Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, I have a news flash for the hon. member. Who builds houses? The building trades build houses. Who is supporting the building trades? It is the current government, with $6 billion in skilled trades to build right across this country. We are building bridges, roads and hospitals right across this country. We are going to stand up for our workers every single day. When will the Conservatives get on board?

Mr. Speaker, the Conservative Party leader needs to explain the $8.8 million of unaccounted for, unexplained expenses. The Conservatives know that we are in the middle of a trade war, but we have a plan. We are building. Let me give some examples. There is Canada's first European LNG agreement, with more than $30 billion in investment secured. The Nouveau Monde Graphite mine project will provide thousands of jobs in the skilled trades. The Darlington nuclear project in Ontario will provide thousands of jobs in the skilled trades. We are building this country. We are fighting for Canadians. I hope the Conservatives join us.

Mr. Speaker, Canadians do not want theatrics. The Conservative leader knows full well that we are in a trade war, which is creating real headwinds for the Canadian economy. However, we have a plan and we are confident in that plan. One key pillar of that plan is building infrastructure, major projects in the national interest and community infrastructure like roads, bridges and hospitals right across this country with Canadian steel, Canadian lumber and Canadian unionized workers. At the end of the day, we made a historic investment in the skilled trades. That is how we build Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, we are proud to stand up for our record every day in this House of Commons because the member knows very well that we are in the middle of a trade war. This country is facing headwinds, but we have a plan. Canada is building, from LNG in B.C. to critical minerals in the Prairies, from nuclear and transit in Ontario to ports and mining in Quebec and offshore energy in Atlantic Canada. This is how we create good jobs, great opportunities in the skilled trades and good union jobs. We are building a Canada strong for all.

Mr. Speaker, we have Canada's first European LNG agreement, more than $30 billion in investments secured; the Nouveau Monde Graphite mine project in Quebec, over 1,000 new jobs, shovels in the ground; the Darlington new nuclear project, 18,000 construction jobs; the Contrecoeur port expansion, shovels in the ground; and 150 Airbus A220s, the largest order of Canadian-built aircraft in Canadian history. As the Conservatives know, Canada is facing a trade war. We have a plan, and we are building.

Mr. Speaker, that member knows very well that we have taken a number of initiatives that have helped Windsor families. People in Windsor know that the member has voted against every one of those measures. However, what we know is that it is time to invest and build. Canada is building again. Today, we announced Canada's first European LNG agreement, which will attract more than $30 billion in investment. We are building new nuclear in Ontario, critical mineral projects in Quebec, like the Nouveau Monde Graphite's Matawinie mine project, and in the Prairies, major infrastructure across the country from Newfoundland and Labrador—

Mr. Speaker, Canada's new government is fiscally responsible. We have reduced the deficit by $11 billion. We are in the strongest fiscal position in the G7. We are making major infrastructure investments that will transform and connect our economy. Our workers know this. Let us hear from our workers. Let us hear from the UA in the member's riding. This update would deliver investments to expand training and for a multitude of apprenticeship needs. It would increase youth, indigenous and diverse participation in the trades for upcoming projects of national interest. That is how we build a Canada strong for all.

Mr. Speaker, again, this new government is fiscally responsible. We reduced the deficit by $11 billion and we are in the strongest fiscal position in the G7. The Conservatives cannot stand up and say they support Canadians while voting against all the supports that Canadians rely on, including youth. The Conservatives oppose tax relief. They oppose child care. They oppose dental care and the national school food program. Who could be against that? The Conservatives cannot oppose all of those programs and then claim they support them. They cannot have it both ways. When will they table a list of inflationary spending items they are going to cut?

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for all of his hard work on behalf of his constituents in Nova Scotia. He is an excellent member. Our spring economic update is investing in the next generation. We are creating paid pathways for 100,000 Canadians to get into the skilled trades with a $6-billion investment, helping young people build good careers right here at home, and we are making the largest investment in sport in Canadian history so kids have the ability, across this country, to stay active and thrive. These are some of the things we are doing to support Canadian youth and to build Canada strong for all.

Mr. Speaker, the member knows very well that Canada is in the best fiscal position in the G7. However, yesterday in question period, I did not hear the Conservatives mention the word “workers” once, so let us hear from workers directly. Let us hear from Colin Daniels, who represents Saskatchewan Building Trades and is one of the members of the mighty ironworkers. Colin Daniels says: This is a historic announcement from our Liberal Government. Supporting apprentices and Ironworker Union Training Centres through investments like UTIP is a critical part in delivering Canada's historic level of infrastructure investment. These nation-building projects depend on a strong, skilled workforce—

Mr. Speaker, I have a lot of respect for the member. We are optimistic about the future of our country. Let us hear from workers. Let us hear from Russ Shewchuk from the IBEW, who said that this economic statement “will super charge the Skilled Trades across Canada to help build and assist the much needed infrastructure and electrification of our country. It will transform apprenticeships in today's technology, safety and training, meeting the moment to supply a workforce for Major Projects from coast to coast to coast.” That is how to build a Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, this new government is fiscally responsible, reducing the deficit by $11 billion. There has not been a single question today about workers. Let us hear from the workers. Let us hear from Marc Arsenault, the business manager for the building trades in Ontario. “The Federal Spring Economic Statement demonstrates that the Government is firmly committed to strengthening the skilled trades workforce at a time of economic uncertainty. The significant expansion of the Union Training Innovation Program including bricks-and-mortar investments for Red Seal trades, alongside enhanced incentive and completion grants and improved tracking, is a practical approach to supporting apprentices”. That is how to build Canada strong for all.

Mr. Speaker, I know the hard-working men of the Toronto Police Service and other police associations are here in Ottawa today, and I want to thank them for their service. We are spending less to invest more. We are investing in building, from LNG projects in British Columbia, to critical minerals in the Prairies, to nuclear and transit in Ontario, to ports and trade corridors in Quebec, to offshore energy in Atlantic Canada. From Newfoundland to B.C., we are building across this country. Together, we are going to build a Canada strong for all.

Mr. Speaker, it sounds like the member is speaking from experience but, look, the Conservatives cannot stand up and say they support Canadians while voting against the supports Canadians rely on. They have opposed tax relief. They voted against it at every opportunity. They voted against child care. They voted against dental care. They voted against all measures to support the cost of living. They cannot oppose it all and then claim to support it. They cannot have it both ways.

Mr. Speaker, the building trades are in town this week, and I am excited to talk about our plan to build. We are building big, we are building bold and we are building across this country. From B.C. to Newfoundland, we are going to be putting good jobs in the skilled trades using Canadian steel, Canadian lumber and Canadian aluminum. We are building. It is time to invest. When will they get on board? Probably never.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for the hard work she is doing on behalf of her community. We are focused on growing the economy and supporting Canadian workers. This is why the federal minimum wage is indexed to inflation with an increase to $18.15 on April 1, representing a 21% increase since 2021. These are steady, predictable increases that benefit workers. It is about fairness, stability and building an economy that works for everyone. Our new government is building Canada strong for all.

Mr. Speaker, how one votes in this House matters. On this side of the House, we voted every single day to make life more affordable for Canadians. On that side of the House, Conservatives voted against every measure to make life more affordable for Canadians, such as delivering a tax cut that is benefiting 22 million Canadians, delivering the Canada child benefit, reducing child care costs, cutting the carbon tax that reduces gas prices, delivering dental care and delivering the national school food program. The problem with the Conservatives is that they voted against it all.

Mr. Speaker, since September, Canada's economy has created 80,000 jobs. We know that, in times of global uncertainty, we need to invest. That is why we have made the largest infrastructure investment in Canadian history. We are building big, we are building bold and we are building now, with Canadian steel, Canadian lumber and Canadian unionized workers. We are laser-focused on creating jobs: good jobs in the skilled trades and good jobs for future generations. When will the Conservatives get on board?

Mr. Speaker, Canadians have created over 160,000 jobs since September. Wages are rising. Inflation is within target range. We know that certain sectors in the economy are facing impacts from the tariffs, from the trade war, but we have a plan, a plan that invests in workers, which is in our budget. That party has voted against it. Unfortunately, the members keep blocking the budget. If that member wants to make a difference, if she wants to help workers, it is important that they pass the budget. Let us go pass the budget. Let us stay all night and pass the budget.

Mr. Speaker, maybe the member does not know, but we are in the middle of a trade war. Despite that, Canada's economy has been resilient. Canadians have created over 160,000 jobs since September. Wages are rising. Inflation is now within the target range. However, we are not stopping there. We are building big, building bold and building now with Canadian lumber, Canadian steel and Canadian unionized workers. We are making the largest infrastructure investment in Canadian history, to strengthen communities and to create more jobs and long-term careers in the trades. While the Conservatives continue to object and to play games in Parliament, we are working for Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, 160,000 new jobs have been created since September. Wages are up and inflation is within the standard rate. We know that certain sectors such as auto are feeling the pain from the tariff war, but we have a plan that was laid out in our budget, which was introduced in the fall. Unfortunately, the Conservatives are blocking the budget at committee. If that member wants to make a difference for workers in his community, pass the budget so we can unleash the power, build in this country, protect jobs, support communities and build our country. Will the member do it? Will the Conservatives do it?

Mr. Speaker, I have met with Unifor in that member's riding, and I will tell members something that the auto workers told me. They told me they want opportunities. They want opportunities to grow the economy, and that is what we are doing. Since we were elected last year, we have created about 180,000 jobs. Wages are rising. Inflation is within the Bank of Canada's target range. The Prime Minister is focused on building bold and building new opportunities with Canadian steel and Canadian lumber, working with unionized workers. We are investing in infrastructure, growing key industries and investing in trade so Canadian businesses can create new opportunities. Canada has one of the strongest economies in the G7.

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives' ideas were tested in the election, and guess what, they lost. We are focused on something that is very clear and something Canadians want. They want us to build this country. They want us to grow the economy, and that is exactly what we are doing. We are going to build the largest infrastructure investment in Canadian history, with major projects across this country, building affordable homes for Canadians using Canadian steel, Canadian lumber, Canadian skilled trades and Canadian student workers. We are diversifying our trade, expanding to new markets and investing in innovation. We are going to create the—

Mr. Speaker, we are proud to support our builders. We are proud to support the skilled trades. We are proud to support LIUNA, to support the carpenters, to support IBEW, and to support the ironworkers. We are building infrastructure. We are building major projects in the national interest. We are building homes. We are using Canadian steel and Canadian lumber in consultation with indigenous peoples. We are expanding our trade, we are investing in innovation and we are building the strongest economy in the G7. When will the Conservatives get on board? When will they stop getting in the way?

Mr. Speaker, from day one, our focus has been on lowering costs for families and putting money in their pockets. Today's announcement of the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit will give Canadians the relief they need. However, more than that, we have delivered a tax cut. We have protected the Canada child benefit and we have grown it. We reduced child care costs. We have cut the carbon tax. We have delivered dental care. Through Build Canada Homes, we are building low-cost, affordable housing. We have made the national school food program permanent. Voters in Vaughan want this stuff. Why is the member obstructing? He should get out of the way.

Mr. Speaker, our government is focused on creating opportunities. Let me tell that member that jobs are up in this country, wages are up and growth is up, but we are not stopping there. We are creating opportunities for Hamilton. We are building big, with the largest infrastructure investment in Canadian history, which that member voted against. We are going to be building major projects in the national interest, such as community centres, hospitals and health care. When are the Conservatives going to get on board? We are doing the hard work on this side; they are not.

Mr. Speaker, the Conservative record in the House speaks volumes. That party has voted against every affordability measure that this side of the House has brought forward. They voted against dental care, which is helping Canadians get to a dentist; the Canada child benefit, which gives cheques to parents to help their kids with food and clothing; Build Canada Homes, which will reduce the price of housing in this country; and automatic tax filing. That party has voted against every measure to help Canadians. They come in here to say that they support affordability, but they do not.

Mr. Speaker, I think the hon. member should tell her constituents that the government was elected to do big things and that we are focused on making the largest infrastructure investment in Canadian history. We are going to be building bridges, community centres, hospitals and transit, with thousands of good-paying jobs, with Canadian steel, Canadian lumber and Canadian aluminum, and with Canadian skilled trades workers, but the Conservatives have voted against every single part of this. They voted against building houses, voted against major projects and voted against opportunities for youth. When will the Conservatives get on board?

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives say they care about affordability, but their voting record says something very different. The Conservatives vote against every measure designed to help Canadian families. Let us take one example. Parents receive a payment every month called the Canada child benefit, which is a real help with groceries, a real help with clothing and a real help with the everyday costs of raising children in this country. They voted against it every time. It is crazy. Saying one thing and doing another is the Conservative Party.

Mr. Speaker, we will stand by our record every day in the House of Commons. They are the ones who have to be embarrassed about their track record of voting against dental care, which is putting money in the pockets of real Canadians; the Canada child benefit; and a tax cut. They voted against all of it: Build Canada Homes, reducing the cost of homes and automatic tax filing so people get real benefits. That is their record. That is what they have to stand behind.

Mr. Speaker, the member was speaking very fast, and I could not keep up with the question, but I do want to say one thing. Canadians elected us to do big things. We are going to build a stronger economy and a stronger country. We are making the largest infrastructure investment in Canadian history. That party voted against it. We are going to be building roads and bridges, community centres, hospitals and transit, using Canadian steel and Canadian lumber. However, the Conservatives voted against all of that, every single part of it, against housing and against major projects, which are opportunities for Canadian workers. On this side of the House, we will keep building. We are going to be standing with our workers, unlike the Conservatives.

Mr. Speaker, I find that member's suggestion that the Conservatives care interesting because the Conservatives voted against 18,000 construction jobs at the Darlington new nuclear project, 9,700 jobs at the north coast transmission line in B.C., over 10,000 jobs at the LNG tube facility and 5,000 jobs at the graphite mine in Quebec. These investments represent real progress for workers. Here is something that we should know: Conservatives vote against jobs and Canadians. Our new government stands up for workers and jobs.

Mr. Speaker, again, that member voted against the budget, which is going to see the largest investment in infrastructure across this great country. We are going to be building homes, community centres, hospitals, bridges and roads, all with Canadian steel, Canadian lumber and Canadian unionized workers. Every day when the Conservatives come in here, they vote against jobs and they vote against Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, we were elected on a plan to build big. I have met with auto workers from across the country, and they know that we have their backs. In a few minutes, the Prime Minister will be announcing more supports for the auto sector and more supports for the steel industry because we have their backs. More than that, we are building big. We are going to build projects in the national interest and homes, with skills that workers will use to build across this country. Will the Conservatives get on board?

Mr. Speaker I met with workers from Ingersoll and forestry workers in B.C., and I have met with steelworkers in that member's riding. Our message is consistent: We will be there for workers, and we will be there for their families. Why did the member vote against the budget? The budget would provide supports for all these industries, but the Conservatives like to come in here and perform for the camera while we are doing the work. We are going to defend our country.

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives voted against the budget. I just want you to know what you voted against. You are cheering for voting against the largest pay increase for the military and a defence spending plan. You voted against the nuclear plant in your riding; a tax cut for 22 million Canadians; a national school food program, which the Conservatives called “garbage”; 1,000 RCMP personnel; and 1,000 border officers. This is what you voted against. When the Conservatives vote against the budget, they vote against Canadian—

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives voted against budget 2025. They voted against skilled tradespersons. Budget 2025 supports our skilled trades folks with major investments in local infrastructure, clean energy economy projects and expanded training for every worker across the country. Members should not take just my word for it but also the word of the building trades unions. They said they are thrilled with the budget and the fact that it passed, calling it monumental for skilled workers, with $50 billion in infrastructure and $75 million in training. However, they had another thing to say: that those who supported the budget acted in—

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is talking about infrastructure, but the Conservatives voted against the largest infrastructure investment in Canadian history. That is what our plan is delivering. We are going to be building roads, bridges, hospitals and major infrastructure in the nation's interest. Wages are up 3.5%. In October alone, Canadians created 67,000 jobs. When the Conservatives voted against the budget, they voted against workers, they voted against jobs and they voted against Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, what we are promising is the largest infrastructure investment in Canadian history. This would create thousands of good jobs in the skilled trades, but do not take my word for it. Canadian Ironworkers said, “when Canada builds, Canadians work”. LiUNA Western Canada said this budget would create “thousands of great paying Union jobs right across Western Canada”. The International Union of Operating Engineers said this budget's nation-building project represents “an important opportunity for workers across Canada.” The Carpenters Regional Council said billions in infrastructure and housing investments have “the potential to create tens of thousands of good paying...jobs.” Why would the Conservatives vote against it?

Mr. Speaker, the member should take next week to meet with local chapters of the building trades in her riding. I encourage every member to take next week to meet with the locals to understand why they are supporting this budget. From coast to coast to coast, workers are supporting our plan: the Canadian building trades, the Alberta building trades, IBEW, carpenters and on and on. They are endorsing the investments made in this budget. The SEIU said it best: “Promise made. Promise kept.” They are supporting the investments because we are building good union jobs. We are building this country.

Mr. Speaker, here is the reality check: The Conservative Party of Canada is voting against the largest investment in infrastructure in Canadian history, meaning thousands of jobs and apprenticeship opportunities, opportunities for our youth, opportunities to train the next generation, roads, bridges, community centres, hospitals, major projects in the national interest and homes. None of this happens if the Conservatives vote against the budget. I hope they will reconsider.

Mr. Speaker, we are creating opportunities for Canadians. Budget 2025 is about building Canada and creating opportunities for young people. We are building Saint John strong, Etobicoke strong, Vancouver strong, Halifax strong, Fredericton strong, Winnipeg strong, Bradford strong. City by city, community by community, we are building Canada strong for our young people, for Canadians. Through budget 2025, we are building roads, bridges, hospitals, water systems, community centres, homes that Canadians need and major projects in the national interest. We are doing it with Canadian steel, Canadian lumber and Canadian union workers.