Kevin Lamoureux
Winnipeg North, Manitoba · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated, when we take a look at this particular legislation, or any other piece of legislation or budgetary measures that the government has brought in since the last election, when Canadians elected a new Prime Minister and a new government, we will find that listening to Canadians is the top priority.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want the member to recognize the degree to which the Conservative Party always wants to talk down the economy. It brings me to yesterday, when we found out that the Prime Minister went to the G7 and that 13 new deals were signed off, with countries such as Japan, Italy, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands and Portugal, fi…”
“Mr. Speaker, since the last election, just over a year ago, when Canadians voted for our current Prime Minister and a new government, we have been listening to the people of Canada. Members will see that listening in every aspect of our legislative agenda and our budgetary measures.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to pick up on my friend's comment that we live in the real world. The real world is looking pretty good in terms of where Canada has been since the last federal election. We have a Prime Minister who has been out and about, attracting literally billions of dollars in commitments of investment.”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciated to a certain degree the member's comments when he made reference to the issue of the process. However, I would ask him to realize that, over the years, things have changed considerably. We saw time allocation used during Stephen Harper's government a record number of times.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I am tabling a petition from a number of individuals. Actually, over 1,000 people have signed the petition. The petitioners are looking for a sense, from both the provincial Government of Manitoba and Ottawa, of working together to try to come up with a solution to deal with Manitoba's unique situation related to our wo…”
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“Mr. Speaker, I do take some exception to the member's belief that the government is somehow feeding misinformation, I believe that the government has been very straightforward, whether it has been the Prime Minister , in the statements that he made earlier this week, or the minister responsible, who stood up today and articulated, in great detail, a number of points that the member opposite just raised. I believe that the government is working in collaboration with other jurisdictions, first nations and the provinces. What does the hon. member believe about the importance of working in collaboration? What is the NDP's position on the motion itself? Will they be voting in favour of it?”
“Mr. Speaker, the essence of the motion is to promote and encourage fear among Canadians and ultimately, I would argue, spread misinformation. We listened to the members opposite, who even tried to misquote or misrepresent what the Prime Minister was saying. I would like to quote the Prime Minister directly. He stated: The government will always defend private property rights. We immediately appealed the Cowichan decision. We have always defended private property rights; we always will, and we will always defend the rights of indigenous peoples to build a Canada that is stronger, fairer and more independent. As we continue to defend those property rights, which is something that will continue well into the future, we have the Conservatives on the other hand trying to plant the seed—”
“Mr. Speaker, once again I find myself disappointed in the Conservative Party of Canada, as the far right has taken a position of stirring the pot and promoting fear over facts. It is indeed unfortunate, because there is a substantial cost to that when misinformation is promoted. How does the member feel that the Conservative positioning on this file helps in terms of building a stronger Canada, when in fact indigenous people, the provinces and municipalities all play an important role, as does reconciliation? This is a major aspect being hit by the Conservative Party today.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will quote the Prime Minister directly and ask for my colleague's comments on it. This is what the Prime Minister said, just the other day: “All federal agreements with first nations, with indigenous peoples and with rights holders protect private property rights and protect indigenous peoples' rights.” The Prime Minister has been very clear on the issue. Can the member just reinforce that particular thought?”
“Mr. Speaker, the essence of the motion that we have before us today is that it is trying to give the false impression that the government does not support private land rights, which is just not the case. Every Conservative member knows that. The damage of bringing forward motions of this nature, which significantly mislead Canadians, has a great cost. We talk a great deal about reconciliation, and this is a step backwards. The Prime Minister and the minister responsible have been very clear. The question I have for the member is, why does the Conservative Party want to promote fear when there is no need to do so?”
“Mr. Speaker, I had a good discussion with the member for Vancouver Quadra . The concern that he raised, and I fully agree with him, about this attempt by the Conservative Party is the damage it would do to things like reconciliation between indigenous people and Canada. There is a very negative side to what the Conservatives are putting on the table. I wonder if the member could provide his thoughts and concerns on the damage that could be done by misleading information at a time when we should be encouraging and promoting reconciliation.”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate and value what the minister has put clearly on the record to provide assurances and make sure that there is some reality in the debate we are having today. I share the concern with regard to misinformation because of the damage it causes. I think about issues such as reconciliation and how important it is that we continue to move forward on that. It is important that we continue to work nation-to-nation as we look at ways to see the potential of Canada realized. My concern is that intentionally misleading information causes damage to all of us. Could the minister provide her thoughts on the negative side of misinformation?”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8)(a) I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 34 petitions. These returns will be tabled in an electronic format.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 109, I table the government's response to the 20th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, entitled “Becoming a Candidate in an Election: A Review of the Criteria”. The government wishes to thank the committee for its work on this important matter. The government is pleased to see that all seven legislative amendments recommended by the committee have been incorporated into Bill C-25 . I understand there was an attempt to get them emailed, but just in case they have not been emailed, I will table the documents.”
“We can support them, as the government has done, financially, by providing supports for dementia community investment opportunities. I think there are three dozen projects out there today from the government. We can also look at legislation such as this one. At the very least, let us see it go to committee. We also need to recognize that maybe there is more that other levels of government can do, and we do need to continue the collaboration. There is more that I would like to express in the second hour of debate. (1840)”
“I have had a relatively recent experience with a gentleman I have known for over 30 years, Fred De Villa, a wonderful community member who was cared for in a very big way. In recent months, he sadly has passed. Dementia quickly consumed him and had such a significant negative impact, but the people around him, family and friends, wanted to be there for Fred in a very real and tangible way, as we see from family members who are there for loved ones with dementia, as well as from health care facilities and, more importantly, from the staff, with the caring attitudes and love they express to individuals with dementia. It is important that we recognize and appreciate the efforts of so many who are there to directly support individuals who have succumbed to dementia, and we can support them in different ways.”
“As parliamentarians, in particular members of the standing committee that will have to deal with this, working with the department, we should be looking at the numbers to ensure that we put in the very best mechanism we can. As it has been illustrated, a quick and safe recovery is a priority. We all want to see that. There is an obligation for it. The member proposing the piece of legislation has a limited number of questions that can be asked of her because of time limits, but my curiosity is about trying to narrow down how we can work with other jurisdictions in dealing with some of those raw numbers. These are absolutely critical for us to know so we can be as effective as we can in making sure there is a quick and safe recovery of every senior who goes missing. We owe it to the senior, and we owe it to the family and friends.”
“(1835) We can only imagine the impact it has when a loved one with dementia, whether they are living in a family home or a short-term or long-term care facility, goes for a walk and does not return. There is a certain amount of alert awareness brought to the community, which has already been highlighted, and that is a good thing. What is being proposed about having it go through telephones, for example, in the same fashion as Amber alerts, has a great deal of merit. I am very much interested in hearing what others have to say. I believe the Alzheimer Society of Canada estimated that in the next number of years, close to one million Canadians will have some form of dementia. We had another speaker talk about the level of frequency. Those are some legitimate numbers.”
“It is one of the reasons that we, as a government, have invested in community involvement. Dementia community investments are something to which the Prime Minister and the government have provided substantial amounts of money, recognizing that we need more community engagement and more awareness on the dementia file. When we think of jurisdictional responsibility, we often hear about provinces and the federal government, but all levels of government have a role to play. There is also the police, in this case. Whether urban or rural, usually law enforcement officers in one form or another will become engaged, along with community volunteers, community groups and, of course, family and friends.”
“Back in December 2023, he went missing in Winnipeg. It was amazing, in of the bit of research I was able to do while the debate was going on, how the community came together in a very wonderful way to try to support the family. Today, Britt Moberg is on Parliament Hill. She has been an ongoing, strong advocate and is ensuring that politicians at all levels, of all political stripes, will not forget about her dad. I give my best wishes to the family and the community that have been affected. I am thinking of the family and their friends in particular. There was a great deal of energy, and one can only imagine the frustration of not being able to have that final closure. I hope there will come a day when that final closure will be there for the family. Dementia is a very serious health condition.”
“Today, in talking to the ministry, and the minister in particular, we understand and appreciate that here we have legislation that, in principle, the government can support. We would like to see the legislation go to committee. There are some areas of concern, not only for the government but for other stakeholders, that need to be discussed. I think it was important to hear the introducer of Bill C-263 indicate that she is open to amendments. We will get to some of those shortly. We have seen ideas that can have a very real impact, and there is a sense of collaboration. When we have government and opposition working together, wonderful things can happen, whether it is a private member's bill or a government bill. We have before us an example. Earl Moberg was 81 years old and had dementia.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to rise today, as someone who represents an area where a lot of attention has been drawn to the issue because of an outstanding individual in a very sad situation. When we have discussions or debates inside the House, they take many different forms. On this legislation that has been brought forward, there is a great deal of interest. I am anticipating that after today, there might be another hour of debate, but eventually we will see the legislation go to committee. It reinforces something that the government has been talking a great deal about: Working in collaboration, we can do some wonderful things for Canadians. Last week we had Bailey's law. With the support of both sides of the House, we were able to advance that legislation.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member is just wrong. It is a sovereign wealth fund. Many countries around the world have sovereign wealth funds. Conservatives can say whatever they want, but at the end of the day, it is a sovereign wealth fund. The other thing that is very clear is that we have the unholy alliance of the Conservatives and the Bloc making the decision that Canada should not have a sovereign wealth fund. They cannot make the connection between the major projects, the sovereign wealth fund and how billions of dollars are going to be used for such things as, in some cases, those major projects moving forward and, in other cases, different ways that funds can be brought in to create thousands of jobs and all sorts of economic opportunities. Why are the Conservatives stopping progress—”
“Mr. Speaker, on that particular note, I have two quick points. I wonder if I could get the member to provide his thoughts on the national food program that was instituted and made permanent by our government. It is going to be there well into the future. I wonder if he could provide his thoughts on that. Within the budget we talk a lot about building capital infrastructure. There is a hospital designation. I know that the member has a passion for our health care system. For me, personally, I would love to see an emergency room re-established at the Seven Oaks General Hospital. I have to give that plug. I am hoping that the province will see the value of that. I am wondering if the member would like to highlight anything, whether it is the Grace Hospital or, in particular, the national school food program.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives have adopted this policy of “just get out of the way”, and it is unfortunate. The government has been able to achieve a great deal over the last year. Canadians elected a new Prime Minister . This new Prime Minister made a commitment to build Canada strong by looking at things such as major projects, which means working with premiers and others. In fact, in Alberta, the member's home province, there is a memorandum of understanding that is going to see more natural resources getting to the west coast. There are all sorts of opportunities in which the government is a major player. The Calgary office has been set up. I wonder if the member could give his thoughts on whether there is anyone within the Conservative Party who supports the major projects—”
“Mr. Speaker, it is disappointing that the Conservative Party of Canada does not recognize fantastic programs that have been a part of Canadian society for many years. I am talking about the Red Seal program. Under the Red Seal program, this government and this Prime Minister have made a commitment that we are going to see anywhere from 80,000 to 100,000 new skilled professional Red Seal recipients. This is good news, in particular for young people. On the one hand, the Conservative Party says that we need to do things for young people. When we do things for young people, the Conservative Party consistently votes against it. Does the Conservative Party of today, the far-right Conservative, support the Red Seal program?”
“Mr. Speaker, if the government's responses to Questions Nos. 955 , 956 , 957 , 958 , 959 , 960 , 961 , 962 , 963 , 964 , 965 , 966 , 967 , 968 , 969 , 970 , 971 , 972 and 973 could be made orders for return, these returns would be tabled in an electronic format immediately.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8)(a) I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 11 petitions. These returns will be tabled in an electronic format.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we wind down the discussion on the opposition day motion, I must say that I appreciate the motion. I have enjoyed the debate today. We are trying to support businesses and workers. It is one of the reasons I have tried to highlight the number of actions the government has taken, and not only the recent ones. I highlighted the Business Development Bank and the regional development agencies. We can talk about the work-sharing programs and some of the bigger holistic approaches we have taken to deal with trade and to expand the opportunities beyond borders. Having the backs of the people of Quebec, and of all of Canada, is critically important to the government, and we will continue to do so. I want to acknowledge that I value the emotion Bloc members have brought today.”
“It is something that has been ongoing virtually since the last election, when Canadians elected the current Prime Minister . It is not something that has just come up. We will continue to be there for our workers and businesses into the future. It is more of a comment than a question.”
“Mr. Speaker, as a government, we have witnessed a great deal of support, as recently as just the other day when government members talked about the importance of the Business Development Bank of Canada, with $1 billion going toward that. We talked about Canada's regional development agencies and the role they are going to be playing, with $500 million for that. Whether it is steelworkers, copper workers, the aluminum sector or even, if I would extend it, the lumber industry, we recognize that there are industries in Canada that the Prime Minister , along with every Liberal member of Parliament and, I would like to think, everyone, is concerned about in regard to protecting the interests of workers and protecting our businesses. That is why we are providing those types of supports.”
“Could my colleague provide her thoughts on why it is so important to take that holistic approach and wait to get the best deal?”
“Mr. Speaker, I am wondering if my colleague could provide some additions to her comments about getting a good deal with the United States, with a “good deal” being defined as what is in the best interest of Canadians. Whatever time it takes, it is absolutely critical that the government focus its attention on getting the best deal possible and that it is consistent with what has taken place over the last year. That has been a holistic approach, whether it is building one Canada, the major projects program or the number of initiatives the government has taken to date to build on Canada's economy, to look at other opportunities to trade and to bring in additional investments. There is a litany of things that the government has done to build Canada strong, a strong country for all people.”
“I would not want the member to give the false impression that the government has not been doing anything, because nothing could be further from the truth. Would the member not recognize—”
“Mr. Speaker, to be very clear, the government, and particularly the Prime Minister , has been listening very closely. We have been working collaboratively with different unions, businesses and workers in general, understanding the issues surrounding the tariffed industries that are being so profoundly affected, whether steel, copper or aluminum and others. The lumber industry is another area of concern. We have been putting in supports and working with people to protect industries and assure the workers and the families of workers that the government has their backs. These are industries that we will continue to protect. We brought in a holistic approach in a suite of policies to build Canada strong for all Canadians in all regions.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my opening comments on the opposition motion, I actually do appreciate the debate that is happening today with regard to such a very important issue. All government members are very much concerned about the tariff issue. I would not want those who might be following the debate to be under the impression that the government has not been taking actions to date. Since the last election, a year ago, we have had a very aggressive and proactive Prime Minister and government looking at ways in which we can support those vulnerable industries. What happened on April 6 is not a good thing. We all agree on that. I think this aspect would be unanimously supported. We will continue to support our workers and our small businesses. It is more so—”
“Mr. Speaker, it is truly a holistic approach with respect to dealing with Canada's economy and our very social fabric. If we continue to move forward, as we have been, at the end of the day I believe we will be able to continue to say that Canada is the best country in the world to call home.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is one of the reasons why this whole buy Canada program is absolutely essential and would benefit our lumber industry as a whole. When I think of our lumber industry, most people do not realize the magnitude of it, not only the direct jobs but the many indirect jobs and how we put that all together, everything from the person cutting down a tree to the person planting a tree, all the way to those individuals who are manufacturing products and building components whether for a house or a couch. That industry is absolutely vital. It is one of the reasons I would amplify the importance of things like major projects, programs that promote modular homes and build Canada Homes. They are the types of programs that make a difference and will be there hopefully to protect our—”
“Mr. Speaker, I think the government has clearly demonstrated an interest in supporting the workers. That is one of the reasons why we developed the work-sharing program. With respect to other ways we can support workers, I am sure the department has been looking at whatever options might be there. I do not have the details with me right now, but I am sure they would be viable and ultimately assist the industry. I would remind the member that I believe there is a work-sharing program. I do not know the exact design of it.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague and friend from Winnipeg South Centre is inspirational in regard to leadership on economic matters and he is able to encapsulate something really important. We are talking about the Business Development Bank of Canada, along with our regional development agencies. I believe the total is about $1.5 billion. Using those funds and supports shows, in a very tangible way, that the government is there to support, where we can, those vulnerable industries. Obviously, we are talking about the steel, copper and aluminum industries, and we will continue to be there for them. It is the right thing to do for the businesses. It is the right thing to do for the workers.”
“The Government of Canada will get it done. We are going to get it done in a timely fashion that ensures we get the best deal for Canadians. There is no selling out Canada on this side of the House. We are going to work hard for—”
“Mr. Speaker, I was not necessarily going to bring it up, but I think I will. The member's colleague from Oshawa , as members will remember, travelled to the United States. On behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada, he went to the United States and met with the vice-president and President. What did he say to Canadians when he came back? He said that he believed Canadians were having a “hissy fit.” That is the message he gave to Canadians. I understand that this member went back just last week. I think he even took a couple of his Conservative colleagues. The leader of the Conservative Party seemed to be somewhat shell-shocked when he found out that a team of Conservatives went there. We have no idea what the Conservatives genuinely believe on the trade agreement between Canada and the United States. All they say is to get it done.”
“Mr. Speaker, I can assure the member and friend opposite that the government has not forgotten about the many different industries in the country, and the very backbone of those industries is the people who put in the work to realize those projects. One of the biggest things I constantly talk about, and Hansard will clearly show that, is the expansion of the port of Montreal. I see the benefit of that, just like I see the potential of Churchill having a port that could have LNG. We need to have an open mind. As a government, we can protect the environment, we can address indigenous issues and we can develop and become an energy superpower. Let us not deny opportunities for Canada to continue to grow and prosper for future generations.”
“There are opportunities for us to use those connections. With our resources and all the things that Canada has to offer, we can look at those export opportunities. This government, and particularly this Prime Minister with the background that he brings to the table, can make a difference. We can ensure that future generations will be able to say that Canada is, in fact, the best country in the world to call home. It is an aggressive agenda. It is an agenda in which we appeal to the Conservatives and the Bloc to have a team Canada approach and look for ways we can collaborate together. Let us not say that we have to have a deal with the United States tomorrow, though it would be nice. What is more important is that we get the best deal for Canadians, and that is what this government is fighting for.”
“We have a Prime Minister who is in high demand in the European Union. We are looking for ways we can get more trading opportunities. We have all sorts of opportunities that are there. When ministers who have travelled abroad come back here and I talk to them and ask them questions about it, the most common statement is that the world wants more of Canada. There are opportunities out there. We can never replace the amount of trade that takes place between Canada and the U.S., which, by the way, continues to grow, but it would be irresponsible for us not to look at trade diversification and not to take advantage of Canada's diversity and the resources we have. When I mention India and Philippines, I think of the close to two million people who are of that heritage and the connections with those countries.”
“Having a sovereign wealth fund can contribute to additional big projects moving ahead and having finances. We will have to wait and see. The other aspect to this is diversifying our economy by getting other export opportunities. Our Minister of International Trade , Minister of Agriculture , Minister of Industry and a number of other ministers led by the Prime Minister himself have been very aggressive at looking at other export opportunities in other nations outside of the United States. I have raised the issue before. There is a very real possibility for trade agreements as early as this year, before the end of the year, with countries like Philippines and India. We have already done stuff on Indonesia. We have legislation that deals with the U.K. and Northern Ireland.”
“Yesterday, we had a major announcement with the Business Development Bank of Canada of $1 billion to help these industries. Canada's regional development agencies are also being brought into the package for half a billion dollars. We recognize the importance of the family and the importance of the worker. We recognize the impact that these decisions are having down south and the impact they are having here in Canada. That is why this government continues, every day, to look at ways in which we can make a difference. Let us talk about the announcement by the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister in regard to having an infrastructure and investment Canada fund. I was really disappointed in the Conservatives and the Bloc taking the position that they oppose it. I really felt that they are off the mark on it.”
“We are very much aware of the impact that tariffs are having on the worker here in Canada. That is why there have been some changes. That is why we have looked at how we could strengthen our employment insurance program and how that could assist. We have also looked at investments in re-skilling the workforce for the transition that will take place, to ensure that we retain skilled workers as they go through this time when specific industries are being hit hard. We want those industries, as much as possible, not to shrink in size but to be maintained and, where possible, even grow. (1210) These are the types of programs that we are bringing in. That was not just yesterday. Some of these actions have been taking place since the last federal election.”
“In the north, investments were made just a number of weeks ago during the Prime Minister 's visit up north. We are protecting sovereignty, but also looking at ways in which we can enhance our infrastructure, build our major projects, work with different levels of government and get private sector involvement in these projects. We are talking about $100-plus billion. These projects are going to be consuming materials from many of the areas where tariffs are being unfairly applied today. That is why it is so important that we not only talk about the tariffs and what is taking place, but see tangible action. That is exactly what this government has done. When the Bloc members brought in this motion, they emphasized the worker. That is not new for the government.”
“Every region of the country is benefiting from these major projects. I have often made reference to the expansion of the port of Montreal and how not only the province of Quebec, but all of Canada benefits from that expansion. We think of the small businesses that use copper, steel and other products, much of which comes from the province of Quebec, and the opportunities through the expansion of a port, along with potential marketplaces growing because of the aggressive nature of the government pursuing other trade opportunities. We can talk about the Montreal port, LNG out in B.C., the copper mines in Saskatchewan and B.C., mining in Manitoba, the potential of the port of Churchill, the major projects on nuclear in the province of Ontario, the new energy being developed in Atlantic Canada. It is in every region.”
“We took down the national barriers, which was necessary in order to demonstrate strong leadership at the national level in terms of making it one Canadian economy. We continue to work today with premiers to encourage them to look at trade not only in terms of widgets, but also in terms of labour mobility. Some provinces are working more than others, but I believe that the goodwill is there to take a team Canada approach. That was followed by major projects and the impact of that. When we talk about the tariffs today in the motion, now is the time for us to be investing in major projects, because they are going to be consuming steel and lumber and protecting the industries, such as our steel and lumber industries. The expansion and growth of major projects can make a difference. It is not just one region of the country.”
“To that end, the very first action we took was to provide economic relief in terms of the issue of affordability, for example by getting rid of the carbon tax and providing a tax break to Canada's middle class, and 22 million people benefited. On the issue of the day in regard to tariffs and trade, and the comments coming from the south, we came up with Bill C-5 to build a stronger and healthier Canada, a Canada with one economy. (1205) That led to the Prime Minister having numerous meetings with premiers, indigenous leaders and many different stakeholders in terms of how we can continue to push for tariff relief, continue to push for trade with the United States and, at the same time, build a stronger economy.”
“That is what we want to accomplish. We want a stronger, healthier economy and society, so that we can continue to say that Canada is the best country in the world to call home. Members will find that our actions have spoken just as loudly as our words. All one needs to do is reflect to one year ago when Canadians went to the polls, looked at what the Liberal Party had to offer, in particular the background of our Prime Minister , and ultimately made the decision to provide the Liberal government another opportunity, with a new Prime Minister, to take on the economic challenges that Canada is facing today.”
“It would be challenging for anyone to point out any other countries that have gotten along as well as Canada and the United States have, with the economic and social benefit of that sense of co-operation between two great nations. Having said that, we are experiencing some very difficult times, because of a number of issues that are taking place with Donald Trump. I reflect back on the last election and the actions we have taken to date in regard to diversifying Canada's economy, building a stronger, more independent nation and establishing a very clear goal. Whether it is the Prime Minister or any Liberal member of Parliament, members will find that we talk about the goal of having Canada be the strongest economy in the G7, an economy that will be there to serve all Canadians. That is our mission and our goal.”
“I believe the Buffalo Sabres were having a playoff hockey game, and the mic failed during O Canada . The fans in Buffalo actually took over and sang our national anthem, O Canada . I believe it touched a lot of people. I thank the fans of the Buffalo Sabres and those who participated in the arena. It sent a wonderful, positive message, something I would reinforce by saying that the United States and Canada have had a long, healthy relationship. Every year, thousands of people from my home province of Manitoba travel to the United States. We call them snowbirds. The interplay between Canada and the United States is something I believe we all value. The impact of how our economies and our two countries have worked together over the years has been truly amazing, second to no other two countries in recent history.”