Dominique O'Rourke
Guelph, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, first, I just want to celebrate the Guelph & District Multicultural Festival, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this weekend. I congratulate Anu Saxena, their chair, and also Cinthuja Leon, who is their executive director. It was another amazing weekend.”
“Mr. Speaker, the previous question was about what the rush is in terms of passing this legislation. I want to ask my hon. colleague this: When you are out in the community, the amazing Spadina—Harbourfront, are you hearing from people that this is a housing crisis and an emergency, and that they want us to move quickly during construction…”
“Mr. Speaker, let us honour the life and legacy of James Ross Hurley, the founding director of the parliamentary internship programme. Created in 1969 by Wellington MP Alf Hales, the program flourished under James Hurley's leadership as a unique, non-partisan opportunity for university graduates to experience parliamentary democracy.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada has one of the strongest democracies in the world, but we can never take that for granted. We need to protect the independence of our judiciary. We need a strong parliamentary system, and we need strong journalism. Obviously we can never take our democracy for granted. We need to strengthen those institutions.”
“(1410) [ English ] James Hurley devoted his life to public service as a Privy Council Office constitutional adviser to six prime ministers, a beloved mentor and a professor of political science at the University of Ottawa. In March 2025, he left us.”
“Since its launch, Build Canada Homes has moved quickly to get housing projects off the ground. The Government of Canada has identified public lands that can be converted into housing. We have partnered with local governments to cut red tape and fast-track approvals.”
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“Mr. Speaker, I care about youth unemployment. I have a 21-year-old and a 19-year-old, and we hear from their friends about some of these challenges. Part of the challenge is that the tariffs are creating a lot of uncertainty, so nobody is adding a shift or expanding. For young people who are interested in the trades, there is a lot that is promising in this budget. We are helping companies invest in themselves and giving them some certainty so they can create those jobs. We can have great careers in a number of different industries.”
“Mr. Speaker, the regional tariff response initiative is very helpful for any business in any sector that has been affected by American tariffs. It can be that it suddenly has capacity on the floor that it had not anticipated or it needs to retool or reorient. In addition to that, there is a lot of support from the Business Development Bank of Canada and the federal government. People should reach out to their member of Parliament and FedDev for those supports, because they are available. We will not let them down.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would say that nothing of the kind happened. When Guelph's constituents voted, they voted for a Prime Minister with a global reputation who had an exciting plan, a plan to finally invest in Canadians. People were feeling really optimistic.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would tell them to ask Doug Ford why he cut rent control. I would tell them that we are investing heavily in trades and supporting them, that we are investing in Canadian business, that we are retaining and growing important industries, and that we are going to invest in a green, clean planet for them.”
“If members believe that we need to meet our NATO commitments and properly fund our military; that we have to protect our industries and support our workers during this trade war; that we need to boost productivity, attraction, growth and retention of Canadian business; that we need clean energy; that we need to do something about housing availability and affordability; that we urgently need more tradespeople; and that we need to protect our social programs, then they must support this budget. We are protecting our country, our economy, our planet and our people.”
“We are staying true to our values of being there for one another when times are tough. The morning after the budget, I heard an economist on The Morning Edition describe the budget. He said that the language is honest and stark. He added that it is changing the direction of the ship without throwing anybody off. That is a brilliant analogy. Budget 2025 would protect all the essential services that people rely on. We are adding the school nutrition program. We are making it permanent. We are cutting income taxes by 1%, eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes under $1 million. It is ambitious; it is leadership, and we have the wherewithal to do it. Budget 2025 is more than a fiscal plan. It is a blueprint for Canada to meet this moment.”
“The Canada community-building fund will also provide nearly $28 billion over 10 years and $3 billion per year, ongoing, to support local infrastructure projects that make neighbourhoods vibrant and livable. I am already taking a lot of calls on that funding. Members may ask, who is going to build these major projects, homes and infrastructure? We are investing in people, with $75 million over three years to expand a union training and innovation program, while creating workforce alliances to bring together employers, unions and industry groups. We are going to recognize international credentials faster. We are investing to attract the best talent in the world to our universities. We are investing in Canada summer jobs, the youth employment and skills strategy, the student work placement program and the youth climate corps.”
“As a former city councillor, I know how essential infrastructure is, and I know what that infrastructure backlog looks like, at least in Ontario. First, budget 2025 proposes $17 billion over 10 years to support provincial and territorial infrastructure projects and priorities. Second, and of vast interest nationally, $5 billion of that would go to a health infrastructure fund to help provinces and territories build and upgrade hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care facilities and medical schools. Canadians have been asking for this. Third, we would create a direct delivery stream, with $6 billion over 10 years to support regionally significant projects, large building retrofits, climate adaptation and community infrastructure.”
“Closer to home, budget 2025 would build homes and vital infrastructure, with an investment of $13 billion over five years. It will attract investment, focus on innovative construction. This could double the speed of construction, reduce costs and lower emissions. It will protect existing affordable housing through the Canada rental protection fund. It will provide $1 billion for transitional and supportive housing for people who are homeless and at risk of homelessness. We have already met with supportive housing providers, such as Kendal, Wyndham House, the Guelph Community Health Centre, Stonehenge and Stepping Stone, and with the co-op housing sector to talk about opportunities. Guelph has very strong leadership in supportive housing and will no doubt have great projects to come. Budget 2025 is about building stronger communities.”
“(1705) We are delivering the clean electricity investment tax credit to expand our clean power grid. We are enhancing tax credits for clean technologies, clean-tech manufacturing and carbon capture. We will also finalize enhanced methane regulations for the oil and gas sector and for landfills, update clean fuel regulations and mobilize capital for the transition to net zero through sustainable finance tools. These steps will cut emissions faster and give Canadian companies the certainty they need to invest in clean tech. We can see the climate commitment through Canada's major projects, such as the wind west Atlantic energy project and the much-anticipated Alto high-speed rail from Toronto to Quebec City, which was a priority for Guelph's active transportation advocates at an event I attended earlier this fall.”
“The accelerated depreciation was a recommendation I heard when I held business round tables, and we heard it at the industry committee during our study on productivity. To support those innovative businesses, budget 2025 also introduces the expansion and acceleration of the scientific research and experimental development tax credit, or SR&ED. It also opens more procurement pathways for small and medium-sized businesses, which constitute 98% of all employers in Canada. This growth and innovation can be green. That is why we are also launching Canada's new climate competitive strategy. With clean economy investment tax credits, we can supercharge affordable net-zero energy projects, turning Canada's natural wealth into lasting prosperity while protecting the planet.”
“We believe in Canadian business, so budget 2025 would introduce the productivity superdeduction, a new tax incentive to help businesses write off a larger share of capital investments immediately, making it easier to invest in machinery, technology, growth and clean tech. This 100% first-year writeoff for manufacturing or processing machinery and equipment is essential for Guelph manufacturers and food processors. They can immediately expense clean energy generation and energy conservation equipment, as well as zero-emission vehicles. This is great for our climate commitment and good for businesses to reduce their costs. The productivity superdeduction brings Canada's effective tax rate to 5% lower than that of the U.S. and 12% lower than the G7 average. It gives our manufacturers and processors an exceptional advantage.”
“It helps us chart a course, a more resilient path forward, with $5 billion in supports for affected sectors to save jobs and industries, as well as the regional tariff response initiative to support tariff-affected businesses of all sizes in all affected sectors. Many Guelph businesses have already applied. There is funding for expanding EI and work-share programs, with benefits and eligibility enhanced to provide additional support if people need it. It is true that Canadians would rather have a great job than expanded EI, but it is there if they need it, and so too is a new re-skilling package for up to 50,000 workers. However, the key to more great jobs is to help Canadian businesses invest at home and attract foreign investment.”
“It is strengthening our collective resilience and increasing the capacity and competitiveness of Canadian suppliers. This contributes to protecting Canada's economy. Let us be very clear: We are in a trade war. Our largest trading partner is openly attacking key industries. It is creating a lot of uncertainty, and it is tough on Guelph families, where one in five families relies directly on a manufacturing job. We are the fourth-highest exporter to the U.S. per capita and one of the cities in Canada that are most vulnerable to tariffs. This government cares about those families. I do too. That is why I sit on the industry committee and chair the auto caucus. Budget 2025 would help protect what we have.”
“As the assistant deputy minister Wendy Hadwen told the Standing Committee on Industry and Technology, “it's not peace time.” We must meet Canada's 2% NATO commitment, and we must protect ourselves here at home. That is why we are making the largest investment in Canadian defence and security in decades, providing nearly $82 billion over five years to position our Canadian Armed Forces for success in an increasingly challenging environment. At home, we are securing our borders and ensuring community safety by hiring 1,000 new RCMP officers and hiring 1,000 new CBSA officers. That defence spending is more than security; it is creating jobs for Canadian workers through our defence industrial strategy. It is catalyzing economic growth and innovation.”
“Mr. Speaker, I believe in Canada, in Canadians, in our industries and in the budget. This budget positions us for the future and meets this moment. It protects Canada's sovereignty and safety, and it meets our global commitments. It is protecting and growing our economy. It is meeting our climate goals. It is building major projects, community infrastructure and homes. It is protecting important services and making life more affordable for Canadians. More than 75% of our actions this year are to respond to significant global economic shifts. Protecting Canada's sovereignty and meeting our global commitments are critical. Canadian defence experts are very clear: There are several pressing challenges facing Canada, including immediate threats in the Arctic.”
“From local classrooms to global acclaim, Guelph and Canada could not be prouder. These brilliant minds remind us that, when we invest in education, we invest in world-changing ideas.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Guelph's newest Nobel laureate, economist Dr. Peter Howitt. Born and raised in Guelph, he earned the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics for his groundbreaking model of creative destruction, developed with Philippe Aghion. Dr. Peter Howitt's path began at Victory Public School and then Guelph CVI, amazingly the same path as Dr. Donna Strickland, 2018 Nobel laureate in physics and the third woman in history to earn that honour. Guelph's Nobel roster also boasts Dr. David Card, Nobel laureate in economics in 2021 and graduate of John F. Ross CVI; Dr. James Orbinski led Médecins Sans Frontières when it received the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1999; and this fall, Dr. Paul Hebert of the University of Guelph earned the Nobel Sustainability Trust Award for his pioneering work as the founder of DNA barcoding.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition on behalf of residents of Guelph and Wellington County, Ontario. The petitioners are concerned that Canada may fall behind in the production of affordable, Canadian-made, battery-electric light-duty vehicles. They call upon the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy to designate the mass production of affordable, Canadian-made, battery-electric light-duty vehicles as a project of national interest and to make it a reality by 2030.”
“Madam Speaker, the federal government has announced it is going to bring in automatic tax filing. It has programs for trades and significant investments for young people in trades. There is the Canada summer jobs program. We would lower the basic income tax level by 1%, and waive the GST for first-time homebuyers if we could get to the debate on Bill C-4 . I wonder if my colleague wants to talk a bit more about how these initiatives, which were all announced in the last six months by the new government, will help young people, and whether there is anything else he would include on that list.”
“Madam Speaker, there is good news, because tomorrow, the federal budget will tell us more about investments in major projects in this country. The strategic response fund is helping to sustain important industries in Canada in the face of U.S. tariffs. We have ambitious trades and re-skilling funds, as well as the foreign credentials recognition fund. With respect to homes, I am looking forward to the member opposite supporting Build Canada Homes. There is good news on housing, because the rental market in Canada is experiencing a decline in average rent. These things do not happen overnight, and there is more work to be done, but I hope the member opposite is going to encourage young people and point them in the right direction, and stop talking down Canada. Will he do that?”
“Mr. Speaker, clearly, the legislation came about through extensive consultation with the provinces. They will understand what the impacts of the legislation would be. They are responsible for the administration of justice, so I think that we, and all citizens, can expect investments in courthouses, not only in the physical structures but also the staffing, detention centres and mental health facilities, as well as other supports, really, both in the upstream and postcommitment of offences.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have had these ongoing questions. I was a member of city council for six years before; crime in the community, as well as community safety more broadly, is clearly an issue. I quoted a member of the police association in my remarks. I do not want to take the chief out of context, but their police association welcomes the legislation.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am a new MP here. I have been here about six months. I can tell members that the Guelph Police Service does an extraordinary job in the community and in its advocacy. What is the point, really, of looking back? Here we are today, having heard the feedback of a number of speakers who are experts in this field, who have provided 80 targeted measures. Here we are today. I am happy to hear the member opposite say that he fully supports these new measures.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would remind the House that we are here to celebrate the contribution of the provinces and the federal government. We are working together to ensure that the justice system serves communities and to improve the justice system in Canada and Quebec. I have confidence in the work of the members of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. They will be able to call on a number of experts who have already been consulted. Ultimately, I have confidence in the House and the Parliament of Canada.”
“Canadians deserve to be safe in their homes, on their streets and in their communities. They deserve a justice system that protects the innocent, supports victims and holds offenders accountable. The bail and sentencing reform act would deliver on that commitment. lt would balance firmness with fairness, and it would strengthen bail and toughen sentencing. These changes would underscore that a strong Canada means strong communities and a justice system that works for everyone. They would occur in parallel with investments in upstream prevention of crime, such as in housing, mental health and youth supports, to reduce petty crime and property crime before they happen. We are cracking down on the people who pose the highest risk to community safety, while investing in prevention so fewer people turn to crime in the first place.”
“The proposed amendments are very focused in nature to clarify areas that have led to litigation and uncertainty and to assist the provinces in administering sentences and making some other technical improvements. The bail and sentencing reform act is part of a broader modernization of Canada's justice system and action on community safety. Bill C-2 and Bill C-12 would tackle auto theft, money laundering, human trafficking and drug trafficking. We will introduce anti-scam measures in the coming months. We will bring forward further changes to address court delays, strengthen victims' rights and better protect people facing sexual and intimate partner violence, as well as take new steps to keep children safe from horrific crimes. These are all issues that are close to my heart.”
“The bill would restore driving prohibitions for offences like criminal negligence causing bodily harm or death, or manslaughter. It would also improve fine enforcement to make sure that penalties are meaningful and are able to be enforced. As all members know, the criminal justice system in Canada is a shared responsibility. I want to thank the provinces and territories, which have been strong advocates for these reforms. They have shared their on-the-ground experience with repeat violent offending, and they have helped shaped a package of measures that is practical, targeted and grounded in evidence. I look forward to seeing provincial investments in courthouses, detention facilities and mental health services to ease existing backlogs and speed up trials.”
“This means that offenders would serve one sentence after another rather than serving them at the same time, which may result in a longer penalty's being imposed. The bill would also enact new provisions concerning aggravating factors, and I think we can all agree on that. Sentencing would be tougher for crime against first responders, which would be an egregious crime; retail theft, which is growing and concerning; and offences that impact critical infrastructure such as power stations, water systems or communication networks, on which we all depend. The bill would end house arrest for serious sexual assaults and child sexual offences, ensuring that custodial sentences are served in a secure setting appropriate to the severity of the crime.”
“Courts would need to closely scrutinize those plans before granting release. These reforms are about protecting the public and ensuring accountability for those who repeatedly show disregard for the law and the safety of others in a way that balances the charter rights of people accused of a criminal offence. However, making bail is stricter is only part of the solution. Our sentencing laws also need to reflect the gravity of violent crimes and the harm done to victims and communities. The bill therefore proposes significant sentencing reforms to make penalties tougher for repeat and violent offending, including car theft, extortion and crimes that endanger public safety. For example, the act would require consecutive sentences when violent auto theft is committed with a break and enter, or when extortion is committed with arson.”
“This includes clarifying that the principle would not in fact require release and that an accused person should not be released if their detention is justified, including for the protection and safety of the public. At the bail stage, courts would be required to consider key risk factors, such as whether the allegations involve random or unprovoked violence, and the number or seriousness of any outstanding charges that the accused has accumulated while on bail. Specifically, courts would need to assess whether releasing the accused person would undermine confidence in the justice system. They would also have to impose weapons prohibitions at bail for people accused of extortion and organized crime, unless this is not required. (1320) Importantly, in reverse onus cases, the accused would have to present a credible and reliable bail plan.”
“The bill would create new reverse onus provisions, meaning it would be up to the accused person to demonstrate why they should be released, and not the other way around. In particular it would create new reverse onus provisions for violent and organized crime-related auto theft; break and enter of a home; trafficking in persons; human smuggling; assault and sexual assault involving choking, suffocating or strangulation; and extortion involving violence. This is intended to help ensure that the people who pose the greatest risk to public safety would remain in custody until it is proven they can be safely released. The bill would offer clarity to police and courts regarding how to apply the principle of restraint.”
“In fact, Michael Gendron of the Canadian Police Association has said, “Front-line police have long called for pragmatic reforms to strengthen Canada's bail and sentencing framework. This legislation is an important and timely step to improve public safety and restore confidence in our justice system.” The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police welcomes the introduction of Bill C-14 , calling it “a landmark piece of legislation that strengthens Canada’s response to repeat and violent offenders, organized crime, and threats to public safety.” Why do we have the support of these police associations and so many mayors and community organizations? First, it is because Bill C-14 would make bail stricter and harder to get for repeat and violent offenders.”
“It is the result of extensive engagements with the provinces and territories, police, prosecutors, victims' advocates, indigenous partners, and community organizations. Through these discussions, it became clear that one of the most urgent areas for reform was the bail system, particularly for cases involving repeat and violent offenders. Let us talk about bail reform first. Over the past several years, people in Canada have seen too many tragic headlines about violent crimes committed by individuals who were already out on bail, sometimes with a long history of prior offences. Police, mayors and victims' advocates have all told us that the bail system was not working as it should in these cases. The bail and sentencing reform act would address these criticisms head-on.”
“People in Guelph and across Canada do not just want an improvement in the statistics; they expect and deserve that their communities should feel safe. They want to be safe. They expect a justice system that protects victims, supports the people on the front lines and holds repeat and violent offenders to account, and I agree with them. People expect all levels of government to take steps to ensure that these things happen. The new government is playing its part. The bail and sentencing reform act would introduce over 80 clauses of targeted reforms to strengthen both our bail and our sentencing regimes to respond to this reality. This comprehensive and constitutional bail reform is more than a motion or a slogan, and it is not a warmed-over version of failed U.S. policies.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am here today to speak to the bail and sentencing reform act, one of the most comprehensive updates to Canada's bail and sentencing laws in decades. I have the privilege of representing one of Canada's safest communities, with an overall crime severity index that is the sixth-lowest among Canadian cities. It is an improvement from our ranking as eighth-lowest in 2023 and a dramatic improvement from our ranking of 19th-lowest in 2018, but Guelph used to be the safest city in Canada, and we are seeing a concerning rise in some serious crimes. I want to take the opportunity to thank the people in community organizations that work to prevent crime by addressing root causes and that support victims of crime, and of course Guelph Police Service for its excellent work in our community. It is a collaboration.”
“Walsh, newly promoted Lieutenant Sargent and all past and current students who have served and studied through the serving scholars program. Their dedication to Canada in uniform, in the classroom and in the community makes us very proud. I thank them for their service.”
“Mr. Speaker, visiting Ottawa today are two remarkable individuals who founded the University of Guelph's serving scholars program: Dr. John Walsh and Lieutenant Darren Sargent of Guelph's 11th Field Artillery Regiment. For eight years, the serving scholars program has provided academic accommodations and experiential learning opportunities while fostering a campus culture that values military service. It enables Canadian Armed Forces members to stay in the Reserve Force, grow professionally and gain knowledge that strengthens both their military careers and academic success. Serving scholars reminds us of a simple truth: Those who wear the uniform can also wear the cap and gown, because those who serve our nation deserve every chance to succeed in the classroom. On behalf of the Parliament of Canada, I thank Dr.”
“Mr. Speaker, the fact is that there is absolutely food inflation, but what is driving some of this food inflation? There are supply chains, climate change and lobbyists for Loblaws, which was caught price fixing. We need to look at what is happening on a global scale. We need to tackle the issues we can tackle. We are doing that. We are investing in Canadians. We are investing in industry. I invite the members opposite to support our budget.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have to look at Canada in a global context. Are there things that could be going better? Absolutely, but Canada has the second-largest foreign-investment-stock-to-GDP ratio among the G20 nations. In 2024, we had a record of foreign direct investment in Canada of $85.5 billion, which was up 36% from 2023. Are things rosy? No, but how about bringing back rent control in Ontario? How about paying people in Ontario reasonable Ontario disability supports or Ontario Works? The Conservative Party wants to lay all of these challenges at the feet of this government, and that is very narrow-minded.”
“Mr. Speaker, the city of Guelph is one of the most vulnerable to the U.S. tariffs that are hurting our industries. However, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has been telling us for several months that countertariffs are not necessarily the best way to protect our industries, which employ all these people in my city and in my colleague's city. We need to look at the bigger picture. We have an inflation rate of 1.9%, which is down from 8.1% in June 2022. The rate has been within the Bank of Canada's target range for over a year and a half. Even during and after the pandemic, Canada had one of the best inflation rates among G7 countries. The Bank of Canada was the first bank—”
“We have to go from an economy of reliance on specific trade partners, such as our neighbours to the south, to one that is more resilient to global shocks; the new Canadian economy will be built on a solid foundation of strong Canadian industries and bolstered by international trade partners. I believe that is exactly what our country needs now. This is what Canadians need.”
“[ Translation ] As you can see, our government has already invested and will continue investing to help Canadians weather challenges associated with the high cost of living and to support our industries. We have lowered taxes and are supporting new housing construction. However, we are also aware of the need to manage public funds prudently. [ English ] With budget 2025, our government will lay the groundwork for building a new industrial strategy that will transform our economy. I am a member of the industry committee, and we are looking at that right now.”
“We are going to balance the government's operating spending with revenues over the next three years by cutting waste, capping the public service, ending duplication and deploying technology to improve public sector productivity. The Minister of Finance and National Revenue will deliver the details of the new government's plan on November 4 by presenting budget 2025 in the House. It will be a comprehensive, effective, ambitious and prudent federal budget that will focus on growth, productivity and long-term prosperity. I will also add an additional point with respect to housing. As announced by the Minister of Finance and National Revenue earlier this week, the updated fall budget cycle will more closely align with construction season and provide increased certainty and predictability for developers and investors.”
“With all of these measures, the government is delivering lower taxes, bringing down costs, putting money back in the pockets of Canadians and supporting them through a number of initiatives like trades retraining and investing in industries that are struggling right now, in order to make sure we keep those jobs. However, it is important to understand that to continue supporting Canadians, we need to manage Canada's fiscal finances carefully. When I was on a city council, I brought in value-for-money audits and went line by line through the budgets. I really care about this. We on this side of the House are guided by fiscal discipline. We will spend less and invest more.”
“In short, Build Canada Homes will accelerate housing construction and give private builders the certainty they need to build even more homes. With Build Canada Homes, our government is transforming public-private partnership. The program has been very well received by everyone in the sector. Our approach is to use modern construction methods while fostering the emergence of a whole new Canadian housing industry. (1215) [ English ] The government also cancelled the consumer carbon price to refocus carbon pricing on large emitters. In Guelph, the child care support program this year saw daily child care costs reduce from $35 to $22 per day. That means thousands of dollars in savings for people who have children in child care.”
“[ Translation ] Our commitment to helping build more homes from coast to coast to coast does not stop there. We recently launched Build Canada Homes, a brand new federal agency tasked with building affordable housing at scale. This is wonderful, and it has been too long in coming. Build Canada Homes will quickly build affordable, prefabricated housing on federal land. The agency will also help fight homelessness by building supportive and transitional housing in collaboration with provinces, territories, municipalities, and indigenous communities. In my riding of Guelph, we have had great success in recent years in creating essential supports to combat homelessness, and we need to see much more of this across Canada. This program will help maintain very affordable community housing for low-income households.”
“We are talking about significant support, as first-time homebuyers can save up to $50,000. Altogether, it is expected that this tax cut will deliver $3.9 billion in savings to Canadians over five years. With this targeted support measure, the government is allowing more young Canadians to enter the housing market and, by doing so, realizing the dream of home ownership. Through this GST relief, we are ensuring that first-time homebuyers have lower upfront housing costs and more money in their pockets for related expenses. In addition, there are a number of measures to increase the supply of housing. I am delighted to note that this GST relief will also have a dynamic effect on increasing supply, spurring the construction of new homes across the country.”
“Now this tax cut is helping hard-working Canadians keep more of their paycheques to spend where it matters most. [ Translation ] Our government is also well aware that there is a housing crisis in Canada. Although we have seen improvements recently in some cities, too many Canadians, especially young people, are having a hard time finding housing that they can afford. That is why our government is implementing an ambitious new approach to increase Canada's housing supply. [ English ] For example, the government is moving forward to eliminate the goods and services tax for first-time homebuyers of new homes at or under $1 million and to reduce the GST for first-time homebuyers of new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. We need the support of the budget to do that.”
“Very early on, the government delivered a middle-class tax cut to allow hard-working Canadians to keep more money in their pockets. Nearly 22 million Canadians are already benefiting from our middle-class tax cut. This tax cut will save two-income families up to $840 in 2026. Going forward, it is expected to deliver over $27 billion in tax savings to Canadians over the next five years. This rate reduction will benefit Canadians across the country. The bulk of the middle-class tax cut will go to those with incomes in the two lowest tax brackets, including nearly half to those in the first bracket of $57,375 and below in 2025. With this middle-class tax cut, the lowest marginal personal income tax rate was reduced from 15% to 14% effective July 1.”