Bardish Chagger
Waterloo, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the minister reminding us what this bill is about. It is about working with provinces and territories and providing them with the levers to help Canadians. Even on a bill so simple, we hear the opposition talking about the importance of having debate and conversation.”
“When people want us to work, when Canadians are hurting and want us to serve, the Conservatives cannot fathom the government succeeding in doing well for Canadians. They would rather keep advancing their narrative than help their own constituents, neighbours and fellow Canadians.”
“Madam Speaker, I find some of the comments from the official opposition interesting, especially when comments are made that 30 hours of debate is not enough. I agree that we want to raise different perspectives. Constituents in the riding of Waterloo have a diversity of perspectives.”
“I would like to hear the member's thoughts as to why the Conservatives are taking the approach that the federal government does not have a role to play. Why are they so concerned that the federal government will help Canadians and give them a hand?”
“Mr. Speaker, the member's comments about really being there to meet Canadians with what they need and finding out ways to do it are not lost on me. Just last month, the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta stated in a press release that they are going to invest $323 million in affordable housing.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thought that the last exchange was interesting. We just received an example of a Conservative member's wanting more investment in housing and more affordable housing built, recognizing that his constituents need the federal government to play a role, yet rather than working with the government to ensure that we can have mor…”
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“Originally, researchers found that zero-carbon buildings used more energy than predicted, yet evolv1 is a unique, modern, 104,000-square-foot urban space designed for today's millennial tech-savvy workforce. It is a three-story office building in Waterloo, Ontario. It was designed by architecture firm Stantec; built by Cora, a development company; and located on the doorstep of our Ion light rail transit. It showcases an array of amenities and creative collision spaces. Evolv1 offers a perfect, light-filled new home for today's growing tech or professional services companies and garners much international attention. It was imagined in partnership with Sustainable Waterloo Region and was certified LEED platinum. This building is a net-positive energy building, meaning it produces more energy than it consumes.”
“It works with a wide range of organizations and individuals with diverse perspectives and expertise to solve today's complex water issues. The Canadian Water Network's partners and collaborators include government decision-makers, water managers, public health practitioners, community-based and indigenous organizations, and representatives from water-dependent economic sectors, among others. It is located in the University of Waterloo, in the riding of Waterloo, in the region of Waterloo. Waterloo is also home to Canada's first net-zero building, known as evolv1. Usually, office buildings are not energy-efficient, contributing to around one-third of greenhouse gas emissions globally.”
“We are all located in Waterloo city hall. The environment sees no borders and demands a comprehensive response across all levels of government, the private sector, academia and civil society. Our government recognizes the realities of climate change. I would like to highlight some key federal investments that are supporting Waterloo's transition to a greener, more resilient future. Waterloo is a vibrant hub of innovation, education and industry. We are home to world-renowned institutions, like the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University; cutting-edge research facilities; and brilliant technology companies. In Waterloo, we are home to the Canadian Water Network, a hub for cross-sector collaboration to address Canada's water challenges and opportunities.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the proud federal representative of the riding of Waterloo to speak on one of the most urgent and defining challenges of our time: the environment and climate change. As members of the Liberal Party, we understand that addressing climate change is not only an environmental imperative but a vital economic opportunity for communities like Waterloo and all Canadians. Waterloo is a dynamic riding, known for its innovation, education and growing industries, yet it faces pressing environmental challenges: urban growth, transportation emissions and the need for sustainable infrastructure. Waterloo, I believe, is the only riding in the country where the mayor of Waterloo, the member of provincial Parliament for Waterloo and my team, as the member of Parliament for Waterloo, are all located in one building.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is nice to see someone from our region in the chair. I agree that there is a lot of work to do, and I do believe that many hands make light work. I think there are steps that we need to take. I would ask the member if programs, such as the tax-free child benefit, the school nutrition program and the help for not-for-profit organizations, especially through challenging times such as the pandemic, also help in the conversation we are having today?”
“Madam Speaker, I think when we actually look at this legislation and what it will do to benefit Canadians, we really need to recognize the importance of having this legislation advance. The member will have opportunities throughout the whole process, and we are really trying to this parse out, but things are getting more expensive. What can we do? We can try to make life more affordable and be there for Canadians. That is what the government is doing.”
“Madam Speaker, yes, the member and I have worked together a lot. She is a force. I think that the Bloc Québécois is a party that is always looking for solutions. The main difference is that we have to take into account 10 provinces and three territories in one country, Canada. That is the only way in which our perspectives are different. I think that her question is reasonable. I am an MP from Ontario. I know what was done at the federal and provincial levels. I do not have any details on what was done in British Columbia and Quebec, but I believe that we need to collaborate on the environment. We must continue to do this work. [ English ] The issue that the member is speaking about, I think, is one that is from the past, and we have so much work to do, that we really need to look to the future to do better work.”
“The immediate passage of this would allow more people to benefit, and I hope to receive his support, see the question be called and for Canadians to actually benefit. Let us work on the ones from the day before.”
“Madam Speaker, the constituents within the riding of Waterloo have a diversity of views and a diversity of perspectives. This is a matter that has been brought to my attention, because we also have people purchasing their first homes in our community. I would assume that every member of Parliament who is engaging with constituents is hearing this. I actually welcome the opportunity to work with all members, including the government, to ensure that we are making life more affordable for Canadians. My challenge with it, to be honest, and I have shared this with constituents, is that whenever we have a date, there is always going to be the people from the day before. What is always challenging is how we get it done. What I am hearing from the member is that we need to do things faster.”
“These are measures that would benefit constituents in the riding of Waterloo and Canadians from coast to coast to coast. I hope to see a timely passage. I hope to see the full support of all members, because this is the House of Commons, and we have to represent our constituents first and foremost.”
“As I spoke to constituents and friends in Toronto, as I see what is happening around the world, that smoke is not only travelling across Canada but has also made its way to Europe. That tells us that the environment is something that we have to take seriously. I want people in Manitoba and all communities having challenging times with natural causes to know that we in Waterloo are thinking about them. To see them having to be removed from their communities and their homes is something that is very difficult and something that this government will continue to take seriously. I have shared three very good reasons for us to support the timely passage of Bill C-4 . It echoes the ways and means motion, which received unanimous support in the House.”
“Canada's emission reduction plan contains a comprehensive suite of mitigation measures, strategies and investments, and that includes a price on pollution for large industrial emitters. With the elimination of the consumer fuel charge, we were able to refocus the federal carbon pollution pricing standards on ensuring that carbon pricing systems are in place across Canada on a broad range of greenhouse gas emissions from industry. In doing so, we will ensure a system that is fair and effective. We must take the environment seriously. Just yesterday, as I was leaving the house, I went outside, and it was an interesting experience. It turns out that the smoke from the Manitoba fires, and fires in other places, is actually right here in Ottawa.”
“The third reason is that it would completely remove the consumer carbon price from Canadian law. As hon. members are aware, one of the first things the Prime Minister did upon assuming his responsibilities was to cease the application of the federal consumer fuel charge, effective April 1 of this year. While this was effectively accomplished through government regulations, Bill C-4 would take a further step by completely removing the consumer carbon price from Canadian law. At the same time, it is important to bear in mind that a price on pollution for large emitters will continue to be a pillar of Canada's plan to build a strong economy and a greener future.”
“By supporting Bill C-4 , we would be providing a significant increase to the already substantial federal tax support available to first-time homebuyers through programs such as the first home savings account, the RRSP homebuyers' plan and the first-time homebuyers' tax credit. By doing so, we would be helping more young people and more families achieve their dream of home ownership. We all know that a home is more than just a roof over our head. It is a place to build our life, a family and equity toward priorities such as retirement. As such, it is the largest and most important purchase people make. We often talk about it. Saving first-time homebuyers tens of thousands of dollars on that investment is the second good reason the bill merits our support.”
“The first-time homebuyers GST rebate would mean upfront savings of up to $50,000 for Canadians on the purchase of their new home. The rebate would also mean that first-time homebuyers would pay less GST on new homes valued between $1 million and $1.5 million. In short, the rebate would be phased out in a linear manner for new homes valued between $1 million and $1.5 million. Just to explain, under this linear phase-out, a new home valued at $1.25 million would be eligible for a rebate at 50% of the maximum first-time homebuyers GST rebate of $50,000, which would still mean savings of up to $25,000.”
“This means that individuals with employment income and other income subject to source deductions could begin to have tax withheld at the lower 14% tax rate as soon as Canada Day. Just to start with, this middle-class tax cut is expected to provide $2.6 billion in tax relief to Canadians over the next six months and $5.4 billion in 2026, which would be the first full year when the tax rate is at 14%. Going forward, the middle-class tax cut is expected to deliver over $27 billion in tax savings to Canadians over five years, starting in 2025-26. That is the first element in Bill C-4 and the first set of reasons it merits our support. (1240) The next reason for lending our support to this legislation is that it would eliminate the GST for first-time homebuyers on purchases of new homes valued at up to $1 million.”
“Within that group of hard-working Canadians, nearly half of the tax savings would go to those in the lowest tax bracket, those who earn $57,375 or less in 2025. This means the tax savings for a middle-class tax cut would go where they will make the greatest difference. However, these tax savings would not just go out to those who need them the most. They would also go out when they are needed most, which is almost right away, starting on Canada Day. That is less than a month away. We can deliver these tax savings to Canadians expeditiously, because with the announcement of our middle-class tax cut, the Canada Revenue Agency has updated its source deduction tables for the July to December 2025 period so that employers and pay administrators are able to reduce tax withholdings as of July 1.”
“To begin, the bill would implement our government's middle-class tax cut. This means that with the support of this House and the adoption of this legislation, the lowest marginal personal income tax rate would be reduced from 15% to 14%, effective July 1. As we have made clear, this tax cut would make hard-working Canadians keep more of their paycheques to spend where it matters most. This means more for groceries, more for kids, more for housing-related costs, more for what matters most. As we have also made clear, most of the benefits of this tax cut would go to hard-working Canadians who need it most. That is because the majority of relief would go to Canadians with incomes in the lowest two tax brackets, which is to say those with taxable incomes under $114,750 in 2025.”
“The debate has been fruitful; it has been good. This legislation, upon receiving royal assent, would legislate the delivery of our government's middle-class tax cut, providing tax relief for nearly 22 million Canadians and saving families up to $840 a year in 2026. It would also provide for the elimination of the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes valued up to $1 million, saving them up to $50,000. It would do so while also lowering the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes valued between $1 million and $1.5 million. Last but not least, it would legislate the removal of the consumer carbon price from law following its cancellation, effective April 1, 2025. However, this does not remove our responsibility to take the environment seriously. I want to take a moment to consider each of these aspects of the bill.”
“Madam Speaker, let me begin by saying that I will be sharing my time with the member for Mont-Saint-Bruno—L'Acadie . [ English ] It is indeed an honour and privilege to represent the amazing people of the riding of Waterloo and to speak to a bill that is really important and that many constituents have been speaking about. I appreciate the opportunity to take part in today's second reading debate on Bill C-4 , the making life more affordable for Canadians act. In the government's Speech from the Throne, we outlined our bold and ambitious plan for the future, and central to that plan is bringing down costs so Canadians can keep more of their paycheques to spend where it matters most. To make that happen, we introduced the making life more affordable for Canadians act, which is before us today for consideration.”
“One thing Canadians in my community knew is that a Conservative government, and let it not happen anytime soon, would not invest in Canadians and would not be there for Canadians because Conservatives do not believe that government has a role to play. The member has a history of voting against benefits and programs, such as the Canada child benefit, national child care and dental care, and voting against constituents, against Canadians. Is he recognizing that in this legislation, there are important measures that Canadians have supported and expect to see advance? Could he see himself advancing measures in this legislation to benefit Canadians ?”
“Madam Speaker, I think it was less than six weeks ago that Canadians went to the polls and elected every member of Parliament in this place. It was a very interesting election, and at least in the Waterloo region, we saw a record number of Canadians engaging. I listened to what they had to say at the doors, and it was not a monolith; there was a diversity of views and perspectives. However, there was definitely a sentiment that government has a role to play. What the member said was quite telling today. It is the first time that a Conservative has been so honest in saying the government has to “stop doing”.”
“Madam Speaker, it is a very exciting day for Canadians, and this is legislation that I know constituents within the riding of Waterloo have been waiting for. I also know that I am going to go home this weekend, and people are going to ask how quickly they can get this relief, so I just wanted to remind Canadians, and all members of Parliament, because many are new here, what the next steps that need to take place are. The House has demonstrated that we can work together in the best interest of Canadians. How can we get this relief to Canadians, in their pockets, sooner rather than later?”
“Is there value in getting this legislation to committee sooner rather than later, so that perhaps more witnesses and experts can be called and this legislation can be scrutinized to ensure we are getting this piece of the stuff that we need to do right?”
“Madam Speaker, it is always a privilege to listen to and follow a debate that has been, I think, kind of thoughtful for the most part today. All parties agree that there is some merit to this legislation and that perhaps amendments need to be offered. It needs to be scrutinized and studied. I know there are constituents in Waterloo who also have a lot of questions. Constituents are concerned with regard to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and wondering if this legislation will protect their rights and freedoms. We do want to take that seriously. I would like to hear from the member what some of the comments and concerns are that he has been hearing from constituents.”
“Mr. Speaker, I regret that the member feels that he is being chirped. I was actually just participating in the comments that were being shared. Where I am coming from is that the legislation, at least in the riding of Waterloo, is not a monolith of voices. People are interested in the legislation. Today we heard speeches from colleagues from the Conservative Party, as well as from the Bloc, suggesting that the legislation did have some validity. Amendments could be considered, but there was value to the legislation; it just is not exactly in the way that some members would like to see it. I recognize that there is more work to do, but I would like to ask whether the member thinks there is merit to the legislation. If police associations are asking for it and we are providing it, is there merit to the legislation?”
“My question is one that a constituent in the riding of Waterloo asked, which is whether the secretary of state can just clearly and understandably explain what the legislation would do for Canadians and what it would not do for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, the legislation was introduced just this week, and constituents in the riding of Waterloo have already become very engaged, which speaks to its importance and the need for it. They also hear a lot of the commentary being shared in regard to the charter. What was exciting today, listening to the debate, was that the opposition, the Conservative Party, on two occasions now, has asked for a charter statement. I remember when our government started with charter statements. They labelled them in many different ways, but today are recognizing the need for us to protect our rights and freedoms, and with rights and freedoms come responsibilities.”
“However, I do think it is important we recognize that Canadians are giving a message, and I would like to hear from the member what she believes that message is.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member actually referenced the Speech from the Throne and some of what was actually in it. Constituents in the riding of Waterloo were really pleased to hear the sustainable jobs plan mentioned. They were pleased that there was a vision for the country that we could build upon, recognizing that we are stronger when we work together rather than when we are apart. I would like to hear from the member, when it comes to her constituency and constituencies across the country, what she is hearing from constituents. Do they echo the comments from the Conservatives, which seems to be very gloomy? We see that there are no smiles on the other side. It is a really tough day, especially when their leader cannot win his own seat.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to start by saying that you look good in the chair. I look forward to working with you. It is an honour and a privilege to represent the good people of the riding of Waterloo. I want to welcome my colleague, and friend, I hope, who is also representing Waterloo region. Today, we are dealing with an amendment to the Speech from the Throne. I do believe that the speech was really well received. When we talk about our families and where people come from, I would like to hear from the member whether he foresees anything in the speech that was not a good vision for Canada. Does he believe that we can achieve that vision for Canada, and does he believe that, regardless of party stripe, we will be able to work together?”