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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“Mr. Speaker, I understand why the Bloc Québécois is not interested in building one strong Canadian economy. However, I find it harder to understand why the Bloc is opposed to the kind of major projects that Quebeckers are dreaming of, such as generating hydroelectricity, building infrastructure and uniting this country to create job opportunities. Instead of throwing around baseless insults that are beneath him, the member should get onboard so that we can build one economy together and give Quebeckers opportunities.”
“Mr. Speaker, the minister has stood up and articulated and represents policies, which we debated in an election campaign, that will create hundreds of thousands of new homes for Canadians. In the meantime, he will of course be in compliance with the very strict ethics code and regulations that we in the House of Commons all live under. Doubting that is, frankly, unseemly on the part of the member.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is quite simple. Quebec did not participate in consumer carbon pricing. The rebate is an adjustment for communities and provinces subject to such pricing. Quebec did not participate, so the rebate does not apply to Quebeckers.”
“Mr. Speaker, not only are we not going to harm the regions, but in fact, we plan to build up the regions. We will build up regions like Bécancourt, which is now in the auto industry. We will support the electrification of transportation. [ English ] I want to also suggest to my Conservative colleagues across the way that there is a guy in Queen's Park. His name is Doug Ford, and he supports electric vehicles. He supports an automobile industry in Ontario and across Canada. I suggest that they maybe they give Doug Ford a call to see what he thinks about EVs.”
“Mr. Speaker, I recognize my hon. colleague. He coached the Chicoutimi Saguenéens. They are not as good as the Gatineau Olympiques, but that is neither here nor there. Maybe he breathed in too much Zamboni exhaust. In Canada, we have options. We have gas-powered Zambonis, natural gas-powered Zambonis and electric Zambonis. Canadian arenas have options, and consumers have options. Workers are going to build all three. Everyone will get what they want.”
“Mr. Speaker, when I go down to the street corner gas station near my house, they have this thing called a pump. The pump offers various choices of grades of gasoline, and for the hon. member's benefit, there is a yellow one that says “diesel”. If someone happens to have a diesel engine, they stick that pump into their vehicle. People have a choice to run their diesel truck or run their diesel car. That is all good. Canadians have the choice. Let us drive on.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know the member of Parliament. He knows there is no ban on gas-powered vehicles. I will invite him to the riding, and we will go out on a Ski-doo ride when the winter comes. The fact is that Canadians have choice and will continue to have choice. In the meantime, we are going to power a new industry to put Canadian auto workers, Unifor workers, unionized men and women, to work building all kinds of vehicles in this country.”
“Mr. Speaker, this line of questioning is somewhat absurd. Whether someone wants to get on a Ski-doo, get on an all-terrain vehicle, gas up their F-150 or have the plumber take their truck to work, that is a person's choice in this country. There is no ban on gas-powered vehicles. This is the completely conjured up, fake showmanship from the Conservatives. It is unbelievable. There is an auto sector in Canada. We are going to stand up for the people in it. We are going to protect it and we are going to give consumers choice.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are nearing the end of the sitting period. It has been intense, and I know there was an election. Frankly, it is dishonourable for the member to say such things about someone who ran for public office to do good for his community and for his country. The minister is working closely with the Quebec government to create housing programs and opportunities for young Quebeckers. He will continue to do so in full compliance with the code of ethics. That member knows better. Frankly, that is dishonourable behaviour.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member opposite once served as a minister in a government. She knows full well what we are dealing with. Quite frankly, it surprises me to hear cheap shots like these in the House. She is imputing motives to ministers who are working hard, around the clock, to create housing and other opportunities on behalf of Quebeckers. This minister is working tirelessly with Quebec to create opportunities. He will comply with all the regulations. That member knows better.”
“Let me take one more opportunity to denounce the juvenile, amateurish invective coming from the other side of the House, which impugns the motives of upstanding people who represent themselves for public office and who work tirelessly to create opportunities for Canadians. The minister has a large mandate. He will create hundreds of thousands of housing units for Canadians. He will continue that work, and of course he will comply with all the rules.”
“Mr. Speaker, it must be getting late in the month, because the level of innuendo coming from the other side of the House is, quite frankly, appalling. Obviously, the minister is in compliance with all of the disclosure obligations and is going to continue complying with the strictest ethics code in the world. At the same time, he will obviously be creating many hundreds of thousands of housing opportunities for young Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I honestly do not know where honourable colleagues across the aisle are going with the questioning. The minister is obviously in full compliance with the strictest ethics code known of in the western world. It applies to all of us; it applies to the minister. He will be in full compliance with that.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is not just the government that supports the bill. Quebeckers do too. We just had an election where 44 Liberal members were elected across Quebec. Why is that? It is because Quebeckers see the big picture. Quebeckers know that we need to build major projects and create good opportunities for our children and grandchildren. It allows us to dream. It allows us to build. Let us build Quebec.”
“Mr. Speaker, the bill in question respects provincial jurisdictions. It respects the rights of indigenous peoples. It respects the regulatory processes that are in place, but it aims to speed them up in order to move forward with projects of national significance that will create opportunities, jobs and infrastructure across the country. If the member does not believe me, then he can simply ask Quebec Premier François Legault, who supports the bill.”
“Mr. Speaker, Parliament is doing its job. We are a governing party elected on the slogan “It is time to build” in Canada. We are doing that respectfully. We are expediting projects of national significance of course, while respecting indigenous jurisdictions and rights. We are doing this because Canada must take responsibility for its economy, for creating opportunities and for creating jobs. It is time to build.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to give credit where credit is due to Doug Ford. Maybe my hon. friend should call him someday. We talk to him regularly, and he has put in place a bill that ensures there is reciprocity for any province that wants to pick up the challenge of these barriers to working. Doug Ford will tell the member if he calls him that the work has been done.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have all heard the stories. Whether they be in Newfoundland or in any part of our country, there are workers who want to take their skills and make them portable so they can go to another place. That is why we put in place, for example, the labour mobility tax deduction, so that workers could take their skills more easily and be compensated, just like any white-collar worker would be paid his or her moving expenses for moving to find opportunity in another location. However, the largest frustration is among those who have a Red Seal, who have their ticket, and want to be able to practise their skilled trade from one province to the next but could not get through the red tape and the hassles. We would take that away. The federal government is showing leadership, and so are provinces. We are going to get it done for them.”
“Mr. Speaker, as the member well knows, we have invested heavily in the transition to renewable energy. Every province has success stories to tell, including Quebec. We can be very proud of that. We Quebeckers can be proud of our green record thanks to people like Robert Bourassa, who dreamed big and had ambitions for Quebec. That is the same ambition that we are trying to harness so we can leave our children and grandchildren an awe-inspiring, ambitious Quebec. The days of a small Quebec are over.”
“Mr. Speaker, I do not know that we— An hon. member: You do not know? Hon. Steven MacKinnon: Mr. Speaker, my hon. friend from Manitoba seems very exuberant this evening. What I will tell him is that this bill is animated by a single spirit to streamline these approvals and make sure that we have the ability to dream big in this country, to take on major national projects that can transform our economy and to get rid of these needless overlaps and duplications, whether they be between jurisdictions or inside jurisdictions. That is why a minister is clearly designated in this act for the purpose of shepherding these major projects across the line.”
“It is time to rid ourselves of these needless delays, bureaucracies and rules. It is time to get our ambition and strap it on to meet the needs of this new economic era. Canadians are counting on us to move forward, not stand still. The one Canadian economy act is a win for people, for the Canadian economy, for Canadian workers, for Canadian investment and for Canadian unity. [ Translation ] Long live Canada. [ English ] Let us get this work done.”
“The other day, I said that a project like the one in James Bay would never have been thought possible. The same goes for Expo 67 and the construction of the Montreal metro. Even building a bridge across the Northumberland Strait to Prince Edward Island would seem out of reach. We have lost the ability to dream. This bill rekindles that ambition. It gives Canadians the opportunity to dream again. (2150) [ English ] Before this House rises for the summer, we are asking Parliament to give this legislation the urgent attention it deserves. We want to give Canadians back the possibility of dreaming to build and dreaming to build bigger. We want to debate this bill, we want to examine this bill, and yes, we want to vote on this bill. In the election campaign, our leader said it is time to build. We truly believe that it is Canada's time.”
“We believe in a country where people are free to build a life, a business and a future without being held back by useless barriers. We believe in a country where provinces and territories work together for economic growth rather than competing with each other through unnecessary duplication. We believe in a country where governments rise to the challenge, recognize the moment and act with determination. That is what we are doing today. We have all heard people say that some projects will never see the light of day, that they cannot be completed because of excessive bureaucracy and regulations. The various levels of government are often criticized for not communicating enough with each other. This bill is a solemn and very effective response to those criticisms. It allows us to dream.”
“It represents a partnership, but it is also clear and defines a national understanding: This country's economy must function as what it is, one Canada. [ English ] We are introducing this legislation with urgency because the moment demands it. We are facing labour shortages across sectors such as construction, health care and transportation. No one's riding is immune. There are also the skilled trades. We are facing a growing demand for infrastructure, and we are facing a global economy that is moving fast, with countries investing heavily in supply chains, clean energy and productivity. Canada cannot afford to be slow. We must match our ambition with action, and that is exactly what this bill represents. [ Translation ] This bill is also based on optimism, on the belief that Canada works better when we work together.”
“The reality is, Canada has some of the most fragmented internal economic rules in the industrialized world. We make it easier, in some cases, for goods to move across international borders than between our own provinces. That is not only inefficient, but it is irrational. The Senate, the Parliamentary Budget Officer, economists, chambers of commerce and unions have all pointed to the significant ongoing costs of internal trade barriers. That is billions of dollars in economic activity lost every single year. That is billions of dollars that could be invested in growth, in clean energy, in housing and in innovation. We can no longer afford to leave that opportunity on the table. [ Translation ] This bill respects provincial jurisdiction.”
“It will encourage coordination, reduce duplication and pave the way for faster and more efficient decisions. I want to be clear. This will not come at the expense of environmental protection, indigenous rights or public consultation. We will continue to honour our responsibilities. However, we must also recognize that we cannot meet the urgent needs of Canadians if the processes are overly slow. This bill ensures that we are efficient and in line with our shared priorities. [ English ] This bill would deliver what Canadians expect from their government: action, ambition and collaboration. We are not here to talk about why things are difficult. We are here to remove the barriers and get things done. Make no mistake that the barriers we are targeting come at a real cost: a cost in productivity, a cost in jobs and a cost in confidence.”
“This slows down hiring, frustrates skilled Canadians and limits where people can go to find opportunity. The one Canadian economy act would help break those barriers down. By facilitating greater coordination across jurisdictions, we will move closer to a truly national labour market, one where people can take their skills where they are needed without unnecessary red tape. (2145) [ Translation ] Second, this bill would allow for faster completion of large-scale projects, infrastructure projects that are essential for nation building, projects that support clean energy, conventional energy, housing, transportation—the backbone of Canada's future economy. Through the building Canada act, this bill will simplify federal review and approval processes for major infrastructure projects.”
“[ English ] For too long, our economy has been divided, not by ability and ambition but by artificial borders and outdated rules. The one Canadian economy act would address this directly. First, it would remove federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility. It would make it easier for businesses to operate across the country with no more needless duplication of approvals, no more inconsistencies that raise costs and delay investment. A company in one province will have a clearer, faster pathway to sell its goods and services in another, and the same goes for workers. In the House, we hear all too many voices that do not recognize the workers having trouble getting licensed in one province or another. Right now, a certified professional in one province may still have to go through redundant processes just to work in another.”
“Canadians gave this new government a clear and urgent mandate: to build a stronger Canada and an economy that works for everyone. They sent us here to eliminate barriers, unlock opportunities and deliver the results that matter in their daily lives. This is exactly what we are doing. Just days after this Parliament was convened, we introduced Bill C-5 , the one Canadian economy act, because we are in a period of economic uncertainty. People are worried. Canadians cannot afford inaction. This bill aims to remove barriers that are holding our country back. It aims to build a Canada that works better together. It aims to deliver real, tangible benefits to Canadian workers, Canadian businesses and Canadian communities.”
“Mr. Speaker, my speech this evening is dedicated to all those we meet on the campaign trail who tell us that their vote does not matter and will not make a difference. We are here to tell them that a solemn election promise does matter. On the very first page of our election platform, we spoke about the need to refocus the Canadian economy. We are here tonight for the second reading of this bill to assure people that their vote counts. Once elected, a government fulfills its promises. We are here to respond to this heartfelt plea from all Canadians, including the Gatineau constituents whom I have the honour of representing here in the House. We are here to tell them that their vote counts. Indeed, we are here in the House, driven by a sense of urgency and a desire to serve and to fulfill our promises.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member knows full well that this Minister of Housing has been working tirelessly to create housing opportunities for all Canadians, while fully complying with our ethics regime, which is one of the most stringent in the world. He is in full compliance with the Ethics Commissioner's rules. Our code of ethics requires transparency and disclosure. That is what the minister is delivering.”
“Mr. Speaker, the minister is literally spending day and night, seven days a week, creating opportunities in housing for Canadians, while at the same time being in full compliance with the strictest ethical obligations faced by public office holders in the world. The Speaker knows that and those members know that. We are in full compliance. That will continue to be the case.”
“Mr. Speaker, the minister quite literally just gave the answer on the floor of this House. That member knows, as do his colleagues, that we live under ethical guidelines that are among the most stringent in the world. They govern all the members of this House. The minister is in full compliance with all of the rules. That member knows better.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Housing , indeed all ministers and members of this House, live under some of the most stringent ethical requirements, which require disclosure and transparency, as the member knows very well. The Minister of Housing is, obviously, complying with all of those rules and will continue to do so. At the same time, he will continue working on providing housing opportunities for Canadians. That is why he is there; that is what he is going to do.”
“Mr. Speaker, the more they talk, the more obvious it is that the Bloc members did not read the first page of our election platform. We literally spent the entire 35 days of the election campaign talking about getting the Canadian economy rolling, building one Canadian economy in order to help advance major projects, Quebec, green energy, the entire country and our workers. The Bloc Québécois is wrong: Quebeckers did vote for that.”
“Mr. Speaker, after losing stakeholders from civil society, unions and the business community, the Bloc Québécois is resorting to hyperbole. What we are doing, however, is bringing together unions, the business community, the Government of Quebec and even provincial and territorial governments. We are going to implement green projects, renewable projects and other projects that will get Canadians working and get the Canadian economy moving, all before Canada Day.”
“Mr. Speaker, every responsible government must respect the environment, indigenous rights and processes. However, we know that we must now implement major projects, both in Quebec and in all the Canadian provinces and territories. We will do so with respect, but also with greater efficiency. We will put our workers to work. We will attract investments and stimulate our economy before Canada Day.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would remind my colleague that we just finished an election campaign. On page one of our election platform, it says that we are going to pass a one Canadian economy bill, which will make it easier to get major projects built. This is a fact. Unions, the business community, the Premier of Quebec and all the premiers of Canada support it. Let us move forward with Bill C‑5 . Let us get the Canadian economy rolling.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think the hon. member is exaggerating by repeating the same questions. We on this side of the House are very excited about fulfilling such a solemn election commitment and, as we promised the people of Quebec, moving forward with this major development that will create opportunities, jobs and investment in Quebec and across Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, as the member well knows, we act in a federal jurisdiction. This bill eliminates federal exemptions to interprovincial trade and is an important piece of leadership as we move forward. I would also note that the member's premier, his province and even his region have come to various arrangements that facilitate just that. Yes, we would like Okanagan—”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians did not give the Bloc Québécois the right to introduce government bills. It is our job to introduce government bills in the House. Yes, we are in a minority situation. That means that they, too, must make choices, necessary choices in our opinion, choices that we will have to make to ensure the future of Quebec and Canada. The Bloc Québécois has an opportunity to ensure Quebec's future. Quebeckers want that. The Bloc does not.”
“It is very interesting to me, Mr. Speaker, that the Conservatives get up and decry the procedure on this very bill and then want to debate the next bill. We want to give them time to debate this bill. I am very interested as to why the member gets up and talks about other bills that may come before this House. Let us get down to business and do something for unions, for investors in this country, for investment—”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question. It is indeed an interesting question, for this reason. Canadians are asking this Parliament to act. They elected the Parliament they did. It is a minority Parliament. It requires parties from all sides of the House to weigh in on the substance and the issues of the day. That can mean obstruction for obstruction's sake. We had a privilege motion that lasted three months that every member on that side knew was fake. This government will proceed responsibly, democratically and according to the rules, but it will proceed.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for raising a substantive issue, since all we are hearing this morning are questions about processes and procedure. The member knows this very well, because she has read the text of the bill, which does not eliminate any of the requirements concerning the environment or the consultation of indigenous communities, nor does it detract from any other statute or regulation of the Government of Canada. We are accelerating, but we are not taking anything away.”
“Mr. Speaker, by definition, everything that goes on here involves choices and that is, by definition, democratic. I am not sure I understand my colleague's question, but I suggest he go see the Premier of Quebec, the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec, the business community and everyone in Quebec's economic sector. They are telling us loud and clear that we need to do something now.”
“Mr. Speaker, to the member whose riding I know well, I very much doubt there will be a tanker going up the Saint John River anytime soon. I will say that in New Brunswick, and right across this country, whether it be in Saint John or in any other province, major projects have been put on the table. Those major projects require our attention, and that means the member's attention too. He does not get to shirk his responsibility. I would ask him: yes or no; up or down; on major projects now, yes or no?”
“Mr. Speaker, we are a minority government, and that makes the members on the other side of the House uncomfortable. It means that they have to make choices, necessary choices, choices that Quebeckers are asking us to make, choices that the other provinces are asking us to make. The unions, the business community and virtually every section of civil society are asking for this. They are urging us to take action for the economy, to respond to the United States and to create opportunities here at home. That is what we are doing.”
“Mr. Speaker, I welcome the member to the House. Hopefully, she can convey the same urgency she just conveyed in her question to her own caucus colleagues. Canada is at an economic crossroads. Canada requires measures that would provoke investment and create opportunity for working men and women right across the country. That is precisely what this bill does. I suspect the member knows it all too well but has not been able to convince her colleagues of it yet.”
“Mr. Speaker, I recommend that my esteemed colleague read the first page. He will not have to read much of the document. The first page explains the need to act. The Prime Minister spoke at length of the need for the House to act. He said that, when we got here, we would introduce a bill that would receive royal assent before July 1, to give a Canada Day gift to all Canadians. This is a gift that will create wealth, job opportunities and investment in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, guess which party has been in opposition for the last 10 years. That means the Conservatives should, I think, rally themselves to a solution, a set of solutions that would enrich Canadians in every one of their ridings, contribute to our gross national product and create opportunity for working men and women and investments in this country from coast to coast to coast. The member should look in the mirror and get behind our plan.”