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.”
The complete record
Every one of 851 lines we hold for François-Philippe Champagne, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 11 of 18.
“[ English ] I know Conservative members wish they had a pair too. These shoes were made in Canada by Canadians and for Canadians. That is the way to go. That is how we build Canada strong. [ Translation ] That is what buy Canadian is all about: good jobs, resilient communities, and pride in what we build together. [ English ] That is what buy Canadian is all about. It is all about good jobs. It is all about resilient communities in our cities and rural communities across our nation, and this is about pride in what we build, pride in Canada and pride in our workers; that is how we build a strong country. Canada has a legacy of builders. We are a nation of builders. That same spirit of building at home has defined Canada for generations. We have done this before. Back in 1945, just after the war, Canada had to do big things.”
“[ Translation ] We will use aluminum cast in Saguenay—Lac‑Saint‑Jean, Bécancour and Kitimat and softwood lumber cut in Thunder Bay, Prince George and even La Tuque, in my riding, as well as in every community in the country. [ English ] We will support our workers. We will support our country. We will support our industries. [ Translation ] I will give one example. Yesterday, in Saint‑Tite, a small rural city in my riding known to many in Canada, I visited Boulet Boots, a family business that has made boots since 1933. I even had the opportunity to build part of the shoes I am wearing today, with the help of many skilled workers. This is a reminder of the craftsmanship and pride that make the Canadian manufacturing industry strong. The shoes I am so proud to wear today are the same shoes worn by Canada's RCMP officers.”
“This fund will help build them. New neighbourhoods will lead to new communities across our country that will want recreation and athletic centres. This fund will help build them. New communities will need new hospitals. This fund will help build them. This fund will build Canada strong. This fund will build our communities strong. It is something I am very proud of, and I think the Prime Minister joins me in being proud of this. We will do all this by being our own best customers for the new buy Canadian policy. It is about time we put Canadian suppliers first. (1635) [ Translation ] When the government buys, Canadian suppliers will be our first choice wherever possible, full stop, because we believe in Canada. [ English ] We will be using steel made by our workers in Hamilton and Sault Ste. Marie.”
“We will launch the next generation of nation-building projects: the highways, airstrips, ports, electrical grids and digital corridors that will define the next century of Canadian growth. Thanks to these investments, we will connect regions, strengthen supply chains across the country, and create hundreds of thousands of high-paying jobs in every region of our great country. [ English ] Our Arctic infrastructure fund will expand possibilities and opportunities like never before in Canada’s north. We should all be proud, as Canadians. We are going to make historic investments in Canada's north. This is a great moment for the country. We will build infrastructure in communities all across Canada with the new build communities strong fund. As we build a million more homes, we will need infrastructure like roads to build new neighbourhoods.”
“[ English ] The One Canadian Economy Act adopted last June continues that tradition, a very proud tradition. It removes barriers to internal trade, accelerates approvals for major projects and strengthens the economic union that binds our provinces and territories together. We are completing the unfinished work of Confederation, ensuring that wherever a product is made in Canada, it can be sold in Canada so that trade and opportunity flow freely across provincial lines. This is about Canada. If we build something in one part of the country, we ought to be able to sell it across the country, because we believe in Canada. [ Translation ] Good news: Our government will not stop there.”
“[ English ] Our generational investment will focus on four key priorities: housing, to restore affordability and opportunity; infrastructure, to connect Canadians and accelerate growth; defence and security, to protect our sovereignty and our communities; and productivity and competitiveness, to make Canada a leader and the innovation powerhouse of the 21st century. [ Translation ] These are not abstract priorities. They are the foundations of a stronger, more independent and more competitive Canada, because we believe in Canada. Our task now is to turn fiscal strength into national purpose. For generations, together Canadians have undertaken major projects that have connected our regions, energized our industries and defined our identity over the course of more than a century.”
“[ English ] This generational investment plan will invest $280 billion in capital over five years to strengthen Canada's productivity, competitiveness and resilience. On a cash basis, this is a historic investment of $450 billion in Canada. We are going to do all of that because we believe in Canada, we believe in Canadians, we believe in our workers and we believe in our future. [ Translation ] These generational investments will drive growth in every region and create good, middle-class jobs, the kind of careers that allow young people and families to plan for the future with confidence.”
“Budget 2025 will accelerate construction in housing and infrastructure across the country. It will also strengthen Canada's position as a fiscally competitive jurisdiction and one of the best places in the world to invest. [ English ] Canada is a great place to invest. With budget 2025, we are going to make it even greater. In short, Canada is the place to be, Canada is a place to invest and Canada is a place to grow. We are proud to serve Canadians. (1630) [ Translation ] Budgets are not about doing everything. They are about doing what is necessary and doing it well. We are putting forward a firm, fair and results-driven plan, the kind of reform Canadians are asking for and the kind that has always served our country well.”
“We are going to make sure that the dollars people entrust to us will be invested to grow Canada. We will maintain a declining deficit-to-GDP ratio, ensuring discipline today while investing in our collective future. [ Translation ] The measures proposed in budget 2025 put us on the right path to achieving our investment goals. We will create a business environment that attracts an unprecedented flow of private capital into the energy, infrastructure, housing, and defence sectors. This is an investment budget. It is a generational investment budget. It is a budget for this generation and future generations. It is a budget because we believe in Canada. Our investments will focus our efforts on our economic success and on boosting productivity—doing more with less—because that is the best way to raise Canadians' standard of living.”
“Since 2019, the federal public service population has grown at a rate far greater than the Canadian population. We must get the size of our public service back to a sustainable level, in keeping with best practices. We will do that with fairness and compassion because we appreciate the work of every single public servant in the country. We appreciate their service. We appreciate their work. We value their contribution to our country. While we do that, we will make our tax system fairer. Third, we need clear fiscal anchors to provide predictability and clarity to the world and to Canadians. We will balance day-to-day operating spending with revenues by 2028-29, shifting the budget toward investments that grow the economy. This is a pivotal moment in Canada's history.”
“We have looked at how we can streamline programs, how we can rightsize, how we can use technology and how we can use AI with one goal in mind: to provide better service to Canadians and to be more efficient. Canadians deserve the best service from their government, and we will deliver. We will cut red tape, digitize services and make them faster, simpler and easier to access. [ Translation ] We are encouraging the adoption of new technologies across government, including made-in-Canada AI tools, through a new digital transformation office. We understand the potential of the digital transformation. Canada will be a global leader in digital transformation and in delivering services to Canadians. [ English ] This will create a more effective government, one that can deliver smarter, faster and more effective services to Canadians.”
“Let me be very clear for all Canadians watching at home: We are protecting the vital services they rely on, including child care, dental care and pharmacare, because those are essential for families across our nation. This is who we are as Canadians. We are going to remain true to our values. (1625) [ Translation ] We are making responsible and pragmatic choices to reduce inefficiencies and focus government initiatives on our core priorities. [ English ] Through what we call the government’s comprehensive expenditure review, we are focusing investments on initiatives that meet objectives and complement, rather than duplicate, services delivered by other levels of government.”
“We understand that there are things we need to do on our side to make sure we can build like never before. This is the plan to do it. Second, it is all about discipline. The Prime Minister has been clear. Canada's new government will spend less so we can invest more. Our budget puts forward $60 billion in savings over five years. Canadians have been tightening their belts for quite some time. It is only natural that we put our house in order as well, and we are going to make sure we do. Through the exercise we did, we found these savings. We did the hard work. We made the tough decisions. That is what Canadians expect from us. We have a strong mandate. They told us to do what must be done. That is what we did. It is what we are going to continue to do.”
“First, a new capital budgeting framework will separate our day-to-day spending from the investments that build our future. This reform will allow Canadians to better understand where their money goes and will ensure that each dollar helps strengthen our productivity. [ English ] In short, we will make capital investment a national priority. [ Translation ] Better budgeting also means presenting the budget at the best time. From now on, the budget will be presented in the fall, aligning with the construction season, and better supporting provinces, municipalities as well as contractors in the delivery of their projects. [ English ] We want to build the country. We have a lot to do and we are going to do it together. What we see in the budget and in the Prime Minister is a road map to build Canada strong.”
“This fiscal strength allows us to make historic investment not only today but also for future generations. [ English ] To Canadians who feel the strain of these times, our message is clear. We will not back down. We will be there for them now and for as long as it takes. We will do what Canadians do best in times of need: look after one another and help each other. That is the Canadian way and that is our way. [ Translation ] Meeting this tremendous challenge requires both ambition and discipline. We need to be ambitious in our investments and rigorous in our spending. That is why this budget charts a new course for Canada's public finances. Canadians expect their government to achieve results. To get there, we must spend less on operations so we can invest more in Canada’s future.”
“That recognition matters because it affirms something fundamental about this country: When times are difficult, we do not retreat; we advance and we invest. That is what budget 2025 is all about. Budget 2025 is a plan to catalyze investments from provinces, territories, municipalities, indigenous communities and the private sector. With this plan, in five years, we will enable $1 trillion in total investments in this country. I know that although the Conservatives are silent, they support that in their hearts. I know they will take the break week to tell their constituents how great this country will be and all the investments we are going to see. I can see it in their hearts. (1620) [ Translation ] Canada is one of the best places in the world to invest, and we are going to make it even better.”
“We also have one of the lowest deficits in the G7 and one of the strongest fiscal positions in the world. Yes, we have a strong fiscal position, a strong base to work from, a strong base for investing, and we must use this fiscal power to make generational investment, because we believe in Canada. As the managing director of the International Monetary Fund recently said, “Both Germany and Canada recognize that in this very testing time, they need to use their fiscal space.... In the case of Canada, the Canadian authorities have been very decisive to take action in the context of changing relations with their main trading partner.” Canada is recognized on the world stage as a country with the fiscal capacity to invest and grow its economy, to invest in its people and to protect its sovereignty.”
“We are an energy superpower in both clean and conventional energy. [ Translation ] We are among the top producers of critical minerals and a world leader in artificial intelligence. We have unmatched market access, as the only country in the G7 with free trade agreements with every other G7 nation. We have the people, the resources and the stability necessary to prosper and compete in the new economy before us, so Canada enters this period of transformation from a position of strength. [ English ] Yes, the world is changing, but Canada is strong. We are going to build Canada strong together. We are going to empower Canadians and defend our sovereignty. Canadians have done it before, and we will do it again. Canada has the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7, and the federal debt-to-GDP ratio will remain stable over the budget horizon.”
“The Prime Minister has called on our country to look beyond the challenges of today and to embark on a path that will redefine Canada for generations to come, because we believe in Canada. He has asked us all to focus on what we can control and to take bold, ambitious action. [ English ] I have confidence in the strength of Canadians. I have confidence in our ability as a nation to meet the moment. I have confidence that together we can build Canada, protect our way of life and empower Canadians as never before, because we believe in Canada. It is interesting to note, as all Canadians who are watching and those with us today would know, that Canada has what the world needs and what the world increasingly wants, from our products to our technology and our values. Canada is inspiring the world.”
“[ Translation ] Budget 2025 offers all Canadians a response. It is a plan for resilience. It is rooted in confidence, focused on results and designed to ensure that Canada not only weathers this storm, but emerges stronger from it. [ English ] I am reminded of the words of a previous finance minister when, in 1995, he presented his budget. He said at the time, “our very way of life as Canadians [is] being tested.” He also said, “there are times in the progress of a people when...fundamental choices must be made, and a new course charted. For Canada, this is one of those times.” [ Translation ] I would say that today we are also facing a unique moment in the history of our great country.”
“The recent trip of the Prime Minister to Asia was one way that we are going to work tirelessly to expand the market. We believe in them. We believe in their industry. We will do what it takes to make sure that they can sell their products around the world. [ Translation ] These strategic sectors are at the forefront of this truly generational change. We will ensure they are strong, resilient and ready to lead our economic transition, from dependence to resilience. (1615) [ English ] We are going to move this economy to make it more resilient. We are going to move from reliance to resilience, because we want Canada to succeed not only today but for generations to come. We are going to move from uncertainty to prosperity, because we understand that investing in Canada is the best way to ensure prosperity for generations to come.”
“We are also implementing a new skills retraining program that will benefit 50,000 workers, because we believe that Canadian workers are at the heart of our economic strategy, and we will work with them. [ English ] To our steelworkers, who are probably wondering, I say that we will be there to help them increase their competitiveness within the Canadian market. [ Translation ] To our aluminum workers, I say that we will be there to help them modernize their smelters and open up new markets. [ English ] To our auto workers, I say that we will fight alongside them to keep our auto plants in Canada. To our lumber and canola producers, I say that we know times are hard. We are working not only to restore their market access but to expand it.”
“When times get tough, we stand together because we are Canadian. The government launched the strategic response fund my colleagues have been leading, allocating $5 billion to help sectors impacted by tariffs to adapt, to diversify and to grow. Businesses can use the fund to invest in the design of new products, retool plants to boost productivity or offset the costs of accessing new markets. We want our industries to succeed. We want them to be able to make this pivot, because we believe in our workers. We believe in our industries. We believe in our future. We believe in Canada. [ Translation ] We have also introduced a $1‑billion liquidity relief package to help small and medium-sized businesses adapt. They drive growth in this great country and employ millions of Canadians from coast to coast to coast.”
“We chose a different path, a path that believes in Canada, a path that invests in our country’s future, a path that reinforces Canadian values, a path that makes us less reliant on our trading partner, a path that allows us to be masters in our own house. We chose Canada. We chose Canada, and I hope every member of the House will choose Canada as well. I hope they will all choose Canada. [ Translation ] We all want, first and foremost, to be masters in our own house. We all believe in Canada. [ English ] When our steel, aluminum, forestry, auto and agriculture industries were hit by U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions, we did not stand by and wait for the storm to pass; we stepped in with the most comprehensive set of trade resilience measures in Canadian history, because this is who we are as Canadians. This is who we are.”
“Through it all, the Canadian economy has held steady. Forecasters now expect modest GDP growth of just above 1% in 2025. [ Translation ] The resilience of our people is earning us the respect of our foreign partners. It is this same resilience that gives me confidence in the future. It is this same resilience that gives Canadians confidence in the future. (1610) [ English ] When our largest trading partner fundamentally reshapes all its trading relationships, there are two responses. We can slash the deficit, hope for the best, wait for the uncertainty to unexpectedly disappear and see if the trickle-down ever comes. That approach, to balance the budget this year, would have meant eliminating vital social programs and all the capital investments needed for Canada’s future.”
“Families are seeing it every week when they do their groceries, as well as renters when they pay their rent. Young people are sending out their resumés, but far too often, they are not receiving any offers as a result of their efforts. In factories, in the fields, and in communities across the country, people feel the current economic challenges. Workers are facing fewer shifts, shorter hours and unfortunately, in some cases, layoffs. [ English ] Small business owners want to grow, but uncertainty is understandably making them wait. For many, it feels as though opportunity is slipping just a little further out of reach. This is why we need to act. These are the realities Canadian workers and their families are facing. They are doing everything they can to keep moving forward in uncertain times.”
“We will protect what matters most: our people, our communities and our sovereignty. We will empower Canadians by making life more affordable, creating new career opportunities and ensuring every generation can get ahead. This is how we win. This is how we keep winning. [ Translation ] When people look back on this budget, they will be able to judge the importance of the choices we have made. Greater autonomy is and continues to be the best approach to achieve real resilience. It is in this spirit that, with budget 2025, we are building Canada strong. Around the world, tariffs have increased, growth is slowing, and trade relationships are being tested. All of these constraints are being felt across the country by Canadians in their daily lives.”
“As a former finance minister, also from Shawinigan, so eloquently put it: [ English ] “Let's accept this role with humility, but also, with confidence.” This is Canada. This budget must be generational in its ambition and serve to shape our economy and our nation's future. [ Translation ] There is no place for withdrawal, ambiguity or even standing still, only for bold and swift action. [ English ] Bold and swift action is needed. To weather the storm of uncertainty, we will not lower our sails. Quite the opposite, we will raise them to catch the winds of economic change, because we believe in Canada. [ Translation ] We will explore new markets and sell more of the best of what Canada has to offer. [ English ] We will build here at home, with stronger industries, nation-building infrastructure and millions of more homes for Canadians.”
“The rules-based international order and the trading system that powered Canada's prosperity for decades are being reshaped, threatening our sovereignty, our prosperity and our values. Long-standing supply chains and trade relationships that once ensured stable growth in this country from coast to coast to coast, good jobs across our nation and affordable products are being disrupted. [ Translation ] The impact is profound—hurting Canadian companies, affecting workers, disrupting supply chains, and causing uncertainty that holds back investment. The level of uncertainty is higher than what we have seen and felt for generations. In fact, it is not a transition but a true generational shift. The challenges are great, but the opportunities for Canada are even greater. (1605) In this spirit, today I present to you budget 2025.”
“Motion moved: That this House approve in general the budgetary policy of the government. [ English ] He said: Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 83(1), I would like to table, in both official languages, the budget documents for 2025, including the notices of ways of means motions. The details of the measures are contained in these documents. Pursuant to Standing Order 83(2), I am requesting that an order of the day be designated for consideration of these motions. [ Translation ] The budget I present today comes at a time of profound change, a time to build. [ English ] The world is undergoing a series of fundamental shifts at a speed, scale and scope not seen since the fall of the Berlin Wall.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for bringing the affordability issue to this floor. We work together. There is a lot we can be proud of that we have achieved together. When we think about dental care, when we think about pharmacare, when we think about the national school food program, those are all the types of programs. The Conservatives call them slogans. When one is on the government side, we call them programs, because they deliver benefits to Canadians. We are going to continue to work with our colleagues in this House to make sure we are there for Canadians in times of need.”
“Finally, we have a good question, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday my colleagues and I were proud to announce a very important measure to combat fraud and financial abuse. Yes, the Conservatives may want to listen to that. We announced measures to improve financial security for Canadians. In our upcoming budget, we will introduce the first-ever national anti-fraud strategy. We will also implement a new financial crime agency to lead Canada's efforts in combatting financial crime. We will also introduce a new code of conduct for the prevention of economic abuse. On this side of the House, we understand we need to help our seniors, we need to help the most vulnerable—”
“Mr. Speaker, I am not sure who is watching question period today, but I doubt whether the people in his riding would be proud of seeing him attack those who work at the Canada Revenue Agency. These public servants do exemplary work. What they need is an improvement in processes and technology. Everybody wants to ensure that Canadians get good service. I know that he is aware that CRA agents work hard to serve Canadians. We will give them the tools they need to serve Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have enormous respect for my colleague, and he knows it. I am sure he will be pleased to know that we have already taken action. We did not wait for the Auditor General's report. Several weeks ago, I asked for a 100-day service improvement plan because we want to provide good services to Canadians. In addition—and I am sure he will spread this news in his riding—we even introduced a way to obtain benefits automatically, or, rather, will do so in the 2025 budget. This will be a huge help for the people who need it most, and it will help make life in Canada more affordable. I can see he is very happy—”
“Mr. Speaker, we will take no lessons from the Conservatives; trust me on that. At every step of the way, they fought against dental care. At every step of the way, they fought against the national school food program. At every step of the way, they fought against pharmacare. At every step of the way, they fought against programs that would support Canadians at a time of need. No one on that side of this House will tell us what to do. We are going to fight for Canadians. We are going to make Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think we all know on this side of the House, and Canadians know, that math might not be the cup of tea of the Leader of the Opposition, and neither may be economics. Let me quote one of the authorities in the world, who is the director general of the International Monetary Fund. She said just last week: And then we have countries in the G7 that are in a better position. Germany and Canada stand up in that regard. Both Germany and Canada recognize that in this very testing time, they need to use their fiscal space.... In the case of Canada, the Canadian authorities have been very decisive [in taking] action.... We are—”
“Mr. Speaker, I have more good news for the Leader of the Opposition. He will be happy to hear that we on the government side have already put measures in place. We have presented a 100-day plan to fix the situation at the Canada Revenue Agency. That is because on this side of the House, we are aware that we need to do better and keep Canadians informed. Here is another thing that we do on this side of the House: We respect the people who work in the public service. We will always respect the people who work in the public service, and we will always do more to serve Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to see that the Leader of the Opposition is looking forward to November 4. I am too, as are all Canadians. Why is that? It is because we will have good news for Canadians this November 4. We are going to present them with an ambitious plan. When I was in Washington last week, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund cited Germany and Canada as examples of countries with the fiscal room to make generational investments. That is exactly what we are going to do. We are going to build an ambitious Canada, a strong Canada, a Canada to make every Canadian proud.”
“Mr. Speaker, there is a lot of good news to come, and there will be even more on November 4. My colleague should know that the first measure our government put forward affected 22 million Canadians. I am sure that my colleague must be telling everyone in his riding that, thanks to the Liberal government, 22 million Canadians are now paying less tax. On November 4, we will have generational investments and even more good news from that day forward. We will build a strong country, a prosperous country. Together, we will build Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, indeed, the world is changing and we must adapt. That is exactly what the Prime Minister said: We must “spend less so we can invest more”. That is why, earlier this week, I presented a new approach, a new framework that will focus on capital formation and, at the same time, change the budget cycle. This will give parliamentarians, including the opposition, greater clarity when reviewing public accounts. It will give businesses and various organizations that receive federal funding greater predictability for planning. It will provide more opportunities to align with the construction season. Everyone wins with this new formula.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have even more good news for the Conservatives. On November 4, we will present a budget with generational investment that is going to make Canada the strongest economy in the G7. We will invest in our people. We are going to build this country. We are going to empower Canadians. We are going to build Canada strong, and we are going to do it with all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, we will take no lessons from the Conservatives. Members on this side of the aisle, and all Canadians, believe in this country. Canada is the place where we attract talent. Canada is the place where we build ships, we build cars and we build planes. Canada is the place where we have critical minerals. Canada is the place where we have energy. Canada is the only country in the G7 with free trade with all other G7 nations. We are going to build Canada strong. We are the true north, strong and free.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his excellent question. He knows that we have always invested in the aluminum sector. The aluminum sector is a key sector, a strategic sector, like the steel, forestry and automobile sectors. We have even had meetings together. He knows that, on this side of the House, we will always be there to support our workers in the aluminum industry. We will always be there to support the aluminum industry. We will always be there to stand up for Canada's interests.”
“Mr. Speaker, listening to the Conservatives is disheartening. What they are not telling Canadians is that Canada is in an enviable position among the G7 countries. Canada has the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio and the lowest deficit-to-GDP ratio. It is also one of only two G7 countries, the other being Germany, to have an AAA credit rating. Instead of criticizing the Canadian economy, my colleague should be celebrating the fact that we are building together, that we are making generational investments and that we are building Canada strong. On this side of the House, we will fight for workers, fight for the economy and fight for Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, today is a great day. Canadians understand that the world has changed and that we need to adapt. We need to focus on capital investments. That is why we introduced a new fiscal framework that focuses on capital investments and sets the record straight given the budget cycle. That is very good news. This will give my colleagues some clarity so they can review the measures in the budget. This will deliver more predictability for businesses, provinces and associations that depend on federal funding. This will create more opportunities for construction in this country. I am sure that the Conservatives will celebrate the fact that we are going to build Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know it is Monday, but I already have good news for the week. Canadians understand that the world is changing. We need to adapt, and we have a generational opportunity to invest in Canada. This morning, we announced a new capital formation budgeting framework. In the new budget cycle, my colleagues will be happy because it is going to give them more clarity to see the budget expenditures. It is going to provide more predictability to provinces, territories and businesses and, best of all, it is going to allow more opportunities to align with the budget season. Let us build a—”
“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is leading the country to prosperity. That is why we said that we needed to change our approach. We need to spend less so we can invest more. Why? It is because Canada is a big country. We have talent across the country. We are capable of making cars, planes and ships. We have critical minerals. We have abundant energy, and we are the only G7 country that has a free trade agreement with every G7 nation. On that side of the House, they should be celebrating the Prime Minister's plan, because together we are going to make Canada the strongest country in the G7.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is the same old Conservatives. It is the same old slogans. The member might have missed that we cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. She might want to talk to people in her riding and across the nation. The first thing the government did was to tackle affordability. Why? It was because that is what Canadians told us to do. They also told us to build homes; that is why we created Build Canada Homes. They told us to build the most resilient economy, and that is what we are going to do. We are going to build the most resilient economy in the G7. We are going to be strong. We are the north.”
“Mr. Speaker, that is why we said that we need to spend less so we can invest more. Unlike the Conservatives, I believe in Canada. I believe in Canadians. I believe in the will of this nation. We have the talent to lead in the 21st century. We have strong industries. We build planes. We build cars. We build ships. We have critical minerals. We have energy. We are the only country in the G7 to have a free trade agreement with all the other G7 nations. Instead of talking down Canada, the Conservatives should celebrate the work of the government.”
“Madam Speaker, we have stood with Ukraine every step of the way, unlike the Conservatives. I would be very careful, if I were them, about raising questions like that. I can even tell members, as the chair of the G7 finance ministers, that we always have an item with respect to Ukraine. I was with the finance minister of Ukraine just earlier this week. One thing that the Ukrainian government knows, and that all Ukrainians know, is that Canada will be by their side, today, for the future and for as long as it takes.”