Rechie Valdez
Mississauga—Streetsville, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, our government is focused on ensuring that everyday essentials are more affordable for Canadians. That is why our government introduced the first-ever national food security strategy. This is our $3-billion plan to make sure that we are increasing competition and making more food here at home.”
“Mr. Speaker, small business investment is up by 10%. The first thing our government did in terms of action was to bring down federal trade barriers across provinces and territories so small business goods could flow across the country. We are also diversifying trade, making sure that we are able to secure investment.”
“Mr. Speaker, despite the fact that we are experiencing global headwinds in this country, Canada is functioning from a position of strength. Our economy continues to outperform many different G7 countries, from Germany to Japan and Italy. We have secured 20 new economic partnerships.”
“Mr. Speaker, contrary to what we are hearing from the other side, we recognize that we are in a trade war. Despite this, Canada is in a position of strength. We heard today that Canada posted a $2.7-billion trade surplus, the highest in 15 months.”
“Mr. Speaker, at the centre of everything we are working on as a government is affordability. In my riding of Mississauga—Streetsville, it is a worker who can keep more of their money in their pocket since we are cutting taxes for 22 million Canadians. We have also provided Canadians with the Canada groceries and essentials benefit.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his incredible advocacy. Canada is at its best when everyone can fully participate in society, free from fear, discrimination and hate.”
The complete record
Every one of 78 lines we hold for Rechie Valdez, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 2.
“Mr. Speaker, the member speaks about relief, and we would deliver that through the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. A family of four would receive $1,900 a year, but to address the root causes of food insecurity, we are strengthening Canada's food supply by supporting Canadian producers and local greenhouses that are small businesses. We are building the national food security strategy so food stays affordable and available. According to Food Secure Canada, this is a “serious win” for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are delivering relief for Canadians when they need it the most. According to the Canadian Labour Congress, “Strengthening the GST credit, now the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit...will help many Canadians trying to make ends meet.” For 12 million people, this support will mean more breathing room when deciding between groceries, rent, medicine and other everyday essentials. This builds on our affordability plan, which includes cutting taxes and providing dental care, child care and pharmacare for millions of Canadians. This is about fairness and making sure we will be there to support Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I do not understand how the Conservatives can look their constituents in the eye when all they do in the House is obstruct what we are doing and the progress we are making. We cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. We are making the national school food program permanent. This is going to help 400,000 kids eat healthy meals at school. We are saving families $16,000 per year through affordable child care. We are providing relief for 12 million Canadians through our Canada groceries and essentials benefit. This is going to make a real difference, especially for families in my riding of Mississauga—Streetsville.”
“Mr. Speaker, while members opposite minimize our affordability plan, let us take an example of a young family of four this year. With supports like the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, the Canada child benefit, affordable child care, dental care, the national school food program and the fact that we cut taxes for millions of Canadians, this family will save over $50,000 a year. This is real affordability. While members opposite continue to obstruct Parliament, we are going to stand up for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, speaking of food banks, Food Banks Canada welcomes the introduction of the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, calling it “an important step to help people facing rising affordability pressures." While the members opposite obstruct real progress, we understand the affordability that is top of mind for Canadians. This is going to help 12 million Canadians. That is incredible. It is nearly $1,900 that will help as additional support for families of four. It will help mothers with groceries, helping them with essentials at home and with their kids at school. This is real progress and real change.”
“Mr. Speaker, my heart goes out to parents facing challenges, and we care about families. While Conservatives amplify panic instead of offering a single solution, the evidence is clear. Research from the C.D. Howe Institute confirms that the Canada child benefit is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce child poverty and help families afford essentials. Let us be honest: Conservatives voted against it. They voted against it then, and they vote against supports now for families and children. Their actions speak louder for themselves.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government is taking real action on affordability, on protecting women's economic security and on empowering women across the country. We are introducing a middle-class tax cut that is going to benefit 22 million Canadians across the country, and we are making the national school food program permanent. This is going to feed kids at school, while putting more money back into Canadians' pockets. We are also making housing more affordable through Build Canada Homes; this is going to help give single mothers, as well as families, a safe place to live. We are also making tax filing automatic for 5.5 million Canadians. This is real impact for Canadians, and that includes women and families across the country.”
“We remember the lives that were cut short, the stories that were never told and the survivors who, out of fear, have not yet spoken, as well as those who are still waiting for a safe moment to do so. Gender-based violence is not a chapter of our past; it is a persistent and pervasive reality in Canada. It remains woven into the story of our country, and it demands urgent action. Therefore, today we recommit ourselves to this work. We stand with survivors. We honour their strength and ensure that their voices and stories are never forgotten, but championed, as we continue to fight for change, equality and justice.”
“Ending gender-based violence requires all of us, united in a belief that every woman deserves safety, dignity and the ability to thrive. I think about my daughter Cassidy, who is 10 years old, every single day while I stand here in the chamber. Therefore, as we reflect on that shared responsibility, let us carry the names of these 14 women forward as a reminder of what we must never give up and why our commitment to ending gender-based violence must remain unchanging. We honour the women who came before us whose courage, stories and lived experience created the space for these conversations to exist, survivors whose voices shifted public attitudes and broke barriers.”
“Prevention is only part of the equation; survivors must also be able to rely on a justice system that is fair, accessible and trauma-informed. That is why we will take steps to further protect victims of intimate partner violence, ensuring that survivors are supported and not revictimized when they seek justice. [ Translation ] There is always more work to be done. We will continue to support survivors, remove barriers in the justice system and build a Canada where safety, dignity and justice are not privileges but guaranteed rights for all women and girls. [ English ] By working hand in hand with survivors, advocates and communities, we, and that is all members of the chamber, can build a future where every woman and girl can live free from fear.”
“This work includes implementing the national action plan to end gender-based violence, through which we have invested over half a billion dollars to prevent violence, support survivors and strengthen community-based organizations on the ground to ensure that they are responding to gender-based violence in a timely manner. The plan provides targeted funding and resources to address the unique needs of survivors, including indigenous women and girls, racialized communities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities as well. It supports programs that prevent violence before it occurs. It helps survivors access the services they need. Through these coordinated efforts, we are taking meaningful steps to create a Canada where every woman and girl can live free from fear and reach their full potential.”
“(1005) [ Translation ] Gender-based violence is not just a personal tragedy. It is a social crisis that weakens the very fabric of our communities. That is why we must do more than just remember. [ English ] We must act. We must create a Canada where every woman and girl can live free from fear, where their potential is never limited by violence and where justice is real and immediate. That is what we owe to every woman and girl in this country, like my cousin. To build a safe and prosperous society, we must continue to work together at all levels of government to end gender-based violence.”
“Most of these gender-related murders were committed by men they knew, an intimate partner or a family member. I too know what this is like, since I lost a cousin to gender-based violence. She was brutally murdered and stabbed 85 times with a kitchen knife and was found by another of my cousins. The toll of gender-based violence extends far beyond tragic deaths. Survivors face physical, emotional and financial harm that can last a lifetime. Families and communities are left to cope with trauma and loss, and society bears the costs of health care, social services and the justice system. Indigenous women, women of colour, women with disabilities and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals face these dangers at disproportionately higher rates. All too often, when they do come forward, they are not believed and they continue to face barriers to justice.”
“[ English ] These brilliant women were daughters, sisters and friends, and they were students with bright futures, potential and dreams that were never given the chance to be realized. Thirty-six years later, their impact endures. Their stories continue to be felt in every corner of Canada, reminding us not only of the devastating cost of gender-based violence but also of our collective responsibility to confront it. Of course, we honour the story and courage of our fellow colleague, the Secretary of State for Nature , who survived this horrific act and since then has dedicated herself to advocacy and public service. This is very personal to me as well, since I too was an engineering student. In Canada, a woman or girl is killed in an act of gender-based violence every 48 hours. That is 240 women and girls murdered in 2024.”
“Mr. Speaker, 36 years ago our country was irrevocably shaken by a horrific act of gender-based violence. On December 6, 1989, a gunman entered École Polytechnique in Montreal, forced women and men apart, and then launched a violent shooting, murdering 14 young women and injuring 13 others, solely because they were women. [ Translation ] As we mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we recognize and mourn the young women whose lives were stolen at École Polytechnique by an act of misogynistic hate that changed us all forever. We remember Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we mark the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, we recognize the women who built this movement and the work that lies ahead. On Economic Abuse Awareness Day, we recognize that gender-based violence can be physical, emotional and psychological. That is why in our budget, we committed to working with financial institutions on a code of conduct to prevent economic abuse, helping them identify it and intervene safely. We will keep working together to end gender-based violence so women can live safely and free from fear. It is unfortunate the members opposite voted against this very measure.”
“Mr. Speaker, in budget 2025, we are making generational investments to build Canada strong. Again, we have cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. This is making sure we put more money back into their pockets. We are also supporting our young people. We have created new pathways to support them. This is 175,000 jobs for young people through the Canada summer jobs and student work placement programs. We are empowering youth to gain the skills they need. We are going to continue to build Canada strong and support our youth in this country.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes that in order to build a strong economy, we need to ensure that women and girls are safe and have the tools they need to be supported and to thrive. That is why our government is investing $660.5 million over five years, with $131 million ongoing. This includes stable funding to prevent gender-based violence, strengthen women's economic security and support equality across Canada. When the Conservatives were in power, they gutted Women and Gender Equality 40%, which saw the closure of 12 regional offices. On this side of the House, we understand that when we invest in women, we are going to— Some hon. members: Oh, oh!”
“Mr. Speaker, when Conservatives talk about affordability, what they really mean are cuts: cuts to the programs that Canadians vitally rely on. Parents and families know they can trust that our government has their back. We strengthened the Canada child benefit, providing families nearly $8,000 for children under six years old and $6,570 for children aged six to 17. Through the budget, we are making permanent the national school food program, which will give parents the peace of mind of sending their kids to school for a full meal. What the member was really referring to was that the only thing recycled on the other side of the House is the Conservatives' slogans.”
“Mr. Speaker, this is coming from a member whose leader , when responsible for this file, only built six homes in this country. Conservatives claim to care about young people, yet every time a measure comes forward to support them, the Conservatives vote against it. They voted against the national housing strategy, against the first home savings account and against expanding mortgage criteria, and now they will not even commit to a GST cut that would save first-time homebuyers $50,000. However, do not worry. Canadians can rely on our government and this side of the House to keep making life more affordable for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians made it clear in the last election that they want more homes built, especially for young Canadians trying to buy their first home. That is why this government is moving fast. We are cutting the GST for first-time homebuyers, with up to $50,000 in tax relief and nearly $4 billion in savings. This work is building on our first home savings account and the national housing strategy, supporting purpose-built rentals for young Canadians. While Conservatives are voting down affordability measures, we are stepping up and taking care of young Canadians who are finally getting the keys to their first home.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government understands the importance of Canadian industries, and that is why we introduced the buy Canadian policy to strengthen supply chains and support small businesses with opportunities to succeed right here in Canada. We are also supporting small businesses hardest hit by the tariffs, are expanding Business Development Bank of Canada loans by up to $5 million and have launched the $5-billion strategic response fund so businesses can adapt and pivot during these challenging times. We are also reducing red tape, unlike what the member said just now. These measures are going to support Canadian industries, support Canadian workers and support our small businesses. Happy Small Business Week.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians trust that our government has their back. Why is this? It is because we are making life more affordable and have cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. This is allowing Canadians to put more money back into their pockets. Speaking of food, there is good news: Our government is making the school food program permanent. This is going to put $800 back into Canadians' pockets and actually feed healthy meals at school. In addition, 5.5 million low-income Canadians will automatically receive federal benefits through CRA tax filings. These are real, tangible benefits for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government understands that small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy, and that is why we launched the buy Canadian policy that will strengthen supply chains and create more opportunities for small businesses. We made it easier for them to access BDC loans so they can compete, grow and reach new markets. We are also stepping up to support small businesses, especially those hit by the U.S. tariffs, through the $5-billion strategic response fund. These measures will protect and strengthen Canadian businesses as we build the strongest economy in the G7.”
“Mr. Speaker, this week is a time to reflect on our accomplishments, and also the progress we have yet to make. Our government has implemented initiatives to help support women entrepreneurs, we implemented the national action plan to end gender-based violence, and we implemented pay equity legislation to level the playing field for women. We recognize there is more work to do, and that is why our government will introduce, this fall, legislation that would ensure the safety of women so they participate equally in society. We understand, on this side of the House, that we cannot build the strongest economy in the G7 without the full and equal participation of women.”
“Mr. Speaker, we cannot build the strongest economy in the G7 without the full participation of women. Thanks to the women's entrepreneurship strategy, we have helped over 400,000 women in Canada. With the national action plan to end gender-based violence, we are taking action to end violence against women. This week, we acknowledge the progress achieved and we renew our commitment to gender equality.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we know, small businesses are the backbone of our Canadian economy, and our new government has their back. We are cutting taxes for small businesses and red tape. We are breaking down interprovincial trade barriers by July 1 and helping businesses go digital. We also welcome our middle-class tax cut, which will help entrepreneurs get a well-deserved tax break while they can. We will always be there for small businesses. Let us not forget that we have cut the carbon tax for small business as well.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the hon. member for taking her seat in this place. It is always a privilege to stand in this House. I would like to thank the constituents of Mississauga—Streetsville, my family and the volunteers for putting their trust in me. Pride season celebrates the resilience and contributions of the 2SLGBTQI+ community across this country, yet too many people face hate and discrimination for being themselves. Our new government will provide security funding for their Pride celebrations this year to ensure everyone is safe. We all deserve to live openly, with dignity and without fear.”