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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“I want to start by putting a human face to a tragedy that took place in the Lac du Bonnet area, where Richard and Sue Nowell died as a direct result of the wildfires. They were surrounded and ultimately succumbed. All members of the House of Commons, including the Prime Minister , extend condolences to the family, as I mentioned earlier, and to their friends and the community of Lac du Bonnet, which has been severely impacted, as all Manitobans have been. I can recall first learning about it on the radio. It really painted a picture of just how harmful these fires are. We often talk about property damages, but here we have the loss of two lives, a very tragic situation.”
“Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure to be able to rise and address a very important national issue. I provided a comment in my last question about how large an issue it really is. The provinces impacted by these wildland fires, as I pointed out, are British Columbia, particularly in the northeast; Alberta; Saskatchewan; Manitoba; and northwestern Ontario. There are now estimated to be over 200 fires in total, of which virtually half, 104, are out of control. It is indeed worthwhile for us to talk about and highlight, so I am glad we have the opportunity to do so and that the Speaker made the decision to allow the debate to proceed. I should mention that I will be splitting my time with my friend and colleague from Winnipeg South .”
“Madam Speaker, as much as we hear a lot about the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, it is important to recognize that the wildland fires are also taking place in Alberta, northern British Columbia and northwest Ontario. There are thousands of people being displaced, and it is important that not only the federal government but also other jurisdictions and other provincial governments have been stepping up. I understand there has even been some international assistance in taking on the forest fires. Could my friend provide his thoughts in regard to just how important it is that we come together and provide whatever resources we can in order to combat these wildfires that are taking place?”
“Madam Speaker, I am sure the member would agree with me that one of the encouraging aspects is that it has really brought the nation together in the sense that individuals from across the country are contributing in different ways, whether it is monetarily, through prayers or through personal involvement. Different levels of government are also getting engaged. I think we should, at the very least, be acknowledging that so many people are recognizing the harm that is being caused; they are wanting, willing and, in many cases, actually participating in helping to resolve the wildfires that Canada has today. Would the member perhaps like to comment on that aspect?”
“As the community of Lac du Bonnet stepped up in a very real way, providing soup and sandwiches for firefighters, and things of that nature, at the local arena, I wonder whether the member could provide his thoughts in regard to how the community itself stood up at a time of need.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will reserve another opportunity to talk about the military. I know that the member across the way is really keen on military spending and so forth, but that is for another day. I wanted to add my condolences for Richard and Sue Nowell from the Lac du Bonnet area. It really was quite a tragic wildfire that encircled them and ultimately led to their death. It is a very tragic and sad story. I offer condolences to their family and friends, and to the community itself, which really felt the impact of that fire in a very real way when it found out about the deaths.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will not get a chance to expand on this, but one thing that really impressed me when I was able to visit one of the evacuation centres was some of the volunteers, in particular some of the non-profit groups out there. One thought that came across my mind is that maybe we need better coordination among the many different volunteer organizations and groups out there. The provinces can work with Ottawa and vice versa and maybe develop some sort of registry. I am interested in the member's thoughts on that concept.”
“Mr. Speaker, there is absolutely no doubt that having an emergency debate on these extreme wildfires is justified. What is a bit disappointing, I must say, is that the member for Winnipeg Centre seems to have this preoccupation with being critical of the government. Can she cite a criticism coming from the Province of Manitoba, in particular Premier Wab Kinew, that the federal government is not playing a role? The Prime Minister has stepped up. I take a bit of exception to the member referring to the flood at the Lake St. Martin reserve. As she knows, it was the provincial government that caused that flood, yet she seemed to give the impression that it was the federal government's responsibility. I will not tell her which political party was in power. She can figure that out herself.”
“Mr. Speaker, in his comments, the member talked about crime. In our judicial system, crime is a shared responsibility; both the provincial government and the federal government have a significant role to play, as do municipalities. The Conservative Party as a whole wants to focus its attention on this particular government. I am wondering whether the member would concede the fact that it is not only the federal government but several levels of government that are responsible for keeping our communities safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member referred to solving challenges. From the throne speech, I want to highlight two things. One is the whole team Canada approach in dealing with the Trump tariffs and trade. We saw a great demonstration of that yesterday in Saskatchewan, where the premiers gathered with the Prime Minister . I believe that is on a perfect track to move us forward. That is one thing in the throne speech. On the other thing, I would ask the member to demonstrate very clearly. The first initiative the Prime Minister took right after the last federal election was to give a tax break to Canadians. Will the member support those two initiatives?”
“Mr. Speaker, we often hear from the Conservatives about the issue of a budget. The reality is that when Stephen Harper was elected as prime minister, it was in February, and he did not introduce a budget until May. There was a federal election on April 28, and we have a new government and a new Prime Minister . Does the member really believe it is that simple to put forward a national budget when billions and billions of dollars are being spent? It took Mr. Harper, many years ago, a number of months to present a budget. Why does the Conservative Party seem to have a differing opinion regarding Harper's performance or capabilities and the current Prime Minister 's?”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians from coast to coast to coast recognized a very important meeting that took place in Saskatchewan, where the premiers and the Prime Minister , along with the leaders of the territories, came together to recognize in particular President Trump, the tariffs and the trade issue and to talk about potential special projects. That meeting was important for all of us. It was a team Canada approach, I would suggest. I wonder if the member could provide her thoughts in regard to why it is so important that we have a team Canada approach when dealing with and overcoming these issues.”
“Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties and, if you seek it, I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move: Motion That, notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, during the debate pursuant to Standing Order 52, later this day, no quorum calls, dilatory motions or requests for unanimous consent shall be received by the Chair.”
“Madam Speaker, I think we need to take a holistic approach in dealing with the throne speech. It sets out a very straightforward agenda so that Canadians and parliamentarians can be very focused on what was taking place in the last federal election. People were genuinely concerned about Trump, tariffs and trade. They were issues that people wanted us to deal with. The Prime Minister received more electoral votes than any other political party in the history of Canada. We need to work as team Canada to ensure that we are able to overcome issues and build a stronger Canada, the strongest country in the G7. That is what we are hoping to achieve. Does the member agree that there is a time to put partisan politics to the side in order to put Canadians first? To deal with trade, tariffs and President Trump, we need to do that now.”
“Madam Speaker, we just came through a national election where the Liberal government received over 8.5 million votes. That is the largest number of votes ever before in a national election. I believe they came to that conclusion because they were able to compare Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative agenda to that of the Prime Minister and the Liberal Party's platform. They made a judgment on that issue. The hope is there because of the campaign making it very clear that we need to start working with premiers, indigenous leaders, territories and political parties to build a strong team Canada so that we can deliver on issues, such as the Trump tariffs and trade. Does the member feel any obligation whatsoever to work with the government on important projects?”
“I am wondering whether the member can provide her thoughts in regard to nation-building and the role that provincial premiers of all political stripes have to play.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think one of the reasons the NDP is falling out of favour with Canadians on a national basis is many of the policy positions it takes. Let us take a look at, for example, a very popular premier, the premier whom both of us call the premier of the province of Manitoba, and discussions with the federal government and other provincial entities, looking at the major projects and seeing that these major projects are absolutely critical at this point in time in our history. To make the assertion that indigenous people are not going to be consulted, worked with and part of the decision process does a disservice, I think, to our premiers, including NDP premiers, whether in B.C. or in our home province of Manitoba.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member for Hamilton Centre asked a question about the tax break. The member opposite indicated that he does not like the tax break. Is it the Conservative Party's official position that its members are going to be voting against the tax break for Canadians? We were very surprised in 2016, when they voted against the tax break for Canadians. Is it the position of the Conservative Party to vote against the tax break?”
“Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member on his first speech. One thing that comes to my mind is foreign investment. I believe the last record I saw said that in 2023 Canada had more foreign investment per capita than any of the other G7 countries. In fact, if we look at countries around the world, I believe we placed third on foreign investment. When foreigners look at Canada as a place to invest, which was clearly demonstrated in 2023, would that not counter a lot of the arguments that the member was putting forward? When he says that the Harper government had x , often it is replaced by something bigger and better through the years. I believe the economy and the number of jobs that have been created demonstrate that. I am wondering if the member wants to comment on foreign investment.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to pick up on the theme of hope. Just over a month ago, we had just over 8.5 million Canadians vote for the Liberal Party of Canada, the new Prime Minister and a new government. I believe the messaging was very strong and tangible: We wanted to see a uniting candidate to take on Trump tariffs and trade, as well as recognition of the affordability issue. The Prime Minister has made those commitments. That is why he is in Saskatchewan today working with the premiers. That is why the first initiative he took was a major tax reduction for over 20 million Canadians. Does the member support those two initiatives?”
“Mr. Speaker, the issue of mental health is something we have invested a great deal in in the past. I am wondering if the member could provide his perspective on mental health within the health care system today and how it really needs to be brought to a much higher—”
“Mr. Speaker, I think that is a fair reflection of what the member for London West was hearing at the doors, and that is what she wants to advocate for here, whether it is on the floor of the House of Commons or in a respective caucus. People want to be able to see the issue of affordability being dealt with. It might not be resolved overnight, but the Prime Minister 's first action of the tax break is going to make a substantial difference, and it is going to help her constituents, my constituents and all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, in the last election, there were some very close calls. We had one election result where the Liberals lost by four votes. We had another one, as the member points out, where the Liberals won by one vote, or I should say that the respective candidates won and lost. I have absolute, one hundred per cent, full confidence in Elections Canada and the things Elections Canada has done. Around the world, Elections Canada is recognized as a go-to organization when it comes to issues such as democracy and how to run a fair election. I do not think any one of us do a favour when we start attacking Elections Canada, and Elections Canada has my full support. I had to go through a recount myself. I learned things by going through those recounts, and I believe that we should accept the results that have been given—”
“On the legislation that would come before the House to take down some of these barriers, especially after consultation with the provinces, I would think the Conservatives would vote in favour of that also.”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the principles of the question being posed. There are issues there that are very tangible. For example, one of the first initiatives was the tax break for Canadians, which I made reference to. I would think that the Conservatives would be onside and that we would not have a problem in passing that, but I do not take that for granted because the first time we attempted that was back in 2015, and members will recall that the Conservatives actually voted against that tax break. When I refer to working “onside”, the opposition can still be critical. Its members can still say that they want X, Y, and Z, but in terms of our delivering that tax break, I would think that the Conservative Party should actually vote in favour of it.”
“If members genuinely believe in a stronger, healthier one economy, for example, there is some legislation there. If members are concerned about the issue of what is happening at our borders, there is going to be legislation there. These are the types of initiatives that are going to make a difference in the day-to-day lives of Canadians, and the opposition parties have a moral obligation to get behind and support some of this legislation. Maybe they could look at ways in which it could be improved. I am not saying members cannot be the opposition. By all means, they should be an opposition and be constructive in their criticism, but they should also recognize that, as a House of Commons, we need to pass legislation. I look forward to that.”
“The House of Commons has a role to play, and part of that role is to ensure that we get legislation through the House before we adjourn later this month. If members want to contribute to a team Canada approach and deliver for Canadians, one of the things we have to do, and it is not an option, is to deliver on some of the legislative initiatives that are going to be proposed. Those legislative initiatives that we are talking about are a reflection of what Canadians have been telling all of us, collectively, at the door. We came out of an election just a month ago. That is what the legislative agenda, in the short term, is all about. We expect to see support from other members of the House. In a minority situation, it is not an option. We need to have opposition members come onside.”
“Maybe there are some things we can do, but let us recognize the fact that health care, from an administrative point of view, is dealt with through the provinces. When we take a look at the potential there, we had a Bloc member stand up and be critical because, instead of having the dental program, which is actually helping thousands of people in the province of Quebec and hundreds of thousands throughout the country, the Bloc member said, “Just give us the money.” Ottawa is nothing more than an ATM machine for members of the Bloc. That is not good enough. We all have responsibilities, and our constituents want us to be working harder, together, as more of a unified force. I believe there are many things we can work on together. First and foremost, over the next period of time, what is it going to take for us to build that one economy?”
“The Conservatives should read the throne speech, and they will see a great deal of value there in terms of advancing the Canadian economy but also recognizing the importance of social programs. Where are the Conservatives on some of those programs? Today I heard one of the Conservatives say, “Well, X, Y and Z is happening in health care.” He was blaming Ottawa, even though it is the provinces that administer health care. I have good news for that particular member, because never before have we seen this level of federal dollars flowing into health care in our provinces. I would like to see some changes to the Canada Health Act, from a personal perspective, things such as more accountability and financial accountability.”
“Whether they are from Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies, the west coast or up north, they want to see political parties working together. They want to see the different levels of government working together to deliver for Canadians. That is what we should all be pushing for. I am concerned, as it does not seem that the Conservative Party has turned the page. They want to continue on from where they left off back in November and December. If anything, what I have witnessed, based on a few of the speeches that I have heard, is that the Conservatives have moved further to the right. It is crazy, some of the things that we hear coming from across the way. At the end of the day, there is value.”
“When I talk to them collectively, they understand why it is so important that we operate as one economy. As a government, it would be nice to see this and the types of actions that have been very encouraging. (1555) I was never really a big fan of Doug Ford, but I am really quite inspired by a number of things that he is doing in terms of working with the Premier of Manitoba, Wab Kinew, and in terms of Saskatchewan. I understand he is reaching out to Atlantic Canada also. We are seeing a much higher sense of co-operation coming from the provinces in dealing with the trade barriers. It is estimated that we could see a savings of $200 billion if we can get the provinces and the federal government working together. That is what Canadians want. It does not matter what region.”
“However, Canadians wanted someone who has a greater depth of understanding of the economy. The Prime Minister was the governor of the Bank of Canada. He was chosen by Stephen Harper, the then prime minister. He was the governor of the Bank of England. He understands how an economy works, second to no other. He made a commitment to build the Canadian economy and to make Canada the strongest of the G7 countries on a per capita basis. That is the reason he is meeting with the premiers today. He recognizes that, in order to build one Canadian economy, we need to see premiers come onside. From my perspective, this is interesting. I have a sister who lives in Ontario. I have a brother who lives in Saskatchewan. I have two sisters who live in Alberta. I have a brother who lives in British Columbia.”
“The other concern, which I have had the opportunity to raise on the floor before, is in regard to the whole issue of Canadian sovereignty and the opportunities for us to ensure we are creating the types of jobs that are critically important and preserving the jobs that are already here. There are legitimate concerns in regard to a number of industries throughout our country. Let us take a look at what, during the election, I heard constantly at the doors: the issues of Trump, trade, tariffs and taxes. Those were the issues that were being discussed at the doors. They were contrasting Pierre Poilievre, the Conservatives and the far right to the Prime Minister and what he had to offer. We can take a look at their bios. I mentioned something the other day. Many would argue I am somewhat of a career politician. So is Pierre Poilievre.”
“To get an appreciation of the billions and billions of dollars that are being spent and come up with an actual budget takes a bit of time. With a new government, we can anticipate a budget, and the Prime Minister has taken a very keen interest in this. After all, the Prime Minister has been very clear what the priority of the Government of Canada is. We saw that in one of the very first actions he took. We all know what he did. He gave a tax break to millions of Canadians, and it is a significant tax break. Hundreds of millions of dollars are going back into the disposable incomes of all Canadians. His first action taken was to provide a tax break to Canadians, thereby addressing one of the major concerns that was coming out of the federal election, that being affordability.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is always a pleasure to rise and speak to the throne speech. I will be splitting my time with the member for South Surrey—White Rock . I want to address a point that was just raised across the way in regard to the budget. We have had a number of Conservatives raise the issue of why there is no federal budget. I would ask them to reflect back to when Stephen Harper became the prime minister of Canada. When he became prime minister, it was in the month of February. Months went by before he actually presented a budget. I believe he took office in February and, in May, he presented the budget. Canadians, in a very wise fashion, made a decision to elect a prime minister who understands the importance of the economy and the budget. Canadians are not surprised that it takes time. The election occurred on April 28.”
“On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, this is obviously not a petition. It is more of a member's statement that is being made. If the member is presenting a petition, he should be talking about the essence of the petition only.”
“Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Rural Development— Some hon. members: Oh, oh! Hon. Kevin Lamoureux: It is indeed a very serious issue, and I would ask my Conservative friends to calm down a little bit. Mr. Speaker, very serious wildfires are taking place in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Victims of the fires are having to be evacuated from rural communities in the Prairies by the thousands. This is a very serious issue. I want to compliment the firefighters and the first responders for their efforts and for doing a fantastic job. Can the secretary of state explain what it is the federal government is—”
“Mr. Speaker, many of my colleagues and I have been able to witness that the far right is alive and well in the Conservative Party and Pierre Poilievre today. Could the member share with the House his honest reflections about what residential schools were about?”
“Mr. Speaker, I am sure members opposite will become very familiar with a program called build Canada homes. Think in terms of Canadian technology, Canadian lumber and Canadian labour, not to mention the benefits that the consumer will ultimately have. By contrast, when the member spoke about housing, he did not seem to realize that Pierre Poilievre, his leader, is a former minister of housing who had six houses built during his tenure. Why should the Liberal Party give any credibility to Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives when it comes to housing?”
“Would she not agree that it is time that we have a team Canada approach in dealing with the Trump tariff and trade issue, which is something her constituents are concerned about, as my constituents, and all Canadians, are?”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to pick up on the Conservative spin, which really has not changed. The members opposite like to talk about pipelines as though they actually built any pipelines during Stephen Harper's era that brought our product to the coastlines. They did not build one inch of pipeline. In fact, the only pipeline that we have seen in the last 20 years that brought things to the coast was under former prime minister Justin Trudeau, yet the Conservatives try to give this false impression that they know how to get the job done when they do not. Would the member opposite not agree that it is time that we put a little of the so-called misinformation that comes from the Conservative Party to the side to focus on Canada and its best interests?”
“Mr. Speaker, it is interesting. My colleague asked a good question in regard to agriculture. His question highlights the fact that during the last election, Pierre Poilievre made virtually no reference to agriculture. However, the member opposite talked about its importance. We can contrast the Liberal platform to the Conservative platform. The member should maybe reflect on how the Liberal Party outperformed the Conservatives on the agricultural file. Rather than criticizing the former prime minister, could the member tell his constituents why the Conservative Party of Canada and Pierre Poilievre were outperformed by the Liberal Party and the current Prime Minister in the last election when it came to agriculture?”
“Mr. Speaker, what is really quite important to recognize is that the very first announcement of substance that the Prime Minister made was an indication that Canadians are going to get a tax break. It does not matter where one lives in Canada; it is a significant tax break to provide support, literally hundreds of millions of dollars going into the pockets of Canadians because of the Prime Minister's priority of dealing with the issue of affordability. When I was knocking on doors, Canadians were very concerned about the issue of tax breaks, and we have a Prime Minister who responded quickly to that particular need. I wonder if the member can provide her thoughts in regard to why, from her perspective, it was important and so significant to see the Prime Minister's first initiative to reduce taxes.”
“Mr. Speaker, I reflect on the fact that Pierre Poilievre never did get the security clearance, which is something that was actually brought up at the door, as Canadians were concerned as to why the leader of the Conservative Party chose not to get the security clearance. It was a legitimate question before the election and during the election, and I believe it is a good question today. I am wondering whether the member, who is the ethics critic, would maybe suggest it to his leader, given that every other leader decided on the merit of getting a security clearance. Does he not believe that maybe his leader should get the security clearance?”
“Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would not want to give the false impression that the previous government ignored in any way the needs of northern Canada and indigenous people in general. To demonstrate that, I would challenge the member opposite to indicate a government that has contributed more financial resources to the north than the previous government did. Having said that, I anticipate that we will have a very busy next few weeks and will be looking for co-operation, realizing that after coming through the last election, there are priority issues dealing with the construction of major national builds, if I can put it that way, that have co-operation from provinces and territories. We have other forms of legislation, such as the tax break for 22 million Canadians. I believe that is the number.”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the last gesture the member opposite put on the record in wanting to work co-operatively. Canadians in all regions of the country would acknowledge that one of the biggest concerns that came out of the election has to be President Donald Trump with tariffs and trade. We are very much concerned about it. The Conservative Party can play a positive role on that. We are going to see a number of initiatives in the coming weeks that are going to be of critical importance to Canadians, whether it is the tax break or the building of one economy. I am wondering if the member would commit to recognizing that and supporting legislative measures that will make Canada stronger and healthier while delivering tax dollars to his constituents.”
“Mr. Speaker, I can sympathize with regard to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Winnipeg Jets did well this year; they were number one in the NHL, but they fell a little short for the Stanley Cup. I think there are a lot of people who continue the dream with the Toronto Maple Leafs. My question is in regard to the Prime Minister . One of the very first initiatives the Prime Minister took was to give Canadians a tax break. I know that understanding and taking action to deal with the issue of affordability are important no matter where we look in Canada. I wonder if my friend and colleague could provide her thoughts on the importance of giving that initial tax break to Canadians, in the hopes that we will get unanimous support for it.”
“In fact, many would argue, in the province of Manitoba, that it was the provincial government and MPI that made the difference, that it is not just one level of government that resolves that particular problem. Would he not agree?”
“Mr. Speaker, I really took an interest when the member started to talk about the issue of crime and automobile theft. In the province of Manitoba, back in and around the era of 2005, 2006 and 2007, we had the highest automobile theft in the country by far. No province even came close to Manitoba on a per capita basis. In fact, we could virtually double the number of vehicles that were being stolen. What resolved the problem was not just Ottawa. It was Manitoba Public Insurance, it was the provincial government, and it was other stakeholders that actually came together, much like what happened recently, last year in Ontario. We have seen numbers go down. Would the member not recognize that, on that particular issue, it is not just the federal government?”
“Mr. Speaker, I congratulate my friend across the way. Pierre Poilievre was the parliamentary secretary to Stephen Harper at one time. When Stephen Harper was elected prime minister, it was back on February 6, 2006. Members would not believe how long it took him to present a budget. It was not presented until May of that year. We just had a prime minister elected, and Conservatives are taking the direction from their leader, saying that we need to have a budget. In fact, the current Prime Minister has been the Prime Minister since the election on April 28. Stephen Harper was given far more grace than the current Prime Minister , yet look at what we have to overcome. Does the member believe it might be a bit of a double standard that is being applied?”