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 17 of 18.
“Mr. Speaker, we take note of the vote of Parliament, but in fact the people in the member's riding and my folks from Shawinigan will be watching to make sure that the Conservatives are actually voting in line with their values, because in the coming days, they will have this great opportunity. We are giving them a golden opportunity to show Canadians that they care, that they want to reduce their taxes and that they want to help 22 million Canadians. We are all going to be watching whether they do the right thing. We certainly hope so.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleague will be happy, because we are actually reducing taxes for 22 million Canadians. I am sure he is going to rejoice this evening, because tomorrow or in the coming days, he will have the opportunity to put his vote where his mouth is. If he wants to support reducing taxes, we will give him a great opportunity to vote for reducing taxes for 22 million Canadians. I know that Canadians are going to be watching at home. We on this side of the aisle are going to be watching to make sure he does the right thing for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, there will indeed be a budget. There is also a very important measure. The first thing we put forward as a government was an affordability plan. The people of Charlevoix are interested in that. Why? It is because there is going to be a tax cut. This is very good news for the people of Charlevoix. There is also more good news. The GST on homes worth up to $1 million will be eliminated for first-time homebuyers. These are meaningful measures. These are measures that are going to help people. The Conservatives should be happy to have a Liberal government that is helping people.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know the member on the other side, and I know she wants to do good for the people of her riding and across Canada. She will have a chance to do so very soon. We will have a very important vote during which she can vote to reduce taxes for 22 million Canadians. People who live in her riding will be watching where she will put her vote that evening, because the best way to make sure we support Canadians is to leave them with more money in their pockets. The Prime Minister has been clear: We will support Canadians, we will build Canada strong and we will do this together as a nation, a proud nation.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would gladly look the people of Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean in the eye because I have been there often. The people of Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean know that we will always be there for aluminum workers. As the Prime Minister said, all the money collected from the countertariffs will be reinvested to support our workers and the industry. These countermeasures have brought in a total of $1.7 billion, which will be reinvested to help our workers. The people of Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean know that we will be there for them. We have been in the past, we are today, and we will be tomorrow.”
“Mr. Speaker, instead of talking down Canada, the member should be elbows up with us. This is about making sure that as a chamber, the House stands united. This is about our nation. We are fighting a trade war. Everyone in this House has a responsibility to fight for Canadian workers, fight for Canadian industry and build Canada strong. We get it on this side of the House. I hope on the other side they get it, because Canadians at home get it.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would agree with my colleague that it is very wrong. That is why we had one of our colleagues in Washington yesterday to fight for Canadians, to fight for our workers, to fight for our industry. This is not theatre; this is action. On this side of the House, we know that what makes a difference is to fight to protect our workers, to protect our industry and to build Canada with Canadian steel, Canadian aluminum and Canadian workers. We are going to build Canada strong together.”
“Mr. Speaker, Quebec does indeed have an important role to play. It will be able to develop its full potential. When it comes to hydroelectricity, Quebec is a leader not only in North America, but in the world. Quebeckers should be proud that we are following Quebec's example. We can develop our natural resources responsibly, fairly and efficiently. Quebec has always been a leader when it comes to energy. We will continue to draw inspiration from it. We will build the Canada of tomorrow together.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague should be proud because he is a proud Canadian. Yesterday, we witnessed a great moment of Canadian unity. The Premier of Quebec was there with his colleagues. They talked about major energy corridors to make Canada an energy power, an energy superpower. Quebec has a lot to offer Canada. Quebec has expertise in hydroelectricity. Quebec has expertise in wind energy. Quebec has expertise in the environment. We are going to become an energy power responsibly and fairly. We are going to build Canada together.”
“Mr. Speaker, as the Prime Minister said, we took note of the vote yesterday. What I can say to the member, whom I welcome to the House, is this: Let us focus on what the main estimates are doing for Canadians. They are supporting child care in this country. They are supporting pharmacare in this country. They are supporting dental care. What they are doing is supporting Canadians. Canadians have asked this House to work for them. Canadians have asked us to be ambitious. Canadians have asked us to build Canada strong. This is what we are going to do with the Prime Minister .”
“Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, we understand Canada's strength when it comes to the economy of the future. We are attracting talent. We have very large industries. This is the country that builds cars and builds planes. This is the country that has critical minerals. This is the country that has renewable energy and conventional energy. This is the only country of the G7 that has a free trade agreement with all other G7 nations. We have what the world needs, and we will be there to build a superpower economically for this country and Canadians for generations to come.”
“Mr. Speaker, there was a vote yesterday, but there is another vote coming in the coming days. That is a vote where we will see the true colours of the Conservatives, because it is on the motion through which we would cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. Canadians who live in the member's riding will be watching at home to see whether the Conservatives will have the backs of Canadians. I can tell the member that we will be watching from this side and Canadians will be watching at home, and we all expect this House to say together that, yes, we have the backs of Canadians and will give them a tax break.”
“Mr. Speaker, I welcome my colleague from Calgary Confederation to this House and thank him for the excellent work he is doing for the people of Calgary, as well as Alberta. Indeed, the first ministers meeting is happening today in Saskatoon. It is an important opportunity for the Prime Minister to bring the premiers together around the table with one common agenda, focusing on building a stronger and united Canada. It is time to build one Canadian economy and accelerate the approval of nation-building projects. Together we are going to build Canada strong. That is what we are doing.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome my colleague to the House. She should know that we made generational investment in Windsor in the auto sector. She should be celebrating the Liberal government. She should be standing up to thank the government. The workers, the industry and people in Windsor can see a future. The people in Windsor know that we have their back. They know that we are going to fight for them. We are going to fight for the industry. We are going to fight for the auto workers. We are going to build Canada strong together.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to see in the House the same movement we have seen with steelworkers in the industry. This is a time when we need to come together as a nation. This is the moment to fight the unjustified tariffs together. This is a time to make sure we protect our industry and our workers. This is a time when we need to build this country, like the Prime Minister is doing with the premiers today in Saskatoon. I just wish, in the House, that everyone would stand up to defend our industry, defend our workers and build Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, clearly the member on the other side is misinformed, but let us talk about the great things we have been doing for Canadians lately. Last week, we introduced, as the first thing in the House, a tax reduction for the middle class, and 22 million Canadians will benefit from that measure. Not only did we do that, but we also made sure that we removed the GST for first-time homebuyers for homes up to $1 million dollars. Those are measures that make a difference in the lives of Canadians. Those are measures that make a difference in every region of Canada. Those are measures that build a strong Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague's comments surprise me. He should actually be proud to have a government that stands up to the Americans. Had we listened to the Conservatives, we would have capitulated. Members on this side of the House are standing up for workers in the industry. We know how important Quebec's aluminum industry is. We know how skilled and talented our workers are. The best aluminum in the world is produced right here, in Canada, in Quebec. We will continue to stand up for the industry and our workers, and we will continue to build a strong country together.”
“Mr. Speaker, we will take no lessons from the Conservatives. We have put in place as a country, as a nation, the largest countertariffs in our history to protect our workers in the steel industry, the aluminum industry and the forestry sector, in all the sectors of our economy, to defend our workers and our industries. We should all, in the House, stand proudly to defend Canadian workers, defend Canadian industry and build Canada strong. That is Canadian.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have been clear in the House, as has the Prime Minister , that we will fight against these unjustified and illegal tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. We are going to protect our workers and our industry. The Minister of Industry already spoke about that over the weekend, and we are going to build a strong Canada. We are going to build the Canada of tomorrow, which is a confident Canada, a prosperous Canada, a Canada that we can all be proud of.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am very happy for the question by the member. What he is failing to tell Canadians watching today is that Canada has one of the best balance sheets in the G7. Not only do we have a AAA credit rating, but we have the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio. That is an enviable position. I presided over the G7 finance ministers' meeting in Banff recently. The world is watching what Canada has to offer and wants what Canada has to offer. In this sense, we are going to build the strongest economy in the G7. We are going to make this country resilient and ambitious for all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is the same old Conservatives but with new slogans. We have been just a week in the House and they are coming back with slogans. On this side of the House, Canadians watching at home know they can trust us, because we promise and we deliver. We promised to be there for Canadians, and the first thing we delivered was a tax cut for 22 million Canadians. There are people in the member's riding watching today, and they are going to thank this new Liberal government for making their lives more affordable. We have even more good news: We are removing the GST on new homes for first-time homebuyers, up to a million dollars. This is a great—”
“Mr. Speaker, I have a great deal of respect for my new colleague in the House, but we are off to a good start. The first thing we did was offer tax cuts to 22 million Canadians, including people in his riding, who will be happy to hear that today. There are 22 million Canadians who will pay less in taxes. This is a flagship measure. During the election campaign, we said that we would be here to make life more affordable for Canadians. We promised, and we delivered. My colleague should be happy to support this government motion.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have a great deal of respect for my colleague. He is a very experienced member. However, I do not understand why he wants to distract Canadians from today's good news. For once, the Conservatives should be happy on a Friday morning. Canada's GDP grew by 2.2%, which is higher than what economists were expecting. We have a plan to grow the Canadian economy. We have a plan to build the economy of tomorrow. We have a plan for a strong Canada. That is exactly what we are doing.”
“Mr. Speaker, I like the question period this Friday because we have so much good news for Canadians. It is an interesting question, but the real question is that we have a plan, and our plan is working, with 2.2% in terms of growth in the last quarter. This is what Canada is about. It is about investing in our people. It is about investing in our industry. It is about investing in Canada. Not only do we have growth, but we always have a AAA credit rating, one of two countries in the G7. Imagine, Mr. Speaker. That is a confident Canada. That is an ambitious Canada. That is the Canada we will build together.”
“Mr. Speaker, that is an interesting question, but here is the real question this morning: By how much did the Canadian economy grow in the last quarter? The answer is 2.2%. That exceeds economists' expectations. It is clear that we have a plan to grow the Canadian economy, to make Canada's economy the strongest in the G7, to transform our economy and to create an ambitious and prosperous country. That is what Canadians asked us to do, and that is exactly what we are doing.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have more good news for Canadians. Statistics Canada just announced this morning that the Canadian economy grew by 2.2% in the first quarter. This is a plan that is working. This is a plan about building the strongest economy in the G7. This is about transforming our economy. This is about an ambitious, confident and prosperous Canada. We will deliver for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are all concerned about this situation across the country. That is why the very first measure that the government introduced was an affordability measure, to ensure that 22 million Canadians across the country get to pay less tax. The best way to keep money in the pockets of Canadians is to keep taxes low. That is one way to help Canadians across the country. That is what we will continue to do.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would first like to thank my colleague for giving me the opportunity to salute the people of Saint-Maurice—Champlain, who have sent me here for a fourth term, which I will fulfill with humility and conviction. That conviction includes presenting a fiscal framework, a budget, in early fall, as we have indicated. It is a prudent way of doing things. It will be an ambitious budget, one that will enable us to build the Canada of tomorrow. I know that is exactly what Canadians expect. We will build a strong economy, the strongest in the G7, and a resilient and strong Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have a lot of respect for my colleague from Berthier—Maskinongé and he knows it. However, it comes as a bit of a surprise that the Bloc Québécois is opposing a measure that will help people in the member's own riding. We just tabled the first motion in the House to cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. That can add up to as much as $840 for a two-income family. This measure is important for the people of Berthier—Maskinongé. The people of Berthier—Maskinongé expect their member of Parliament to stand up for their interests and vote for the motion put forward by this new government.”
“Mr. Speaker, I welcome the member to the House of Commons. One thing is clear: We have the backs of young Canadians. If the member had been listening carefully, he would have known that in the very first motion we introduced in this House was the elimination of the GST for first-time homebuyers for their first house. This is a measure to help young Canadians get into the real estate market. Young Canadians who are watching understand that we have their backs and we will always work for them.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague from Louis‑Saint‑Laurent—Akiawenhrahk knows that I have a great deal of respect for him. He will be able to look the people in his riding straight in the eye about a tax cut for 22 million Canadians. He will be able to look them in the eye and say that he did something for them and that he voted with the Liberal government, because a tax cut is one way of showing Quebeckers and the people in his riding that he is there for them. I invite him to vote in favour of the motion.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are focusing on the results. The first measure we introduced this Parliament was to help 22 million Canadians, which includes people in every riding. Canadians are watching at home and are wondering if the Conservatives are going to support them. Are they going to support the government? Canadians know that we have their backs and that we are going to fight for them every step of the way.”
“Mr. Speaker, as my colleague can see, we are presenting an ambitious plan for Canadians. The very first measure we introduced was a tax cut for 22 million Canadians. Some of the people in her riding will benefit. Next, we said that we were going to eliminate the GST for first-time homebuyers. These are concrete measures for Canadians that will help us build a strong, resilient economy, the best economy in the G7.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is very clear we have already chosen Canadians, and Canadians have chosen us to lead this nation, build a more ambitious Canada, build a strong Canada and build the best economy in the G7. Together, on this side of the House, we are going to build a Canada of the future.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to be back in the House, and it is a pleasure to deliver for Canadians. We are delivering on our plans to make life more affordable in Canada. The first measure we introduced was a tax cut for 22 million Canadians. There are Canadians in her riding who are going to benefit from the tax cut. We are eliminating GST for first-time homebuyers for their new house, and we are removing the consumer carbon price from law. Together, we are going to build Canada strong, and I hope the Conservatives will join us in that.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have one simple answer: We have a plan, and it is a plan in action. I welcome the member to the House of Commons, but the plan is simple. We are going to cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. In fact, the leader of the Conservatives just said outside the House that he is going to support our plan. That is a step forward. That is not the only thing we are going to do. We are also going to remove GST for first-time homebuyers of a house up to $1 million, and we are going to remove the consumer carbon price from law. This is the plan. This is delivering for Canadians. This is building a better economy for all.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are being very clear that there will be a budget in the early fall of this year. In the meantime, we should celebrate, as we have now seen that the Conservatives will support our motion. This is a good thing. Now Canadians will see that, in the House of Commons, we need to do things for them. The first thing we presented, which we had promised and are delivering, is a tax cut for the middle class. There are 22 million Canadians who will have a tax cut. This is what we have been elected for. We are going to fight for Canadians. Every day is a good day to fight for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, what a great question. I think the Conservatives should follow this lead. I want to congratulate my colleague for her election and for the hard work that she is putting in on behalf of the people of South Shore—St. Margarets. As the member mentioned, last month Canadians voted for a government that has a plan to build the best economy in the G7, and that is what we are delivering. We are going to address the cost of living in this country, which is why one of the very first announcements of this government was to cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. We should all celebrate.”
“Mr. Speaker, had my colleague listened carefully today, he would have heard that there is good news for Canadians. We are going to eliminate the GST on homes at or under $1 million for first-time homebuyers. That will deliver savings of $50,000. It is an amazing measure. It is a measure that helps young families. It is a measure that is going to help Canadians. That promise was made, and it is the first promise kept by the Prime Minister 's government.”
“Mr. Speaker, on the one hand, it is encouraging to hear that the Conservatives will support our motion, but it is concerning to hear a member talk down a measure that will help 22 million Canadians in this country; it is shocking. This is up to $840 for a family with two incomes. The people in my riding and in the member's riding are welcoming this measure, and we hope that the Conservatives will support us. This is how we support Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is good to be back. In fact, the Conservatives have not changed; they should listen more. My colleague was very clear about what we are doing. We are eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers in the country for houses up to $1 million. We should all celebrate. We expect the Conservatives to support the ways and means motion we have put forward, because this is how we can help Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by thanking the people of Saint‑Maurice—Champlain for electing me for a fourth mandate, which I will fulfill with conviction, humility and passion. We certainly are taking care of serious matters. They were asleep at the switch. The first thing we announced is a tax cut for 22 million Canadians. We should all be celebrating that here today. There are 22 million Canadians who are going to benefit from a middle-class tax cut. Promise made, promise kept. We are going to build Canada strong together.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by congratulating you on your election. [ English ] The government is taking real action to bring down costs for Canadians. Therefore, pursuant to Standing Order 83(1), I would like to table, in both official languages, a notice of ways and means motion containing measures that will deliver real change by cutting taxes for Canadians, bringing down costs and putting more money in the pockets of Canadians. Pursuant to Standing Order 83(2), I ask that the order of the day be designated for consideration of this ways and means motion.”
“Just as more than 20 years ago, we remain principled in our approach and unwavering in our advocacy to uphold and advance the protection of civilians agenda. We use our voice for good, and we do so in true partnership with others. This is the spirit and intent of our bid for a non-permanent seat on the Council, and what drives our multilateral engagement.”
“One issue that Canada firmly believes must be explored further is the link between economic security, conflict and peace. This is particularly relevant in countries undergoing fragile or nascent transitions, where economic insecurity, including limited access to economic opportunity, risks reversing peace gains or exacerbating drivers of conflict. If we are fortunate enough to be elected to the Security Council for the 2021-2022 term, Canada will call attention to the vital links between sustainable and inclusive economic growth, job creation, conflict prevention and peace and security, while fully considering the unique needs of civilians and ensuring our responses are gender- and conflict-sensitive.”
“We will push for the full and effective implementation of Security Council resolutions on the protection of civilians, and we will build bridges across different agendas, such as those on children and armed conflict and on women and peace and security — two other issues that Canada is proud to have helped pioneer. Answering the call of the Secretary-General’s report, we will spare no effort in pursuing accountability for violations against civilians, including through mechanisms such as the International Criminal Court. We believe that it is our collective responsibility to adapt and respond to new threats and challenges that cause or exacerbate conflict and imperil the lives and livelihoods of civilians. As warfare continues to evolve, and with threats such as climate change knocking at the Council’s door, there is no time to wait.”
“Overtasked and underresourced United Nations peacekeepers struggle to protect civilians. These trends are painfully clear in the Secretary-General’s report, and they must serve as a wake-up call. The good news is that we have the tools at our disposal to address these egregious violations and chronic protection challenges. What we need is the political will. Canada will bring this political will to bear if elected to the Security Council for the period 2021-2022, just as we did when we first placed the protection of civilians in armed conflict on the Council’s agenda back in 1999. We will work tirelessly to uphold the rules-based international order and to advocate for scrupulous adherence to international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international refugee law.”
“This is because no one will be safe until everyone is safe. Building back better means ensuring that everyone is safe, everywhere. There is no denying that COVID-19 has brought about new challenges, including for the protection of civilians. Yet we should not lose sight of the suffering experienced by civilians in conflicts that persisted long before this pandemic began, or of our shortcomings in addressing these challenges. Parties to conflict continue to perpetrate unlawful, indiscriminate and targeted attacks against civilians, humanitarian and medical workers, hospitals and schools. Children suffer grave violations, including recruitment and use as child soldiers. Rape continues to be used as a weapon of war. Women and girls face sexual and gender-based violence.”
“This call remains the right call, even if the Security Council has failed to support the appeal. This is why we are leveraging our role as Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission to put the needs of fragile and conflict-affected countries facing COVID-19 at the top of the agenda. It is also why we have committed $87 million in humanitarian assistance to meeting the needs of the most vulnerable people affected by COVID-19. Our support to trusted partners that are responding to the global COVID-19 appeals will reach civilians around the world based on needs, including in countries such as Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic, as well as Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Upholding the rights and dignity of the most vulnerable civilians in these trying times is not an optional endeavour.”
“Canada is particularly proud to support and empower women in peacekeeping, including through the innovative Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations. We wholeheartedly thank the civilian, military and police peacekeepers around the world for their service and great sacrifice. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a global threat that does not recognize borders. The virus continues to claim lives and livelihoods all around the world. We know that civilians are already at disproportionate risk in times of conflict and humanitarian strife. These risks will only be exacerbated by COVID-19 and subsequent measures to respond to the pandemic. This is why Canada has mobilized 59 countries to support the Secretary- General’s appeal for a global ceasefire.”