Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, it is an absolute honour to be back in the House representing the amazing people of Kanata, Stittsville, Carp and Bells Corners. This summer was filled with moments that highlighted the absolute best in our community, from the Bells Corners Summer Bash to celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Kanata Seniors Council to visiting residents on Canada Day at Tweedsmuir on the Park to the groundbreaking of the new Hindu temple to visiting with families at the Kanata multicultural festival. The warmth and strength of our community inspire everything I do. I return to Parliament this week focused and energized by our government's work to build a strong and resilient Canada. I thank my amazing community for a wonderful summer. I am ready to bring their voices back to Parliament Hill and keep working hard alongside our government to build a stronger Canada for all.

Mr. Speaker, graduation season is under way, and right now, students across Kanata, Carp, Bells Corners and Stittsville are crossing stages, celebrating one of the biggest milestones in their lives. The class of 2026 has earned this. Years of hard work, perseverance, late nights and the friendships they built along the way have all led to this moment. Whether they are heading to university or college, learning a skilled trade or doing something entirely new, the path forward is theirs to shape. The future is full of possibilities, and I have no doubt that each one of them will make a meaningful contribution to their community and their country. I also want to thank the families, teachers, mentors and school staff whose support has helped make this achievement possible. Congratulations, class of 2026. Be proud of all that you have accomplished. The future is bright, and I look forward to all they will accomplish.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present petition e-6893, signed by over 3,100 Canadians, calling on the House to designate May as Buddhist heritage month. Buddhism is a growing faith in Canada. Over 300,000 Canadians practice Buddhism, with communities in every province and territory. Buddhist Canadians make real contributions to our country every day, through mindfulness programs in schools and hospitals, through interfaith dialogue and through supporting vulnerable people in our communities. Each May, Buddhists around the world celebrate Vesak, marking the birth, enlightenment and passing of Gautama Buddha. It is the holiest observance for 500 million people worldwide. Designating May as a natural and meaningful choice moving forward, Buddhist heritage month would complement Asian Heritage Month, Black History Month and Women's History Month, reflecting who we are as a country. Canada is built on inclusion, religious freedom and multiculturalism. This petition asks us to live by those values.

Mr. Speaker, this week Canada staked its claim in the global photonics and semiconductor race. Our government announced the spinoff of the Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre, North America's only end-to-end pure-play compound semiconductor facility, which is built on a legacy stretching from Bell Northern Research and Nortel to the globally competitive companies thriving in Canada today. Now it has what it needs to reach its full potential, attracting private investment and growing innovative Canadian SMEs and fabrication capacity right here in Canada to meet the soaring global demand in AI, quantum and advanced defence systems. It will remain what it has always been, a proudly sovereign Canadian asset. I am grateful to the Kanata North Business Association, the National Research Council and every industry champion who helped make this vision possible. Canada has the talent and the companies. Now it is our place to take the lead.

Mr. Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to attend the Quantum Days conference, where researchers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders from across Canada came together to showcase the very best of Canadian innovation. Canada is a global leader in quantum research, and that leadership matters. Quantum technologies will shape the future of secure communications, advanced computing, sensing and materials. They are critical to our economic growth, our defence industrial strategy and the protection of our national security. By investing in Canadian talent, supporting homegrown companies and strengthening partnerships between academia, industry and government, we are ensuring that Canada develops and retains the capabilities needed to protect our data, secure our infrastructure and remain competitive. Canada's quantum future is bright, and we will continue working to ensure that it is built here at home.

Madam Speaker, February is Preventative Health Awareness Month, a reminder that the best health care often starts long before someone visits the hospital. Preventative care saves lives. Whether it is routine screenings, mental health supports, physical activity or eating well, early action helps us stay healthier longer. This week, I attended an event in Kanata to help kick off Preventative Health Awareness Month. Originally started by Margaret Wallis-Duffy, this initiative has grown into a national movement. In my community, I see first-hand how preventative health initiatives, from seniors fitness classes like those led by Susan Kunstadt to community resource centres, help people remain active and connected. This month, I encourage Canadians to take one small step: book that appointment, choose one healthy habit to start, and make prevention part of their plan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary courage of the Iranian people, who continue to stand for their dignity, their freedoms and their fundamental right to determine their own future. The Iranian regime's brutal use of violence, arbitrary detention and intimidation against peaceful protesters must end. In Canada, many Iranian Canadians are watching these events unfold and are heartbroken, worried for loved ones, grieving for those lost and longing for a future free from fear. Canada's position is unequivocal. We condemn the Iranian regime's ongoing abuses and are in close coordination with our international partners to hold those responsible to account. The people of Iran and Iranian communities here in Canada are not alone. Canada stands with them. We hear their voices, and we will not look away.

Mr. Speaker, through the Canada summer jobs program, young people in my community are gaining valuable work experience, developing new skills and earning an income while contributing to our community. Last summer, our government committed more than $1.3 million to youth in my community. This funding helped create over 320 amazing student jobs. These opportunities are helping young people grow through hands-on work with organizations such as the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre, the YMCA, STEM Camp, the Diefenbunker and the Kanata Food Cupboard. These opportunities not only build confidence and skills, but also strengthen the community organizations that serve residents every day. Applications for the 2026 season are now open until December 11. I encourage organizations and small businesses to take part and give a young person a chance to learn and to contribute.

Mr. Speaker, budget 2025 is about meeting the moment and building Canada strong. It is a plan rooted in confidence: confidence in our people, in our innovators and in Canada's ability to lead through change. At a time when the world is shifting, with new trade barriers, global uncertainty and the race to harness technologies such as artificial intelligence, Canada is acting with purpose. This budget invests to protect our sovereignty, supercharge our productivity and empower Canadians to get ahead. It is about spending less to invest more in housing Canadians can afford, in building the infrastructure of the next generation, in clean energy and in creating the high-value jobs of tomorrow. For the communities I represent, Kanata, Carp, Bells Corners and Stittsville, this means accelerating innovation in semiconductors, photonics and AI, and supporting our skilled trades and small businesses, ensuring that the opportunities of the economy are built right here at home. At the heart of the budget are families and the youth of my community. With budget 2025, we are cutting taxes for the middle class, saving the average two-income family about $840 a year. We have cancelled the consumer carbon price, lowering gas prices by about 18¢ a litre. We are making the national school food program permanent, helping 400,000 kids get a healthy meal at school and saving families up to $800 a year. We are continuing to invest in child care, saving families in my community over $10,000 a year per child. We are also launching automatic federal benefits so up to 5.5 million low-income Canadians will get the supports they deserve without extra paperwork. For young people, the budget is a game-changer. We are creating 175,000 job placements to help young Canadians gain the skills and experience they need to succeed in high-growth industries of tomorrow, such as technology, clean energy and digital innovation. These opportunities will ensure that the next generation of Canadians has the tools it needs to help shape the future. For the communities I represent in Kanata, Carp, Bells Corners and Stittsville, that means more opportunities for young people and more money staying in families' pockets. Whether it is fuelling the car for hockey practice, paying the mortgage or putting healthy meals on the table, the budget makes life more affordable, more predictable and more fair for Canadian families. Budget 2025 is about building Canada's future economy, one powered by innovation, research and the incredible talent we have in Kanata, Carp, Bells Corners and Stittsville. The budget invests to supercharge productivity and innovation, introducing the new productivity superdeduction to help companies invest in new technologies and to strengthen the SR&ED tax incentive that fuels R and D. The budget also makes major commitments in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and photonics, including supporting the Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre right here in Ottawa, ensuring that we have sovereign semiconductor fabrication capability, world-class research, and manufacturing that stays in Canada. These investments mean more high-paying jobs, stronger small businesses and new opportunities for our talented engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs. In Kanata North, Canada's largest technology park, the budget builds on our strengths, helping local innovators compete globally while creating the careers of tomorrow right here at home. Strong communities are the foundation of a strong Canada, and budget 2025 delivers with the new build community strong fund. This landmark $51-billion investment over 10 years would help municipalities build the infrastructure that Canadians rely on every day. For Kanata, Carp, Bells Corners and Stittsville, this means upgrades to local roads and transit connections, expanded recreation and community facilities, and stronger flood and stormwater protection for our growing community. This is about giving local leaders the tools to shape their future, building healthy, connected and resilient communities where families can thrive and where every investment helps make our community and our country Canada strong. Affordable housing is one of the greatest challenges we face, and budget 2025 takes bold action to address it. Through Build Canada Homes, we are launching the most ambitious housing plan in a generation by investing $25 billion to double the pace of construction, cut red tape and attract private investment. We are also eliminating the GST on new homes under $1 million for first-time homebuyers and training the next generation of Canadian builders through expanded programs for the skilled trades. In Kanata, Carp, Bells Corners and Stittsville, these measures mean more attainable homes for young families, more work for local builders and tradespeople, and more vibrant, complete communities. Whether it is for a first home, a rental or a place to age, this budget is about restoring the Canadian dream of a house that is affordable, available and built right here at home. Budget 2025 delivers a generational investment in Canada's security, and that means generational opportunities for Ottawa's defence and technology industries. With a historic $30-billion investment over five years to rebuild, rearm and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces, our budget would ensure that Canada meets NATO's 2% target this year, five years ahead of schedule, while strengthening our domestic defence industrial base. We are creating a new defence investment agency and launching the defence industrial strategy that puts Canadian companies first. That means growing local supply chains, expanding production capacity and supporting made-in-Canada innovations, from advanced sensors to cybersecurity, AI-enabled systems and secure communications. For my communities of Kanata, Carp, Bells Corners and Stittsville, where defence innovation is part of our DNA, this will mean new contracts, new jobs and new partnerships for companies developing the technologies to keep Canadians safe. From the engineers designing next-generation command systems to the skilled trades supporting our bases and equipment, Ottawa is ready to lead. It is not just an investment in defence; it is also an investment in our people, our technology and our place in the world. Budget 2025 is about leading with confidence and with discipline. It is a plan that balances ambition with responsibility, because Canadians expect their government to be a careful steward of their hard-earned tax dollars. This budget introduces a new approach: spending less to invest more. We are slowing the growth of government operations, cutting red tape and focusing every dollar on priorities that grow our economy, such as housing, innovation and clean energy. We are maintaining Canada's lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7. We are also introducing a capital budgeting framework to clearly separate day-to-day spending from long-term investments that build our country's strengths. Budget 2025 is more than a fiscal plan; it is a nation-building blueprint for a stronger, more confident Canada. It is about protecting what we value, building where we need and empowering every Canadian to help shape our future. In Kanata, Carp, Bells Corners and Stittsville, we see what that future looks like: innovators pushing the boundaries of technology, families working hard to build a life, and communities coming together to create opportunity. This budget invests in them: in affordable homes, good jobs, clean energy and the next generation of Canadian ingenuity.

Mr. Speaker, I consider myself quite lucky in the role I am in and in being able to represent over 700 companies in Canada's largest technology park. Budget 2025 puts forward major opportunities for businesses across this country. Whether that is the productivity superdeduction, enabling companies to write off their investments and increase their productivity in the short term; investments in AI and the AI compute fund, creating sovereign digital cloud across this country; or enhancements to the SR&ED credit, these are tangible ways that our government is moving forward to make this country more competitive and increase productivity within our companies.

Mr. Speaker, it is wonderful to hear the connection made between fisheries and technology, because we know that by enabling and leveraging technologies, we are able to increase productivity. That extends across so many sectors across our country. A case in point is the productivity superdeduction, an opportunity for companies and fishers to invest in their businesses and get the equipment they need to be able to be more productive. This is a tangible way that our government is demonstrating our commitment to them and their future.

Mr. Speaker, today, an amazing company called Solink, an AI-first, Canadian scale-up and global leader in AI-powered video and data intelligence, celebrated the opening of its newly expanded headquarters, joined by the Minister of Artificial Intelligence in celebrating this milestone. I first met the Solink team back in 2015, when it was a team of just 20. Today, Solink has grown into a leading technology company, with over 400 employees supporting more than 35,000 locations across 60 countries. Its cutting-edge platform helps businesses harness video and sensor data, while connecting artificial intelligence to the physical world and maintaining the highest standards of privacy. Solink is a true Kanata and Canadian success story, staying proudly connected to its local roots. I send my congratulations to Solink.

Mr. Speaker, today, I am excited to announce the launch of Canada's first all-season, medium-speed autonomous shuttle right here in Ottawa in my riding of Kanata in Canada's largest technology park. Operating along a 4.5-kilometre route with eight stops, the shuttle connects employees, students and visitors throughout the park. It reduces emissions, improves accessibility and supports a more connected and inclusive community. The shuttle is equipped with advanced sensors, artificial intelligence and safety systems, allowing it to operate safely in all seasons and showcasing Canadian innovation in action. This launch today positions Ottawa as a global leader in smart mobility and moves us closer to a future of cleaner, smarter and more sustainable transportation. I congratulate all involved for making this happen.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to present a petition on behalf of the residents of Kanata. This petition, to date, has over 1,000 signatures from individuals who have expressed concerns about the situation in Iran and are seeking government support for family members who are already lawfully in Canada. They share that the current situation has created severe consequences for families: years of waiting and uncertainty, an inability to plan for the future and being separated from loved ones. This results in emotional distress and financial hardship for families here that are trying to build stable lives in Canada. The petitioners also share that many have been invited by the Canadian government to apply for permanent residency, but their applications have been prolonged by federal security screening. Their petition seeks to resolve these lengthy delays by issuing timely temporary resident work and study permits to immediate family members of Iranian nationals who are lawfully here in Canada. I am happy to table this petition today to ensure that their voices are heard.

Madam Speaker, Canada faces a pivotal moment in the global technology race, with artificial intelligence driving unprecedented demand for faster, energy-efficient communication technologies. Ottawa has a proud history as a hub for photonics innovation, built on decades of research, amazing talent and companies like Ranovus, Ciena and Inpho. The Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre, based right here in Ottawa, offers a strategic opportunity to capitalize on this demand. It is a world-class facility that enables companies and researchers alike to design, prototype and scale using compound semiconductors. Supporting this facility is not just smart; it is essential for Canada to lead in the photonics revolution and secure our place as a global AI powerhouse. Let us seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity.

Madam Speaker, Canada Post is in deep financial difficulty. Our government is clear that endless government bailouts are not the answer. We have already stepped in with significant support, but without real reform, the future of this public service, and the jobs that depend on it, is at risk. Our government has directed Canada Post to take concrete steps. These changes will put Canada Post on a more stable footing, ensuring that it continues to serve Canadians well.

Mr. Speaker, it is true that not only are we making generational investments in the Canadian Armed Forces to reach our NATO target, but we are going to leverage and grow Canada's defence industry to create and support good-paying jobs, get the equipment that our forces need, and deliver to our allies. We will be launching Canada's defence industrial strategy to protect Canadian sovereignty, safeguard our security and create long-term opportunities for our workers.

Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, Public Services and Procurement Canada has two leases with Importations Guay Limitée in Lacolle, Quebec, at 337 Guay Road and 339 Guay Road. The leases did not end in March 2023. In response to parts (b) and (c) of the question, Public Services and Procurement Canada’s lease for 337 Guay Road ends March 31, 2027. Public Services and Procurement Canada’s lease for 339 Guay Road ends June 30, 2027. As for parts (d) and (e) of the question, total amounts paid and remaining to be paid for these leases is commercially sensitive information that Public Services and Procurement Canada does not have the authority to release unilaterally under sections 18 and 20 of the Access to Information Act.

Mr. Speaker, I am presenting responses to the questions concerning the finding of the "National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026" that vendor concentration in technology services increases cyber vulnerability. With regard to (a), Shared Services Canada has not conducted a formal quantitative assessment on individual dominant technology services providers. However, the Government of Canada has taken steps to reduce its reliance on any single provider through implementation of diversification strategies as part of the development of enterprise services, and ensuring that products from multiple vendors are incorporated into procurements for Shared Services Canada services, including cyber security products, cloud hosting, desktop and mobile services, server and storage, and networking. Continued work on this Information Technologies Diversification Strategy is led by Shared Services Canada, with support and collaboration from the Office of the Chief Information Officer of Canada, in the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, in an effort to reduce vendor concentration in these strategic areas. With regard to (b), Shared Services Canada has not conducted specific studies or analyses to quantify dependency on individual dominant technology service providers since January 1, 2023. With regard to (c), for national security reasons, the Government of Canada cannot publicly disclose the names of specific dominant service providers. However, it actively monitors and manages cybersecurity risks through a range of tools and measures.

Mr. Speaker, please note that the extreme cold weather sleeping bag system is not a replacement for the general purpose sleeping bag system; it is complementary. To better support operations in all weather conditions, the Canadian Armed Forces is expanding the thermal protection of the general purpose sleeping bag system with the addition of an alternative inner bag, the extreme cold sleeping bag, into its sleep system. In response to (a), Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of the Department of National Defence, received six bids from five bidders. Following the bid evaluation process, a contract was awarded to Fellfab Limited of Hamilton, Ontario, on June 4, 2025. In response to (b), the details of the resulting contract are as follows. The amount is $1,782,008.30. The vendor is Fellfab Limited of Hamilton, Ontario. The date and duration are as follows: The contract was awarded on June 4, 2025, including optional quantities and special sizes to be ordered for up to 84 months from contract award. The description of the goods or services provided is as follows: extreme cold weather sleeping bag systems. The contract was awarded through a competitive bidding process. In response to (c), Logistik Unicorp Incorporated was the only company contracted for the general purpose sleeping bag system with the following details: the amount of $34,824,728.23, current total estimated contract value; the vendor, Logistik Unicorp Incorporated of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec; the date and duration, contract awarded September 26, 2019, for a period of five years; the description of the goods or services provided, general purpose sleeping bag system; the contract was awarded through a competitive bidding process. In response to (d), the extreme cold weather sleeping bag system's products will be manufactured in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. In response to (e), the contract has a firm quantity of 1,000 units, with a possible additional optional quantity of 9,000 units and as-and-when requested special sizes in quantities of 20 units.

Mr. Speaker, our new government is committed to ensuring that federal procurement is conducted in an open, fair and transparent manner. When it comes to the situation in question, I would point to the investment that our government made most recently through the housing accelerator fund here in the city of Ottawa. This is our commitment to work with municipalities to ensure that we get the housing built that we need.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the outstanding class of 2025 from my riding of Kanata. To the students of AY Jackson, Earl of March, West Carleton, Holy Trinity, All Saints, Maurice-Lapointe, Bell High School and Franco-Ouest, this is a moment to be proud of. They have worked hard, shown resilience and hopefully had some fun along the way. Now they step into the world with the knowledge and the opportunity to make a real difference. I thank the teachers and staff for their dedication. I thank their families; their support helped make this day possible. To every graduate, I say celebrate, take pride in all accomplishments, and move forward with confidence. The world is ready for them to make their mark. Congratulations to the class of 2025.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question and the opportunity to rise tonight to address it. Whether it is creating more affordable housing or boosting our defence efforts, this new government is committed to building Canada strong and delivering for Canadians. With the appointment of a new Minister of Government Transformation, we are focused on transforming the way we do business. That means improving productivity, but it also means focusing on meeting service delivery standards. That is going to require us to look at new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and change the way we manage many of our processes. On housing, we have a plan to deliver affordable homes by creating “build Canada homes”, a mission-driven organization that will act to accelerate the development of new affordable housing. On defence procurement, this government created a dedicated cabinet post of Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, and we have already committed to establishing a defence procurement agency focused on reforming and speeding up our military purchases. As for the issues surrounding GC Strategies, we share the frustrations of others in this House. That is why we have taken action. Public Services and Procurement Canada has taken several steps over the last 18 months to implement changes based on recommendations that were made in the reports to Parliament. They include improving evaluation requirements, increasing transparency from suppliers around pricing and use of subcontractors, improving contract documentation and ensuring the clarification of work requirements and activities. We also introduced an updated ineligibility and suspension policy, and set up a new office of supplier integrity and compliance, empowering the government to better respond to misconduct and wrongdoing in a way that is impartial and free of political interference. In addition, PSPC has terminated all contracts with GC Strategies and removed it from all supply arrangements. Earlier this month, the government found that the company's actions met the threshold for ineligibility, pursuant to the government's ineligibility and suspension policy, which will now prohibit the company from participating in federal contracts. When it comes to cases of recovering funds for work not done or overbilling, we pursue them to ensure that Canadians get their money back. That is why we have taken legal action against GC Strategies, right now. We remain committed to ensuring the best value for Canadian taxpayers with all federal procurements and projects.

Mr. Speaker, it is our responsibility to manage public funds in a way that ensures Canadian taxpayers are getting the best possible value for their dollars. I would suggest to my colleagues opposite that it is time to stop the political games of the last Parliament, and it is time to get to work on the things that matter to Canadians and the things that we talked about throughout the campaign that got us re-elected to this place: To build the strongest economy in the G7, build our military, protect our borders and our sovereignty, and ensure that in everything that we are doing, we are building Canada strong. I encourage the opposition to join us in doing just that.

Mr. Speaker, this week marks Ottawa Innovation Week, a celebration of brilliant minds, bold ideas and cutting-edge technology shaping Canada's capital city. Ottawa is home to the highest concentration of tech talent in North America, with over 13% of our workforce in the tech sector. Our innovation ecosystem includes more than 65 federal research labs and world-class institutions like Area X.O. My riding of Kanata is home to Canada's largest technology park, with over 500 companies and more than 30,000 people working there each and every day. Leaders like Kinaxis, Solace, Ranovus and Solink are not only growing our economy; they are also transforming global industries. I invite all members of the House to join me in celebrating Ottawa's innovators and entrepreneurs this week. Their work is not just powering local economy but also shaping the future.

Mr. Speaker, last week, I had the honour of being sworn in once again as the member of Parliament for Kanata. Standing with my family, friends and dedicated volunteers who helped make this journey possible was deeply moving and a moment I will never forget. Public service is a privilege, and I am incredibly grateful for the trust that the residents of Kanata have placed in me once again. I am ready to work hard every day to be their voice here in Parliament and to champion the issues that matter most in our community. It is an honour to serve on behalf of the residents of Kanata, Bells Corners, Stittsville and Carp. This seat belongs to all of them.

Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, we have made investments to ensure that Canadians, including those in Peterborough—Kawartha, have the support they need, whether that be through affordable child care or through an HST holiday. The people of Peterborough—Kawartha can rely on us and know that we on this side of the House will fight for them when their member of Parliament will do everything she can to oppose these supports.

Mr. Speaker, I often take the opportunity to meet with volunteers at food banks in my community here in Ottawa and across the country. What I hear about consistently is what a difference the Canada child benefit has made for families who are relying on a food bank for service. The Canada child benefit provides monthly support for families, up to $7,800 a year per child. This is timely support that we know the Conservatives would oppose.

Madam Speaker, I have some good news to share with the member. Just a few weeks ago, we signed an agreement with the Province of Ontario for our national school food program. This means that an additional 160,000 kids will have access to healthy food at school this school year. This is help for parents in a stressful and expensive time. It ensures that kids can focus on being kids and can focus on learning. When will the Conservatives get onside and support these measures for families?

Madam Speaker, I would like to remind the member that, the last time they were in government, the poverty rate for children was 16%. We have lifted hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty, and the single most effective measure in doing that is the Canada child benefit, which ensures that parents have support each and every month to be able to afford the essentials for their family. Can we guess who voted against it? Can we guess who vows to dissolve it? It is the Conservative Party.

Madam Speaker, when I was out and about in my community talking to parents, I recently had a conversation with Olivier, who just had his fourth child. He shared with me the impact of the Canada child benefit on his family. He shared with me the impact of affordable child care, which has enabled both of them to go back to work. These are meaningful measures we have taken to address affordability for Canadians that we continue to see the Conservatives oppose.

Madam Speaker, I challenge the member to point to a single thing that her party has done to help Canadians address affordability issues. Frankly, it is appalling. On this side of the House, we will continue to put forward measures like a GST holiday and like the Canada child benefit to ensure that families have the support they need through these expensive times, while the Conservatives continue to deny Canadians the support they need.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the member that, the last time Conservatives were in government, more than 16% of kids were living in poverty. That is over a million children. Since we came into government, we have lifted hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty through such measures as the Canada child benefit, which is supporting families each and every month with up to over $700, and the national school food program, now in place in four provinces across this country, which is helping to ensure kids have food at school. This is not to mention a GST/HST tax break. We are there for Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, this is a reminder that the member and all Conservatives have had an opportunity to support the work we are doing to provide relief to families in New Brunswick and across the country. I look to the national school food program. So far, four provinces have signed on, meaning that over 184,000 kids will receive food at school this school year. That is more than 1.5 million meals. The Conservatives could support us with affordability measures, should they choose to do what is right

Mr. Speaker, last week, in P.E.I., we announced that 1,500 more children will receive lunch this school year, and 800 more kids will get breakfast or snacks at school. Because of this program, 184,000 more kids this school year will receive food at school, almost 1.5 million meals. Now, the leader of the Conservatives said even today that this does not exist. I challenge him to ask the 184,000 kids, and they will school him.

Mr. Speaker, of course we thank Feed Ontario and the food banks across this country that do amazing work. Let me quote from the report that was just mentioned: “In June 2022, those over the age of 75 received a permanent 10 per cent increase in Old Age Security ... alongside the regular inflationary increases... After that change, the percentage of food bank visitors who were seniors began to decrease.” With this, in addition to the measures we put forward for families, we will continue to deliver for Canadians while the Conservatives oppose at every opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, I have great news. Last week I was in P.E.I., where we announced that it was another province that has signed on to the national school food program. That is 184,000 kids this school year who will receive food at school and almost 1.5 million more meals at school, for a program that the Leader of the Opposition contends does not exist. I challenge him to ask those 184,000 children who are getting food at school. They will school him.

Mr. Speaker, since rolling out the Canada-wide early learning and child care system, we have seen over a million children benefit from this affordable care, but, as the member points out, more work needs to be done to ensure that the workforce is well supported. Later this week, I will have the opportunity to meet with all ministers responsible for early learning and child care at the provincial and territorial level, where we will discuss the work that is under way to make sure that early childhood workers are well compensated and well respected.

Mr. Speaker, I have great news. Last week, Ontario signed on. This school year, more than 160,000 kids will receive food at school here in Ontario thanks to the national school food program. This will save an average family of four about $800 in groceries. The president of the Ontario Public School Boards' Association said that “this funding will have a tremendous impact on school communities and family budgets”. We are helping kids in school, while the Conservatives would cut this—

Mr. Speaker, what we will call for is a tax break through the winter and the holidays for Canadians across the country. I had the chance this morning to talk with a dad in my riding, Chris, who told me how much this would save him on diapers and the basics that families need day in and day out. We are moving forward with a tax holiday to support Canadians in these expensive times. I think the question members should be asking is this: Will the Conservative leader allow them to support this for Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, our Liberal government has been working to help families put food on the table and in their kids' lunch boxes. We know the Conservative leader would pursue dangerous cuts. The difference could not be more stark. While Liberals work to ensure kids have food, Conservatives would cut the programs that Canadian families are relying on. I do not know what the Conservative leader's obsession is with these dangerous cuts.

Mr. Speaker, when I visit food banks and speak to volunteers here in Ottawa and across the country, they share with me not only the pride and the importance of what they are doing but also the importance of the Canada child benefit and how it impacts the families they serve. It is not only the Canada child benefit but also moving forward with the national school food programming, ensuring that kids at school have access to food when they need it. I will not be lectured by the Conservative MPs when time after time—

Mr. Speaker, it is great to hear the member speak about the importance of the investments that we have made in child care. We have been able to help almost a million families, real people we have been able to support, to get them into affordable, high-quality child care, saving them thousands of dollars each and every year. The Conservatives have made it clear that they do not support affordable child care. They will do everything they can to take this away from the families that need it.