Leslie Church
Toronto—St. Paul's, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, what did 13 provincial premiers and territorial premiers agree to this week? They agreed to a permanent doubling of the national school food program that will be brought into 10,000 schools across the country. Thirteen provinces and territories agreed, but this opposition cannot get on board to feed kids in our schools.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is quite the opposite. We have worked hand in hand with organizations to ensure that these changes to this program are welcomed. We know that this program delivers important services for seniors in every single riding of every member in this House. That is something that we are going to continue.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are incredibly proud of this program. Last year alone, it supported over 2,600 projects right across Canada, helping seniors stay active and engaged and fight isolation. This year, we are increasing the value of the grants and we are making some changes to strengthen the integrity of the program.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and subsection 39(3) of the Accessible Canada Act, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the annual report of the Accessibility Commissioner of Canada for the 2025-26 fiscal year.”
“Madam Speaker, this is a government that is hard at work for all Canadians. We have a plan to build Canada strong, and on days like today we are seeing real progress with 88,000 net new jobs. The largest increase in those jobs is in construction. Youth unemployment fell by nearly a point.”
“The government knows that young Canadians deserve more opportunities. By keeping debt under control and investing in growth, we are protecting their future. The 2026 spring economic update shows a government that is meeting today's challenges while protecting tomorrow's prosperity.”
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“It recognizes the high cost of providing public services in the north, as well as the challenges the territorial governments face in providing these services to a large number of small, isolated communities. These communities are vitally important, particularly now, as we work to strengthen our Arctic sovereignty and defence. Before I conclude, there are two important funding increases in the main estimates that I wish the House to be aware of. One is to the World Bank's financial intermediary fund for Ukraine, and one is to the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Specifically, the government will be providing a $200-million contribution to the World Bank's International Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the financial intermediary fund for Ukraine in support of the Ukrainian government.”
“It is intended to support three broad areas of critical social programs: post-secondary education, social assistance and social services, and early childhood development and early learning and child care. It is allocated on an equal per capita cash basis to provide comparable treatment for all Canadians regardless of where they live. The CST funding has been legislated to grow by 3% annually. It is an important piece of the funding that this government delivers for Canadians across the country to uphold some of the very basic social services that we rely on. Finally, there is an increase of almost $330 million in territorial financing. The territorial formula financing program helps territorial governments fund essential public services in Canada's north, such as hospitals, schools, infrastructure and social services.”
“What does this all mean? In terms of the main estimates before us, equalization is going to increase by $917 million in 2025-26, which will directly impact the quality of and access to services that many Canadians rely on, an important part of maintaining our federation. The main estimates also provide an increase of $507 million to the Canada social transfer, a transfer that is very important to me and to many of my constituents in Toronto—St. Paul's. It is going to provide an increase at a 3% annual growth rate. The Canada social transfer, or the CST, is the third-largest federal block transfer to provinces and territories, after the health transfer and equalization.”
“Fiscal equalization is designed to ensure that Canadians have access to reasonably comparable levels of public services at reasonably comparable levels of taxation, thereby reducing fiscal disparities among the provinces. (2125) The allocation of equalization payments is based on a measure of fiscal capacity, which represents the revenues a province could raise if it were to tax at the national average tax rate. Equalization supports provinces that have a lower-than-average fiscal capacity. It is determined across five broad revenue categories: our personal income taxes, business taxes, consumption, property taxes and natural resource revenues. To enhance the stability and predictability of equalization payments, our fiscal capacity is estimated using a two-year lag in the data and a three-year weighted moving average.”
“In exchange for this new funding, provinces and territories committed to improving how health information is collected, shared, used and reported to Canadians to manage public health emergencies and deliver better health outcomes. The 2025-26 main estimates increase the Canada health transfer by over $2.6 billion, which represents the 5% minimum growth rate guaranteed by the federal government in February 2023. This funding is about working together to improve health care for all Canadians and, most importantly, safeguarding the universal public health care system that we believe in so deeply. Another important part of ensuring that all Canadians have access to great services like health care is the fiscal equalization program.”
“In the past, the government delivered urgent, much-needed investment to strengthen our public health care system. In budget 2023, the government delivered a plan to provide an additional $198.3 billion over 10 years. Some hon. members: Oh, oh! Leslie Church: Mr. Speaker, to the members opposite, yes, that does constitute a plan to support better health care, including $46.2 billion in new funding for provinces and territories. This included additional funding through the Canada health transfer, tailored bilateral agreements to meet the needs of each province and territory, and the renewal of the territorial health investment fund. I want to be clear.”
“With these measures, together we are delivering change that will affect people in their day-to-day lives, cut taxes, bring down costs and, most importantly, put money back in the pockets of Canadians. Turning to the main estimates and some of the spending measures we have laid out, a major element of Finance Canada's portion focuses on Canada's universal public health care system, something that is so important to Canadians. I am proud of Canada's universal health care system and the workers who uphold it, but they are under enormous strain, and it has been a challenge for Canadians to receive the high-quality care they expect. Patients seeking emergency care have found emergency rooms overwhelmed. Surgeries have been postponed or cancelled.”
“This tax cut alone will save Canadians up to $50,000, allowing more young people and their families to enter the housing market and realize the dream of home ownership. By eliminating the GST, Canadians will face lower upfront housing costs and keep more money in their pockets. It will also have a dynamic effect on increasing supply, spurring the construction of new homes across the country. We are also delivering a middle-class tax cut that will provide relief for nearly 22 million Canadians and save families up to $840. Canadians will start seeing these tax savings on their paycheques as of July 1, when the rate is adjusted. We are now formalizing the cancellation of the consumer carbon price, which took effect on April 1.”
“The government is well aware of the affordability challenges that have long impacted low-income and vulnerable Canadians and are now having serious impacts on middle-class households. Rents have gone up, and home prices have gone up. A generation of young Canadians are questioning whether they can afford a place to live today and whether they will be able to own a home of their own tomorrow. That is why the government is taking immediate action to address this crisis, and key to that plan is bringing down costs so Canadians can keep more of their paycheques and spend where it matters most to them. The government will be eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes at or under $1 million.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in this evening's committee of the whole debate on the main estimates. Before I get into the topic at hand, I would like to take a moment to highlight some of the measures that are so important to the people of my constituency of Toronto—St. Paul's and that our new government is taking to build the strongest economy in the G7 and bring down the cost of living, measures I know the Minister of Finance in particular has been leading on. Since being elected two months ago, we are already focused on delivering a plan to address the cost of living challenges that have eroded Canadians' quality of life, change that puts more money in the pockets of Canadians, change that builds a more affordable Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is Pride Month. It is a time to celebrate the 2SLGBTQI+ community and recognize their many accomplishments. We also know that the rise in hate targeting this community has left many feeling unsafe. Could the Minister of Women and Gender Equality share how the government plans to continue ensuring that everyone can live openly, safely and with dignity?”
“Mr. Speaker, the situation we face is incredibly serious. The shocking rise of anti-Semitism that we are seeing in Canada and around the world is leading to acts of violence. My heart breaks for the tragedies we have seen in the United States in the last couple of weeks, in Colorado and in Washington. Our first priority is to ensure that we have safe-access legislation to protect schools, campuses, places of worship and community centres. There is no room for any Canadian accessing services at these facilities in our community to have to experience the fear and intimidation that we are seeing on our streets. Following in the footsteps of some of the municipalities in Canada that are moving forward with similar types of legislation, bringing in those safe-access zones is an important priority for me as I enter this House.”
“Mr. Speaker, as Canadians, we learn a lot from the province of Quebec. I would look to the child care program as one of the examples, where, in following Quebec's lead, we have delivered a terrific program that has saved families considerable sums when they are seeking child care. Dental care is the same type of program, where Canadians are saving upwards of $800 per year on average, getting the kind of dental care they need and have not had access to, which makes a difference in people's lives, from young people all the way to seniors.”
“Mr. Speaker, first of all, in terms of the carbon tax, it is significant that it was among the first acts of this government to actually eliminate the carbon tax, delivering Canadians relief that they desperately needed. In terms of the industrial carbon price, Canadians are supportive of policies that ensure that big polluters pay the price of pollution. I would also note that Alberta was among the first provinces, if not the first province, to introduce an industrial carbon price. It is significant that the federal government followed its lead only years later.”
“As Prime Minister Lester Pearson hoped when he raised the Maple Leaf flag on Parliament Hill for the first time 60 years ago this year, “Under this flag may our youth find new inspiration for loyalty to Canada; for a patriotism based not on any mean or narrow nationalism, but on the deep and equal pride that all Canadians will feel for every part of this good land.” The road ahead may have challenges, but let us keep our eyes fixed on the horizon, towards a brighter future, a proud people and a Canada strong and free.”
“In closing, I am here to listen, to work hard and to ensure that the voices of Toronto—St. Paul's ring out in this chamber. We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and I want to pay tribute to the Hon. Dr. Carolyn Bennett, who served the community of St. Paul's for over 27 years in this House. She was a trail-blazing woman in politics and a champion of reconciliation and women's health, among her many accomplishments in a lifetime of service. With each new Parliament, there is more work to do in this great endeavour of building a country.”
“As parliamentarians, as Canadians, we must ensure unequivocally that no parent is ever afraid to send their child to school, that no small business is the target of hatred and that no synagogue, place of worship or neighbourhood is targeted in an effort to make any group of Canadians responsible for a foreign conflict. This is anti-Semitism, and it is unacceptable. As we work as a new government to make our streets safe, reduce crime and strengthen law enforcement, we will also protect schools, community centres and places of worship from acts of intimidation and fear. Freedom from fear is at the root of the Canadian commitment to democracy, pluralism and the rule of law. As we heard in the throne speech, these are values Canadians hold dear, and our government is determined to protect them.”
“It is mutual; we give it, and we expect it in return. It is what we expect from each other. Respect for one another is a Canadian value. It is what we must demand from our political leaders. Canadians expect us to reach out to one another, to wrestle in good faith with facts, not fiction. We are at a moment of change and challenge. It is easier than ever to spread fear and hate. This is a toxic recipe for any country. Toronto—St. Paul's, with its vibrant shuls and synagogues, is at the heart of Canada's Jewish community. The past 604 days since the terrorist attack of October 7 have been an extraordinarily difficult time of grief, anger, pain and fear. There has been, and continues to be, a very real, shocking rise in anti-Semitism in our city.”
“These professions continue to tell our uniquely Canadian stories, reflect our history and open our imagination. [ English ] In the heart of Toronto, we support the arts and strong public institutions: our science centres, our art galleries, the local organizations that bring people of all ages together for theatre, crafts and fellowship. In an era of misinformation and polarization, our public broadcaster has a vital role. Let us improve the CBC-Radio Canada, not tear it down. When I think back to when I was knocking on doors this past winter, I remember the snowbanks with hockey sticks planted in them flying Canadian flags. Canadians are ready to stand up for Canada. Yes, it is about patriotism, but as the Prime Minister has shown, it is also about respect. Respect is something we expect from our neighbours and allies.”
“Bill Davis on the Rae review of post-secondary education, to improve the quality and accessibility of Ontario's colleges and universities. Today, more than ever, our ambition should be nothing less than to have world-leading skills and education. As the throne speech set out, the skilled trades can open the doors to good careers for hundreds of thousands of Canadians. These careers will be even better if they are connected to world-leading science and innovation: the builder who builds more homes faster at lower cost with new materials, the engineer who can harness AI and lead a team to bring it to market. Toronto—St. Paul's is home to today's innovators and entrepreneurs, and tomorrow's too. (1725) [ Translation ] We are also a community of artists, filmmakers, musicians, authors and journalists.”
“The strongest economies are built on solid foundations of housing, education and culture. We are focused on building affordable homes to drive supply up and bring costs down. We will build across the full continuum of housing needs, from deeply affordable housing, co-ops and purpose-built rentals to a supply of new homes for young people and young families. We have major federal investments already at work in St. Paul's, building over 800 new suites across two buildings on Broadway Avenue. At St. Hilda's Towers, we are investing in 330 new affordable suites for seniors. This is just the beginning. We need to, and we will, build many more homes. While housing is key to a strong economy, education lights the spark of economic opportunity. Twenty years ago, I had the honour of working with former premiers the Hon. Bob Rae and the Hon.”
“Many of our neighbours are struggling with rising rents, a lack of housing, a rising cost of living and precarious jobs. As the throne speech set out, too many families are struggling to get ahead. We are here to deliver for Canadians. It is why our very first act as a new government is to reduce middle-class taxes, saving families up to $840 a year. We are also protecting the programs that Canadians rely on. In St. Paul's, I met seniors at St. Matthew's Bracondale House who were getting dental care for the first time in years because of our dental care program. I have met families saving upwards of $10,000 a year because of our $10-a-day child care plan. This is good for kids, good for families and good for our economy as parents, especially women, return to their careers. It is a triple crown that has already boosted our GDP.”
“Paul's, from Hillcrest and Humewood to Davisville Village and the great republic of Rathnelly, from Oakwood and Little Jamaica through Cedarvale and Forest Hill, from bustling towers at Yonge and Eglinton to quiet streets nestled above Moore Park Ravine. St. Paul's is an incredible community, one of caring, kindness and ambition. We believe in supporting our neighbourhood with vibrant farmers' markets and local small businesses that give our streets character and a strong sense of community. We share a deep love for our city and our country, and a commitment to leaving both in better shape for our children, with new green spaces, better public transit, high-quality public health care and education, and a strong economy that lifts up our quality of life. However, there are challenges.”
“I think of my grandma Wanda, no longer with us, who left an indelible mark on my life. She came to Canada to escape the war in Europe, built a life as a seamstress and wife of a carpenter, and was a proud Liberal. She always cared for her neighbours and kept scissors close to the newspaper so she could clip the articles she thought were important for us to read. I am grateful every day for the life that Canada has afforded my family. It is why I ran for public office to do the work that must always be done to safeguard our country, strengthen our unity and ensure every Canadian has a bright future ahead. Over the past 18 months, I have had the wonderful experience of connecting with so many neighbours from across Toronto—St.”
“To our campaign team, led by Wilder Walker-Stewart and Jonathan Afek Levy, and our local riding association, led by Brian Klunder, my thanks for their hard work, long nights and leadership of our outstanding dream team. I want to thank my family for their immense love and support: my husband Sheamus and children Adaira, Ethan and Meghan. Making sure they grow up into a safe, prosperous and bright future inspires me every day to do this work. I grew up around airports and airplanes in Edmonton, Alberta, as the daughter of two air traffic controllers. Whenever I see a plane overhead, I think of my parents, Doug and Helen. I thank them for their support and the values of hard work and education, not to mention calm under pressure, that they instilled in my brother, sister and me.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Marc-Aurèle-Fortin . As I rise for the first time in the House in response to the Speech from the Throne, I begin by offering my deepest gratitude to the people of Toronto—St. Paul's for their trust in electing me to their seat in the House of Commons. [ Translation ] It is the greatest honour of my life to be their voice in the House. [ English ] I want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who brought incredible energy to our campaign, like James Kingsmill, a high school student who knocked on doors almost every day after class, part of an army of engaged residents who made calls, dropped off food, hosted coffee parties and helped us speak to tens of thousands of people across the community.”