David McGuinty
Ottawa South, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, our investments in Canada's space capabilities, the member will know, will translate into new jobs, stronger supply chains, greater industrial capacity and a more resilient Canadian economy.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are acquiring a new fleet of fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The member knows that. We are reviewing all procurement approaches so that they align with the interests of Canadians and the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces.”
“Mr. Speaker, what is weak is the narrative. The Leader of the Opposition knows that his handful of tax changes are not going to contend with the economic challenges we are facing in the United States. They are not going to contend with the Ukrainian war. They are not going to contend with the gulf war.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is a good day to answer this question, because, in fact, a year ago today we announced that we would achieve 2% of our GDP expenditures for defence. I remember where the member was at the end of the Harper regime when it was less than 1%. I did not see him fighting then for the money that we needed for our forces.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are going to continue to make thoughtful, systematic and disciplined investments in the Canadian Armed Forces. Applications are up 61% year over year. The number of folks brought into the system is up 13% year over year. We have more women joining.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am not sure where the member has been, but he has not been to any of our 33 bases lately. He is not seeing the investments that are being made there.”
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“Mr. Speaker, it is interesting. We went through a process in committee, an important process. I appeared on this bill. Unfortunately, virtually every substantive amendment put forward by the opposition parties has been ruled out of order by the Speaker's office. As a result of that, we are in the position now where we are, basically, moving forward. There is a lot at stake here for the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces. The discussion around political interference is just unfortunate talk. The important thing here is that we are going to be making changes to address long-standing concerns raised by victims and survivors of the Canadian Armed Forces community. It is a suite of targeted amendments to modernize the military justice system.”
“Most importantly, Justice Arbour's fifth recommendation calls for the removal of Canadian Armed Forces jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute Criminal Code sexual offences. Through Bill C-11 , we would be implementing this recommendation exactly as we promised. What we heard from former Supreme Court justices Fish and Arbour, as well as from the chief of the defence staff, military justice experts, victims and survivors, is that these changes are long overdue.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me begin by thanking my colleagues for being here to debate this important issue. I would remind the member across the floor that for 10 years Mr. Harper did nothing about this issue. The Conservatives did not bring a single proposed legislative amendment or change to the whole question of this regime. What we have decided is that delivering culture change is not only the right thing to do, but it is critical for our operational needs for national security. It is not a partisan issue, as hard as he would like to make it so. My colleague does not recall that we introduced Bill C-11 to codify in law key recommendations from two distinguished judges of the Supreme Court, justices Arbour and Fish, and to rebuild victims' and survivors' trust in the Canadian Armed Forces.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think they want more, so let us give them more. There is 5 Wing Goose Bay, which is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs, with $8 billion; Bay du Nord, with thousands of jobs and $14 billion; Mersey River Wind project, with 200 construction jobs and $500 million; Nova Scotia and New Brunswick intertie, with 600 jobs and $6 billion; Port of Montreal's Contrecoeur project, with 8,000 jobs and $1.2 billion; and Nouveau Monde Graphite, with 1,000 jobs and $1.8 billion. Mr. Speaker, this is a long list. Instead of obstructing, the members can get on board and help us build Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, let us talk about jobs. The joint support ship project will create 3,100 jobs. The River-class destroyers project will create 9,000 jobs. The search and rescue aircraft project will create 1,800 jobs. The logistics vehicle modernization project will create 1,600 jobs. The list is long, but we are just getting started.”
“Mr. Speaker, they are against everything. They are against Canada's defence and security industry, which generates $14 billion in annual revenue and supports 81,000 full-time jobs and 200,000 indirect jobs— An hon. member: Oh, oh!”
“Mr. Speaker, we are busy rebuilding, rearming and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces. We are proud to invest in space capabilities, including space launch infrastructure. It is important for us to assert our sovereignty and our security in space-based communications, particularly in the Arctic. This is one in a continuing series of generational investments to ensure both Canada's security and our sovereignty.”
“Mr. Speaker, establishing Canadian sovereign space launch capabilities is going to drive billions of dollars in investments. It is going to create good-paying jobs, increase Canada's sovereignty, reduce our economy's reliance on the United States and support a commercial space launch and re-entry industry that could be worth up to $40 billion. This is what we are investing in, essential capabilities that protect Canada and create massive economic benefits for Canadians. How can the Conservatives be against that?”
“Mr. Speaker, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, 20% of the Canadian economy depends every day on satellites. Whether we are ordering food to our front doors, trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange, mapping our agricultural products in the production system, or deploying AI for firefighting purposes, we need satellite capabilities, and we need secure telecommunications for our Arctic, for our security and for our sovereignty. Guess what. Despite the Conservatives' objections, we are going to build it.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians do have a question: Why are the Conservatives against rearming, rebuilding and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces? We are proud to invest in space capabilities, including space launch infrastructure. It is important for Canada to assert its sovereignty in space-based communications. This is one of a continuing series of generational investments to ensure both Canada's security and our sovereignty. The Conservatives do not seem to understand that 20% of the Canadian economy depends on satellites every day.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Acadie—Annapolis for his advocacy on behalf of the brave men and women of Canadian Forces Base Greenwood. Our soldiers, sailors and aviators do important and incredible work, and we need more of them. That is why we have been reinvesting in our people. We have given members of our forces a well-deserved pay raise. We are getting them the tools, the weapons, the equipment and the housing they need. Recruitment has just hit a 30‑year high. We are just getting started.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Orléans for her question. We do indeed have some important news for Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces. Recruitment has reached its highest level in 30 years. Here are the facts: Over the past year, the number of applications has more than doubled to over 45,000. We have recruited 7,310 regular force members, exceeding our target, and 70 of the 97 key positions have been filled. We are working hard, but we have only just begun.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the House that the opposition day designated for Thursday, April 23, has been undesignated and that the business for that day shall be Bill C-11 , an act to amend the National Defence Act and other acts.”
“Mr. Speaker, we recently launched a defence industrial strategy for the country and it is taking hold. There has already been $14 billion in annual revenue contributing to over 81,000 direct and 200,000 indirect jobs. In the joint support ships alone, we see 3,100 jobs; River class destroyer ships, 9,000 jobs; fixed-wing search and rescue, 1,800 jobs; and logistics vehicle modernization, 1,500 jobs. There are tens of thousands more jobs coming for our small and medium-sized businesses.”
“Once again, Mr. Speaker, let us be factual: 8%, 13% and 20% pay increases; annual retention bonuses based on years of service; instructor benefits and special incentives to allow folks to move from the practising of their trades in the forces to become instructors. We are making progress. We are, all together, collectively rebuilding the Canadian Armed Forces. The members on both sides of the House are aware of this. I would welcome their thoughtful input.”
“That is a bit rich, Mr. Speaker. The member has voted against every single proposal to look after our forces. He has no ground to stand on. The members of the Canadian Armed Forces carry out important work on behalf of Canada here at home and around the world. We have introduced a suite of cost of living supports to support them and their families: that is, a well-deserved pay raise, $100 million for additional child care and $3.7 billion for 7,500 new housing units. Our work to support the members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families continues each and every day.”
“Mr. Speaker, there is nothing fake about 8%, 13% and 20% pay raises. That is the first thing. The member knows better than to raise this subject matter, which is important, this way. Ninety thousand members of the forces are getting a pay raise. He is aware of that. We have invested in hundreds of new housing units on and off bases, 800 homes are being constructed today, and we have modernized the application process. We are making progress. I am looking forward to thoughtful and earnest suggestions for improvement. That was not one of them.”
“Mr. Speaker, here are a few facts for the member. Joint support ships will provide 3,500 jobs. Arctic and offshore patrol ships will provide 2,300 jobs. Remotely piloted aircraft systems will provide 700 jobs annually. River-class destroyers will provide 5,250 jobs. Logistics vehicle modernization will provide 1,000 jobs. Armoured combat support vehicles will provide 1,650 jobs. The list goes on and on.”
“Mr. Speaker, with Canada's first-ever defence industrial strategy, we are making major investments to build up Canada's domestic defence industry. Last week alone, we announced a $900-million investment to support drone development and quantum technologies, a $200-million investment in space launch capabilities in Atlantic Canada, a $300-million contract for new modular assault rifles, and over $1.4 billion for domestic ammunition production in Ontario and Quebec. That is a plan. We are delivering. It is security, sovereignty and jobs.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is up to us to defend and secure Canada from existing and emerging threats. That is why we are moving forward with a $35-billion plan to defend, build and transform Canada's northern and Arctic region. This includes $32 billion for our forward and deployed operating bases, including 5 Wing Goose Bay in Labrador. We are making major generational investments that matter to build Canada strong and to keep Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, in the past week alone, we have announced a $40-billion plan to transform Canada's north and Arctic, with $10 billion in major projects; a $900-million investment to support drone development and quantum technologies; a $200-million investment in Canada's space launch capabilities in Atlantic Canada; a $300-million contract for new modular assault rifles; and over $1.4 billion for domestic ammunition production in Ontario and Quebec. Our focus is on delivering security, sovereignty and thousands of jobs.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada is a Pacific country and we are proud to strengthen our partnership with Australia. Last week, we were in Australia to strengthen our relationship and increase our co-operation in the areas of military exercises and procurement. That includes training our forces on the Arctic over-the-horizon radar system. We are quickly expanding our defence partnerships around the world.”
“Mr. Chair, I think that what is being discussed at the United Nations should be taken seriously. However, we also have to admit that there is a problem at the UN. I used to work for the UN. The organization has a problem. It does not seem to be working. Over the past decade, the UN and its security council have failed to resolve a number of conflicts. I think there is work to do and progress to make to rebuild this multilateral institution, but at the same time, it is a—”
“What we should be doing is letting cooler heads prevail, and I think we should be assisting neighbouring states, if it is requested, with civil matters, water systems, desalination plants, electricity and other challenges that countries in this region are facing. It is not a simple matter, and the member knows this. We are not talking about the prosecution of war in this country today. We are talking about trying to get things to de-escalate so we can find a successful outcome.”
“Mr. Chair, the first thing I would remind the member of is that there is a difference between offensive and defensive activities. Right now, I have made it very clear that the government is not going to be pursuing offensive activities. This is not something we are contemplating. It is not something we have been requested to do. We have not been approached by the prosecutors of this war, Israel or the United States, and we have no intention of following up on that front. We are going to focus on de-escalation efforts. It is not helpful in my mind right now to gin up the volume around this conflict on any side of the House. Canadians are worried enough right now. We have enough family members and enough Canadians in the region.”
“Mr. Chair, the Canadian Armed Forces are in a constant state of readiness. They are always monitoring what is happening geopolitically around the world. In this case, following the attack in Iran, the Canadian Armed Forces are doing their job. There is always the possibility of helping other countries, especially in the Middle East, that may need assistance, for example with desalination plants, thermal power plants or other power plants. There are always ways we can help. Assistance could also be provided by the Communications Security Establishment Canada, which does a lot of intelligence work. It will depend on the needs, and we are listening. Today, our priorities are first and foremost Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces. Next, we are trying to see how we can help reduce the intensity of this war. That is what we are hoping for.”
“Mr. Chair, I think that I accurately described Canada's position. It is fairly clear, and the Prime Minister himself has been very clear in his most recent remarks. Preparations to assist Canadians in the region began immediately after the attack by Israel and the United States. We have hundreds of people in place, both here and in the region, to help Canadians leave the area. We are talking about tens of thousands of people. We organized flights and increased the number of seats per flight, and we continue to support those who want to leave the region. There are a lot of retirees and a lot of people who live or work in the region. Canada's position is clear: Our priority is to protect Canadians, evacuate them as necessary, protect our military and take part in negotiations to de-escalate the situation.”
“Mr. Chair, I thank my colleague for his concern for the situation. He and I share that concern and stand on the same ground. I have made it very clear. Canada has no intention whatsoever of entering into this prosecution of a war led by Israel and the United States. Canada was not consulted. Canada did not advise. Canada does not have personnel actively engaged in this conflict. That is very clear for this government. We are going to use our best efforts first to have Canadians who are in the region removed. We have made sure that our military personnel are in safe locations, away from harm. The third thing I would say is we are going to make sure that we can work with other like-minded parties to de-escalate this situation, which appears to be actually spiralling out of control.”
“Canada chooses de-escalation. In doing so, Canada continues its unwavering commitment to a more secure, stable and just world.”
“The weakening of an oppressive regime opens the door to a different future, a better future, one shaped not by violence or proxy wars but by the aspirations of the Iranian people for dignity, security and self-determination. We will continue to focus our efforts on protecting Canadians in the region and we will work with partners to de-escalate this conflict. We will continue defending democratic principles, human rights and international law. (1940) [ Translation ] We will continue to act responsibly, protecting Canadians and contributing to the stability of a world too often disrupted by conflict. [ English ] In moments such as these, the choices we make define the values we uphold. Canada chooses responsibility. Canada chooses courage. Canada chooses the protection of human life, the support of partners and the promotion of peace.”
“We do not join conflicts without consultation or request. Second, protect Canadians. All personnel deployed abroad and citizens in affected regions remain our very highest priority. Third, support our partners. Those enduring consequences of a conflict they did not choose deserve our solidarity. Fourth, promote stability through diplomacy, engagement and adherence to international law. Canada has long maintained that global security is best preserved through co-operation, restraint and respect for international norms. These principles guide our actions today. The Middle East faces a period of profound uncertainty, but also of possibility.”
“The Communications Security Establishment can provide intelligence, situational awareness and active cyber-protection to ensure the safety of deployed personnel. Legal authorities allow Canada to respond to foreign threats in a measured, lawful and proportionate manner, consistent with our democratic values. Canada continues to invest in its cyber and defence capabilities. Modern secure communications, resilient networks and advanced defence systems strengthen our ability to act decisively, protect our personnel and operate alongside allies with greater confidence. [ Translation ] These investments enable Canada to address the challenges posed by a constantly evolving and increasingly complex threat environment. [ English ] What defines Canada's response in moments of international crisis like this is principle. First, act responsibly.”
“Cyber-threats now form a critical dimension of national and international security. The Communications Security Establishment, together with the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, stands on Canada's digital front lines, protecting government networks, critical infrastructure and Canadians from malicious activity. Following recent developments in the Middle East, Canadian authorities have assessed the potential for Iranian-linked cyber-activity. Threats could target critical infrastructure, attempt influence operations or harass our military personnel, diaspora communities and activists. In response, guidance has been issued to organizations across the country to remain vigilant and to protect their systems. Cyber-capabilities are also integral to supporting Canadian military operations abroad.”
“(1935) [ Translation ] Canada places great importance on these partnerships and continues to work closely with these countries, as well as with its G7 allies, to defuse tensions and promote diplomatic solutions. [ English ] Let me be unequivocal when it comes to our Canadian Armed Forces on the ground. All Canadian Armed Forces personnel in the region are safe and accounted for. The Canadian Armed Forces continuously assesses threats, adjusts its posture and enhances protective measures to ensure the safety of personnel while maintaining effectiveness. [ Translation ] When necessary, adjustments are made quickly and decisively, with the protection of the forces always being the top priority. [ English ] Again, protection of our personnel is the highest priority. The nature of modern conflict extends beyond conventional operations.”
“Our focus is clear: the immediate de-escalation of hostilities, the protection of civilians and the prevention of further conflict. Few will mourn the weakening of a regime that has oppressed its own people and destabilized an entire region. Canada stands with the Iranian people who seek a future defined not by fear or repression but by freedom and the ability to chart their very own path. At the same time, we recognize that conflict carries consequences far beyond its origin. Gulf states and other regional partners, including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have borne significant consequences from attacks on their civilian infrastructure and essential services.”
“The Middle East lies at the heart of global trade, energy flows and international security. Instability there reverberates around the world, touching economies, alliances and the lives of Canadians, both at home and abroad. For decades, the Iranian regime has sown instability, and deliberately so, through support for militant proxies, armed groups and terrorist organizations. Through its pursuit of nuclear capabilities, the regime has threatened its neighbours and undermined the security of the international community. Recently, the United States and Israel conducted coordinated military strikes targeting elements of Iran's leadership and military infrastructure. Canada was not consulted, Canada did not participate and Canada has no plans to participate in these offensive operations.”
“Mr. Speaker, the events unfolding in the Middle East remind us that, in today's interconnected world, no conflict is far away and no nation is immune to the repercussions of upheavals elsewhere. [ English ] The stakes of what is unfolding in the Middle East extend far beyond the region itself. The past weeks have brought a stark reminder of this reality. Military operations, retaliatory strikes and the threat of escalation have sent waves of concern across the globe. As our Prime Minister noted in Sydney, the world's focus must remain on restraint, preventing further escalation and ensuring that the Iranian regime does not acquire nuclear capabilities. At the same time, the hopes and aspirations of the Iranian people for freedom, dignity and self-determination must not be ignored. Canada has a direct stake in what happens in that region.”
“Their language, culture and traditions have long been woven into the fabric of our beautiful country. Ukraine's colours, blue sky over golden fields, symbolize peace and prosperity. They represent the horizon Ukraine once knew and the future its people deserve. That is what we are committed to protecting. That is what we must help restore and rebuild. Last year on Ukrainian independence day, Canada's Prime Minister stood with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv and made a solemn promise to the Ukrainian people. He stated that, at the end of this horrific war, “When peace comes [for Ukraine]—and it will come— Canada will be there.” That is because Ukraine's fight is our fight, their struggle is our struggle and their independence will be our victory.”
“We are determined to ensure that Russia will never again be in a position to threaten Ukraine or the peace and security of Europe. Canada stands as a proud and active member of the coalition of the willing. Let me be perfectly clear: Our unity is strong and our commitment is absolute. We will stand with Ukraine, not only in this fight, but also in the work that follows to rebuild its cities, restore its infrastructure and support its people as they recover from this unjust, tragic and devastating war. Canada will remain steadfast in our commitment, in our partnership and in our defence of freedom. So many Canadians, so many of our constituents, grew up in communities that were shaped by the contributions of Ukrainian families and neighbours.”
“Today, Canada renewed Operation Unifier for an additional three years until March 2029. Canada is also allocating a total of $2 billion in additional military assistance for Ukraine for the upcoming fiscal year, building on previous commitments to drones, ammunition and contributions to NATO's prioritized Ukraine requirements list. (1525) [ Translation ] Canada is also imposing sanctions against 21 individuals and 53 entities, as well as 100 vessels in the Russian shadow fleet. We have also lowered the price cap on Russian crude oil. These measures are aimed at restricting Russia's energy revenues and targeting the financiers of the war. [ English ] Lasting peace and real security will require strong, credible guarantees for Ukraine, because trust alone will not protect a nation fighting for its survival.”
“In Sophia Square last summer, standing with President Zelenskyy, we announced that Canada would provide more than $1 billion to strengthen Ukraine's defence, including drones, ammunition and armoured vehicles. In September, Canada stood in the United Nations with President Zelenskyy to call for Russia to return the thousands of illegally abducted Ukrainian children. We are at a critical point in this war when the collective efforts of Ukraine and its partners have made the possibility of peace real. To secure a just and lasting peace, Canada is bolstering our support for Ukraine. This morning, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and I announced new measures to further reinforce Ukraine's defences and increase pressure on Russia. Through Operation Unifier, the Canadian Armed Forces have trained over 47,000 Ukrainian soldiers since 2015.”
“Since then, Canada has become one of Ukraine's most significant supporters, providing substantial financial assistance and military training, and standing firmly with the Ukrainian people in defence of their very sovereignty. Canada's support has also been reinforced on the world stage. At last year's G7 summit, leaders reaffirmed their united commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and long-term security, and Canada played a key role in advancing that collective response. Through coordinated sanctions, financial assistance and sustained military support, Canada continues to stand with Ukraine, alongside its closest international partners.”
“[ Translation ] Four years later, Russia is weakened. Its forces are exhausted. Its economy is in turmoil. Although Russia has gained ground thanks to its superior military might, it has greatly underestimated a force that cannot be measured by weapons: the courage, determination and strength of the Ukrainian people. [ English ] Canada has a long and consistent history of standing with Ukraine. We were the first western nation to recognize its independence. When Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014, Canada launched Operation Unifier, sending Canadian Armed Forces personnel to help strengthen Ukraine's security and defence.”
“Mr. Speaker, last night, Ukrainian parents hugged their children as sirens began to blare. Some rationed what little heat they had left; others huddled together in dark, cold apartments. They listened as drones flew over the city for hours, then to the deafening sounds of missiles. For Ukrainians, this is just another night. [ English ] This morning marks four long years since Russia launched its unjustified, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For four years, Russia has bombed Ukraine's churches, schools, hospitals and maternity wards. Russia has abducted thousands of Ukrainian children. It has targeted Ukraine's energy supply, attempting to freeze civilians to death by bombing power plants and heating systems in the dead of winter. Nonetheless, the glory and freedom of Ukraine have not perished; they have instead persisted.”
“Mr. Speaker, this morning we announced a phase two addition of 7,500 new residential units in 25 locations across the country. Already, more than 800 new residential housing units are under way. The shovels are in the ground. For Valcartier, Petawawa and Edmonton, there are 1,000 new units; for Kingston, 900 new units; and for Gagetown, 500 new units. We are delivering for the Canadian Armed Forces, and we are delivering for our economy.”
“Mr. Speaker, last week, we launched Canada's first-ever defence industrial strategy. It is a plan that provides a signal to industry, allies, partners, the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadians alike that we are moving forward quickly and with purpose. We are building. We are partnering. We are buying Canadian. We are strengthening our relationship with our partners. We are transforming procurement. We are investing in results. That is what our new strategy is all about.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and consistent with the policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaty entitled “Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Japan Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology”, done at Ottawa on January 27.”
“Mr. Speaker, as part of our generational investments in the Canadian Armed Forces, we are procuring a new fleet of fighter aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force. We review all procurement approaches to align with the best interests of Canadians and the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces. We are committed to procuring what the air force needs while ensuring economic benefits for Canadians. That is exactly what we will do.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are consumed with rebuilding, rearming and rebooting our Canadian Armed Forces. We are building thousands of new homes. We are retrofitting thousands of existing units. Every member of the House knows it is time for us to invest properly in our Canadian Armed Forces members, which is exactly what we are doing. For example, recently we acquired a 37-unit apartment building in B.C. as a result of an acquisition. We are making others around the country. As we build the portfolio of housing, we will be bringing the cost down.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are working together with our colleagues in the Arctic. We are working together. I had the chance to meet with the Premier of Nunavut just this morning. We were discussing a holistic approach to how we will invest in defence and our capacities. Obviously, operational needs will be important, but so will dual-use and multi-use investments as we go forward. These are the kinds of details we are working out. I would appreciate the member's thoughtful, practical suggestions to get it right.”