John-Paul Danko
Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member opposite. I think she did a great job of highlighting and reiterating a number of government announcements, so I want to thank her for reannouncing that good news here in the House. She mentioned new announcements and new commitments every few weeks, and I concur. That is exactly what we are doing.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is good to hear from the member opposite and to see him back here in Ottawa. Our government is working collaboratively with the Province of Ontario to cut the HST on new homes and cut development charges. We are working with Premier Ford, municipalities and affordable housing providers.”
“Mr. Speaker, I really appreciate the hon. secretary of state bringing forth closure on this very important legislation, it being a key campaign promise.”
“Mr. Speaker, I tremendously respect the member opposite's experience here, and she said something really interesting. She said that she has never seen anything like the current government for moving fast.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am absolutely beside myself right now. I heard the member opposite defending the use of the noose as a symbol of hatred. It is absolutely disgusting. Withdraw those comments. That is beyond the pale, sir.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada led the invention of modern artificial intelligence, and now AI is used by millions of Canadians every day. Canadians want AI to strengthen our economy, to enhance job opportunities, to deliver new research and innovation, to protect our communities and our national sovereignty and to always prioritize people.”
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“Mr. Speaker, the member for Newmarket—Aurora gave a thoughtful speech. She has genuine concern for the families, parents and seniors who are facing affordability issues in their communities. In the city of Hamilton, the average family income is significantly lower than other parts of the province, so this issue is particularly acute in the areas that I represent. A credit of $7,500 over five years is substantial assistance, but the member talked about the need for long-term measures to decrease food prices. In this bill, there are measures for the strategic response fund and the food security program, as well as funding for increasing the domestic production of food. I am wondering what other recommendations might be brought forward if this were to proceed to committee.”
“When will the members opposite stop the excuses and support the anti-crime legislation that is before the House right now?”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member opposite's mentioning the RCMP. My father-in-law, Mike Renchko, is a very proud retired RCMP member. Of course, the protecting victims act we are debating today is about protecting people against gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, protecting children from predators, strengthening victims' rights and addressing court delays. If there is anything before the House that the members opposite should support, it is this. However, with our anti-crime bills, strengthening sentencing, bail reform, the anti-hate act, and protecting women and children, when these bills go to committee, they are actively blocked over and over again by the members opposite. Why is that? It is so the members opposite can stand up in the House and continue to grandstand and to fundraise off their actions.”
“The recent comments by the American President claiming NATO forces were not on the front lines dishonour the memory of Canadians like Private Graham who gave their lives in defence of our American allies. We owe it to our veterans to speak the truth and to honour their service with respect and remembrance.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember Private Mark Anthony Graham and to honour the 40,000 Canadians who fought with NATO in Afghanistan. Following the September 11 terrorist attacks, the United States of America invoked NATO's article 5 for the first time in history, calling America's allies to their collective defence. Canada answered that call. Private Mark Anthony Graham was a Canadian soldier. He was an Olympic athlete, a graduate of Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School in my riding, and a role model to young Canadians. On September 4, 2006, Private Graham was killed fighting on the front line with NATO during Operation Medusa in Afghanistan.”
“Mr. Speaker, there are a number of areas on which the member and I largely agree, which is really good to hear. I really appreciated his discussion of the need for investment in ports, trade corridors and infrastructure, which is, of course, an important part of budget 2025. In particular, the port of Hamilton has direct access to the Atlantic through the St. Lawrence Seaway, a key export hub for Ontario, along with Hamilton airport, which is the busiest overnight cargo airport in the entire country. I want to ask the member about this new approach to collaboration and good faith, whether that will extend to committees, and how long we can expect it to last.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think we all agree it is a priority for Canada to diversify our economy and increase trade. It was good to hear that tacit support and offer of collaboration from the member opposite. Having greater Canadian access to the eighth-largest economy in the world, certainly on agriculture, seafood and lumber, is great news for Canadians. Focusing in on Ontario, looking at opportunities for aerospace, clean technology, advanced manufacturing, minerals, mining and energy, I wonder if the member opposite sees any particular benefits for Ontario in this trade deal.”
“Madam Speaker, following the member's speech, I am trying to understand what it is that the Conservative Party actually stands for. In her speech, she started with anti-immigration conspiracy theories, which undoubtedly will be used to grift and fundraise. Then she blamed immigrants for destroying Canada's social fabric, which frankly is straight-up racist. Then she went into some MAGA-theory talking points about immigrants and migrants. This rhetoric is damaging. It is damaging to our democracy. It is damaging to Canadians. Just last month, we had anti-immigration rallies in Hamilton, which were roundly denounced by Hamilton leaders, as they should be. Is the member from Oklahoma representing Canadians or just the MAGA White House?”
“Madam Speaker, it is good to get the member opposite's perspective. He has been an environmental leader for many years. There are a couple of important things that he mentioned. The first was that becoming an energy superpower includes all forms of energy and that we need to invest in clean energy and invest in jobs in clean energy, because that is where the jobs of the future are. Thinking about the global transition toward electric vehicles and transportation, electric heating and cooling, electric industrial processes and electric computing and data centres, would he agree it is pragmatic to provide paths forward for natural resources where the market exists and also to invest heavily in electric production and transmission throughout Canada?”
“Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the member for working Justin Trudeau and Fidel Castro into his speech. I am sure his “freedom convoy” supporters absolutely love that kind of nonsense. I should be shocked, but am not, by the continuing lack of integrity and by the cowardice shown by the Conservative members opposite. We are inside the House, where they are protected by parliamentary privilege from personal liability, and where they continually spread misinformation and make false and defamatory statements. It is nonsense that is then amplified by their propaganda networks and foreign actors. Will the member opposite acknowledge that this nonsense is embarrassing, damaging to our democracy and the reason his party was rejected by voters in the last election?”
“Madam Speaker, my colleague is a strong advocate for P.E.I. and Atlantic Canada. When I was raising my family, I would very much have appreciated the government's programs, especially the national child care program, which is a huge support for young families. I want to draw on the member's experience at the provincial level and ask how important it is to have a federal government that is fully engaged in redefining Canada's economy and investing in provinces, especially smaller provinces like P.E.I.”
“Madam Speaker, the member opposite is no Doug Ford with his folksy witticisms. I am continually amazed that members are conveniently confusing capital investment and operational expenses. Businesses, municipalities, families and farmers understand the difference, but there is no acknowledgement of the reality of the trade war that we are currently facing with the United States. The whole point of this budget is investing in Canada to build our economy, and to invest in our country. Can the member opposite explain the difference between a capital investment and an operating expense?”
“However, progress on these important public safety measures is being delayed by partisan Conservative obstruction. Public safety is not a partisan issue. Canadians deserve action, not political stunts, so let us work together to keep Canadians safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, our new government has taken immediate action to improve public safety, to stop crime and to hold criminals responsible. We have added much stricter penalties for gun crime, gang crime and violent crime. We are strengthening bail to ensure that criminals are not released from jail. We are strengthening anti-hate laws to protect vulnerable populations from targeted harassment. We are protecting women from violence and exploitation. We are giving police the modern tools they need to infiltrate criminal networks, to investigate, and to stop crimes before they happen. This was done in close collaboration with police chiefs, frontline officers, legal experts, community partners and victims' organizations to prevent crime, to hold criminals responsible and to keep our communities safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his ongoing advocacy and his tax credits for firefighters, for advocating for corporate responsibility and for advocating for the basic needs of everyday Canadians. However, I also want to address a growing concern for Canadians, and that is the influence of Donald Trump's White House over the Canadian Conservative Party, which is importing trends from the U.S. such as cutting funding for public education, removing environmental standards, the misogynistic manipulation of young men and the vilification of immigrants in the global south. I wonder if the member opposite has any concerns about the increasing influence of Donald Trump over the Canadian Conservative Party and Conservative movements in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, the people of Hamilton know that Canadian steel is an integral part of building a secure, sovereign Canada. Everything from homes to defence requires a strong industrial steel sector. With the announcement yesterday, it is clear that our government is focused on building Canada strong, with Canadian steel to build Canadian products, building the strongest economy in the G7. Can the Minister of Jobs and Families please tell this House how our government is supporting steelworkers as we transition to buy Canadian industrial self-reliance?”
“Mr. Speaker, the people of Hamilton know that Canadian steel is an integral part of building a secure, sovereign Canada. Everything from homes to defence requires a strong industrial steel sector. With the announcement yesterday, it is clear that our government is focused on building Canada strong, with Canadian steel to build Canadian products, building the strongest economy in the G7. Can the Minister of Jobs and Families— Some hon. members: Oh, oh!”
“Mr. Speaker, the people of Hamilton know that Canadian steel is an integral part of building a secure, sovereign Canada. Everything from homes to defence requires a strong industrial steel sector. With the announcement yesterday, it is clear that our government is focused on building Canada strong, with Canadian steel to build Canadian products, building the strongest economy in the G7. Can the Minister of Jobs and Families— Some hon. members: Oh, oh!”
“Mr. Speaker, certainly, there are programs in the budget that specifically address the needs of seniors. One of the issues facing seniors, especially those on a fixed income, is increasing municipal property taxes. When they are in their home and on a fixed income, they cannot afford year-over-year property tax increases. This budget would address that by directly funding municipal infrastructure, which would offset some of the costs that would otherwise be downloaded to municipalities and passed on to seniors.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I said, this budget would strengthen the systems that families, seniors and people rely on, such as providing affordable child care, helping families enter the workforce, saving families money, making school food programs permanent, making sure that all students have the ability to learn on a full stomach and increasing old age security. My kids happen to be 17 and 19. I am very concerned about what their future will look like. I am also entering that stage when I am concerned about where my parents are going to live and about their success for years to come. This budget would set the foundation for what they need in their future.”
“Mr. Speaker, affordability for seniors and families is central to this budget. This budget meets a specific moment in time when we are redefining the entire Canadian economy for the next century. Those investments are critical in making sure that seniors, families and young people have the opportunities they deserve in their communities. This requires focus and investment from the federal government, and I am proud to be part of that.”
“I’m very pleased to see the $450 million for the Strategic Response Fund, which will support tens of thousands of workers and key sectors, from lumber to steel to the auto industry.” Voters across Canada elected a government that believes in Canada, invests in Canada and trusts Canadians. This budget would build the infrastructure we need for our future and would invest in our country. The budget implementation act is about building a resilient, confident and sovereign Canada that protects our workers, supports our families, strengthens our democracy and secures our place in a rapidly changing world. It is a budget that would build, protect and empower. Finally, it is a budget that reflects the very best of who we are as Canadians.”
“Increased support for training and apprenticeships under the Union Training and Innovation Program, along with new opportunities for nation-building projects through the Major Projects Office, will help ensure skilled tradespeople can continue building the vital infrastructure Ontario and Canada rely on.” The president of Canada's Building Trades Unions says, “I also welcome the new Build Communities Strong fund, which includes a generational investment of $50 billion for local infrastructure projects, with a focus on using unionized labour and Community Employment Benefit Agreements.”
“More money in the pockets of PSWs means more care workers at the bedside of Canada’s seniors, and a stronger, more resilient public healthcare system.” LiUNA Canada, a major partner in the city of Hamilton, says, “LiUNA welcomes the government's continued commitment to apprenticeship, union-led training, and workforce development. By recognizing the essential role of union labour in constructing the infrastructure that powers our economy, this budget reinforces Canada's path to growth, stability, and long-term prosperity. Let's build.” The Ontario Building and Construction Trades Council said, “We're pleased to see the Federal Government's continued commitment to investing in Canada's workforce through this budget.”
“This is about creating opportunity, good jobs, strong communities and the ability for families to build the life they deserve. The mission statement of the City of Hamilton is “To be the best place to raise a child and age successfully”, and I believe this budget would move us closer to that goal. Our government is also investing in opportunities for families to earn a secure living and afford a lifestyle they can be proud of. SEIU Healthcare, which represents 68,000 Canadian health care workers, says, “Budget 2025 will help build a stronger Canada by making life more affordable for 200,000 personal support workers...through a new tax credit....”
“Since the COVID pandemic, affordability and the cost of living have become top of mind for families across Canada, including in Hamilton, Ancaster and Dundas. This budget would strengthen the systems families rely on. Affordable child care gives parents the ability to build careers without sacrificing family, permanent school food programs ensure that children can learn and grow without hunger, a strengthened Canada child benefit lifts hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty and an increased old age security supports seniors in their retirement years. Critically, by offsetting municipal costs for infrastructure and housing, we would also reduce the pressure being placed on local municipal property taxpayers.”
“We urge the Province of Ontario to direct sufficient health care funding toward hospitals and emergency care to improve patient outcomes and the working conditions of doctors, nurses and health care professionals. We urge the Province of Ontario to direct sufficient health care funding toward supports for addictions and mental health, because too often, these health care issues go unresolved and often lead to homelessness. We are pleased to see that, just this week, Premier Ford is making new investments in Ontario's criminal justice system, strengthening Ontario's bail laws and adding resources to Ontario's jails and courts. The federal government is a willing partner, and we look forward to closer collaboration with the Province of Ontario.”
“The government has also reaffirmed support for the Hamilton B-line LRT, the first phase of the rapid transit BLAST network that will transform the entire city. As I did when I served on Hamilton's city council, I am already looking beyond the B-line LRT toward future investment in the next phase of A-line light rail transit along the Upper James corridor, right from the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport to the port and waterfront. This is a budget that believes in Hamilton's future. (1250) However, no federal budget, no matter how ambitious, can succeed without the involvement and collaboration of all levels of government, and that includes the Province of Ontario, led by Premier Doug Ford. Federal health transfers to Ontario continue to outpace provincial spending.”
“For Hamilton, that would mean investments in transit, drinking water, waste-water and stormwater systems, community spaces and the critical infrastructure that underpins responsible and sustainable growth. There is $25 billion over the next five years for housing, supporting and enhancing the incredible progress already being made in Hamilton through the Hamilton is Home coalition, one of the most ambitious housing initiatives in the entire country. There is $30 billion over five years for defence, supporting Canada's manufacturing sector, an area where Hamilton plays a critical role. Hamilton's steelworkers, machinists and advanced manufacturing sector are all essential to Canada's national security and NATO commitments.”
“That is good fiscal policy, and it is long-term nation-building. As the member of Parliament for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, I want to speak directly to what I see in the budget for Hamilton. Hamilton's infrastructure has benefited from significant levels of federal investment, but continued growth and modernization require even more. Now is the time for provincial and federal partners to build on that progress and deliver the next wave of funding to strengthen services, support housing and prepare Hamilton for the next generations to come. This budget commits $115 billion over five years toward the building and repairing of infrastructure.”
“Canada continues to be one of the safest, most stable jurisdictions for business investments in the G7. The Canadian economy is well positioned for the future, but only if we act now. For the first time, the budget makes a clear, important distinction between capital and operating spending. Of course, this is how businesses operate, as well as most families. There is a family's large capital investments, like the mortgage, house or car loan, and its operational expenses, like clothing, utilities, groceries, etc. In the federal government, we are making significant capital investments in housing, infrastructure, climate adaption and defence, investments that will build a stronger Canada for decades. Operational spending is being strategically managed and will be brought back into balance within three years.”
“We must take action to defend not only our economic prosperity but also our national sovereignty and very way of life. That is why the government is taking decisive action. We are taking action to protect our economic sovereignty and way of life because we believe fundamentally in the unity and strength of the Canadian people. As the Prime Minister said, we must take control of our own destiny. This budget implementation act does exactly that. At its core, it has three clear priorities: to build, to protect and to empower. Canada's economic fundamentals remain the strongest in the G7 and in the world. Our debt-to-GDP ratio is the lowest in the G7. Employment growth remains steady, adding 67,000 new jobs in October and 60,000 the month before that.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to rise today as the federal representative for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas to speak in support of the implementation of a new budget for Canada, a pivotal investment in the future of our great country. We are living through a fundamental shift in global trade, global alliances and the global economy. For decades, Canada and our democratic allies around the world relied on stable, predictable international trade partners. Today, that world no longer exists. Our largest trading partner is governed by an increasingly hostile and unpredictable administration. The Trump administration has not hesitated to illegally target Canadian industries, Canadian workers and Canada's national interests for its own short-term political gains. In a moment like this, Canada cannot afford to stand still.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his support of the budget here in the House. The member spoke about his private sector experience and I think we see in this budget, repeatedly, the influence that extensive private sector experience brings to the government. Would the member like to expand on the difference in perspectives between the private sector and the government?”
“Mr. Speaker, I have heard the member opposite speak a few times. He is an excellent speaker, and I think he would make an excellent leader of the opposition. The member opposite has spoken about streamlining evaluation across jurisdictions. I think that is a very important point. He was at a Green Building event recently, speaking very highly of and advocating for green building standards. Of course, the Canadian debt is a concern, so I thank him for highlighting that. I was wondering if the member opposite could also acknowledge that, in the current geopolitical context with the United States and shifting trade alliances, we are in a different reality now, and this budget addresses some of those realities.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague's speech in support of the budget was excellent. I represent an urban riding in Hamilton, and there is some really exciting funding in the budget specifically for municipalities and large urban centres, with $51 billion for infrastructure and $13 billion for housing. Of course municipalities in Ontario have deliberately been chronically underfunded by the provincial government. My question to the member is this: What specific provisions in the budget does she see benefiting urban areas?”
“Leadership is not American-style slogans, conspiracy theories, anger and division. Effective government, real leadership, is being part of a great team that delivers results for Hamilton and all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, last week, Hamilton welcomed the Minister of Public Safety and the Secretary of State for Sport to announce federal funding for the amazing new Hamilton YWCA. Then the Secretary of State for Combatting Crime joined the mayor's community safety round table to discuss federal action to stop crime. We hosted the Minister of Industry to advance our government's buy Canadian policy, meeting student leaders, workers and innovators supporting Canada's next generation of jobs. The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure also met with Hamilton housing partners to continue work making housing more affordable and to confirm Hamilton's light rail transit system remains a federal budget priority. This budget delivers billions of dollars in further investment and opportunity for Hamilton and cities across Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, a report from this summer says that Prince George saw a significant drop in crime severity, down 13.87%, the lowest point since 2020. I will note that Prince George, as well as Saskatchewan, is actually policed by the RCMP. The Leader of the Opposition has referred to the RCMP as “despicable”. Will the member opposite disavow those comments from his leader and stand up for the men and women who are keeping his community safe?”
“Mr. Speaker, I have lived in Hamilton my whole life. I am incredibly proud of our city's heritage as Canada's industrial centre and the heart of steelmaking. That spirit of hard work and resilience defines Hamilton. Illegal and unnecessary U.S. tariffs on steel threaten our industry and the livelihoods of hard-working Hamilton families. How we respond is not about politics. It is about people. It is about workers. It is about the future of Hamilton and all Canadian industry. We need every political party and all levels of government working together, united to defend Canadian workers and build new opportunities. That is why our government is forging new markets for Canadian steel and investing in good jobs right here at home, ensuring Hamilton remains at the heart of Canada's industrial future. We cannot control an unpredictable U.S.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am so sick and tired of this “Canada is broken” narrative from the Conservative party. I am a proud Canadian, as is everyone in my riding. My family tree goes back to Laura Secord and the United Empire Loyalists, and I grew up and lived in Hamilton, where the Battle of Stoney Creek was one of the defining battles that kept Canada Canadian and part of the British Empire, so I will not be lectured on Canadian identity by the Conservative Party of Canada. My question is this: Do these Conservatives have no shame?”
“Madam Speaker, my wife is a proud University of Waterloo grad, and there are three post-secondary institutions in my riding: McMaster, Mohawk and Redeemer. The member opposite mentioned the international student program. Of course, international students, and post-secondary education in particular, are the responsibility of the provincial government. This issue is mainly unique to Ontario. Will the member opposite acknowledge the responsibility of the Ontario Conservative government in the mismanagement of post-secondary education?”
“Mr. Speaker, in another display of arrogance and ignorance, the Conservative leader claimed that the national school food program is just “bureaucracy”. Another Conservative said that feeding hungry kids was “garbage”. In my riding, this program is already making a real difference, and educators say it is one of the best ways to help kids succeed. How will the Secretary of State for Children and Youth respond to this deplorable Conservative misinformation?”
“Madam Speaker, I thank the member opposite for continually raising some of the very troubling issues that we are seeing from the U.S. administration south of the border. One aspect in particular is the tendency to use the justice system as retaliation against political foes. I wonder if the member opposite has any comments on the Leader of the Opposition 's comments and bringing that style of U.S. justice system retaliation against political foes to Canada.”
“Madam Speaker, it is really encouraging to see collaboration in the House, where we can hash something out at committee and come to a level of agreement for the best interest of all Canadians. In particular, I appreciate the member's highlighting the impacts of the opioid crisis on indigenous communities, and I would suggest some of those impacts are very similar for urban indigenous populations across Canada, including Hamilton, with subsequent issues, such as homelessness. I am hoping, as we will very soon be tabling bail reform and strengthening sentencing legislation in the House, we will see a similar level of collaboration among all parties.”
“Mr. Speaker, the hon. member served at the municipal level, as have I. We have seen the impact that provincial governments have on affordability by downloading costs to municipalities and downloading costs to residents. What role does the member see the provincial governments across Canada having in addressing affordability, and what more positive partnerships might be possible?”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the members opposite for finally getting a motion before the House that has Justin Trudeau right in it. There is a strange Conservative obsession with the former prime minister. I think Conservatives are going to go to Spirit Halloween and get an animatronic of Justin Trudeau to jump out of the bushes to scare children. As we head into Thanksgiving, we have our new government and the newly elected member for Carleton , who is just right here. I would like to wish him and his constituents a very happy Thanksgiving. They have something to be thankful for because they finally exorcised the ghoul living in the basement.”
“Mr. Speaker, another Conservative member from Vancouver Island recently made a statement that indigenous bands asked for residential schools, and supporters of the Conservative Party routinely engage in residential school denialism, supported by the Leader of the Opposition . How would the member for Victoria respond to those kinds of comments and how are they received in his community?”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to point out that members opposite and members in the opposition actively deny some of the horrors of residential schools and subsequent intergenerational trauma, so will the member take this opportunity to state on the public record that he acknowledges the horrors of residential schools, acknowledges the deaths of indigenous children at residential schools and acknowledges the need for genuine truth and reconciliation?”
“Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is from Winnipeg, which has a sizable indigenous population. He has been very engaged in consultation with members of his own community. What is the member hearing from those in his constituency and how would he expect that to apply across Canada?”