François-Philippe Champagne
Saint-Maurice—Champlain, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, during this final question period before the summer recess, I would have expected the Leader of the Opposition to thank the Prime Minister of Canada for the work he did at the G7 summit. We brought back 13 deals that will generate $5 billion.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me remind the leader that we will take no lessons from the Conservatives. He needs to be reminded. We have the second-fastest growing economy in the G7.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we come to the end of the session, we would expect the Leader of the Opposition to be a bit more cheerful because, in fact, there is good news. If he wants to look at results, Canada is the second-fastest growing economy in the G7. We have seen that investment in machinery and equipment is up.”
“Mr. Speaker, we hear the Conservatives talk against the economy. On this side of the House, we are proud. We are proud to have the most skilled workers in the world. We are proud to have an auto industry, a maritime industry, and an aerospace industry. We are proud to have critical minerals for the 21st century.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking the member for Hull—Aylmer for his question and for all his leadership. I am sure that my colleagues will agree with me. He is right. Last week, we unveiled the national food security strategy, because we know that food security is a top priority for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague will be pleased to hear that the Canadian economy ranks second in the G7 in terms of growth. Not only are we seeing growth, but we are also seeing investment; Bombardier is a perfect example of that. Quebec's aerospace industry is thriving. We have always been there to defend our industries.”
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“Mr. Speaker, let me remind the leader that we will take no lessons from the Conservatives. He needs to be reminded. We have the second-fastest growing economy in the G7. We have made record investments in infrastructure, generational investments in housing, generational investments in productivity and innovation and generational investments in our defences. We are going to build Canada strong. We are going to support our workers and our industries. We are going to build Canada like never before. Get on board, man.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we come to the end of the session, we would expect the Leader of the Opposition to be a bit more cheerful because, in fact, there is good news. If he wants to look at results, Canada is the second-fastest growing economy in the G7. We have seen that investment in machinery and equipment is up. We have seen that business investment in intellectual property is up. Instead of complaining, he should celebrate our workers, our industries and Canada. Let us build Canada strong together.”
“Mr. Speaker, during this final question period before the summer recess, I would have expected the Leader of the Opposition to thank the Prime Minister of Canada for the work he did at the G7 summit. We brought back 13 deals that will generate $5 billion. Of course, the Prime Minister of Canada is representing Canada at an international event today. The 174 Liberal members on this side of the House are a team, a strong team that is always there to build Canada strong. We are going to build the strongest economy in the G7, and I hope the Leader of the Opposition will applaud this government's success.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking the member for Hull—Aylmer for his question and for all his leadership. I am sure that my colleagues will agree with me. He is right. Last week, we unveiled the national food security strategy, because we know that food security is a top priority for Canadians. These are flagship measures that will please everyone, even the Conservatives: $1 billion for food infrastructure, terminals and hubs, as well as $750 million to ensure that Canadians have access to more Canadian‑grown fruits and vegetables all year long. There are also measures to spur competition—”
“Mr. Speaker, what Quebeckers and Canadians see is that we have a lot to get done. I am pleased to speak to Bill C‑30 , a bill that is going to help families and workers, and that contains important measures for advancing Canada's economy. I am sure that our Bloc Québécois colleagues want to contribute to building a more prosperous Quebec. On this side of the House, we will always stand up, we will always be ready to work, and together, we are going to drive the economy of this country and the economy of Quebec forward.”
“Mr. Speaker, we hear the Conservatives talk against the economy. On this side of the House, we are proud. We are proud to have the most skilled workers in the world. We are proud to have an auto industry, a maritime industry, and an aerospace industry. We are proud to have critical minerals for the 21st century. We are proud to have abundant energy, renewable energy and nuclear energy. We are proud to be the only G7 country to have a free trade agreement with all the other G7 countries. On this side of the House, we will continue to support our entrepreneurs and our workers. We will continue to be proud of the Canadian economy.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague will be pleased to hear that the Canadian economy ranks second in the G7 in terms of growth. Not only are we seeing growth, but we are also seeing investment; Bombardier is a perfect example of that. Quebec's aerospace industry is thriving. We have always been there to defend our industries. We have always been there to defend our workers. Together, we will build the most resilient economy in the G7. I hope that one day, the Conservatives will stand up to congratulate our entrepreneurs, our businesses and our workers. On this side of the House, we will do so every day.”
“Mr. Speaker, while the Conservatives are busy making videos, our Prime Minister is busy bringing deals. Members have heard it: 13 deals and $5 billion. That is what leadership is about. That is what Canada in the world is about. We are busy building the strongest economy in the G7. We have exports that are going to overseas markets. We are attracting a record level of foreign direct investment. Every day is a good day to fight for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, we on this side of the House know that every Canadian must pay their fair share of taxes. More importantly, in response to my colleague, it is important to note that we recently invested $10 billion. We reached an agreement with the Government of Quebec to invest $10 billion in Quebec's critical infrastructure. Specifically when it comes to homelessness, we recently announced an investment of over $150 million so that we can do our part to address this issue. We will always be there to defend everyone's interests and to ensure that everyone pays their fair share of taxes in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have a simple answer for the Conservative: Pass Bill C-26 . Instead of grandstanding in the House, do something, get on with it, work, vote and pass Bill C-26. We are in touch with our colleagues in Ontario. We are there for the builders and the homeowners, and we will work for the people of Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his important question. My colleague knows full well that 100 days ago we implemented a plan to address certain challenges we have observed in the service provided by the Canada Revenue Agency. I can assure members that everyone working at the CRA is doing their best to serve Canadians well. They are ensuring tax integrity. They are ensuring that everyone pays their fair share of taxes. As we head into summer, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the employees who work at the Canada Revenue Agency.”
“Mr. Speaker, what the people watching at home today are seeing is the Conservatives' hypocrisy. Where were the Conservatives when we launched the Canada child benefit, the national school food program, the Canada disability benefit and the Canada groceries and essentials benefit? Where were they when we launched the Canada-wide early learning and child care program? Where were they when we launched the Canada workers benefit? They were nowhere to be found, but we were there for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians do not want another clip. They do not want just another question. They want action. That is exactly what we have done on this side of the House. Canadians are concerned about the cost of rent, the cost of food and the cost of gas. That is exactly what we have tackled. We have made record investments in affordable housing, we have just sent the groceries benefit to more than 12 million Canadians and we have suspended the excise fuel tax on gas. We understand what Canadians want, and we will deliver for Canadians. Every day is a good day to fight for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I can see on the Conservatives' faces today that they are not very happy, but let me bring them good news, because the country wants good news. In fact, in 2025, Canada received the highest level of foreign direct investment. That is Canada. We have the second-fastest growth in the G7. We have made generational investments in housing, infrastructure, productivity, innovation and defence. We are going to build Canada strong. Let them get on board. We are going to build this country.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have never seen so much excitement from the Conservatives for an answer. We can see that summer is coming. They are awakening now. The question is very serious, and I can assure members of the House and all Canadians watching that we have some of the strongest laws when it comes to government information and disclosure. We believe in an open government. We believe in providing information to Canadians. Canadians can be assured that we have some of the strongest laws in the G7.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague will be pleased to learn that we are, in fact, working hand in hand with the Government of Quebec on these issues. My colleague should know that we conducted a pilot project to remove cell phones from the various prisons and penitentiaries across the country. We will always be there to ensure the safety of correctional officers. We will continue to work with the Government of Quebec. We will continue to fight extortion and crime in this country.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would also like to offer my sympathies to the family and friends of Constable Marc Pinizzotto. The thoughts of every member of the House go out to him and his family today. To answer my colleague's question, our government is making generational investments in infrastructure, housing, competitiveness, innovation and defence. Every member of our government is working on attracting investment, and the Prime Minister is making Canadians proud not just here at home, but around the world.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know it is Wednesday and the Leader of the Opposition is looking for good news. Let me help him. For Germany, it is 1.1%; Italy, 0.6%; Japan, 0.8%; and the United Kingdom, 1.1%. For Canada, it is 1.7%. That is the growth projection for 2027. This is what the OECD said just recently. On this side of the House, we are going to fight for Canadians, because every day is a good day to fight for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have good news for the Conservative leader. Germany posted growth of 0.7%; Italy, 0.5%; Mexico, 0.8%; France, 0.7%; Japan, 0.6%; the United Kingdom, 0.9 %; and Canada, 1.2%. According to the OECD's projections, Canada has the second-fastest growth in the G7. We, on this side of the House, will work hard every day to build the strongest economy in the G7.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his leadership and for his excellent question. He has contributed to highlighting the good news that we received last week. With the Prime Minister , we are building the most resilient economy in the G7. While we are seeing strong growth in the Canadian economy, we are also keenly aware that the issue that matters to Canadians is affordability. We know that we need to take action on housing, groceries and gas prices. Last week, 12 million Canadians received additional support to deal with the rising cost of groceries. All Canadians watching at home know that, on this side of the House, we will always be there for them.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will take no lessons from the Conservative leader. The only job he has had in the past 10 years is being here, in the House. Canadians know that we, on this side of the House, are building a resilient economy, a more prosperous economy, the strongest economy in the G7. Even the International Monetary Fund recently said that Canada is in the strongest position fiscally. On this side of the House, we believe in Canadians. We believe in Canada's destiny, and we will fight every day to build a more prosperous Canada for all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know it is Tuesday and the Leader of the Opposition is looking for some good news. I have some for him. As the Prime Minister announced, the Canadian economy created over 80,000 jobs. We have the second-fastest growth in the G7 and we are attracting record investments in Canada. We believe in Canadian workers and Canadian industry. We believe in a prosperous Canada, and every day is a good day to fight for Canadian workers.”
“Mr. Speaker, that is a good question. It is refreshing for Canadians to hear a good question like that. I want to thank my colleague, who does extraordinary work. As my colleague from Trois-Rivières said, the people watching us know that we are making generational investments to support the Canadian economy in infrastructure, in housing, in productivity, in innovation and in defence. However, tomorrow is June 5. That is when 12 million Canadians will receive the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. We will always be there for Quebeckers. We will always be there for Canadians. We will stand up for our industry and we will stand up for the entire country.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am sure Canadians who are watching today are fed up with the Conservatives' talking down the Canadian economy. Canada is a great country. We have the most educated workforce. We build planes. We build cars. We build ships. We have the critical minerals that the world needs. We have an abundance of energy. We are the only G7 country with free trade with all the other G7 nations. We are going to build Canada strong. We are going to build it together. We are going to have the second-fastest-growing economy in the G7. That is Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is going to be a real pleasure to start again. Let us take the list: Germany, Italy, Mexico, France, Japan, United Kingdom and Canada. Canada is going to have the second-fastest growth in the G7. This is the Canada we are building. This is the Canada that this team is building. This is the Canada that the Prime Minister is building. This is the Canada that Canadians want, and we are going to build it with them.”
“Mr. Speaker, what a great question from a great member who has great leadership. I have some good news. I know that the Conservatives can't see good news when it is in front of them, but let me tell them something. In budget 2025, we laid the foundation for growth in this country. We made generational investment in housing, generational investment in infrastructure, generational investment in productivity and innovation, and generational investment in our defence. That is leading us to have the second-fastest growth in the G7. We are going to build Canada strong together.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am quite happy to talk about numbers with the Leader of the Opposition. In fact, the OECD came out this morning to say that Canada would have the second-fastest growing economy for 2026-27. More importantly, on this side of the House we are focused on affordability. The good news is that, on June 5, 12 million Canadians will receive support. On this side of the House, we know how to build a strong economy. We know how to build a resilient economy, and we know how to take care of Canadians in their time of need. We will build Canada strong for all.”
“Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, we have been busy building the strongest economy in the G7. We started with budget 2025, with generational investments in infrastructure, housing, productivity and defence, and the numbers that just came out prove it. In a sense, we have seen a record level of investment in this country. We have seen that investment in machinery and equipment is up. We have seen that investment in intellectual property is up. We have seen that government spending is down. We are going to build the strongest economy in the G7.”
“Mr. Speaker, what Canadians do not need at this time is these slogans, these clips and this empty rhetoric from that side of the House. Jacqueline knows, and she should know, that every step of the way, the Leader of the Opposition has voted against every affordability measure in the House. Jacqueline knows it, and we know it. Canadians know it. When it comes to affordability, we are going to stand with families. We are going to stand with workers. We are going to support our industries. We are going to build Canada strong together.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is odd to see the Conservatives looking so pleased this morning. I do not understand their attitude this morning. I know the people of Portneuf. They are watching question period this morning. Those who are watching understand that the world is facing headwinds in the global economy. People understand that there is a conflict in the Middle East, the most significant conflict we have seen in terms of energy. However, because I know the people of Portneuf well, I know that they know that we have a plan. We have a plan to invest in our country, a plan to invest in our young people, a plan to invest in our workers and our industry. That is exactly what we are going to do.”
“Mr. Speaker, if we want to talk about announcements the Prime Minister has made over the past two weeks in Quebec, let us talk about the GlobalEye aircraft set to be built by Bombardier, a flagship of Quebec's economy. Let us talk about Nouveau Monde Graphite. This is an extraordinary announcement involving the largest graphite mine in the G7. It was the Prime Minister himself who made the announcement. On this side of the House, we will always fight to attract investment to Quebec and to build Canada stronger together.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are always willing to review the various programs currently in place. My colleague should be reassured by the fact that we found $60 billion in savings across various federal government departments. We understand that Quebeckers and Canadians have been tightening their belts for some time now, and we need to do the same in the federal government. We are always willing to find a way, to find savings within the government, to do more with technology and to improve our processes. Canadians know that we will always be there to help them.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is disconcerting to hear the Conservatives talking down the Canadian economy. I have confidence in the Canadian economy. I have confidence in our workers. I have confidence in our industry. I have confidence in our plan. We have made record generational investments in infrastructure, housing, productivity and innovation. We have made generational investments to support workers. We have made investments to support Canadians in terms of affordability. The Conservatives can shout as much as they want, but Canadians know we have their back.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians understand that the world is facing some headwinds. Canadians understand that, in the words of the International Energy Agency, we have the most severe energy crisis in the world. On this side of the House, we have a plan. We have a plan to make generational investments in housing, in infrastructure in productivity and in innovation. We have a plan to support workers, and we have a plan to support Canadians with affordability. On this side of the House, we are going to keep on working to build the strongest economy in the G7.”
“Mr. Speaker, we will not take any lessons from those Conservatives. Rather than standing up and asking the same question over and over every day this week, my colleague, whom I respect, should instead stand up and vote in favour of Bill C-30 , a bill that will put more money in the pockets of 12 million Canadians. I know people in Portneuf who will be happy about that. Will the member do the right thing for the people of Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier? I know they are listening today, and they expect their member of Parliament to stand up for them when they need some support.”
“Mr. Chair, I am going to turn my back just for a second to say that the member for South Shore—St. Margarets came to my office to advocate for small craft harbours. She was there. She put her fist on the table. She said that I needed to listen and that we are going to do something. We did—”
“As I said, Mr. Chair, the questions are getting better and better. I think we will ask if we should extend a bit now because we are getting into the real issues. I want to thank the member for Waterloo , who hosted me recently. We have seen so much innovation in that region. Mr. Chair, I know you do not have the time to travel with me everywhere I go in the country, but you should come once to Waterloo with me. You would see that the member of Parliament is so well respected by everyone. She represents the University of Waterloo. Every person I have met there knows the work she is doing. She has been an amazing ambassador for the innovation and the work in Waterloo. I want to applaud her and celebrate her work. She has been a—”
“Not only do we have the groceries benefit that is going to come to Canadians, with 12 million Canadians receiving it on June 5, but we have also made structural investments in greenhouses, for example, so we can grow more. During the year, we might import 60% of our fresh produce, but when it gets to winter, we get to 80% or 90%. One way of having better management of the cost is to grow more in Canada, to become more resilient. I want to thank the member for Kings—Hants again for bringing me to some of these facilities to better understand how we can support that, with the member for Peterborough —”
“Wherever they are in the country, we celebrate them, and they should be feeling good that they have people in the House who represent their industry. It is a way of life when one is a farmer. Being both a member of Parliament and a farmer is quite a unique position. I want to thank the member for Compton—Stanstead as well. To my colleague's point, it is true that when we think about farming, it is also about economic security. I would say the world today realizes the nexus between food security, energy security, economic security and national security. There is this great nexus that is coming together. When it comes to food security, Canadians can count on Canadian farmers. We can play a big role in feeding Canadians. This is why we want to make structural investments. The member for Kings—Hants has been helping us.”
“Mr. Chair, it is amazing. We are getting to 11 p.m. and the questions are getting better and better. It is great. I will not say they are coming from this side of the House, but I want to celebrate the member for Peterborough to start with. She is an amazing colleague, but also a great farmer. I want to thank her. Being members of Parliament, bringing our expertise and our experience to the House is what our work is all about. She is a farmer. She knows how things work. I can tell everyone who is watching in Peterborough that they have an amazing member of Parliament. Every opportunity she has to tell me about the reality of farming in this country, she takes. I want to celebrate her and all the farmers in the country.”
“I would say that the member for Kings—Hants is one great example. I could name a number of other colleagues who I see in the House tonight who are also contributing very much to the work we are doing. I want to celebrate them tonight, because not only are they helping us to shape policy, but they are the best of the best in representing the interests of their constituents and bringing their experience to this House of Commons.”
“Mr. Chair, the member brought me to a number of wineries and a number of food producers. Together, we had round tables. I also think of my colleague who is a farmer who I see in the House tonight. These farmers need to be celebrated. They put food on the table. That is why the national food security strategy is so important, and that is why supporting our farmers is so important. The member went beyond his normal duty. He went to China, along with the Premier of Saskatchewan, to defend the industry and to defend our canola farmers. We have always been there for our farmers. We have members in our caucus who have deep experience in farming. This is the richness of the people who are working on the government benches. They have personal experience, they know how the industry works and they give us advice.”
“I made the recommendation that we would lower it, because that would be an affordability measure. It would leave more money in the pockets of workers and businesses. Unanimously, the provinces came back and said, “Yes, we support you in that.” For me, this is a great example of how our country is working and how we should be working with our colleagues in the provinces and territories. We can put proposals on the table and make sure we work together. This is a great example of us working as one country to the benefit of businesses and workers.”
“Mr. Chair, before I do that, I want to thank the staff of the House of Commons. I see these young pages and the staff at the table working hard. I know it is getting late, and I just want to give kudos on behalf of all parliamentarians for the work they are doing on behalf of all of us and to support democracy. To every employee in the House, the security folks and everyone who is working extra late tonight to support our work, I want to thank them on behalf of colleagues. My colleague is so right. Not only was it a flagship measure, but it was unanimously approved and supported by the provinces. When we make policies, when we talk about a co-operative federalism, this is one of the best examples I can imagine. We had a meeting with the federal, provincial and territorial ministers.”
“We would expect a member of Parliament to work with the government and to work with ministers. I have seen his example. I am looking around at all my colleagues who have played such a key role in making sure that their policies are reflected in the budget that we presented and in the spring economic update. On behalf of everyone in Kings—Hants, I just want to thank the member for his outstanding work.”
“We have put together a strategy to double the electricity generation in this country. Oftentimes, we say demography is destiny. I would say that energy is destiny. If we produce more energy in this country, it is certainly going to help our businesses. It is going to help this country to grow. The member is right that Marmen is a great company. I have been working with him, with the premier of Nova Scotia and the Atlantic premiers to strike that right balance. We need to make sure that projects under construction can benefit from a remission so that we have a framework that, on one hand, supports a key industry in our country and, on the other hand, allows projects to go forward. I want to thank him for his leadership in informing me and the Government of Canada on how we can strike this right balance.”
“Mr. Chair, let me take a moment to thank the member for Kings—Hants. Everyone in Nova Scotia should know that this member in particular has played a key role in helping us shape our policy. He embodies the best of the best. Like my colleagues here tonight, they are MPs. They are standing up for their communities. It is fairly late for those who are watching at home. We are getting close to 11 p.m., and these members are here working hard to represent their constituents, to participate in democracy and to hold debates. I would say the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister has been playing a big role. The people of Kings—Hants should be very proud of their member of Parliament because he has spoken not only for them, but also for Nova Scotia and the wind industry, which we know is very important.”
“Mr. Chair, I think immigration in this country has allowed the country to attract some of the best and brightest. This is who we are as Canadians. We are a welcoming nation. I also agree that we need to bring the immigration level to a more sustainable level. That is exactly what we have done as a government.”
“Mr. Chair, it is unfair to say I have not answered questions. I have been answering questions for more than three hours. I am not sure that any member on that side has answered questions for more than three hours in their lives. They say that I have not answered questions, but they have not answered questions for three hours in their lives. I agree with the member that we need to focus on reducing red tape. That is why we are taking action to support youth in the country.”
“Mr. Chair, I want to thank my colleague for focusing on youth unemployment. It is something that every member of the House should be focusing on. That is why the government has taken action. Team Canada strong is going to provide the opportunity and possibility for 80,000 to 100,000 young Canadians to get into the trades. We want them to help us build Canada strong. We want them to help us build this country. This is the kind of measure that is going to help youth in the country, but we can always look at measures that do more for them. We want to support our youth in our country.”