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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“Madam Chair, thank you for that reminder. To correct the statement made by my colleague, for whom I have a great deal of respect, I can say that we have, in fact, protected the security-related investments included in the budget. We also protected our defence budgets. We have protected budgets in areas such as research and development, because we are well aware of the importance of those sectors. The same goes for indigenous services. The idea was to protect certain departments. That is what we—”
“Madam Chair, I think the people watching us have been tightening their belts for quite some time now. I think it was perfectly normal for the government to undertake an exercise that will save $60 billion and tighten its belt. I think it is time for us to tighten our belts in Ottawa too. That is exactly what I was able to do with my colleagues. We identified $60 billion in savings to streamline the federal government's operations.”
“Madam Chair, I am trying to understand the meaning of the question. What I can say is that my role as Minister of Finance and the government's role is to work in the interest of building the strongest economy in the country, standing up for the interests of workers and industries in this country, and certainly making generational investments that lead to economic growth across the country.”
“Madam Chair, I am sure my colleague knows that, under Canada's free trade agreement with the United States and Mexico, 85% of Canadian exports have exemptions and that Canada has one of lowest tariff rates overall, at around 5%. We will always be here to stand up for the interests of our industries, including culture, of course, as well as film. We are here to stand up for all industries and workers. We will continue to do this for every sector. Here is what I can tell my colleague: He can rest assured that we are here to defend the interests of all industries currently being affected by our neighbours' unjust tariffs.”
“Madam Chair, I am pleased to say that the hon. member will see from the estimates that have been tabled that the measure he is referring to is indeed included in the economic statement I presented in the spring. He will be able to see for himself, in the estimates tabled in the House, the amounts that will be allocated specifically to support this program for journalists.”
“Madam Chair, my colleague will be pleased to know that, when we conducted our exercise to identify $60 billion in savings within the federal government, we took great care to protect investments in research and innovation. My colleague can rest assured that we have protected research and development because we know it is important not only for our communities but also for the future of the country.”
“Madam Chair, I would like to begin by thanking my colleague for being here this evening to ask his important question. I have already been in touch with the Government of Quebec and the other provincial governments to inform them of the amount that will be allocated. In the spirit of co-operative federalism, at the request of our provincial colleagues, we allowed the provinces to use these amounts for housing within existing provincial programs. What I can say to my colleague this evening to reassure him is that the amount that is allocated to Quebec was based on a formula that Quebec fully understands. At the same time, we worked together to ensure that the funding could be quickly put to use in Quebec. Our colleagues in Quebec are very pleased.”
“This is very important because it is a 50% boost this year, but it is also bridged. We understand that we need to bonify the Canada groceries and essentials benefit so that Canadians will still have a bridge. We understand that when it comes to food inflation, not only do we need to do that but we also need to invest in structural things in order to grow more in Canada. That is why, on one end, we are helping people now, but we are also making structural investments so that we can grow more food in Canada and become more resilient. At the same time, we are pushing for competition, because competition in this sector and other sectors is the best way to provide better prices for Canadians.”
“I will tell members that when I was in Washington, they mentioned that only two countries of the G7 can do this. They are Germany and Canada. Why? It is because these are the two countries that have the fiscal capacity, they have a AAA credit rating and if they make the right choices, this will support growth and at the same time tackle affordability. Therefore, housing has been one of the key pillars. The second thing is groceries. We have seen the inflation when it comes to groceries. We understand that this is a real challenge for Canadians across the nation, which is why we did not wait. We decided to act with the groceries and essentials benefit, which is going to help. My colleague said it would help 11 million people, but it is even more. There are 12 million Canadians who are going to receive that boost.”
“Madam Chair, I thank the member for providing a very good summary to the House of the affordability measures we have presented. It is right to say that affordability is top of mind for the government. I would say it is top of mind for Canadians. The three issues when we talk about affordability with people are the cost of housing, the cost of food and the cost of gas. The good news is that we have been acting on these three fronts. We have made generational investments to provide more affordable housing in this country, because we know this is the first pillar of affordability. Finding a home that is secure and affordable is the first pillar for Canadians and their families, which is why we have put forward a generational investment. This investment has been applauded by institutions like the International Monetary Fund.”
“[ English ] I can report to Canadians that Canada is on the right path. We will build Canada strong. We will be protecting our communities. We will empower Canadians. The best thing is that we are just getting started to work, and we will continue to fight for Canadians every single day.”
“These and future investments in Canada's sovereignty will be guided by Canada's first-ever defence industrial strategy and support the more timely and transparent acquisition of military goods through the new Defence Investment Agency. [ Translation ] Obviously, I have a lot to say this evening, because what we are presenting to Canadians is an ambitious plan. Our plan addresses the most pressing issue of the moment, the urgent need for action. I attended a G7 meeting last week, and I can say that the G7 countries are united in their desire to take action. We sometimes hear about the fog of uncertainty that has descended on the world. What I can say is that Canada is like a beacon in that fog, with strong institutions, a generational plan and investments that will grow the economy.”
“[ English ] The government is also continuing to strengthen Canada's independence in key sectors and working more closely with our trusted partners to protect our security and our resilience. In 2025-26, we invested more than $63 billion in the Canadian Armed Forces, the single largest year-on-year increase in defence investments in this country, as part of our ambitious plan to rebuild, rearm and reinvest in our armed forces. I want to say that we want to thank them. I think I can speak on behalf of all my colleagues in the House tonight. We want to thank the men and women in uniform for their service to this country. I think they deserve a big round of applause. Thanks to these investments, Canada is now on a path to meet the NATO defence investment pledge of investing 5% of GDP in defence by 2035.”
“(1915) [ Translation ] The spring economic update builds on the progress made through Build Canada Homes and even includes new investments aimed at increasing the housing supply, reducing costs and helping more Canadians access safe and affordable housing. This includes cutting red tape to build homes faster, supporting innovation in construction, accelerating over $7 billion in low-cost financing, boosting the housing supply, and protecting construction jobs across Canada in partnership with the provinces and territories. Our government is helping those most in need by expanding support for people experiencing homelessness and ensuring that survivors of domestic violence have access to safe housing.”
“From permanently removing the consumer carbon price and suspending the fuel excise tax until Labour Day and making groceries and essentials more affordable to getting 6.5 million Canadians dental coverage, our government has been relentlessly focused on making life more affordable for Canadians and providing relief where people need it most. That includes significant progress in making housing more affordable. Colleagues were asking questions and we are on track to make housing more affordable, which is indeed a key pillar of overall cost-of-living stability. Home prices in Canada are now down 21%, and rents are down 8% nationally. For many families, this is starting to translate into real relief.”
“[ Translation ] To support young people, our government is making education more affordable by extending the increase in Canada student grants and interest-free Canada student loans for another year. This will benefit thousands of students across the country. The goal is not just to create jobs, but to create new opportunities for young Canadians to serve their country, build a fulfilling life and shape their collective future. [ English ] Second, I would like to note that the spring economic statement of 2026 highlights many measures to support Canadians at a time when global cost pressures are weighing heavily on households here in the country and among our G7 partners.”
“Because we know that Canadian workers will be the ones who ultimately build the strongest economy in the G7, our government is also launching team Canada strong, a nationwide effort to recruit, train and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal skilled trade workers across the country. This innovative program will provide young people in this country with a clear path into the skilled trades and related careers in housing, infrastructure and defence. We are offering Canadians pursuing apprenticeships up to $16,000 in weekly top-ups during the training, a $5,000 completion bonus and direct incentives for employers, including up to $10,000 in wage subsidies per apprentice. That is what I would call a win-win-win approach, and that is why we are proud to announce this to Canadians.”
“What is more, Canadians themselves will have the opportunity to invest in the fund, sharing in its success. I was pleased to see the international press say that Canada was creating its own sovereign wealth fund, but that, in a very Canadian way, people would be able to invest and share in the growth that we will see in this country. Like us, Canadians believe in Canadian workers and in the Canadian economy. By taking part directly in our shared successes by investing in the fund, Canadians will be given the opportunity to share in our growth and contribute to the country we are building together.”
“We are building homes and carrying out major projects across the country quickly and sustainably. We are creating more opportunities for our workers and for young Canadians. We are promoting stronger, safer communities. Together, we can build a stronger Canada for all. I see that my colleagues are smiling. I understand why, because everyone in this place wants to work to build a stronger, more resilient Canada. [ English ] First, I want to highlight the Canada strong fund, Canada's own sovereign wealth fund designed to deliver generational infrastructure and nation-building projects and ultimately to grow wealth for future generations. This new fund will invest in key strategic Canadian projects and companies alongside the private sector, creating jobs, supporting innovation and making Canada more competitive.”
“Last month, we built upon that progress with the 2026 spring economic update, which further outlined our plan to build a stronger and more resilient Canadian economy, purpose-built to meet the unique challenges of the 21st century and the very challenging times that we are facing in the world. Many of these initiatives were, of course, reflected in the main estimates tabled this year. I am honoured to join you today to discuss the main estimates and our bold plan to build a stronger, more independent, more resilient Canada, to deliver for Canadians and to ensure that growth is felt by Canadians across the country. This is about building a Canada for all. (1910) [ Translation ] Today, thanks to the 2026 spring economic update, we are staying on the right track.”
“Canada, quite simply, must adapt to thrive. That is exactly why the government presented generational investments in budget 2020, and we have continued the work in the spring economic update. We understand that this is the time to be bold. This is the time to build at a speed and scale not seen in generations. This is a time to build Canada strong, and that is exactly what we are proposing to Canadians. Last year, as the Chair will recall, because she and my colleagues were here, I was honoured to rise in the House to present budget 2025, which laid out our government's ambitious plan to act swiftly to make and unlock generational investments to foster vibrant communities, empower Canadians, protect our country and build the strongest economy in the G7. I am happy to report that we are on track to build the strongest economy in the G7.”
“Madam Chair, I have the opportunity to speak before you tonight, which I would say is a great privilege. [ Translation ] I want to thank my colleagues for being here this evening and for taking the time to debate important issues, because we are talking about the budget, after all. We are talking about Canada's public finances. I also want to thank the deputy chair, who plays a very important role in Canada's democracy. I thank the Chair for giving me the opportunity to speak this evening. Needless to say, as some members have mentioned, Canada, like many other countries, is going through a time of tremendous upheaval. [ English ] From new geopolitical dynamics to supply chain disruptions to rapid technological breakthroughs, including in artificial intelligence, the world is changing at an unprecedented speed, scope and scale.”
“Madam Chair, what I would say is that affordability is top of mind for the government, and it is top of mind for Canadians. We understand. That is why we are acting on the price of homes, the price of food and the price of gas.”
“Madam Chair, my colleague may not like my answer, but I know Canadians would like to know that housing is a priority for the government. We have made generational investments, and $56 billion will be invested during this fiscal framework to support housing in this country. As we understand, it is a pillar of affordability.”
“Madam Chair, the member will be happy to hear that the housing measures from 2026 to 2030‑31 will total $56 billion. This is probably one of the largest investments in housing that we have seen in this country. This is going to help families, because we know that housing is a pillar of affordability.”
“Madam Chair, my colleague will be happy to hear that Build Canada Homes, this new agency, has been tasked to build all the affordable homes that are going to be needed in this country. This is a game-changer for Canadians. It is a pillar of affordability, and we have made generational investments in housing.”
“Madam Chair, my colleague will be happy to hear that we have made generational investments in housing, and in particular with respect to affordable housing. He will know about Build Canada Homes. This is the agency that is going to build more affordable homes in this country, and that is going to be a key pillar of affordability for families.”
“Madam Chair, I assume the member will be very happy to vote for Bill C-30 . For those who are watching, this is the bill that will, in effect, put in law the suspension of the excise fuel tax, which is going to be very relevant for Canadians across the country as we walk into summer.”
“Madam Chair, my colleague would understand that this is exactly why we suspended the excise fuel tax of 10¢, and four cents for diesel. We understand, obviously, that this is going to have an impact for consumers. That is the kind of measure that the International Monetary Fund has been calling very targeted and time-limited in the way that we have proposed it.”
“Madam Chair, my colleague will be happy to report to his constituents that on June 5 the Canada groceries and essentials benefit will be helping 12 million Canadians. I am sure that among these 12 million Canadians there are constituents of my colleague's. This is the kind of boost that families need, and I expect my colleague will vote for Bill C-30 to put that measure in place.”
“Madam Chair, the member is a very experienced member of this House. He would probably know that there have been a number of challenges with respect to the supply chain and that we are living through the most important energy crisis we have seen. Therefore, we have seen inflation, not only in Canada, in food prices, but—”
“Madam Chair, I am pleased to tell everyone in Quebec City who is listening that this Minister of Finance, together with the Prime Minister, has managed to reduce the deficit by $11 billion for the current year. I think people understand that we have adopted a fiscal stance that is reasonable, disciplined and as rigorous as the current situation demands. This should give confidence to all Canadians, including, of course, the people of Quebec City.”
“Madam Chair, my colleague is an experienced member of Parliament for whom I have the utmost respect, and he knows it. Two-thirds of the $7 billion in additional revenue we have received has been allocated to help Canadians. Like him, I know that the primary concern for Canadians is affordability. It is the cost of housing, the cost of food and the cost of gas. He will be pleased to announce to his constituents in Quebec City that we have taken action on all three fronts to make life more affordable for Canadians.”
“Madam Chair, my colleague will be pleased to see that, in fact, the projected deficit is $11 billion lower than what was projected in budget 2025. Under my leadership, we have presented a deficit that is $11 billion lower. Agencies around the world have seen that Canada has taken a serious position on taxation, that we are fiscally responsible and that we are acting with the rigour that the current situation demands.”
“Madam Chair, I would like to thank my colleague for saying such kind things about me. It is true that we were both elected at the same time, in 2015. He is right. I have always worked to advance the interests of Canadian citizens. It is true that, during those years, we presented a generational investment plan to grow the economy and have the strongest economy in the G7. That work continues now that I am the Minister of Finance.”
“Madam Chair, I would be pleased to come testify in committee. However, as my colleague said, I made a commitment to find a solution in the interest of the people of Laval. That is exactly what we did, to the satisfaction of the mayor of Laval, Mr. Boyer, who personally expressed his appreciation for the work we accomplished together to resolve this situation.”
“Madam Chair, in the spirit of teaching my colleague some of the facts, let me quote Kevin Page. He said, “The hard target of a balanced operating budget in 2028‑29 will put more constraints on the government than would fiscal rules tied to changes in the size of the economy”. This is coming from Kevin Page.”
“Madam Chair, I will be happy to remind my colleague, who is a learned member of the House, that we have two fiscal anchors. One is a declining deficit-to-GDP ratio. The other is to balance the operating budget with revenues by 2028-29. Those are the two fiscal anchors of the Government of Canada.”
“Madam Chair, the member will be pleased to hear that the International Monetary Fund just stated that Canada has the strongest fiscal position in the G7. Actually, we have the second-fastest growth in the G7. I am sure that my colleague will be happy to report to his constituents that the country is on a good fiscal track.”
“Madam Chair, again, it is going to be a very interesting evening. I look forward to the question because, in fact, what I was saying is that the debt charges, as a percentage of GDP, are not only lower than they were in the 1990s, but they are below the historical average of 40 years, which was 3.2%. I think the member should be happy to see that the country is on a very solid fiscal track.”
“Madam Chair, as I said, it is going to be interesting for Canadians to learn that the projected debt charge, as a percentage of GDP, for 2026-27 will be 1.7%. That is far below the peak of 6.5% that Canadians faced in the 1990s. What I am saying is that we are on a very solid fiscal track.”
“Madam Chair, my colleague will be happy to learn, because tonight is a learning exercise for my colleagues, that in fact the percentage, when we look at the debt charge of Canada, is pretty low by historical standards. It is close to 2%. If we look at the historical figures in the 1990s, they were around 6%. I would say that Canada is in a very strong fiscal position.”
“Madam Chair, it is a real pleasure to be spending the whole evening with my colleagues. My colleague will be happy to learn, because I know he will be very interested, that we made generational investments in infrastructure, housing, productivity and innovation. The plan of Canada, according to the International Monetary Fund, is the way forward in order to create growth. I am sure tonight my colleague will be very happy to know that the country is going to be building the strongest economy in the G7 and that we have made generational investments in infrastructure.”
“I think that the people of Richmond—Arthabaska can see that our government will always be there to help them in their time of need.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would also like to compliment my colleague from Richmond—Arthabaska for speaking in both languages in the House. Doing that in the House is important. My reply has two parts. First, I know many people in Richmond—Arthabaska, and I think that his constituents want fiscal responsibility and discipline. They understand that additional revenues have been raised and they also understand that a portion of these revenues are going toward help with housing and groceries. These measures are going to support affordability. I think that the impact of temporarily suspending the excise tax on gas is already having a direct impact at the pumps. However, my colleague is well aware that over 80% of the price at the pump is determined by global oil prices. We are ready to do our part, and we have done it.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for that important question. I am grateful to her. She has always encouraged the House to consider measures that will help Canadians across the country. She will be pleased to learn that, as I was saying, in the 2026 spring economic update, we actually put two-thirds of that $7 billion in additional revenue toward helping people. We are helping them with housing and groceries because I believe that is what matters right now. Yes, investing for the future is important, but people are worried about making it to the end of the week or the end of the month. They want us to help them now, while we are building a strong country together. I think my colleague understands that we have demonstrated fiscal discipline while showing up with compassion to help Canadians in their time of need.”
“If there is one thing people watching at home know, it is that we on this side of the House will always stand up to support families and Canadians when they need it.”
“Mr. Speaker, I recognize the wisdom behind my colleague's question. Yes, when it was time to stand up for Canadians, the Conservatives remained seated. When it was time to stand up for families, the Conservatives were nowhere to be found. I remember the votes. It is important to vote for affordability at every opportunity. My colleague is right. What I saw with him in New Brunswick, we are seeing across the country. That is why Canada is a leader. We have taken action on affordable housing. That is the first pillar of affordability. We were there with the Canada child benefit. We want to talk about what we have already done, which is obviously helping families across the country.”
“I hope that my colleague will not only ask a question this morning, but also take meaningful action to support lowering costs and lend a helping hand to Canadian families.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague's question also gives me the opportunity to speak in the language of Molière, whom we all admire here in the House. The Bloc Québécois members may not have said it yet, but I look at them this morning and I can see it in their smiles and in their hearts. I think they are going to vote for Bill C-30 because they know that Quebeckers need this help. I believe that, as members here in the House, we all need to support Canadians at a time like this. When my colleague goes to his riding, he is aware, just as I am, of the issues surrounding housing affordability, grocery prices, and gas prices. These are important issues, but it is important to note that Bill C-30 will bring this measure into effect.”