Corey Hogan
Calgary Confederation, Alberta · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, we know that youth unemployment is uneven across the country. There will be 6,600 new youth jobs in Alberta, by the way, this year. Let us talk about the top line here. We have the second-fastest growth in the G7, the best fiscal position in the G7, 20 new trade and security deals, non-U.S.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are making historic investments in young people. My colleagues today have already mentioned a number of those major projects. I am sure we will get to hear that question and get expansions of that question many more times today.”
“Mr. Speaker, all agreements are considered through the lens of Canadian interests, and all agreements are considered in the context of our other agreements. As has already been mentioned, Mercosur is an enormous market. Since the last election, the government has reached 20 new trade and security agreements.”
“Mr. Speaker, the more precise they try to sound, the more Canadians should be deeply suspicious of their claims, because they zoom in when the world view does not actually reflect anything they are talking about here. Let us talk about the facts: 20 trade and security deals have made a 40% increase in non-U.S.”
“Mr. Speaker, $4 billion in Cold Lake will be a nice start in helping develop the kind of overall community benefits that we are talking about. I have to say we have heard a lot of the same questions from across the way. We get the point. I think they like to talk about the fact that there are prices and deficits.”
“Mr. Speaker, I almost do not know what to say. Calgarians certainly know the difference between credit card purchases and investments, such as investments in themselves. That is what we are doing with the groceries and essentials benefit. That is what we are doing with the gas tax. l will tell members something else.”
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“However, I ask that as this moment of crisis recedes, the House not lose sight of the chain, forward and backward, that it is part of: the imperative to address climate change, the imperative to think broadly about this challenge and the imperative to be there for people when the news cycle moves on. My children have had too many smoke-filled days. Our country has seen too many evacuees flee their homes, unsure if they will ever return. Communities have seen too many lives unravelled by the long-term consequences. We have in our hands, as a Parliament, the power and responsibility to help our country prepare, adapt and recover. I hope we take that responsibility very seriously.”
“We need air filtration, both home and personal, for communities far from hot spots; mental health supports for the affected; and insurance, longer-term funding and support to rebuild when we lose communities and homes, as we tragically have and tragically will. I want to close by saying that none of this can be done at the expense of responding to the moment of crisis we find ourselves in. For those affected, their governments, communities and first responders are with them. We will move heaven and earth to respond to this moment. Not all will be perfect, as nothing is in these moments, but these are the moments when we set aside all partisan thought and have no thought but for their safety.”
“From 1981 to 2015, there were an average of 18 smoke hours per year in the city of Calgary. No year had over 100. Now we see hundreds of smoke hours routinely: 315 in 2017, 450 in 2018, 439 in 2021, 512 in 2023, and 2024 was only 200. Again, I will say that is compared to a 1981-to-2015 average that was far lower. (2330) Such smoke presents serious risks. The concentrated air pollution that forest fires create can, on the mild end, cause headaches and coughs and inconvenience for the healthy. On the more serious end, it moves from asthma attacks and irregular heartbeats to heart attacks, strokes and birth defects. Again, as we look to the effects across geography and time, we must prepare, adapt and recover.”
“Unfortunately, one of the things we learned is that the effects of wildfires last far longer than the moment of crisis. There is an event, a fire; people are evacuated and the community is with them. The country is with them. Volunteers and donations come in from everywhere, from across the globe. A year later, life is supposed to be normal again. The fire is gone; people are back. Maybe their homes are rebuilt. That is often when mental health problems begin. By then, that national and international focus and that national and international support are gone. As the hon. member for Saanich—Gulf Islands said, it is a long, hard road to recovery. The events are also less geography-bound, and the hazy skies over Ottawa today remind us of that. Calgarians know this very well.”
“We also need to incentivize residents and businesses to prepare for and adapt to this changing climate. We need to minimize the damage. We need to take steps now, working with global partners, to reduce the damage that climate change is bringing us. My friends, this is not as bad as it gets. I said fires are part of a chain. We have looked backwards, but now it is time to look forward from this event. These crises are often less time-bound and geography-bound than we imagine. In a past life, I worked for the Government of Alberta, in a province that has seen too many major wildfires. I joined just after Fort McMurray was evacuated and burned, as it was being rebuilt. I was there in 2019 when wildfires forced the evacuation of High Level.”
“We need to prepare for more extreme weather events, adapt to our changing climate and recover when the events happen. We do need to be fire smart, which includes ignition-resistant homes, firebreaks and land use planning, keeping yards clean and forest management. Prescribed burns are done by the provinces, and Parks Canada does some, but we have to acknowledge it is a smaller window for prescribed burns, and there is resource competition with all of the wildfires that are occurring because of climate change. Yes, I agree with members opposite that a national firefighting force has promise, and I am glad it is something being explored. I am glad that, as the Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience has said, nothing is off the table.”
“It takes a denial that borders on malice to ignore the increase in hurricanes, droughts and heat waves that climate change has brought, which have cost the lives of thousands across the globe. If members are not familiar with what a wet-bulb temperature is, I am sorry to say they likely will be in the future. It is a temperature and humidity at which sweating no longer cools people down. When that temperature is over 35 degrees for long enough, death without air conditioning is a given. Climate change is driving wet-bulb temperatures to be more frequent and of longer duration. It is, one might say, a five-alarm wake-up call. We need to prepare, adapt and recover. The changes to our climate brought on by climate change are already here.”
“We know wildfire seasons are getting longer, more intense and harder to predict across the nation, and more extreme weather, like wildfires and floods, are now our reality. It is tragic. We need to live the mantra of prepare, adapt and recover. We need to do what we can, as a government, as a Parliament and as a nation, to assist the affected people across the west through this troubling time. These events are concentrated moments in a chain of events. Looking backwards, leading to this are decisions we have made as societies across the globe that have increased extreme weather events. We cannot wave away climate change. It is not a future threat; it is a present one. It takes a somewhat wilful blindness to ignore the increasing frequency of so-called 100-year floods and once-in-a-generation forest fires.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands . My heart goes out to people in the west dealing with wildfires and displacement. While this is a debate rightly focused on wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, like other members, I did want to acknowledge that wildfires are also impacting the people of Alberta, with thousands of evacuees from Swan Hills, Dene Tha' and other communities across the province. We have seen many wildfires of late in my home province of Alberta alone: in Slave Lake and Richardson in 2011, Fort McMurray in May 2016, High Level in 2019 and millions of hectares in 2023 that forced thousands of evacuations. Of course, last year in Jasper, 25,000 people were evacuated and hundreds of homes were destroyed. Sadly, that is a pretty incomplete list of all of the fires.”
“However, a year later is when some of the real mental health challenges can occur, and the country is not there. I am wondering if you could react to that or give comments on what you think should happen long term for mental health supports for your community.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank everyone on the ground who has been working to fight this terrible tragedy and make right what has been made wrong by nature. I appreciate the speed with which everybody has worked, including the ministers. I know how hard these situations are to manage, and I give my sincere thanks to all involved for keeping people safe. The one thing I want to ask the member about is the long-term effect of this. Could he give his thoughts on that? I worked for the Government of Alberta, and we found that one of the challenges with an event like this is that it is often much longer lasting than people imagine. There is an event the world is watching, and the country is there in very big ways for people. Then they go home and their house is rebuilt if it has been lost, and life is supposed to go on.”
“Mr. Speaker, in the face of repeated threats by the United States to our economic sovereignty, Canadians chose to give our government a strong mandate to build a strong Canada. As we have heard, today the Prime Minister and premiers are meeting in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, one of the economic engines of this great country, and strengthening Canada's economy is on the agenda. Now, members opposite have imagined a lot of outcomes from a meeting they were not invited to. In an effort to get back to facts, can the Minister of Finance and National Revenue inform the House on details of this work and its importance to Canada?”
“Mr. Speaker, this is a throne speech that is heavy on housing. It takes a land, sea and air approach to housing that reduces the costs of developing and building, and increases supply through the largest action since World War II.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the hon. member on her election. From coast to coast to coast, the throne speech speaks about economic opportunity. It talks about the ways we are going to build things, the ways we are going to grow things and, most importantly, the way we are going to do it quickly, because time is not our friend. There is a commitment within the throne speech to have a major projects office and to move the approval of projects from five years to two years. That would make us among the best, if not the best, in the OECD. Therefore, I am optimistic for the future. I hope the hon. member across the way will keep an open mind as we implement this agenda.”
“Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly agree with my colleague. This is another example of a new government bringing a new agenda, and Canadians will be well served by that government in the weeks, months and hopefully years to come.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for his question. [ English ] Canada is a nation of regions. I know this well as an Albertan. A speech of this nature is about the nation as a whole. There is much detail to come afterward and much discussion to have in the days to come.”
“In fact, northern gateway did not manage to pass court challenges, because the environmental reviews and the indigenous consultations were deemed too insufficient by the courts, a problem that this side of the House has cleaned up.”
“Mr. Speaker, I was with the Minister of Energy when he made that speech, and the vibe in the room was very different. We ended up hearing a very positive response from people who were looking forward to turning a page and having more productive conversations, something I would encourage all members to take to heart. It is not surprising the minister got a positive response, given that the Liberals received the highest percentage of votes that they have had in Calgary in generations, since 1968. This is a new government that will bring new balances to our energy and environment conversations, and those are needed. I will remind the members opposite that pipelines were going down to failure long before any of the bills they listed as possible reasons for it.”
“These are the actions of a new government determined to set concrete objectives to build Canada into a stronger and more prosperous nation for its people. Today's throne speech provides a road map for how we will get there. It is an ambitious agenda. It is an agenda that Canadians, working together, can achieve. I move, seconded by the hon. member for Thérèse-De Blainville , that the following address be presented to His Majesty the King: Motion TO THE KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY: MOST GRACIOUS SOVEREIGN: We, Your Majesty's most loyal and dutiful subjects, the House of Commons of Canada, in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Majesty for the gracious Speech which Your Majesty has addressed to both Houses of Parliament.”
“We will place a limit on the number of temporary foreign workers and international students while taking steps to attract the best talent in the world to come here and join us in building our economy. Let me end with some remarks about the government's commitment to responsible fiscal management. Our government brings a new approach to this matter. The throne speech notes that the government's operating budget has been growing by 9% every year. That must change. It will change. Our government will bring in measures to reduce the growth of that budget to below 2%. Moreover, we will set a responsible target for deficit reduction. The government will balance its operating budget over the next three years through responsible and prudent fiscal management. Transfers to provinces, territories and Canadians themselves will be maintained.”
“As part of that, we will increase funding for the indigenous loan guarantees program to help more indigenous communities own major projects. Also central to our identity is the pristine beauty of our land. Canadians are rightly proud of their natural habitat. Our government will protect this distinct feature of Canada by creating new national parks and marine protected areas. For many decades, Canadians have taken great pride in our immigration system. It has helped paint the portrait of the Canadian mosaic while also fuelling the engine of the economy. Maintaining public trust in the system is integral for the system itself to be sound. Our government will take steps to build trust and restore balance.”
“We will work with our European allies to strengthen transatlantic security, and we will invest in the Canadian north as part of our commitment to keep the country safe from existing and emerging threats. (1300) As an Albertan and the son of a Quebecker, I am proud to live in a country where the French language and the Quebec culture are embodied in our very national identity. The throne speech makes our government's values clear and respects the country's official and aboriginal languages. Moreover, it is a commitment to protecting the institutions that are a showcase for those cultures, like CBC or Radio-Canada. Our government is also deeply committed to upholding fundamental obligations to advancing reconciliation with indigenous peoples. We must and we will assist in the creation of sustainable prosperity for them.”
“The Canada Border Services Agency will be given new powers to crack down on the stolen car trade to prevent the transport of illegal products. To further protect our communities, the government will hire 1,000 more RCMP personnel. We will take action to stem gun violence through changes to firearm licensing and through the use of scanners, drones and helicopters to stem the flow of drugs and guns across the border. Earlier, I spoke of how we live in a world of uncertainty and instability. Our government has the responsibility to protect Canada's sovereignty, and we will do that. The government will rebuild, rearm and reinvest in the Canadian Forces.”
“Removing these obstacles will put Canada in a better position to withstand any trade war we might experience. The change will create jobs and make us stronger. As the throne speech says, it will enable us to become a superpower in both green and conventional energy. This is a message Canadians from all regions should hear. It is certainly music to Albertans' ears. The government recognizes that Canadians have legitimate concerns about the safety of their neighbourhoods and streets. We will introduce legislation to enhance security at our borders. We will introduce new tools for our law enforcement intelligence agencies to stop the flow of fentanyl. The criminal code will be toughened to make bail harder to get for repeat offenders convicted of crimes such as car theft, home invasion and human trafficking.”
“The premiers of several provinces and territories have already taken steps to remove barriers. Our government is committed to working with all the others to continue moving in this direction. As we move this way, it is important that we, as Canadians, recognize that this is a time to not only build but also build big. We must now build major projects to further secure our national economy and create high-paying jobs that will last for generations. To assist in this, our government will create a new major federal projects office, through which the time needed to approve projects will be shortened from five years to two years, a goal that would make us among the best, if not the best, in the OECD. This will be done while upholding Canada's environmental standards and its constitutional obligation to indigenous peoples.”
“It also encompasses the recent expansion of the Canadian dental care plan, which is now available to another 8 million Canadians, saving the average family more than $800 per visit. Our government has a fundamental goal with regard to the Canadian economy: It is our core mission to build the strongest economy in the G7. As we move towards that goal, it is imperative to recognize that we must create one Canadian economy out of 13 economies. For far too long, we have been held up by internal barriers to trade and labour mobility, and these barriers cost us as much as $200 billion per year. The throne speech made it clear that our government will introduce legislation to remove all remaining federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility by Canada Day. We are moving quickly because the time for action is now. We cannot delay.”
“We will also lower the GST on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. As we do this, we will take concrete steps to double the rate of homebuilding in this country, using technology, skilled work and lumber that comes from Canada itself. We will take action to ensure the housing market works better, including cutting municipal development charges in half for all multi-unit housing. The plan is clear. The government will drive the housing supply up to bring housing costs down. The bottom line is that our government knows Canadians need relief, and we are supplying it. We will ensure the future sustainability of programs that have already saved families thousands of dollars a year. This includes child care and pharmacare.”
“Canada can lead the way, and this will become even more apparent when we chair the G7 summit in my home province of Alberta next month. I would now like to turn my attention to something closer to home. Throughout the country, many Canadians are having difficulty paying their bills. The cost of living has become unaffordable for many people. They are struggling to keep up and to get ahead of the daily pressures. Our government will act to help Canadians get ahead. We will be reducing middle-class taxes as part of our economic agenda. This is a priority for us. Canadians can count on it. The tax cut will put money back into the pockets of Canadian families. It will save the average two-income family up to $840 a year. We will cut the GST for homes at or under $1 million for first-time homebuyers. This will deliver savings of up to $50,000.”
“He has visited the President of the United States in Washington, D.C., and as the throne speech notes, he and the President have begun to define “a new economic and security relationship” between our countries. That relationship will remain “rooted in mutual respect” and founded on our common, yet sovereign, interests. As we move forward, we will work towards delivering transformational benefits to both countries. As we do this, our government is determined not to avert our attention away from the rest of the work ahead. Canada has much of what the world wants and needs, so our government will be strengthening Canada's relationship with reliable trading partners throughout the world. We will work towards building a coalition of nations that believes in co-operation and is ready to engage in the free exchange of goods, services and ideas.”
“As the throne speech reminds us all, “Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away” from us. As Canadians, we all know of the long-standing relationship our country has with the United States. It dates back many generations. We have friends there. We have family there. I am no exception. It is a relationship of two good neighbours built on mutual respect and a desire to strengthen each other's economies and national security. This year has brought a fresh perspective to that relationship, one which has awoken the patriotism of Canadians and sharpened our resolve to maintain our national identity. The Prime Minister has been clear about his own resolve.”
“We are at a critical point in our nation's history with regard to our place in the world and the system of global trade. We are facing a turning point that we cannot shy away from. The trading system is changing, and we must understand that the relationship with our trading partners is evolving. It is a turning point that requires us all to accept what needs to be done and work together to accomplish it. In the throne speech, our government faces that reality. Canadians understand that, since the Second World War, our world has never been more dangerous or unstable, but amidst this instability, there is an incredible opportunity. Our government intends to lead a confident Canada into the largest transformation of our economy since the Second World War. We will stay true to our values and build new alliances to strengthen our economy.”
“As a proud Albertan and a proud Canadian, I stand here today in the chamber in genuine awe of the responsibilities that have been bestowed upon me, and all of us, at this important moment. This is a great nation, a nation of ten provinces and three territories, all working hand in hand with first nations, Inuit and Métis people, with whom we share our history. We are a nation of regions from coast to coast, but we are one nation. It is especially important, at this moment in our history, that we remember this. No matter where we come from in this wonderful country called Canada, we are called upon to work together as a united people. That is at the core of our government's agenda to build a better and stronger Canada. It is also at the core of the Speech from the Throne. Let us review some of the highlights.”
“I also want to thank my volunteers. Without them, none of this would have been possible. We all went through a vibrant election campaign just a few weeks ago. Canadians were given the chance to look at the options the candidates for office put before them and make their choice by casting their ballot. It is democracy at its best. (1255) [ Translation ] The result of this election is such that every one of us here has been given the honour of serving our constituents. I know that we take this privilege to heart. I congratulate all of my MP colleagues. As this parliamentary session begins, I am committed to working collaboratively with everyone on behalf of the people who sent us here. [ English ] I am deeply honoured that the people of Calgary Confederation have put their trust in me to be their representative in Parliament.”
“Mr. Speaker, before I begin my remarks, I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people. I would also like to congratulate you, Mr. Speaker, on being elected by the members of the House yesterday. We have conferred upon you great responsibilities as Speaker, and though I have known you only a brief time, I am confident you will serve this Parliament well. Today is a momentous day for this country and an unforgettable day for all of us in the chamber. I am personally honoured to rise in the House as a newly elected member of Parliament. I would like to thank my family for their love and support: my wife, Lori, and our children Annelies, Ben and Sam. I ran for office in no small part because I want them to have the opportunities Canada provided me and then some.”