Dominique Vien

Mr. Speaker, next week, families will gather to celebrate Thanksgiving. However, according to studies, the cost of that traditional meal will be 10% higher than it was last year. For far too many Canadians, simply gathering around the table with family is becoming a luxury. That is why our party has brought forward a motion, which is being debated today, to recognize the reality that these families face every time they go to the grocery store. Does the government acknowledge that, after 11 years of Liberal rule, Canada is officially in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis?

Mr. Speaker, those are just empty words. The government's plan is not working. It will take approximately $150 in groceries to feed eight people, and that is not counting all the extras that people have come to expect, like appetizers and drinks. Unfortunately, many Canadian families will have to settle for a simpler meal because they do not have any money. That is the result of 11 years of Liberal mismanagement. Our motion before the House today makes that very clear. Will the government admit that, after 11 years of Liberal governance, Canada is officially in the midst of an affordability crisis?

Mr. Speaker, one farmer is sounding the alarm: Rising diesel prices are forcing him to pay an extra $2,000 a day to run his equipment. When our business owners pay more because of Liberal taxes, families everywhere feel the pinch at the grocery store. Everyone knows that. Canada has the fourth-largest oil reserves in the world, yet Canadians pay more per litre of diesel than the global average. Will the Liberals adopt our emergency plan to bring down prices at the pump?

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals have lost touch with reality. Quebeckers' pockets are empty. In Bellechasse, a young mother without child care services is forced to stay home, living on a fraction of her income, and leaving her partner to pay all the bills. Paying $1,200 in rent along with groceries, gas and baby care essentials is becoming a major headache for them. Will the Liberals adopt our Conservative economic action plan so that this young mother can finally afford to meet her family's needs?

Sadly, Mr. Speaker, that is not working. Families are stretched to the limit. Parents are now skipping meals so their kids can eat. This all because of the government's taxes and out-of-control spending, which are driving up the cost of living. We have identified $150 billion that could be saved by cutting red tape. This could give nearly $10,000 back to every family. Once again, will the Liberals adopt our Conservative economic action plan so that these parents can finally afford to put food on the table for their families?