Wade Grant
Vancouver Quadra, British Columbia · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, we cannot build a clean Canada if we are not working together. We are thinking differently and strategically to deliver results for Canadians. We have introduced new methane regulations. We have brought Alberta to the table. We have actually brought Canada's largest-emitting province to the table.”
“Mr. Speaker, on top of what I just said, we have also released the nature strategy. We are going to be protecting 30% of Canada's lands and waters by 2030. In fact, about two weeks ago, I went to Klemtu on the coast of British Columbia, where I was standing with the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change .”
“Mr. Speaker, we cannot build Canada strong and clean if we are not working together. That is why we are thinking differently, strategically, to deliver real results for Canadians. We have introduced new methane regulations and $90 billion in clean investment tax credits.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have memories of being in high school in the early 1990s when the B.C. treaty process was opened up because of the many title cases that my colleague has talked about. Fellow students asked, “Are you coming for our house?”
“Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleague, the member for Richmond East—Steveston, has been very involved with the issue. He is very concerned as well, because he does take this very seriously with his residents and his constituents.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have much respect for my colleague from the Nanaimo territory. She mentioned that the government failed to negotiate a treaty with the Cowichan Tribes. However, the Stz’uminus tribe, which is part of the Cowichan Tribes, dropped out of the treaty process in 2014, and who was in government at the time, in 2014?”
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“Mr. Speaker, we would like to express our gratitude and thanks to Mr. Donner and Mademoiselle Abreu for their years of service and leadership at the net-zero advisory board. Their important contributions to the board have helped guide our government's work in advancing decisive climate action in Canada, and we are better off for their contributions.”
“I hope they can bring us an early Christmas present by bringing the championship home, back across the border into Canada. Go 'Caps, go.”
“Mr. Speaker, as the eyes of the soccer world descend upon Washington, D.C., today as the World Cup draw comes near, the eyes of Vancouver soccer fans and soccer fans across Canada will be on Miami tomorrow as we celebrate the exciting achievement of the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are western conference champions in Major League Soccer and will play in the championship game for the very first time, to face off against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. The achievement reflects remarkable teamwork, leadership on and off the field, and the unwavering passion of supporters, specifically the Southsiders at BC Place. As we head into tomorrow's final, our whole country should be behind the Vancouver Whitecaps. We are proud of their success, proud of their heart and proud of their determination.”
“Mr. Chair, there are a number of members in my family who have chosen to have electric vehicles and they very much enjoy driving them. They enjoy driving them and finding places they can go on a single charge. I do recognize that we need to ensure we expand our electric charging stations across the country, whether it be in rural or remote areas, or within urban centres. We do need to ensure that we invest in those technologies to make sure we bring down the cost as well. That is what this government has committed to do: invest in green future and invest in green energy. I look forward to being a part of that solution.”
“Mr. Chair, I take offence to that comment because I am the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, who happens to be a first nations MP from the province of British Columbia who grew up on the coast. I recognize that the coast is a very supernatural place for me to grow up, and I have worked with first nations all my life. We have been very emphatic that first nations rights and title will always be honoured and will always be at the forefront of any negotiation going forward. In fact, yesterday I met with the Assembly of First Nations, the B.C. caucus, to ensure that I will be engaging with them along the way. I will continue to do that because I continue to lift up my province, my heritage and those who elected me.”
“Mr. Chair, the short answer to my colleague is no, but we have to look at our automotive manufacturing capacity. Canada's EV market has seen growth in the number of EV models available to Canadians. Now over 100 different models are available to consumers and we want to grow that. We want to give Canadians more choice and make sure that they can go to any dealership across this country and find an EV that will suit their lifestyle, their way of life, whether it be bringing their kids to soccer or going to a job in a mill or wherever they may have a job.”
“As a father of two young children looking for their future to be clean and green and making sure that we leave them a future that is even better than today, I look forward to working with this government and I look forward to working with those across the way to make sure that this happens.”
“The Government of Canada recognizes this. We realize that Canadian automakers are seeking changes in trade and tariffs on Canadian vehicles. They are navigating shifts in the automotive industry, and they are experiencing economic uncertainty. That is why the Government of Canada announced on September 5 that it would waive the 2026 model year vehicles from the electronic vehicle availability standard requirements, and on that very same day it also launched a 60-day review of the electric vehicle availability standard, which has concluded. The Government of Canada will, in due course, announce the path forward that best supports Canadian industry, while ensuring Canadians have choices in the EV market of the future.”
“It seeks to ensure a secure and more cost-effective supply chain for motor vehicle materials through the development of new high-silicon electrical steels and rare earth element-free magnets. These new materials will make EVs more affordable and reduce reliance on trade with other rare earth element-producing nations. Advances in EV technology are also continuing to improve performance in cold weather. Most models now have systems for preconditioning the battery before charging, which drastically increases the charging speed in cold weather. There is no question that here in Canada we have everything we need to lead the global electric vehicle ecosystem. We have decades of experience in automotive manufacturing, and we have a talented workforce. However, at this time, automakers are navigating extreme market dynamics.”
“It also estimates big savings in powering electric vehicles. According to the association, the average Canadian spends close to $3,000 on gasoline, but when it comes to powering an average electric vehicle, it works out to only a few hundred dollars each year. Of course, we are also looking at reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. When it comes to the technology, investments in Canadian innovation are continuing to improve the range, efficiency and battery life of EVs, as well as the overall efficiency in the transportation sector. Canada is investing in research and development, such as in NRCan's energy innovation program and its on-road transportation decarbonization project with the University of New Brunswick. This project aims to reduce the cost and improve the performance of electric motors used in EVs.”
“That is why the Government of Canada stands firmly with its auto industry and its workers, and when it comes to the auto industry, electric vehicles are the future. One in four vehicles sold globally is a zero-emissions vehicle. We need to make sure that our auto sector is well positioned to thrive in, and can contribute to, this transition. There are important benefits for Canadians and the environment as well. Zero-emissions vehicles are less expensive to operate and cheaper to maintain. They have fewer moving parts. They do not contain spark plugs or engine air filters that need to be replaced. They do not need oil changes or engine tune-ups. According to the Canadian Automobile Association, the average electric vehicle owner saves 40% to 50% in maintenance costs compared to those associated with gas-powered vehicles.”
“Mr. Chair, I will be sharing my time with the member for St. Catharines . It is a privilege, being a first-time member of Parliament, to rise in this House to speak to today's take-note debate on the automotive industry. Before I begin, I want to acknowledge that we are standing upon the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin nation. I am going to focus my remarks on the electric vehicle availability standard, but first, let me point out that Canada's auto manufacturing industry is one of the country's largest export industries. It directly supports over 125,000 good-paying jobs, and many of those are unionized. Last year alone, it contributed $16.8 billion to Canada's gross domestic product. Its significance cannot be overemphasized.”
“It has helped protect significant habitats across this country, and it continues to evolve to better meet the needs of donors, communities and conservation partners. Motion No. 15 raises issues related to charitable tax treatment. It also encourages the government to consider approaches that further support conservation, for instance by examining parity between ecological gifts and other types of donations to conservation charities. While Motion No. 15 would be non-binding, it aligns with the broader national objective of protecting biodiversity and meeting Canada's commitments under the global biodiversity framework. This includes conserving 30% of lands and waters by 2030. I hope that this information assists members as they continue this important debate, and I thank the House for the opportunity to provide these remarks today.”
“In addition, indigenous communities and organizations looking to become ecological gift recipients face unique barriers. Based on the evaluation, ECCC made two recommendations: Review and improve program delivery to increase timeliness, predictability and transparency; and develop communication materials and guidance to support indigenous communities and organizations interested in receiving ecological gifts. Environment and Climate Change Canada is following these recommendations and has developed a five-point management action plan, with implementation expected in 2026 and 2027. The ecological gifts program is a long-standing, well-established conservation tool that encourages voluntary protection of ecologically sensitive private land. It balances strong environmental safeguards with clear tax rules and accountability measures.”
“Environment and Climate Change Canada recently completed an evaluation of the program covering the years 2018-19 to 2023-24. In its evaluation, ECCC looked at program design, delivery, efficiency and alignment with government priorities. The findings were positive. They showed that the program's design remained sound, that the valuation process for ecological gifts was rigorous and protected public resources, and that performance targets were consistently met. The ecological gifts program delivers strong value for money. In fact, the total value of lands protected was more than four times greater than the financial cost to the federal government. The evaluation also identified challenges. Donors and recipients reported that aspects of the program can be complex and sometimes slow.”
“In 1997, Parliament improved how partial interests, such as conservation covenants, easements and servitudes, are valued so as to accurately reflect the amount of the donation. Further refinements followed in 2000. These included a reduced capital gains inclusion rate and a requirement that the Minister of Environment determine the fair market value of each gift, with donors given the right to appeal. In 2006, ecological gifts became fully exempt from capital gains tax, and in 2014, the carry-forward period for claiming donations was extended from five to 10 years. In 2017, donations of personal servitudes in Quebec of at least 100 years became eligible as ecological gifts. These updates reflect Parliament's long-standing commitment to protecting ecologically sensitive lands through clear rules and strong accountability.”
“Municipalities and charities must also be approved on a gift-by-gift basis to ensure that they have the capacity to protect the land's ecological value over the long term. If they wish later to dispose of the land or change its use, they must obtain written authorization from the Minister of Environment. Unauthorized dispositions or changes in use trigger a tax penalty equal to 50% of the property's fair market value at the time of the disposition or change in use. (1840) Since its creation in 1995, the ecological gifts program has been strengthened many times to improve clarity, fairness and conservation outcomes. When the program began, ecological gifts were exempted from the usual income limit rules, and strict safeguards were introduced so that donated lands could not be sold or used differently without federal approval.”
“Donors may carry forward any unused portion of their donation for up to 10 years. There is no limit on how much ecological gift value can be claimed in a year. A reduction in federal tax payable will also reduce provincial tax. When federal assistance and provincial assistance are combined, the overall rate of tax support for ecological gifts can be substantial, often as high as 80%, depending on the province. This level of support reflects the public benefits that come from conserving ecologically sensitive land. The law sets clear criteria for who may receive ecological gifts. Eligible recipients include provincial, federal and territorial governments, municipalities, municipal or public bodies performing a function of government, and environmental charities that have been approved by Environment and Climate Change Canada.”
“Others are farmers, ranchers or corporate owners who want to safeguard the natural value of their land over the long term. Although most donors participate because of their commitment to conservation, the Income Tax Act provides specific incentives to encourage donations of ecologically sensitive land. These incentives help reduce financial barriers and support landowner participation. Key tax features of the program include the following. Corporate donors may deduct the full amount of their gift from their taxable income. Individual donors receive a non-refundable tax credit for the eligible amount of the donation. The capital gain on an ecological gift is reduced to zero, which is significant because for most other charitable gifts, 50% of the capital gain is taxable.”
“This collaborative approach has contributed to the program's steady growth since it was created. Over the past 30 years, more than 2,000 ecological gifts have been made in this country. Together, they account for more than 261,000 hectares of habitat, an area larger than Prince Edward Island, and have an estimated total value of more than $1.4 billion. The donated lands must be certified as ecologically sensitive by the Minister of Environment. Many of these lands help protect species at risk, wetlands, grasslands, coastal areas, forests and other ecosystems that are disappearing or under threat. These donations reflect a wide range of motivations and local circumstances. Some landowners are individuals with a strong conservation ethic.”
“It supports the voluntary long-term conservation of ecologically sensitive private land, complementing conservation efforts by federal, provincial, territorial, indigenous and community partners. The program also allows Canadians who own ecologically sensitive lands to donate all or part of those lands to an eligible recipient. Eligible recipients include federal, provincial and territorial governments, municipalities, and environmental charities approved by Environment and Climate Change Canada. Once a donation is made, the recipient becomes responsible for protecting the biodiversity and environmental values of those lands. This helps ensure that important ecosystems remain intact for future generations. The program is delivered by Environment and Climate Change Canada and supports many partners.”
“I continue to do that today, but not in the way that my ancestors have done for thousands and thousands of years. Over the years, as we welcomed many, many people to our shores, we did realize that all Canadians care deeply about nature. We depend on healthy ecosystems for clean air, clean water, stable climates, food stability and countless cultural and recreational benefits. However, nature is coming under increased pressure. Climate change, habitat loss, pollution and landscape fragmentation are driving a decline in biodiversity in Canada and around the world. This reality highlights the need for urgent, coordinated action to stop and reverse nature loss. The ecological gifts program is one of the tools that help Canada work toward that goal.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak about Canada's ecological gifts program and provide information that may help members in their debate on Motion No. 15. Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded traditional territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin nation. I would also like to recognize that the lands and waters across Canada are the homelands and traditional territories of first nations, Inuit and Métis people. I know first-hand that indigenous peoples have cared for these environments for thousands of years, and their knowledge and leadership remain essential today to conservation efforts. I remember growing up on the mouth of the Fraser River, which was my backyard and my playground, playing in the waters and fishing for salmon.”
“Mr. Speaker, Saanich—Gulf Islands is right across from my community. I am a proud member of the Musqueam first nation, which is at the mouth of the Fraser River right as it flows into the Salish Sea, so I recognize and understand the vast biodiversity and the vast amount of beautiful wilderness right up and down the coast, including the Hecate Strait between Haida Gwaii and Prince Rupert. As a proud member of Musqueam, I am proud to stand on this side of the House, committed to making Canada an energy superpower while protecting the environment, fighting climate change and seeking consensus with first nations and other partners.”
“Mr. Speaker, I must reiterate that there is no carbon tax on groceries and farmers do not pay the industrial carbon price. Industrial carbon pricing and the clean fuel regulations are targeted tools that reduce pollution in a global market that is moving rapidly toward clean energy. Scrapping these measures would not lower grocery bills. It would weaken Canada's industrial base, deter investment and expose our businesses to higher costs under border tariffs from trading partners that are implementing their own carbon markets. Our government will continue to develop policies that protect workers, strengthen competitiveness and build a secure, affordable future for all Canadians.”
“Climate action is economic action. Industrial carbon pricing reduces energy waste, drives innovation, attracts private investment and strengthens Canada's long-term competitiveness. Canadians deserve solutions based on facts, not slogans. Our approach protects jobs today while building a more resilient and prosperous economy for the next generation and generations to come.”
“The opposition also refers to the clean fuel regulations, which they sometimes, or often, wrongly label as a hidden carbon tax. In reality, these regulations will cut up to 26 million tonnes of greenhouse gas pollution by 2030. They are supporting renewable diesel and hydrogen facilities in Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador, and renewable gas and green hydrogen projects in Ontario and Quebec. These projects create good jobs, strengthen local economies and position Canada as a clean energy leader. The suggestion that repealing industrial carbon pricing or the clean fuel regulations would magically lower grocery prices is simply not grounded in fact. Eliminating climate policy does not make world oil prices drop, nor does it fix global supply chain pressures. What it would do is increase pollution and put Canadian jobs at real risk.”
“Canada's pricing systems reduce emissions efficiently while protecting jobs and supporting economic growth. The facts speak for themselves. Research by the Canadian Climate Institute published earlier this year concluded that large-emitter trading systems have zero or a positive impact on household consumption in 2025, and will have near zero by 2030. Because farmers do not pay the industrial carbon price, there are almost no costs to pass through the supply chain to consumers. On the issue of food affordability, the independent analysis is clear. The real drivers of grocery price increases are global: supply chain disruptions, the war in Ukraine and energy price volatility. These are the pressures affecting Canadians. That is why the federal fuel charge was removed on April 1.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from the beautiful riding of Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay, a place I have visited many times over the years in my home province of British Columbia. I want to address the member's question, which I believe is based on incorrect assumptions. Let me be very clear. There is no carbon tax applied to groceries. Farmers do not pay the industrial carbon price. The industrial carbon price system targets the largest producers in Canada, industrial facilities, not families and not the farmers who put food on our tables. Canada's industrial carbon pricing systems are specifically designed to keep Canadian industrial industries competitive. For example, the federal backstop system gives companies flexibility. They can invest in cleaner processes or buy credits from innovators.”
“Madam Speaker, affordability matters, and so does economic security. The government will continue to pursue policies that protect workers, strengthen competitiveness and ensure that Canada leads in the clean energy future. That is how we build an economy that works for Canadians today and delivers opportunity for the next generation, for my children's generation and for six or seven generations ahead.”
“That is why our government is committed to smart, fair, predictable climate policy that strengthens the economy rather than undermining it. This is about responsibly managing today's costs while safeguarding tomorrow's prosperity. That is the Canadian way.”
“Prices today are being pushed by global energy volatility, supply chain pressures and corporate pricing power. Eliminating climate policy does not make world oil prices drop. The clean fuel regulations have helped drive tens of billions in investments across Canada in projects such as low-carbon fuels and carbon capture and storage. These projects support good-paying jobs for thousands of Canadians across this country. As announced on September 5, we are making targeted changes to the CFR to further support Canada's biofuel sector while maintaining the primary purpose of the regulation, to reduce emissions. Canadians want leadership that protects jobs while protecting the planet. They want clean energy growth, competitive industries and secure, affordable futures for their children.”
“Madam Speaker, Canadians expect a government that protects affordability and secures their future and their children's future, not one or the other. The opposition paints climate action as a bill Canadians cannot afford, but what Canadians cannot afford is inaction. Climate-driven droughts, wildfires and storms are already disrupting our supply chains, our agricultural sector and our communities. Those events raise costs more than the climate solutions we are putting in place. Let us be clear: Climate action is not a luxury; it is an economic necessity. When we talk about costs, we need the facts. The opposition suggests that cancelling the clean fuel regulations would magically lower grocery bills or fuel costs. That is wishful thinking.”
“Madam Speaker, I want to be clear: Canada's environmental policies are designed to reduce pollution and drive innovation, not to raise grocery prices. Clean-fuel projects, such as Imperial Oil's renewable diesel factory in Alberta, Char Technologies' clean-energy projects in Ontario and Quebec, and Air Products' hydrogen complex in Edmonton are creating jobs and keeping Canadians competitive in the global clean economy. Eliminating these measures, as the member opposite suggests, would risk investment, cost jobs and increase pollution. Canadians deserve solutions that protect affordability today and build a sustainable and competitive economy for the future.”
“It is also spurring tens of billions of dollars of investment in clean-fuel projects across the country, creating good jobs and positioning Canada to compete globally. These are not taxes on food. They are smart, practical measures that protect Canadians from the rising costs of pollution and climate change.”
“In fact, it has been clearly shown that the industrial carbon pricing adds virtually no cost to commercial goods. As for the so-called food packaging tax, the regulations on single-use plastics are not taxes at all. They are straightforward environmental rules that prevent harmful plastics, such as checkout bags, cutlery and certain types of food containers, from ending up in our rivers, oceans and streams. These rules are expected to prevent more than one million tonnes of plastic waste over the next decade. Many Canadian businesses have already adapted, often finding that reusable or recyclable alternatives save money over time. Finally, the clean fuel regulations do not require fuel prices to increase. They are protecting the environment and human health by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
“It does not apply at the grocery store checkout. The system is structured to keep Canadian industries competitive while achieving emission reductions at the lowest possible cost. Canada's federal output-based pricing system gives company leaders options. They can innovate to cut emissions, purchase credits from innovators or invest in cleaner processes. It is not a charge on families. It is a framework that rewards cleaner operations and helps Canada stay competitive in a global economy that is rapidly decarbonizing. Let us be clear about food prices. The federal fuel charge was removed from farm fuels on April 1 of this year. Experts agree that higher food prices are being driven primarily by global forces, supply chain disruptions, the war in Ukraine and energy price volatility. None of these factors stem from Canada's climate policies.”
“Madam Speaker, I too would like to start by congratulating the Saskatchewan Roughriders. It is a little-known fact that my stepmother is a born and bred Swift Current resident. She moved into our home in 1994, and she is a diehard Saskatchewan Roughrider fan. I rise to address the member opposite's question and to set the record straight: There is no such thing as a food packaging tax in Canada, and there is no industrial carbon tax on groceries. These claims simply do not reflect the facts. Canada has in place practical, evidence-based measures designed to reduce pollution, support competitiveness and build a clean economy for the future. Industrial carbon pricing, for example, applies only to large emitters, the biggest polluters in the country. It does not apply to farmers. It does not apply to consumers.”
“Mr. Speaker, yesterday's budget makes our direction unmistakable. It backs industrial carbon pricing with long-term certainty and focuses on measures that deliver the greatest emissions reductions and competitiveness benefits at the lowest cost to Canadians. These policies are not a tax on Canadians; they are strategic economic tools that reward innovation and protect jobs. They ensure Canadian steel, energy and manufacturing remain competitive in markets demanding low-carbon products. Abandoning this approach would leave workers exposed and investment flowing elsewhere. Budget 2025 keeps Canada competitive, secure and positioned to lead in the clean economy.”
“Our approach is clear: drive investment, deliver the greatest emissions reductions at the lowest cost, secure access to global markets and build an economy that wins in a low-carbon world. I believe budget 2025 delivers that plan.”
“Independent experts confirm it has almost no impact on household costs, while providing businesses the certainty they need to invest. Budget 2025 strengthens this system by improving the benchmark, ensuring fairness across provinces and expanding tools like carbon contracts for difference so that companies can invest with confidence. This is a policy focused on results and competitiveness. This matters for some of Canada's most important sectors. Lower emissions mean greater competitiveness for steel, oil and gas because global buyers increasingly demand low-carbon products. If we do not modernize, our exports will face barriers, tariffs and lost market share. Cancelling climate policy would not protect Canadians; it would leave workers and industries behind.”
“The newly tabled budget 2025 recognizes that reality. It charts a path to secure Canada's position in the global race, not with prohibitions but by driving investment and prioritizing results. Budget 2025 invests in the infrastructure and technology that will define tomorrow's economy: nuclear expansion, clean electricity grid interties, low-carbon fuels like hydrogen, renewable energy, critical minerals and world-leading industrial innovation. This is how we build prosperity in a changing world. The member opposite wants to cancel climate tools like industrial carbon pricing, but that would cost Canadian jobs and competitiveness. Industrial carbon pricing, backed by a predictable, long-term price trajectory, is the most efficient and lowest-cost tool to reduce emissions and attract private capital.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member opposite is suggesting that responsible climate policy is a burden. This is simply not true. Canadians want a secure future, Canadians like my son and my daughter, one where they can earn a good living, put food on the table and breathe clean air. They also want a government that protects them from climate disruption and builds an economy that can win in a world moving toward cleaner energy and technology. Acting on climate is both a moral obligation and an economic necessity. We are living through a historic global shift. Last year, global clean energy investment reached $2 trillion, nearly double what went to fossil fuels. Countries are competing fiercely to attract investment in low-carbon industries, because those industries will drive jobs and growth for decades to come.”
“Mr. Speaker, even before I was part of the House, I knew this was a very important issue for the hon. member and his constituents. He has raised it many times. What parts of this bill, when it is implemented, will ease the minds of his constituents when he goes back and talks to them about it?”
“Mr. Speaker, as Canadians, we take care of each other. It is a promise at the heart of who we are, and it goes back generations. From universal public health care to employment insurance and strong, stable funded pensions such as the Canada pension plan, there has always been in our agreement that we will take care of our neighbours when they are in need. Our government is laser-focused on lowering costs and will continue to present serious solutions to ensure that Canadians are better off. On November 4, our colleague, the Minister of Finance and National Revenue , will present the federal budget. This budget will present the next steps in our plan to catalyze investment and build a united and strong economy, one that would create higher pay and careers, raise incomes, withstand global shocks and make us the strongest economy in the G7.”
“The Prime Minister also recently announced that we are making the national school food program permanent, to provide meals for up to 400,000 children. This program will ensure that kids are fed healthy meals at school and save families with two children $800 per year on groceries. While the Conservatives may refer to this program as “garbage”, I would like to see them say that to the families in my riding. As I said earlier, in my community of Musqueam, I see kids actually going to school with smiles on their face and food in their belly, and they are excelling in their school work as they have not done in many generations. With these measures, we are delivering changes to cut taxes, bring down costs and put money back in the pockets of Canadians.”
“This would also have a dynamic effect on increasing supply, spurring the construction of new homes across the country. The bill would remove the consumer carbon tax, saving Canadians money at the pump. I am happy that all parties joined us in supporting Bill C-4 . Unfortunately, that non-partisan approach to making life more affordable for Canadians has not translated elsewhere. While the Conservatives continue to talk down the Canadian economy and Canadian workers, we are stepping up in other ways as well. We plan to spur the construction of new homes with the newly launched Build Canada Homes initiative, which will increase Canada's supply of affordable housing and play a pivotal role in the government's plan to help double the pace of housing construction over the next decade.”
“With this middle-class tax cut, the lowest marginal personal income tax rate would be reduced from 15% to 14%, effective July 1, 2025, and this tax cut would help hard-working Canadians keep more of their paycheques to spend where it matters most. That is not all. This legislation, which I am happy to announce finished clause-by-clause consideration at FINA earlier today, would also eliminate the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes up to and under $1 million, and lower the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. Doing so would save Canadians up to $50,000, allowing more young people and families to enter the housing market and realize their dream of home ownership. Providing GST relief means Canadians would face lower upfront housing costs and keep more money in their pocket.”
“As we all await the tabling of that historic document, I will outline a few ways our government has already acted decisively to make life more affordable for Canadians. Among the first pieces of legislation introduced by our new government was Bill C-4 , which would deliver a middle-class tax cut to allow hard-working Canadians to keep more money in their pockets. I am proud to note that this tax cut would save a two-income family 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 would benefit Canadians across the country, and the bulk of the middle-class tax cut would go to those with incomes in the two lowest tax brackets, including half to those in the first bracket, which is $57,375 and below in 2025.”
“Mr. Speaker, faced with unjustified tariffs from the U.S. and shifting global supply chains, our new government is well aware of the affordability challenges facing Canadians. Although we have begun to see encouraging signs of stabilization, housing prices have gone up in recent years; although Canada's inflation rate has been within the Bank of Canada's target for 21 consecutive months, we know that food inflation remains a concern as well. That is why our government is taking immediate action to address this cost of living crisis. Our goal is to bring down costs so that Canadians can keep more of their paycheques and spend where it matters most to them. Budget 2025 would build upon this important work that has already been done.”