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, let us look back at the last few weeks in Quebec. We saw the announcement of the largest aircraft order in Canadian history from Airbus, in Mirabel. We saw the start of construction at Nouveau Monde Graphite, in Saint-Michel-des-Saints. This represents thousands of jobs for Quebeckers. The Port of Québec has been designated as Canada’s primary port of entry. We are making progress in the economy, in jobs and in opportunities for Québec. What does the Bloc Québécois like talking about? It talks about separation, rupture, instability and a referendum. All they do is pick fights all the time.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are taking action precisely to support honest people who obey firearm laws. The real question is, why do the Conservatives constantly oppose every single measure we put forward to limit the presence of assault-style weapons on Canada's streets, to limit crime? Every time we make a move to crack down on people, to crack down on criminals, we get blow-back from the Conservatives. Of course we want to support people who act within the law, but the Conservatives—”
“Mr. Speaker, we will, of course, consider the views of all of the people in the GTA, indeed all Canadians, as we contemplate changes, if required, in the waterfront or at Billy Bishop airport. We will continue to listen to all of the heartfelt views of people who live along the harbour front, live in the GTA proper and deserve the best possible air service that can be provided to them.”
“Mr. Speaker, the policy of the government, as my colleague has just laid out, is quite clear. Canadians deserve to have production, creation and their stories told by Canadians for Canadians in Canada, by these global giant platforms. There is no tax. There is no tax, period. It is imaginary. It is fake. These are the same people who want to defund the CBC, who want to kill our cultural industries, and who want to take Canada out of every single piece of culture that we can—”
“Mr. Speaker, what have we learned from the last six questions? We have learned that that we are going to build military aircraft in Canada. We have learned that we are building mines, particularly in Quebec, British Columbia and in the far north, and that we are attracting an incredible amount of investment. The folks at TD Economics, who are certainly very different from those in the Conservative Party's war room, say that, in 2025, Canada experienced its highest level of foreign investment since 2007. Canada is clearly attracting investment.”
“Mr. Speaker, we believe that criminals should be prosecuted and jailed to the full extent of the law. We also believe that Canada has an obligation under international treaties to accept vulnerable people from war-torn and ravaged areas around this world. Every single Canadian I know, except perhaps that member, would give care to a vulnerable human being who arrives on Canadian shores and needs our care.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague from Hochelaga—Rosemont‑Est just asked a highly relevant question. What is inflationary spending? The Conservatives tell us that our spending is making life harder for Canadians. However, people rely on dental care. People rely on the Canada child benefit. People rely on the GST rebate for groceries. Conservative MPs seem to object to these measures, but we cannot understand why. Do they have a plan to help people, or is it all just empty opposition rhetoric?”
“Mr. Speaker, when the Prime Minister travels, does the member know what happens? He brings back jobs. He brings back investment. He brings back opportunity for indigenous people to participate with equity in projects. He brings back technology. He brings back expertise. He brings back military and industrial benefits to Canada. The Prime Minister travels. Oh yes, he does, and do members know what he does? He brings back jobs, investment and energy to Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, do members know what Canadians are not talking about? It is whatever was written by the Leader of the Opposition for that member. Do members know what they are talking about? They are talking about the first-ever long-term contract for liquid natural gas off our west coast, a partnership with indigenous peoples, a partnership that lasts and a partnership with our allies, and that was all before noon. There is the first-ever deal with Sweden to manufacture military aircraft here in Canada, with 3,000 jobs. That is just before noon. We are just getting going.”
“Mr. Speaker, early this morning, even before this MP or his colleagues rose to speak, Canada announced that we are back in the business of building military jets. We also announced that we are exporting liquefied natural gas to Europe. These are incredible partnerships with Europe. These are incredible partnerships that will create jobs and opportunities right here in Canada. That is how we will build a country.”
“Motion Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties and I believe you would find unanimous consent for the following motion: That, notwithstanding any standing order or usual practice of the House, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, during the debate on the business of supply pursuant to Standing Order 81(4)(a): (a) the time provided for consideration of the Main Estimates in committee of the whole be extended beyond four hours, as needed, to include a minimum of 16 periods of 15 minutes each; (b) members wishing to speak during the debate may indicate to the Chair that they will be dividing their time with one or more members; (c) responses by the minister or parliamentary secretary approximately reflect the time taken by the question, provided that at least 15 seconds be allotted for each response; (d) no quorum calls, dilatory motions or requests for unanimous consent shall be received by the Chair; and (e) at the conclusion of the time provided for debate or when no member wishes to speak, whichever comes first, the committee shall rise, and the House shall immediately adjourn to the next sitting day.”
“Mr. Speaker, the minister has just gone through and, this Thursday, will again be going through extensive questioning. She will be defending results that have achieved incredible results in one year of government. We have reduced the number of temporary Canadians. We have reduced the number of asylum seekers. We have saved money for Canadians. The real question is why Conservatives are against providing health care to some of the most vulnerable people on this earth, including claimants from Ukrainian war zones?”
“Mr. Speaker, in the first year of this Prime Minister 's tenure, we have the number one leading economy in the G7 for foreign investment. In this Prime Minister's first year, we have approved major projects. We have approved mines. We have approved building. We are training young Canadians, and we are building this country brick by brick. The blame Canada brigade can sit down and take a seat.”
“Mr. Speaker, we know why this member asks all the questions. It is to save him writing the questions out for all the other members of the bench who do not get to ask the questions. While we are asking questions, when is that member going to answer why he would refuse saving Canadians thousands of dollars on child care? When is he going to justify his opposition to reducing taxes for Canadians? When is he going to justify his opposition to creating the Canada child benefit? All of these things save Canadians thousands of dollars. Why is he against them?”
“Mr. Speaker, the minister recites the formidable accomplishments that are being realized under her tenure: Immigration is down, and asylum seekers are down. There are incredible accomplishments of the minister. The real question is, when will the member stop with the degrading and very condescending questioning that she continues to put, without any foundation, to the minister?”
“Mr. Speaker, the minister just said she would be here for committee of the whole. The real question is, as the minister recites the list of accomplishments and improvements that are occurring in the immigration system on a daily, weekly and monthly— Some hon. members: Oh, oh!”
“It is good news, actually. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, when we put things before this House that actually provide relief for Canadians, the member, at the absolute demand of her leader , stands up and votes against them. She votes against child care. She votes against a reduction in fuel taxes. She votes against dental care. She votes against training and opportunities for young people. When will that member convince her leader to stop voting against help for Canadians?”
“Motion moved: That, in relation to Bill C-30, An Act to implement certain provisions of the spring economic update tabled in Parliament on April 28, 2026, not more than one further sitting day shall be allotted to the consideration at second reading stage of the bill; and That, 15 minutes before the expiry of the time provided for Government Orders on the day allotted to the consideration at second reading stage of the said bill, any proceedings before the House shall be interrupted, if required for the purpose of this order, and, in turn, every question necessary for the disposal of the said stage of the bill shall be put forthwith and successively, without further debate or amendment.”
“[ English ] On Wednesday, we will start second reading debate of Bill C-31 , the budget 2025 implementation act, no. 2, which was introduced yesterday. Finally, pursuant to Standing Order 81(4)(a), I would like to designate Tuesday, May 26, for consideration in a committee of the whole of the main estimates for the Department of Finance. Furthermore, debate on the main estimates for the Department of Citizenship and Immigration will take place on the evening of Thursday, May 28.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are approaching the two constituency work weeks that my hon. friend described. Every good season must end with a cliffhanger. That is why the member will have to come back, to stay tuned, and we will have legislative plans on a number of things that will respond urgently to the needs and desires of Canadians as we conclude the spring session of Parliament. (1515) [ Translation ] For the time being, here is the schedule. Tomorrow, we will move on to the third reading of Bill C-11 , the military justice system modernization act. When the House resumes on Monday, May 25, we will continue second reading debate on Bill C-30 , the spring economic update 2026 implementation act. Tuesday and Thursday will be allotted days.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is exploring all possibilities, but one thing we will not compromise on is that we want to actually improve the travel experience and keep air travel in this vast and beautiful land accessible to all. We want to make sure that pricing continues to favour Canadians' ability to move around the country. We want to explore all possibilities in terms of safety, accessibility and making travel a responsive, comfortable, good and positive experience for all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, the minister has spoken very eloquently about our need to be the adults, to be responsible and keep our pilots safe, and that is exactly what we are going to continue to do. However, it is the temerity, the gall of the Conservatives to stand in this House, the 0.99% of GDP crew here, giving lectures. We will take no lessons on defence spending, on defence investments, on investments in our veterans, on investments in our armed forces and equipping our men and women in uniform. Those Conservatives— Some hon. members: Oh, oh!”
“Mr. Speaker, we know that transportation accounts for a large share of our greenhouse gas emissions, at 20%. However, the government is proposing a high-speed rail project that will cross Quebec. The train will travel 1,000 km in four hours, from Quebec City to Toronto. The Bloc Québécois is opposed to this project. They are opposed to this major environmental project. Why is the Bloc against one of the best things we can do for the environment and for helping Quebeckers get around? Why is the Bloc Québécois so stubbornly against the environment?”
“Mr. Speaker, Quebeckers understand that major projects, energy projects, transform economies. Robert Bourassa understood that and so do we, and that is true whether we are talking about nuclear energy, wind energy, solar energy, renewable energy of any kind and yes, even conventional energy. The government plans to move forward with major projects, but we will not stop there. We are also working on logistics projects, like the Contrecoeur port. I also want to mention that the port of Saguenay is part of that, since it is in my colleague's riding.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague just talked about training initiatives to ensure that our youth in skilled trades have access to really good jobs. Nevertheless, the Conservatives, including the member, are against all these major projects. They are against the the Alto high-speed train we will be building in Quebec, which will create 51,000 jobs. They are against yesterday's announcement about the sale of 18 billion dollars' worth of aircraft made in Mirabel, designed and built in Quebec. They are against expanding the Port of Montreal in Contrecoeur. The Conservatives should—”
“Mr. Speaker, of course, we have cut the gas tax by 28¢, but the member from Newfoundland and Labrador gets up, and maybe we will ask her, because we have not really had success of late getting that list of things that they consider to be inflationary spending on the table. We have no idea what the Conservatives consider to be inflationary spending. Is it the child benefit? Is it employment insurance? Is it small craft harbours? Newfoundlanders and Labradorians want to know.”
“Mr. Speaker, just as we are doing with other programs like the Canada growth fund, indigenous participation in our projects and the Canada Infrastructure Bank, we want the sovereign wealth fund to provide the tools needed to move forward, to build and develop a new economy here in Canada. We want it to be an economy that provides job opportunities as well as opportunities to create wealth here in Canada, for Canadians. That is what we are doing with the sovereign wealth fund for Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we build Canada strong and carry out major projects, we naturally want to give all Canadians the opportunity to be part of this effort, to participate in these projects that will create wealth and put our men and women to work, especially in the skilled trades. Yes, we will ensure that the entire country has a bigger stake in the prosperity we intend to create here in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives appear to have omitted the basic fact of why oil prices have spiked, and that is that we have a conflict in the Middle East, in Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is presently closed, taking 20% of global oil capacity off of the market. Canada, for its part, has reduced the price of fuel by reducing taxes by 28¢ over the last year.”
“Mr. Speaker, a one-time boost of $1.5 billion is not insignificant. It also comes on top of the one-time assistance we have provided to the forestry industry and other industries in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada. I would be remiss if I did not draw attention to the Bloc Québécois's silence in response to the aircraft order. The first thing they should have done today was rise in the House and congratulate this government and Airbus on that order. The second thing they should be doing is support Alto, which will help industries and SMEs across Quebec.”
“Mr. Speaker, we just announced one-time assistance. It consists of cashflow support for manufacturers and SMEs affected by the U.S. administration's unfair and unjustified tariffs. Today, we have good news. As I just mentioned, the Prime Minister is in Mirabel right now to announce the largest aircraft order in Canadian history. The aircraft is one designed and built here in Canada by Canadians. We are extremely proud of that. That is going to help Quebec's economy.”
“Mr. Speaker, speaking of airplanes, the Prime Minister is in Mirabel this afternoon to announce the largest order in our country's history for airplanes designed, built and delivered by Canada. This is excellent news for Quebec. It is excellent news for the workers in Mirabel. It is a strong vote of confidence in the strength and vitality of the Canadian economy.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have a new winner: most empty slogans in one single question, which was just won by the member across. The thing the Conservatives could deliver, the thing I think Canadians would appreciate, the thing that would add to the substance of this debate, is whether he will cut the empty slogans and table that list of things that they think are inflationary spending and that they would cut and deprive Canadians of.”
“Mr. Speaker, it has been several days, if not weeks, since we asked the Conservatives to table a list of programs they would like to cut, things that they label “inflationary spending”. The possibilities are old age security, the Canada child benefit, the school food program, support to our workers, building the country, building major projects and building it strong. Which of these things are inflationary spending in the eyes of the Conservative Party?”
“Mr. Speaker, I will continue along the same lines. My colleague, the Minister of Jobs and Families , just spoke about the workforce training program. We will obviously invest the same amount of money on a pro rata basis in Quebec. That means 51,000 jobs, mainly for young people, people in the fields of engineering and construction, and all kinds of people who will help us achieve this great ambition of building a high-speed train in Canada. It is called Alto, and it will be built with our young people. It will truly give them hope.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member is all up in arms because workers are surveying the land and doing all the work that needs to be done for a 1,000-kilometre high-speed rail line between Quebec City and Toronto that people dream of. Stakeholders, including in the agriculture sector, will be involved. People dream of having that great technology here in Canada, and they are taking note of the opposition and demagoguery from the Bloc Québécois.”
“Mr. Speaker, of course we are going to get the farmers' consent. Of course we are going to work with communities, with mayors, with reeves, with all the stakeholders in Ontario and Quebec. We are going to build green technology that will be a game-changer for mobility in Canada. We are going to invest in this project because Canada is ready to welcome cutting-edge mobility technologies. It will make a difference in the lives of 40% of Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, let us think about the dental care program, pharmacare, the school food program, the increase to old age security and the Canada child benefit. Canada is always there to help the less fortunate, those who need a hand to make ends meet. It will always be there. The real question is this: When will we get the support of all members of this House? The Conservatives are always voting against these measures.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member may have missed the news last week, which said that $4 billion of capital from Enbridge, including over 10% indigenous participation, will go to putting shovels in the ground this summer for a natural gas pipeline. What will it go to? It will go to an LNG plant that goes to world markets, creating jobs, wealth and opportunity for Canadians all over this country.”
“Mr. Speaker, as my colleague, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources , just said, there is currently liquefied natural gas leaving Canada, hundreds of millions of dollars' worth, which will employ Canadians, give royalties to governments and involve indigenous participation. That goes with the hundreds of billions of dollars of other major projects currently being constructed in Canada. We are building big, we are building with Canadians and we are going to build Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, no one is hiding anything from anyone. Everything has been transparent. The procurement process was transparent. Budgets were transparent and were met. This software is helping us bring security to the lives of millions of Canadian seniors every month.”
“Motion moved: That in relation to Bill C-11, An Act to amend the National Defence Act and other Acts, not more than one further sitting day shall be allotted to the consideration of the report stage and not more than one sitting day shall be allotted to the consideration of the third reading stage of the said bill; and That fifteen minutes before the expiry of the time provided for Government Orders on the day allotted to the consideration at report stage and on the day allotted to the consideration at the third reading stage of the said bill, any proceedings before the House shall be interrupted, if required for the purpose of this Order, and in turn every question necessary for the disposal of the stage of the bill then under consideration shall be put forthwith and successively without further debate or amendment.”
“Tomorrow, we will begin second reading debate of Bill C-30 , the spring economic update 2026 implementation act, which contains a lot of good news for Canadians. On Monday, we will resume consideration at report stage of Bill C-11 , the military justice system modernization act. [ English ] On Wednesday of next week, we shall return to second reading debate of Bill C-30 , the spring economic update 2026 implementation act, and all of its good news for Canadians. Finally, Tuesday and Thursday of next week shall be allotted days.”
“Mr. Speaker, people watching at home know that Conservative Party members asked literally the exact same question about 32 or 33 times today, written by their leader and handed to them. They were instructed to simply repeat what their leader says. I think that anyone who works as hard as we do to get into the House of Commons should be able to expect more than simply reading the Leader of the Opposition's cue cards. Of course, we will continue to work with the opposition, and with all members of the House, in the most transparent and open manner possible to advance the issues that matter most to Canadians. This afternoon, we will continue our consideration of the Conservative Party's opposition day motion.”
“Mr. Speaker, I can assure the House and all Canadians that our aviation safety system is among the best in the world. We are certainly working with all of our international partners, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, which is located in Montreal, to fine-tune the standards and continue to aim for the best. We will certainly continue to work with stakeholders, using the best science available, to keep everyone safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have lot of respect for that member of Parliament, but I would observe that, once again, 32 or 33 straight questions were all the same question, written right off of the desk of the Leader of the Opposition . I do have to ask this of the opposition: Is it the best that Canadians deserve to have scripted questions that came from the Leader of the Opposition 33 times here in question period, or should Conservatives be asking something more pertinent and relevant to Canadians' daily lives?”
“Mr. Speaker, as we conclude this question period with about 32 identical questions from the Conservative Party straight off of the Leader of the Opposition 's desk, let us conclude it this way. Every time we propose what that member purports to want, such as lower costs, lower prices, higher salaries, new dental care or new social programs, every single support, they are against it. We are for it. We are going to go back and do the work of building Canada strong. They are going to go and write a new question for tomorrow.”
“Mr. Speaker, the only ones who are disappointed are that member, his inner circle and his party. Over here on this side of the House, we are helping young people launch their careers, helping them buy an affordable home and helping them look forward to a better economic future in Quebec and Canada. Over here on this side of the House, we are creating things and managing carefully.”
“Mr. Speaker, let us talk about future generations. My colleague just mentioned the need for workforce training in Quebec and in the rest of the country. We also need to invest in ourselves and in major infrastructure projects. We are going to enable Canadians to benefit from construction and from building a better Canada. We are going to create job opportunities for our young people, job opportunities for the construction trades. We are going to benefit from our workforce and our investments. That is what building Canada is about.”
“Mr. Speaker, these are, of course, the most spurious, bottom-of-the-barrel conspiracy theories and allegations that one can possibly imagine. It is imagined, it is fake, and the members of the opposition who continue with this fantasy tale should be ashamed of themselves.”