Annie Koutrakis

Mr. Speaker, Canada's drug crisis continues to take far too many lives, and it is having devastating impacts on families and communities across the country. It is a complex public health and public safety challenge that requires working with those directly impacted to achieve a comprehensive and evidence-based response that includes prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. Since 2017, the federal government has taken significant steps and invested more than $1.2 billion to support a wide range of initiatives aimed at addressing the drug crisis. Through the Canadian drugs and substances strategy and the Government of Canada's border plan, Canada is implementing a comprehensive approach to reduce substance use and related harm, prioritizing public health while protecting public safety. As part of the strategy, Health Canada provides funding to governments and community organizations across Canada through the substance use and addictions program. This program supports innovative, evidence-based initiatives in the areas of substance use prevention, harm reduction and treatment tailored to local needs. Communities and organizations that are approved for funding under SUAP's terms and conditions and eligible expenditures deliver project activities to respond to their specific local needs and circumstances. It is important to note that harm reduction is just one component of our comprehensive approach to saving lives and keeping communities safe. It complements prevention, treatment and recovery projects to address substance-use issues. Our government supports harm reduction initiatives when these activities are part of evidence-based projects aimed at reducing substance-related harms, such as overdose and disease transmission. Indeed, evidence shows that harm reduction measures help reduce infections and injuries associated with the sharing or use of dangerous substances. These measures save lives by reducing the risk of fatal overdoses and limiting the transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. These local projects also serve as essential points of contact with health services, treatment and social supports. We will continue to take a balanced and evidence-based approach that saves lives, supports pathways to treatment and recovery, and keeps communities safe across Canada.

Mr. Speaker, our response to the drug crisis is grounded in evidence, compassion and a commitment to saving lives. Through the substance use and addictions program, we empower those on the front lines, such as the provinces, municipalities, indigenous governments and community leaders, to implement a balanced approach that includes prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. While the federal government provides funding, it does not deliver these services directly. Decisions about specific local initiatives are made by the communities and local organizations that best understand their unique realities. Canadians expect an approach that addresses the root causes of addiction while also preventing immediate harm such as fatal overdoses and the spread of disease. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that public funds are used effectively to support safer, healthier outcomes for Canadians struggling with substance use.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for the serious concerns she raised on behalf of her constituents, which underscore the importance of addressing child poverty and affordability issues facing families. It is a concern shared by all members of the House. This is why the government is committed to building a better future for all Canadians, and that means bringing down costs to make life more affordable. The government is responding by taking action through a number of initiatives to improve outcomes, reduce barriers and support children and youth in reaching their full potential. For nearly 10 years, the Canada child benefit has helped ensure that Canadian families can support their children and plan for the future. Since 2016, the Canada child benefit has been a cornerstone in the effort to reduce child poverty. The benefit currently supports approximately 3.5 million families and reaches six million children, putting roughly $30 billion annually into tax-free support to families across the country. Most families receiving the maximum CCB are single-parent families, with approximately 90% of them headed by single women. Plus, the benefit is indexed every year to help families keep up with increases in the cost of living. To help with the additional costs of caring for a child with disabilities, as a supplement to the CCB, the child disability benefit provides up to $3,480 for each eligible child. We know the CCB has contributed to lifting hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty. More recently, the national school food program has provided close to 400,000 children per year with access to food programs in their communities, saving parents $800 or more per year. Budget 2025 introduced legislation to make the national school food program permanent, with an investment of $216.6 million per year starting in 2029-30. As announced on March 26, the National School Food Program Act received royal assent and is now enshrined in law. There is more. We introduced a phenomenally successful dental care program for Canadians without private insurance. It is helping to address this issue by covering more than 6.3 million eligible Canadian residents, including almost 760,000 children in 2025-26. It saves members, on average, more than $900 annually. We cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. This will save a dual-income family up to $840 per year in 2026. We are building an affordable, high-quality early learning and child care system that is already saving families thousands of dollars per child per year across the country. We enhanced the GST credit, now the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, by increasing it 25% for five years starting in July and providing a one-time 50% top-up this year to help with everyday costs. There is even more. Budget 2025 introduced automatic federal benefits starting in tax year 2026 to make it easier for low-income Canadians to access benefits. In short, the government will continue to look for ways to bring down costs to make life more affordable. Because of all these programs in place, Canadians have a higher median of wealth than people in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, we are putting together many different programs to make sure we are there for all Canadians, including small business owners. As my colleague across the way knows, we are in the process. We will be starting to talk to the United States. That has always been the case. We will find the solutions. We will be there for small businesses and for all Canadians to make sure that we get through this difficult time together.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present petition e-6951 on behalf of 1,786 Canadians, including children of the veterans buried in the Last Post Fund's National Field of Honour, plus other descendants of Canada's war veterans and friends of the cemetery. Petitioners highlight the national significance of the historic military cemetery, Canada's largest, located in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, and express concern over the ongoing financial challenges faced by the not-for-profit Last Post Fund, which is responsible for its maintenance. They call on the Government of Canada to honour and implement the “Canada Strong” campaign commitment to assume ownership of the cemetery, to direct Veterans Affairs and Canadian Heritage to develop a clear action plan with the Last Post Fund and a timeline for its transfer to the Crown, like all of our other military cemeteries, and to announce the plan by November 11, 2026, as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of all our veterans.

Mr. Speaker, 7.7 million seniors are getting the right amount of benefits on time. Yesterday, we gave a briefing to all of the opposition members who wanted to participate. We told them about all of the technical problems. I am entirely at your disposal if you have any questions, if you have other problems or if you have cases that you want to discuss with me.

Mr. Speaker, as I have already said, 7.7 million seniors are getting their benefits on time. The old benefits system was fragile. It was constantly out of service and it was expensive to maintain. Keeping that system would have been disastrous or would have led to a system failure in which no one would have received benefits. We are working on finding solutions.

Mr. Speaker, Michael Kieran was a man of faith and a man of science, brilliant and yet humble. Educated in nuclear physics, he devoted his professional life to dealing in the complexities of large transportation systems, first as a partner in KPMG, then for many years at Canadian Pacific Railway, and later as a consultant on special transportation projects. A man for others, Michael was a stalwart of Montreal's English-speaking Catholic community, serving on the board of directors of the Pillars Trust for 19 years, including nine years as its president. Michael's community engagement also extended to politics. He was active in party politics and twice served in the crucial role of official agent for the member for Lac-Saint-Louis. Michael's kind manner and life and business experience drew others to him in search of wise counsel. To his wife Shirley, daughter Melissa and son Philip, and to the grandchildren of whom he was so very proud, we offer our deepest condolences.

Mr. Speaker, I too would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere condolences to the family of my dear colleague, Kirsty Duncan, who was a great source of inspiration and comfort for me when my mom passed away five short months after my first election in 2019. Young people across the country are asking the same question: How do we make sure opportunity keeps pace with a changing economy? That is why supporting youth employment is not abstract for our government; it is a priority we are acting on with real investments and real results. Through budget 2025, we are creating more pathways into good jobs and making education more affordable. We announced $307.9 million over two years, starting in 2026-27, for the youth employment skills strategy, supporting employment, training and wraparound services for roughly 20,000 youth facing barriers each year. We also committed $26.1 million to six national projects under the YESS strategic collaboration stream. These projects are focused on solving real challenges young people face, bringing together youth, service providers, employers and researchers to develop solutions that can scale. That includes better tools for employers to support youth with disabilities, and stronger data to guide evidence-based decisions. The labour market is changing quickly, with new technologies, new industries and new skills. Our approach reflects that reality. That is why we continue to invest in students and apprentices as they prepare for the workforce. For the 2025-26 academic year, we extended the temporary increases to Canada student grants and loans. That includes the 40% increase for full-time and part-time students, students with disabilities and students with dependents, as well as the higher weekly student loan limit of $300. We have also expanded Canada student loan forgiveness for health care and social service professionals working in rural and remote communities, which is now covering 10 additional occupations from early childhood educators and social workers to personal support workers and physiotherapists. These measures recognize the pressures students are facing today, and they help ensure that cost is not a barrier to building a future. We are also delivering results through programs that directly connect young people to work. A recent evaluation of the youth employment and skills strategy program found that 76% of participants were employed or back in school after completing the program. For summer 2025, Canada summer jobs created up to 76,000 opportunities. Budget 2025 will increase that to around 100,000 summer jobs in 2026. Through the student work placement program, we expect to support roughly 55,000 placements in 2026. Taken together, these programs will create more than 175,000 job opportunities for young Canadians in 2026-27 alone. This is how we make sure young people are not left behind: by investing in their skills, lowering the cost of education and opening doors to real opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, young people want to know that there is a real future waiting for them, whether the future is in a classroom, a workplace or the skilled trades. That is why our government is acting, not with talk but with concrete support. Budget 2025 proposes $75 million to expand the union training and innovation program, strengthening union-based apprenticeship training in Red Seal trades and opening more doors for young Canadians. This builds on nearly $1 billion we already invest every year to make trades training more affordable through loans, tax credits and employment insurance supports. Through the Canadian apprenticeship strategy, apprentices get the help they need to complete training and earn certification. While they are in technical training, employment insurance provides income support, and through the Canada apprentice loan, apprentices can access up to $20,000 in interest-free loans. This is what action looks like: backing young people with real support on every path to work, including the skilled trades.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a very positive moment of spiritual and diplomatic significance that took place last week in the ancient city of Nicaea in the Republic of Turkey. Pope Leo and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew marked 1700 years since the first ecumenical council, held in 325. That council helped shape Christianity and our basic values and beliefs, including respect, harmony, solidarity and freedom, which are also embedded in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The leaders of the Catholic and Orthodox churches commemorated this historic anniversary by sending a powerful message to the world about the need for reconciliation, dialogue and mutual respect for all people, regardless of their beliefs or ethnic origin. In an era marked by conflict, persecution and polarization, their meeting shows that it is possible to overcome our differences in the service of peace and human dignity.

Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan for raising this important issue. We share his concerns for Canadians, especially young Canadians who are looking for good jobs and a strong future. Our government is making generational investments with youth at the forefront. We know that a strong economy starts with a strong workforce, and that means creating opportunities for young people to gain skills, experience and confidence. Budget 2025 delivers on this commitment. We are investing $1.5 billion over three years in youth programs, the largest youth employment investment in a generation. Through the youth employment and skills strategy, we will provide wraparound support for 20,000 youth in 2026, helping them overcome barriers and succeed in the labour market. We are also expanding programs that work. The Canada summer jobs program will create 100,000 work opportunities in summer 2026. In my colleague's riding alone in 2025, the number of organizations that benefited from this program was 42, and it created 159 jobs for the youth in his riding. The student work placement program will deliver 55,000 placements for students in 2026-27, connecting education to real-world experience. Through the new youth climate corps, we are investing $40 million over two years to train young Canadians for climate emergency response and community resilience. These measures reflect what youth told us during budget consultations: Their top priorities are lowering the cost of living, housing, and access to mental health supports. We are listening and acting, and the results speak for themselves. Youth employment rose by 21,000 jobs in October, the first increase since January. Youth unemployment dropped by almost 1%. Programs like Canada summer jobs deliver lasting impact, and 88% of that program's participants are employed within two years of completion. The student work placement program benefits employers too; 97% say it strengthens their business. Youth in the employment and skills strategy see real gains; 76% are employed one year after the program, with earnings up by almost $9,500. These investments are not just numbers; they are opportunities. They mean more young Canadians are building careers, contributing to their communities and driving our economy forward. At the same time, we are tackling the skilled trades shortage head-on. Budget 2025 invests $75 million over three years to expand union-based apprenticeship training, as well as nearly $1 billion annually to make trades training more affordable and accessible. Because I had prepared my remarks before my hon. colleague's question this morning, which is a little different than the one I thought he would come back to, I want to reassure him that students who are currently enrolled in and benefiting from the student grants for non-university or university educational institutions that do not qualify, if they are already enrolled and they continue in that vein with their studies until they graduate, the program remains the same. Whether it is building homes, responding to climate challenges or powering innovation, young Canadians will lead the way, and our government will be there investing in their success and building one Canadian economy that works for everyone.

Madam Speaker, the member opposite says he cares about youth employment, but when it mattered, he and his party voted against a budget that delivers real opportunities for young Canadians. Budget 2025 invests $1.5 billion over three years in youth programs; creates 100,000 Canada summer jobs, which is 24,000 more than last year; funds 55,000 student work placements; and launches a youth climate corps to prepare youth for the jobs of tomorrow. These investments are working. Youth employment rose by 21,000 jobs in October, the first increase since January, and youth unemployment dropped by almost 1%. The Canada summer jobs program, even though the member thinks it is not important, sees 88% of participants employed within two years, and the student work placement program benefits 97% of employers. We are building opportunities for youth. The member opposite continues to vote against them. We will always be there for the youth.

Mr. Speaker, the member opposite is attempting to spread disinformation about a so-called hidden carbon tax. Let me be clear: There is no carbon tax applied to groceries. Industrial carbon pricing applies to the largest polluters in Canada, not to families or small businesses. These measures drive investment to reduce emissions and build the competitiveness of Canadian businesses. Importantly, independent studies from the Canadian Climate Institute show that pricing industrial pollution is one of the lowest-cost ways to cut emissions while having a minimal impact on families. Canada's output-based pricing system gives companies flexibility. They can invest in cleaner processes, buy credits from innovators or develop new technologies to cut emissions. This approach reduces pollution at the lowest cost and encourages innovation, helping Canadian businesses grow and protect jobs. On the issue of food prices, the federal fuel charge was removed on April 1 of this year, and farmers continue to receive relief under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. Independent analysis shows that inflationary pressures on groceries are being driven by global supply chain disruptions, the war in Ukraine and energy price volatility, not federal climate policies. The clean fuel regulations, sometimes referred to as the hidden carbon tax, are designed to cut greenhouse gas pollution by up to 26 million tonnes by 2030. These regulations also support major Canadian projects that create jobs across the country, renewable diesel and hydrogen facilities in Alberta, renewable natural gas and green hydrogen projects in Ontario and Quebec, and clean fuel projects in Newfoundland and Labrador. These initiatives not only reduce pollution but also strengthen local economies and maintain high-skilled employment. Repealing these measures, which the member opposite suggests, would put jobs at risk, increase pollution and isolate Canadian businesses from global markets. Climate action is economic action. The policies in place protect workers, support families and position Canada for long-term competitiveness. Canadians deserve solutions based on facts, not slogans.

Mr. Speaker, there is no carbon tax on groceries. Industrial carbon pricing and the clean fuel regulations are targeted policies that reduce pollution while supporting Canadian jobs and investment. They give businesses flexibility to innovate, cut emissions efficiently and remain competitive. These measures create jobs in renewable energy, hydrogen and clean-fuel projects across the country while protecting the economy from the growing costs of climate change. Repealing these policies would harm employment, increase pollution and weaken Canada's economic standing. Canadians deserve fact-based solutions, and these measures are delivering just that.

Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes the vital importance that marine transportation has to our economy. Our government is focused on building Canada strong and supporting Canadian jobs here at home. That is why we have announced the national shipbuilding strategy, through which we are investing in new ships. While we focus on building new ships, we must take into consideration at the same time that older vessels are reaching the end of their service lives. We recognize that wrecked and abandoned vessels can pose a danger to the environment, public health, public safety and local economies, including the fishing and tourism industries. Transport Canada is aware of the growing demand for ship recycling services in Canada, especially on the west coast, and the importance of access to responsible recycling options abroad. This includes aging government vessels, abandoned vessels and industry-owned vessels. This is the most environmentally sound method to dispose of a ship that reaches the end of its service life. Because ships are so large, skilled operators must use special procedures and equipment to dismantle them safely and in an environmentally sound way. This requires careful planning, safe handling of hazardous materials and strong protections for workers and the environment. Safe and environmentally responsible ship recycling is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated leadership across federal jurisdictions and departments. The federal government has jurisdiction over shipping and navigation. It also manages the import and export of hazardous materials and enforces laws that protect Canadian waters. Provinces manage property and civil rights, as well as activities above the low tide line, including making and enforcing health and safety rules for local businesses. Municipalities control local zoning and land use and collect waste. Transport Canada is actively reviewing international developments, including the June 2025 entry into force of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships and stricter European regulations. We are also considering the need for more ship-recycling capacity in consultation with owners of facilities and fleets. The government is committed to working with provinces, territories, indigenous communities and industry stakeholders to take into account the views of all Canadians on this important issue, and it will seek further opportunities to do so. We know that it is in Canada's interest to have sufficient, responsible ship recycling that protects our environment, supports economic development and reflects the values of communities across this country and Canada's international commitments. I thank the hon. member for raising this important issue in the House.

Mr. Speaker, for many reasons, we need to access more ship recycling, which must protect workers and the environment. Canada remains engaged in discussions with other countries on the global regulatory framework for ship recycling and any implications for ship recycling here in Canada. Canada has not yet decided to join the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships or adopt the European approach. Any new approach, of course, will require consultation with our provincial partners, who are responsible for the protection of workers and the management of hazardous waste. We will continue to work with provinces, territories, indigenous communities and industry stakeholders and to consider the views of all Canadians on this important issue.

Mr. Speaker, the government is on a mission to build Canada's economic strength. We are building big, building bold and building right now. The cornerstone of our plan is to build 500,000 homes and other major projects using Canadian steel and Canadian lumber. We will upgrade our grid, expand transmission lines and modernize energy infrastructure to power AI. To move our critical minerals and energy resources, we will build bigger ports and create more liquefied natural gas capacity, faster rail and modern pipelines. To make this happen, we need new skilled workers. We will not be able to double the pace of housing construction without an influx of an additional half a million workers, including tile setters, painters, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, construction craft workers and bricklayers. We also need automotive service technicians, power line technicians, millwrights, truck and transport mechanics and so much more. Skilled workers are essential to Canada's future prosperity. That is why we are actively encouraging young people to consider a career in the skilled trades. That is also why our government is investing nearly $1 billion every year in a range of apprenticeship supports. First, we have the union training and innovation program under the Canadian apprenticeship strategy. This program is focused on improving the quality of training in the Red Seal trades. This helps to ensure that apprentices, pre-apprentices and journeypersons have the best possible learning opportunities through union-based apprenticeship training, through innovation and through enhanced partnerships. For the apprenticeship service, we have earmarked $90 million to help small and medium-sized employers bring apprentices on board and create new placements. Further, through the sectoral workforce solutions program, we will fund strategic projects in residential construction and other key economic sectors, including those impacted by U.S. tariffs, with initiatives aimed at addressing acute and systemic workforce development needs, so that we have the workforce we will need. Finally, we have introduced tax measures aimed at reducing costs for tradespeople. The tradesperson's tools deduction and the deduction for tools for an eligible apprentice mechanic allow workers to deduct the costs necessary for their work. The tuition tax credit allows apprentices to claim expenses related to classroom-based technical training, as well as the cost of writing the Red Seal exam. In addition, the labour mobility deduction helps workers cover travel expenses. Together these programs strengthen our skilled trades workforce and make it easier for Canadians to get trained, get hired and build our country. The just-passed One Canadian Economy Act legislation has removed federal barriers to labour mobility, which means that once they are trained, a worker licensed or certified by a province or territory can work in a comparable occupation in federal jurisdiction without additional requirements. Being able to work across Canada expands opportunities for workers, gives employers a bigger hiring pool and strengthens our economy. The new law also enables the government to cut the approval times for major projects from five years down to two so we can get shovels in the ground faster and so people can work sooner. I want to thank the Canadian building trades for helping us pass the One Canadian Economy Act. They asked for it, and we listened. Meeting Canada's economic and climate challenges starts with listening to workers. Together we made it happen. They are standing with us to make this Canada's moment.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the hon. member for Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay for giving me the opportunity to talk about the Government of Canada's steadfast commitment to building Canada's economic strength. It is a commitment we take very seriously. We are focused on preparing Canadians for the future. We have great programs in place to make sure that Canadians feel secure about their place in the workforce. We are ensuring that young people have the skills and experience they need to enter the workforce, while enabling older workers to upgrade their skills. We are developing projects that will create good, long-term construction careers and help build the Canadian economy for the long term, and that includes the forestry industry. We know that all our communities will be the beneficiaries.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight Women's History Month, a time when we celebrate the achievements and contributions of women. Every October, we honour the women who inspire us and whose courage, creativity and leadership strengthen our communities and enrich us all. Today, I want to pay tribute to Dr. Lucy Gilbert, a leading medical researcher and physician whose world-leading work with the DOvEEgene project uses genomics to detect ovarian and endometrial cancers early, which greatly increases the chances of a positive outcome for women. Her innovation has the potential to save countless thousands of women’s lives around the world and is a powerful example of Canadian excellence in science and medicine. This Women's History Month, let us celebrate their legacy, amplify their voices, and uphold our commitment to a Canada where every woman and girl can reach her full potential.