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. Chair, we want to build a resilient economy, so by building a resilient economy, obviously we would expect that the unemployment number would remain steady, because we want to build a very sustainable—”
“Mr. Chair, I know he is anxious. It is going to come in the fall, and it is going to be great. We just have to be a bit patient, but it is going to be great. He is going to like it. I see it in his face.”
“Mr. Chair, on this side of the House, we want to build Canada strong. We want to invest in this country. We want to invest in workers. We want to invest in our industries. I know that the member wants a very ambitious and prosperous Canada.”
“Mr. Chair, we have already answered that question. We said there will be a full budget, a great budget actually, a budget that looks forward, that is ambitious, that is going to make Canada resilient. It is going to be in the fall.”
“Mr. Chair, as I said already, what we want is for there to be no tariffs imposed on Canadian industry or workers. This is not just the government but, I would say, all Canadians. That is what we are fighting for every step of the way.”
“Mr. Chair, all Canadians expect and hope that by September, we may not have to collect any tariffs. The Prime Minister has been clear that we are going to fight. We are going to protect and build this country.”
“Mr. Chair, the member is an experienced member of this House. He will know that we have countertariffs in place and that we have collected money. We have been very clear that these sums will be used to support workers and industry in Canada.”
“Mr. Chair, as I said, my hon. colleague is a very experienced member of this House. I have already answered that question, saying that we have collected $1.7 billion. These sums will be used to support our workers and our industry.”
“Mr. Chair, it is a real privilege to be with you tonight and to answer questions from the member. As he knows, we have mounted the largest number of countertariffs, probably in Canada's history, to face the unjustified and illegal tariffs that have been imposed by the United States.”
“Mr. Chair, first of all, let me congratulate you on your role as the Chair this evening. As well, I thank the officials for being with us tonight. As the member should know, we had the largest countermeasures to face—”
“Mr. Speaker, I have two answers for my colleague: Yes, we respect the House, and yes, there will be a budget in the fall of 2025. We are working for Canadians. I know that my colleague is new to the House, but he has no doubt seen the big announcement that will please the constituents in his riding of Richmond—Arthabaska. I am talking about the tax cut for 22 million Canadians. I am sure that the member will call his constituents and include this information in his householders to join us in celebrating a great moment for all taxpayers in his riding.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think that my colleagues in the House just witnessed a historic moment. We heard the Bloc Québécois say that it wanted to build Canada strong. This is a historic moment for all parliamentarians. We agree with the Bloc Québécois. We just made a generational investment in Canada's sovereignty, a generational investment in our industries, as the Minister of Industry just said, a generational investment in our workers. Employees at Bombardier, CAE, Davie and Marmen are celebrating today because Canada is going to invest in its sovereignty and in its industrial base.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member failed to mention one: Canada will have a budget in the fall of this year. That is one thing he forgot to mention to Canadians. What is responsible to do is the first thing we did when we came to this House, which was to lower tax for 22 million Canadians. That is something the Conservatives failed to mention. Canadians at home who are watching know that with our motion, and the Conservatives voting for the bill, by July 1 their taxes will come down. That is what Canadians expect; that is what we deliver.”
“Mr. Speaker, the responsible thing to do is exactly what we did, which was to lower taxes for 22 million Canadians. That was the responsible thing to do. The responsible thing to do is to ensure that Canadians have more money in their pockets. That is one of the best measures of affordability. On this side of the House, we will continue to fight for families, for children and for seniors. Together, we are going to build Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians have already chosen, and that is why we are in government. They know that a Liberal government is a government that will be there for families, for children and for our seniors. What is really odd today for people watching at home is that, every single time the Conservatives had a chance to vote, they voted against measures to help Canadians. We will take no lessons from the Conservatives. We will continue to fight for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that when we have a choice, we will always side with them. We sided with children in this country to make sure they would have a national food program. We sided with seniors to make sure there would be a dental program in this country. We sided with young families to make sure there will be child care. On this side of the House, we will always be on the side of Canadians, whether they are young, whether they are seniors or whether they are workers. Canadians know we have their back. That is what we have said; that is what we will do.”
“Mr. Speaker, there will be a budget in the fall of this year, but what is a bit rich for Canadians watching at home is to see that the Conservatives have consistently, at every step of the way, voted against affordability measures. They voted against child care. They voted against pharmacare. They voted against the dental program we have in Canada. How can the member seriously stand up in the House and criticize the government, when at every step of the way he failed to have the back of Canadians in times of need?”
“Madam Speaker, later today, my colleague will have the opportunity to once again show her constituents that she wants to support affordability. We had second reading of the tax cut bill. Twenty-two million Canadians, including many people in her riding, will benefit from it. Later today, she will have the opportunity to show political courage and say that, yes, she will support the Liberal government because we are going to build a strong Canada together. Today, her constituents will be watching at home, and so will ours. Will she do the right thing to give people in her riding a helping hand and build a strong Canada?”
“Madam Speaker, young people want to see what the Conservatives are going to do today. Instead of just talking, they will have the opportunity to take action to support young people across the country by backing legislation that lays out an ambitious plan for Canada. The Prime Minister has put forward an ambitious plan. He had a meeting with all the provincial and territorial premiers. Canada is more united than ever to build a strong future for our young people, our communities and our industries. Will the Conservatives support our plan to build Canada strong?”
“Madam Speaker, my colleague will have the opportunity later today to vote in favour of legislation that includes a plan to build Canada strong with projects of national significance to ensure that Canada has the strongest economy in the G7, that industries can thrive and that young people can find jobs in the future. The best way to build Canada strong is to put forward an action plan. That is exactly what we are going to do on this side of the House. Canadians will be watching to see what the Conservatives do. Will they support us in building Canada strong?”
“Madam Speaker, I think about Josh, his family, his community and all the communities around the country that are affected by this trade war. That is why we are going to table legislation later on today with a plan. The way to address what is going on for Josh and his employment status is to build a plan to create opportunities, to build Canada strong, to build a confident Canada and a prosperous Canada. I salute the work of my colleagues the Minister of Transport and the Minister responsible for One Canadian Economy . They have done great work to build that one Canadian economy that will create—”
“Madam Speaker, we have seen the job numbers, and I would say it is in large part due to the trade war that we are facing with our neighbour to the south. For Canadians, and I hear that the Conservatives will rejoice, later on today we will be tabling legislation, including a plan to build Canada strong. On that side of the House, they just ask questions. On this side of the House, we put plans forward to build Canada strong.”
“Madam Speaker, the member for Waterloo is asking a great question. She has served with distinction, and the people of Waterloo are delighted. They should be proud of having her representing them, because Waterloo is at the centre of innovation in this country. It is good news, as the member said, because if our colleagues on the other side are acting with urgency, we will be able to update the table, starting July 1 of this year, and adjust it so that people will pay less tax. This is what we want for Canadians, and that is what they are expecting from the House and the government.”
“It is going to benefit every region of the country, including the one that he represents in British Columbia. We are proud to build this country together.”
“Madam Speaker, the member is a very experienced member of the House, and I have had the pleasure of hearing him for many years, but there are facts that he is avoiding. Canada is one of the few countries of the G7 that has a AAA credit rating. Canada has the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio. The member comes from British Columbia, but just next door, we were in Banff with the G7 finance ministers and central bank governors, and the policies that have been adopted by Canada are applauded around the world. People understand that this plan to build a country, increase our defence spending, meet the moment and make sure we build more housing, is the way forward, so the member should rejoice. I saw that he voted for the motion, but he should rejoice that together we are going to build Canada strong.”
“One of the best ways to help people is to put more money in their pockets, so that families can have a little extra money to deal with the challenges that are coming in the days ahead. I have hope for this country's future. Canada is a strong country.”
“Madam Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking my colleague for his service in the House of Commons. All parliamentarians have seen the work he has done. On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to commend him and thank him for his work. He raises an important question. The measure at the heart of the bill that was introduced this morning is a tax cut. That tax cut will benefit 22 million Canadians across the country. It comes at a time when many industries and communities are facing hardship, and there is a lot of anxiety and fear about everything that is going on. We have seen that things change quickly when it comes to tariffs. This morning, what we can do as parliamentarians is tell Canadians that we will be there for them and that we know that things are difficult.”
“Madam Speaker, that is a member for whom I have a lot of respect. We have seen that our steel and aluminum industry is under threat. We are really in a trade war, and it is time that we, as Canadians, stand up together. This is the role of not only the federal government but also the nation. This is the time to stand up for our workers, for our industry and for Canada. That is why yesterday I was with the CEOs of the major steel companies in this country. Many of my colleagues represent communities that would be affected. It is all-hands-on-deck at this time, and I am happy to see that the member is willing to support the bill, because he knows that putting more money in the pockets of Canadians is a way to help them at a very difficult time.”
“We are always willing to collaborate with the Bloc Québécois because, as Quebeckers, we know in our hearts that Quebec's future depends on a strong Canada.”
“Madam Speaker, I welcome my colleague's question. First, I have a great deal of respect for him. Like most Quebeckers, I was pleased to see the Bloc Québécois vote in favour of the motion. The Bloc Québécois has voted for a strong Canada. It is not very often we see the Bloc Québécois stand up for that. We have been saying for a long time that building a strong Canada is obviously good for Quebec. I am pleased to see that the member is just as concerned as we are about the future of Quebec, and at the same time, interested in building Canada strong. It was refreshing to see the Bloc Québécois support the government on this initiative to reduce taxes for so many Canadians across the country.”
“Madam Speaker, I am delighted to hear that the Conservatives are spending their time on the Liberal website. They can, in fact, register as a member. It is free, and they can join this great party that has changed the lives of Canadians for decades and decades. It is very interesting that the Conservatives would want to look at our website; it is a great website actually, and I am pleased to hear that they are watching the policy that is going to build Canada strong. However, this morning is not about the Conservatives. It is not even about our website. It is about Canadians. What we are going to do today is change the lives of Canadians, because by building Canada strong, we give hope to the next generation. We give hope to the workers in Hamilton, in Shawinigan and in Cape Breton.”
“It is time for Canada to have a government that focuses on maximizing investments that drive growth and deliver results. Excellence and efficiency must guide all government actions. [ English ] Canada is the best country in the world. America's unjustified trade war is an attempt to weaken us, and our sovereignty is under threat. We will not let that happen. We will fight it every step of the way. We will stand up for Canadians, our industries and our workers. It is time to build a future that makes Canada strong, and Bill C-4 is the first step in doing that for our nation. [ Translation ] I encourage all of my colleagues to support the first steps of our plan to build a strong Canada by voting in favour of this bill. [ English ] We are the true north strong and free, and we should all be proud to be Canadians.”
“Our government has a plan to help Canadians keep more of their hard-earned money. It is a plan to protect them from the worst effects of the unjustified trade war, a plan to build the strongest economy in the G7, a plan to build more than anyone could ever take away from Canadians. [ English ] Our plan is based on a new approach, where we spend less on government and invest more in the people and businesses that will grow our economy. Canadians elected the current government to stand up for our country and to build a strong economy that works for everyone. Canadians voted for change. [ Translation ] Change means adjusting the way we do things, taking advantage of new technologies and saving money so we can invest more. It means focusing on results for Canadians and making sure that they get what they expect from their government.”
“(1010) [ Translation ] At the same time, we will refocus federal carbon pollution pricing standards on ensuring carbon pricing systems are in place across Canada on a broad range of greenhouse gas emissions from industry. [ English ] This means that a price on pollution for large emitters will continue to be a pillar of Canada's plan to build a strong economy and a greener future for our kids. We will ensure a system that is fair and effective. Industrial carbon pricing is one of the most important greenhouse gas emissions reduction policies in the government's comprehensive emissions reduction plan to bend the emissions curve and meet our 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target. [ Translation ] Overall, the measures included in this bill will pave the way for economic growth in Canada.”
“In their hearts, I am sure they are going to be cheering, silently I must say this morning, but silently cheering because, as we know, the first thing that the Prime Minister did upon assuming his responsibilities was to suspend the application of the federal consumer carbon tax, effective April 1 of this year. This was a moment for this country. Cancelling the consumer carbon tax was the first step in our government's plan to ensure that Canadians can keep more of their hard-earned money. While it was effectively accomplished through government regulations, Bill C-4 would take the necessary step beyond regulatory suspension of the fuel charge by completely removing the consumer carbon price from law.”
“We will build on our GST cut for first-time homebuyers with a credible plan to build more homes, a true team Canada approach that will build the future of this country and help build the strongest economy in the G7. I want to applaud the work of my colleague, the Minister of Housing , who is going to do a great job in helping to build more homes in this country. I see that my Conservative friends are very excited, because there is a third measure that I am sure they are going to be cheering in their hearts and minds, and they are going to put it in their householder to make sure all Canadians are aware. We are going to be removing the consumer carbon price from Canadian law.”
“It is an investment in the Canadian dream. [ English ] By supporting Bill C-4 , we would be providing a significant increase to the already substantial federal tax support available for first-time homebuyers through programs like the first home savings account, the RRSP home buyers' plan, and the first-time home buyer's tax credit. [ Translation ] By so doing, we will enable more young people and families to make their dream of home ownership come true, and we will enable more Canadians to begin investing in their future, their family, their retirement, their peace of mind and their comfort. [ English ] Bill C-4 is just the first step in our ambitious plan to build more homes and ensure that the housing market serves Canadians, rather than vice versa.”
“That is why one of the first decisions of our government was to eliminate the GST for first-time homebuyers on the purchase of a new home valued up to $1 million. The new first-time homebuyer GST rebate would mean upfront savings of up to $50,000 on the purchase of their first home. That is not all. There is really great news in the bill: The rebate would also lower the GST on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million for first-time homebuyers. There is a lot to celebrate in helping Canadians. [ Translation ] As my colleagues in the House know, buying a home is often the largest purchase most Canadians will make in their lifetime. Purchasing a home is more than just a financial investment. Often, it is an investment in their future and their family. It is an investment in their retirement, their peace of mind and their comfort.”
“This is a great day to be a Canadian, because the next aspect of the bill is eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes up to $1 million. There is a lot to be cheering for. I can see, in the smiles of my colleagues, that they are cheering. It is a great Friday for the opposition as well. It used to be that the federal government helped build the housing that our growing population needs in this country. The last time we faced a housing crisis on such a broad scale was after the Second World War. In the face of crisis, Canada did what we do best as a nation: We came together, got to work, and put a roof over the head of tens of thousands of families. Canadians want their government to get back to the business of building homes, and that is what we are going to be doing.”
“With the announcement of our middle-class tax cut, the Canada Revenue Agency can update its source deduction tables for the July 2025 to December 2025 period so pay administrators are able to reduce tax withholdings as of July 1. [ Translation ] That means that individuals with employment income and other income subject to source deductions could begin to have tax withheld at the lower 14% tax rate as of July 1. That is excellent news. This middle-class tax cut is expected to provide $2.6 billion in tax relief to Canadians over the next six months and $5.4 billion in 2026. The middle-class tax cut is expected to deliver over $27 billion in tax savings to Canadians over five years starting in 2025-26. That is just the first step in putting more money back in the pockets of Canadians. (1005) [ English ] We have more good news.”
“I can hear my colleagues cheering because they reflect the Canadians who are cheering at home for that. I see the same thing from the Conservatives. They are cheering silently on the other side of the House. The tax cut would help hard-working Canadians keep more of what they earn and build a strong future for themselves, their families and their communities. The benefit of the tax cut would go to those hard-working Canadians who need it most. This means that the bulk of the tax relief will go to those with income in the two lowest tax brackets, with nearly half of the tax savings going to those in the lowest bracket. What is more, Bill C-4 would start delivering tax relief almost right away.”
“[ Translation ] Canadians asked for a serious plan to change how we address the rising cost of living, which has eroded their quality of life over the past few years. They are calling for change that will put more money in their pockets, build the strongest economy in the G7, build one Canadian economy, not 13, and build a more affordable Canada. With Bill C‑4 , our government is delivering on this mandate for change. Bill C‑4 will implement the middle-class tax cut our government promised. It will give more than 22 million Canadians a tax break. It will save two-income families up to $840 a year, starting in 2026. [ English ] With the adoption of the legislation, the lowest marginal personal income tax rate would be reduced from 15% to 14% effective July 1, 2025. This is great news.”
“moved that Bill C-4, An Act respecting certain affordability measures for Canadians and another measure , be read the second time and referred to a committee. He said: Madam Speaker, I would first like to thank my colleagues. I also see a big smile on the opposition side. Congratulations on your election. I am pleased to see you presiding over our meetings. I appreciate the work you are doing and the professionalism and honour you bring to this position. [ English ] It is my privilege to rise and take part in today's debate as we begin the very important second reading of Bill C-4 , the making life more affordable for Canadians act. I would note that the House has voted unanimously for the ways and means motion. This is a good start. It is a new Parliament, a new government and a new era of doing big things quickly.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are very committed to presenting a very responsible fiscal framework, a framework that will build Canada in a responsible way and in a sustainable way, and that is going to make Canada strong. I am delighted to see that the member is considering voting in favour of a bill that is going to be presented in this House that is going to make a difference for 22 million Canadians. I would say that would be a great start for the NDP, to follow the Liberals in voting for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. Measures are already in place to support various sectors of the Canadian economy. We had already planned to implement measures to deal with the tariff war, as my colleague said. On this side of the House, we have always been clear. We will fight against tariffs, we will protect our workers and our industries, and we will build a Canada together. I am sure that my Bloc Québécois colleagues are happy to build a strong Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, the difference between the Conservatives and us on this side of the House is that on this side, we are proud to support families. We are proud of the dental care program that is helping our seniors. We are proud of the child care program. I was at the G7 recently, and colleagues were applauding Canada. Not only is it a great policy, but it is also an economic policy to generate growth in this country. On this side of the House, we are proud to support Canadians. I just hope the Conservatives will come on board.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is a great day to answer that question, because the member is asking what is in the main estimates. I know Canadians would be happy to learn that in the main estimates, there are credits for dental care that is helping a lot of seniors across our country. We are talking about credits for child care, and I know there are people in the member's riding who are benefiting from that. We are also talking about pharmacare. Those are programs that are part of the fabric in Canada. They make Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have more good news for the member. If he were to take the time to read, he would see that not only are we giving a break to 22 million Canadians, but we are eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers on homes up to $1 million. This is a great measure. Not only this, but we are going to be removing the consumer carbon price from law. All Conservatives should be celebrating because I know Canadians are celebrating at home today.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for the question and thank him for taking a great first step this morning. In fact, the Conservatives voted for the ways and means motion to give a break to 22 million Canadians. We told them that Canadians are watching. They watched this morning, but they will also watch when we are voting on the main bill. We hope the Conservatives will do the right thing and support Canadians in their time of need.”
“Bill C-4. First reading moved that Bill C-4 , An Act respecting certain affordability measures for Canadians and another measure, be read the first time and printed. (Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)”