Charles Sousa
Mississauga—Lakeshore, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, Portuguese people around the world commemorate their rich history and vibrant culture today. June 10 honours the passing of Luís de Camões, a national hero and a legend who penned Os Lusíadas , a renowned collection of epic poems that capture stories of brave explorers and the Enlightenment during the age of discoveries in th…”
“I congratulate its members and the unifying voice of the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario, which showcases the annual Portugal Day parade in Toronto. Feliz Dia de Portugal. Feliz Dia de Camões. Feliz Dia das Comunidades Portuguesas à volta do Mundo. Happy Portugal Day.”
“The policy leverages federal investments by prioritizing Canadian domestic suppliers, content and materials to help make Canada's economy stronger, more resilient to global shocks and better able to support Canadian workers and businesses.”
“The Government of Canada, also building on the solid foundation of strong industries, will do so by promoting the buy Canadian policy. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes would be funded through the initial envelope of $13 billion that was announced in budget 2025.”
“Build Canada Homes is a part of the federal government's strategic effort to invest in our modern nation, protect Canadian interests and make our economy one of the strongest in the G7.”
“This will in turn require a strong skilled trades workforce. That is why, on April 29, as part of the spring economic update, the Prime Minister announced team Canada strong. This is a $6-billion nationwide effort that will recruit, train and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal trade workers in the next five years.”
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“Mr. Speaker, I agree that every sector of our economy from coast to coast to coast matters. Canada united and supporting every industry throughout the country is important, which includes, of course, those very same companies in Quebec. When the auto sector took a dive in 2008, the Ontario government and the federal government at the time stepped in to provide that support. Had it not been for that, the rest of the country would have faltered too. We needed to support the industry, just as we need to support aluminum, forestry, aerospace and industries all across, including oil and gas, where we are one of the largest. We will continue to do so.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is important that Canada stays at the forefront of industry and innovation. It is important that we continue to attract investment because we are trusted partners. It is important that we look at the auto sector in a broader scope. It is important that we look to the future of auto. We do not pick winners and losers. They are picking losers. We need to ensure that those competitors who are attracted to Canada recognize that we are an opportunity to provide services to the rest of the world. Canada is broadening its reach with other trading partners because of that very fact. The auto sector will thrive and succeed if we work collaboratively for their benefit and if we look and point to the issues that will prevent and provide future benefit in the long term, not yesterday's viewpoint.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member reminds us that when I was finance minister, we bailed out and supported the auto industry in Windsor. If it were not for Ontario's participation, against the wishes of the Conservatives, they would have faltered. We stood by the Canadian auto workers, we stood by the industry and we safeguarded those jobs and those companies. We will continue to do so. Foreign direct investment was at its peak when I was there to try to attract that investment. The members opposite worked against those auto workers, and they continue to do so now with a plan that does not make any sense for the benefit of those workers,”
“By safeguarding the industry and incentivizing vehicle manufacturers to build here, we are helping to enhance our productivity and transform Canada's automotive industry to compete and win in a world where the future of autos is electric, connected and globally diversified. I want to reiterate that the Conservative proposal was developed without input from auto workers, lacks a single measure to support auto workers and would disincentivize new work going to the Brampton and Ingersoll plants. That is not smart policy-making. It is political posturing. Our government will continue to focus on investing in those who invest in Canada and building Canada strong with Canadian auto workers.”
“We are also securing key investments that will drive new opportunities in Canadian auto manufacturing and create new resilient jobs in the auto and battery sector. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition , this side of the House does not ignore foreign threats to dismantle Canadian auto manufacturing. During a rupture in the global trading system, Canadians know that nostalgia is not a strategy. While the Leader of the Opposition is banking on wishes and prayers to get Washington to reverse tariffs, we are focused on real action to build a better future to secure and grow the industry that supports 500,000 Canadian jobs. The actions we take now will have a lasting impact on Canada's auto industry.”
“From China and the Indo-Pacific to the G7, Canada has entered a new era of global auto partnerships. This means new markets, new business and new jobs for Canadians, all grounded in building our economy and delivering affordable options for Canadian consumers. Canada is well positioned to attract new investments and diversify export markets by leveraging its free trade agreements, which span 51 countries and provide access to more than 1.5 billion consumers. Priority will be given to attracting new entrants that are leaders in EV manufacturing and connected vehicle technologies to strengthen the sector's resilience. Through the strategic response fund, we are supporting car companies to export more Canadian-made cars to non-U.S. markets like Europe and the Middle East.”
“recently, and I heard from both Democrats and Republicans that the North American auto industry succeeds when our integrated supply chains are strong and when we compete globally. Canada has maintained a long and successful history of partnership with the U.S. and Mexico, as well as with Japan, to establish its automotive manufacturing footprint, but these are not conventional times. Canada must seize this generational opportunity to transform our auto sector from one that is reliant on a single trading partner to one that is a global leader in the vehicles of the future. (1550) Recently, Canada has signed new agreements with Japan, Germany and South Korea to bolster auto manufacturing in Canada, including electric vehicles and a battery supply chain, and Canada has what the world wants.”
“I have worked with many proud Windsorites who were champions for Windsor's auto sector, including Ford's engine manufacturing plants. What does Windsor get in exchange for two Conservative MPs? It gets an auto proposal that does not even recognize engine manufacturing. GM workers in Cambridge, Magna workers in Aurora, Honda workers in Alliston and Martinrea workers in Vaughan are all parts manufacturers, all left behind by their Conservative MPs. I agree with Unifor Local 200's leadership, who said that the Leader of the Opposition did not bother to do his homework. We all recognize that the automotive sector has been built on nation-to-nation collaboration. I was in D.C.”
“To that end, on February 5, 2026, we announced Canada's new automotive strategy to secure domestic manufacturing, support innovation, and position Canada to become a leader in electric vehicle production. The strategy includes a commitment to allocate $3 billion from the strategic response fund and another $100 million from the regional tariff response initiative to help the industry adapt, grow and diversify. We will also establish a comprehensive trade regime to drive the competitiveness of the auto sector. This will be achieved in part by strengthening Canada's automotive duty remissions framework to more strategically reinforce domestic production and attract new investment. Some people may know that I am familiar with Ontario's economy. Throughout my career, I have been privileged to meet Ontarians from every corner of the province.”
“Unifor has been clear that the Conservatives' so-called policy would jeopardize long-term stability and the future of the Brampton and Ingersoll assembly plants. Members heard that right. The Conservatives want us to adopt a policy that would discourage manufacturers from allocating new work to these Ontario plants. Unlike the Conservatives, our government worked hand-in-hand with labour unions, with industry experts and with other levels of government to develop an auto strategy that is focused on the future of our auto industry, not one that is stuck in the past. Canadians were clear last April that we need to work urgently to pursue new trade deals, diversify our economy, protect industry and stand up to unjust and illegal tariffs.”
“Moreover, we have demonstrated that we are here to protect Canadian workers. When Stellantis and GM announced that they were moving some of their production to the United States, we immediately took action to hold both companies accountable. The Government of Canada has made clear that these decisions are unacceptable and that Canada expects the company to honour the commitments it made to Canada, Ontario and the union. However, it appears that the Conservatives could not care less about working with labour unions. Their leader 's proposal was developed without input from auto workers, and it lacks a single measure to support auto workers. How can Conservatives claim to protect Canadian workers when they do not even listen to them?”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the future of Canada's automotive industry and how the government is working to protect the industry and Canadian workers. Canada's automotive sector has long been and remains a cornerstone of our economy. It has defined communities, strengthened our middle class and anchored Canada as a trusted partner in global manufacturing, while supporting hundreds of thousands of additional jobs across supply chains right across the country, including in my riding of Mississauga—Lakeshore. I am proud to represent many hard-working members of Unifor Local 707 from the Ford assembly complex. Safeguarding local economies like mine is exactly why the Government of Canada has reacted quickly in the face of unjustified U.S. tariffs on vehicles.”
“Mr. Speaker, the world is changing rapidly and Canadians gave the government a strong mandate to protect our workers and industries, all while building Canada strong. Last week, we announced the defence industrial strategy, designed to transform our defence industry and make Canada more secure. Can the Minister of Industry please share what this strategy means for Canadian workers and industries across Canada?”
“Madam Speaker, I appreciate that very much, and I think all of us appreciate it. All of us in the House should stand proud and tall for the fact that Canada is seen around the world, and by the G7 and the IMF, for its ability and capacity to grow and invest. Canada has done extraordinary things during downturns. Certainly in 2008, we weathered it better than any other part of the world because we had taken those steps. The IMF appreciates Canada. I think the rest of the world does as well, and so should we.”
“Madam Speaker, the member opposite may or may not know that CANDU reactors and the corporation are within my riding. I have met with representatives of Candu Energy on a number of occasions. We talked about small modular reactors providing supports and electricity to those remote communities in the far north that rely primarily on diesel, which is extremely dirty, to provide greater sources of, and more secure, electricity in those areas. As we move into major projects around Canada, we are going to need some greater degree of energy. I can say that world markets are looking to Canada-made reactors and that our CANDU reactors, not just the small modular reactors but our CANDUs, are sought after because of their ability, effectiveness, competitiveness and safety measures. I support our nuclear program in Canada for that very reason.”
“Madam Speaker, the member opposite is speaking about exemptions for opportunities to make Canada more effective, to expedite matters more essential to our economy. I would refer her to those particulars. Every exemption that occurs has to be fully transparent. There is one thing that should never be hampered but is when the Conservatives try to control the Governor of the Bank of Canada, the Ontario Securities Commission or judges. That is uncalled for, and it is one of the reasons a public budget officer is also essential to this role.”
“Madam Speaker, it is an essential part of the budget. Expanding our trade routes and expanding trade across the world is part of what gives Canada an opportunity to provide a measure, a step, for some countries to deal in the western hemisphere. Canada has been succeeding. Over $1 trillion is now being projected in supports with Canada's engagement. We are punching above our weight. In fact, Canada remains one of the top destinations for foreign direct investments, and the reason is that investors believe in Canada.”
“This has now been delayed because the Conservatives brought forward a carbon gas tax that was unnecessary. As it stands, all of us should be paying a little extra to provide greener opportunities for all of Canada.”
“Madam Speaker, the question enables us to talk about some of the measures that I took when I was minister of finance, as the member opposite reminds us. We brought in a cap-and-trade system in Ontario, aligning ourselves with Quebec. Quebec was part of the western climate initiative with California. Ontario had decarbonized its system, so we were great receivers of $1.3 billion annually through that system. It was the Conservatives who brought in carbon tax pricing to Ontario as a gas tax. We were the ones who were exempt. The Liberal Party of Ontario was able to provide an exemption on that very issue, as was Quebec. We talk about the $1.3 billion that we use for dollar-for-dollar reinvestment in inspiring economic growth in the province of Ontario.”
“The member opposite talked about the PBO being an independent member of the House. That is essential, and I am sure it will happen in time. We will require that to be the case. All of us are held to account, and the truth matters.”
“Madam Speaker, having engaged with the member opposite in OGGO, I appreciate his reminding the House that I did six budgets and that I did balance the books. Ontario was the largest contributor to the rest of the federation. Even when it was a so-called have-not province, we contributed more to Canada, over $11 billion, than all the other provinces, while Quebec and others were receiving some of that funding. Ontario was also the first to increase its credit rating, during the time I was there, recognizing the strength of our measures being taken. Over one million net new jobs were brought to the province of Ontario during that time, after we had to suffer the 2008 recession, during which the Conservatives were in power. We were still able to balance the books.”
“We recognize that is a key factor for Canadians, our citizens, to succeed. It is a positive vision, one with confidence and discipline and one that abides by the rule of law. I thank all members across the way as we maintain and strengthen Canada to keep Canada strong.”
“The security action plan with Europe, and our strategic investments as we align ourselves across this country to support the industry, will help support and guarantee northern sovereignty, as well as our overall sovereignty in Canada and the Arctic, and provide an international boost for new careers across Canada. (1030) Our focus is on Arctic and northern defence, technology and innovation, and, more importantly, on maintaining and securing a strong Canadian supply chain. We are talking about a budget that encompasses housing abilities, our defence ability, our industrial major projects ability, the enablement of energy, the opportunity to maximize our critical minerals, and, above all, to be a trusted partner in the engagement with other parts of the world. Buy Canadian is a big part of this budget.”
“Our defence strategy recently came out, funded by the opportunities within this budget. It will help us bolster Canadian-made supports in aerospace, ammunitions and critical minerals. Our defence industrial strategy is aligned also with NATO and Europe, our allies, because we need to ensure that we are able to broaden our reach and our markets so we can have those measures invested here in Canada to enable Canadians to invest and also to prosper within those skills and manufacturing sites. The key to this is our defence investment agency to foster and partner with the manufacturing and production facilities at home.”
“We also supported industry, providing stimulus and other measures to help it be more competitive through the industrial strategy. We have a housing strategy to try to foster and create more affordable homes, reduce homelessness and provide greater social well-being. The acceleration of some of those housing projects through our housing strategy will enable that to take place. Many are now breaking ground. Public safety, as I talked about earlier, is an essential part within this budget. So many border security officers have now been hired For the RCMP, the funding of those essential supports are part of this budget. Also considered as a part of this budget is fraud and financial crime, which affects so many and is hard to engage. Within this budget, as we go forward, we are engaged in those protection measures.”
“We have talked about affordability, the grocery benefit, and having the ability to ensure that people who are less able today would be able to reduce their taxes and have a way to foster greater engagement if they have found it difficult, certainly after the COVID years. We all recognize that. We talk about that, but Canada, by enabling greater prosperity and job creation, is also able to provide greater support and opportunity for people who have had a difficult time. However, that measure is one of global effect, as colleagues know. The United States is going through the same thing, as well as other parts of Europe and other parts of the world. Canada is one of the few countries that has stood out in providing help and supports directly to the people most in need.”
“Interest rates have come down, and we have locked in our bonds and yields for the long term to enable us to take advantage of the low rates today. The skills, training and career ability of our people are also essential. This attracts people to Canada, knowing that we have the talent pool to enable manufacturing and advanced manufacturing innovation to succeed. Canada is nurturing that. We are an incubator as well as a builder. Those things must be maintained within Canada. We know that companies all too often will go after larger markets to enable them to succeed. We can do more to help them succeed here at home by having alternative trade routes across other parts of the world.”
“We have witnessed a record number of measures already being taken by the Prime Minister , the trade commissioner and our trade minister. The world is looking to work with Canada. (1025) Canada is the only country that has trade agreements with all G7 countries That says something about how we are viewed by other parts of the world. Canada is also sought after because we are an energy superpower, one that has a sufficient amount of oil and natural gas that has yet to be taken to its full potential. We recognize that, but we also recognize the clean energy grid that is also important in our ability to trade and to enable some of our industry to be even more competitive in the long term. Those measures are taken into account. Our fiscal capacity is strong. We have a strong credit rating. We have very low net debt to GDP among others.”
“Canada is one of the strongest in the G7. We are unleashing over $1 trillion over the next five years through our major projects, our critical minerals sovereign fund, roads and bridges, our communities strong fund and Build Canada Homes. The defence industrial strategy is yet another piece of an economic imperative as well as a sovereign imperative. The Major Projects Office will trigger $150 billion in total capital investment, which is critical. Many Canadians want to see Canada invest in itself. It is not just about taking minerals out of our ground. It is about processing and refining those minerals for value-added use. These things are essential as we proceed. Let us talk about the fiscal impacts in the budget. We are in the midst of many trade agreements.”
“Again, the budget would provide tax cuts for low-income Canadians, incentives to produce more housing, and support within the mix so people can afford those groceries that have been costed up by inflation, which has been under control, but we need to do better in the interim. We must compete, and the budget talks about how we can compete and prosper, how we can build to enable that support and that prosperity, but it also says we must be more responsible and eliminate some wasteful spending. There are measures within the budget to empower us to invest but also to be mindful of where we spend. That is clear in the budget and the process by which we are proceeding without impeding those social programs that are so critical to all Canadians. Attracting investment is a third issue in the budget that I want to touch upon.”
“The budget not only charts a course for Canada, but it charts a course for individuals to succeed. There are a lot of discussions around generational investments in the budget to build major infrastructure. The major projects being proposed would unleash the great potential that Canada has. It is why so many are seeking to invest in Canada and so many are trying to control those investments. We need to foster and protect our indigenous communities and protect Canadians. We must protect our borders, and we must empower Canadians by also providing better measures of affordability.”
“They do not care about us deflecting blame to others. They care about us working together to ensure that greater security is had at home, that protection measures are there for them, and that prosperity and opportunity are provided for them as we go forward. The budget speaks to their priorities, investing to build more homes and protecting our society through a number of bills beyond our budget, on crime and bail. In the budget, there is already an allotment for greater border security, greater RCMP and greater measures of protection to ensure that Canada remains safe. More importantly, this budget is about empowering Canadians, giving them skills and job opportunities and providing a number of aspects within industry, with our trade routes and our negotiations abroad, to enable Canada and Canadians to do even more.”
“It is why we continue to be a major force in the United Nations. It is why we must continue to stand tall and stand proud, to enable the rule of international law to prevail. Canada is sought after because of our sense of peace, our sense of democracy and our sense of rule of law. We are not here to dictate what others should do but to, by our own example, encourage other parts of the world to behave appropriately, with respect. The budget speaks to respect: respect of our businesses, respect of our citizens and respect of those around the world. Yes, we have global challenges, and Canada is facing them. (1020) In Mississauga—Lakeshore, in my community where I grew up, people care about the community. They care about education, jobs and security. They do not care about who is responsible. They just care about the results.”
“We still picked up, and we still contributed more to the rest of the federation than we brought in, because we understood that Canada is one, notwithstanding all the provincial differences. I strongly support co-operation and success in Quebec, success in British Columbia, success in Alberta and success in all of our provinces, because that way we all succeed. Last, a fourth priority in this engagement, as to why I became a member and sought elected office, is to ensure that Canada stands proudly on the world stage. We have a lot to be proud of. Some may say we are reliant on major powers, and others may say Canada is a trusted partner and one that actually provides engagement regarding peace and the rule of law. That stands Canada apart. It is why we are a major force in NATO.”
“I tried at one point to foster a national co-operative securities regulator across all provinces, and I was able to get eight provinces to sign on. That enabled us to have a shared vision, one where we could attract more foreign direct investment at a lower cost to them, and people of all political stripes understood that. National unity is essential for Canada's prosperity. We can have our differences, but we recognize that when we work in tandem and try to help one another, we all succeed in our federation. At that time, I was representing the Province of Ontario, and we in that provincial government were going through some challenges with the 2008 downturn and the financial crisis.”
“We cannot do that without a strong economic force, and those programs are essential to help those less fortunate, to ensure that we have education and health care and that we have the backstop for those who are most in need. My community in Mississauga—Lakeshore cares about our economic prosperity and our ability to have jobs but also about ensuring that no one is left behind and that we support our elders as they move on to retirement. Another priority has been unity. Spending the years I did in the private sector, I recognized some of the challenges between provinces. Tearing down those barriers and enabling us to foster greater competitiveness as a country means we have to have stronger unity as a country between provinces.”
“Thank you, Madam Speaker. I know the members are very interested in what is happening. It is creating discussion, and that is important. After 25 years in the private sector, I wanted to give back to a society that enabled us to have opportunity. Many of us are products of immigration. My parents came in 1953 from a postwar fascist regime in Europe, seeking that opportunity to continue to prosper, to allow us that engagement and recognize that we all play an essential role in the well-being of Canada. My first priority in politics and government is to promote economic growth, to promote economic stability and to enable opportunity and prosperity. That is essential to who we are and what we do in the House. The budget speaks to that in a large way. The second priority is to be able to sustain social programs.”
“We are all accountable to our children and to our parents. We in this House are trying to enable our society to care for our elders and to provide every opportunity for our children, which brings us to the budget. I joined politics after 25 years in the private sector having my own business. I spent 20-plus years in the banking sector, supporting commercial business clients and participating in the capital markets. I enabled mergers and acquisitions and fostered ways for Canada to succeed. In that circumstance, I recognized—”
“Geopolitical challenges are before us. Our largest trading partner is becoming less dependable, which is requiring us to be more forthright, to broaden our reach. The budget speaks to that. These are complex issues, so gimmicks do not work in this case. We need a serious road map. We need some serious engagement by all sides to enable this to succeed and to enable Canada to succeed. At times, I hear us attacking the independent institutions in our democratic society that make us trusted partners around the world. I hear attacks on the Governor of the Bank of Canada or our securities commissions or our independent judges. We create the laws, but judges enact them, and we need that to be the case. The blame game that we sometimes see in the House can only go so far. We are all accountable here. We are all accountable to our constituents.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand before the House to speak to the third reading of the budget. The finance minister has done an extraordinary job of putting forward a blueprint for Canada that would enable us to be more competitive, to provide for prosperity and to protect our sovereignty. These are important steps, so I thank the minister of finance for doing so. These are values that are critically important to all of us. I believe it is a vision shared by all parties and certainly by Canadians. I came back into politics for a number of reasons. I think many members have as well. It is important for us to provide value in the House and to enable the next generation to be better off than we are, given the circumstances and the opportunities that we have in this place to do something better. We are at a pivotal moment in our history.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the third report of the Standing Committee on National Defence in relation to Bill C-11 , an act to amend the National Defence Act and other acts. The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House with amendments.”
“His legacy is written in the notes he taught and in the camaraderie that he fostered among the band members he mentored. He will be remembered not only for his musical talent but also for his dedication to the arts and his commitment to preserving our unique heritage. He was a dedicated husband and a loving father. Our deepest condolences go to his extraordinary wife, Pitty, their children, family and countless friends. May Miguel rest in eternal peace.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Miguel Domingos. A cherished leader and musician, he was a pillar of the Portuguese community. Miguel was a maestro of his beloved Banda do Sagrado Coração de Jesus of Toronto for decades and the conductor of the Banda do Senhor Santo Cristo. In their words, he stood at the helm of these marching bands, guiding their musicians with passion and an unwavering love for music. Under his baton, the bands not only flourished musically but also served as a vital touchstone for the community. Miguel's powerful operatic voice and leadership ensured that their cultural traditions remained alive, bringing joy and a sense of belonging to countless festivals, processions and concerts.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am very fortunate to live in a community that comes together to support those most in need. For the 17th year in a row, I am proud to partner with 'Twas the Bite Before Christmas and my annual holiday turkey drive. Over these years, working together, we have raised more than $1.2 million to support food banks in Mississauga. We are once again raising money to provide turkey dinners for families throughout this holiday season. I am grateful for the generous support of my neighbours and volunteers, and I appreciate the continued spirit of giving. The 'Twas the Bite Before Christmas campaign and the holiday turkey drive go a long way toward fighting despair and feeding hope. I wish everyone peace, joy and good health.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is important to recognize that there are two ways to stimulate economic growth in this country. One way is monetary policy, which the opposition has determined should not even exist. We need to have an independent and arm's-length overview of monetary policy to control inflation, and it has happened. Canadians had to endure some suffering, but the world suffers still to this day. The Bank of Canada took the necessary steps to control inflation, which has been a global phenomenon. Here in the House, we have the opportunity to control what we can focus on, and that is fiscal policy. We are investing to stimulate growth. That is what this budget is all about.”
“Mr. Speaker, we recognize it very well. My colleague , the former minister of finance for Quebec, and I delivered around 11 budgets between us. One thing we did that is similar to what is in this budget was ensure that we distinguished between borrowing for operating and borrowing to make investments and increase our prosperity. We delved very precisely into infrastructure spending programs, which subsequently enabled us to have a much greater level of prosperity and revenues. Even to this day, former governments are still doing ribbon cuttings for the things we approved, because our budgets went beyond election cycles and looked forward to the future of families and the future of Canada. That is how we achieved balance.”
“Today, an average home of about $800,000 carries an approximate debt of $100,000 to $200,000. It is the net benefit to Canadians that matters, and we are working for the benefit of Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, the question is about debt and deficits. I understand them fully. I delivered six budgets in the past. I recognized, after the 2008 financial crisis, that we were at the lowest we could be across Canada, not just in Ontario. We invested in infrastructure to stimulate economic growth and we tackled the situation by growing and stimulating the economy. Debt is a function of wealth. We could borrow to provide for investment and greater revenue in power, and that is what we did. It enabled us to have greater revenues and be able to come to balance. This budget speaks about Canada and the opportunities afforded to Canadians for future benefit. The member opposite may know that his grandmother had a $20,000 debt on a home worth only $80,000.”
“Through targeted spending, disciplined fiscal management and deep collaboration with the provinces, indigenous communities and private partners, this government would transform resilience into growth. Every investment, from homes to highways and training to trade corridors, would serve one purpose: ensuring that Canadians shape their own destiny. (1105) The choices made in 2025 will shape Canada’s next generation. The government’s path is one of investment and empowerment. We will continue to foster growth and support Canada and Canadians for a better future.”
“Budget 2025 would strengthen this foundation by aligning immigration policy, education and labour market strategies to fill shortages and open pathways for every generation. When Canadians have access to meaningful work, affordable housing and reliable public services, confidence grows. Prosperity is strongest when it is shared, and inclusivity remains at the heart of this government’s approach. Budget 2025 is rooted in confidence in Canada’s people, resources and values. It acknowledges uncertainty, but refuses to be defined by it. The plan would position Canada to lead in energy, critical minerals, technology and innovation, while safeguarding the environment and social programs that define national identity. Canada’s advantages are clear: abundant resources, world-class talent and stable democratic institutions.”