Abdelhaq Sari
Bourassa, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, people are coming out of the woodwork every day claiming to be AI experts. Some have contacted me, others have tried to meet with me and, recently, someone insisted that I read his book. I thought to myself, “Oh no, not another one!” I decided to take his advice anyway and read his book. Well, I followed his advice.”
“Most of all, the environment and our planet will benefit, because each appliance repaired rather than discarded represents a resource conserved and one less piece of trash. Repair is an integral part of Quebec and Canadian culture.”
“That is what Bill C-267 proposes: a response that is both simple and ambitious—a national framework for sustainable and repairable electronic products and essential devices. It is not a rigid regulation; it is not an encroachment on provincial jurisdictions.”
“It makes a lot of sense because it provides that things can be repaired instead of merely replaced, that we can be informed instead of being unaware, and that we can work together instead of imposing anything. (1830) [ English ] I think of the families in Bourassa and across the country who are watching what we do here today.”
“The European Union introduced a right to repair directive in 2024. The United Kingdom passed its legislation back in 2021. In the U.S., over twenty states have taken action with bipartisan support. Apple, Samsung, LG and Whirlpool are already adapting these standards to their other markets. This means a minimal burden for Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am speaking today about Bill C-267 . Someone's refrigerator breaks down. They call a technician, who says that the part is no longer available, that the repair manual is missing or was never available and that the cost of the repair exceeds the price of a new appliance.”
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“Mr. Speaker, today, as part of Black History Month, we celebrate the Black community's history, resilience, and its important contributions to Canadian society. This is an everyday reality in Bourassa, thanks in particular to a large concentration of Canadians of Haitian origin and from around the world, whose commitment and solidarity enrich my riding and those of my colleagues here. For generations, Black women and men have contributed to Canada in all areas, strengthening our cohesion and shaping a more just and inclusive country. Black History Month is a time for remembrance, but also a time for pride and recognition. It reminds us that diversity is a strength for our country. Beyond our differences, beyond our origins, we are one people and one alone, united by the values of dignity, respect and solidarity.”
“Madam Speaker, the member is skirting around my remarks. I hope the member is looking to understand what an impact indicator is. When we take an action, an impact indicator helps us choose the measure that will have the greatest impact on the majority of Canadians. I talked about the 12 million Canadians who are going to benefit from this measure. That is the impact I wanted to talk about. No, we are not forgetting seniors. This government is not leaving anyone behind. We are all Canadian, and we are all entitled to receive support.”
“Madam Speaker, I just want to repeat something I said before, to make it clearer. Our government is going to work with the provinces and territories on standardizing product labelling. That is a very important factor. The unit price is very important because it makes it easier for consumers to compare prices and pick the most affordable option. That is something that I mentioned in my speech and wanted to repeat for clarity.”
“Madam Speaker, I just want people to remember that food inflation is a global phenomenon. People also have to remember that we are choosing targeted measures, as I said earlier. We chose actions with action indicators for a much greater impact. The problem that we are talking about today is something we are seeing. It is here and now, as members on the other side of the House say every question period. We are taking action in this area to achieve a much greater impact. However, my colleague forgot to say a few things. Earlier, I was talking about measures. He forgot that we have also taken serious action on supply chains. We took action with farmers. We took action on developing greenhouses. That plays a really important role in lowering the cost of living and the cost of groceries.”
“Madam Speaker, I want to start by saying that when it comes to the information system problem, the technology problem or the solution, my heart goes out to those who may be experiencing difficult situations. However, I do not really like the idea of revisiting that point to provide explanations. I do not really like teaching. I am not in a position to teach anything. I do not relish the idea of addressing that aspect because I think my colleague is smart enough to realize that it is a much more systemic issue, and we are taking action on the elements that can be most effective and where we can have a much greater impact. Our government is taking action on issues that will have an immediate impact now, as well as a recurring and permanent impact.”
“That is precisely what our government is delivering through direct support to households, investments in food production, concrete action on supply chains and an economic vision focused on resilience and equity. Our goal is clear: an economy that works for everyone, where help arrives on time and where no one, and I mean no one, is left behind or left out. That is our country's economy, that is Canada's economy, that is the economy of a strong Canada.”
“We have reduced taxes for 22 million Canadians, saving two-income families up to $840 per year. We have eliminated or reduced the GST for first-time buyers of new homes, which can result in savings of up to $50,000. We made the national school food program permanent, providing 400,000 children with healthy meals at school. We introduced automatic payment of federal benefits so that citizens receive the benefits they are entitled to. These measures demonstrate one thing: Our government acts consistently, but above all, as I have said and will say again, responsibly. In conclusion, yes, the cost of groceries remains very high. Yes, Canadians are waiting for results.”
“This measure will free up capital that they can use to invest in modern equipment, increase local production and reduce dependence on imports. We will also work on developing a national food security strategy. This strategy will focus on strengthening the resilience of our food system, encouraging much healthier competition and reducing vulnerabilities in our supply chains. The government will also work with the provinces and territories to standardize product labelling, including unit pricing. This will make it easier for consumers to compare prices and make informed choices. We are taking a more comprehensive, systemic approach to making life more affordable for Canadians. These measures are part of a broader approach to making life more affordable. I want to review a few facts.”
“We are also going to invest $150 million to support small and medium-sized regional businesses in the food sector. SMEs are essential to local economic vitality and, of course, they are essential to food security. Another $20 million will also be allocated to the local food infrastructure fund to support food banks. This essential, one-time support is intended to meet the immediate needs of families experiencing an emergency. We are also aiming to reduce production costs and enhance competition. That is why our government is also taking action to lower the cost of food production in Canada. The Prime Minister announced immediate expensing for greenhouse buildings. In practical terms, this will allow producers to fully write off the cost of their new greenhouses immediately.”
“The bill I am talking about here is Bill C‑19 , of course. I therefore invite all members to set aside partisan strategizing and act in the best interest of Quebeckers and Canadians. Tackling the source of the problem means helping households. That is essential. However, it is not enough. (1545) If we hope to achieve lasting results, we also need to tackle food inflation at its source. That means supporting Canadian food production and strengthening our supply chains. That is why our government is going to turn to the strategic response fund. We are setting aside $500 million specifically for food sector businesses. This investment will help increase production capacity, modernize facilities and absorb some of the cost increases without passing them on to consumers, of course.”
“In concrete terms, the government is proposing a 25% increase in this benefit for five years starting in July, automatic indexation to inflation to protect households' purchasing power, and a top-up payment equal to a 50% increase in the GST credit, to be paid this spring. For a family of four, this means up to $1,890 in support per year. For a single person, it is up to $950. This is a tax-free benefit. It will be paid four times a year. It will target low- and modest-income households. In total, more than 12 million Canadians will benefit from this increased support. These are concrete, immediate and, above all, responsible measures, but they must be passed quickly so we can implement them. If the members opposite want to make life easier for Canadians, they need to help us pass this bill as quickly as possible.”
“These phenomena are not limited to our country, Canada. They are driving up food prices around the world. We cannot control the decisions made by others, but we can control the decisions we make, the decisions made here in Canada by the Canadian government. That is precisely why our government took action and made a decision. Today, I am talking about immediate, targeted assistance, specifically the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. Faced with this reality, our first responsibility is to help households cope with the current cost of living. That is why the Minister of Finance and National Revenue introduced Bill C-19 , which creates the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit. This benefit will replace the GST credit, but it will be much more generous, more predictable and better adapted to the current reality.”
“The real question is who is taking serious, responsible and effective action to respond to this situation. Let us now talk about the context surrounding food inflation. Before I talk about the solution, let us first try to understand the problem itself. The food inflation that Canadians are experiencing did not come out of nowhere. It is the result of a combination of factors. It stems from a range of problems, a very systemic and complex set of problems. These include major disruptions to global supply chains, geopolitical conflicts affecting the production and transportation of food, tariffs and protectionist measures imposed by certain trading partners, increasingly frequent extreme weather events that are affecting crops, and excessive concentration in certain segments of the grocery sector.”
“Madam Speaker, no one, but no one, in the House today can ignore the cost of living situation, certainly not our government, not our side of the House. The cost of living is now one of the leading concerns of Canadians and of our government especially. This concern centres on the price of groceries. Groceries are getting more and more expensive. I see this reality in the riding of Bourassa. My colleagues here see it too in every riding. We see it. We see it in grocery stores. We see it at food banks. We hear it from the Canadians who appeal to us for help. The question is not whether a problem exists. Unlike the opposition, unlike the other side of the House, we, as the government, choose not to politicize a human problem, but to take action.”
“Madam Speaker, I can answer with one simple statement. It is no longer a choice. These days, AI is part of a comprehensive, global infrastructure, similar to electricity and other such things. We need digital sovereignty that is based on the integration of AI. Rather than letting it integrate us, we need to decide how to integrate it and control it.”
“Madam Speaker, I believe that my colleagues on the other side of the House all have one thing in common. Their interpretation of our government's strategy is completely wrong. In their minds, we are stifling development. On the contrary, each of our projects, each of our programs, is an exercise in making an informed decision. That does not weaken our economy. Quite the opposite. We are moving forward while thinking about how each element works within a system. That is what is missing from this motion. This motion is meaningless. It lacks a clear vision and a strategic road map. That is what I am asking the opposition party to review. If I could briefly return to the issue of carbon pricing, it attracts investment, creates jobs and makes industry far more competitive.”
“Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member for asking me to learn about Quebec's history. It is something that all of us really need to know. I am sorry, but I do not think I need to take any lessons from him. That being said, I would simply like to say that we are not undermining any province in particular. No national project will be implemented without public approval, without the approval of Quebeckers, who put their trust in the 44 members on this side to represent them. We can represent them by knowing their language, knowing their culture and, above all, knowing their history.”
“It does not need ideological simplification; it needs a firm grasp of the complexities. It does not need to go backward; it needs ambition. It does not need division; it needs national unity instead. Canadian sovereignty is not about turning back the clock; it is about looking forward to the future, a future based on resilience and, I repeat, competitiveness, innovation, sustainability, social justice, national cohesion, democratic stability and social responsibility. I will close with this: Canadian sovereignty cannot be decreed; it has to be built, and that is exactly what our government is doing.”
“It must be crafted; it must be crafted day after day, investment after investment, reform after reform, institution after institution and partnership after partnership, something our Prime Minister accomplishes day after day. It must be built with patience, rigour, vision and political courage. These four qualities aptly describe our Prime Minister. True sovereignty is the ability to withstand crises without collapsing. It is the ability to absorb shocks, protect our citizens, maintain social cohesion, preserve democracy and decide for ourselves. What this motion proposes is not sovereignty, but political illusion, a mere promise in response to highly complex problems, an ideological answer to structural issues. Canada does not need slogans; it needs strategies.”
“It is not about denying the changes that are happening around us. It is about looking to the future with clarity. It means thinking about geopolitics, the global economy, the energy transition, food security, digital security and urban security. It means thinking about innovation, our universities, and above all, digital sovereignty and resilience. (1620) Modern sovereignty is the ability of a state to remain in control of its own choices in a constrained world. This requires what is clearly missing from this motion, and that is strategy, consistency, rigour, continuity, stability, governance, planning and, most of all, vision. Canadian sovereignty cannot be established with a motion. It cannot be improvised with a slogan. It cannot be built by tearing down existing frameworks.”
“Our government rejects the false dichotomy between the economy and the environment. Obviously, we are building both together, because there is no future without awareness of our environment. We are accelerating projects. We are simplifying processes, reducing duplication, securing investments and modernizing our government. That is very important. In a nutshell, it is about optimization and efficiency. We are building a national industrial strategy. We are protecting Canadian innovation. We are developing our energy capabilities. We are diversifying our trade. We are strengthening our economic sovereignty. Most importantly, and I cannot stress this enough, we are strengthening our digital and energy sovereignty. Modern sovereignty is not about returning to past models. It is not about clinging to 20th-century formulas.”
“We cannot prepare for the future by forgetting or neglecting our young people. What we want to leave to our young people and our children is, of course, a very stable climate. The world is also undergoing industrial upheaval. We have seen this recently. In this world, sovereignty is not built through isolation. It is built through resilience, as I just said. This resilience affects industry, energy, the economy, technology, digital technology, strategy, and the food sector. Modern sovereignty is not about isolation. What the Conservatives are proposing today is isolation. Modern sovereignty is the ability to be autonomous, but within a framework of interdependence. It is the ability to co-operate without depending on another country. It is the ability to trade without submitting.”
“True sovereignty is not the absence of rules. It is the ability to build capacity, including industrial, energy, technological and digital capacities, along with digital sovereignty, especially given what we know now. I am referring to the rapid emergence and ubiquity of AI. Sovereignty also depends on food security, strategic capability and innovation based on research and development. Above all, what we want for our country is resilience. We live in an unstable and fragmented world, marked by geopolitical shocks, trade wars, energy tensions, technological rivalries and climate change. I would, of course, like to return to the subject of artificial intelligence, particularly artificial superintelligence. Sovereignty is not just about the present. We preserve our history, we shape the present, but above all, we shape the future.”
“The Conservative motion is purportedly about sovereignty, but it offers nothing in the way of vision, strategy or national undertaking. It is about dismantling things and bringing things to a sudden halt. It is about taking things away and asserting sovereignty by scrapping predetermined frameworks. A nation does not become strong by destroying its structures. An economy does not become competitive by removing its foundations. A modern power cannot be built on the Conservative Party's regulatory improvisation. International and domestic investors do not invest in uncertainty. Domestic and international businesses do not thrive in chaos. Projects do not go ahead when a nation or a country is unstable. People, investors and businesses invest in clarity, stability, predictability and institutional confidence.”
“Madam Speaker, I just want to say that I will be sharing my time with the member for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country . Our country's sovereignty is not a slogan. It is not a political catchphrase. It is not just a word. It is certainly not a potentially partisan marketing tool. Sovereignty is having the actual capacity to produce, decide, invest, protect the national interest and secure our shared future. It is a strategic construct complete with a strategic plan and a road map, none of which are anywhere to be found in this motion. It requires institutional architecture, architecture based, as I clearly stated earlier, on a very clear and precise road map and strategic plan to keep us on the specified path. It takes a leader's vision and long-term leadership.”
“Beyond our differences, together we are one, and only one, human race. In the face of hate, silence is no longer an option.”
“Mr. Speaker, today we remember the victims of the Islamophobic attack at the Quebec City mosque. I remember Mamadou Tanou Barry, Ibrahima Barry, Aboubaker Thabti, Khaled Belkacemi, Azzedine Soufiane and Abdelkrim Hassane: six lives cut short in a place of peace, spirituality and reflection, and 17 children left fatherless. I am also thinking of the survivors, including Aymen Derbali, whose life was forever changed. This tragedy reminds us of an essential truth: Hatred thrives on silence, prejudice and the trivialization of hate speech. Since racism can masquerade as respectable or reasonable speech, we have a collective responsibility to name this neo-racism, condemn it, fight it, and build a society grounded in dignity, a society bound by mutual respect and fellowship.”
“I will always be at the service of my constituents. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year, and once again, thank you, grazie mille , mèsi anpil —”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the citizens of Bourassa for the trust they placed in me during the last federal election. Serving the people of my riding is an honour, a responsibility and a privilege that I take very seriously. Since becoming a member of the House of Commons, I have been fully involved in issues such as public safety, standard of living and community development. I have also worked with local organizations, businesses and municipal partners. I am very proud to have helped secure additional funding for the Montréal-Nord sports centre, a very important facility for our young people and families. This first parliamentary session is just the beginning. I love this experience and I am committed to continuing my work with determination, transparency and a focus on community.”
“However, in order to become a truly effective law, it must be modified by means of the three amendments I have presented. It must reflect our legitimate outrage, but also our deep respect for the rule of law. It is in this spirit that we are participating in this debate, and it is in this spirit that we invite all members of Parliament to improve this text so that it becomes a fair, sustainable, balanced and strong law, but above all, a compassionate one.”
“We want a strong, compassionate and constitutional justice system. Our goal is not just to impose harsh penalties, but to impose harsh penalties that will stand the test of time and hold up in courts in the future. Victims have already endured the unspeakable. They do not deserve to have a court decision imposed on them a few years later if it will have the effect of striking down the law they had pinned their hopes on. We must therefore offer them real, not symbolic, protection; justice that is firm but legally sound; a law that respects the Constitution but does not falter in the face of challenges. In conclusion, Bill C‑235 is very important. It is guided by a just and compassionate intention to better protect victims of the most serious crimes.”
“When imposing an exceptionally severe sentence, there must be a national review mechanism to harmonize the case law. The second amendment is about a requirement to provide grounds for any inadmissibility exceeding 25 years. An exceptional sentence must be accompanied by equally exceptional grounds. This will reinforce the legitimacy of the decision in the eyes of the public and will protect the law from challenges. The third amendment specifies the law can only be applied prospectively. This is essential to avoid the risk of violating section 11 of the charter, which prohibits increasing a sentence retroactively. These amendments in no way diminish the scope of my colleague's bill. On the contrary, they make it stronger, more consistent, more sustainable and more useful for families and survivors.”
“(1350) A 40-year ineligibility period could be considered extreme in some cases, particularly if it were imposed on very young individuals or in specific circumstances. The legal risk is therefore not theoretical, but rather real, serious and predictable. Our responsibility here in the House is to strengthen the bill so that it cannot be successfully challenged. We are not rejecting Bill C-235 , on the contrary. We recognize the legitimate intention behind the member's bill. However, for it to become a lasting, effective piece of legislation, respectful of fundamental principles, it needs to be improved. We are therefore proposing three amendments. The first amendment, which is essential, is about a clear and consistent right of appeal.”
“The Bissonnette decision serves as an essential reminder. Bill C-235 cannot be studied without considering the Bissonnette decision. In that decision, the Supreme Court struck down consecutive ineligibility periods lasting 50, 75 or 100 years. Why were they struck down? They were struck down because a sentence that allows no real prospect of release, even in theory, constitutes cruel and unusual punishment within the meaning of section 12 of the charter. The court did not say that the crimes were not atrocious or that the sentences should not be long. It said that the state can never completely rule out the possibility of reintegration into society, even for offenders guilty of the most heinous crimes. The decision is not political; it is a constitutional requirement.”
“The current system is strict but well defined. Canada already has a system that allows for adjustments in terms of ineligibility for parole for murders. The system automatically calls for 25 years of imprisonment for first-degree murder and between 10 and 25 years of imprisonment for second-degree murder. Section 743.6 of the Criminal Code also includes mechanisms for delaying access to parole in certain serious cases. This system is based on a fundamental principle that has been recognized by the Supreme Court for decades: individualization in sentencing. Sentences must take into account not only the act committed, but also the degree of responsibility of the convicted person, their history and, yes, their rehabilitation potential. This is not an ideological position. It is a constitutional principle.”
“It deserves serious discussion. We must respond with empathy, but also with rigour. However, in a country governed by the rule of law, we must balance two imperatives. The first is the moral imperative to protect victims. The second is the legal imperative to respect the Constitution and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I am saying that emotion is important, but emotion alone cannot be the basis for a criminal sentence. Passing a law based solely on emotion without a solid legal framework runs the very real risk of that law eventually being struck down, unfortunately. If we pass a law that is later struck down, we would be disappointing victims a second time, as I just said. It is not through weak laws that we protect families. We do so through robust, enforceable and constitutional laws.”
“Before taking our legal analysis any further, I want to acknowledge the immense pain of the victims and family members who have lived through such tragedies. I think that my colleague across the way did a good job, and I thank him for the eloquent way that he rekindled a debate on this subject. When a family has to relive their trauma at every parole hearing, it is not only difficult, it is inhumane. This is not a theoretical debate. It is about shattered lives, parents and children living with impossible grief, survivors trying to rebuild their lives after an unthinkable incident. This bill aims to address that suffering. It is intended to offer a form of stability and some degree of healing by reducing the frequency of hearings that reopen the wounds that might still be raw. This intention is profoundly just and deserves to be heard.”
“Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak to Bill C-235 , introduced by the hon. member for Cowichan—Malahat—Langford . This bill addresses an issue that strikes at the very heart of our justice system—the way that our country punishes the most severe, devastating crimes resulting not only in death or serious injury, but also in lasting trauma for family members, survivors and society at large. The bill before us proposes to allow the courts to impose a parole ineligibility period lasting up to 40 years when the same victim, during the same sequence of events, is murdered, kidnapped or forcibly confined, when a sexual offence is also involved. These crimes of extreme violence destroy lives, families and communities. Society justifiably feels a deep need for justice and protection in response to them.”
“Madam Speaker, today I am extremely proud to celebrate the remarkable journey of a youth robotics team from our riding of Bourassa. I want to give a shout-out to the gold medallists of the FIRST Global Challenge world championship in robotics: Aaraf Alam Choudhury, Ashley Carolina Vazquez Cabrera, Donnovon Manlius, Iyad Zaabi, Justine Dubuc, Kenlee Suy, Manuela Christy Nzali Wakem, Raul André Vargas Ramirez, Sara Kaïdi and Taha Bouhou. These young people took the gold medal at the FIRST Global Challenge, a world championship in robotics held in Panama. After the NBA success stories of Luguentz Dort, Bennedict Mathurin and Chris Boucher, here comes another group of young achievers charting the future of robotics in Bourassa, Quebec and Canada. Congratulations to each and every one of these young people, who are with us today in Ottawa.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the parliamentary secretary for her eloquence and the way she summarized the budget. This budget allows us to invest in a systemic package that includes housing, transportation, infrastructure, SMEs, young people and older people. I think my colleague summed it up well, but I would like to focus on the issue of infrastructure, particularly social infrastructure. These investments are not credit card spending, as she explained in response to a member across the way. These one-time and recurring investments can be a driver of job creation, which we really need in this country. Perhaps my colleague could talk to us about that?”
“Mr. Speaker, perhaps the real question is this: What role does the Bloc Québécois play and what place can it really have in Parliament? What surprises me the most is to see the decisions and positions of the Bloc Québécois increasingly align with those of the Conservatives in a number of committees, not just the finance committee. That really scares me. It bothers me to see that Quebeckers are represented by elected officials whose positions are so closely aligned with Conservative positions. Some hon. members: Oh, oh!”
“Mr. Speaker, are we going too far? I would say no, quite the contrary. The member must understand that we are going through a period of disruptions and we need to make significant changes. This also gives me an opportunity to answer the question to some extent. Canada is still one of the G7 countries with the most competitive corporate tax rates. If we do not give the minister the power to assess interest during this period of disruptions, when will we? That is the question I would ask my colleague.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am extremely grateful to my colleague for his question, which gives me the opportunity to address two very important points. First, we are dealing with a President who changes his mind every day. Second, we are still negotiating. Our government was not the one that stopped the negotiations. That being said, have negotiations stopped? The answer is no. The Prime Minister of Canada is travelling around the world at the moment to diversify our economy and sign agreements with other international partners. The important thing is to support this Prime Minister and this government and congratulate them on their efforts.”
“I would not want to end my speech without mentioning the sports centre that the people of Bourassa have been waiting for for years. This budget will not only build infrastructure and concrete, but it is also building the future of these young people and the future of the citizens of Bourassa. I thank the Minister of Finance for this budget and I thank everyone who contributed to it.”
“By recognizing their importance and supporting their extraction, processing and recycling, we strengthen Canada's economic sovereignty and create jobs across the country, including jobs in our beloved province of Quebec. In conclusion, this budget is not an accounting exercise, but a societal choice. We are making historic investments while preserving Canada's fiscal advantage. We are unleashing Canada's capacity for innovation. We are building a clean, productive and resilient economy. Most importantly, we are giving Canadian businesses the tools they need to succeed and create well-paying jobs—emphasis on “well-paying”. I am proud to support this bill. I invite all my colleagues to do the same for the good of the economy, innovation, research and development and, most of all, for the future of our country and of Canadians.”
“Finally, we are expanding the list of critical minerals eligible for the clean technology manufacturing investment tax credit. When we talk about clean technologies, we must consider the major components. During my speech, I spoke about research and development. All the research clearly shows that certain minerals are critical. Antimony, indium, gallium, germanium, scandium are just a few of the critical minerals eligible for the tax credit. The government clearly knows what it is talking about and understands critical minerals. This reflection cannot be done independently, but rather systemically, with interest, and obviously, it needs to go the right way. As I said, these metals are rare, strategic and critical for batteries, telecommunications, semiconductors and the green economy.”
“Yesterday I heard the president and CEO of Hydro-Québec say that electricity use will increase significantly everywhere, in all households and organizations, and we have heard this in other provinces too. When we see a smart government acting proactively, as our government is doing, it is a credit to our country and to our government, and for that, we should all be proud. That is why tax credits for investment in the clean economy related to electricity are a welcome and essential measure for attracting major industrial projects to the country. We are also extending by five years the full value of the carbon capture, utilization and storage investment tax credit, a technology that is essential to achieving net zero while maintaining our competitiveness.”
“The Bloc Québécois voted against a budget that reinforces the importance of investing in the clean economy, so it cannot stand up now and say that it is the authority on clean energy. That is far from the case, since the Bloc Québécois members voted against a budget that directly helps provide clean energy for all. I think that was irresponsible of them. The government wants to have a strong economy within the G7, and that means investing in sectors that will shape the world of today and tomorrow. To support population growth, the electrification of transportation, and the increased development of artificial intelligence, a substantial increase in our energy supply is required.”
“This strategic move will help more innovative businesses grow, scale up and invest in Canada rather than investing in other countries. The additional $440 million injected each year as a result of this enhanced tax credit is expected to generate an economic output of $1.2 billion. That is a 300% return on investment for our economy. That is a smart investment. That is a responsible investment. We hear people across the way talking about spending, but they clearly do not understand the economic situation we are in. This is the most critical time, a time to invest. These are investments with a 300% return for our economy. That is a smart and responsible investment. (1715) Now, let us talk about the clean economy investment tax credits.”
“We know very well that it is essential for any country that truly wants to address the technological challenges that we are facing to respect research and development and to be forward thinking in that regard. I repeat, innovation is not a luxury; it is essential to our future prosperity. Science fuels innovation, innovation fuels productivity, and productivity is what grows our economy long-term. The SR&ED program is already the most powerful federal tool for encouraging businesses to invest in research. It represents $4.2 billion per year and primarily benefits small businesses, which account for 64% of all claims filed. Budget 2025 takes us further. We are enhancing the program by increasing the enhanced rate expenditure limit.”