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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“I am sure, because I know him, that he is going to talk also about the fact that we have suspended the fuel excise tax, which is providing meaningful support to Canadians across the country.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am glad to hear that my Conservative colleague realizes the reality in this country. He is right to say that what concerns Canadians is the price of rent, the price of food and the price of gas. I am sure he is going to go back to his constituents soon, and the good news is that he will be able to explain to them that in fact the Government of Canada has already acted to provide more affordable housing, which is the first pillar of affordability. That way, the grocery and essentials benefit is going to make a difference in the lives of 12 million Canadians. He is probably going to talk also about the fact that we have reduced taxes for the first bracket, from 15% to 14%, helping 22 million Canadians.”
“They understand that we need to empower Canadians. They understand that we need to build safer communities. We will continue to work with all members of the House to make sure that we build this country strong and that we have the strongest economy in the G7.”
“It is a plan that has been applauded by international organizations like the International Monetary Fund, which says Canada has the strongest fiscal position of the G7. In fact, we have the lowest net debt to GDP and one of the lowest deficits in the G7, and we are one of only two countries in the G7 that has a AAA credit rating. The strong fiscal position we have is allowing us to invest in our future but also to support Canadians now, at a time of need. That is why I am so pleased that, also with Bill C-30 , we have put a number of measures in the spring economic update that would support Canadians, build our country and make our communities safer. I look forward to hearing from my colleagues. I know they are keen to support Bill C-30 as well. They understand that we need to build Canada strong.”
“We have also moved forward with ambitious pro-competition measures in the telecom and financial sectors to strengthen competition, reduce prices, offer more choice to Canadians and allow Canadians to more easily switch between providers and pay lower bank and service fees. In conclusion, because I am eager to get questions from my colleagues so that I can say even more about what we are doing to support Canadians, our plan is moving Canada's economy from reliance to resilience. Canadians understand that we need to invest in our economy to build the strongest economy in the G7. That is why, in budget 2025, I was pleased to introduce and present generational investments in housing, infrastructure, competitiveness, innovation and our defence.”
“This is a measure that is helping our kids and our grandkids yet to come and that is very well liked by families. However, we do not stop there. There is more good news. We have also introduced the automatic federal benefits, starting with the 2026 tax year. We looked at what was going on in different countries, we looked at best practices, and I would say that automatic federal benefits are one of them. This will ensure that 5.5 million low-income Canadians automatically receive the benefits they qualify for by the 2028 tax year, including the Canada groceries and essentials benefit and the Canada child benefit.”
“Our government has also eliminated the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes up to $1 million and reduced the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. In addition, and I think we should all be very proud as members of the House, we made the national school food program permanent. This is something that will be remembered for generations. It is providing school meals for up to 400,000 children each year, saving families with children in school who benefit from it an estimated $800 annually on groceries. Helping our children in making sure they have a good meal to start the day is, I am sure, something every member of the House should feel good about. I am thinking about the member who will have his grandchildren soon.”
“These are significant sums for nearly 12 million Canadians. [ English ] Our government is also delivering major tax cuts to give Canadians a break because we have heard how we can help Canadians. Since July 1, 2025, Canadians have been paying less tax after the government lowered the first marginal personal income tax rate from 15% to 14%. This was the very first thing we did as a government. The very first thing we did was to lower taxes for 22 million Canadians, and this is making a difference. This is responsible. This is a measure that has been helping everyone in this country. Thanks to this change, 22 million Canadians benefit from tax relief of up to $420 per person, saving two-income families up to $840 a year.”
“There is a one-time payment, but we have also included support for the coming years to help families cope with the cost of groceries. The increase will provide an additional $8.6 billion in support and will also enable approximately 500,000 new individuals and families to benefit from this new program. This is substantial support. (1050) Just yesterday, I was talking to people in a grocery store. I was also talking to the managers and telling them that putting money like this directly into people's pockets will help many families cope with the rising food prices we have been seeing. In practical terms, a family of four could receive up to $1,890 this year and about $1,400 a year for the next four years. A single person could receive up to $950 this year and about $700 a year thereafter.”
“Every member of the House here today has constituents in their ridings who will benefit from this measure because it will help people cover the basics of everyday life. This measure is based on the GST credit. The benefit will provide an additional $11.7 billion in support over six years. That is close to $12 billion that will go into Canadians' pockets. First, we are talking about a one-time payment that will be issued starting on June 5. I am counting on all members of the House to tell their constituents that many people will receive this assistance on June 5. The payment will be 50% of the total annual GST credit amount for 2025‑26 and will provide immediate assistance of $3.1 billion to eligible individuals and families. In addition, the GST credit will be increased by 25% for five years starting in July.”
“Food prices have gone up faster than inflation due to shocks caused by global supply chain disruptions, new tariffs, climate-related weather events and, as I already mentioned, geopolitical tensions. In the face of this reality, our government has taken concrete steps to make life more affordable in the short term, while strengthening food security and supporting innovation in the agriculture and agri-food sector. I spoke with our colleagues at the Union des producteurs agricoles, or UPA, to better understand how we can become more resilient, produce more here at home and be less dependent on foreign imports. To support those most affected by rising food prices, in January, our government announced the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit, a very targeted and important benefit that will help over 12 million Canadians.”
“[ Translation ] For many Canadians, the cost of groceries and basic necessities remains a constant concern. We know that, because that is what we are hearing right across the country. That is why we decided to take action. We did not wait; we decided to take action to support families. We are all aware that the pandemic caused a global spike in inflation that drove up the cost of food and essentials. People watching at home understand that Canada is not immune to global pressures such as climate change, tariffs, supply chain disruptions and fuel costs. People understand that Canada is not immune to all this, but we are able to act on what we control. That is exactly what we have done.”
“Right after taking office, the Prime Minister cancelled the federal consumer fuel charge, effective April 1, 2025, in a move that directly helped Canadians save money at the pump. We have taken a suite of measures to reduce the price of fuel across the country. Our government also removed the requirement for provinces and territories to have a consumer-facing carbon price as of that date. These actions helped reduce gas prices in most provinces and territories by about 18¢ per litre in comparison to 2024‑25. Our measures have been targeted and are effective. If we compare the measures that Canada has been taking among the G7, we will see that they are very targeted. They have been very effective, and a number of countries are looking for the leadership of Canada, in terms of the measures that will help Canadians.”
“This is just one of several measures we have put forward to alleviate the pressure of the higher cost of fuel on Canadian households and budgets. (1045) I expect that my Conservative colleagues who are here this morning will support Bill C-30 because it is a bill that would actually put in motion what we have just discussed this morning. It is good to ask questions, and it is good to make speeches, but it is even better to vote in favour of a bill that would make a difference in the lives of Canadians. I can see in their eyes and in their smiles that they intend to vote, and we are going to look for that. Their constituents are going to be watching to see if they vote for support that would reduce fuel costs.”
“This measure will also help reduce operating costs for businesses in the food, agriculture, housing, construction and trucking sectors, because we know that, with lower costs and greater financial strength, businesses can hire more workers and confidently build and export more products to global markets. It would also help Canadian families save on their transportation costs as they set out to explore our beautiful country this summer. The suspension is estimated to provide relief of over $2.4 billion in 2026 and 2027. I just want to remind my colleague who was talking about additional revenues that, as I outlined in the spring economic update, two-thirds of the additional revenues that we have received have been used to support Canadian families at a time of need.”
“In fact, that is why the measures we have taken in affordable housing, groceries and suspending the federal excise tax on fuel are making a difference in the lives of Canadians. Last month, I joined the Prime Minister here in Ottawa to introduce a temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels. Since April 20 and until Labour Day, we are ensuring Canadians will not have to pay the fuel excise tax at the pumps. For us, this was a priority to help Canadians and businesses manage these global pressures. This is expected to reduce Canadians' bill at the gas station by 10¢ per litre on regular gasoline and 4¢ on diesel. This represents almost $6 when filling a typical 50-litre tank of fuel. That is meaningful support for Canadians and consumers.”
“Faced with this situation, the government is focusing on what it can control, which is to build a stronger economy to lower the cost of living for Canadians and to build the strongest and most resilient economy in the G7. We are particularly mindful of the pressures caused by rising gas prices in a global environment marked by significant geopolitical tensions. As I said, Canadians fully understand the geopolitical situation facing countries around the world. [ English ] That is exactly why we acted. There have been a lot of speeches this morning, but what Canadians want to see is action, and that is what our government has been delivering. The International Energy Agency has called this the most severe energy crisis in history. That is the backdrop that we are all facing. It is the largest energy crisis in history.”
“Canada has taken targeted measures that will help families and Canadians across the country. I would even go so far as to say that, in international discussions, people often view Canada as a country that has used its fiscal capacity wisely to help families and households in their time of need. The rapidly changing global environment is creating uncertainty for businesses, workers and families. People are saying that there is a fog of uncertainty shrouding the planet right now, and I would say that Canada, in such a context, is in a position to take concrete action to help people and certainly to help businesses, workers and households.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise and set the record straight. We have heard a lot of things this morning, but I believe that folks listening at home want the facts. They know we are facing the biggest energy crisis in decades, according to the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency. I am therefore very pleased to take part in today's debate on an issue that affects all Canadians. We are well aware that affordability is the number one concern of Canadians. We are talking about the cost of housing, the cost of groceries and, of course, the cost of gas. I also want to say that Canada is not immune to the global situation. In fact, we discussed this very issue with our G7 colleagues when we met last week. Canada is proving itself to be a leader in affordability.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be here to listen to the remarks of my colleague. If she wants to talk about affordability, I am sure she knows that the three things that concern Canadians are the price of rent, the price of food and the price of gas. I am sure she will go back to her constituents to say that Canada has taken the lead in helping Canadians with more affordable homes. I am sure she is going to talk to her constituents on June 5, when 12 million Canadians will get the boost they need to cope with the inflation we have seen in the price of food. I am sure she will say that the federal government removed the federal excise tax on gas. The question I have for the member is this: Is she asking the provinces to remove the taxes they have put on fuel across the nation? That is an interesting question.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to hear from my colleague this morning, but I am a little surprised by his comments. The people in his riding are capable of keeping things in perspective. First, I want to congratulate him on becoming a grandfather. He will be happy to know that we are going to build the strongest economy in the G7 for his grandson or granddaughter. We know people are watching us at home, and I am sure my colleague will record today's proceedings. How will he explain to the people in his riding why he and his party voted against the affordability measures? Is he going to vote against the measure to ensure that, on June 5, people in his riding will receive the Canada groceries and essentials benefit? This is a measure that will help 12 million Canadians, including people in his riding.”
“Mr. Speaker, we will take no lessons from the Conservatives. Members can take my word on that. At every step of the way, when we put measures around affordability, they voted against them. They should be ashamed. At a time when Canadians are asking us to act on the cost of living, that is exactly what we have done. We are building more affordable houses, we have taken measures on affordability for food prices, and we have suspended the excise fuel tax on gas. On this side of the House, we know when to act for Canadians. We will continue to support Canadians, and I invite my colleagues on the other side to vote for Bill C-30 .”
“Mr. Speaker, the executive director of the International Energy Agency has said that we are currently facing the largest energy crisis in history. That is why we took action. We did not wait. In other words, we suspended the federal fuel tax. That is because we are acutely aware that we need to give Canadians a helping hand as the summer season approaches. We will always be there to stand up for the interests of Canadians, and I invite my Conservative colleagues to vote in favour of Bill C-30 , which will give Canadians a helping hand this summer.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am sure the Leader of the Opposition understands that we are currently facing a global energy crisis. We know that Canadians' top priority is affordability, meaning the cost of housing, food and gas. The good news is that this is exactly what we have taken action on. We have suspended the federal excise tax on fuel, lowering the cost of gas for Canadians by 10¢. We on this side are very aware that affordability is the number one issue for Canadians. That is why, together with all my colleagues, we will always be there to help Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, like my colleague, I also want to wish Bob Fife a happy retirement. I had the chance to send him a note. He has done a great service to journalism in Canada and to our democracy, and we applaud his work. When it comes to transparency, the member should be happy that the bill is going to go to committee. I am sure he will take all the time he needs in committee to make sure his voice can be heard. We will be here to answer questions, but we will also act for Canadians in the time of need.”
“Mr. Speaker, that is a very important question. In fact, we are going to make the capital gains tax exemption permanent when it comes to employee ownership trust. This is a measure that is being applauded by a number of people across the country. It is the kind of thing we see in Bill C-30 . It is why, in the questions from opposition members, apart from the parliamentary opposition that we would expect, they should look beyond that. This is a time when we need to do big things for the country and to support Canadians, industry and workers. That is exactly what Bill C-30 would do.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have made some of the largest investments in science and research. Canada is a world leader. Take artificial intelligence, for example. Since I was asked the question by a Bloc Québécois member, I would like to point out that Montreal, along with other cities in Canada, is recognized as a global hub for AI. This did not happen by chance. It happened because we have the ability to attract the best researchers and the top talent to our country and to support them, so that technological research and development happen here at home. We have always been there for research, development and innovation. We are going to continue being there today, as always.”
“We are saying the bill should go to committee, because there is one thing Canadians in Oshawa and around the country understand: The world is going through unprecedented changes, and we should act on what we can control. One thing we can control is supporting Canadians with affordability measures when they need them, and that is what we are going to do.”
“Mr. Speaker, one thing I will not take is lessons from the Conservatives on the work we are doing with respect to the auto sector. If the member goes to her constituents, she will see that, as the former industry minister, I always stood up, and the current government has always stood up, for the auto workers and the auto industry. We will always continue to do so. In fact, we have already put measures in the budget to support our auto workers. We have attracted investments in this country. We are going to support the industry. We are going to support our workers. When it comes time to debate, we are standing here to answer the questions.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know that member well. He is a member of Parliament who likes to debate and do his part. He will have the opportunity to do so because this bill will be reviewed in committee. I know that my colleague excels at presenting his point of view in committee. I think that today, he should stand up and say that he is willing to work, that he wants the bill to be referred to committee and that he will do his part. As I have always done as a parliamentarian, I will be here to answer my colleagues' questions, obviously, but there is also an urgent need to act. We see what is happening around the world and we know what we are able to control in terms of affordability. It is time to give Canadians a helping hand.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have answered it a number of times. The Conservatives may not like my answer, but that is different. They may want to change the question. What I can say is, yes, we will debate it. Yes, we will be here to answer questions. Yes, we believe in accountability, but we believe in action as well. Canadians demand action from their government. They demand action from Parliament. They demand that we tackle affordability. This is top of mind. I know that the member is supportive of the measure to support seasonal workers. I know he is supportive of the immediate expenses for greenhouses. I know he is supportive of Bill C-30 . Let us leave partisanship aside. Let us vote, and let us make sure we act for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, we all know that one of the pillars of affordability is, indeed, affordable housing. That is why we announced extraordinary measures to ramp up construction, increase innovation and help people find affordable housing. It is because we are very aware that this is one of the pillars of affordability. Affordability is at the heart of Bill C‑30 . I therefore expect my Bloc Québécois colleagues, who have the interests of Quebeckers and all Canadians at heart, to rise and say that, yes, they will support Quebeckers, yes, they will support affordability, yes, they will explain to their constituents why it is so important to act now so we can help them and give them a hand when they are facing unprecedented pressures, and yes, they will support affordability.”
“Mr. Speaker, serving Canadians is in fact acting on behalf of Canadians. The thing that Canadians care about is affordability. The member should be standing in this House and saying, “Yes, I will support the government.” Why? There are measures that support Canadians on affordability, important measures around the gas tax and the suspension we announced. The member should be standing here and saying that this government understands the needs of Canadians and that Conservatives will leave partisanship aside, leave these quotes and these clips, and do what is right for Canadians. What is right for Canadians is to act for affordability right now.”
“Mr. Speaker, that is an excellent question. It is an important one because what we are saying is that we are making generational investments in infrastructure, housing, competitiveness, innovation and defence. It is true that we are going to need these young workers to build the country together. That is why we included exceptional, even generational, measures in the spring economic statement to provide opportunities for approximately 80,000 to 100,000 young people who will help us build this great country. This is a generational opportunity, and we are responding to the demand for workers who will help us build this great country.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think that seasonal workers will be pleased. They will be surprised to hear what my colleague said. I have a great deal of respect for her, I know her well and she does extraordinary work. However, what I can say is that when we talk about seasonal workers, I think that all of my colleagues here are in favour of the measures we are offering in Bill C-30 . Those workers need these measures because if they are not extended, they will expire. I think my colleague will go back to her riding and explain to seasonal workers how important it is to support Bill C-30, which will provide the boost that seasonal workers need in her part of the country, in my part of the country, whether they are in the Gaspé Peninsula or elsewhere in Quebec. I expect that the Bloc Québécois will support Bill C-30.”
“Mr. Speaker, in fact, we are listening to Canadians. I know the member quite well. I am sure he would be happy to report to his constituents that, when he is going to vote, there will be an additional two-year extension of the 2% cap on the annual alcohol excise duty inflation. He will go around and talk about the fact that he has been supporting the government, because this is something that constituents in his riding, the distilleries and those who are in the sector have been asking this government for. I know the member. He is a good man, and he understands that we need to meet the moment. There are a lot of things that happen in the world, but one thing we can do is focus on what we can control. What we can control in this House is passing these measures, supporting affordability and supporting Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question from my colleague, for whom I have a great deal of respect. The primary responsibility of each and every one of us is, of course, to be a parliamentarian. It is to be a member of Parliament, to sit in this chamber and debate bills. That is what I have always done. Tomorrow, I will even be appearing before a House committee for four hours to answer questions from my colleagues. I will also be in committee next week. I am happy to answer questions in order to be transparent and to explain to Canadians the importance of the measures proposed in the economic statement that was just presented and the budget we tabled. The primary role of each and every one of us is to be a member of Parliament.”
“Those are the types of measures that I know every member of this House, regardless of their political affiliation, would support, because being able to grow more food in Canada, to be more resilient and to provide communities the power to grow food in their own communities is something we should all be supportive of.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have enormous respect for my colleague, and I always listen to her comments. In fact, what we are doing this morning would allow the committee to study the measures in the bill. The member will find that there are a number of measures there, for example with respect to seasonal workers and affordability. I know she would support them, because she is a member who has always supported the rights of workers. There are measures, for example, of immediate expensing for greenhouses so that we can grow more food in Canada, reduce our dependency and be more resilient.”
“Therefore, I would hope and expect that every member of the House would stand up, support the motion and get down to work.”
“Mr. Speaker, indeed, this bill, Bill C-30 , would be helping Canadians with affordability. We all know this is top of mind for Canadians, wherever we go in the country. Let me point out other good things that are in Bill C-30. It would modify the labour mobility deduction for eligible tradespeople by increasing the annual limit on expenses that can be deducted. It would make permanent the capital gains tax exemption for the sale of a business to an employee ownership trust or a worker co-operative. Those are the types of measures that have been asked for by labour, industry and workers, and they would make a difference. I know that everyone who was elected and sits in the House wants to make a difference for their constituents. There are 18 measures in Bill C-30 that would make a difference in the lives of Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am quite happy to talk about the deficit. In fact, the projected deficit for 2025-26 is actually $11 billion lower than what was projected, and this is because of the resiliency of the Canadian economy and the resiliency of Canadian workers. Even international agencies have said that Canada has the strongest fiscal position in the G7. I know the Conservatives do not want to hear that, but those are the facts. They want clips and they want video. They should rely on international agencies, which do not need clips or videos. They just say the facts as they are, and they say that Canada has the strongest fiscal position in the G7. Those are the facts.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, who is someone I hold in very high regard. I think that the people watching at home understand the circumstances we find ourselves in. I just got back from meetings with my G7 colleagues. The world is changing. We have to take concrete measures. The issue of affordability, for example, is very real for all Canadians across the country. Bill C‑30 would allow us to implement the measure we announced to suspend the federal excise tax on gas and diesel. This is an important measure for Canadians as the summer season starts and Canadians travel across the country. I know that my colleagues in the House understand the importance of taking action. Canadians expect us to take action here, in the House, with all haste they are entitled to expect of measures that will help them over the summer.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am sure the cameras are on and I am quite happy to speak to Canadians. I will go to other measures that I think the Conservatives should support. Division 4 of part 3 would amend the Employment Insurance Act and extend, until October 7, 2028, the duration of the measure that increases the maximum number of weeks for which benefits may be paid in a benefit period to certain seasonal workers. I am sure the seasonal workers watching at home today would expect the opposition to stand up and say, yes, they support seasonal workers and they want to make sure they have the measures that will support them and their families. On this side of the House, I can assure everyone that all my colleagues want to make sure that, on the one hand, we respond to all the questions, but, on the other hand, we also do what is right for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am surprised by the words used by the member, for whom I have enormous respect. I think he should listen to Canadians. In Bill C-30 , we see important measures. Outside this chamber, the one thing Canadians talk to us about is affordability. Affordability is top of mind for Canadians when it comes to the price of homes, gas and food. Bill C-30 would implement the very important measure we said we would implement, which is to suspend the federal excise tax on gas and diesel. If the Conservatives are true to their word, I hope they will all stand up and say, yes, they will support the motion, because we need to act in favour of Canadians. That is what Canadians expect, and that is what we will deliver.”
“Mr. Speaker, we understand full well what people across the country are going through. That is why we have been there to make life more affordable. We are keenly aware that the first things on people's minds are affordable housing, groceries and gas. I have great news for my colleague: the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. On June 5, 12 million Canadians will receive federal support. We are happy to do what needs to be done. We will always be there for Canadians. In the economic update, we introduced our plan to grow our economy and to support each and every Canadian.”
“Mr. Speaker, in fact, my colleague has a selective memory because the PBO actually confirmed that the government is on track to reduce the deficit. The PBO addressed the current fiscal policy as “sustainable” under the IMF framework. We are building this country at a speed and scale not seen in a generation. We are supporting our young people. We are supporting our industry. The Conservatives should just stop complaining and build Canada strong with us.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know it is Tuesday, but let me help the Leader of the Opposition . He may have heard of the Strait of Hormuz. He may have heard about Iran. He may have heard about a conflict. What we are seeing is unprecedented. Members do not need to take it from us. They can take it from the head of the International Energy Agency, who says that this is the biggest shock we have seen in energy. On this side of the House, we are happy to do our part. We are very pleased to have suspended the federal excise tax on gas. We heard from Canadians, who said, “Give us a break. Help us at this time.” We are happy to do our part. We are going to build Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, exactly, we did the right thing. As the International Monetary Fund has noted, we introduced a targeted, temporary measure to help Canadians. On our side of the House, we are prepared to do what is necessary. The federal government did the right thing by suspending the federal excise tax on fuel. We were there for Canadians. We will continue to be there, and we will continue to support industries, businesses and Canadians, because we believe in building Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, allow me to help out the opposition leader. There is something called a conflict going on in the Strait of Hormuz right now. The level of uncertainty is indeed unprecedented. Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency, said that this is the largest energy crisis we have ever faced. Here we have the Leader of the Opposition pointing the finger at the government, even though we did the right thing. We helped Canadians by making things more affordable. We suspended the federal gas tax. People are already seeing the results at the pump. That is what responsible government looks like.”