Anita Anand
Oakville East, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, this government always stands with its legal obligations. At the same time, we have introduced Bill C-35 , and we very much hope that the opposition will work with us.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada has some of the most rigorous forced labour laws in the world. We condemn forced labour everywhere it exists, including in my meeting last Friday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China. Every good that enters this country is subject to rigorous import controls and screening.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is on the front lines of our relationship with China and countries around the world. We wholeheartedly and emphatically condemn forced labour wherever it occurs.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to underline that Canada will always protect the rights of workers within and outside this country. The $600 million allocated in last year's budget was on top of a number of measures that we have taken in our negotiations, in our free trade agreements with other countries around the world, a point I emphasized last Fr…”
“Mr. Speaker, we are creating over 1,000 jobs through Nouveau Monde Graphite, supporting 18,000 construction jobs, and the Darlington nuclear project is supporting 18,000 construction jobs. This is just an example of the types of investments the Government of Canada is putting into the Canadian economy.”
“Mr. Speaker, last year, Canadian exports to non-U.S. markets grew by more than 17%. Canada has the fastest-growing economy in the G7, this year and next. In the first four months of this year alone, we secured more than $10 billion in commercial deals for Canadian businesses.”
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“Mr. Speaker, I come from a riding with and I represent auto workers and the auto sector. They want this government to keep doing what we have been doing, which is to support auto workers, support unions, support auto manufacturing and ensure that we are, together, building Canada strong. This is what we do in times of economic stress. We band together. On this side of the House, we urge them to vote with us, vote for Canada, vote for national projects and build Canada with us.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is shocking that the opposition members do not recognize the measures the government has taken to support the auto sector, to support workers and to make sure that we are investing in national projects. They vote against us every single time. We have an auto strategy. We have a liquidity management fund. We are reducing tariffs. We are making sure we are building Canada strong. We urge the Conservatives to get on board.”
“Mr. Speaker, this transition is an important step toward stabilizing Haiti, including general elections. Canada is a leader in the world. We have invested $450 million in stabilizing Haiti, and we are also co-operating with the diaspora. We are committed to fighting for a healthier and safer future for Haiti.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada is deeply disappointed by the tragic sentencing of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong. We call for the immediate release of Jimmy Lai. In fact, we have consistently spoken out against the national security law since its imposition in 2020. While in Beijing, I reiterated Canada's long-standing position to my counterpart: The persecution of journalists, media workers and activists is unacceptable. Canada will always support a free—”
“Mr. Speaker, this week, I will be travelling to Nuuk, Greenland, to formally open the Canadian consulate there. I will be meeting with my Danish and Greenlandic counterparts, where I will be reiterating the principles of state sovereignty, territorial integrity and co-operation amongst Arctic states, including the Nordic five. Here at home, we are investing more than $80 billion in Canada's defence and security, including Arctic security, and we will build Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, I urge the member opposite to be accurate in her representation of Canadian law. First, Canada has one of the strongest export permit regimes in the world. Second, Canada has not approved any new permits for items to Israel that could be used in the current conflict in Gaza since January 8, 2024. Third, all permits suspended in 2024 remain suspended and cannot be used to export to Israel. Again, I urge accuracy.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I said, we have had discussions with China about several sectors of our economy, including pork, beef and canola. Each time, we continue to say that it is in Canada's interest to have a “friendly” agreement for our pork sector and for our economy. That is our strategy on this side of the House.”
“Mr. Speaker, the reality is that we remain committed in our partnerships with all industry stakeholders in the beef and canola industries, in the agriculture industry. At the same time, we will continue to diversify our supply chains for our domestic economy. That is in the national interest and that is our plan on this side of the House.”
“Mr. Speaker, the French language and French culture are very important. They are at the heart of our Canadian identity. That is why, this week, we announced Canada's bid to host the 2028 Sommet de la Francophonie right here in the national capital region. Hosting this summit will launch new economic partnerships for Canadians. This is good news for the economy and for francophones.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister 's work on the world stage with his counterparts to bring an end to the conflict in the Middle East is extremely important. He is continuing to be engaged on the peace plan in the Middle East. The plan, in fact, reflects Canada's long-standing position that Hamas should have no role in the governance of Palestine, and the ceasefire provides an opportunity for the Prime Minister and other world leaders to continue to work on humanitarian aid for the benefit of all.”
“Mr. Speaker, over the past three and a half years, the Government of Canada has provided approximately $22 billion in multi-faceted support for Ukraine's military, as well as financial and economic support. This week, at NATO, I committed another $235 million for Ukraine in the defence of its sovereignty and security, and to ensure that its soldiers can make it through the winter as they fight on the front lines against this illegal and unjustifiable invasion. Canada will always stand for the rules-based, international order that has kept us all safe since the end of the Second World War.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister and the rest of the government are here for the whole country, not just for one province, not just for one territory. We are here for Canadian jobs, for our industries and to build the strongest economy in the G7. At the same time, we are building supply chains and partnerships with all global economies. The reason is that the world is changing, the geopolitical situation is changing, and we continue to respond—”
“Mr. Speaker, it is true that we need to continue having conversations with the United States. We need to be at the table for these conversations and negotiations. At the same time, we continue to diversify our supply chains and our trade partners, like India, Indonesia and Mexico. On this side, we are continuing to build our economy. On the opposition side, that is not the case. Every single time, they vote against—”
“Madam Speaker, with our Arctic foreign policy, we are continually ensuring that the sovereignty and the livelihood of the Arctic are protected. That is why we are putting on the table $80 billion for defence spending. In conjunction with indigenous peoples, we are going to make sure that we protect the Arctic and defend the Arctic, and we will do so with our international allies. I will be travelling to NATO next week to have those—”
“Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for her question. I will be at NATO next week to discuss very important issues with our allies, including topics like Ukraine, the Arctic and our collective defence. With an $80-billion investment in budget 2025, we are here for the Canadian Armed Forces and our defence sector. Canada will always play its part in collective defence and in protecting our country.”
“Madam Speaker, it appears that my hon. colleague has not really been cognizant of what the Prime Minister has been doing: $70 billion in a financial commitment of investment from the U.A.E. We can also list the Philippines, Indonesia, Germany, Thailand and India. These are the trade deals we are embarking upon. On the other side of the House, they focus on issues that Canadians are not going to benefit from. We are here for Canadians, building Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, everywhere I go, people say they want more Canada. Last week, the Prime Minister confirmed the largest foreign investment commitment in Canadian history at $70 billion. In addition, we have launched trade negotiations with India for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. We are building the strongest economy in the G7 by unlocking generational investments. [ Translation ] Long live Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member opposite is overlooking that Canada has a AAA credit rating, has the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7, has been world acclaimed as a home for direct foreign investment and is top of the G20. The difference between that side of the House and this side of the House is that we believe in Canada. We believe in Canadians. We are diversifying supply chains, and we are investing in our population so that we become the strongest economy in the G7. We ask them to join us.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada is extremely concerned about the treatment of Uyghurs in China. The report was an essential step and revealed an alarming pattern. China has yet to take meaningful action in response. Canada will continue to work with its international partners to address this situation. Canada remains committed to defending human rights in international organizations. This is a priority for us.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his question. Of course, our government does not support forced labour in any way. We will continue to stand up for human rights around the world, especially within multilateral organizations. We will also continue to invest in our economy and maintain the bilateral relationships that are necessary for our country throughout the world.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am going to reiterate that we are actively making sure that countries hear the interests of Canadian farmers, Canadian suppliers and Canadian producers. Not only is Pakistan opening its doors to Canadian canola, but I raised potash, canola, agriculture and seafood in my recent trip to the Indo-Pacific. The governments with which I spoke assured me that we will continue to work together to build economic supply chains across the Indo-Pacific, which is why the Prime Minister is in the region right now.”
“Mr. Speaker, numerous times I have reiterated in this House the importance of diversifying Canada's supply chains. Over the past number of months, I have spoken with my counterpart in Pakistan. Pakistan is one of the world's largest importers of canola. This morning, he confirmed to me that Pakistan will open its doors to Canadian canola. In fact, he confirmed to me that orders have already been placed for Canadian canola. This is great news for Canadian farmers. On this side of the House, we will build Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me reiterate. When I was in the Indo-Pacific, I reiterated the interests of Canadian farmers and the agricultural sector writ large on canola and agricultural products, as well as on seafood and other items. Let me also reiterate that we will seek to diversify supply chains for Canadian industry across the board with countries outside and inside the region so as to grow this economy and make it the strongest in the G7.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is completely false to claim that the government is not advancing the interests of Canadian farmers and Canadian agriculture. When I was in the Indo-Pacific just 10 days ago, I raised the issues related to agriculture with my Chinese and Indian counterparts. Let me assure the House that, at all times, we are advancing the interests of our farmers. Let me assure the House that the minister responsible is in the region at this time and doing just that.”
“Mr. Speaker, that is not true. For months, we have been emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between what we can control and what we cannot control, including U.S. trade policy. We remain ready to resume negotiations with them. However, we can take action here at home by launching national construction projects, by growing the Canadian economy by getting rid of internal barriers and diversifying our trade through the creation of new—”
“Mr. Speaker, for months we have been drawing the distinction between things that we can and cannot control. We cannot control the trade policy of the United States or any other country. We can control what we do here at home. We are building the strongest economy in the G7. We are doing that by reducing internal barriers to trade. We are doing that by supporting affected industries, including $5 billion in the strategic response fund and helping to support workers across this country. We ask the Conservatives, rather than talking Canada down, to stand with us.”
“Mr. Speaker, once again, Canada is ranked among the best places in the G20 to do business. We are strengthening our partnerships in Europe, in the Indo-Pacific region and in Africa. That is why we signed a historic trade agreement with Indonesia to create jobs here, at home. This is not just about agreements; it is also about wages for Canadian families. We are here to build a strong Canadian economy. Are they with us?”
“Mr. Speaker, we have always known that this would be a volatile situation. We are keeping a steady hand to continue supporting industry and workers. We are making historic investments in supporting our workforce. For example, we have set aside $5 billion for a strategic response fund. We are signing agreements with other countries to build a strong economy.”
“Mr. Speaker, the opposition members know that we are here for Canadians, including Quebeckers. We are here with support for the auto industry, the lumber industry and industry in general, with a $5-billion strategic fund. At the same time, we are diversifying our supply chains. We will build the Canadian economy, and we will be here for a strong Canada. Will my colleague support us?”
“Mr. Speaker, for months, we have been emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between what we can control and what we cannot control. We remain ready to resume negotiations. However, we can still take action here, at home, by launching national construction projects, and by growing and diversifying Canada's economy. We can also build our supply chains. We are going to be here for a strong Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is surprising that the member opposite does not recognize that this government has been there to support industry and affected sectors, with a $5-billion strategic response fund and $10 billion for liquidity management. At the same time, 80% of our trade is covered by an existing free trade agreement, and we are reducing internal barriers to trade to add up to $200 billion to the Canadian economy. We urge the opposition to get on board, stand united and build Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, for months, we have been drawing the distinction between what we can and what we cannot control, including the trade policy of the United States, which has fundamentally shifted. We remain ready to restart negotiations. At the same time, we are building Canada strong; we are diversifying our supply chains with major economies in the Indo-Pacific, we are reducing internal barriers to trade, and we are getting national projects off the ground, things that I remind the opposition they voted against.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada believes in a world free of nuclear weapons, and the current arsenals around the world remain far too large. Deterrence is fundamental, and we share the concerns of the hon. member about the unacceptable slow pace of disarmament. We all share a responsibility to protect against these threats, including through the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. At the United Nations recently, I spoke about the importance of multilateralism. It is collective action that will get us through these times, including through the challenge posed by nuclear armament.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me reiterate that the public safety and security of Canadians, regardless of the time and place, are always top of mind for our government, including in our diplomatic relationships. At the same time, Canada will continue to become the strongest economy in the G7, and the way we do that is to diversify our supply chains while making sure we protect our citizens at home.”
“Mr. Speaker, businesses from all over the world are choosing Canada as a foreign direct investment opportunity. We rank among the top two countries in the G20 for foreign direct investment. In fact, contrary to the words on the other side of the aisle, we have inflation coming down and the Bank of Canada cutting the benchmark interest rate to 2.5%. We are in a free trade agreement with every other G7 country. These are more than just agreements; they are bridges to economic resilience, and we will keep going hard.”
“Mr. Speaker, while we are on the topic of Canadian workers, first of all, let me thank Canadian workers, in particular unionized workers, for contributing to the growth of our economy every single day. Our government has ensured that workers who are unionized will have 20 extra weeks of EI, which is expected to help thousands of workers. On top of that, we put in $450 million for retraining and upskilling to help more than 50,000 workers. The opposition does not like it, but it is true.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are making unprecedented investments in our auto sector, with a $5-billion strategic response fund, for example, and all the while, we are making sure that workers are supported. The company NextStar has committed to hiring 2,500 workers and has just hired its 1,000th worker. As an MP with the Ford Motor Company in their backyard, let me tell members that we are here for workers, we are here for the auto sector and we will get the best deal for our country.”
“Mr. Speaker, every country with which I am speaking wants more of Canada. In fact, in the G20, Canada is ranked among the top two destinations for foreign direct investment. We are the only country in the world that has a free trade agreement with every other G7 country. We are forging new relationships in the Indo-Pacific, in Europe and in Africa. We will not stop until we get the best deal for Canada, and all along the way, we will stand up for our—”
“Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, we actually believe in the potential of this country. In fact, the statistics are bearing this out. We have the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7. Inflation and wages are working in Canada's favour. We will continue to grow this economy by investing in workers and by investing in sectors, and we will do this while making sure that foreign direct investment flows to Canada, where we sit at the very top of countries as ranked in the G20.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform my hon. colleague and the members of the House that we have provided billions of dollars of support for this economy, including $5 billion in a strategic response fund. We are doing this while supporting our workers, supporting sectors, including the auto sector, and maintaining Canada's AAA credit rating and the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7. We will get the best deal for Canada, and we will take the time we need in order to get this done.”
“Mr. Speaker, we will take no lessons from the Conservatives on standing up for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. Every opportunity they have to vote in favour of Canadians, whether it is pharmacare, whether it is dental care, whether it is the Canada child benefit, they vote against it. On this side of the House, whether it is the auto sector, whether it is energy, whether it is steel, whether it is aluminum, we will get the best deal for this country. We will always be there for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, one thing that Canadians know, from Ingersoll to Windsor, Oakville and Oshawa, is that on this side of the House we will not let Canadians down. We have the strategic fund putting billions of dollars to support auto workers and the auto sector. We are supporting the agri-food business, and we will always be there for Canadian workers as well. On this side of the House, we are about diversifying supply chains and supporting Canadians while we get the best deal possible for this country.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that the Prime Minister and the president had a very productive discussion yesterday on steel, on aluminum and on energy for the benefit of the Canadian economy. On auto, I remind my colleague of the president's words: “we want Canada to do well making cars, so...we'll get there.” I encourage the Leader of the Opposition to take a look at Ford Canada in my riding of Oakville and to realize that on this side of the House, we are building—”
“Mr. Speaker, businesses from all over the world are choosing Canada. That is why, once again, we are ranked as one of the best countries in the G20 for doing business. We are deepening our partnerships in Europe, in the Indo-Pacific and in Africa, to create opportunities here at home. That is why we have just signed a historic deal with Indonesia, to create jobs and to diversify supply chains. These are more than just agreements. They are the resilience of Canada's economic future. We will build Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, the Prime Minister is focused on protecting jobs and businesses, first by stabilizing supply chains through initiatives such as our strategic response fund, including on steel, aluminum, manufacturing, auto and agriculture, and by continuing to build supply chains while maintaining a strong domestic economy and the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7 and while negotiating a strong bilateral relationship and diversifying our supply chains. We will build Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are focused on building a very strong bilateral relationship. I ask my colleague opposite if it is a failure when we support our auto industry, if it is a failure when we support steel, if it is a failure when we support aluminum. We beg to differ. We are diversifying our trade routes. We are building strong bilateral relationships across the world, including with the United States. On this side of the House, we will always fight for Canada. [ Translation ] Long live Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, last week at the United Nations, I reiterated Canada's commitment to multilateralism. At a time when countries are retreating towards protectionism, Canada will not retreat. We will continue to be a leader on the world stage, we will strengthen our defence and security, we will strengthen our economic resilience and we will enhance our commitment to core values. With these three pillars of foreign policy, we will build Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, the situation that Palestinians are facing is intolerable. This matter is before the court and we will be closely following the situation as it develops. Canada is putting pressure on all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire. We will not wait to act. We have sanctioned extremist settlers, including ministers. We have provided $355 million in assistance and we also intend to recognize the state of Palestine next week.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada just concluded hosting an extremely successful G7 summit in Alberta at Kananaskis. The world is becoming more unpredictable, and the world needs Canada's leadership. The Prime Minister and his colleagues signed joint statements on critical minerals, on energy security and on transnational crime. The world needs more Canada. Canada is ready to lead. [ Translation ] Long live Canada!”
“Mr. Speaker, as I have already said, the G7 is an important forum for international dialogue with international leaders. At the same time, we must have security and the necessary conversations about protecting our fellow citizens and our population. That is our top priority. We will do that, and we will always protect Canadians.”