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 am so happy to see that some Conservatives are actually reading and listening to what we are saying. They should listen to Canadians, because perhaps that would help them. Twelve million Canadians would benefit from our measure. This is not something to shout at. This is something to rejoice. On this side of the house, we meet Canadians where they are. Canadians have told us, “Give us a boost. Give us a bridge.” We are going to build a stronger economy in the G7. We are going to be here for Canadians. We are going to build Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, it might be that my colleagues are more concerned about their own future, but on this side of the House, we are concerned about the future of Canadians. There is a lot to rejoice in today. That is why the Conservatives are so enthusiastic. It is Monday, and we have good news. We had second reading of Bill C-19 . That is why all the Conservatives are smiling. They know that helping 12 million Canadians is why Canadians sent us here. We are going to build a strong Canada, and we are going to build strong families, because we believe in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member is right. When we talk about the national school food program, 400,000 kids are better off. That should make every member of the House rejoice. When we do structural things to help Canadians, that is what the House is all about. I can already see the enthusiasm of members of the House to support this important bill so that we can send it to the Senate and make a difference in the lives of Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is a very good question and I would like to thank the member. She has always been very supportive, and we have been working together for a number of years. Members do not need to take it from me. They can take it from the International Monetary Fund, which said there are really two countries in the world that stand out, Germany and Canada, because both have a AAA credit rating. We are actually in the best fiscal position within the G7. We are going to take responsible measures to support Canadians. We are going to build our Canadian economy. In fact, we have the second-fastest growing economy in the G7.”
“Mr. Speaker, to be honest, I am a little surprised. I have a lot of respect for my colleague, but I think that, as a Quebecker, he should stand up in the House and applaud a measure that will ensure Canada's food security. What I am hearing from families in my riding is that their primary concern is food security, paying for groceries. Buying groceries is something that they have to do every other day, every week. The same goes for housing. That is a monthly expense. That is why we are launching major, immediate structural measures to help people with the cost of groceries, while increasing affordable housing across the country. That way, families will not have to spend as much of their disposable income on suitable housing. I expect the Bloc Québécois to welcome this measure. It is a good measure for Quebec.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague is a very learned member of the House and he knows well, for those watching at home, that most food products in Canada are zero-rated when it comes to GST. He knows this measure is good. I bet the member is going to go back to his riding and talk about it, and he is going to say the House has done the right thing. This is not about politics. This is about policy. This is about helping Canadians where they are. We are all members of Parliament in the House. We have been sent to the House with one function: to support Canadians in their time of need. This is in line with Canadian values. This is meeting the moment. This is making sure that everyone in this country will benefit from growth in our economy. We are going to be there for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I welcome the support of my colleague. He is an esteemed colleague of the House, and he understands well the needs of Canadians. In my previous role as minister of industry, we raised the temperature on the big chain grocers across the nation. Remember that competition is the best way to make sure that we protect consumers, and we will make sure there is more competition in the country. Another thing that is going to help is the structural change we are doing to increase food production in the country and the food supply. I am very pleased to see the NDP with us in supporting Canadians. They understand where we need to be on this.”
“Yes, this is about a boost and a bridge, because Canadians understand that we have a vision to grow our Canadian economy to be the strongest in the G7, but what they need now is the House to support them at this time of need.”
“Mr. Speaker, this is a very learned question from a colleague who has been a very esteemed member of the House. He understands the reality of Canadians. I know that my Conservative colleagues understand too, because if we go to any part of the country, like I said, we would know that the two things that Canadians face in terms of costs are the cost of rent and the cost of food. Obviously, there is also their cellphone bills and, for those who have a family, child care. That is why not only has the government been ensuring food security for Canadians, but we have been acting on a number of fronts to make life more affordable for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am surprised that my Bloc Québécois colleague is not rising to applaud a measure specifically designed to help our country's farmers, especially those in Quebec. As a matter of fact, in an effort to do the right thing and consult stakeholders, I spoke with the president of the Union des producteurs agricoles du Québec. Not only are we offering credit to families now, we are also going to offer structural assistance that will increase production in Canada. This will allow us to fund things like animal processing facility modernization, which will boost food production in Canada. Food security is among Quebeckers' leading concerns and I know that my Bloc Québécois colleague is going to vote for the measure because he fundamentally knows that it is good.”
“Mr. Speaker, I like my colleague, but the Conservatives have to be disconnected from reality; maybe it is because they are coming back from their convention over the weekend. Canadians have said that the two things that matter most for them now are the price of groceries and the price of rent. We have been acting on both to make sure that life is more affordable for Canadians, and we will continue to do so.”
“We are protecting the most vulnerable Canadians while remaining fiscally responsible. That is what Canadians expect. Our goal is clear. We want an economy that works for everyone. We want real economic growth that is shared by all. We want an economy where costs are reasonable and where help is available when Canadians need it. [ English ] We want to make sure that Canadians feel the benefits of our country's economic growth in their wallets and at the kitchen table, not just hear about them in economic reports. That starts with everyone being able to put good food on the table. That is how we build Canada strong, and that is what we are doing. Canada is strongest when all Canadians are strong. That is why we are acting: because we believe in every Canadian. We believe in every Canadian family, and we believe in Canada.”
“This bill is our response: support for food production here in Canada, stronger supply chains and help for people who need it most. This bill is part of our commitment to build a stronger, more resilient Canadian economy and make life more affordable for Canadians. In fact, we are already seeing progress. Some everyday expenses such as gas prices at the pump, child care fees and cellphone bills have come down. Wages are growing faster than inflation and have been growing so for 33 consecutive months. Those are the facts. This is the Canadian economy, which any commentator has said is resilient. [ Translation ] Currently, the price of groceries and other necessities continues to be high. That is why we are taking action in a targeted and responsible manner.”
“This measure would support increased domestic supply and investment in food production over the medium and long term. We will develop a national food security strategy to make food more affordable, and we will work with the provinces and territories to standardize unit price labelling so that Canadians can shop and compare prices easily in this era of shrinkflation. I think this is something we should all be rejoicing about. (1315) We are taking action on several fronts to address a complex issue that is very real for Canadians and Canadian families. There are several causes of the food price inflation we are currently seeing, many of which are outside Canada. We cannot control what other countries do, but we can control how we respond here in Canada.”
“This funding will prioritize investments that expand capacity and increase productivity in order to increase the food supply and ease price pressures. I want to take this opportunity to thank the president of the Union des producteurs agricoles du Québec for the insight he gave us into measures that the government could be taking to help farmers. In order to take the pressure off food banks, we will also be investing $20 million in the local food infrastructure fund. All of these investments will help us improve food security in Canada. I know that this is an issue many Canadians across the country are worried about. [ English ] To lower the cost of food production in Canada, the Prime Minister also announced that we are introducing immediate expensing for greenhouse buildings.”
“I know my colleagues care about this legislation because it helps Canadian families at a time when they need it most. This is one step we are taking to make Canadians' grocery bills more affordable. However, as I said, it is not the only one. As the Prime Minister announced last week, we will also be implementing long-term solutions that will help us tackle food security and build more resilient supply chains. For example, we will capitalize on the strategic response fund, the purpose of which, I would remind the House, is to help the sectors affected by tariffs adapt, diversify and grow. We are committing $500 million from this fund to help food businesses expand capacity and increase productivity. We will be spending $150 million specifically to help small and medium-sized enterprises through the regional tariff response initiative.”
“[ English ] We are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to making life more affordable for Canadians. Affordability must be a central measure of our country's economic success. Affordable housing helps workers live near their job. Accessible child care enables more parents to fully participate in the workforce. National school food programs help families and children get ahead, and less expensive groceries and food security mean that Canadians can afford a healthy meal. They mean not having to choose between eating well and other basic needs. [ Translation ] The new Canada groceries and essentials benefit is going to really improve the lives of those who need it most. That is what is in this bill, so I urge all members of the House to support it.”
“We are also lowering the upfront costs of buying a new home by eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers, saving them up to $50,000. (1310) This is a government that understands Canadians and responds to Canadians' needs. [ Translation ] We are also continuing to lower the cost of child care, ensuring that 900,000 children and their families can save thousands of dollars every year. We have also made Canada's national school food program permanent so that we can feed up to 400,000 children a year and save participating families with two children an average of $800 a year. Canadian families across the country welcome this kind of help. We are implementing automatic federal benefits for 5.5 million individuals by 2028 so that Canadians can easily and reliably receive the assistance they are entitled to.”
“It is right that members of the House are rejoicing, and I know my Conservative colleagues are rejoicing in their hearts at being able to support Canadian families. Making life more affordable for Canadians is the right thing to do. This is part of Canadian values. When times are tough, Canadians rise up and help each other. That is why the first thing we did with Bill C-4 was cut the income tax for 22 million Canadians. Some 22 million Canadians have received a tax cut. This is significant and, in fact, it was the first act of our government. This represents savings of up to $840 for a two-income family. With that same legislation, we will formally cancel the federal consumer carbon pricing, bringing down gasoline prices by approximately 18¢ a litre in most provinces and territories.”
“That is precisely what we are seeking to offset. People understand our long-term vision for growing the Canadian economy, but they also need immediate relief. That is why we are stepping up. [ English ] Right now, a person living alone who is eligible for the GST credit can receive a maximum of $443 per year. That same person would get approximately $950 in total from the one-time payment during the 2026-27 benefits year, thanks to the changes we are proposing. This is material, this is timely and this is important for Canadian families. For a couple with two children, the amount would increase from approximately $1,086 to $1,890. That is $800 more in the pockets of Canadian families.”
“The Canada groceries and essentials benefit will deliver real help to Canadians who are struggling with the cost of groceries and everyday essentials. [ Translation ] This new benefit will replace the GST credit, but more importantly, it will be more generous. As a refresher, the GST credit is a non-taxable payment made four times a year to help low- and modest-income individuals and families. It is a way of making our tax system more equitable. However, for many Canadians, this assistance is no longer sufficient as a result of rising food costs. We are therefore proposing to increase this benefit by 25%. In addition, this year we will add a one-time payment equal to 50% of the current benefit, because what people need is immediate support. Since 2020, food inflation has added an average of $782 to household budgets.”
“Global supply chain shocks caused by tariffs, geopolitical disruptions and climate change have all caused food prices to rise around the world. That is why I am pleased to inform the House that the Canada groceries and essentials benefit will put hundreds of dollars into the bank accounts of more than 12 million Canadians. That is very significant. Everyone in the House should rejoice that we are going to meet the moment for Canadian families. We know that affordability is a priority for Canadians, and it is a priority for our government. I would like to believe that it is a priority for everyone here, and I urge all members of the House to work in collaboration with us and help pass the bill in the swiftest manner one can imagine.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me start again. I see the Conservatives are full of enthusiasm this afternoon, but I want to make sure that they clearly understand what we are doing in the House. The second bill, as I was saying, was Bill C-15 , the budget implementation act, which would help lay the groundwork for the generational investments that have been included in budget 2025. In other words, we have a long-term vision. It is one that is focused on building a strong and resilient Canadian economy while, at the same time, remaining focused on the more immediate needs of Canadian families and Canadian workers. All of this is part of our response to a rapidly changing and increasingly uncertain world. We know, for example, that while inflation has cooled off since its postpandemic peak, food inflation remains stubbornly high for Canadian families.”
“moved that Bill C‑19, Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Act , be read the second time and referred to a committee. Bill C‑19. Second reading He said: Mr. Speaker, I can see the enthusiasm on both sides of the House. My Conservative colleagues too are brimming with enthusiasm this Monday morning. I am pleased to rise today to start the debate on Bill C‑19 , Canada groceries and essentials benefit act. A lot of important things are getting done in the House, but I would say that this bill is equally important—crucial, even—to Canadian families. [ English ] This is the third piece of legislation I have had the honour to introduce as the Minister of Finance and National Revenue. The first, members will recall, was Bill C-4 , which put more money in the pockets of Canadians with the middle-class tax cuts.”
“Mr. Speaker, I can assure my colleague that we are as good at economics as we are at history. If there is one thing I can say, it is that we worked with the forestry sector, and I think everyone is aware of that. I know that some folks like to forget these things, but we have invested hundreds of millions of dollars to help the forestry industry. I come from a region that understands that. We have always been there for workers. We have always been there for the industry. We will always be there to defend Canada's interests.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives are good talkers, but I can tell members they have a short memory, because on Monday, Canadians noticed what will be happening. They are going to have a rebate for groceries and essentials. In addition to that, let me help the Conservatives with their householders, so they do not forget to tell their constituents. There will be $500 million for the strategic response fund to strengthen food production in the country, the immediate expensing of greenhouses, additional funding for food banks and a national food strategy, and we are working toward a standard price per unit. Instead of shouting in the House, the Conservatives should get on board, support Canadians, and make this country—”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague is known for his rhetoric, but, on this side of the House, we are known for taking action. On Monday, we announced the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. The Conservatives may be laughing today, but 12 million Canadians will see a difference at the end of the month. Canadian families expect members of the House to be responsible. Will the Conservatives rise to the occasion and support the government in helping Canadians in need?”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question. We know that the Conservatives are allergic to good news. I will remind them of what we announced on Monday. In addition to the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, we announced the following measures: $500 million from the strategic response fund to help Canada's supply chain; immediate expensing for greenhouse buildings to have more food grown here at home; additional funding for food banks; and a national food security strategy that will standardize labelling in Canada. I hope the Conservatives will join us—”
“Mr. Speaker, there is more good news. I feel that my Conservative friends could use some. I have good news for my colleague and for the farmers of Beauce. He can say that structural measures were announced in yesterday's statement. He will be happy to know that I spoke with the president of the Union des producteurs agricoles and asked him how we could strengthen food security in Canada. We will work with farmers, producers and distributors. We will ensure food security across this country, and that will give him some good news for the people of Beauce.”
“Mr. Speaker, yesterday was a historic moment. We supported Canadians. I can hear the Conservatives. They are so happy, they are going to put that in their householders. They are going to say to Canadians that a family of four will now receive $1,890 more to meet the moment. I know that the Conservatives know in their hearts that this is good. They are going to put it in their householders. We are going to help them. Let us build Canada strong together.”
“Mr. Speaker, instead of trying to find quotes, my colleague should watch television. Yesterday, he would have seen the Prime Minister join us in announcing the Canada groceries and essentials benefit precisely to address that. I realize that it may seem insignificant to my colleague, but $1,890 helps many families across the country. It is a serious measure for a serious moment in our country's history. I know my colleagues are talking over the question, but I believe that people watching us at home know that people on our side of the House will always be there to help them when times are tough.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know that today is Tuesday, but we have more good news, because I think my colleague was not listening carefully yesterday. We have made a historic announcement with the Prime Minister of Canada: the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. Twelve million Canadians, including people I know in my colleague's riding, are going to have more money in their pockets to help meet the cost of living. On this side of the House, we believe that building strong communities is the way we will build Canada strong, together.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am sure that my colleague was very busy during Christmas, but she may have missed that Canada is going to be the second fastest-growing economy in the G7. That is a fact. We are building this country. Yesterday I had good news, and I have more good news. In addition to helping 12 million Canadians with real help with food, with groceries, there is more than what we announced yesterday. We are going to make structural changes to make Canada food-resilient. We are going to invest in food security. We are going to invest in our country. We are going to make Canada strong together.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his excellent question, because he really showed Canadians all the measures we have taken to help people. Today, 12 million Canadians across the country are celebrating the news of the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit. This will be a major help to families. As my colleague said earlier, it can help a single mother with concrete things such as buying clothes or shoes. On this side of the House, we will always be there to help Canadians. We will always be there to move our country forward. We will always work to build strong communities.”
“Mr. Speaker, coming from a star of Infoman , I am not surprised. I really admire my colleague, but he is behind the times. He must have gotten up a little late, because now it is called the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. The people in his riding applaud it. I know that, deep down, he applauds it too. The real question is whether he will stand up in the House, commend this measure that will help 12 million Canadians and say that the Liberal government is doing good things for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I see that our Bloc Québécois colleagues like to talk about history. I know one thing: The Canadians and Quebeckers watching at home would rather talk about the future. I know Quebeckers. Those in my riding and those in every region of Quebec want a government that builds the future, attracts investments and supports families. Affordability is Quebeckers' top priority. What are we doing today? We are responding with a Canadian benefit to help families put food on the table. We will always be there to stand up for Quebec and Quebeckers.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know that the Leader of the Opposition is a bit concerned about the week ahead, but let me quote the letter he sent us on January 24. We would not assume that he would be good for his word. He said, “If you have other ideas that make food affordable, we will fast-track them.” I have good news for him. It is called the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, which would help 12 million Canadians. Will he stand up in the House? Will he be good for his word and support the 12 million Canadians who are expecting the government and the House to support them?”
“Mr. Speaker, I know that this is a particularly challenging week for the Leader of the Opposition, but let me help him. Today we have good news for Canadians. It is called the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. I know that in his heart he is rejoicing, because he has been asking questions in the House, and now we have delivered for Canadians. All the Liberal MPs are going to vote in favour. Canadians are in favour. Will the Conservatives be good for their word and vote with us to help Canadians?”
“Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to be back. It is only Monday and we already have some good news. It is called the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. This benefit will help 12 million Canadians. I can already see my Conservative friends. Deep down, they are happy, because they know that a family of four will get $1,890 and a single person will get up to $950 this year. The Liberals support this and Canadians support it. Will the Conservatives support it?”
“Mr. Speaker, financial fraud is a serious problem that disproportionately affects seniors, newcomers and other vulnerable populations. That is why we are taking decisive action through budget 2025 and Bill C-15 to strengthen law enforcement and to protect seniors from the scourge of financial fraud. Surprise, surprise, the Bloc Québécois does not support that. While it may hard to understand why the Bloc Québécois would oppose measures to protect seniors, what is abundantly clear is that the 44 members from Quebec on this side of the House will always be there to defend seniors.”
“Mr. Speaker, even the Conservatives can feel the passion in that question. The people of Carleton will know that there is only one reason alone why these key pieces of legislation have not yet been passed: It is the opposition partisan game. Even ahead of Christmas, the Conservatives are stopping legislation for first-time homebuyers. They are stopping the creation of tens of thousands of jobs. They are stopping the national school food program. On this side of the House, we are going to build Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, I understand. I think the budget would be a great Christmas gift for all Canadians. I just hope the Conservatives will wake up and make sure that they vote for the budget before Christmas. We are going to build our nation. We are going to create jobs. We are going to build housing. We are going to create infrastructure. This is the best gift they could give to Canadians. I just hope they will do the right thing.”
“Mr. Speaker, I can tell that it is Monday. I see that my colleagues are happy, but the Leader of the Opposition is dreaming. I know that Christmastime is here, but he is talking about some imaginary tax. Canadians know better. Our budget contains good news. The most significant measure that we introduced was a tax cut for 22 million Canadians. The budget lays out a series of measures that will grow Canada, create jobs and grow our economy. I hope the Conservatives will wake up before Christmas and vote in favour of the budget.”
“Mr. Speaker, budget 2025 really is full of good news. Just look at the smiles on the Conservatives' faces. Our budget sends a clear message that the aerospace industry is a strategic national asset. Canada is one of the few countries in the world with a thriving aerospace industry, thanks to the talent, expertise and know-how of our workers. In budget 2025, we are making generational investments in defence that will support the aerospace industry. In a dramatic turn of events, the Bloc, which claims to champion Quebec, is going to vote against Quebec's interests in the budget. That is a disgrace and an affront.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians who are watching at home are looking at someone who has only ever made one deal: to come to this House. On this side of the House, we have always stood to make sure we will build this country. We will attract investment. The member should be ashamed. Ask a Canadian when the last deal was that he brought to this country. Ask him when he created one job in his country apart from his own. On this side of the House, we will always stand for workers. We will bring investment. We will build the strongest economy in the G7, because we believe in Canada. We are going to fight every single day for Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, we will take no lessons from the Conservatives, ever: not today, yesterday or tomorrow, any time they ask questions of members on this side of the House. Every single member on this side is fighting for Canada. We are fighting for all of our industry. We are fighting for our workers. We are fighting to build Canada strong. We should all join to defend our workers in the middle of a trade war. We do not need that kind of Conservative politics. We need to stand up for Canada and build Canada strong. I believe in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, this is a serious issue. My colleague forgot to mention that the first thing we did as a government was to lower taxes for Canadians. Twenty-two million Canadians are now paying less tax. The second thing that the Conservatives voted against—and it is important that people tuning in watch when these Conservatives ask questions—is measures to build housing. Affordable housing is the foundation of affordability. If they were serious and genuinely concerned, each and every one of them would rise to support budget 2025.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is amazing to hear the Leader of the Opposition, because the first thing we did was make sure Canadians could have more money in their pockets. We, in fact, reduced taxes for 22 million Canadians. What is most disturbing for Canadians watching at home is that, at every step of the way, when we were there for families, for workers and for Canadians, Conservatives stood in the way. He is the leader who voted against Canadians. On this side of the House, we believe in Canada. We are going to grow this country. We are going to work for families. We are going to protect our workers. We are going to build Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for her excellent question and for her leadership on this issue. Preventing economic abuse means ensuring access to information and financial resources. The good news is that even the Conservatives should have been pleased. In the 2025 budget, we announced our plan to develop a voluntary code of conduct for the prevention of economic abuse. We will work with the Canadian financial sector to detect signs of economic abuse early. Unfortunately, we saw some members vote against the budget in the House, when we should all be united against economic abuse.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is impressive to hear what the Bloc Québécois members have to say today, despite our generational budget that invests in infrastructure, that invests in national corridors and that will make clean energy projects possible across the country. If I were a member of the Bloc Québécois today, I would be standing up to applaud budget 2025. They went and hid on budget day. They will have to explain to Quebeckers why they are voting against green projects across the country. On this side of the House, we will always be there to build a strong Canada.”