Carlos Leitão
Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, this government's record is that it has created a very resilient economy. Despite headwinds from the south, our economy continues to grow. In fact, last week I encouraged my opposition colleagues to check out the C.D. Howe Institute's Business Cycle Council. I would again encourage them to do so. They should read its report.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are going to keep going. Canadians know that, under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, 5,000 small businesses closed their doors. Canadians know that the Canadian economy is under pressure from the United States. No, that is not an excuse. I heard my colleagues say that the international context is an excuse.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that in May, we created 88,000 jobs. Canadians know that in May, there were 154,000 full-time jobs. Canadians know that 27,000 of these jobs were in the construction sector. Canadians know that the trade surplus grew in April and May.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time. It is my turn to speak to Bill C-30 , which seeks to implement the economic update. I want to address several issues, but, first, I want to talk about why we are doing things a bit differently here today.”
“It concerns the April 28 economic update, which contains a number of very useful and very important measures for our economy. I suspect I may run out of time, but before I talk about those measures, I want to address a few problems that have been mentioned today in the conversations and in the debates that we have had here so far.”
“(1900) We are making this commitment because the world is a different place now. Today, our situation is very delicate. Our biggest trade and economic partner is also our neighbour: the United States. It is a partner that has very plainly and clearly told us that it does not need what Canada has to offer.”
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Every one of 374 lines we hold for Carlos Leitão, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 7 of 8.
“Mr. Speaker, obviously, the very high cost of living is a real issue. We understand very well that it has a direct impact on the lives of average Canadians. However, one needs to know where that high cost of living is coming from. The members opposite may not have realized that we had a COVID crisis in the country and around the world. In the recovery period following COVID, there was a very sharp snap-back in economic activity, and the interruptions to supply chains pushed prices way up. That is where the inflation crisis came from all over the world, not just in Canada. If that was not enough, we have the war in Ukraine, which has led to much higher energy prices and much higher food prices, among other things. There was a global— Jeff Kibble: No. Carlos Leitão: Mr. Speaker, yes.”
“Madam Speaker, I have to say that I am very surprised at the tone of my colleague's question. He knows very well that our government is there to support forestry workers. We have been supporting them for a long time and we will continue to do so because we know very well that this industry is vital to many rural, remote communities in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick. It is important to continue our work. We will do so, but we will not sign any old agreement with the United States. We will only sign one that is in everyone's best interests.”
“Madam Speaker, I would remind our colleagues that the U.S. is the one that triggered this trade war. We are going to come up with an arrangement with the Americans, but not at any price. We will not make just any arrangement. A bad agreement is worse than no agreement at all. Our main interest is to defend Canadian workers and maintain access to the U.S. market. We will wait as long as it takes for the Americans to return to the table.”
“Madam Speaker, the budget we will be tabling on November 4 is a responsible and ambitious one. The time is now. Now is the time to act to support Canada's economy so that our children's future is well protected. Now is the time to take action. We will take action, and we will take strong action.”
“Madam Speaker, we will all see this government's budget on November 4. It is a 21st-century budget that will address the very serious problems we are facing right now because of what is happening in the United States. I would like the Conservatives and the Bloc members to vote in favour of the budget so that we do not have to have an economically harmful election at Christmas.”
“Madam Speaker, yes, the Canadian federal government is here and will always be here to support the softwood lumber industry and the forestry industry. We are acutely aware that this is a crucial industry in many regions of Quebec and Canada. We will continue to work collaboratively with the provincial governments, including the Quebec government. We are here, and we will continue to be here.”
“Mr. Speaker, October is Women's History Month in Canada. It is a time to recognize the outstanding achievements of women who, over generations, have helped build a stronger and fairer country. To the many women in positions of leadership, I want to say that their courage and determination have opened doors for future generations. Behind every major development, there are also everyday heroines: mothers, educators and workers like my wife and my mother. My mother, Maria Florinda Pinheiro Leitão, is a woman who immigrated to Canada for her children's future. Through my wife, I want to acknowledge the efforts of all the immigrant women who have helped build this country.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague just gave the example of the Paccar company. I would just like to point out that the U.S. administration's decision to impose tariffs on trucks, especially those made by Paccar, is completely incomprehensible and abusive. This was done just a few days ago. It gives you an idea of how unpredictable this administration is. Cooler heads will prevail, and that is what Canada needs to remember in order to negotiate a good deal.”
“Mr. Speaker, we all understand and we all know that the automotive industry in Canada, in Ontario, is one of the most important industries in the country. We want to keep it that way. We are doing everything we can to help workers in those industries. In fact, I think it was yesterday that the president of Unifor said that the Minister of Industry was doing a fantastic job on this file. He said so himself.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to share the following information with the House. First, inflation in Canada is under control. It is at 2.4% and the Bank of Canada target is between 1% and 3%. We have been meeting the inflation-control target for 21 months. Second, there is no link between the government's deficits and inflation. Inflation is a global phenomenon. Do COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and rising oil prices ring a bell to you?”
“Mr. Speaker, we did not wait for the Auditor General's report to take action. We have already given the Canada Revenue Agency rather clear instructions about changing its processes and hiring more people. Some hon. members: Oh, oh! Carlos Leitão: Mr. Speaker, this is quite the spectacle. People are talking over everybody else. It sounds like a kindergarten class. We are taking action. We are improving services at the Canada Revenue Agency.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are taking action. The Minister of Finance and National Revenue has already ordered the Canada Revenue Agency to review its procedures, and we are going to give the agency the financial resources it needs to hire staff and get the equipment needed to address these very important issues.”
“Mr. Speaker, we know the lumber industry very well. I know the lumber industry in Quebec very well. This is not our first go at this with our American neighbours. We will be able to negotiate an agreement with them. That is why we are not going to sign just anything. We will make sure that the agreement we sign will benefit all Canadians and every sector.”
“Mr. Speaker, indeed, softwood lumber is an industry that is going through a challenging period, and not for the first time. This industry has regularly been under attack from our southern neighbour. That is why we must negotiate a comprehensive agreement that is in the interests of all Canadians. The Prime Minister rightly pointed out that we would not be signing just any agreement. We will sign an agreement that will benefit Canada and all Canadian industries, including softwood lumber.”
“Mr. Speaker, that is exactly the question that was asked on April 28, and Canadians overwhelmingly answered that this Prime Minister would be the one responsible for governing Canada and doing his best to ensure its rapid and diversified economic growth.”
“Mr. Speaker, I must admit that I am surprised to see that our friends across the way do not understand the concept of capital flow. The Canadian economy is an open economy. Capital comes in and capital goes out. We have a great tradition of investing abroad and accepting foreign investment. That is what we will do and that is how we will grow the Canadian economy.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will repeat what I announced in the House: Eighty-five per cent of our exports enter the United States tariff-free. What is more, the Canadian economy is an open economy. Capital moves across the border in both directions, and we will do everything we can to continue to attract capital to Canada so that we can invest and grow faster.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have a very brief question for my colleague. Does he really believe that the Conservative Party would agree with everything he said, particularly with regard to tax policy and employment insurance? Does he really think his new partners would agree with him?”
“Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot of talk of fiscal irresponsibility from the last two speakers. However, I would like our colleagues to explain this. If Canada is such a basket case, how do we still have a AAA credit rating?”
“Mr. Speaker, I just want to come back to the issue of printing money. I would like to remind my colleague that it is called quantitative easing, and it is a policy central banks implemented. The U.S. Federal Reserve also adopted this policy, as did many European countries. Does my hon. colleague believe that quantitative easing measures are harmful?”
“Mr. Speaker, I am so surprised. I think we should use this clip. The Conservatives want the government to overtax excess profits. Is that really what you want? Gord Johns: I'm NDP. Carlos Leitão: I am sorry about that. An hon. member: Now does it make sense? Carlos Leitão: It still does not make sense.”
“Mr. Speaker, indeed, the reason why the Government of Canada will be able to announce major investments in its budget is because the nation's finances are under control. Our debt-to-GDP ratio is among the lowest in the OECD. Our debt is not excessive. We can control and manage the situation.”
“Mr. Speaker, there were many things in the member's question. Modern Canadian governments, like all governments in the OECD these days, do not print money. Let us get that clear. Governments do not print money. Credit is a way for governments to address their situation. When private investment is faltering because of great uncertainty, the government has a very important role to play to assist private businesses in investing. It is private investment that will drive the economy.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am bit surprised that our Bloc Québécois colleagues are criticizing us because we have a budget that will have a deficit, a very large deficit, and yet they are also asking us to spend more. I find this rather contradictory. The oil sector is a key sector for Canada's economy. It generates significant wealth. It also generates significant tax revenues, so we will be staying the course.”
“Global inflation is calculated on the basis of a basket of consumer goods. There is no specific target for food inflation, which, as my colleague already mentioned, is also starting to get back under control. Lastly, in their motion, the Conservatives say: ...deficits drive investment...down.... No, deficits do not drive investment down. Private investment is currently low because of uncertainty caused by our neighbour's tariff policies. We will provide guidance and help the private sector invest. The private sector will invest, and the government will be there to make our economy strong and resilient. The November 4 budget will provide a lot of clarity on this issue.”
“It states: (ii) Liberal deficits fueled inflation.... As I just said, the Liberals did not fuel inflation. Inflation is global and stems from the effects of the pandemic and from rising transportation costs due to increased crude oil prices after the invasion of Ukraine. Inflation also stems from the American tariffs. In case our friends have not noticed, the price of aluminum in North America has increased dramatically for all consumers of aluminum because of the American tariffs. This is not a Canadian phenomenon, but a global one. The motion states: (iii)...food inflation doubled the Bank of Canada's target.... Come on. The Bank of Canada does not have a food inflation target. The Bank of Canada's mandate is to keep inflation within a predictable range and under control at 2%.”
“A new American president took office and told everyone on the planet that his favourite word is “tariffs”. (1130) The new U.S. administration's goal was to opt out of the global trading system. The Canadian economy, which is highly integrated with that of the U.S., has suffered and continues to suffer a great deal as a result of these issues. Since the partners we have been counting on for decades are no longer reliable, we need to change directions. The government has a role to play in that. Right now, the Government of Canada is taking responsibility. We want to help the Canadian economy transform itself, diversify and seek out new markets. That is the direction that November's budget will take. Let us now come back to the Conservative motion, because I find it very interesting, even though I will vote against it.”
“We did end up getting out of the situation. However, the global economic recovery was hampered by supply chain disruptions, which caused inflation. The inflation stems from that period, from the disruptions to global production. We had a heavily integrated global economy that disintegrated somewhat with the pandemic. When demand rebounded after the pandemic, prices rose because there was not enough supply. Everyone wanted to buy the same thing at the same time. Just as we were beginning to recover, what happened? The war in Ukraine started and energy prices soared. It was not the Liberal government's policies that caused energy prices to rise around the world. Give me a break. Ukraine was also a major grain producer. Global grain prices also rose. Then, just as we were starting to recover a little, what happened?”
“The Conservatives have an opinion, a perspective, on that role. They believe it should be minimal. The government should do nothing. It should cut taxes as much as possible and let the economy decide what happens. We have a very different view of the government's role. It is a different concept because the environment today is very different from what it has been for the last 15, 20 or 30 years. Let us look at what has happened, especially over the past 10 years. Our colleagues keep going on about inflation, deficits, and this, that and the other. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. There was a pandemic. In 2020, the global economy came to a standstill. It was not pleasant, and the governments of all the OECD countries and the world were at a bit of a loss as to how to get out of this situation.”
“This framework will distinguish between current operating expenditures and capital investments, which will help the government prioritize investments that will deliver long-term benefits for Canada. Operating expenditures will be balanced by 2028-29. I would also like to point out that this new way of presenting a budget only adds information. Nothing is being taken away. The final numbers are still there. No one is trying to hide anything. We are adding information so that Canadians can have a better understanding of public finances and the government's role. Ultimately, after all the discussions we have here, which can sometimes be a bit heated, we are getting back to the basics. What matters most is understanding the government's role. What role should the government play in the current economic environment?”
“Mr. Speaker, it is now my turn to speak, and I want to say that I am a bit surprised to learn that our Bloc Québécois colleagues will vote in favour of the motion, but so be it. The global economy has changed and Canada must change too. We need to build more housing and infrastructure and support industries that are essential to our economic growth. This spring, Canadians called for a serious and ambitious plan, and we are working hard to prepare and implement that plan. First, as our colleague, the Minister of Finance , has already announced, our new government will table a budget on November 4. Second, as was also indicated this week, the budget will be based on a new capital investment budgeting framework.”
“Mr. Speaker, as the old saying goes, it takes two to tango. In other words, to remove the tariffs, we have to be able to negotiate with our counterparts. Until now, that has not necessarily been possible. We are not going to rush into trying just anything. We will get the best deal possible under the circumstances.”
“Mr. Speaker, we visited Saguenay and spoke to business owners there. The aluminum sector is indeed in a worrisome situation. We have measures and programs to help companies. In the meantime, I would remind the House that 85% of Canadian exports enter the United States tariff-free.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind everyone in the House that 85% of Canada's exports to the United States enter the U.S. tariff- and duty-free. As for the other exports that are affected by specific tariffs, we are working on this. We are protecting businesses and supporting them during this transition process. We will always be there to support businesses, particularly in the regions.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians can expect a government that is going to negotiate the best possible deal for all Canadians in every region and in every sector. Right now, 85% of our exports enter the United States tariff-free. We are not going to rush into negotiating a bad deal. We are going to get the best possible deal in due time.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are dealing with a very complex situation. Our best course of action is to not make a bad deal. We are not going to be hasty about anything with President Trump, who is unpredictable. As of now, we still have the free trade agreement with the United States. Eighty-five per cent of our exports enter the United States tariff-free and tax-free. We will negotiate the best deal in the interest of all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind everyone that this trade war was started by the United States. It was the United States that started it. How are we responding? We are helping our businesses. Two weeks ago, I was at Hitachi in Varennes: 500 jobs. Before that, I was in Sorel: 300 jobs. We are hard at work.”
“Madam Speaker, I was not a member of Parliament when this bill was debated before, but I am here now. It is 2025, and this issue is of the utmost importance for our economy and our country. I would like to ask my colleague to talk about how urgent it is that we begin studying this bill in committee.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have a quick question for the member opposite. I would ask him if he agrees with his leader , who just said the Bank of Canada has removed from its website any reference to its goal of containing inflation. I am looking at the Bank of Canada website, and it is still right there on page 1: “low, stable and predictable” inflation, which is at 1.9%, the lowest in the OECD. What gives?”
“Mr. Speaker, I congratulate my colleague on his speech. I am very pleased to see him looking so well. So much the better, because we need him here. I have a very simple question. As a farmer who is very familiar with the agri-food sector in Quebec and Canada, does the member think that the Conservative Party policy of ending the temporary foreign worker program immediately, without replacing it with anything, is a good idea? Does he not think that this could raise production costs and consequently raise the cost of food for consumers?”
“Mr. Speaker, our economy is under attack from what we thought was a trusted neighbour. It is that fact that has led to the economic difficulties we have had this year. It is not government spending that is leading to inflation. It is the reckless politics and the reckless actions of our neighbours to the south. The deficit will be known on November 4. I will end with this, and I think many Canadians will agree. Social programs are not slogans. Social programs are important and are a main feature of what makes Canada Canada.”
“Truly, Canada is the north, strong and free. This is how we will create high-paying careers, grow our industries, protect our jobs, tap into new markets and build more resilient supply chains. The government will provide additional details on November 4, budget day.”
“With these measures, we are delivering lower taxes, bringing down costs and putting more money back in the pockets of Canadians. Conservatives had a chance to support these measures to make life more affordable for Canadians. As always, they decided not to do that. That is one of the reasons Canadians trusted us to release the next federal budget, which, as my colleague has announced, will be released on November 4. Budget 2025 will seize upon the generational opportunity to transform our economy through ambitious investments and rigorous discipline, ensuring every dollar goes further to build the strongest economy in the G7. It will invest in housing and infrastructure, catalyze private investment and strengthen partnerships with trusted allies. This will be a budget to truly meet the moment and build the strongest economy in the G7.”
“We also removed the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes valued at up to $1 million, saving them up to $50,000, and lowered the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes, valued between $1 million and $1.5 million. These measures build upon other legislative achievements that we have passed, despite Conservative opposition, such as child care agreements, which will, by 2026, bring down the cost of child care in this country to $10 a day, on average. This is one of the most important issues for young families, and it is helping more women enter and remain in the labour force. Pharmacare agreements will lower the costs of prescription drugs for Canadians, and the Canadian dental care plan, which has also helped over 1.7 million Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, the rate of inflation in the month of August was 1.9%. However, I agree with the member opposite. Statistics do not tell the whole story. Our government is focused on building a stronger economy and delivering for Canadians. We are continuing to move forward with a plan to bring down costs so Canadians can keep more of their paycheques to spend where it matters most. We know that the cost of living is top of mind for Canadians. That is why, earlier this year, we delivered landmark legislation designed to help make life more affordable for Canadians. We introduced a middle-class tax cut that will provide relief for nearly 22 million Canadians and will cost the public treasury $27 billion over five years. It is not insignificant.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada strengthened the Competition Bureau's ability to prevent anti-competitive mergers and to address the anti-competitive practices of dominant firms in all sectors, including the grocery sector. We will take action to improve competition, and we will hold companies accountable throughout this process. We will also continue to ensure that Canadians have enough information to make informed choices. At the same time, we recognize that global and external pressures, such as the U.S. tariffs, also impact Canadian consumers, workers and businesses. These pressures underscore the importance of having a coordinated, long-term approach to affordability and stable prices.”
“As part of a previous proposal, a financial project that took these priorities into account supported a national consumer movement that helped Canadians across the country by providing practical tools for decoding pricing strategies and empowering them to make informed decisions. We are working with the industry and our partners to continue to support stable food prices. Our commitment is unwavering, and no option is—”
“We also need to work on improving all components of the supply chain. In July 2024, major grocery retailers committed to a grocery code of conduct. Canadians depend on a resilient food supply chain to access good-quality, affordable food. However, everyone has to contribute and everyone has to follow the rules. The government also continues to support consumer advocacy through the Canadian consumer protection initiative. This initiative makes it possible to produce independent research to support consumer organizations. The most recent call for proposals under this initiative focused on priority issues such as affordability, barriers to competition in the grocery industry and protecting consumers against hidden fees and price gouging.”
“Our tax cut for the middle class will ease the tax burden for roughly 22 million Canadians, saving families up to $840 a year. This measure is expected to generate tax savings of more than $27 billion over five years. Greater consumer choice and competition in the grocery sector are also essential to improving food affordability. That is why, over the past few years, the Government of Canada has made amendments to the Competition Act to bring it up to date. These amendments have impacted how the Competition Bureau can investigate anti-competitive behaviour and deceptive marketing practices. For example, these amendments now require suppliers to be more honest in their advertising. Posting prices without including all mandatory fees is now considered a form of dishonesty. Several measure are required to stabilize food prices.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to respond to the comments the hon. member made earlier. We recognize that affordable groceries continues to be an important issue and that many Canadians are struggling to make ends meet. Food inflation at the grocery store fell from a peak of 11.4% in January 2023 to 3.4% in August 2025. It is not hard. Anyone can go to the Statistics Canada website and see the report on the consumer price index, or CPI. It clearly states that the price of food increased by 3.5% in August 2025. It is not a 70% increase. The government will continue to take concrete action to ensure that Canadians pay fair prices for groceries. In the Speech from the Throne delivered by His Majesty King Charles III, we laid out our bold and ambitious plan for the future.”