increase in demand. This surge reflects the harsh reality that more and more families cannot afford groceries. The cost of beef is up 34%. Oranges are up 26%, and coffee is up 9%. Canadians do not have any hope for relief without a clear fiscal plan. Will the Prime Minister finally table a budget that addresses the cost of living crisis and ensures Canadians can put food on their tables?”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague talked about all of the ambitious goals and all of the things that her government wants to accomplish. My question is very simple: How does she feel about the fact that there is no budget to present to Canadians with respect to the road map of how to accomplish these great goals?”
“To Sarah and Michael, Isla's parents, and all the incredible volunteers and donors who make this day possible, I thank them for transforming heartbreak into hope and showing the country what it means to care for one another.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by acknowledging members of community councils from Long Range Mountains who are here with us today. I am immensely grateful for the work they do for our communities, and it is an honour to have them here in the capital. I would also like to take a moment to commemorate the Islaview Foundation, a foundation built on hope, kindness and love in honour and memory of Isla Short. The Islaview Foundation raises funds to help families who battle the challenges that come with having a child with a life-threatening condition. Once a year, and this year on May 23, the community of Deer Lake comes together to fundraise and celebrate Islaview Day, a celebration of Isla's life. There is a carnival, cupcakes, ice cream and lots of jokes, all symbols of childhood joy.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister claims he is different from his predecessor, but the numbers tell a different story. In his own first spending bill, consultants get a record-setting $26.1 billion, up more than 36% in one year. The government talks about restraint, but this is half a trillion dollars of spending without a budget. Single moms, seniors and small businesses must budget before they spend. How come a brilliant banker cannot do the same?”
“Mr. Speaker, respectfully, I guess this is my whole point: The voices of the people of Long Range Mountains have not been heard in this House for a very long time. I was given the opportunity. It is very important to them. They feel forgotten about and left behind in the rural communities because of the Liberal government. I wanted to take the opportunity because, respectfully, they put me here and I will always speak for them.”
“Mr. Speaker, one day I travelled to Ramea by ferry to visit my friend Mikalah in her hometown, a small, proud and beautiful community. Mikalah is a courageous young woman who lost her mom at an early age and wants nothing more than to stay in the place she grew up.”
“Mr. Speaker, the people of Long Range Mountains have waited a very long time for their voices to be heard in this House, and I feel a deep responsibility to finish what I started. This House deserves to hear the stories they have passed along to me, because they are stories not just of struggle but of strength, perseverance and quiet determination. They are stories that have stayed with me and guide me, and I believe they deserve to be on record in this Parliament. Quickly, if I may—”
“We can ensure that no one is forced to choose between opportunity and home. I did not run because I thought it would be easy; I ran because it is necessary. As a Conservative, I believe in unlocking the immense potential in the communities in my riding. I believe in responsibility. I believe in hard work. I also believe in community. (1055) In conclusion, I thank my family, especially my husband Dwayne and our four children, Bree, Paige, Emma and William, for their patience, their support and their sacrifices. As many working mothers know, the balance is not always easy. People often ask me how I will manage a political career—”
“Recently, I had the immense privilege of returning to my old high school, not just as a former student but as a mom, to play volleyball with my own kids in the same gym I grew up in. Every time I walk those halls, I see the graduation photos of past years. I see the faces of people who were once full of hope for the future, and I know how that many of them had to move away to Fort McMurray, to Ontario or to the mainland in search of jobs and opportunities that simply were not available back home. That is a loss not just for their families but for our province. This has given me perspective on the deep privilege it is to live in my home community. I want that for all the young people living in my riding and in Newfoundland and Labrador. We can build an economy that allows our children to grow up and stay close to the communities they love.”
“In Newfoundland and Labrador, that means policy focused on rebuilding our rural communities, not writing them off. That is how we create homes, create jobs and create hope. At this time, instead of more of the same, we need change. We also need smart, common-sense leadership that unlocks opportunities, and need leadership of vision and commitment. It is time for policies that reflect the strength and resilience of our people and that will give our young people a reason to stay, build and thrive at home. Newfoundland and Labrador does not need to be managed by more control from Ottawa. We need leadership that unburdens our hard-working people so they can go further and reach higher. We need the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to have the opportunities to stay in the communities they love.”
“From our offshore energy and our forestry to our mining opportunities and our fisheries, we are rich in potential, but that potential must be harnessed in a way that puts our people first, creates jobs at home and keeps the benefits in Newfoundland and Labrador, where they belong. Throughout my career in real estate, I have seen first-hand the growing pressure on supply in our housing market, leading to higher prices, especially in places like Corner Brook, and as prices go up, young families are being pushed out. What we need is a government focused on policy that brings costs down so that construction can be fired up. We have the skills, we have the tradespeople and we have the communities ready to grow, but we need federal policies that make it easier to build, not harder.”
“I have to understand the weight of what he is carrying and bring that into this House with the urgency and respect it deserves. However, in light of all these frustrations, I come to this House with hope for a better future and a deep belief in what Newfoundland and Labrador can become. We have what it takes to build a province that is affordable and self-reliant, a province where families are not forced to leave to build a life, a province that stands tall on its own two feet. The opportunities are right in front of us, especially in our natural resource sector.”
“There were so many memorable moments during my campaign that I will never forget. One day, while in Port Saunders, I spoke with a young man who was a harvester with the 4R shrimp fleet. He has poured his heart and future into the fishing industry, and he shared his frustrations with policies that made no sense to someone who actually works on the water. He said something that struck me. He said, “I need you to do more than hear me. I need you to really feel what I am going through.” What he was really saying is that his voice, like so many in our coastal communities, is falling on deaf ears. He is not being heard, and he is certainly not being understood. (1050) He is right. To truly represent him, I cannot just listen.”
“My riding spans the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula all the way down to Port aux Basques, and it is home to some of the most beautiful rural communities in this country, places like The Beaches, Burnt Islands, Reidville, Bird Cove, Conche and Hawke's Bay. These communities are proud, resilient and full of heart, but far too many of them are facing decline. We see it in the closed up fish plants, the boarded up and abandoned businesses, and the crumbling roads. We feel it with the rising cost of living, with fewer kids in schools and with fewer young families putting down roots. We hear it in the voices of residents who are worried about the future of their communities. The heart of the communities is still strong, but the next generation is slipping away.”
“I intend to raise that voice clearly, consistently and passionately every day that I serve here, and I will do so with the full weight of responsibility that comes with representing the people of Long Range Mountains. However, I did not get here alone; no one does. I want to thank the incredible team of volunteers who gave everything they had to our campaign. They knocked on doors regardless of weather conditions, drove long distances and brought joy and purpose to every single moment of this journey. It was their belief in me that made all the difference. I bring with me not just a Conservative voice, but a mother's voice, a rural voice and a Newfoundlander's voice.”
“This chamber needs their voice and our country needs their leadership. I hope that my presence here opens the door just a little wider for each and every one of them. This historic opportunity is also one rooted in legacy. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have always had a fierce sense of place and pride. We know that Ottawa can feel far away, not just in geography but in priorities. The last Conservative to represent the majority of the Long Range Mountains riding as it looks today in the House was Jack Marshall, a man of great integrity, compassion and conviction. He once said that the voice of Newfoundland must never be quiet in Ottawa, and those words still ring true today.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is a great honour and immense privilege to rise in this chamber as the elected member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, which is a region of breathtaking beauty and unwavering resilience. I will repeat this morning that I stand not only as a representative of my constituents, but as the first Conservative woman ever elected in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador. I say that again not for my own sake, but for what it means to so many others. As a mother of four with three daughters, I think of them in this moment. I think of all the young women across Newfoundland and Labrador in small towns and coastal communities who are watching our politics and wondering if there is a place for them here. My message to them is clear: Yes, there is. They belong here.”