Steven MacKinnon
Gatineau, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“[ Translation ] We have come here to Ottawa with different solutions to the challenges we currently face, but let us be very clear: We are united in this chamber by our love for the Parliament of Canada and for Canada itself.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to adjourn for the summer, I would like to express my gratitude to a few people. [ English ] I want to extend my personal thanks to everyone here on Parliament Hill.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are at the end of a session, and I wish the Leader of the Opposition, his colleagues and obviously his family a restful summer, as I wish for all my colleagues on this side of the House. I want to point out that we are finishing one of the most productive legislative sessions in recent history.”
“[ English ] I want to thank my colleagues, the 174 proud and committed Canadians who serve their people proudly every day. [ Translation ] I do not want to overlook the contribution made by the other parties.”
“Mr. Speaker, let us talk about generations and generational investments. We have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Quebec's and Canada's French-speaking culture. That is something that the Bloc Québécois did not even ask for in its budget requests.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have been having an interesting conversation this week in this very forum. The Conservatives pretend to stand up for and care for vulnerable people in this country, yet every time we propose a program, a tax reduction or a hand-up to people, they vote against it.”
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“Madam Speaker, once again, we have a perfect example of the Conservatives refusing to offer up a single common-sense proposal to limit the propagation of assault rifles in our country. We refuse to accept the gun regime in the United States, where we see repeated tragedies happening in the streets. We want common-sense restrictions on the ability to possess an assault rifle. Hunters do not want them; hunters do not need them. Hunting rifles are preserved, but assault rifles—”
“Madam Speaker, I can guarantee one thing: We will never refuse a direct request from the Government of Ukraine, as we had with the free trade arrangements with Ukraine, which were voted against by the Conservatives. That was a pretty embarrassing moment for them. The other embarrassing moment for them always comes when we ask them what specific gun measures they would put in place. Canadians are demanding sensible restrictions on assault firearms that cause mass tragedies. We have a response to that. What is theirs?”
“Madam Speaker, it is very hard to explain the Conservative position on this matter when we consider the Canada child benefit, the increased benefits for seniors, a lower tax rate for every income-tax-paying Canadian and the school nutrition programs. All of those things, every single one, was resisted and voted against by the Conservative Party. I would urge that member to speak to his whip to be able to stand up and support these people the next time it comes to a vote.”
“Madam Speaker, federal mediators are, of course, available to ensure that both parties are on track to reach an agreement. I would remind my colleague that losses of $1 billion or more at Canada Post are not sustainable; they cannot be sustained in the long term. With $1 billion, we can build a lot of houses and employ a lot of nurses in remote areas as well. The government must take action to ensure the sustainability of Canada Post.”
“Madam Speaker, yesterday, my colleague spoke eloquently about the importance of ensuring services in remote, indigenous and rural communities across Quebec and Canada. The minister took action with the goal of saving these services. Taxpayers can no longer afford Canada Post's $1-billion-plus deficits. We are putting the corporation on a sustainable path and, in the meantime, I hope that the two parties will be able to reach an agreement.”
“Madam Speaker, it is indeed disappointing that both parties were unable to reach an agreement despite the intense mediation efforts that have been going on for two years. An industrial inquiry was conducted that paved the way for reforming the Canada Post Corporation with the aim of restoring its profitability and securing long-term sustainable jobs I implore both parties to reach an agreement. In the meantime, the government must take action. We can no longer afford to spend billions of dollars bailing out Canada Post.”
“Madam Speaker, what is mystifying is that Conservatives repeatedly stand in the way of sensible measures to control the propagation of assault rifles in this country, specifically in the face of mass tragedies, mass shootings, Polytechnique, the Quebec City mosque and the tragic incidents in Nova Scotia. We are putting in place sensible gun control. What is worse is that hunters in the member's riding, my riding and every riding are telling us that they do not need a submachine gun to shoot a deer.”
“Madam Speaker, here is what is clear: On this side of the House, we will put in place meaningful measures to make sure that assault rifles are not available to the people who have perpetrated mass killings and tragedies in this country. That is what Canadians want. That is what Canadians asked for. That is what the Liberal Party has always stood for. What the Conservative Party has always stood for is making these arms available across the country and doing nothing to ban them. Hunters tell us they do not need them to take down a deer.”
“Madam Speaker, the Minister of Public Safety is fulfilling our election promise. His actions also reflect the fact that, on this side of the aisle, we have always tried to eliminate the possibility of assault weapons being used on our streets. Tragedies have occurred across Canada. Canadians cannot support access to assault weapons. Hunters tell us that they do not need assault weapons for hunting. Something else that is clear in this debate is the Conservatives' consistent opposition to that.”
“members are aware, the House will stand adjourned on Monday and Tuesday of next week to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Upon our return on Wednesday, we will resume debate at second reading of Bill C-9 , the combatting hate act. Finally, I would like to inform the House that Thursday of next week shall be an allotted day.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to assure my hon. colleague of my great affection for the Thursday question and our weekly rendezvous. I appreciate that. As the member well knows, we have made a strong and firm commitment to bring in legislation this session to reform bail. The member opposite might be careful of what he asks for, because he will have the opportunity to vote for strong, crime-fighting Liberal legislation in the House. We will be absolutely and earnestly seeking his support and that of his colleagues. [ Translation ] This afternoon, we will continue the debate on the Conservative Party's opposition motion. Tomorrow, we will begin the debate at second reading on Bill C-8 , the critical cyber systems protection act. [ English ] As all hon.”
“Mr. Speaker, that is quite the list my colleague shared. With regard to youth unemployment, we will be introducing a generational budget. The member will have the opportunity to support this budget, which will create opportunities, job prospects, affordable housing and so much more for our young people. Support for renewable energy and technology is obviously a hallmark of this government. We will continue to invest in this area. Canada will lead the world by investing in renewable energy.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague, the Minister of Finance , will not only produce a respectful budget, but a generational budget that will create opportunities for jobs and economic growth to build this great and beautiful country. If he cares about school food programs, I invite the member to rise and defy his whip, someone he has probably not yet met, who will tell him to vote against help with school food programs. I invite him to stand up for young people in his riding and in mine, and support school food programs in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, since we are talking about school food programs today, I invite my colleague to call the Quebec chapter of the Breakfast Club of Canada. It will not take long. It is an excellent organization that goes into the schools and provides oranges, yogourt, eggs and waffles. Sometimes, it might even invite the local member of Parliament to tag along so they can see first-hand how the program enhances our young people's ability to learn at school. Canadians want support and assistance, not Conservative free-market rhetoric.”
“Mr. Speaker, we just witnessed something pretty shocking in this House. We had the finance critic for the Conservatives stand up and say we are creating bureaucracies rather than feeding children. I would like him to come to the elementary school where I helped serve breakfast to young kids, so I can show him the yogourt, orange slices and eggs that are handed out to those children every day. To the member, no, we will not vote for their motion. We are going to be busy over here putting in place supports for Canadians that he will vote against.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Public Safety has just informed the House how many people were removed from the country. He clearly knows what he is talking about when it comes to ensuring our national security. With regard to assault-style firearms, Canadians have been clear. In the wake of the tragedies at Polytechnique, in Portapique and at the Quebec City mosque, they want to get these guns off our streets. When will the Conservatives listen to reason and join us in restricting access to assault weapons in Canada?”
“Mr. Speaker, we witnessed the tragedies that took place at the Quebec City mosque, École Polytechnique and Portapique. [ English ] We have had mass shootings in this country, and Canadians have told us very clearly that they want the access to assault-style weapons of war to be limited. The one thing that has distinguished this party and that party over the course of all these tragedies is our willingness to put measures in place to limit assault weapons and their abject refusal to listen to Canadians and listen to reason on this issue. The Conservatives need to listen to Canadians and get serious about assault rifles.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am a little puzzled and a little concerned about the tone coming from the opposition. We do not treat MPs and ministers in the House in this way. This minister is doing a fantastic job and has presented legislation before this Parliament, which that party needs to respond to, that will clean up our immigration system. While they are at it, the Conservatives can perhaps answer for why, in Cloverdale—Langley City, they are forcing temporary students to come and campaign for them in by-election campaigns. Those are the questions the incompetent Leader of the Opposition and his party need to answer.”
“Mr. Speaker, since this member is new to the House, perhaps he has not yet had a chance to meet with his party whip. What will his whip tell him? He will tell him to vote against any measures that support Canadians, to vote against food assistance in schools, to vote against child care, to vote against child benefits, to vote against support for seniors, to vote against legislation that protects workers in Canada, to vote against all of that, against his will. In any case, this member will learn the hard way.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member opposite knows full well that the budget is coming. He should pay attention because we will ask him to support it. Canadians sent us here to bring forward a plan to build Canada, provide more job opportunities for young people, and use steel, aluminum and Canadian expertise. Watch out: we are coming and we want his vote.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know Paul Martin. I worked with Paul Martin. The MP is not Paul Martin. I can assure him that the Conservative Party is not the party of fiscal responsibility. It is the party that had an outrageously expensive spending proposal in its platform, which was rejected in the last election. We are building the strongest economy in the G7. We are going to get the budget into operating balance. We are going to work to create opportunities in this country. Paul Martin would be proud of that.”
“Mr. Speaker, for years, the former member for Carleton skulked around the country without telling anyone where the Conservatives' fundraising events were, while we were publishing them on our website. The Liberal Party has in the past exceeded the rules and guidelines for these activities. The Conservative Party has not always risen to that high standard. We hope it does.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we know, Canada has some of the toughest ethics and fundraising guidelines in the entire world. The Liberal Party of Canada has in the past surpassed those guidelines, and the Liberal Party of Canada will always apply the rules and make sure we follow the rules. We hope that the Conservatives can say the same.”
“Mr. Speaker, what the constituents in the Lower St. Lawrence, and I dare say even the Conservative constituents in the Lower St. Lawrence, want to know is whether Parliament can function. They want to know if Parliament can function well enough to crack down on crime, implement reforms, prevent firearms from crossing our borders and deal with the issues, the scourge of drugs on our streets. The hon. member has the opportunity to vote in favour of a bill. He has had numerous opportunities to vote for Bill C‑2 , which will clean up our legal system, which will clean up our system—”
“Mr. Speaker, speaking of legislation, there is legislation before this House as we speak: Bill C-2 , which would secure our borders, deal with the scourge of fentanyl and bring order to our immigration system. That member has had many opportunities to get tough on crime by voting for Bill C-2. Where has he been?”
“As to the question of a take-note debate, I would note that the Conservatives have, as I just indicated, two opposition days scheduled for next week, and they can certainly choose this very important topic, on which the government will have a lot to say, for debate if they believe it is that important. With respect to the crime legislation, I would simply point out that there is before the House crime legislation presented by the government that meets the test of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and I would very much urge my Conservative colleagues to get on board with it right now so we can fight crime in this country.”
“Mr. Speaker, I, too, would like to welcome the House leader of the official opposition and all of his and our colleagues in the House. I am confident that we will have a productive session. We will see. This afternoon, we will continue to debate the Conservative Party's supply day motion. Tomorrow, we will resume debate at second reading of Bill C‑3 , an act to amend the Citizenship Act. I would also like to say that, next Wednesday, we will begin debate at second reading stage of Bill C‑8 , an act respecting cyber security. [ English ] I would like to inform the House that Monday, Tuesday and Thursday of next week shall be allotted days. Furthermore, pursuant to Standing Order 83(2), I request the designation of an order of the day to allow the presentation of a budget speech at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to point out that there is legislation before Parliament right now that would give the legal authority to my colleague, the Minister of Immigration and Citizenship , the ability to deal more efficiently with the issue of asylum seekers. We know that migratory pressures are going to continue around the world. We know we want to have secure, meaningful borders. We know we want to have the legislative powers to be able to deal with the situation in an orderly way. The only thing we do not know is where the Conservatives are going to stand on this. Will they let the legislation through Parliament, pass it and help us fix it—”
“Pursuant to Standing Order 32(1), and subsections 21(1) and 21(6) of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act, I am pleased to enclose two copies in both official languages of the National Security Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians' 2024 annual report for tabling in the House of Commons. Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), the report is deemed referred to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(1), and subsections 21(2) and 21(6) of the National Security and Intelligence and Committee of Parliamentarians Act, I am pleased to enclose two copies in both official languages of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians' special report on the lawful access to communications by security intelligence organizations for tabling in the House of Commons. Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), the report is deemed referred to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. I guess that last line was your line, Mr. Speaker, but nonetheless, I am pleased to table the document.”
“Motion Mr. Speaker, there have been consultations among the parties and I think you will find unanimous consent for the following motion: That, notwithstanding any standing order, special order or usual practice of the House, Bill C‑5, An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act , in Clause 4, be amended by replacing lines 5 to 7 on page 10 with the following: “with the government of the province or territory in which the project will be carried out, and obtain its written consent if the project falls within areas of exclusive provincial or territorial jurisdic-”.”
“Motion Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties, and I think you will find that there is unanimous consent to adopt the following motion: That, notwithstanding any standing order, special order or usual practice of the House, Bill C-5, An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act , in Clause 4, be amended by replacing, in the English version, line 21 on page 15 with the following: [ English ] “(3) The Minister must, not later than 30 days before the””
“Mr. Speaker, there is a lot of support in the country for this brilliant piece of legislation, which would create one economy, not 13, and would move us toward creating great national projects that will create jobs. I know that the member will stand with me and with the men and women in Canada's labour movement, who have stood up, day after day after day after day, to support this legislation, to say that it will create jobs, that it will create opportunity for the skilled trades, that it will create a future for them and their children. Will he stand with those unions? Will he stand for—”
“Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives are now really reaching. They are accusing the government of not living up to its responsibilities for conservation or responsibilities to national parks in this country. This government has prided itself on coming to the aid of communities, whether it be with housing assistance or any other kind of assistance. We have had a devastating wildfire season, provoked in no small part due to the climate change we are experiencing. This government will continue to respond to Canadians' needs for housing and for good management.”
“Mr. Speaker, when we came to office, the first thing we did was take the GST off new homes for first-time homebuyers. This government has proposed a series of measures, beginning with the national housing strategy back in 2018. The member was not here, but the Conservatives have opposed every single one of these measures. Whether it is affordable housing or social housing, every single housing initiative put forward by this government and every single plan that my hon. colleague described, they are against. Where is their housing plan?”
“Mr. Speaker, I think that by constantly exaggerating, the members from the Bloc Québécois are going to miss Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day. The fact remains that this is a matter of urgency. We must urgently respond to the trade war started by our neighbours to the south. We must urgently respond to the Government of Quebec and other actors, including the unions and investors, to reduce the gap between Quebec and Canada and create jobs and opportunities.”
“Mr. Speaker, again, 22 million Canadians, that is everyone who pays income tax, will notice that less income tax is being deducted from their paycheques as of July 1. That is a nice Canada Day gift. My colleague talks about affordability, but she opposed child care spaces, the Canada child benefit and assistance for dental care. She should focus on affordability and support us.”
“Mr. Speaker, the facts are very simple. For everyone who pays income tax, 22 million Canadians, the tax rate is going down from 15% to 14%. This will save Canadian families up to $840. Those who pay income tax can save up to $840. We made that promise and we kept it—”
“Mr. Speaker, the member is a member of long standing, and I do not even think he believes the stuff he was handed to read. The fact is that this is a transformational Prime Minister in a new government who will be presenting a budget this fall and who has already delivered a spending program that was passed by this House, has already delivered a tax cut for 22 million Canadians that will save families up to $840 a year and has taken off the GST on homes for first-time buyers. That is progress.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada is proud to be a leader in respecting environmental standards. We know we can undertake major projects, important projects, that create jobs and opportunities, without sacrificing our environmental values or our processes. Clearly, we need to take action, economic action. We need to speed up the process and stop settling for processes that are too slow. We need to speed things up to make room for opportunities.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada is facing many challenges, particularly in relation to the tariff war triggered by our neighbours to the south. What Quebec workers and the FTQ are telling us is that we need to take action, that we need to quickly build projects of national significance that will not only create jobs, but will also enable Quebec to prosper today, tomorrow and for decades to come. That is what we are doing with this bill.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has a record of achievement in 100 days that would make anyone around the world blush. We have reduced taxes. We are creating opportunity for Canadians. We have committed to passing a bill by July 1, which is on track to getting done. The Prime Minister has proactively filed all disclosures required under the most stringent code of ethics that exists almost anywhere in the world. Of course, the Prime Minister will meet his requirements under that code and will keep delivering for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, a tax cut for 22 million Canadians on July 1: check. GST off homes for first-time homebuyers: check. The government being fully funded and the supply bills being passed and off to the Senate: check. Defence spending at 2% of GDP: check. Today, and I invite the hon. member to join us, the bill to build Canada strong, the bill to build jobs in this country and create opportunity right across this land: check.”
“Motion No. 16 moved: That Bill C-5, in Clause 4, be amended by (a) replacing lines 7 and 8 on page 15 with the following: partments and agencies regarding the project; (b) replacing lines 24 to 27 on page 15 with the following: (4) The Minister must cause to be tabled a report containing the information set out in paragraphs (1)(a) to (e) in each House of Parliament and, at the request of 10 or more members of that House, must appear, to explain the Minister’s decisions in”
“Motion No. 9 moved: That Bill C-5, in Clause 4, be amended by replacing line 5 on page 12 with the following: (c) detailed cost estimates that do not include private sector commercially sensitive financial information; and”
“We wish her well as she relocates to another part of our great nation. [ Translation ] Returning to the matter at hand, this afternoon we will resume debate at second reading of Bill C‑3 , an act to amend the Citizenship Act. As per our solemn promise to the people of Canada, tomorrow we will begin the debate at report stage and at third reading of Bill C‑5 , an act to enact the free trade and labour mobility in Canada act and the building Canada act, which hopefully will be delivered to Canadians in time for Canada Day, along with the income tax cut, which will benefit 22 million Canadians as of July 1. I wish a happy Canada Day to our great country and all the people who call it home.”
“We have been delighted to have them and wish them well as their studies progress. I also want to thank the members of the official opposition, the official opposition chief whip and the opposition House leader. [ Translation ] I also want to thank the House leader of the Bloc Québécois and the whip of the Bloc Québécois. There is also the former whip whom I still see in the House, and I know that she is giving very good advice to her successor. I also thank the NDP and the Green Party and all their teams. There are a lot of people who support us in our respective roles, and that is very important. [ English ] I want to single one person out. I am sure the opposition House leader will indulge me. I want to thank Sarah Leclair. Thank God she was there. I thank her for supporting the Liberal caucus, the Liberal government for these years.”
“Mr. Speaker, that is a backhanded compliment if I ever heard one. I can think of one internal combustion engine that my hon. colleague could maybe come help me with, and I could go help him with his, and that is the lawnmower. We will be ripping the cord on that after a long session. We will be ripping the cord on the internal combustion lawnmower and getting caught up on some household duties. I want to echo everything that my hon. colleague said and thank all the parliamentary staff, the Speaker, the clerks, all the personnel who support the table, the cafeteria, the food service staff and, of course, the PPS. I congratulate them on their 10th anniversary and echo everything said about the pages. I thank them for their service and thank them for their time here.”
“Mr. Speaker, that is preposterous. The member knows full well that 22 million people will be getting a tax cut after July 1; at the very least, he voted in favour of a bill that lowers taxes for all Canadians. Their paycheque will show a tax cut somewhere between 15% and 40% in the first bracket. That represents up to $840 for a Canadian family. That is what we promised to do. That is what we have done.”
“Mr. Speaker, that member of Parliament, and we thank him for it, and his entire caucus voted for the exact tax cut we committed to for Canadians by July 1, so that on July 1, in every pay stub in Canada, everyone who pays income tax will have a reduction from 15% to 14% in the first tax bracket. That will put up to $840 in the pockets of Canadian families. Happy Canada Day. We are delivering for Canadians.”