Steeve Lavoie
Beauport—Limoilou, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“It is a commitment to Canada's youth and a message of hope, confidence and responsibility. We cannot predict Canada's future. We must build it with our young people. Earlier, I spoke about the Red Seal. The Red Seal represents Canadian excellence in many trades.”
“Well, this spring, the government reaffirmed the need to invest in them and to ensure that no young person in this country feels abandoned by the government when it comes to rising to the challenges of current, potential or future issues. This is exactly what this economic update is proposing through a host of important measures.”
“We also have immense reserves of the critical minerals that are essential to the global energy transition and the technologies of tomorrow. We enjoy privileged access to international markets through free trade agreements with countries that represent more than 1.5 billion consumers. We are already beginning to see the results.”
“That is a direct investment in young people, allowing them to reach their full potential and contribute to our country's growth and economic development.”
“They are the ones who answer calls, greet constituents, help people navigate their dealings with government departments, organize our meetings, prepare our files and enable us to be present both in our ridings and in Ottawa.”
“In particular, I want to thank Nancy, Souraya, Nicholas, Aboubacar and Myriam. I am proud to work with them. I rise today to speak to the economic update from a perspective that hits home for me, especially as a father and grandfather, and that issue is youth.”
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“Canada leads the G7 in per capita foreign direct investment inflows. To be specific, that is $1,231 per person in the first three quarters of 2025 alone, which is almost twice as much as what the United States took in. Considerable progress has been made over the past year. Major projects have been launched, drawing significant investment and creating tens of thousands of jobs. In my riding, Beauport—Limoilou, these issues are very real. We are smack dab in the middle of a strategic region for trade, transportation and logistics. Our proximity to the St. Lawrence, our infrastructure and our geographic location make us a key player in Canadian supply chains. Every investment in commercial infrastructure, every initiative to improve the flow of trade and every strategic project has a direct impact on us.”
“Groceries cost more, affordable housing is harder to find, and every dollar counts. When an organization like Patro Roc-Amadour in Limoilou sees an increase in requests for food assistance, that is not just a statistic. That is a human reality. In this context, our responsibility as parliamentarians is clear. We must act ambitiously, effectively and with discipline. We must focus on those factors that we can control, such as the strength of our economy, our country's ability to invest and, most of all, Canadians' quality of life. The spring economic update is closely aligned with those principles. It offers a structured, coherent and future-oriented approach. It strikes a crucial balance between building more, strengthening our economy and easing pressure on the cost of living.”
“Madam Chair, I rise today to speak to Bill C-30 , the spring economic update 2026 implementation act. I will also address a fundamental issue for our country, our regions and the people we represent, which is to build a strong, more resilient and more accessible Canada for all. We are currently at a hinge moment. The world we live in is undergoing profound change. It is more uncertain, more fragmented and marked by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and increased pressure on the cost of living. For many families, these realities are not just theoretical. They are felt every day, when shopping for groceries, searching for a place to live, or managing a household budget. In my riding of Beauport—Limoilou and across the country, people are under immense pressure.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge an important anniversary in my riding of Beauport—Limoilou. This year, the Cercle de fermières de Courville is celebrating its 50th anniversary. For half a century, this group has served as much more than a place to pass on textile and craft-related know-how. It is a true pillar of community life, a place of gathering, solidarity and engagement. Over the years, members of the Cercle de fermières de Courville have preserved its precious traditions while allowing them to evolve, by sharing them with new generations and by adapting them to the present day. I want to thank the founders, current members and the members who will someday take over the reins, and offer them my congratulations on 50 years of history and collective pride.”
“Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked a historic moment. For the first time, two international trade bills received royal assent on the same day. These two agreements with Indonesia and the United Kingdom provide for the gradual reduction of numerous tariffs in order to improve market access and the competitiveness of our businesses. As the member for Beauport—Limoilou, I know that diversification is essential for SMEs and workers in Quebec City. Can the Quebec lieutenant explain how these agreements will help SMEs in Quebec City and across the country grow, export more and create good jobs here at home?”
“Mr. Speaker, today I want to highlight the success of the CEGEP Limoilou Titans, a women's hockey team from my riding of Beauport—Limoilou. Last week, after dominating the playoffs from beginning to end, the Titans won the provincial college championship for the third year in a row. This victory is the result of strong teamwork, supported by the inspiring leadership of captain Rosalie Breton, who received the honour of being the playoff MVP. Aside from their great win, the Titans bring prestige to Limoilou and remind us of the importance of supporting and promoting women's sport, which plays a key role in the development of our young people. I want to congratulate the players, coaches and staff on an exceptional season. Congratulations to the girls. Go, Titans, go!”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his remarks and I would like to ask him a question. I know it takes time to prepare a speech. What I am hearing is a lot of frustration. What I have also been hearing from the start is a lack of long-term vision for our country. During his 10‑minute speech, I heard him say that people are not happy and that we are doing nothing. However, what I have been hearing from people in my riding, which is next to my colleague's, is that they are happy with what the government is doing right now. People have never been this happy to see their government taking action, moving forward and making progress. That is what people want us to do. I am hearing the opposite from my colleague. Today we are talking about Bill C‑28 . I would like to know if my colleague is for or against this bill.”
“Mr. Speaker, this sector will create jobs for the future. We are talking about innovation and engineering. It is a developing sector with incredible potential that puts Canada front and centre. These are decisions that have to be made today. In practical terms, investments are already being made, but right now, we need to speed up the process and take the right steps.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his excellent question. Yes, in the past, we were not quick enough to invest in certain sectors. Our decisions did not come fast enough. Now is the right time to make this kind of decision. The whole world is watching us, and Canada is the only G7 country that is not autonomous. Twenty per cent of Canada's economy relies on satellites, yet we have no autonomous launch capabilities. We have been talking a lot about sovereignty over the past year. People see what is going on with the global uncertainty. This is highly relevant to the government's actions. There are short-, medium- and long-term actions.”
“Mr. Speaker, with this bill, we are providing certainty and predictability. We want investments to be made here in Canada. These are investments for future generations. During my speech, I talked about the young people who watched Artemis II. I am well aware that some things are expenditures and others are investments. In this case, we are talking about long-term investments. We need to pass this bill now to bring those investments here. This is a sector that is growing rapidly and exponentially. Decisions need to be made now and quickly. That is what Canadians expect from us. They expect us to make decisions and ensure that Canada is ready for the future.”
“Most importantly, this bill allows us to move from merely recognizing our potential to taking concrete steps to realize it. By developing space launch capabilities in Canada, we are strengthening both our sovereignty and our competitiveness in an industry poised for tremendous growth. Since the new government took office, it has made a number of decisions with this sovereignty in mind, including on economic diversification, investments in our infrastructure and yesterday's announcement regarding the sovereign wealth fund that Canada is setting up. If the past few weeks have taught us anything, it is this: When we look beyond the immediate, when we work together and when we believe in our abilities, we can achieve great things, and Canada is no exception.”
“It represents a concrete opportunity to create wealth, support our businesses and secure Canada's place in the global economy of tomorrow. It aims to provide Canada with the necessary framework to develop a sovereign space launch capability right here, on our own soil. It will also help attract investment, create high-quality jobs and position Canada as a key player in the space economy of the future. By passing this bill, we have an opportunity to take this industry to a whole new level, with the potential to generate up to $40 billion in total revenue in Canada. Behind those numbers lie very real benefits for Canadians. For example, a spaceport project in Nova Scotia could create up to 16,000 jobs and boost the economy of an entire region, while adding $300 million to Canada's GDP.”
“In practical terms, this means that our companies, our institutions, and even our government must rely on other countries to launch their satellites into orbit. This dependence results in costly delays, diverts investment that could be made right here in Canada and exposes our critical infrastructure to decisions beyond our control. Nearly 20% of the Canadian economy relies on satellite connectivity, whether for telecommunications, agriculture, marine navigation, supply chain information, mining projects in remote areas, science, government operations or Canadian defence. This dependence is only going to increase. The global space industry is booming, with projections exceeding $1.5 trillion by 2032. Bill C-28 reflects that reality. This bill enables us to transform our expertise into a genuine driver of economic growth.”
“Behind every mission, behind every technological breakthrough, there are young people with dreams, young people who choose to pursue careers in science, engineering, aeronautics and space exploration, because they know these fields hold the promise of a bright future. That is why we have a responsibility to create the conditions necessary for this potential to be fully realized here. Today, despite our recognized expertise and our long‑standing contributions, Canada remains the only G7 country without a sovereign space launch capability. As we can see, several other countries have already achieved this. Take the United Kingdom for example, which established its space sector in 2018 and has since developed a $35‑billion industry employing more than 50,000 people.”
“and Soviet superpowers, to design and build its own satellite. That is a testament to the historic leadership and ambition that have always driven Canada's space program. Even now, Canadians are still directly involved in the most ambitious missions of our time. (1230) These achievements are a reflection of exceptional expertise, a steadfast commitment to innovation and a forward‑looking vision. Above all, they remind us of one essential thing: potential; the potential of Canada, the potential of our businesses, the potential of our researchers and engineers, and the potential of the younger generations who look to these accomplishments and see endless possibilities.”
“Differences gave way to a shared sense of pride, curiosity and wonder. Space exploration has this unique power. It reminds us that, when we work together, when we rely on knowledge, innovation and collaboration, there is virtually no limit to what we can accomplish. It also reminds us that, even in a world that is undergoing rapid and often complex and uncertain changes, we still have the ability to come together around promising and ambitious projects for the good of humanity. Canada must not be a mere observer on the sidelines of this great adventure. In fact, Canada has always been at the forefront of the great advancements in space. We were one of the first countries to send a satellite into orbit. We developed technologies that are recognized around the world. In 1962, Canada became the third country in the world, after the U.S.”
“Last week, the day after Bill C-28 was tabled in the House, we marked Earth Day. It is a day that reminds us that we share the same planet, with shared responsibilities. Often, when we take a step back and look a little further afield, this reality becomes even more clear. We got a glimpse of this recently with the Artemis II mission. The images of earth captured during the mission and broadcast by NASA were striking. Seen from space, our planet appears both vast and fragile, without borders or divisions. Even though we have had images of earth for over 60 years, we never tire of them; they are still as magnificent as ever, as if we were seeing them for the first time. Millions of people around the world watched that mission with fascination. For a moment, borders became blurred.”
“Serving the constituents is a team effort, and I am fortunate to be surrounded by exceptional people. I thank them all. Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to thank my partner and my children for their support. Without Mélanie, I would not be here today. She has been by my side since I first started thinking about this, right from the very beginning of this journey. She told me she would always be there for me, and she is, every single day. Without her, none of this would be possible. This work is demanding. It requires a great deal of time, energy and sacrifice. Without the support of our families, it is very difficult to succeed and stay the course. I thank her for being that pillar of strength, that quiet strength and that indispensable presence in my life.”
“I thank her for her daily commitment and her reassuring presence. I thank Aboubacar, who assists newcomers and residents who need help with the Canada Revenue Agency. I thank him for his attentiveness, patience and kindness. I thank Nicholas, who builds valuable relationships with organizations in the riding and accompanies me to community events. I thank him for his unwavering commitment to the residents and his professionalism. I would like to thank Myriam, who supports me every day here in Ottawa and who works tirelessly to ensure that everything runs smoothly. I thank her for her support, her dedication and her efficiency. Finally, I would like to thank Nancy, who manages the constituency office remarkably well, with a masterful touch. I thank her once again for her invaluable support in this wonderful and crazy adventure.”
“Mr. Speaker, I first want to mention that I will be sharing my time with the member for Sydney—Glace Bay . I am pleased to rise today in support of Bill C-28 , which represents a significant step forward for Canada's economic and strategic future. To begin, I would like to point out that I was elected a year ago today. I want to thank the people of Beauport—Limoilou for putting their trust in me, and I hope that they have been proud of the work that I have accomplished for them in this first year. I also want to take a moment to wish all of my colleagues a happy first anniversary. I would also like to thank the people who work every day, with diligence and dedication, to serve the people of Beauport—Limoilou. I thank Souraya, who welcomes all visitors to the office with warmth, empathy, and professionalism.”
“Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to call attention to the 45th anniversary of La Boussole, a vital organization active in the Beauport—Limoilou riding. For 45 years, La Boussole has provided support to people living with mental health disorders and their loved ones. It offers a wide range of services, including a crisis line available in the Quebec City area 7 days a week to anyone who needs it. All of these services are provided free of charge so that everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, can obtain personalized, accessible and essential support. Every year, the centre supports over 3,000 people of all ages. La Boussole literally helps save lives by listening and by being there. I applaud the outstanding work done by La Boussole and thank its entire team for 45 years of dedication to our community.”
“He has always been driven by a single goal, and that is to preserve human life. Today, I want to acknowledge the work of someone who is often unassuming but whose impact is immense, namely the member for La Prairie—Atateken , who is my colleague and friend.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to some important news that went largely unnoticed last week. In Quebec, the regulations governing boxing matches have just been strengthened following some investigative journalism into the tragic death of Mexican boxer Jeanette Guadalupe Zacarias Zapata. At the heart of this heightened awareness is the rigorous, impartial and essential work of a coroner. There are 101 coroners in Quebec, men and women who are dedicated to making our lives safer. In this case, the coroner helped not only to bring the truth to light, but also, and more importantly, to better protect the lives of all boxers in Quebec. This individual is a physician by profession who has dedicated his life to caring for patients here and around the world.”
“As he prepares to begin his well-deserved retirement, I want to acknowledge his significant contribution to our community. I want to thank Mr. Bergeron.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my constituents in Beauport—Limoilou. Marc Bergeron is a psychoeducator who coordinates the “1, 2, 3 Go! Limoilou” initiative. For the past 20 years, Mr. Bergeron has been driving around Limoilou in his little bus filled with activities, stopping at every park. Above all, he spreads happiness and pure joy. He gets lots of attention everywhere he goes, making people smile, making people laugh and bringing people together. He simply creates beautiful, happy moments for people of all ages. Over the years, his bus has become a true gathering place and a landmark for many families. His dedication reminds us that it is the small, everyday acts that make our neighbourhoods more welcoming and more vibrant.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague is wondering why we are not accepting their plan, yet I could ask him the same question. Why is he not voting in favour of affordability for our families? We need only consider dental care and how important it is in our regions. I see the number of people who registered in my riding. We even organized sign-up sessions. That is something practical. I went into politics to do practical things. Now, we have a real opportunity to do that. Talking and proposing things are all well and good, but when it comes time to vote for practical action, the opposition, unfortunately, is not on board. Does my colleague intend to join us in the future and vote for measures that help people in practical ways?”
“Mr. Speaker, this year, Autisme Québec is celebrating 50 years of service to people with autism and their families in the greater Quebec City area. In 1976, parents seeking better specialized services for people with autism launched this initiative, which is now recognized as a essential pillar of the community. Autisme Québec is part of the Fédération québécoise de l'autisme. It brings together parents, loved ones and allies who share the same mission, which is to provide better support, information and guidance. The organization works actively to promote and defend the rights of people with autism and their families. For 50 years, Autisme Québec has been helping to build a more inclusive, more respectful and more compassionate society.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, whom I hold in high regard. We are talking about a market that is 99% tariff-free. When we talk about tariffs, people know exactly what we are talking about. The potential is enormous. Take, for example, Japan, one of the member countries. In 2023, we saw 60% growth in this market. In Vietnam, over the same period, growth was 110%. These are growing markets with nearly 600 million consumers in the CPTPP zone. For our Canadian companies, having agreements and adding countries to them helps diversify markets. As a government, we are helping these companies do business over there and guiding them to these markets.”
“By bringing reliable countries like the United Kingdom into agreements like the one we are debating today, we increase predictability for the Canadian market.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his question, which I really appreciate. I am not sure I fully understood the question. I think it contained quite a few elements and was very complex. Today we are talking about Canada and the United Kingdom, two reliable partners. The word “reliable” has come up a lot in recent months and years. It is important for our companies to do business with reliable partners. That makes a big difference. I talked about predictability earlier. That is a huge issue for our businesses these days. Look at wheat. Farmers have to plant it. They have to rotate their crops and plan what they are going to plant or not plant. That is why they need to know what is going to happen and what they will be able to sell six months down the line.”
“Mr. Speaker, the CPTPP market is an incredible market for consumers. Between 2018 and 2024, beef alone saw an increase from $338 million to $750 million. This is a market that is evolving and moving quickly. There is potential to diversify markets for all sectors. We are zeroing in on a single sector, but if we consider all Canadian sectors, which is our role here, it is an incredible market. About 70 million additional consumers will be entering the CPTPP. This is good news for Canada and especially for market diversification, which is so important.”
“That is why I urge all members of the House to support Bill C‑13 , which seeks to implement the accession of the United Kingdom to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership for a more diverse, resilient and prosperous economy. In the great global economic game that is now under way, Canada is not merely defending its position, it is playing to win.”
“However, this openness must always be paired with vigilance. We have to pay careful attention to sector-specific impacts, protect sensitive sectors and actively support and stand by our businesses so they that can take full advantage of these new opportunities. The CPTPP expansion is more than a technical measure. It is a strategic decision to choose openness in an uncertain world, to choose diversification over dependency, and more than anything, to choose to create meaningful benefits for the workers, business people and communities that we represent. Like in chess, what counts is not just the next move; it is the position we are setting up for the years to come. Today, this bill gives us the opportunity to strengthen Canada's position on the global trade chessboard.”
“We have learned an important lesson in the last few years. Depending too heavily on a limited number of markets can make an economy vulnerable. When trade tensions arise, the fallout can be swift. That is why trade diversification is essential. It reduces risk, opens up new markets and creates new opportunities for Canadian businesses. Now, at third reading stage, our responsibility is simple: We have to ask ourselves whether this bill contributes to Canadians' prosperity. The people of Beauport—Limoilou, like people in the rest of the country, are calling on us to act, protect and build. They want stable jobs, competitive businesses and a future filled with opportunities for their children. If our trade agreements allow our businesses to innovate, export and grow right here in Canada, then they are fulfilling their role correctly.”
“When a Canadian agri-food producer wants to sell their products in other countries, tariffs can be as high as 20%, 30% or more. Trade agreements can do away with those barriers, instantly making that Canadian business more competitive. That can be the difference between winning and losing a contract. The United Kingdom's accession to the CPTPP strengthens that dynamic. The U.K. is one of the largest economies in the world with some 70 million consumers. It is also a partner that shares many of our economic values: the rule of law, trade transparency and predictable rules. To apply the chess analogy, bringing the U.K. into the agreement strengthens our position on the global chessboard. It expands the economic space in which Canadian businesses can grow, and it opens new doors to our exporters.”
“It is because free-trade agreements create enough predictability that companies can invest while mitigating their risk. Companies that want to invest large sums of money to retrofit a plant, carry out research and development or ship their merchandise over long distances need the support of banks for their financing. Having been a banker for close to 20 years, I know that the first aspect bankers examine, one of the most important factors they consider before investing, is the viability of a business. The predictability provided by this type of agreement reassures both businesses and banks in terms of investment. These agreements lower tariffs, eliminate a lot of red tape and allow businesses to invest while knowing exactly what the rules are. Here is a real-life example.”
“Chess players never think only about the next move; they think three, four or even five moves ahead. Each move is meant to strengthen their position, and every piece that is played opens up a new opportunity. Most of all, good players avoid relying on a single strategy. They come up with a variety of options instead. For a country like Canada, trade diversification works exactly the same way. We cannot depend on one market. We need to have many partners, many avenues and many possibilities, because in an uncertain world, having options becomes a strategic force. (1315) That is exactly what the expansion of the CPTPP represents. Since the agreement came into effect, trade between Canada and its partner countries has grown significantly. Why?”
“Some sell only locally, while many have the potential to sell elsewhere. For example, take Quebec's softwood lumber producers, aluminum companies in the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region, agri-food businesses that export pork, maple syrup or processed foods, and Canadian technology companies that are developing digital and industrial solutions. When these businesses find new markets, they grow, and when they grow, they hire. We are currently in an international environment marked by a great deal of uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions are on the rise, and supply chains are changing, as are global trade rules. This means that Canada must act strategically. Allow me to make a simple comparison that I am particularly fond of and that I used in my last speech. Sometimes, international economic relations are a lot like chess.”
“Limoilou is even more of a hub due to its proximity to the Port of Québec. It is home to companies that deal with handling, warehousing, marine logistics and intermodal transportation. When shipments come in by ship or by train, whether containing minerals, forestry products or even wheat for European markets, they go through this network of companies and workers. These are real jobs for people in my riding. This reality is a reminder of something important: International trade is a necessary step for every nation that wants to prosper, and sometimes for those just trying to survive. Across the country, the economy is built on a network of local businesses, such as small family businesses that often go back generations, and firms in construction, transportation, manufacturing, professional services or processing.”
“Trucks take Highway 40, then Route 138 and continue along the St. Lawrence River to supply the industrial and mining regions of eastern Canada. In concrete terms, this means that our region is part of a bustling economic corridor. In Beauport, for example, proximity to these highways means that many service companies have been set up. Beauport is home to hotels, restaurants and transportation and logistics companies that, every week, do business with workers from all over: truck drivers, engineers, entrepreneurs and workers in the mining, forestry and even energy sectors. A truck transporting industrial parts to the mines on the north shore can very easily stop overnight in Beauport. A contractor coming to supervise a work site in Sept‑Îles can go through Quebec City to meet with partners. That is the economic reality in my riding.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with my colleague from Kings—Hants . I am speaking today at the third reading of Bill C-13 , which aims to implement the United Kingdom's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP. Before I start talking about international trade, I would like to say a few words about my riding, Beauport—Limoilou, because the decisions made here in Ottawa have a very real impact on our community. My riding occupies a strategic position in the Quebec City region and for Canada. It is located at the junction of several major transportation routes that connect the national capital to all of eastern Quebec and then extend to Europe. Every day, goods pass through our region on their way to the north shore, Sept-Îles, Fermont, all the way to Labrador.”
“Mr. Speaker, we exported $2.3-billion worth of goods in 2024. We are talking about a country with the fourth largest population in the world. As I said earlier, this country is ascendant. Now is the time to position ourselves, because we can exponentially increase that $2.3 billion. We are working on positioning ourselves. We have seen the investments that are going to be made in our infrastructure. Wheat is exported to Europe from my riding of Beauport—Limoilou. We need to invest in infrastructure today if we want to double exports within 10 years, so this is excellent news for the Canadian economy.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. I really appreciate it. I will start at the end. To be very clear, Canada has always considered any amount of worker exploitation unacceptable. Canada has always asked that such clauses be included in its agreements. As for businesses in my riding that already do business abroad, I named some earlier, including one that helps businesses import and export abroad. Yes, I talked a lot about Beauport—Limoilou because I am proud of it. However, we can look at the reactions of stakeholders. Cereals Canada, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, the Wheat Growers Association, the Canadian Meat Council and the Canadian Pork Council have all responded positively to this agreement and the forthcoming agreement.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague. I really appreciate his participation at the Standing Committee on International Trade. He is a proud representative of Beauce. We were talking about chess matches and the short, medium and long terms. We do need to look at the short term. As of tomorrow morning, we will have access to a market of almost 300 million people, and 95% of tariffs will be removed. As my colleague just said, U.S. tariffs are hurting our businesses. They are hurting businesses in Beauce. We are talking about almost 97% of goods being tariff-free. We are also looking at the long term because we want to double exports in the next decade. That part of the world is the fourth-largest economy in the world, and it is growing fast. Canada must position itself now. We cannot wait until that part of the world is at its peak.”
“I therefore invite all members of the House to support Bill C-18 for a more diversified, resilient and prosperous economy. In the big global economic game that is being played, Canada is not just defending its position, it is playing to win.”
“Some are reacting; Canada is making strategic advances. This bill projects leadership in a world grappling with economic and geopolitical uncertainty. It asserts that Canada will remain a major player in international trade. It affirms that Quebec will continue to export innovation. It signals that our businesses will have access to growing markets. A good chess strategy is based on three principles: anticipate, diversify, build. Anticipate risks, diversify options and build a winning position. That is exactly what Bill C-18 does. It prepares our economy for the realities of the 21st century. It connects Canadian ingenuity with global demand. It creates opportunities for Quebec businesses. It strengthens the prosperity of communities across the country. Canada is playing this game with confidence, clarity and determination.”
“Diversifying our trade is about reducing risk, building resilience and positioning Canada for future prosperity. It is about giving our businesses predictability. That is the word business people used the most at the Standing Committee on International Trade. They want predictability. That is why our government is working to double non-U.S. exports over the next decade. This is not some slogan; this is a national strategy, and the agreement with Indonesia is a key component of that strategy. Canada's first bilateral agreement with an ASEAN nation, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, clearly signals our engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. In the global game currently unfolding, some countries are choosing retreat; Canada is choosing to engage. Some are choosing protectionism; Canada is choosing partnership.”
“That is exactly what this agreement will do. It establishes predictable and stable trade rules. It strengthens the supply chain. It paves the way for lasting partnerships between Canadian and Indonesian companies. For Quebec's key sectors, namely aerospace, clean technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy, this means a real strategic advantage in a growing market. What we are doing today is consolidating a position that will enable our companies to grow tomorrow. Great nations, like great chess players, always think long term. By 2050, Indonesia is expected to become one of the world's five largest economies. For Canada, establishing strong trade relations with this rapidly growing partner now is a strategic move. For too long now, our economy has relied heavily on a major trading partner.”
“In the short term, the agreement with Indonesia immediately enhances access to a market of nearly 300 million people, the largest economy in ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and an Indo-Pacific global powerhouse. (1555) The elimination of tariffs on more than 95% of Canadian exports will make our products more competitive in one of the world's most dynamic markets. This is a tangible gain. It is an immediate gain. It is a strategic gain. For Quebec and the Quebec City region, this means more exports for our manufacturers, new technology partnerships, and more investments that create quality jobs. A national strategy cannot be limited to the opening moves. In the medium term, a game of chess involves controlling the centre of the board, creating solid positions, and connecting the pieces.”
“In this great global economic chess game, Canada is not a spectator. Canada is a player, a player that must think in the short, medium and long terms. That is exactly what Bill C‑18 does. The bill is more than a trade agreement; it is a strategic move. It is a piece that is being moved with intention, a position set up with the future in mind. It forms part of an ambitious trade diversification plan. The plan is clear: to open new markets, to reduce dependence, and to create opportunities for Canadian businesses, including those in the greater Quebec City area. In any game of chess, the short term is about openings, those first moves that set up a position.”