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, there is no inaction. We are taking action over here. Just talk to people in industry. They know what a tool box is and they know that in our Liberal tool box, there are tools to help them.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are not waiting; we have already taken action. We already have tools in the toolbox. My colleague is from Beauce, so he should be familiar with toolboxes. We have plenty of tools in our toolbox to help our people.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is simple. We have to fight these unjustified and illegal tariffs every day. I would like our Conservative colleagues to join us in this fight. I know that people in the industry support us.”
“Mr. Speaker, there are programs to support the industry and workers. We have talked about this before. These are important programs. My colleague may not be aware, but people in the industry are very familiar with the programs and are very aware of them.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague will be happy. I can see it in his eyes. He will be happy to learn that there are already programs in place to help businesses with cash flow. I recently talked about it with people from the steel industry, including people from Quebec. Since programs are already in place to support them, I suppose that he is going to be pleased tonight.”
“Mr. Speaker, what I am about to say will interest my colleague. I know he is a numbers guy. I see he is taking notes, so he takes numbers seriously. The amount that has been received to date is $1.7 billion. He will be pleased because I know the people of Beauce, and they will be happy to know that these funds will be reinvested—”
“Mr. Speaker, let me begin by congratulating my colleague. This is one of the first times I have heard him speak in the House. I want to welcome him. My colleague has already heard me answer this question. To date, we have collected $1.7 billion in countertariffs, and we will reinvest this money to support industry and our workers.”
“What the member's students will find interesting, and they will pay attention because there might be a question on the exam, as will my Conservative friends, because sometimes they learn a thing or two from us, is that the majority of the amount, $295 billion, is in transfer payments for provinces, territories or individual Canadians. Therefore, 60% of what we see in the main estimates—”
“When political parties put forward platforms and deliver on what is in them, it builds trust. These are confidence-building measures. I am sure the member's students would be proud to see their former teacher in the House tonight, at what is a late hour for some of us who are a bit older, responding to questions to make sure that our democracy is functioning well. Let us look at the estimates. I say that because I know my Conservative colleagues are very keen to read the main estimates. If we look at the 2025-26 main estimates, we present a total of $486.9 billion in budgetary spending.”
“I know the member not only cares about Ukraine and spoke about the health transfer, but he also raised a very important issue. One of my colleagues, the former finance minister in Quebec, from whom I learn every day, mentioned one of the first things we did. I know the students watching at home believe in deeds. Words are easy. We have to listen to them every day. I have been here for almost a decade, and I have listened to a lot in the House coming from the Conservatives. What people at home are wondering about and care about is action. It is deeds. The first thing the Prime Minister did in this new government was to present a ways and means motion to reduce taxes for 22 million Canadians. This is a promise made and a promise delivered. That is the kind of thing that builds trust in a society.”
“That is another show of solidarity. My colleague mentioned the health transfer. He and his students, who are probably watching tonight, because I know they are keen to see their former teacher, will be happy to hear that we are looking at these issues. If we look at the main estimates, there is an increase of $2.6 billion in Canada health transfers. The Canada health transfer in 2025-26 will be a total of $54.7 billion. This is very significant. The member's students would be proud to see that their former teacher is part of a government that believes in providing Canadians with services that are dear to their hearts. When I think of the Canada health transfer, I think of us investing to support services in hospitals and medical care for Canadians. This is the very essence of who we are as Canadians.”
“I can say that at that time, there was a moment when the world or at least the G7 colleagues were standing shoulder to shoulder. We understand that Ukraine is fighting for democracy, and for all of us really. They are fighting for dignity. The member will be pleased to hear that, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Canada has committed $19.7 billion in different supports for Ukraine. This is something my colleague will be happy about. In the estimates, he will see that there is an increase in the development of financial intermediary response for Ukraine of $200 million. The message is loud and clear that we are there for Ukraine and will be shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. I am also pleased to say that, for the upcoming leaders' summit in Kananaskis, the Prime Minister has invited the President of Ukraine. He will be there.”
“Mr. Speaker, first, I would like to congratulate my colleague on his election and his very important role as parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Industry . I just listened to an eloquent speech. [ English ] I think we can all agree that the member gave a very thoughtful speech, in which he raised a number of important issues. I am proud to have him as a colleague in caucus. We will learn a lot from him. He was involved as a teacher for years and is someone who cares about Canada. The member mentioned two things. I will come back to his question, but I cannot resist saying that at the last G7 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors, we had a special guest, which was the minister of finance of Ukraine.”
“Mr. Chair, allow me to read this: “Canada announces new support for Canadian businesses affected by U.S. tariffs”. This press release is dated April 15, 2025. To my knowledge, there is nothing more public than a Government of Canada press release. It is a way of informing Canadians. I am proud to see that my colleague has read this press release in both official languages.”
“Mr. Speaker, not only I was aware, there was a press release with my name on it. I was more than aware. I would say I am happy the members read the press releases from the Government of Canada, because it is important for them to be informed about the important issues that are being raised and that—”
“Mr. Speaker, I see there are even more Conservative members joining. It must be fascinating at this time of the evening to listen to the great things we have been doing for the automobile sector in this country. Whether it is Windsor or Brampton, the workers there know we have their backs and we are going to continue to attract investments. I see more Conservatives cheering now.”
“Mr. Speaker, what really matters is that we will always be there to defend Canadian industry and Canadian workers. Not only will we look at what our American colleagues may put on the table, but Canada is always going to be there to support our industry and support our workers. This is sometimes the best—”
“Mr. Speaker, the contrast could not be stronger. On this side of the House, we think a vibrant democracy needs a vibrant media. I am happy my colleague, the member, asked this very important question. On this side of the House, we said we would support CBC/Radio-Canada. This is because we believe in democracy. We believe in Canadian values. We believe in a strong Canada. We believe in being proud of our nation, talking about our nation, giving a place for our great speech, those who are the producers, the actors, those who are making these stories about Canada. We should all be—”
“This is a moment that reminds me of C. D. Howe in 1945. Mr. Speaker, you are too young to remember C. D. Howe in 1945, but you may have read about him. C. D. Howe was the great architect of a new industrial base in Canada, and I see a parallel between 1945 and 2025. This is the time to build. We are the true north strong and free.”
“Mr. Speaker, like the member, I served in the army cadets. Those were some of the best years of my life. I learned about discipline. I learned about respect. I learned about service, in a way. I was very young, and it taught me a lot. I want to thank all members of the armed forces for their commitment and dedication. They always put the country first. The member is right. Yesterday was a great day for Canada because we invested in our sovereignty. We invested in our industry. We invested in our workers. We know that our investments in defence are going to support our industrial base. I was in the media saying that every company in this country should have a defence strategy. If companies are selling a service, product or solution, they should look to see whether their product, solution or service can help build Canada strong.”
“We talked about it, but we have to talk about it even more because this kind of news can make a difference in the lives of Canadians. I know that what every member of the House wants in their heart and mind is to help Canadians. I hope the Conservatives will continue to support us, because they know it is the right thing to do for their constituents.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to see you. What a great speech that was. In such an eloquent way, the member went over every aspect of what we have offered to Canadians. I even saw Conservative members listening with a lot of intent and attention. They appreciate our colleague. He always has very important questions. What is in Bill C-4 for Canadians? Everything in Bill C-4 is about Canadians. The first thing we are doing, which I know will make the Speaker happy, is giving 22 million Canadians a tax cut. This is very significant. Why is it so crucial? It was the first motion we put forward in this House. That is why I think we have everything to rejoice about. Not only did we do that, but we will help families and first-time homebuyers acquire a first home by eliminating the GST on homes up to $1 million.”
“Madam Chair, the member should take comfort in the fact that Canada has the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7 and has a AAA credit rating. Only Germany and Canada, of the G7 countries, have that rating, so it is a great position to be in.”
“Madam Chair, I hope that the member will have seen that this is a new government with a new Prime Minister : a government with ambition, a government that wants to build a Canada strong and a government that is going to build the infrastructure that is going to be needed to be resilient in the economy—”
“Madam Chair, my colleague will be happy to learn that the public debt chart is a percentage of nominal GDP. If he looks at the last few years, more than a decade, he will see it is always around 1.5%. This is going to be—”
“Madam Chair, every member of the House knows that the tariffs are hurting our workers across the nation and our industry. That is why the Prime Minister and my colleagues are seized with fighting against the tariffs.”
“Madam Chair, what I can guarantee to the member is that I will, like all my colleagues, fight for Canadian industry and Canadian workers, because we need a very strong steel industry to build Canada strong.”
“Madam Chair, what I can commit to is working hard for the sector. I have been in touch with the leaders and the unions because we want to fight for the steel and aluminum sector in this country. It is important that we have them to build Canada strong.”
“Madam Chair, first I would like to welcome the member. I think he is a new member, and I want to welcome him to the House. I look forward to answering his questions. I think we are going to be together for another two or three hours.”
“Madam Chair, I would first like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who works at the Canada Revenue Agency, particularly those in Shawinigan, in my riding. I can tell you that each and every one of them strives to deliver the best possible service to Canadians. We are looking closely at the concerns raised by my colleague.”
“Madam Chair, as I was saying, I am always learning from my colleague. He tells me that it has been 3,073 days. I intend to remain the Minister of Finance for a long time yet, although I can tell him that he knows very well that the figures that he is referring to come from the “Fiscal Monitor”, which looks backward. I am forward‑looking.”
“Madam Chair, I am glad to see that my colleague is paying so much attention to Liberal proposals. What we announced was that we would cut the growth in operating spending from 9% to 2%. He saw that in our platform.”
“Madam Chair, that makes me smile. I can tell my colleague from Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk that the Prime Minister of Canada and I are as close as close can be. We are working together to grow the Canadian economy. We are going to build the strongest economy in the G7, and that will benefit my colleague's constituents. He is very happy; I can see it in his smile this evening.”
“Madam Chair, an experienced colleague like the member for Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk knows that, when a minister is appointed to a new portfolio, they have several discussions with departmental officials. What I told them was to build—”
“Madam Chair, I would first like to salute my colleague from Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk. He has a lot of experience and he knows that I have a great deal of respect for him. I am pleased to see that he is keeping track of the number of days I have been Minister of Finance. I always learn something from my colleague. I just learned that it has been 88 days. I can tell him that I plan to keep on being the finance minister for a long time.”
“Madam Chair, it is true. We have a major affordability program. I would like to point out one thing, since I have the Minister of International Trade nearby. I chaired the G7 finance ministers' meeting recently held in Banff. Canada is the envy of the world as the only G7 nation to have a free trade agreement with every other G7 nation. That is quite remarkable. We talked with businesses in New Brunswick about economic diversification and market diversification. That is important. Once again, I want to thank my colleague from Moncton—Dieppe—”
“Madam Chair, again, that is a very important question. My colleague shone a light on all the tax credits we announced to encourage green investment in Canada. She knows as well as I do that we have succeeded in attracting historic investments in the area of electric vehicles, for example. We even managed to expand the electric vehicle supply chain across Canada. We have important measures. We want to build the strongest economy in the G7. I would say that Canada is a country that attracts a lot of investment because it provides stability, predictability, the rule of law, which is what investors around the world are looking for.”
“Madam Chair, I understand why the people of Moncton—Dieppe are so proud to have a representative like my colleague, who speaks up for them here. She is absolutely right. The motion we moved included a tax cut, but it also included another important measure, namely eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers. This is important because for homes worth up to $1 million, people can save up to $50,000. This is the kind of help that young families need when they want to buy their first home. As my colleague from Moncton—Dieppe is well aware, one of our Liberal values is to help people. I think such a measure is important—”
“They know that helping 22 million Canadians is important. We are lowering the first bracket from 15% to 14%. This is very important at a time like this, when people—”
“Madam Chair, I thank my colleague for her excellent speech. She truly gave us an overview of all the measures. She is an experienced colleague who has been serving the people of New Brunswick for a long time. I understand why the people of New Brunswick are proud to have her as their MP. She truly presented all the important things. She talked about the transfers we deliver to the provinces. She talked about the transfers we deliver to individuals. She also talked about national interest projects. She truly gave us a terrific economic overview of what is happening in Canada. She mentioned several things, but one thing really stands out. She talked about the tax cut for Canadians. Twenty-two million Canadians are going to benefit from it. I even see some of my Conservative colleagues smiling.”
“Madam Chair, I know my colleague is eager to hear the numbers, I can see it in his eyes, but he will have to wait a little longer. He will get them when we present a budget in the fall. I can say that he will be proud to present the people of Richmond—Arthabaska with an ambitious budget that will build Canada. I know he wants to build Canada too, because I know him.”
“Madam Chair, let me remind my colleague that he can find that information among the figures published in the “Fiscal Monitor” for the period from April 2024 to March 2025; the figure given is $495 billion.”
“Madam Chair, it is even more important to tell Canadians that they are going to get an income tax break. Some 22 million Canadians will be eligible for it, including people in Richmond—Arthabaska. I know several of them. They are people who keep up with current events. They will have seen that their tax cut starts on July 1. That is important.”
“Madam Chair, that is not the case at all. On the contrary, Canadians will be proud of this budget. My colleague must know that there is a great deal of economic uncertainty at the moment. Major decisions need to be made between now and then. I know he is impatient and looking forward to reading this document. He is going to have to wait just a little longer, but he will be so proud. He will be able to talk about it for—”
“Madam Chair, I find there is a lot of wisdom in the words spoken by the member for Marc‑Aurèle‑Fortin. That is why, as my colleague saw, we said during the election campaign that we would balance the government's operating budget within the next three years. That is good news. I can already see it in my colleague's smile that he is pleased to see that he could speak to the people in his riding about a balanced budget within the next three years.”
“Madam Chair, even better, I specified the period during which we would table the government's next budget. I know that he is looking forward to talking about it to the people in his riding. It is coming this fall. He will be proud. It is a budget that will build Canada. I see in his smile that he is looking forward to building Canada.”
“Madam Chair, I want to thank my colleague for mentioning my colleague from Marc-Aurèle-Fortin. I had an excellent dinner with my colleague from Marc-Aurèle-Fortin. We had a great discussion about budgetary measures. We are going to continue in that vein because I know my colleague is eager to see the budget. He will have to wait just a little longer, but he will be so proud. He will be able to tell everyone in his riding about it.”
“Madam Chair, again, the member should be very happy because the first order of business was to reduce taxes for people. That is what Canadians care about. It is up to $840 for a family with two incomes. This is great news for people in her riding.”
“Madam Chair, the member should take comfort that the first measure passed by this government in this House was a tax cut for the middle class. I know this is good for her because she is going to be able to go to her riding and say she voted in favour of a great Liberal proposal to reduce taxes for 22 million Canadians.”
“Madam Chair, I am sure the member will appreciate that the government's first order of business was to reduce taxes for 22 million Canadians. There are people in her riding watching tonight, and they will be happy to see that she voted to reduce their taxes and support the Liberal government.”