Charles Sousa

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate your allowing me to speak to Bill C-38, the Canadian fuel affordability act. While Canada is starting from a position of strength, the global economy is becoming increasingly uncertain. New and unjustified tariffs, trade tensions, and conflicts in the Middle East and Europe are driving up costs for households and businesses and are creating economic uncertainty here at home for all Canadians. Our government recognizes this and is taking action to help Canadians manage rising costs and navigate these global economic uncertainties. Earlier this year, we temporarily suspended the federal fuel excise tax, saving Canadians and Canadian businesses 10¢ per litre on gasoline and 11¢ per litre on leaded aviation fuel. The impact was immediate, with gasoline prices declining by 11¢ per litre on the first day of implementation. That was real relief for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Building on our decision earlier this month, the Minister of Finance and National Revenue announced our intention to extend that temporary suspension until January 31, 2027, and apply 50% of the regular excise tax rate from February 1 through March 31, 2027. That means that Canadians in my riding of Mississauga—Lakeshore on the shores of the great Lake Ontario would benefit with extended relief and continued cost reduction per litre for gasoline and diesel. Let me be clear: This measure would help lower costs for Canadians, including truckers and businesses in the food and agriculture, housing, construction and delivery sectors. This is another example of our government's delivering timely and meaningful relief when Canadians need it most. By reducing pressure on gasoline and diesel prices, we would be helping Canadians manage today's challenges, while laying the foundation for longer-term growth and prosperity as we build on the strongest economy in the G7. This is just one part of a broader effort to lower costs for Canadians. It is one of the first measures our government took after assuming office. Members opposite will recall that one of the first things the Prime Minister did upon assuming office was to cancel the consumer fuel charge, helping Canadians to save money at the pump in most provinces and territories. Our government also removed the requirement for provinces and territories to have a consumer-facing carbon price as of April 1, 2025. At the same time, our government recognizes that affordability challenges extend well beyond the cost of fuel, and that is why we have taken additional steps to put money, and more money, back into Canadians' pockets. For example, we introduced the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit. By building on the former goods and services tax credit, we are increasing the amount provided to low- and modest-income Canadians by 25% for the first five years, as of July, 2026. In addition to that, we provided a one-time payment in June, equivalent to 50% of increases in 2025-26, with an annual value of the GST credit. Our government is responding to global challenges with a responsible and pragmatic fiscal approach. It is important to note that while we may not control every global event, with respect to the ones that are impacting prices, I want to assure my hon. colleagues and all Canadians that our government is doing what is necessary to take and make a deal that helps those impacts. By lowering costs for Canadians from coast to coast to coast, the government is providing supports to their affordability challenge while creating an economy where Canadians have more control in building their own future. Above all, these government measures will empower Canadians to get ahead and minimize the impacts on their cost of living. Canadians naturally want to keep more of the money they earn. They want greater opportunities to support their families, invest in their communities and build their future with confidence. Our country is at a crossroads. Many people around the world choose Canada. New Canadians are seeking freedom and opportunity. Throughout history, Canadians have proven themselves to be resilient, to overcome adversity, and over the years, they have grown more prosperous. They will continue to build. We will persevere, more united than ever, to protect our sovereignty and strengthen its resolve. Standing together, we are navigating this crossroads. I returned recently from overseas, and I had witnessed many around the world celebrating Canada's standing. The Prime Minister is sought after for his leadership and experience, just as much as Canada is sought after for its critical minerals and untapped potential. Canada is valued as a trusted partner that abides by the rule of law and social justice. As chair of the defence committee, I can attest that boosting Canada's defence industrial strategy is renewing our confidence while stimulating our economy. More than that, it bolsters our national pride. Events recently, such as the major attraction at the investment summit, speak volumes. They will enable major projects and build our economy, which sustains and supports the social programs Canadians rely on and expect. Just as the EU and so many around the world welcome Canada, we welcome every effort to broaden our reach and foster relations to reduce geopolitical threats that have impacted price challenges here at home. This bill would help support Canadians, and I hope my colleagues will support this measure for the greater benefit of all Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member makes reference to excise taxes in other parts of the world. Most European countries, which is where I was, actually do have excise taxes on their fuel. In fact, fuel was much more expensive than it is here at home in Canada. More importantly than that, the countries I was in were also harnessing renewable energy. They are at the forefront of some of the most critical measures to foster wind power and solar power. They are relying so much more on other energy sources. To answer the member's question, they in fact have very high excise taxes on their fuel.

Mr. Speaker, during the time I was there, provincially we did quite a bit to decarbonize Ontario's reliance on coal. We became one of the lowest-emitting provinces as a result of those measures. We tried to do everything we could to modernize that system, which was expensive but long-term and has great benefits to the overall costs and to the climate. We were trying to make our green energy process an economic process with greater long-term benefits. I value the member's question. I value her desire to have us do more in that regard, and I know that the Prime Minister also has a great desire for climate initiatives to harness green energy alongside the things we are doing as an energy superpower.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the parliamentary secretary's initiative around looking at this as a wholesome package. Bill C-38 is only a portion of the work that is being done by the government to lower overall costs and improve affordability measures for Canadians, including introducing the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, cutting taxes for 22 million Canadians, providing and eliminating the goods and services tax for first-time homebuyers, cancelling the federal consumer carbon tax, making the national school food program permanent, introducing automatic federal benefits, lowering costs and strengthening competition for essential services, expanding and entrenching the Canada child benefit, lowering costs for child care and kids' essential services, like the $10-a-day child care and interest-free student loans, for that matter, and the Canadian dental care plan—

Mr. Speaker, Portuguese people around the world commemorate their rich history and vibrant culture today. June 10 honours the passing of Luís de Camões, a national hero and a legend who penned Os Lusíadas, a renowned collection of epic poems that capture stories of brave explorers and the Enlightenment during the age of discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries. Those mariners were the first to circumnavigate the globe and open trade routes around the world, including the initial mapping of Terra Nova's shores off the Grand Banks. Centuries later, a wave of new Portuguese migration arrived at Pier 21 in 1953. My father, among the migrants, sailed across the Atlantic in search of opportunity in Canada. The migrants opened doors for generations that followed. Today we celebrate a strong and vibrant Portuguese diaspora. I congratulate its members and the unifying voice of the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario, which showcases the annual Portugal Day parade in Toronto. Feliz Dia de Portugal. Feliz Dia de Camões. Feliz Dia das Comunidades Portuguesas à volta do Mundo. Happy Portugal Day.

Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles. I am pleased to have this opportunity to discuss the Government of Canada's Build Canada Homes act, specifically the importance that Build Canada Homes has in relation to supporting the Canadian economy and the federal government's buy Canadian policy. Since September of 2025, Build Canada Homes has been a special operating agency within Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada. Working quickly and efficiently, this new federal agency has already made significant progress to deliver more affordable housing for Canadians. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes would have the flexibility and operational autonomy to deliver on its mandate, all while maintaining a clear accountability framework to Parliament. That is why the Build Canada Homes act is landmark legislation. The Government of Canada needs to strengthen its capacity to address Canada's housing crisis, improve housing supply and accelerate innovation in homebuilding. Far too many Canadians are struggling to find a home they can afford. Housing costs are creating havoc, and productivity in the construction sector is low. Traditional construction and funding approaches alone are not delivering the scale or speed Canadians need. Build Canada Homes will centralize functions that were previously spread across multiple departments, agencies and programs that limited the government's ability to have maximum impact. It will act as a developer, a financier, a convenor and a catalyst for a more productive homebuilding sector. Canadians need more homes, and the Build Canada Homes act would help make it possible to build more quickly, more efficiently and at the scale that is required. The global trade landscape is rapidly changing. In response, we are building a more resilient and more independent Canadian economy. At the core of this strategy is an ambitious plan to construct nation-building projects, more affordable homes and stronger local infrastructure. We are forging strong relationships among all levels of government, municipal, territorial and provincial, and with indigenous partners. We are making strategic investments to build a stronger, more sustainable economy that works towards cutting red tape, eliminating barriers to international trade and making new deals that will drive local economies. This will in turn require a strong skilled trades workforce. That is why, on April 29, as part of the spring economic update, the Prime Minister announced team Canada strong. This is a $6-billion nationwide effort that will recruit, train and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal trade workers in the next five years. Team Canada strong will transform the skilled trades and bring more apprentices into the workforce. It will ensure that young Canadians are ready to build the housing and infrastructure that we need. It will create new jobs, good careers and strengthen Canada's future workforce. The Government of Canada is taking decisive action now, making Canada's economy one of the fastest-growing and most competitive in the world and ushering in a new era of economic security and prosperity for Canadians. The Government of Canada, also building on the solid foundation of strong industries, will do so by promoting the buy Canadian policy. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes would be funded through the initial envelope of $13 billion that was announced in budget 2025. It is designed to bring federal supports for affordable housing together in one place, working in tandem with other government departments and organizations. It would move quickly to leverage federal land, support innovative building approaches and partner broadly across sectors to deliver affordable homes. Build Canada Homes is a key part of Canada's new industrial strategy, driving a more productive homebuilding sector. Build Canada Homes will prioritize projects that use Canadian-made materials such as mass timber, lumber, steel and aluminum. It will promote modern construction methods such as modular and prefabricated housing to reduce build times, material waste and environmental impact. The federal government is leveraging key stakeholder relationships with private developers, businesses and community and not-for-profit organizations, as well as with other government and indigenous partners. By working together, we are creating job opportunities here at home and supporting the Canadian workforce. Together, we are building stronger communities and a stronger Canada. The Government of Canada introduced a new buy Canadian policy framework, effective as of December 16, 2025. The policy leverages federal investments by prioritizing Canadian domestic suppliers, content and materials to help make Canada's economy stronger, more resilient to global shocks and better able to support Canadian workers and businesses. The policy is comprehensive, covering not only direct purchasing but also the breadth of federal investments. It is being applied by federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations. Build Canada Homes adheres to the Government of Canada's buy Canadian policy. It will do so by strengthening domestic supply chains, and every new home will mean more demand for Canadian steel, lumber and aluminum, helping workers and businesses thrive. The buy Canadian policy also provides flexibility and a framework for recognizing the provinces and territories, which may also apply their similar standards. These changes to procurement rules will help Canadian industries become more self-sufficient and resilient to changes in the global economy. The buy Canadian policy supports strategic sectors, such as the Canadian construction and defence industries, and it applies to projects such as buildings, bridges, aircraft parts and much more. It requires that large federal construction and defence purchases use Canadian-produced steel, aluminum and wood products. The Government of Canada is also increasing economic opportunities for first nation, Inuit and Métis businesses. Through the federal procurement process, federal departments and agencies are required to ensure that a minimum of 5% of the total value of contracts be held by indigenous businesses. This includes businesses owned and operated by elder, band and tribal councils; businesses registered in the Government of Canada's indigenous business directory; or businesses registered on a modern treaty beneficiary business list. Through the new buy Canadian policy, we are making the government a force of nation building, becoming our own best customer, protecting Canadian businesses and empowering our workers through high-paying careers that build prosperity at home. The Government of Canada is moving forward with legislation such as the Build Canada Homes act in order to build strength at home. We are investing in Canadian industries and creating more jobs as a result. Build Canada Homes is a part of the federal government's strategic effort to invest in our modern nation, protect Canadian interests and make our economy one of the strongest in the G7. By making Build Canada Homes a Crown corporation, the Government of Canada would be better placed to ensure that Canadians have access to affordable housing. Across the country, we want to build more homes quickly and efficiently using Canadian materials, Canadian workers and Canadian businesses. The Build Canada Homes act would enable the federal government to have a greater and more positive influence on Canada's housing system. Together, investments made through Build Canada Homes, in collaboration with key partners, would help strengthen our economy and create lasting economic benefits for communities right across our country.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member opposite for his effort to be moderate during OGGO briefings, as chair. We do appreciate his manner. In this case, though, I want to let him be better appreciative of the effort of the Build Canada Homes act to coordinate all these agencies into one in order to minimize costs and to elaborate and expand affordable housing. The president who has been appointed to that housing agency is one of the leaders across the country in affordable housing, and we welcome her initiatives and her endeavours to produce greater value for homes in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I hope the member is wrong, because what the Build Canada Homes act and the agency itself have recognized is that there are a number of other provinces that already operate procurement practices. We want to use those practices concurrently. We would not be duplicating them. We want all of Canada, including Quebec, to benefit from lower costs, greater efficiencies and greater speed, enabling Quebeckers to afford homes here in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, it is essential to my riding of Mississauga—Lakeshore. We actually have a Canada Lands property. A lot of people are talking about the redevelopment and revitalization of our waterfront, but we also need affordable housing. As a result, there are now three projects in my riding that are being initiated and built. There has been great support from Peel Region to facilitate those projects, because the federal Government of Canada stepped up to the plate and enabled it to happen.

Mr. Speaker, the member is moderate, except on this question. The fact of the matter is that we are reducing costs and working with other provinces. Ontario has actually matched some of those cuts, and that is important. We have to work collaboratively. I reach out to the members of the opposition to come on board to help their citizens and constituents lower their cost of housing. Let us join together to make housing more affordable right across Canada.

Mr. Speaker, how does the member perceive the reaction in trade negotiations when the opposition is proposing that Canada is in a gloomy position, while most economists and experts are not positioning it that way at all? The Conservatives are positioning this as though Canada is in the midst of a tremendous downfall, when in fact it is the opposite, but that is giving leverage and strength to the United States in trade discussions. Can the member comment, please?

Mr. Speaker, I am participating in today's debate to speak about the government's plan to maintain fiscal stability and provide a bit more clarity on Canada's economy. The government's fiscal plan remains rooted in fiscal responsibility. This is not for its own sake, but to create capacity and invest in long-term economic strength and greater self-reliance. Consistent with this approach, the recent spring economic update of 2026 is the government's next step in building a stronger, more independent and more resilient Canada. It advances the building of more affordable housing and houses. It talks about major infrastructure that transforms and connects our economy while bringing down costs to help Canadians get ahead. It is absolutely important to give a clear and transparent account of Canada's economy and its performance in an increasingly uncertain world, and to not promote fear. We are advancing major projects that connect and transform our nation, supercharging our housing construction and forging new economic partnerships. We are acting decisively to protect our economic sovereignty and position Canada for greater long-term growth. It is a principled and pragmatic approach. However, some long-term payoffs will take time. To ensure that Canadians have the support they need right now, the government is providing bridging supports. For over a year, Canada's government has been focused on making life more affordable. Nearly 22 million Canadians are keeping more of what they earn with the middle-income tax cut. First-time homebuyers are saving up to $50,000 with the removal or reduction of the goods and services tax on new homes. The removal of the consumer carbon price has lowered gas prices by 18¢ per litre. The government has temporarily suspended the federal fuel excise tax. Last week, more than 12 million Canadians began receiving hundreds of dollars more through the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit. These are important measures. In a world of geopolitical instability, governments need to rethink how they respond to the headwinds. From a fiscal perspective, especially in light of these challenges, we are delivering up to $11.5 billion in improvements to our project deficit going forward in our budgetary balance. This strength carries into future years, providing the budgetary balance relative to that of budget 2025 by an average of $10.7 billion per year from 2026-27 to 2029-30 before those new measures. This fiscal room allows the government to improve affordability and raise the Canadian standard of living through targeted policy measures. The recent budget marked a strategic shift in the government's management of public finances. It is focused on expanding federal capital spending to mobilize investments while maintaining those critical programs that so many Canadians rely on. With significant investments in infrastructure, innovation and industrial capabilities, budget 2025 set out a clear plan to build the strongest economy in the G7. The government also remains committed to being disciplined. This includes the comprehensive expenditure review, which now totals over $60 billion in savings and revenues over the next five years. The focus is targeted, beginning with efforts to rein in spending on external management and other consulting services. These challenging actions are necessary. They have the objective of spending less so that we can invest more in Canadians. Canadians are navigating a rapidly changing and increasingly fragmented world. Economic security, industrial policy and geopolitical competition are increasingly shaping investment, trade and financial decisions. The conflict in the Middle East, of course, has disrupted key shipping routes, and damaged energy infrastructure has pushed energy prices higher, underscoring the fragility of global supply chains and adding to an already elevated level of uncertainty. Despite this environment, Canada's economy continued to expand, growing by 1.9% in 2025. Domestic activity remained solid, even with the elevated tariffs and the impacts they have on our trade tensions. North American supply chains withstood disruptions more effectively than expected, with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, the CUSMA, protecting approximately 85% of Canadian goods exports from these recent U.S. measures. Businesses and workers have shown remarkable resilience in the face of significant uncertainty. Contrary to the naysayers, firms continue to invest, diversify suppliers and expand into new markets. Canada continues to attract significant global capital, leading the G7 in per capita direct investment inflows. A Statistics Canada survey of planned capital expenditures for 2026 indicates that businesses plan to step up capital spending this year. Reflecting on Canadian adaptability, the International Monetary Fund, the IMF, expects Canada to post the second-fastest growth in the G7 over 2026 and 2027. Labour market conditions have also remained resilient. Since 2024, Canada has added more jobs per capita than the U.S. In May alone, the Canadian economy added 88,000 jobs, which has already been mentioned a number of times today. These jobs are mainly in the private sector, and all of them are full-time. The unemployment rate has fallen to 6.6%. Wage growth has now outpaced inflation for more than three consecutive years, supporting continued gains in real incomes. Overall, the Canadian economy has shown resilience in the face of significant trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty, and most respected economists and experts agree. Let me remind the hon. members in the House that even with all of the global challenges, Canada starts from a position of strength. Canada's net debt burden today is lower than any other G7 country's. It is even below the levels of those countries' prior to the pandemic. Canada also has one of the smallest deficits in the G7 as a share of its economy. This fiscal challenge gives the government the capacity and responsibility to act to build a stronger economy, make life more affordable, create high-paying jobs, take care of each other and determine our future. Canada's fiscal position also stands well among 30 other advanced economies. We are one of only two G7 economies, alongside Germany, to maintain a AAA credit rating with most global credit rating agencies. This AAA rating supports investor confidence and keeps us borrowing at lower costs than would otherwise be possible. We know some of the payoffs will take time. That is why our government is standing with Canadians through uncertain and rapidly changing times by acting responsibly to provide supports today and making smart, long-term investments that strengthen Canada's economy. This means creating the mechanisms to ensure that Canadians thrive today and tomorrow, supporting workers and young people, enhancing the housing sector, combatting financial crimes and investing in strong communities. We need to be on the right track. All members of the House should be collaborating effectively to promote Canada, not creating fearmongering and not giving enough sway and support to the likes of those who are leveraging to downplay the Canadian economy and its strength and the unifying effect that we are seeing. We will stand strong for Canadians, and Canadians will stand strong by continuing to do what they do well.

Mr. Speaker, the member opposite brings up a very important point, which is that during these moments of challenge, it is important for the government to stand by Canadian citizens, especially those who are most vulnerable. What has the government done? We have made middle-income tax cuts, which the opposition member did not approve. We provided the groceries and essentials benefit program. We eliminated the GST for first-time homebuyers. We are putting a pause on the fuel excise tax. We have also launched the automatic federal benefits program to provide more support for those very individuals. The member opposite did not support those measures to help her constituents.

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is bringing the question to me by way of what economists are saying. Let me tell the House what some of the economists are saying. According to Desjardins, “real GDP has contracted for two consecutive quarters”, but according to its analysis, “More than half of the industries in Canada have been expanding over the past six months, and consumers have continued to increase their purchases of good and services.” According to RBC, “we continue to think underlying details in both the labour market and GDP data are better than” what is being headlined and stated in the growth of numbers. According to TD Bank, “Looking to Q2, some bounce-back should be expected.” According to the National Bank, “Two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth can mean very different things depending on what’s happening to the population. Canada’s economy registered a tiny contraction in Q1, following a decline in Q4. Yet real GDP per capita rose nearly 1% in Q1”—

Mr. Speaker, it is important that all levels of government recognize that during points of difficulty, it is important to stimulate economic growth. It is counter-cyclical. That is what is happening here. We have to create the bridge to enable our citizens to weather the challenges before us. We cannot just stand in the House and create fear, saying the sky is falling, and do nothing to help. We have to approve some of the work that is being done to support them in this case.

Mr. Speaker, it would be great if we installed some of the crime bills that are right before the House, as well as some of the bail sections. We are combatting crime. On this side of the House, we recognize the impact it has on my community, specifically. We are creating the reverse onus and making it harder for criminals to make bail. We are toughening sentencing for repeat and violent offenders. We are criminalizing coercive control to stop domestic violence. We are ending house arrest for criminals who commit—

Mr. Speaker, these are challenging times. The global market and trade landscape has shifted rapidly, over the last year especially. This includes, of course, the imposition of tariffs. I want to speak today about the opposition day motion, item (c) specifically, which states, “express concern that this new trade environment will have irreparable effects on our manufacturing sector and the jobs that depend on it”. My colleagues have spoken at length about the economic impact of the tremendous work that the government is doing to try to transform the economy, protect our sovereignty and bolster economic growth, but today I want to speak specifically about labour. Tariffs have had a broad impact on Canada's labour market. It has been rightly stated that they have hit the steel, automotive and softwood lumber sectors the hardest. They are creating stress for workers, employers and communities right across the country. My city of Mississauga and the surrounding GTA, especially Steeltown, Hamilton, have been rocked by tariffs, but the people of Steeltown are fighters. They are strong, and the Canadian government is fighting alongside them. In the midst of this, the member from Joliette—Manawan wants us to step back and condemn the imposition of American tariffs. He wants us to express our concern about the effects they will have on our jobs and our manufacturing sector. I get it. I understand, but I can assure the member opposite that we are well beyond polite expressions of outrage. Instead, we are meeting today's challenges with disciplined focus on building a stronger, more resilient economy. That is enough with the belly aching. It is time to take action, and we are. We are doing so co-operatively with stakeholders, industry and labour. That is how we will mitigate the impact of the tariffs. A year ago, the Prime Minister was elected with a vision to build Canada strong together. Since that time, we have been relentlessly focused on protecting our sovereignty and our capacity to grow. We are not backing down from tariffs. We are standing up for workers to make sure they have the support they need to succeed. As we build Canadian and as we buy Canadian, we are giving every worker the tools they need to succeed in a changing economy. That is what investing in people means. It is about building the foundation for long-term economic strength. The Prime Minister has said numerous times that as we cope with economic uncertainty, our most powerful recourse and our most powerful tool is to control what is within our power to control. In other words, we should take the bull by the horns. How do we do this? How do we mitigate the impact of these uncertain times to build a stronger, more inclusive economy? We invest in Canada. We invest in infrastructure, the defence industrial strategy and major projects, and we invest in Canadians, in people. First are the skilled trades and apprenticeships. The government knows how vital tradespeople are. They build our homes, keep our cities running and take care of infrastructure we rely on. A strong skilled trades workforce builds Canada. It builds us strong. Canada needs more skilled trades to build the nation-building projects, the affordable homes, the new defence industries and stronger infrastructure. To meet this, team Canada Strong will recruit, train and hire up to 100,000 new Red Seal trade workers in the next five years. It is an ambitious agenda, one that will generate good-paying jobs now and into the future. Step one of that plan is recruitment. Team Canada strong will provide young people with a clear path to learn and enter the trades, and to link up with employers. Young people will start in registered apprenticeships, earning income, gaining experience and contributing immediately to those major projects. The second phase is training. We are boosting modernizing the apprenticeship training to expedite the Red Seal certification with $331 million in funding over five years, starting in 2026-27. We will also expand union training and innovation programs to enable union-run training centres to upgrade facilities and invest in modern equipment. The final stage is hiring. Once certified in a Red Seal trade, tradespersons can receive up to $5,000 as a completion bonus. Income supports will also be available for those who are between the periods of training and work. Training for the trades can take a long time, and sometimes income stability is a concern during the completion of those years, so we are going to make sure that apprentices get the financial support they need, starting now. We recently announced $75 million over three years, starting in 2026-27, to double the union training and innovation program, which supports union-based apprenticeship training. This is part of our current investment of nearly $1 billion a year to support the Red Seal program through tax credits and EI benefits and the project funding of unions, other tradespeople and stakeholders. Next, I want to talk about why the Government of Canada is creating workforce alliances to help Canadian workers weather the tariff storm. Our government is committed to protecting and supporting workers in this period of uncertainty by creating one labour market. Existing workforce development approaches are fragmented and not well coordinated. There is a need for greater cohesion. As part of a broader tariff package announced by the Prime Minister on September 5, and echoed in our budget of 2025, we are investing in modern measures to protect, build and transform Canada's workforce in these strategic industries. New investments include workforce alliances to tackle urgent labour market challenges in six priority areas: housing and construction, transportation and supply chains, advanced manufacturing, the care economy, mining and minerals, and energy and electricity. Our workforce alliances are unified by one core mission, which is to create lasting job opportunities for Canada's workers where they are needed most. Canada's workforce is the strongest when employers, unions and training partners work together. Together, they will keep Canada's workforce strategy grounded in the real needs of the country. All this investment is essential. Canadian industry is the backbone of our country's economy. Every sector matters. That starts with steel, Canadian aluminum and Canadian lumber. Supporting these industries is about reinforcing our made-in-Canada industrial capacity, protecting good jobs and strengthening our communities. Big things are getting built. What is going to strengthen our economy for generations to come is having them built. We set up the Major Projects Office. Fifteen projects have been referred, which will support 60,000 jobs across the country, from the Crawford nickel mine in Timmins, the Darlington nuclear plant in Ontario and the terminal container project in Montreal to the Grays Bay road and port project in Nunavut and the LNG project in B.C. That is just to name a few. The work we are doing is focused on one thing: building a strong economy that supports great-paying jobs. This is the backbone of the build Canada strong agenda. Canada's labour market is indeed experiencing unprecedented pressures from tariffs, skill shortages, supply chain disruptions and broader economic shifts. Our focus is on building the strongest economy in the G7, and we are holding our own despite the headwinds. Our economy is growing twice as fast as Germany's and three times as fast as Italy's. It does not feel that way sometimes in communities like Steeltown, but we are going to get there. We are going to make sure that no one is left behind. Without skilled workers, we cannot meet the moment. Canada's independence and prosperity depend on the workers who build them. That is why, in March of this year, we announced $228 million for Ontario under the workforce tariff response. It is to support the people who are affected in the hardest-hit sectors to help adjust, especially to the new opportunities. It has never been more important for a government to invest in people. It is all about investing. It is all about people. It is all about Canadians. Workforce development is the cornerstone of economic strength. To meet the challenge of this moment, we are equipping workers with greater tools to strengthen Canada. To this end, in 2025, we introduced—

Mr. Speaker, just yesterday, the Minister of Industry and the Minister of AI announced $1.5 billion. This is the quote from workers at the United Steelworkers: “Today’s announcement is a positive step for companies facing serious pressure from the ongoing U.S. trade war. It matters to workers because these businesses support good jobs across Canada’s industrial supply chain.” Canada is stepping up to support them now.

Mr. Speaker, I disagree on a couple of issues, primarily the lack of government supports and interventions. I believe they are going to be immediate and sustainable supports. In fact, in the year that has passed, there have been the initiatives of the government through major projects, the defence industrial strategy, the workmen and apprenticeship programs and the supports for those who are affected by the tariffs. These are the supports the government is providing as a bridge to get through it. The greatest ability is economic growth, and we are outpacing most of the G7 to create those jobs and protect Canada's sovereignty. That is going to play well and will support Canada's strength.

Mr. Speaker, the member is with me on the defence committee, and he does an extraordinary job. The extraordinary job of the government is highlighted in a particular instance of the defence industrial strategy, which is the extraction of the critical minerals that we can then deploy to make greater services. This is from New Economy Canada: “With North America...we are moving beyond extraction and turning our natural resources into the advanced materials that power EVs, defence technologies, and the next generation of innovation. This is about building a stronger economy by doing more of the work here at home.” Creating jobs, building and selling at home and leveraging the strength of Canada will propel us ahead.