Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, I am so sick and tired of this “Canada is broken” narrative from the Conservative party. I am a proud Canadian, as is everyone in my riding. My family tree goes back to Laura Secord and the United Empire Loyalists, and I grew up and lived in Hamilton, where the Battle of Stoney Creek was one of the defining battles that kept Canada Canadian and part of the British Empire, so I will not be lectured on Canadian identity by the Conservative Party of Canada. My question is this: Do these Conservatives have no shame?

Mr. Speaker, I have lived in Hamilton my whole life. I am incredibly proud of our city's heritage as Canada's industrial centre and the heart of steelmaking. That spirit of hard work and resilience defines Hamilton. Illegal and unnecessary U.S. tariffs on steel threaten our industry and the livelihoods of hard-working Hamilton families. How we respond is not about politics. It is about people. It is about workers. It is about the future of Hamilton and all Canadian industry. We need every political party and all levels of government working together, united to defend Canadian workers and build new opportunities. That is why our government is forging new markets for Canadian steel and investing in good jobs right here at home, ensuring Hamilton remains at the heart of Canada's industrial future. We cannot control an unpredictable U.S. government, but we can control how we respond, as we always have, with unity, determination and pride.

Madam Speaker, my wife is a proud University of Waterloo grad, and there are three post-secondary institutions in my riding: McMaster, Mohawk and Redeemer. The member opposite mentioned the international student program. Of course, international students, and post-secondary education in particular, are the responsibility of the provincial government. This issue is mainly unique to Ontario. Will the member opposite acknowledge the responsibility of the Ontario Conservative government in the mismanagement of post-secondary education?

Mr. Speaker, in another display of arrogance and ignorance, the Conservative leader claimed that the national school food program is just “bureaucracy”. Another Conservative said that feeding hungry kids was “garbage”. In my riding, this program is already making a real difference, and educators say it is one of the best ways to help kids succeed. How will the Secretary of State for Children and Youth respond to this deplorable Conservative misinformation?

Madam Speaker, it is really encouraging to see collaboration in the House, where we can hash something out at committee and come to a level of agreement for the best interest of all Canadians. In particular, I appreciate the member's highlighting the impacts of the opioid crisis on indigenous communities, and I would suggest some of those impacts are very similar for urban indigenous populations across Canada, including Hamilton, with subsequent issues, such as homelessness. I am hoping, as we will very soon be tabling bail reform and strengthening sentencing legislation in the House, we will see a similar level of collaboration among all parties.

Madam Speaker, I thank the member opposite for continually raising some of the very troubling issues that we are seeing from the U.S. administration south of the border. One aspect in particular is the tendency to use the justice system as retaliation against political foes. I wonder if the member opposite has any comments on the Leader of the Opposition's comments and bringing that style of U.S. justice system retaliation against political foes to Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the members opposite for finally getting a motion before the House that has Justin Trudeau right in it. There is a strange Conservative obsession with the former prime minister. I think Conservatives are going to go to Spirit Halloween and get an animatronic of Justin Trudeau to jump out of the bushes to scare children. As we head into Thanksgiving, we have our new government and the newly elected member for Carleton, who is just right here. I would like to wish him and his constituents a very happy Thanksgiving. They have something to be thankful for because they finally exorcised the ghoul living in the basement.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to point out that members opposite and members in the opposition actively deny some of the horrors of residential schools and subsequent intergenerational trauma, so will the member take this opportunity to state on the public record that he acknowledges the horrors of residential schools, acknowledges the deaths of indigenous children at residential schools and acknowledges the need for genuine truth and reconciliation?

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member's highlighting the Conservatives' hyperbole in the House. As someone who comes from the private sector and as a former municipal councillor, I would say that the statements made here when protected by parliamentary privilege are absolutely astounding. The member is absolutely right that this serious issue of crime and safety is being utilized to mobilize the Conservative Party's radical base and divide Canadians, which is exactly why the party lost a 20-point lead going into the last election. How is our government's approach different?

Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Madawaska—Restigouche. Every Canadian deserves to be safe in their community and in their own neighbourhood. Whether it is walking home from work at night, taking their children to school, playing at the park or simply opening the doors of a small business, people should not have to worry about violence or repeat offenders undermining their security and safety. The truth is that Canadians are worried. Violent crime is a real issue. Repeat violent offenders are a serious problem. Our government acknowledges this, and we are taking action to address it. However, the motion before us today suggests that the Conservative proposal is some sort of magical solution to these issues, a single piece of legislation the Conservatives have branded the jail not bail act, another three-word clickbait slogan. They claim that passing this one bill will make Canadians safe. I have heard today and in the past a really unfortunate trend of Conservatives repeatedly politicizing awful, violent crimes to promote their political agenda and raise money. It is disgraceful. Canadians know better and Canadians deserve better. They deserve safety, and that requires more than just slogans. They know it requires real reform. Let me remind the House of what has already been done. In 2023, our government passed bail reforms that made it harder for violent repeat offenders to be released. These reforms were targeted toward individuals charged with serious violent crimes and firearm crimes. They were supported by premiers. They were supported by police, and they are already in force across Canada today. We also know this work is not finished. This is why, during the most recent election, our new Liberal government campaigned on and received a strong mandate for further reforms. In our platform, we committed to strengthening bail further. We committed to ensuring that prosecutors have the resources they need to oppose bail where appropriate, and we committed to ensuring that judges have the tools they need to keep Canadians safe while respecting fundamental charter rights. We are delivering on those promises. In this very session, in a few weeks, new measures will be brought forward to strengthen bail laws and tighten federal sentencing guidelines. Let us look at the broader picture. The Conservatives claim that bail reform alone will solve violent crime, but the reality is that keeping Canadians safe requires work on three fronts: prevention, prosecution and protection. Our government has been clear that on prosecution, we are investing in federal Crown attorneys. Too often, federal Crowns are overloaded, their cases are delayed and dangerous offenders can slip through the cracks. Our government is committed to new funding for federal Crowns so they can prepare stronger cases, challenge inappropriate bail applications and move trials forward without unnecessary delays. On protection, we are expanding victim services, because Canadians who are harmed by violent crimes need support. Our government is increasing funding so that victims can access counselling, legal assistance and safety planning. This is part of our commitment to a justice system that protects people and also brings criminals to justice. On prevention, our government has made historic commitments. We are expanding youth programs so that young people have positive opportunities and do not end up in the justice system in the first place. We are investing in mental health and addictions treatment, because untreated illness and addiction are drivers of repeat offences. We are also supporting indigenous justice initiatives, because reconciliation and fairness are also part of public safety. None one of these measures are mentioned in the Conservative motion. None of these measures fit neatly into a silly three-word bumper sticker, but Canadians know they are essential to safe communities. The Conservatives like to talk about the need for urgency. They say, “Pass this bill today and rush it through.” Let us be clear: Urgency is not the same as effectiveness. Canadians do not want legislation that is rushed, half-considered and ultimately ineffective. They want reforms that work, that last and that withstand the scrutiny of courts and the test of time. That is what our government is delivering. Our approach is comprehensive. We are reforming bail laws further this session, we are funding federal Crowns and judges to ensure that cases move more effectively, we are investing in victim services and community safety programs, and we are addressing the root causes of crime through youth initiatives, addiction treatment and mental health supports. That is the difference between this government and the opposition. It wants a headline and to divide Canadians for clicks, but we are delivering a real plan. The opposition wants to pretend that there is a silver bullet, but we know that Canadians deserve more than silly three-word slogans. I want to pause and remind our colleagues of the history. For 10 years, even under a Stephen Harper majority, the Conservatives had the chance to fix this. For 10 years, they could have strengthened bail. For 10 years, they could have funded prosecutors. For 10 years, they could have invested in prevention. They did not. Canadians remember the failures of the Harper years. Now they show up with silly slogans hoping people forget their record. Canadians deserve better than that. Our new Liberal government was elected with a clear platform, a platform that promised to strengthen bail, support victims, resource prosecutors and invest in prevention. Canadians chose that platform and gave us the mandate to deliver, and that is exactly what we are doing in this session. Let us acknowledge that crime is a serious problem. Let us commit to keeping repeat violent offenders off the streets. Let us strengthen sentencing for violent crimes and drugs. However, let us also recognize that one bill is not the answer. A safer Canada requires a safer justice system at every level. It requires prevention, prosecution and protection, and that is exactly what our government is delivering. Our forthcoming legislation on strengthening bail reform and sentencing is part of a broader suite of public safety measures. Bill C-2, the strong borders act, would add 1,000 border security agents and 1,000 new federal RCMP officers. It has additional measures that would give police the tools they need to bring international criminals to justice. It would strengthen our borders to keep U.S. firearms off the streets of our cities. Bill C-9, the combatting hate act, would add new provisions to protect vulnerable communities from targeted hate at places of worship and community centres. It would also classify as a hate crime the use of terrorist symbols such as those of Hamas and Hezbollah, which are sometimes used to promote hate. I want to take a moment to reflect on my record as a municipal councillor for the City of Hamilton, Canada's eighth-largest city, where I worked closely with law enforcement partners at the Hamilton Police Service. I want to thank the chief of police and the senior leadership team in Hamilton for their invaluable insight and leadership. I have been through the defund the police nonsense, I have been through the activist efforts to decriminalize drugs like fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamines, and I have been through the activist efforts to allow homeless tent encampments in city parks, and it is clear that public opinion has shifted on those failed ideas. In Hamilton right now, gun crime, youth and gang violence, property crime associated with tent encampments, and public drug use are all top of mind for residents in my riding. These are all issues that require solutions beyond the federal level. Of course, federal legislation is required that sets responsible federal law on bail and sentencing, and we need to ensure that police have the tools necessary to bring criminals to justice, but that also requires the provinces to do their part. The provinces are responsible for provincial superior courts, for appointing and training justices of the peace and for funding and regulating municipalities. Municipalities have a duty to ensure that police have the tools and resources they need to uphold public safety, and even local school boards have a responsibility to make sure they work collaboratively with police to ensure that youth have an opportunity for positive interactions with police as part of the public education system. In closing, it is clear that there is work to be done on bail reform and sentencing at the federal level. Our government is committed to making those changes, along with wider initiatives, in order to improve public safety across Canada.

Mr. Speaker, after reflecting on the British Columbia example of decriminalizing illegal drugs, I completely agree that it was a terrible policy decision. We have seen the fallout in municipalities across Canada, including in Hamilton. Bill C-5 is obviously problematic. Some of the sentencing restrictions on police when they are policing illegal drugs are problematic. Our government is committed to fixing what needs to be fixed.

Mr. Speaker, it is encouraging to rise on issues that I think we largely agree on. Across the aisle, we agree that bail reform is an issue and that repeat offenders are an issue. After talking to Hamilton police, I know that part of the problem is youth repeat offenders. I hope that when the governing party brings legislation forward, members opposite will support it. It is an opportunity, truly, to work collaboratively.

Mr. Speaker, reflecting on some conversations with Hamilton police, I agree with the member opposite that we need to take a stronger stance on organized crime, especially gangs and organizers who use and recruit youth to carry out crimes on their behalf. We are strengthening the provisions in the legislation to give police the electronic tools they need to address those crimes, but I would say the recruitment and utilization of youth is a significant issue that needs to be addressed.

Mr. Speaker, I have acknowledged that repeat offenders are a problem across Canada, in part because of some of the provisions in previous legislation on having the least onerous measures. However, I would say that the provinces, which train and regulate justices of the peace, also have a big part to play in this, because it is often the justices of the peace who are setting bail conditions and releasing repeat offenders.

Madam Speaker, let us perhaps look in the mirror. The Conservative leader associated with the conspiracy theory convoy. He has used misogynistic keywords in his party's propaganda. He has associated with the alt-right extremist and white supremacist-adjacent group Diagolon. His party spent years appeasing the Conservative Party base, bringing nothing to the table but division and conflict. What responsibility does the Conservative Party and its leader have for the growing hate and division in Canada?

Madam Speaker, I thank the NDP member for bringing up the issue of white nationalist hatred in Canada. Hamilton recently had a white supremacist mass-deportation protest that was deeply troubling to our community. Even more troubling is that it mirrors Conservative rhetoric, which is anti-immigrant and anti-migrant propaganda, further mirroring the trends we are seeing in the U.S.'s Trump and MAGA authoritarian regime. The Conservative leader was personally associated with a white nationalist-adjacent group, Diagolon. What further steps do we need to take in Canada to eliminate white nationalist hatred? Also, what can we do to stop the importation of Trump-style U.S. political movements in Canada?

Mr. Speaker, we have the real Conservative A-team this afternoon. We have heard repeated Conservative conspiracy theories over and over in the House. If we want to talk about real hate crimes, and I am not quoting alt-right so-called alternative news, there are Jewish members in my community who are covering up their Jewish identity in public. That is the hate we are talking about that this bill seeks to address. I am trying to understand what the member opposite's real objection is to this legislation. When Conservatives talk about freedom of expression, it seems more and more likely that what they are talking about is freedom for Conservative members to say whatever they want without consequences. Is that the real objection?

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member opposite's bringing up the issue of the use of legislation as a political tool. I have seen that first-hand in Hamilton, where activists in the community use accusations of hatred and racism as a tool to silence political opposition. Let us be clear: That is not what is happening here. That is not what is in the bill. The member opposite knows full well what the intentions and purposes of the bill are. Why does the member not stand with members of her own community, members of minority communities and members of police forces across Canada, who are supportive of the bill, and support what is being asked for as a necessary protection for those groups across Canada?

Madam Speaker, I am not an expert on cybersecurity, but as a former municipal councillor in Hamilton, which was subject to one of the largest cybersecurity attacks in the history of Canada, I know a whole lot more about it than I ever wanted to. It is good to hear that Conservatives and the governing party have a lot in common regarding this bill in wanting to ensure and protect the security, information and private data of Canadians. On privacy concerns, what we have learned is that the implications of a cyber-attack, the theft of private data by cybercriminals, is a far greater risk than implementing an act to protect that data in the first place. On the issue of cost, what we learned at the City of Hamilton is that the cost of having robust cybersecurity is far less than recovering after the fact. Would the member agree?

Mr. Speaker, it is a little rich to hear Conservatives speak about affordability. The Leader of the Opposition has never held a real job in his entire life, has never contributed to the Canadian economy, lives in taxpayer-funded housing and has collected a taxpayer-funded salary his entire working career. He was fired by the residents of his own riding and now is cosplaying as an Albertan. Are members opposite not embarrassed to be speaking about affordability and food prices? Why do they still support the Leader of the Opposition, who is an embarrassment to hard-working Canadian families?

Madam Speaker, it is fascinating to listen to speech after speech of regurgitated ChatGPT prompts and a list of recycled catchphrases. It is time to cut the crap. The Leader of the Opposition is now a pretend westerner. I suppose he is now a pretend farmer. How was the Leader of the Opposition measured by the voters in his own riding? He was fired by his own constituents. Would the opposition not be better served by a leader who has actually worked in a real job? Would the opposition not be better served by a leader who actually supports real solutions for Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, on the issue of overzealous litigants, that is something I personally identify with as a former municipal councillor, having been the subject of several what I considered to be frivolous and vexatious complaints, using the process as a political tool. However, the proposed act is very clear that the Crown would still have oversight of charges that would move forward. My question for the member is this: Why does he not have confidence in the professionalism of the courts and the Crowns to move forward appropriately when there are serious allegations of hate?

Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Winnipeg North. It is an honour to rise today to speak to Bill C-9, the combatting hate act, a bill that represents more than just legislative reform. It reflects our Liberal government's commitment to protecting all Canadians from intimidation, harassment and the very real threat of hate in their communities. The legislation embodies our values as a society and recognizes that when people are afraid to attend their places of worship, schools or cultural centres, the very fabric of our communities is under attack. We are witnessing a troubling increase in hate across Canada, with Jewish Canadians receiving a disproportionately high amount of hate, along with Muslim, queer and racialized communities across this country. In Hamilton, Jewish Canadians account for less than 1% of the general population but are subject to over 80% of religious-based hate crimes, highlighting the urgent need for targeted protections. I want to thank the Hamilton Jewish Federation and the Sri Radha Krishna Temple, and their communities, for their valuable input and advocacy in shaping the legislation, and, of course, thank the broader Hamilton Jewish and Hindu communities for their valuable input. I also want to extend my gratitude to the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Public Safety for their leadership and commitment to addressing hate in all its forms. In particular I would like to recognize the Minister of Public Safety, who visited Hamilton earlier this year to visit with the Hamilton Jewish community, Jewish leaders and Hamilton police. Recent data from Statistics Canada shows that police-reported hate crimes have more than doubled in the past six years, rising by 169%. This is not just a statistic; it represents families that fear sending their children to school, communities that fear gathering to celebrate or pray, and individuals whose very identities are being targeted. There have been physical assaults and harassment in places of worship, targeted shootings at religious schools, and attacks and bomb threats directed at synagogues, mosques, temples, churches, schools and community centres. In response to these alarming developments, there have been calls from across the country for stronger protections. Bill C-9 would respond to these calls by introducing new offences to criminalize intimidation and obstruction, enhancing the legal framework for prosecuting hate crimes and addressing the promotion of hatred through symbols associated with terrorism and hate. The bill would introduce a new intimidation offence, which would make it illegal to provoke fear in another person to impede their access to a place of worship, a school or a cultural centre that is primarily used by an identifiable group. Likewise, the bill would introduce a complementary obstruction offence, which would target conduct that intentionally blocks or interferes with lawful access to these spaces. Both offences would carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. It is important to emphasize that these offences would not target peaceful expression or assembly. They would specifically target morally reprehensible criminal behaviours directed against individuals trying to access spaces that are essential to their identity and their community. This is about protecting Canadians from harm, not reducing their rights to protest or to express themselves peacefully. Another critical provision of the combatting hate bill is the new introduction of a hate crime offence. This offence would apply to any federal offence motivated by hatred based on grounds such as race, ethnicity, religion or sex. By explicitly addressing crimes motivated by hate, the provision would ensure that these acts are clearly condemned and appropriately punished. The offence is structured to allow the Crown to proceed in summary conviction in less serious cases, while escalating penalties for more serious offences. For example, someone convicted of uttering threats under this provision would face a maximum of 10 years in prison if it was for hate-motivated reasons, compared to five years under the current law. In addition, Bill C-9 would introduce a new hate propaganda offence to criminalize the intentional public display of symbols associated with hate or terrorism for the purpose of promoting hatred against an identifiable group. This includes symbols such as the Nazi swastika, the SS bolts and symbols principally used by or associated with terrorist entities listed in the Criminal Code, such as Hamas and Hezbollah. I want to stress that this offence is carefully tailored. It does not criminalize symbols displayed for legitimate purposes, such as education, journalism or the arts. This ensures that freedom of expression is respected, while giving law enforcement and prosecutors a clear tool to respond to criminally motivated hate. To further enhance clarity and consistency, the bill codifies the definition of “hatred” in the Criminal Code, based on Supreme Court jurisprudence, focusing on detestation or vilification. It does not include mere disdain or dislike. Codifying this definition ensures that Canadians, law enforcement and the courts have a clear understanding of what constitutes hate in law. This provision is specifically critical to assist police to determine when arrests are warranted and to remove interpretation and ambiguity that may be present with the current laws. Finally, Bill C-9 proposes to remove the requirement for the Attorney General's consent to prosecute certain hate propaganda offences and the new offences, while safeguards remain through the discretion of the Crown prosecution, which assesses the reasonable prospect of conviction and public interest before proceeding with charges. This bill is about taking action when action is needed. When Canadians fear walking into their synagogue, mosque, church or school, we must act. When individuals are attacked because of who they are, we must act. When speech is used to promote hatred and violence, we must act. With Bill C-9, the combatting hate act, we are taking action. We are acting to protect our communities, defend the fundamental values of our country and affirm that Canada is a country that says no to hate and yes to safety and dignity for everyone. I will acknowledge that it is unfortunate that this legislation is necessary. It is a direct response to the growing and targeted hatred across Canada, but, of course, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is fundamental to our government. Freedom of expression, freedom of association and the right to protest are cornerstone Canadian values, but no one has the right to promote hate. Municipalities across Canada, including Hamilton, where I was formerly a city councillor, are already moving forward with municipal by-laws similar to what is intended here, but instead of forcing municipalities and provinces to have a patchwork of individual by-laws to combat the hatred they are seeing in their communities, we are taking action at the federal level to set national standards. I call on all parliamentarians to support this bill and to work together to ensure that it passes promptly. This is an important step in fulfilling our Liberal government's commitment to strengthen community safety and uphold the fundamental rights of Canadians. In my conversations with residents across Hamilton who have been subject to hate, it is absolutely heartbreaking to hear the stories of intimidation and hatred that they have faced in their communities. In particular, I want to thank representatives from the Hamilton Jewish Federation for sharing their stories with me, being frank and forward and sharing exactly what it is like to be a member of their community in the city of Hamilton when there are incidents of hate. Again, I recognize that it is unfortunate that we have to proceed with this legislation, but in consultation with those groups directly affected and also in consultation with law enforcement, we have no doubt that this is the appropriate action at this time.

Mr. Speaker, I think in these areas there is quite a bit of agreement between our government and the opposition. Going back to the purpose of the legislation and the consultation in the community, the purpose is to make sure all individuals have access to the community spaces central to their identity, to clarify the legal meaning of hatred within the Criminal Code so it takes away some of that ambiguity or discretion that may be in current law and preserve the lawful right to protest under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. There is definitely a balance there. Of course, we are moving forward with federal legislation to reform bail and federal sentencing, and I welcome further discussion on that when that legislation comes forward.

Mr. Speaker, this is an area where I personally have quite a bit of agreement with my colleagues in the Bloc. I personally have issues when religious texts are used at times as a justification for hatred against LGBTQ and queer communities in particular. However, we are trying to reach a balance between freedom of expression and making sure the targeted hate we are seeing in communities is addressed. Once again, this legislation is supported by municipalities, the local Jewish and Hindu communities, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. We welcome further discussion in committee.

Mr. Speaker, Hamilton is proud to be Canada's steel city, with a long history of organized labour and skilled trades. Our country's industry, housing and infrastructure, the foundations of our economy, have always been built by workers in the building trades. Could the Secretary of State for Labour update the House on how our government is supporting apprentices and helping workers get the training they need to literally build Canada's future?

Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the member opposite on his first speech in the House of Commons. It is good to hear that the Conservatives and the Liberal Party largely agree on the need to be tougher on crime to secure our border, in particular by securing the border against illegal drugs and guns. However, it is also fascinating that the Conservatives want to position themselves to be tough on crime at the same time that their freedom convoy friends are inventing all kinds of conspiracy theories about this bill. Will the Conservatives listen to the needs of Canada and Canadian residents or to Pierre Poilievre's freedom convoy friends—

Mr. Speaker, I do appreciate the member opposite bringing forward some of the troubling authoritarian tendencies in the U.S. It is an important issue, but I am trying to figure out where the NDP actually stands on law enforcement and public safety. In Hamilton, NDP activists not only want to defund the police, they want to abolish the police altogether. They are in favour of illegal encampments in city parks, and they want to actually legalize all drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamines. Why is the NDP consistently opposed to law enforcement and public safety as their benchmark reflex?

Mr. Speaker, as the member for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, I would like to congratulate LiUNA Local 837 on its 75th anniversary. LiUNA is a trade union. Its members are literally building Hamilton, building this country, promoting and supporting workers in the skilled trades. As a professional engineer licensed in Ontario, I completely agree with the member that we need increased labour mobility and professional mobility across provinces. What would the hon. member say to workers in the skilled trades who would directly benefit from having one Canadian economy and who would directly benefit from major infrastructure projects included in Bill C-5?

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that the member from Edmonton raised the issue of his observations of crime in his community: gun crime, violent crime and numerous other troubling incidents along with public safety issues. I was just in Edmonton about a month ago and, to be honest, it reminded me a lot of Hamilton with very similar issues. Certainly the federal government has a role to play, as do municipalities. I know the member opposite was a former municipal mayor as well. Both Alberta and Ontario are Conservative-run provinces. What role does the member see provinces having in combatting crime in partnership with the federal government and municipalities?

Mr. Speaker, there are some days when I think I am living in a South Park episode, where there is reality versus weird conspiracy theory nonsense. The entire world is transitioning to an electric economy, but the carbon Conservatives just want to do nothing. The McMaster Automotive Resource Centre in Hamilton is world-leading in electric vehicle technology, working with every major manufacturer in the world. The Conservative solution is to just do nothing. The entire market, if we do nothing, will be taken over by high-tech, inexpensive Chinese EV imports. Will the members support Canadian industry and Canadian workers and take action, or are they supporting Communist China's imports?

Mr. Speaker, this week, a Hamilton steel mill permanently shut down, putting 153 people out of work. Donald Trump's 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum are unjustified and illegal, and are now impacting the livelihoods of Canadian families. Everyone in Hamilton knows somebody who works in the steel industry. There are 10,000 Hamilton workers who are directly employed in steelmaking and another 40,000 who are employed in associated industries. These are good-paying, Canadian jobs that are supporting hard-working Canadian families, and they are now at risk because of Donald Trump's misguided, illegal trade war with Canada. While discussions with the U.S. are ongoing, all retaliatory measures are on the table. We are taking steps to stop the dumping of cheap foreign steel, and we are investing in new Canadian markets. I want to assure the workers in Hamilton and across Canada that our government is doing everything possible to fight back, protect jobs and support Canadian steel.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member bringing up the issue of labour mobility, something I have spoken about with Joe Mancinelli many times. As a professional structural engineer licensed in the province of Ontario, I can say it is a real issue for professionals to have provincial regulatory agencies and to not be able to practise across provinces. Would the member agree that the federal action on having one Canadian economy would encourage further provincial action?

Madam Speaker, I rise today in full support of Bill C-4, a cornerstone of our government's promise to make life more affordable for hard-working Canadians. As the member of Parliament for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, I have heard first-hand from families, workers and small business owners who are feeling the pressure of rising costs. These challenges are compounded by the economic and political uncertainty caused by the Trump government in the United States. As Canadians, it is impossible to ignore the troubling and increasingly chaotic actions of the Trump White House as we confront the new reality that we can no longer rely on the United States as a stable and reliable trading partner. However, we must take immediate action to control our own future here in Canada. Bill C-4, the making life more affordable for Canadians act, is our new government's immediate response to the rising cost of living in Canada. It is a comprehensive, targeted and responsible plan to deliver real relief and make life more affordable for Canadians. We promised immediate action during the campaign, and today we are delivering tax relief. In this House, I previously spoke about the challenges facing people in Hamilton: the cost of housing, gas, groceries and daily essentials. I also spoke about the pride we take in our local industries, especially Hamilton's steel sector, and the resilience of our workers. The making life more affordable for Canadians act addresses both realities. It puts money back into the pockets of Canadians while strengthening our economic foundations. Let us begin with the tax relief measures in this bill. We are cutting the lowest personal income tax rate to 14.5% in 2025, then cutting it again down to 14% in 2026 and beyond. This is an immediate tax cut for 22 million Canadians. For a typical family, that is up to $840 in annual savings. These savings would help pay for groceries, a child's school supplies, utility bills and more. We are also making housing more affordable. The making life more affordable for Canadians act introduces a GST rebate for first-time homebuyers purchasing new homes up to $1 million. This tax cut for first-time homebuyers is essential for young families, and it will help to stimulate new construction, enabling jobs and increasing housing supply. In Hamilton, housing affordability is a daily concern, and this policy will make a real difference for young families. We have already repealed the consumer carbon tax, which will save Canadians an average of 18¢ per litre off the cost of gas. However, our government remains committed to climate action. By maintaining the output-based carbon pricing system for large emitters, continuing to invest in green energy such as nuclear, hydro and renewables, and supporting green housing and public transit, we are helping to ensure a smooth transition to an electric future and reduce Canada's dependence on fossil fuels. This is a balanced approach, one that supports both affordability and environmental sustainability. I want to speak about economic resilience and the importance of standing up for Canadian workers. On June 6, I had the honour of joining the Minister of Industry, the CEO of ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Hamilton members of Parliament, the mayor of the city of Hamilton, and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce president and CEO for a visit to one of our local Hamilton steel mills. ArcelorMittal Dofasco and Hamilton's steel producers are the heart of the steel industry in Canada. The visit by the Minister of Industry was in direct response to the imposition of the Trump administration's 50% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum. These latest Trump tariffs are illegal, unjustified, harmful and a threat to the entire North American steel industry. Our government is taking this extremely seriously. The minister's visit was a demonstration of our commitment to defending Canadian jobs and industries and retaliating as needed. The conversations we had at ArcelorMittal Dofasco were powerful. Workers expressed pride in their work and concern about the future and what this means for their families. The CEO emphasized the importance of stable trade relationships. The chamber of commerce called for coordinated action. The mayor of the city of Hamilton underscored the need for federal assistance and federal leadership. The making life more affordable for Canadians act is part of that leadership. By supporting Canadian families and industries, we are building resilience against external shocks like these tariffs. The income tax cut is a meaningful first step, especially when combined with the cost-saving programs already in place, such as $10-a-day child care, dental care and the Canada child benefit. We repealed the consumer carbon tax because our government is listening to Canadians. We are adapting our policies to meet their needs without abandoning our environmental sustainability goals. Cutting the GST on homes up to $1 million would save the average Hamilton first-time homebuyer more than $40,000, and this is just one piece of a broader housing affordability strategy. Our government is working with provinces and with municipalities to unlock stalled developments, invest in affordable housing, support renters and get builders building again. I also want to acknowledge our government's commitment to meeting NATO's defence spending target of 2% of GDP years ahead of schedule. This historic investment in our national defence is not only a reaffirmation of our global responsibilities but also a strategic move to bolster our domestic economy. Defence spending will create thousands of high-quality jobs, stimulate innovation in Canadian industries and strengthen our supply chains. Hamilton is home to one of the largest shipbuilders in Canada, for shipbuilding that employs thousands of workers in the skilled trades and uses Canadian steel. Increasing defence spending would complement the affordability measures in the making life more affordable for Canadians act by reinforcing economic security and resilience. The announcement sends a clear message: our government can make bold, forward-looking decisions on both domestic and international fronts. While we invest in affordability and housing at home, we are also stepping up to meet our global commitments. These are not competing priorities; they are mutually reinforcing pillars of a strong, secure and prosperous Canada. The making life more affordable for Canadians act is not just a budgetary measure; it is a statement of values. It says that we believe in a Canada where hard work is rewarded, where families can thrive and where no one is left behind. It says that we are willing to make tough decisions to support Canadians in the face of global uncertainty. As the member of Parliament for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, I am proud to support the bill. I am proud to stand with my colleagues, with our government and with the people of Hamilton, and I am proud to say that the making life more affordable for Canadians act would deliver on the promises we made during the election. In Hamilton, we are already seeing the impact of federal investments in housing projects that use Canadian steel and lumber and create good-paying local jobs. Let us pass the bill. Let us deliver for our constituents. Let us build a stronger, fairer, more resilient Canada. When I previously stood in the chamber, I spoke about the challenges facing families in Hamilton and across Canada. I spoke about affordability, not as a political slogan but as a lived experience for so many of our constituents. I spoke about the parents who told me they are worried about putting food on the table, about young people who fear they will never own a home and about seniors who felt left behind by the rapidly changing economy. These are not abstract policy issues; these are real people with real struggles, and that is why the making life more affordable for Canadians act matters. The bill recognizes the urgency of the moment and responds with tangible solutions. During the campaign, I knocked on thousands of doors. I listened to stories that were both difficult and inspiring, from, for example, a mother who works night shifts and still finds time to volunteer at her child's school, recent immigrants working multiple jobs to pay rent while studying in post-secondary education, retired residents on a fixed income who have lived in the same home for 40 years but are now struggling to pay property taxes and heating bills, and especially young families working hard but struggling to provide their children with the lifestyle they deserve. These stories have stayed with me, and they guide my work. The making life more affordable for Canadians act is our new government's first step to reduce cost of living across Canada. It builds on the Canada child benefit, which has lifted hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty, and it complements our investments in $10-a-day child care, which is already saving Canadian families thousands of dollars. This is a strong step forward. Affordability is not a Liberal issue, a Conservative issue, a Bloc issue nor an NDP issue; it is a Canadian issue. I have heard the exact same concerns about affordability consistently from members of every political party, and I think Canadians expect us to work together. I have had constructive conversations with members from all parties who share a deep concern for their constituents, and I believe that we all share a common goal: to make life better for the people we serve. That is why I urge all members of the House to support the making life more affordable for Canadians act.

Madam Speaker, steelmaking is one of the largest industries in Hamilton. It is also one of the largest emitters. Our government is making significant investments in the steel industry in Hamilton. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being invested in an electric arc furnace to convert steelmaking from a polluting fossil fuel-dependent, coal-dependent industry, reducing emissions. It will not only reduce emissions but also reduce the carbon footprint, and, most importantly reduce cancer-causing emissions, soot and particulates in the environment. This is a win-win situation. By investing in a cleaner future, we are investing in a better future for all Canadians.

Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member for the question. I am sorry that my French is not very good, but I am learning. I do agree with the hon. member. Down payments are a significant challenge for many people, especially young families that are trying to enter the housing market and might not have access to generational wealth and to the credit they would need to pay for a down payment. We want to avoid a situation where young families have to save and work really hard for 10 or 20 years just to afford a down payment if they do not have access to generational wealth, so I would absolutely be very happy to work with our Bloc colleagues on suggestions for options to help young families with a down payment.

Madam Speaker, everyone in Hamilton knows somebody who works in the steel industry. It employs over 10,000 workers directly and another 40,000 people in indirect jobs. The tariffs are an existential threat to steelmaking in Canada, and Hamilton is the heart of steelmaking. I know from speaking with workers that there are generational workers, second- and third-generation steelworkers, who are proud of what they do. They are proud of the job they hold, and they are literally building the foundation of Canada. Having the Minister of Industry there shows the steelworkers that we care and that we stand up for Canadian jobs in the steel industry and in aluminum. All measures are on the table, and we, as the federal government, are showing leadership to support Canadians, to support workers and do everything that is necessary.