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.