François-Philippe Champagne
Saint-Maurice—Champlain, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, during this final question period before the summer recess, I would have expected the Leader of the Opposition to thank the Prime Minister of Canada for the work he did at the G7 summit. We brought back 13 deals that will generate $5 billion.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me remind the leader that we will take no lessons from the Conservatives. He needs to be reminded. We have the second-fastest growing economy in the G7.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we come to the end of the session, we would expect the Leader of the Opposition to be a bit more cheerful because, in fact, there is good news. If he wants to look at results, Canada is the second-fastest growing economy in the G7. We have seen that investment in machinery and equipment is up.”
“Mr. Speaker, we hear the Conservatives talk against the economy. On this side of the House, we are proud. We are proud to have the most skilled workers in the world. We are proud to have an auto industry, a maritime industry, and an aerospace industry. We are proud to have critical minerals for the 21st century.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking the member for Hull—Aylmer for his question and for all his leadership. I am sure that my colleagues will agree with me. He is right. Last week, we unveiled the national food security strategy, because we know that food security is a top priority for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague will be pleased to hear that the Canadian economy ranks second in the G7 in terms of growth. Not only are we seeing growth, but we are also seeing investment; Bombardier is a perfect example of that. Quebec's aerospace industry is thriving. We have always been there to defend our industries.”
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“Mr. Speaker, I can tell that my colleague read the economic update, but he only read part of it. I realize there are a lot of pages to read, so I will help my colleague out. The economic update also covers major projects. The Port of Montreal's Contrecoeur expansion project will boost its capacity by 60%. This will be the biggest port expansion in Canadian history. Quebec is a business leader. Quebec has green energy and entrepreneurs. We will continue to invest in our entrepreneurs and our industries to build Canada strong all across this great country.”
“Mr. Speaker, I realize this is an important document and that, as my colleague has only just arrived, he has not had time to read it in full. I will help him prepare for the next question period. The deficit is going down by $11 billion. It has not increased; it has decreased. I will help him out with his next question. Here is what is important. He spoke of a sovereign wealth fund, a fund that will help build a strong Canada and enable people to invest. Instead of criticizing and heckling, I invite the members opposite to join us in building a strong and fair Canada for everyone. We are doing this for the whole country.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have enormous respect for my colleague. She raises a very important question. With respect to the disability tax credit, we have listened to the community. We have made sure that it is more efficient. We want to make sure that the people who are entitled to the benefit can find the process easier. One thing I want to say is that 50% of the new measures we have adopted in the spring economic update are to help Canadians from coast to coast. We are always going to have the backs of Canadians. We are going to support our workers and support our industry. We are going to build Canada strong, together.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am sure everyone watching in University—Rosedale is proud of their new member of Parliament. It is just a few days, and she is already making a difference. She is right, and she has the experience. We have made sure that people who need the disability tax credit, those who are entitled to it, can do it faster. We have listened to the community and the people, and what they told us is that the process was very cumbersome. They could not get the benefit. This is about being a true Liberal. We are fiscally responsible, but we are also there for people. We are listening to communities. Two-thirds of the additional revenue we received has been used to make life more affordable for Canadians. That is truly building Canada strong for all.”
“Mr. Speaker, that is an important question. As I mentioned in my speech, we are aware that the results are there at the macroeconomic level. Still, we share the member's concerns for workers in the aluminum, steel, auto and softwood lumber sectors. One thing is certain, and I think my colleague would agree. The best thing we can do is to support our workers as we have always done and build a strong economy together. I hope that the Bloc Québécois will join us for once so we can pass this legislation to support our workers, support our industries and ensure that together we build a strong Canada that works for everyone.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me help my colleague. I know it is Tuesday, and it is likely that he will need to update his QP card. The deficit is lower and growth is up. Let me help him. The deficit is down and growth is up. Some hon. members: Oh, oh! Hon. François-Philippe Champagne: Mr. Speaker, they can shout as much as they want. I come from Shawinigan; I can handle these guys. It is amazing to me that they will not take the time to talk about support to build a stronger nation together. They will not talk about small craft harbours. They will not talk about the things that will build Canada strong. On this side of the aisle, we will support young people, workers and industry. We will build Canada strong together.”
“[ English ] When we build Canada strong together, there is no limit to what we can achieve. As Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen showed us on his recent journey to the moon, the sky is no longer the limit for us. Let us seize the moment, be ambitious and build Canada strong together.”
“[ Translation ] In conclusion, this spring economic update reflects the progress we have made and the important work that remains: building a strong Canada while ensuring that progress and economic growth are felt by Canadians across the country. [ English ] It is about stepping up for our businesses, farmers, entrepreneurs, workers and fishers, Canadians from all walks of life. It is about making sure the projects that build our nation move forward and that people have the support they need to get ahead, especially those affected by unjust tariffs. We are all thinking about them, and we can tell them that we have their backs. Every single member here has their backs. We are thinking about them. [ Translation ] It is about building Canada strong for all.”
“These are not isolated measures. We made these investments with a purpose. Let me make it real for my colleagues, the members of the House. In budget 2025, we made generational investments in infrastructure to build stronger communities, delivering tangible benefits across the country. Now team Canada strong will empower a new generation of workers from those same communities, to help build the local infrastructure the government is investing in. Whether that means homes, sports facilities or transit systems, these projects will be built by workers in our communities, for our communities, because when communities are strong, safe and connected, Canadians thrive together because we are all in for Canada. (1630) There is so much more to talk about, but I know that Canadians understand that we are building Canadian strong.”
“It will unite our country and inspire a generation of young Canadians in a very true Canadian way. This is Canada at its best, and we are going to support our young people and young athletes. Along our coast, the same spirit of hard work and community lives in our small craft harbours. Maybe we can get a smile for small craft harbours. I am looking. Small craft harbours are more than infrastructure. They are a foundation for coastal communities, supporting more than five million Canadians, sustaining indigenous traditions and powering thousands of jobs in the fish and seafood industry. This is why we are investing almost a billion dollars to repair and strengthen these vital harbours. Regardless of which side of the aisle someone sits on, they know that when we in the House invest, we invest in the people who depend on these investments.”
“[ Translation ] I got a bit carried away, but I am going to say it again because I think it is worth saying. It is the most significant investment in our sport system in 20 years. [ English ] I gave them a second chance to clap. [ Translation ] It will expand access for youth and better support high-performance athletes with additional funding of $755 million. Canadians understand the power of sport—how it pushes us to do better and brings us together in our communities. We saw this last year during the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and we see it every day on our rinks, in our sports centres, and in our school yards. A Canada for all must also be a Canada where sport is accessible for everyone. [ English ] Our strategy from the playground to the podium will make a real difference.”
“We are moving forward with a financial crimes agency and a national anti-fraud strategy to help protect Canadians, our seniors in particular, and to strengthen trust in our financial system. We are also taking steps to make communities safer, with strong tools to address crime and better protect public access. We have listened to communities across the country. We have listened to people, and we understand that they need safety in their place of worship. We are there for them. [ Translation ] We are investing in the vitality of our communities, and in the programs and people that support them. That includes the most significant investment in our sport system in 20 years. [ English ] I would have thought that clapping for sports was Canadian, in a way.”
“There is only so much one can ask. [ Translation ] We will continue to strengthen our defence capabilities, equip our forces with modern, Canadian-made equipment, and invest in our workers and our defence industry. Because national security begins with those who serve, we announced the largest pay increase for the Canadian Armed Forces in a generation, with recruitment now at a 30-year high. [ English ] That is because we are all in for Canada. (1625) Let me talk about stronger and safer communities. Strong communities are also safe communities and communities that bring people together. That is why this update will invest in the things that make communities stronger, safer and more connected across our great country.”
“We are helping the people most in need by extending support for people experiencing homelessness across our nation and by ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence have access to a safe place, because we believe in a Canada for all. Let me speak about defence. [ Translation ] Security starts at home but it also extends beyond it. We embarked on an important mission to rebuild, rearm and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces. In the last year, we have invested over $63 billion into our defence and security. This marks a historic shift in support for our military, one that is already delivering real results. In March, NATO confirmed that Canada has achieved its 2% defence expenditure target, half a decade ahead of the original schedule. [ English ] If there was one part I thought the opposition would applaud, it was this one.”
“Housing is a key pillar of affordability and we have made significant and tangible progress to build more affordable housing across the country. [ English ] Since their peak, home prices are down 20%, and rents are down 9% nationally. For many families, this is starting to translate into real relief, but all members of the House would agree that more work needs to be done. This update continues the work of Build Canada Homes, with a plan to increase supply, lower costs and help more Canadians find a safe and affordable home. We are cutting red tape to build homes faster, supporting innovation in construction, unlocking over $7 billion in low-cost financing, boosting housing supply and protecting construction jobs across the country in partnership with provinces and territories.”
“At the same time, we are making education more affordable by extending the increase to Canada student grants and the interest-free Canada student loans, which will benefit thousands of students across our nation. My colleagues and I, as well as the Prime Minister , have been across this nation and have listened to young people. They asked us to give them a hand now to make sure they can study and be part of this, and we have answered. We are glad to do our part for our young people. We are doing much more, because growth depends on giving people the tools to succeed. That is at the core of a Canada for all. (1620) [ Translation ] It is thanks to this new generation of builders that we will be able to build enough homes here in Canada. This brings me to one of the most pressing challenges facing Canadians today: housing.”
“[ English ] We are creating new opportunities for young Canadians to give back to their country, by launching team Canada strong as part of a nationwide effort to recruit, train and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new skilled trades workers. This is a step change in how we approach that. We are going to have the people to build this country together across our nation. This means real pathways into skilled trades, with paid training and hands-on experience. It means more opportunities for employers to hire and train young workers. It means a $5,000 bonus when a person completes their Red Seal certification. Most importantly, it means being part of building a stronger Canada. It is going to inspire a new generation of young people in our country.”
“The fund will invest in key strategic Canadian projects and companies. It will create jobs. It will support innovation. It will make Canada more competitive. Canadians themselves will be able to take part directly by investing in the fund, sharing in our growth and contributing to the country we are building together, because we are all in for Canada. [ Translation ] Investing in our future also means investing in the people who are building it. That is why this update is focused on helping workers and young people gain the skills, experience and support they need to succeed, as well as ensuring they take advantage of opportunities available to them.”
“[ English ] Through our flagship Canada Strong fund, we are creating Canada's first national sovereign wealth fund, something Canadians should all be proud of under the current government. This is a historic moment. Generations will look back at the Prime Minister , the government and the current Parliament and say that we were there for them. We are building long-term wealth and growth. Some hon members: Oh, oh! Hon. François-Philippe Champagne: Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues across the aisle are excited, because I can hear them shouting. A sovereign fund, and I will make this real for people watching at home, is essentially a national savings and investment account designed to grow wealth for future generations. It is about taking action today for future generations.”
“First-time home buyers are saving up to $50,000 since we eliminated the goods and services tax on homes priced at $1 million or under, and over nine million Canadians can now access affordable dental care through the Canadian dental care plan. [ English ] From the beginning, we have placed people and affordability at the centre of our economic plan because we know that these pressures are real and demand immediate action, because we believe in a Canada for all indeed. This brings me to the spring economic update that Canada's new government is tabling today. [ Translation ] Our objective is clear: to build a stronger, more independent, more resilient economy. That work begins by investing in our future and by giving Canadians the opportunity to take part in building it.”
“(1615) [ Translation ] On June 5, more than 12 million Canadians will receive additional support through the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit. Millions more are already benefiting from our middle-class tax cut and automatic federal benefits, ensuring they receive the support they need. The suspended federal fuel excise tax on gas and diesel across Canada aims to reduce Canadians' bills by up to 10¢ per litre on regular gasoline and four cents per litre on diesel. That relief is already being felt by consumers. Four hundred thousand children have access to healthy meals, while their parents are saving $800 a year on groceries, because we worked with the Prime Minister to make the national school food program permanent.”
“Canada is seen as a trusted partner to deliver the energy and the food security the world needs, both now and for decades to come. In a volatile environment, investors choose Canada for a reason: We offer unparalleled stability, predictability and opportunity. We will continue by making Canada strong. People want to invest in this country, and we will be there with them. That said, we know that affordability is the single most pressing issue for many Canadians. Some hon. members: Oh, oh! Hon. François-Philippe Champagne: Mr. Speaker, I think they might want to listen. We are relentlessly focused on what we can control: delivering targeted support where it matters most while our economic plan takes hold, a boost today and a bridge to tomorrow to ease the cost of living for Canadians.”
“Young people, increasingly, see themselves in building Canada strong, and we will be there with them. [ Translation ] Our vision is clear: a Canada strong at home and a Canada strategic abroad. Canada is seen on the global stage as moving with pragmatism and purpose. Over the past year, we have shown that Canada is a top destination for foreign direct investment. We attracted nearly $100 billion in investments, the highest level in almost two decades, and secured around 20 new economic and defence partnerships across four continents. [ English ] We are just getting started. Every member of the House will be happy to learn that in September we will host the first-ever Canada investment summit in Toronto to unlock even more opportunities, building on our trade diversification strategy that we outlined in 2025.”
“In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Bay du Nord project advanced significantly under our new government and positions Canada to be a supplier of choice at a time when energy security is top of mind. (1610) [ Translation ] These projects and others like them across the country are creating thousands of high-paying careers for Canadians and strengthening communities from coast to coast to coast. Advancing economic prosperity also means building a more sustainable future. That includes concrete climate policies that support growth, lower costs, and strengthen Canada's competitiveness. We are well on our way to conserve 30% of Canada's lands and waters by 2030. [ English ] I am pleased to report to this House that the dream of Canada is alive and well.”
“This is a moment for Canadians to lead, for our nation to be ambitious. We are building fast. We are building Canadian. We are building sustainably. From the copper and gold mine expansions in British Columbia to the Darlington new nuclear project in Ontario, we are powering the next generation of prosperity. In the north, we are proud to support an Inuit-owned renewable energy project in Iqaluit, breaking the Arctic's reliance on diesel and returning energy sovereignty to our people. I can see smiles across the aisle. There is more good news. We are also expanding this model of economic reconciliation through the indigenous loan guarantee program, supporting first nation equity in major projects like the Chatham to Lakeshore transmission line.”
“[ English ] This is a Canada that is not just for some, most of the time, but for all, all the time. Our ambitious plan to build the strongest economy in the G7 is on track. We are delivering on our plan through the work led by the Major Projects Office to supercharge 15 projects that are projected to create over 60,000 jobs and drive $126 billion in new investment. We are delivering on our plan through a defence industrial strategy that will increase our defence exports by 50% and support 125,000 high-paying careers, with an anticipated $125-billion downstream economic benefit by 2035. We are delivering on our plan through an automotive strategy that will protect a cornerstone of our economy while growing an industry that supports 500,000 jobs. We are delivering on our plan because we believe in Canada.”
“We also remain firmly on track to balance day-to-day operating spending with revenues by 2028-29 and to keep the deficit-to-GDP ratio on a steady downward path. This country is growing at an unprecedented speed. Just to put that in perspective, Canada has the second-fastest growing economy in the G7. We are growing almost twice as much as Germany, almost twice as much as Japan and almost three times more than Italy. This is because Canadians are resourceful. This is because we have the right plan. This is because, as Canadians, there is nothing that is beyond the limit for us. [ Translation ] Canadians understand that by spending less, we can invest more. Our fiscal position is strong and allows us to build a Canada that is strong and fair.”
“We have made this happen through pragmatic and targeted investments to make Canada the most competitive jurisdiction in the G7 for investment, including through the productivity superdeduction and through our trade diversification strategy. We have ensured that as revenues have grown by two-thirds, two-thirds of this increase over the past year has been directed toward affordability measures that make a real difference in the lives of Canadians. This is the true essence of being Canadian. Guided by our commitment to spend less so we can invest more, and building on the comprehensive expenditure review, our government continues to reduce spending, improve efficiency and deliver better value for Canadians. As a result, projected deficits are lower over the fiscal horizon.”
“(1605) [ Translation ] Over the past six months, we have supported Canadians with concrete measures to make everyday life more affordable while strengthening our economy. We have built the second-fastest growing economy in the G7 while reducing our projected deficit for 2025-26 by more than $11 billion. [ English ] This is the essence of being strong fiscal managers, to make sure that we make the right decisions to ensure benefits not only today but for future generations. Our economy is resilient, driven by GDP growth, rising incomes and obviously more jobs. Let me be clear: This is good news for Canadians. It reflects a stronger, more productive economy.”
“This is a Canada we can be proud of, a country that is strong, a country that is ambitious, a country that is confident. Above all, as the Prime Minister said, let us lead with the strength of our values and the value of our strengths. Canada is resilient. Canada is resourceful. Canadians are resourceful people. Together, we can chart a path forward through the fog of uncertainty, because Canada has what the world wants and increasingly needs. We have the right plan. We are building big. We are moving fast, and the good news is that we are just getting started. I know that, in their hearts, my Conservative colleagues also feel the same. I can see that across the aisle. These are serious times, and Canadians expect us to be good stewards of our economy and manage our public finances with thoughtful fiscal discipline.”
“[ English ] In budget 2025, we made generational investments to build communities, to empower Canadians and to protect our country. Now the journey must continue. We do this by drawing on Canada's unique strengths and capabilities. We have the most educated workforce, something we should all be proud of. Some hon. members: Hear, hear! Hon. François-Philippe Champagne: Yes, Mr. Speaker, we should applaud all the strong people we have in Canada. We have a very strong industrial base that builds ships, cars and planes. We have critical minerals to power the economy of the 21st century. We are an energy superpower in renewables and in conventional and nuclear energy. We are the only G7 country with a free trade agreement with all other G7 nations, giving us preferential market access to 1.5 billion people around the world.”
“Mr. Speaker, honourable members, fellow Canadians, when I rose in this House to deliver budget 2025, I presented an ambitious plan to navigate current challenges and harness Canada's many strengths to position our country for success for decades to come. The changes we are witnessing are sudden and unprecedented. From geopolitical shifts to supply chain disruptions to rapid technological breakthroughs, including in artificial intelligence, the world is changing quickly and Canada must adapt to thrive. That is why the Prime Minister called on Canadians to seize the opportunity and build at a speed and scale not seen in generations, to build Canada strong, to build sustainably and responsibly and to build a Canada for all, because we believe in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 83(1), I would like to table, in both official languages, the spring economic update documents for 2026, including the notice of ways and means motion. The details of the measures are contained in these documents. Pursuant to Standing Order 83(2), I am requesting that an order of the day be designated for consideration of these motions.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me help the Leader of the Opposition. After all, it is Monday. The International Monetary Fund just said last week that Canada has the strongest fiscal position in the G7. The Canadian economy is the second-fastest growing economy in the G7. It is growing almost twice as fast as the one in Germany, almost twice as much as the one in Japan, and almost three times as much as that of our colleagues in Italy. The Canadian economy is strong. We are going to build Canada strong together. We are going to have our Canada Strong fund. Canadians will benefit—”
“Mr. Speaker, I know the Leader of the Opposition is looking for good news. Well, I have good news. He will have to update his QP cards because we announced the first Canadian sovereign wealth fund, a fund to build Canada strong, a fund that will allow Canadians to build this country like never before, to invest in projects across this country, to allow Canadians to invest alongside the government and to make sure that we all benefit. This is the essence of a Canada for all. We are building together and we will benefit together. Let us build Canada strong together.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have more good news for the Leader of the Opposition. The International Monetary Fund recently said that Canada has the second-fastest growth in the G7. It is nearly twice as fast as Germany's, almost twice as fast as Japan's and almost three times as fast as Italy's. This morning, we announced a sovereign wealth fund so Canadians across the country can build the country with us, create collective wealth and invest in these major projects.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know that it is Monday and that the Leader of the Opposition is always on the lookout for good news. Well, we have some good news this morning: Canada's first sovereign wealth fund, the Canada Strong fund. This fund is designed to help create collective wealth, to enable Canadians to build major projects from coast to coast to coast, and to set us apart among the G7 countries. Let us celebrate a Canada for everyone. Let us celebrate a fund for a strong Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, what a great question from a great MP from the good people of Bay of Quinte. I know that at home they are celebrating this great member. It is true. People are starting to see at the pump the result of our measure to suspend the federal fuel excise tax. It is not only the good people from the Bay of Quinte who are seeing this, but also people across the nation. I know the Conservatives will join us in saying that this is a measure to help with affordability. The good news is that it is not the only one. We have already done that with grocery prices. We will always be there for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my colleague's question, but I think he has forgotten everything that we have achieved. The Leader of the Government in the House of Commons just talked about projects that will move Quebec forward. It is important to know that Quebec is one of the world's top mining countries, and Quebeckers are proud of that. Canada, together with Quebec, is one of the leading authorities in the mining industry, and now we have the Nouveau Monde Graphite project. Better still, Quebec has built a battery ecosystem. We will be at the cutting edge of technology when it comes to building EVs together. Quebeckers and Canadians are very proud of that.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have a great deal of respect for my colleague. I know it is Friday, but I think he is asking the wrong question. The real question today is: How does Canada compare with the other G7 countries? Last week, the IMF told us that Canada will have the second-fastest growth in the G7. These are facts. I know that my colleague knows deep down in his heart that this is the truth, and I am sure he will go and share the good news with all his constituents. Canada is in a strong position. Together, we will build a strong Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am just another Liberal fighting for Canadians every day, like all my colleagues. It is astonishing. I know it is Friday and things are light because there is sunshine in Ottawa, but no results? Just look at what the International Monetary Fund said last week. It said that Canada will have the second-fastest growth in the G7. I would like to look at his scorecard. On this side of the House, we know what matters: fighting for Canadians every day, helping Canadians in need and building Canada strong together.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know it is Friday, but it seems that my colleague has the wrong QP card. Let me help him, because I think he might want to have some of the facts to send to his constituents. Just last week, the International Monetary Fund said that Canada has the strongest fiscal position of the G7. That is great news that I hope he is going to bring to his constituents. More than that, Canada will have the second-fastest growth in the G7. This is extraordinary. We are going to build this country strong with all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to see that the Bloc Québécois is proud that on April 28, we will be presenting an update that will help build the country. What my colleague said is true. We have been there for businesses. We established a strategic response fund precisely to enable SMEs across the country, including in Quebec, to pivot. The good news is that exports to other countries are on the rise. The plan we have put forward is working, and we will continue to build Canada strong together.”
“Mr. Speaker, we will take no lessons from the Conservatives. Let me be very clear. While the Leader of the Opposition is talking down the Canadian economy, the International Monetary Fund said some things last week: Canada will have the second-fastest growth in the G7, Canada has the strongest fiscal position in the G7, and Canada has attracted record direct investment in the country. This is being a Liberal in the 21st century: building a strong Canada, attracting investment, and sound fiscal policy. We are proud to be Liberal.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is more of the same. I think the Leader of the Opposition should look at himself in the mirror. Every other day it is the same question, but one thing Canadians know is that we are always going to have their back. When it was time to present the grocery rebate, the Leader of the Opposition was nowhere to be seen. When it was time to give a gas tax rebate, he was nowhere to be seen. On this side of the House, we will always stand with Canadians, and on Tuesday we will present a plan to build Canada strong together. That is leadership.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition certainly is here. One thing I can say is that, as the days go by, the questions remain the same. One thing that is true is that we have the most— Some hon. members: Oh, oh! Hon. François-Philippe Champagne: Mr. Speaker, I think the members on that side would do well to listen because Canadians are listening. Canada's growth is the second-fastest in the G7. The International Monetary Fund just confirmed that Canada's fiscal position is the strongest. On Tuesday, we will be presenting Canadians with a plan to build a strong Canada together.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me help the Leader of the Opposition. He has no doubt seen that we have always been there for Canadians with our affordability measures. Recently, we suspended the federal gas tax. The suspension is in effect, and the price at the pump has dropped. On this side of the House, we will always be there for Canadians in their time of need. Together, we will build Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, that is a very important question, and I am sure all members of the House are interested in the matter. We are doing our part on the federal side. Last year, the hon. member would have seen that we gave additional power to the Competition Bureau so it can investigate and have enforcement tools, and we will continue to make sure that there are more tools in the tool box of all the enforcement agencies to make sure there is more competition and always better prices for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an important question. My colleague will be happy to see that yesterday, the suspension of the federal fuel excise tax came into force until Labour Day. To his point, members will remember that last year we gave additional power to the Competition Bureau to make sure it has the tools and the enforcement capacity to make sure that we have more competition in this country. We all understand that more competition usually leads to more choice for consumers and better prices for consumers.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are doing both of those things. As my colleague said, we have a trade relationship with the United States. I was in Washington last week to meet with the United States Secretary of the Treasury. We had an excellent discussion. Meanwhile, we are also diversifying our overseas exports, because we understand that if we want more stability and predictability, then we need to open our exports to all of the other countries in the world. Recently, we signed a series of agreements that make Canada the only G7 country that has free trade agreements with every other member of the G7. Canada is in an enviable position, and we will build this country together.”