Rachael Thomas
Lethbridge, Alberta · Conservative · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, today, the Prime Minister arrives at the G7 summit as the one and only leader who has led his country into a recession. This is what that looks like: Two in five Canadians struggle to be able to afford to feed themselves; full-time workers are living in RVs or a Tim Hortons; and food bank use has hit an all-time high.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think what that member meant to highlight was the fact that under the Liberal government, child poverty rates have increased year after year after year for the last three. This dramatically impacts the people of my riding in Lethbridge, Alberta. It means that seniors in this country are living at Tim Hortons.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise in the House today to extend congratulations to the town of Picture Butte on its 100th anniversary. For a century, Picture Butte has been shaped by the values that define rural Canada: hard work, family and community spirit.”
“Mr. Speaker, because the hon. member has chosen to spend the majority of his speech on process, I will ask him a process question. The current government, the Liberals, they are the ones who sponsored this bill; the hon. member did, from that side of the House.”
“To everyone who has built, served and strengthened this community over the past century, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude. Their legacy is one of vision, determination and generosity. As the member of Parliament for Lethbridge, I congratulate them on 100 years.”
“Mr. Speaker, with respect, the small craft harbours do not conquer the food poverty that children across this country are experiencing, especially those in my riding of Lethbridge. With all due respect, I would ask the folks across the way what they will do for Canadians, because they are struggling. They are struggling.”
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“Mr. Speaker, I think what that member meant to highlight was the fact that under the Liberal government, child poverty rates have increased year after year after year for the last three. This dramatically impacts the people of my riding in Lethbridge, Alberta. It means that seniors in this country are living at Tim Hortons. It means that full-time workers are living out of their RVs. Why does the government turn a blind eye to the reality of Canadians while it is living high on the horse? Why does it not reverse its policy so Canadians can finally afford to live again?”
“Mr. Speaker, today, the Prime Minister arrives at the G7 summit as the one and only leader who has led his country into a recession. This is what that looks like: Two in five Canadians struggle to be able to afford to feed themselves; full-time workers are living in RVs or a Tim Hortons; and food bank use has hit an all-time high. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister spends $1 million on luxury inflight catering, which includes things like Normandy butter cups, fine wines and braised beef. My question is very simple: When will the Prime Minister acknowledge the reality so many Canadians face and reverse his policy so they can afford to live again?”
“Mr. Speaker, because the hon. member has chosen to spend the majority of his speech on process, I will ask him a process question. The current government, the Liberals, they are the ones who sponsored this bill; the hon. member did, from that side of the House. They also control the agenda for this place and would therefore have the ability to move this bill, in its second hour of debate at third reading, to next week before the House rises. They could trade it up in the system, as we say. For whatever reason, they have chosen not to do that. I am curious as to why, if they want this bill passed so quickly, they are not taking that responsibility.”
“To everyone who has built, served and strengthened this community over the past century, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude. Their legacy is one of vision, determination and generosity. As the member of Parliament for Lethbridge, I congratulate them on 100 years.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise in the House today to extend congratulations to the town of Picture Butte on its 100th anniversary. For a century, Picture Butte has been shaped by the values that define rural Canada: hard work, family and community spirit. What began as a small prairie settlement, marked by the establishment of its post office, has now grown into the livestock feeding capital of the entire country. That title reflects more than just an industry. It reflects generations of farmers, ranchers, workers and families whose dedication has helped feed Canadians and strengthen southern Alberta's economy. From its farms and local businesses to its schools, churches and volunteers, Picture Butte continues to represent the very best of southern Alberta.”
“Mr. Speaker, with respect, the small craft harbours do not conquer the food poverty that children across this country are experiencing, especially those in my riding of Lethbridge. With all due respect, I would ask the folks across the way what they will do for Canadians, because they are struggling. They are struggling. Sixty per cent of them are unable to sleep at night because they are not sure how they are going to make ends meet. Forty per cent of Canadians are struggling because of food insecurity. That is the reality. The government can turn a blind eye and pretend that is not its reality, but at the end of the day, Canadians tell the truth, always, because it is their lived experience. To tell them otherwise is blasphemy from the government. What are you going to do about it?”
“Mr. Speaker, under the current government, Canada is in a recession, and it is the only G20 country for which that is true. After a decade of reckless Liberal policies and economic mismanagement, Canadians are ultimately having to pay the price. A new United Way poll found that 60% of Canadians now feel anxiety about their personal finances, and 40% struggle with food insecurity. This crisis was not created abroad. It was created because of Liberal policies right here at home. How much worse does it have to get before the government reverses course and makes life more affordable for Canadians?”
“Madam Speaker, what the member just said is that those children in my riding who are suffering from poverty and food insecurity should be thankful for the government because they have never had it so good. Shame on that member for claiming that. These are individuals who are finding it very difficult to make ends meet. Food insecurity is rising and Canadians are struggling. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister splurges on fine wines, braised beef, Normandy butter cups and all sorts of things, while jetting around the world. Is he enjoying his luxurious lifestyle at the expense of taxpayers during a true recession or is it just a technical recession?”
“Madam Speaker, under this Liberal Prime Minister , Canada is the only G20 country in a recession. The impact is real, not theoretical. Over the past four years, in Lethbridge, one of our food banks has experienced an increase in child usage of 112%. That is children going to the food bank. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister spent nearly $200,000 on inflight catering for just three flights. To put that in perspective, that is enough to treat a family of four to monthly steak dinners at The Keg for 50 years. Will the Prime Minister finally tell us, are we in just a technical recession, or is this a real full-blown Liberal recession?”
“They deserve a government that will end inflationary spending, repeal antidevelopment laws and cut excessive red tape. We Conservatives will unleash Canada's economic potential. We will ensure Canadians keep more of their hard-earned dollars and we will build a more prosperous future for generations to come. Canadians do not need a government that stands in their way. They need one that is going to help them get ahead.”
“Mr. Speaker, while the current Prime Minister is the only G7 leader to take his country into a recession, the consequences are felt by Canadians from coast to coast. Food Banks Canada just released its poverty report card for 2026, and it shows that one in four Canadians is food-insecure and food bank visits have doubled since 2020. These are not just stats; these are real people with real stories. Parents call my office saying that they are giving up meals in order to make sure that their kids have enough to eat, but the Prime Minister refuses to take responsibility. Hard-working families cannot get ahead when they are left carrying the cost of Liberal waste, runaway spending and failed policies. Canadians cannot afford more of the same.”
“Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague talked about where Canada is at economically. I would like him to drill down on that further and its impact on Canadians. What I mean is that the Liberal government has spent and spent for over a decade, and today we learned that Canada is now in a recession. It is the only G7 country to enter into that. That is due to the current Prime Minister 's policies. That is more than stats on a page. That impacts Canadians. It impacts families. It impacts seniors. It impacts students. It impacts those who are simply trying to make ends meet. I am curious if my colleague would care to expand on that impact.”
“Mr. Speaker, those same global problems are being experienced by all countries within the G7, but only Canada's leader, only Canada's Prime Minister , has led this country into a recession. It is only Canada. He is not worried, but why would he be? He is fine. He is fine because, again, he is enjoying fine wine, he is enjoying braised beef and he is enjoying luxury Normandy butter cups, whatever the heck that is. That is his reality, but that is not the reality of Canadians. Canadians are lining up at food banks like never before. Canadians are defaulting on their mortgages, and Canadians are declaring bankruptcy. When will the government wake up to reality, the reality that is faced by everyday Canadians, and do something about it?”
“Mr. Speaker, after 11 years of Liberal spending, Canada is in fact the only G7 country in a recession. While one in three working Canadians is going into debt just to put groceries on their table, the Prime Minister , at 30,000 feet, is spending $95,000 on inflight food. We are talking about braised beef, special butter cups and fine wines. Deficits have doubled, costs keep going up and Canadians are falling behind, so when will the Liberal government admit its failure and reverse course?”
“Mr. Speaker, let us talk about the strength of our economy, because it is directly reflected in how well a household is doing. Right now, many households in Canada are paying 120% of their income just to cover rent and food. It is not 100%, but 120%. This Liberal government's policies are now going to add another tax to their regular monthly bills. That is punitive in nature, but this government has the ability to do something about that. Will the Liberals instruct the CRTC to back off and scrap the tax?”
“Mr. Speaker, I will let Canadians be the judge. At the end of the day, Canadians will have to pay 15% more for their online streaming service, and that is a direct result of this government's policy. Most of us would call that a “tax”, but the Liberals like to avoid that term. The point is this. Canadians are going to have to pay a whole lot more for Netflix, Disney+ and Spotify because of policies from this government, but this government has the power to do something about it. It can, in fact, repeal this decision. After 11 years of making life more expensive for Canadians, will the Liberals finally stand up for the Canadian consumer and axe this tax?”
“Mr. Speaker, after 11 years of this Liberal government, Canadians are paying more for gas, more for groceries and more for housing. After all of that, they just want to kick back and relax and maybe watch a little Netflix or listen to a bit of Spotify, but even that small delight is now being denied to them at cost. Instead, they are going to have to pay more, because the Liberal-appointed CRTC is tripling the streaming tax from 5% to 15%, which, of course, will be passed directly to the consumer. In section 7 of the Broadcasting Act, the Liberals actually have the power to reject this levy and stand up for Canadians. Will they commit today to going to bat on behalf of Canadian consumers and making life more affordable for them by scrapping the—”
“Everyone should be limited in what they could produce. Everyone should have the government dictate what is Canadian and what is not Canadian in terms of content. However, the government had another option. It could have levelled the playing field by actually giving everyone freedom to produce what Canadians want and freedom to stream what Canadians most want to view or listen to. That was the other choice. The choice was freedom and competition and in the interest of consumers. Why did the government not choose that option?”
“Madam Speaker, that was quite something. The member talked about levelling the playing field. Interestingly enough, the Broadcasting Act was put in place originally to try to make sure that the limited airwaves that were available through radio and television would be shared. There would be French and there would be English. The other thing that it did was make sure that traditional broadcasters contributed to a pot of money in order to create Canadian content. Those traditional broadcasters could also pull from that pot of money. They could apply for grants and contributions in order to produce that content. Online streamers came onto the playing field and they did not have to do those things, so the government made the determination that it should be equally punitive to everyone. Everyone should have to pay a tax.”
“Madam Speaker, I would ask my colleague this. He talked about the fact that more government control equals more cost for the Canadian consumer and ultimately less choice, so more cost with less choice. That is what the government has done through Bill C-11 , the Online Streaming Act. Ultimately, the government is picking and choosing winners and losers: which shows get promoted and which shows do not, which shows get to be in front of the eyeballs of Canadians and which ones get hidden. That ultimately, therefore, dictates to Canadians what their cultural choice should be. Is it up to the government to determine Canadian culture, or should that maybe be left up to the Canadian people?”
“Madam Speaker, the hon. member is exactly right. Bill C-11 , the Online Streaming Act, went through several iterations before it finally was passed. Many concerns were raised during that time. The biggest of them was that the government would end up choosing which parts of our cultural sector succeeded and which parts would get held back, who would be rewarded and who would be thwarted. That is the way the bill is drafted, and that is precisely what the government is doing. It is determining who gets to win and who must lose within the cultural sector in Canada. Instead, it should be up to the Canadian people. We, the people, determine our culture, not the government.”
“Madam Speaker, what the hon. member should understand is that when a government puts more regulation and more taxation in place and functions in a punitive manner toward a sector, that sector will no longer make investments in the country. That is the precipice on which we stand. The culture sector in Canada is thriving. Companies like Netflix are making massive investments here, creating thousands of jobs on an annual basis. That is a good thing, and that needs to be celebrated and encouraged. Those folks need to be made more prosperous, not less. What the government is doing would drive investment out and take away jobs from those who are functioning within the cultural sector.”
“Madam Speaker, I will acknowledge that when we draw investment into this country through good policies that include less taxation and less regulation, it does in fact allow our cultural sector to thrive. That is a truth. The member opposite, however, is contending that the government should be more punitive, put more taxes in place and put more regulation in place. Somehow, the member feels that is what is going to spur growth within the cultural sector and somehow encourage Canadians to be rooted and established here in their production of content. That is false.”
“They are tired of paying more while getting less. They are tired of being told to lower their expectations while government spending continues to rise. They are tired of watching opportunity leave this country because the government refuses to get out of the way and allow people to thrive. Canadians are calling on the government to make a decision with their, the people's, best interests in mind. They are calling on the government to make life more affordable for them. It starts by scrapping this tax.”
“The American ambassador to Canada has warned that tripling the streaming levy is “making a bad situation worse.” At precisely the moment when Canada should be reducing trade tensions and strengthening economic co-operation, the Liberals are escalating the dispute. This weakens Canada's position when it comes to negotiations. At a time when economic uncertainty persists, Canada should be focused on becoming more competitive, not less. We should be attracting investment, not driving it away. We should be expanding trade, not creating more disputes. We should be making life more affordable for Canadians, not more expensive. This is the choice that is before the House today, and I would urge my colleagues to choose Canadians. After 11 years of Liberal inflation, Liberal gatekeepers and Liberal tax hikes, Canadians are exhausted.”
“If the government believes that Canadians should pay higher streaming taxes, then the minister should come into this place, call for a vote and allow themselves to be held accountable. They should be transparent before the Canadian people. Instead, they are choosing to stand behind a regulator and let them do their dirty work. On top of all of this, the Liberals could not have chosen a worse time internationally to provoke this fight. Canada is heading into an important CUSMA review with the United States. The streaming tax has already been identified by the American officials as a major trade irritant.”
“We do not support creators by discouraging investment. We do not build a stronger economy by punishing growth. In fact, a strong culture requires a strong economy. If we want the cultural sector to thrive, then we need to build a thriving economy, a thriving ecosystem for these folks. Prosperity will happen. There is also a serious democratic problem here. For centuries, parliamentary democracy has been built on a simple principle and that is that taxes should only be imposed by elected representatives accountable to the people, not by unelected regulators such as the CRTC and not by bureaucrats operating at an arm's length from the minister. However, the Liberal-appointed CRTC has effectively imposed a massive new tax burden on Canadians without Parliament even voting on it.”
“They rely on a healthy mix of Canadian talent and international investment, working together to create jobs and world-class content here at home, but this tax begins to call that into question. When Canada becomes a higher-cost, more regulated environment, we risk slowing the momentum and limiting opportunities for Canadians. Even the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has strongly condemned the Online Streaming Act and the CRTC's most recent decision warning that Canada is moving toward rigid one-size-fits-all regulation that discourages investment. Conservatives support Canadian artists. We support creators, musicians, filmmakers and storytellers. We want them to thrive, but we do not strengthen Canada's culture by making life more expensive for Canadians. In fact, the opposite is what happened.”
“Earlier this year, Netflix opened a major animation studio in Vancouver. That is under question now, due to this increase in tax. Nevertheless, Netflix created this. It has spurred thousands of jobs, and it is bringing significant economic investment into Canada to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. That is exactly the kind of growth that we should be encouraging. Instead, the Liberals are putting up more barriers and more costs that threaten future investment in Canada's film, television and digital production sectors, production hubs like Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and, increasingly, Atlantic Canada. Members opposite might want to sit up and listen to that.”
“That sends a dangerous message to investors that Canada is becoming more costly, less predictable and not worth investing in because it is not competitive. Investment matters because we need to draw it into our country rather than chase it away. Here is what happens when investment thrives. The member across the way is shaking his head, but it creates jobs, raises wages, drives innovation and creates opportunities for everyday, hard-working Canadians. That is what happens when we are able to draw investment into our country, but the government seems committed to the opposite, which means that projects, capital, jobs and opportunities go elsewhere while the Canadian people ultimately suffer. (1020) We are already seeing what investment can do when the government gets out of the way.”
“While families are deciding whether or not they can afford a few extra dollars on their Spotify account, the Prime Minister is spending $94,000, of taxpayer money I should add, on meals for one trip. The Liberals tell Canadians that the solution is to simply consume less. The former finance minister suggested that Canadians cancel their Disney+ account, for example, so they could save those few extra dollars each month to make ends meet. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister spent $94,000 on inflight meals for one trip. The irony here is impossible to miss. This decision is not only wrong with respect to affordability, but also wrong economically. It is wrong for investment and for Canada's future. That 15% tax puts Canada among the most expensive jurisdictions to do business with streaming companies.”
“What makes this even harder for Canadians to accept is the growing disconnect between what ordinary Canadians are experiencing and what they see from those in positions of power. Recently released invoices show that the Prime Minister spent nearly $200,000 just on inflight food in one year. On one trip alone to Rome, taxpayers were billed almost $94,000 for meals in the air. What did these meals include? They included things like beef tenderloin, salmon, crème brûlée and fine wines. For many Canadian families, the majority actually, $94,000 would cover groceries for years, not just a few small meals. It is ludicrous. It is completely out of touch with Canadians.”
“Just a few days ago, Spotify notified subscribers that they would see an increase in their rates coming into effect in July. A few extra dollars here and there may not be that much to those across the way, but for Canadians who are working hard, skimping and saving, and trying to make ends meet, those dollars matter. Canadians should not be forced into a false choice between affordability and a few small pleasures in life. Families should be able to afford the essentials, such as food, clothing and shelter, while still being able to enjoy a few of those tiny comforts. After a decade of Liberal policies, affordability in Canada has only gotten worse, and this streaming tax is simply the latest Liberal attack on affordability.”
“They are paying more for groceries, gas, housing, electricity and, now, simply watching their favourite show or listening to their favourite music. Just last week, the Liberal-appointed CRTC announced plans to triple the streaming tax, taking it from 5% to 15% on online streaming services such as Netflix, Spotify and Disney+. This question must be asked: Who will pay for this? The answer is that it will not be government, the CRTC bureaucrats or the Liberal ministers sitting across the way. Instead, it will be everyday, hard-working Canadians who will foot the bill. Every dollar of this tax will ultimately be passed on to consumers, who are already struggling under the weight of rising costs under current government policy. In fact, Canadians are already seeing the impact.”
“moved: Motion That, given that, (i) the Liberal-appointed CRTC recently ordered online streaming services to pay 15% of their annual Canadian revenues to the government, up from the current 5%, (ii) this tax increase will be passed on to consumers who are already struggling with the rising cost of living, (iii) the tax will discourage business activity and investment in Canada, (iv) the tax is a trade irritant with the United States ahead of the upcoming CUSMA review, the House call on the Liberal Cabinet to use their powers under the Broadcasting Act to reject the CRTC’s streaming tax increase and eliminate the streaming tax. She said: Madam Speaker, I wish to split my time with the member for Elgin—St. Thomas—London South. After 11 years of the Liberal government, Canadians are paying more for just about everything.”
“Mr. Speaker, a tax is a tax is a tax. He can call it whatever he wants, but at the end of the day Canadians pay more. That is a tax. This tax will do much more than just cost Canadians. It will actually impact us in terms of our negotiations with regards to CUSMA. The Liberal government has already been accused of escalating this irritant. It has already been signalled by the U.S. that this will in fact hinder us in terms of getting a deal, a deal that the Prime Minister promised to get for us months ago and has failed to deliver. Will this Liberal government cancel this costly tax, protect our trade relationship with the United States, protect Canadian jobs, protect trade and get it done?”
“Mr. Speaker, last week the CRTC announced that it will be tripling the online streaming tax from 5% to 15%. This tax will now drive up the cost that consumers pay for things like Netflix or Disney+. Just this weekend, Spotify announced that, taking effect in July, they will be increasing their prices. For over 800 years, it has been parliamentary tradition that only Parliament imposes a tax. Regulators like the CRTC do not have the authority to do that. Will this government speak to the CRTC and make it reverse course?”
“Mr. Speaker, let us focus on the facts. The Liberals are spending so much that they have actually doubled Trudeau's deficit. That is quite the accomplishment, because Trudeau's deficit, of course, was massive in nature, historic, in fact, so the fact that the government has doubled it is quite something. The reason this matters so much is not that they spent so much money, but that they did it and incurred debt, and that debt lands on the backs of Canadians, whether it is families or seniors or students, who are doing their very best to make ends meet. The government can do something about it, so why does it insist on being an incredibly costly, ineffective Liberal government?”
“Mr. Speaker, the Liberals promised a “new government”, but we do in fact see more of the same. We see more costly spending, more taxes and, ultimately, more prices to pay for Canadians. Whether it is the grocery store or the gas at the pumps or their mortgages that they're trying to pay month to month, Canadians are struggling to make ends meet because of the costly policies of the government. The only thing that these costly Liberals seem to be interested in balancing, of course, is their political spin, which is exactly what we are seeing today. Will they admit that they, in fact, have failed Canadians and promise to do better going forward?”
“Mr. Speaker, I am glad the hon. member is willing to recognize that they have agreed to take only 10¢ a litre off at the pump. Meanwhile, summer gas prices will go up by 10¢ a litre, which means that, really, Canadians are saving absolutely nothing. Meanwhile, the Conservative plan was to take off 25¢ a litre at the pump. That is real savings. That makes a real difference. That is what Canadians want. Will the Liberals take Canadians seriously and actually make a real difference? Axe the tax.”
“Mr. Speaker, this government can continue to make false claims, or it can actually take real action on behalf of Canadians. The reality is that single moms are struggling, families are struggling and seniors are struggling just to be able to make ends meet. Sixty-four per cent of them say that they are working harder but still falling further behind. That is not the type of Canada that we want, and I think, I would hope at least, we would all agree to that. We put forward a proposal to take off 25¢ per litre at the pump. This government responded by taking an itty-bitty little amount, 10¢ per litre, off at the pump, which means, really, no savings at all, because this summer gas prices will be increased by 10¢ a litre at the pump. Why would this government not take Canadians seriously and actually give them a real break?”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague drew attention to the fact that we have reports showing that there has been foreign interference within our elections. I am curious if he can expand on that. He talked about the what. He talked about what is going on, but I am curious as to his reflections with regard to the importance of this or the consequence of this if the government continues to turn a blind eye.”
“They are asking to have an opportunity to play on the world stage when they run businesses. The mom who is going to the pumps and filling up her minivan so she can take her kids to sports or school is just asking for a bit of fairness, a bit of relief. The grandma or grandpa who is having a hard time paying their heating bill is just asking for a bit of fairness, a bit of relief. The student who is having a hard time, because they are unemployed thanks to the government, filling their vehicle in order to make it to class is just asking for a bit of fairness, a bit of relief. It is not much. Therefore, we would call on the government to do the measurable thing, do the right thing and act on behalf of Canada, to go all the way, with no more half measures.”
“In doing these things, we would be more competitive on a business front, and everyday Canadians would be well served because life would become more affordable. These are good, solid policy measures that would serve Canadians well. Therefore, instead of fruitless photo ops, we would ask the members opposite to give consideration to the true needs of Canadians and to vote in favour of the changes that we have put forward here today, for the sake of our country and for the sake of those who call this place home. There is a real opportunity here to deliver relief to Canadians, to make sure that they are taken care of and that they are put at the forefront. Canadians are not asking for special treatment. They are just asking for fairness. They are asking to be competitive.”
“It also goes to the heart of the matter, which is the fact that the Prime Minister and, I dare say, the current government have not considered everyday Canadians and how they are impacted by these punitive taxes. Canadians deserve more. They deserve more than the half measures that the government has to offer, so the Conservatives have put forward a solution. In fact, we put it forward a long time ago. We have been calling on the government to remove the fuel tax for the entire year, at a minimum. We have asked the Liberals to remove the GST on gasoline and diesel. We have asked the government to permanently take away the fuel standard tax and to permanently remove the industrial carbon tax.”
“For us to allow our children to go without proper nourishment, to allow them to go without proper housing and proper care, is a problem. If the government members are willing to turn a blind eye to that, then shame on them. This is why a Liberal press conference with half-hearted measures simply will not do the trick. That is more about image than about substance. It is more about the Prime Minister 's upholding his own title than about caring for the Canadian people, and that is a problem. Last week, when he was asked to respond to the rising gas prices, the Prime Minister replied, somewhat naively, “Well, I wonder what can be done about that.” It was as if he had never thought of it before. Of course, why would he? Financially, he is well established. He is certainly not feeling the pain.”
“They feel it when they are trying to get to work. They feel it when they are trying to heat their home. They feel it when they are just trying to go grocery shopping to fill their fridge. Canadians are feeling the pain of the Liberal government's bad policies. The sad thing is that we are seeing the consequences. In my riding, we are watching as people are lining up at the food bank in a way we have never seen before, but we are not the only community where this is the case. Communities across the country are witnessing this. Further to that, we are seeing a massive increase in child poverty. Again, our community is hard hit, but we are not the only ones. Across this country, the amount of child poverty is up. If there is anything that should tug at the heart of a Liberal, I would hope it would be that.”
“We have the ability to be an answer in a world that is extremely troubled at the moment. We produce oil and gas with the greatest environmental standards in the world, with respect for human dignity and with high pay. That is amazing. That is a good story. Why are we not proud of that and wanting that to flourish? (1705) Canadian industries are at a clear disadvantage as the Liberals continue to pile on costs. Of course, it means, then, that we do in fact lose our competitive edge. Sadly, the Liberal damage does not stop there. It does not stop at the area of industry, and it does not stop at the farm gate. It gets passed down to the moms and dads, the grandmas and grandpas, the aunts and uncles and the students who are driving places or have to heat their homes or buy groceries or household goods. It gets passed all the way down to them.”
“However, that is not what Conservatives are proposing, and that is not what Canadians are requesting. Canadians need much more if they are to be well served by the policies of the government. Over a decade of punitive fuel taxes has taken a real toll on Canadians, placing growing strain on businesses across the country. In fact, today there were just a couple of articles that were released expressing the views of leaders within oil and gas. They would say that these taxes are actually “eroding” Canada's ability to compete or, in other words, doing away with it and making us weaker. This is a shame, because at this point in time in history, we need Canada's oil and gas like nobody's business, and we have the ability to be strong. We have the ability to compete.”
“It claims to accomplish something for the good of the environment, but actually the measures prove otherwise. It is not meeting the metrics that it promised. People are certainly being punished, and businesses are certainly going without that competitive edge that they deserve to have. Today, the Liberals have continued their pattern of those flashy photo opportunities that we saw the Prime Minister take advantage of approximately a year ago, when he took out his big sharpie and signed that agreement claiming that the carbon tax was gone, but it is not, so here we are again. The Prime Minister announced his half-measure, saying that he would reduce costs a bit for Canadians. He would reduce costs by taking a bit off at the gas pumps, but only until Labour Day or for a few months.”