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 was surprised today by the Conservatives' attempt to bring forward an emergency debate when talking about the issue of extortion. Extortion is actually in Bill C-14 , so there is time in which we can see tangible actions being taken in order to deal with important issues like extortion. I appreciate the Bloc's position in seeming to support the bill's at least going to committee. Does the member believe that it is in the best interest of people who are concerned about extortion to see the legislation go to committee at the very least, so we can hear more about these types of important issues?”
“Madam Speaker, the member wants it to be very clear. Let us be very clear that, if there is an election, it will be because the Conservative Party has put their political interests ahead of Canadians' interests. That is what would precipitate an actual election. The member talks about children and affordability. Every member of the Liberal caucus is concerned about the issue of affordability. That is the reason we brought in a tax break for 22 million Canadians. That is why we have a Prime Minister who has made the national school food program permanent to support our children. That is the reason we are investing in Canadians and investing in our infrastructure. The member has a choice. We can either invest in Canadians or we can do nothing. It seems that the Conservatives are proposing to do nothing and wanting to have an election.”
“I wonder if the member would not recognize that the false argument the Conservatives are putting forward to justify their desire for an election is just that, just one of the many things they continuously mislead Canadians about.”
“Madam Speaker, unfortunately the Conservatives never had that sort of a principle when they were actually in government. Talking about disinformation, I will use this as an example. The speaker who spoke before the member made reference to my using the example of Japan with respect to deficits. I referred to G7 countries like Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom and France, and I talked about Canada's deficit-to-GDP ratio. I reflected also on the overall debt. We are doing outstandingly well. We are number one in one category and number two in another category. If we reflect on Stephen Harper and when the member's current leader sat in Harper's Conservative caucus, and if we look at real dollars, the deficit then was higher than it is today.”
“I have news for the member: Canada is not burning. Canada is the best country in the world to call home. If the Conservatives would get off their pot and stop condemning Canada and saying how bad it is, they could contribute to building Canada strong, which he says he believes in. I believe in Canada strong. Will he support a budget that believes in Canada strong?”
“Madam Speaker, it is interesting that the member wants to bring up housing. I did build a house, right from the basement all the way to the top, including the roof shingles. I would be happy to provide the address. At the end of the day, let us take a look at the leader of the Conservative Party . He was the minister responsible for housing. Members will never guess how many homes he built when he was responsible for non-profit housing. We can count them using only two hands, minus four fingers. At the end of the day, the Conservatives were an absolute, total disaster on housing. Having said that, I think misinformation is a serious issue. The Conservatives talk about the deficit. Let us talk about Japan, France, the UK or the United States. All of these countries' deficit-to-GDP ratios are much higher than Canada's.”
“Madam Speaker, if we contrast many things we hear from the Conservatives, we have a choice; Canadians have a choice. I hope it will happen sometime in the next couple of years. Having said this, on the one hand, we have a Prime Minister and a Liberal caucus that see the value of investing in Canadians and our infrastructure, and we have seen tangible, positive results. On the other, the Conservatives want to see nothing but cuts and a government that stands by and does nothing to support the economy. I wonder if the member would agree that there are times when we need to build our nation and that this is one of those times.”
“Mr. Speaker, if the government's responses to Questions Nos. 358 , 359 , 360 , 361 , 362 , 363 , 364 , 365 , 366 , 367 , 368 , 369 , 370 , 371 , 372 , 373 , 374 , 375 , 376 , 377 , 378 , 379 , 380 , 381 , 382 , 383 , 384 , 385 , 386 , 387 , 388 , 389 , 390 , 391 , 392 , 393 , 394 and 395 could be made orders for returns, these returns would be tabled in an electronic format. The Speaker: Is that agreed? Some hon. members: Agreed. [ For text of questions and responses, see Written Questions website ]”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8)(a), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 38 petitions. These returns will be tabled in an electronic format.”
“Madam Speaker, like the member opposite, I am a member of Parliament from the Prairies, and I look at the investments. I look at the major projects announcements and how our western provinces are going to benefit by these immensely, whether that is through mining, LNG or all sorts of other opportunities. We also have a Prime Minister who is working very closely with the Premier of Alberta. It was interesting that the member shot down the idea of the Prime Minister and the Premier of Alberta getting along and possibly even coming up with an MOU. I am wondering if he can reflect on that negativism. Does he recognize that having a positive relationship with the Premier of Alberta and having an MOU are good things?”
“Madam Speaker, if I look at the contrast, we are not fearful of technology. We see the important role, for example, that the Internet plays in the advancement of society. There are a lot of positive things, but there are some negatives, which is one of the reasons we brought in Bill C-8 , the cybersecurity act. However, the Conservative Party has refused to allow it to go to committee so that we can address some of the concerns, and some might say paranoia, that is espoused from the other side. Bill C-8 would protect our industries; it would protect our consumers. Can the member provide her thoughts regarding why the Conservative Party does not recognize the value of Bill C-8, which is all about cybersecurity, protecting Canadians and protecting Canada's economic industries?”
“Madam Speaker, I truly appreciate the question. Having served in the Canadian Forces and having worked with many men and women who have served, I can say that it is long overdue for Canada to actually make a commitment to 2% of the GDP. That has enhanced salaries. It has provided all sorts of opportunities for industry here in Canada; I think of Quebec's aerospace industry and Manitoba's aerospace industry. The opportunities within the budget with respect to the military are just endless. We finally have a Prime Minister and a government that are actually focused on building up our sovereignty. A part of that is our military. Contrast that to the leader of the Conservative Party , with less than 1% of GDP in one year.”
“Madam Speaker, the member makes reference to investments. A good way of looking at it is in terms of what is happening in foreign investments coming into Canada. I remember giving a speech here in 2024, talking about the first three quarters of 2023, when Canada was number three in the world in terms of foreign investment dollars coming in on a per capita basis. We were, I believe, number one in the G7, possibly even in the G20; I cannot recall offhand. Countries around the world are recognizing the stability and the advantages of investing in Canada. As opposed to doing what the Conservatives do, and at times what the Bloc does, which is talking down Canada, we should be talking up Canada to generate even more foreign investment, because that generates jobs for Canadians.”
“Madam Speaker, we just heard the misinformation. Within the budget document, there is a pathway to having an operational surplus. That is actually a commitment we are getting from the government: to work toward an operational balance. At the end of the day, I believe that members need to have a good sense of the expectations that Canadians have, not only of the government but also of all members of all political entities. I truly believe that Canadians do not want an election. Just because someone is an opposition member, they do not necessarily have—”
“It is not that we are scared of an election, but we are reflecting on what Canadians are thinking. They are not thinking that they want an election today. They want co-operation inside the House of Commons among all political entities, to look at what is before us that is good and at how we can enable the legislation's passage, because that is what is in the best interests of Canadians, not the type of filibustering and the hype we get from the Conservative Party, threatening to have an election because Conservatives want another kick at the can.”
“Not only are we delivering on budget items that support Canadians, but we also have other legislation. Crime and safety in our communities was a primary concern. Issues like extortion are a primary concern of the government. The Prime Minister made a commitment to Canadians in the last election to bring forward bail reform legislation. Let us take a look at Bill C-14 , bail reform legislation that all of us should be getting behind. I have challenged the Conservatives on numerous occasions to make a commitment to pass bail reform legislation before the end of the year. Not one of them is standing up to say that they are prepared to do that for their constituents. I find that shameful. That approach is a directive from the Leader of the Conservative Party , who is more interested in calling an election than in delivering for Canadians.”
“Virtually every day, the spreading of misinformation takes place, and it is really quite sad and unfortunate, because it is a challenging time. We understand that affordability is an important issue for us to address. That is the reason the Prime Minister got rid of the carbon tax. It is the reason we gave a tax break to 22 million Canadians. Let us remember Bill C-4 , which the Conservatives still have not passed through and for which there is no indication of their support. Bill C-4 would give a tax break to 22 million Canadians. It would also give a tax break on the GST to first-time homebuyers. It would also put into law that the carbon tax is gone. These are the types of initiatives that are being taken. We have the bail reform legislation.”
“It is why we have substantial legislation, like Bill C-13 , which would actually enhance our trade with Britain and Northern Ireland. This is what we have seen, virtually from day one, from the Prime Minister and the government. Let us look at the number of meetings that were held with the different provinces for the advancement of Bill C-5 : one Canada, one economy and the mobility of labour. These are the types of actions that will continue to make a very positive, profound difference. Where are the Conservatives on these important issues? Their priority is not the interests of Canadians; their interest is all about their own political interests and that alone. We hear this with the type of announcements we hear from them.”
“We have a Prime Minister who has looked at the value of the program and has made it a permanent fixture. That means children will not have to learn on an empty stomach. I believe that to somehow ignore the issue or give the impression that it is not a problem is just wrong. One cannot learn on an empty stomach. With respect to our saying we are going to invest in people, let us look at the investment in apprenticeship programs. Canadians are going through some difficult times, and we recognize that. That is why we are enhancing apprenticeship programs, recognizing the value of training, of working and of creating job opportunities. It is why the Prime Minister has been travelling to Europe and to Asia; we are looking at ways to expand our economic sovereignty by having additional trading opportunities.”
“We do that by saying that one of the things we need to recognize is that there are many children in different communities who did not have access to breakfast; they were going to school on an empty stomach. This is a reality. The Conservatives close their eyes and completely ignore it. (1240) I was education critic in Manitoba many years ago when I served in the Manitoba Legislature. I can recall Sharon Carstairs', in 1988, talking about how we cannot expect children to learn on an empty stomach. This is a serious issue. What is the response we get from the Conservative Party? One Conservative member stands up and says it is absolutely garbage and we do not need a program of this nature. Others kind of pile on and say that the program does not exist.”
“That is when there was the greatest deficit, yet back then we had a government that insisted on not supporting Canadians, and that is the reason it was not able to create the same sort of jobs we have created, well over, virtually double, the number of jobs Stephen Harper and the current Leader of the Conservative Party did in the same period of time, ten years. We have created close to two million jobs. The Prime Minister is leading the fight and working with different provinces and stakeholders to build a stronger and healthier economy in all ways. I say that we are investing in Canadians, and we do it in different ways. Again I want to highlight the contrast. One of the ways of investing is recognizing our children.”
“The reality of the situation is very clear: When it comes to the debt, the G7 countries of France, the U.K., the United States, Japan, Italy and Canada, and there is another one, we actually have the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio of any of the G7 countries. With regard to the deficit, we are ranked number two; I think only Japan actually beats us on that particular issue. We can talk about the accumulated deficit or the deficit for this year and contrast that to the deficit the leader of the Conservative Party had in 2009.”
“At the end of the day, there is great contrast between the Conservative Party of Canada and what it is that the government is proposing. I would suggest it is a time in which we need a government that is prepared to invest in Canadians. That is what this budget does. We are investing in Canadians. We believe that the best way to build Canada strong is to have confidence not only in our economy but also in the people who make up our great nation. On the other hand, the Conservatives continuously provide inconsistency in terms of the statements they make. Let me highlight that by just the last two Conservative speakers. They are trying to build an election scenario in which they want an election all because of the deficit and the debt.”
“It is a budget that recognizes the importance of economic security and the role a national government can play in being there for its citizens. I find it not surprising but unfortunate that while the government is focused on delivering for Canadians, the Conservative Party of Canada is more focused on going back to the polls. If the Conservatives were to consult with their constituents, what they would find is that the people of Canada recognize we had an election only months ago, we have a Prime Minister who has been aggressively dealing with the issues that are before us, and we are delivering tens of thousands of jobs. In September alone there were 60,000 more jobs, and in October there were 60,000. We are dealing with the issue of affordability. Yes, there is more work to do, and we are prepared to do that work.”
“Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Bourassa . Let me be very clear: My first priority is the constituents of Winnipeg North. I am very grateful for the many times they have made the decision to elect me to this beautiful chamber. I appreciate and value every day I am able to share what I believe are the concerns and issues related not only to my constituents but also to Canadians as a whole. I know that if we were to reflect on the budget the Prime Minister has brought forward to the House, we would see that it is a true reflection of what Canadians' expectations are all about, coming out of an election we just had, in April. It is indeed a budget that would build Canada strong.”
“I am wondering whether the member might want to rethink the Conservatives' whole premise of wanting to have an election based strictly on the deficit.”
“Madam Speaker, the member talked a lot about the deficit situation and about debt. I am wondering whether he could provide his thoughts in regard to the G7, the most industrialized countries, I would argue, as a good way to measure Canada. When we look at the G7 countries in the world, which include the United States, England and others, we see that we have the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7, and I think we have the second-lowest, or maybe are tied for the second-lowest, deficit. If we talk about the deficit this year compared to in 2009, when the member's party was in government and his leader sat in the Conservative caucus, with the value of real dollars we will find that the debt back then was higher than what it is in the budget that is before us.”
“We recognize that, but I would suggest that members opposite also need to recognize that this is a very real issue and that the opportunities within the industry can in fact be enhanced by having more oversight.”
“More and more what I have found, especially in our younger generation, is that people are looking at ways to stay healthy. They are looking at options, which is something that again speaks positively about an industry we are all concerned about. If we can reinforce confidence by having Health Canada provide extra oversight, I see that as a positive thing, and it is what we should be looking at in the legislation. How would the legislation reinforce confidence in natural health products? If anything, I would argue, it would take away from the level of confidence. There is a responsibility for the official opposition to be more transparent. Yes, of course there are some things Health Canada can do, just like the Canada Border Services Agency can do some things.”
“When we think in terms of the natural health products and the industry we have here in Canada, there is a great deal of merit in asking whether there is a role that Health Canada plays, through the branding of our maple leaf, to actually advance the industry. I believe the answer to that is yes, which is why Bill C-47 had an important role. I pose this question to the member opposite: What about the consumer? We know for a fact that Health Canada has issued recalls on some items that have been tainted. To what degree would the member be prepared to answer on that specific issue? I would argue that with the additional oversight, ultimately issues of recall, or contamination, if I can put it that way, would not happen, and we would be able to provide the consumer with much more of a guarantee for the product they are consuming.”
“About a year ago, I was in the Philippines at a grocery store that was unique in that it was profiling Canadian products. It was quite encouraging to see the number of Canadian products being sold in Manila at a grocery store. When I was talking with the manager of the grocery store, he indicated that they could not get enough of the products coming from Canada, because the products from Canada were being so well received. This is the type of thing that, I believe, we undersell, and I think there is so much more potential, and that is the reason the Prime Minister of Canada is today looking to the export markets of Asia and Europe, going beyond the United States border, which I see as a positive thing.”
“A government-sanctioned maple leaf on a product carries a great deal of weight, not only here in Canada but also beyond our borders, and that is something we collectively should want to protect to ensure that its value is always held to the nth degree. (1125) Among the industries around the world, we find the pharmaceutical and natural health product industries. The potential for growth in those industries is tremendous, and that is why I understand that there is some resistance even from within, in terms of Health Canada and the oversight issue. However, I truly believe that Health Canada's providing additional oversight, which was enabled through Bill C-47 , puts Canada once again on a higher platform for us to be able to export products, and I am very much interested in exports because I believe that the market potential is great.”
“I take a great sense of pride in the work that Health Canada does for our nation. On a wide variety of products, it plays an incredibly important role. In some areas, I do believe there is an opportunity and in fact a need for us to actually look at ways in which Health Canada might even be able to strengthen our industry. Having more oversight is ultimately good for the industry, and when I reflect on Bill C-47 , what I see is legislation that ensured that there would be more oversight of an industry that is really important to Canada. When we talk about how we can grow our economy, we often talk about the benefits of being able to export. The member made reference to the importance of the maple leaf, and I agree with him on that part.”
“At age 63, maybe it is more of an interest; I am not 100% sure, but I do see the value of natural health products, and I also recognize the size and magnitude of the industry. It is an industry that has provided jobs for Canadians. It has provided all sorts of opportunities for Canadians. I do not question the value of that industry, and hopefully it will continue to grow. I do not think there is anyone within the Liberal caucus who wants to prevent the industry from growing. The more growth we see within that industry, quite frankly, the better it is, but I also believe at the same time that the Conservatives need to take into consideration the well-being, health and safety of Canadians in general, because not all items they are referencing are actually produced here in Canada.”
“We congratulate the city of Winnipeg, the residents and the organizers, from the commissioner all the way down to the volunteers, on having a very successful 112th Grey Cup, and we look forward to Grey Cup 2026, which I think will stay in the Prairies. I believe it will go to Calgary, followed by Regina. I just wanted to acknowledge that right at the get-go. I appreciate what the member is trying to bring forward in the form of a private member's bill. When I think of natural health products, I think of two aspects. One is the consumer, and there is absolutely no doubt that Canadians all over our country actually participate in the consumption of natural health products. They are very widely used. I have visited stores to look at ways I can improve my health.”
“Madam Speaker, before I get to the debate on Bill C-224 , I just want to make quick reference to something that embodies a great deal of national pride from coast to coast to coast here in Canada: the Grey Cup. We had a wonderful celebration in the city of Winnipeg, hosting the Montreal Alouettes along with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Canadians were entertained by a first-class football game. I know that my colleague and good friend from northern Saskatchewan is a big Riders fan and was very pleased with the outcome, but I think it is safe to say that all football fans got to be entertained with a first-class Canadian football game.”
“Madam Speaker, I am a little disappointed in the member opposite because I do not think he is being fully transparent about the issue. There are many Canadians who have a genuine concern about the issue of contamination. Does the member believe that there are no concerns related to contamination and that Canadians have nothing to be concerned about with this issue? After all, we have seen Health Canada issue recalls in certain situations. Does the member believe Health Canada plays no role in this? To what degree does the member see the value of providing Canadians assurances through Health Canada that the products they are consuming are safe?”
“Mr. Speaker, it is important to recognize a nice statistic that came out today. There was an increase of 67,000 people who found a job. In September, I think it was just over 60,000. We have a Prime Minister and a government that are focused on building Canada strong. Could the member provide his thoughts on how important that is for him and his constituents?”
“Mr. Speaker, if the government's responses to Questions Nos. 349 , 350 , 351 , 352 , 353 , 354 , 355 , 356 and 357 could be made orders for returns, these returns would be tabled in an electronic format immediately.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is with pleasure that I table a petition that was circulated by Debbie Johnson, who is a very strong advocate. The petition is asking Parliament to do more for families of victims. She had a personal tragedy with respect to her son Adam, who was murdered. She is hoping that we would see a more collaborative approach to ensuring that there is justice for all, including for her son and her family.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. The other day the Speaker made a ruling on members standing up to address petitions, saying that they are supposed to be sticking to the essence of the petition. I would just ask that we review the comments for private members' bills and likewise have the Speaker provide guidance on what is expected when a private member's bill is introduced.”
“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, in the month of October, 67,000 jobs were created. Of those jobs, 55,000 were in the province of Ontario. We have a Prime Minister and a Liberal caucus focused on building Canada strong. On the other hand, we have the extreme Conservative right. Quite frankly, I think Joe Clark said it best when he said that he never left the party; the party left him. Today's Conservative Party is so far to the right there is no room for progressive-minded individuals or red Conservatives. We do not see that. I am wondering if the member can provide his thoughts as to why the Conservative Party has moved so far to the right, to the detriment of good public policy.”
“Mr. Speaker, this budget is all about building Canada strong. The government cares about people. That is why we see the dental program, child care and a national school food program that is going to be there for over 400,000 children. The budget is about building a community. It is investing in Canada. Think of our hospitals, our streets, our bridges and our communities. Our budget is all about investing in Canadians. The Conservatives do not believe in Canada, but the Prime Minister and the government believe in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member really surprised me when he talked earlier about the role he played in Saskatchewan. He talked about the importance of trade. When we think of trade, we could talk about what the Prime Minister has done to date. Let there be no doubt about this. Looking at the last 10 years, we have seen more trade agreements signed than in any government before this one, yet the member tried to give the false impression that trade may not be good for the Canadian farmers in the Prairies. I am from the Prairies. Trade agreements are a good thing. No government in the last—”
“Mr. Speaker, the far-right member spoke about Canada's middle class and compared it to when Stephen Harper was in power. I just did a quick Google search. Interestingly, I found a story that says, “For decades, the United States boasted the honor of having the richest middle-class. However, since 2019, Canada has the wealthiest middle class of any country in the world.” The member talks about the deficit. Back in 2009 and 2010, which is when his leader sat in government, in a real dollars sense, the Conservatives actually had a higher deficit than the current budget being proposed. Does the member think the leader of the Conservative Party was irresponsible back then for putting such a deficit on Canadians?”
“Mr. Speaker, as my friend and colleague has made reference to, there is so much within the budget to support our seniors. I was really pleased to hear the degree to which the member advocates consistently, whether on women's issues or for seniors. She is very much a powerful advocate, let there be no doubt. I was hoping the member would provide some additional comments as to why it is so important that government be there to support our seniors, young people and women in Canada. Could she add some value to that?”
“Mr. Speaker, I would challenge the member on how accurate a number of those statements are, but there is a substantial difference between the government and what we are witnessing across the way. We believe that investing in Canada is the way we are going to build a stronger and healthier country. By investing in Canada, we will have better roads, bridges and infrastructure that supports a healthier economy, and safer communities. This is what the Liberal Party, this government, is working towards: a stronger Canada. On the other hand, we see the Conservatives want to dispose of some of that infrastructure. They are not voting for the budget. They are more interested in having an election than building a healthier Canada. Can the member explain why that is?”
“Mr. Speaker, it is really encouraging that we have the amazing talents of those who sit around the Liberal caucus, including the former finance minister for the Province of Ontario and the former finance minister for the Province of Quebec, who has just spoken. Our Prime Minister was the governor of the Bank of Canada and the governor of the Bank of England. He is an economist. Understanding the economy is so critically important. I am wondering if my colleague could provide his insights into why it is so important that we build Canada strong at this time.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would argue that a false argument is being presented by the side opposite. When we look at how we are investing in Canada with Canadians, we are determined to build the strongest economy in the G7. That is the goal, and we will achieve that goal with the Prime Minister . When we talk about the debt, we should recognize that Canada has the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7. When we talk about the deficit, Canada has the second-lowest deficit in the G7. Only Japan has done better. We are one of two countries in the G7 who have a AAA credit rating. Why does the member opposite not agree that it is time to build Canada strong? Why did the Conservatives not move an amendment?”