Kathy Borrelli

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals promised to stand up for Canadian workers. Back in Windsor, we are still waiting. Last week's layoffs at Stelco are just the latest warning. Last October, Windsor workers called out the use of foreign steel on the Banwell-E.C. Row project, even though Canadian producers were ready to compete for the work. Canadian projects should use Canadian steel and Canadian workers. When will the Liberals stop the rhetoric and actually deliver the results they promised Canadian workers?

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government's countertariffs are killing new work for Windsor manufacturers. Cavalier Tool's three plants need specialized U.S. steel and aluminum they cannot source elsewhere. On $244,000 moulds, their 5% to 10% profit is wiped out by countertariffs. They are trying to maintain their skilled workforce. Under the conditions the Liberals have caused, this is becoming too challenging. How many more Windsor jobs will the government sacrifice?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to table a dissenting report to the Standing Committee on Industry and Technology's report on the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canada's metallurgical and advanced manufacturing sectors. I would like to recognize and thank my Conservative colleagues, our staff and, especially, the member forEssex, whose advocacy was important in bringing attention to this issue. When this crisis emerged, the Conservatives responded immediately because we understand that these industries are foundational to Canada. The Conservatives know the committee's report and recommendations do not reflect the urgency expressed by the witnesses. That is why our dissenting report calls for urgent negotiations to secure a trade agreement, stronger protections for our manufacturing base, support for domestic production and action to preserve the jobs and industrial capacity that are vital to Canada. The industry asked for a quick response to secure its future. The Conservatives answered that call immediately, and we always will.

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised Canadians strength and stability, but under his watch, Canada became the only G20 country in a recession. That is the result of Liberal inflationary spending, red tape and anti-development policies that have crushed workers, businesses and families. Canadians deserve a Prime Minister who takes responsibility, not one who hides behind excuses. Will the Prime Minister admit that his policies caused the crisis, or will he keep pretending Canadians are not struggling under his watch?

Mr. Speaker, imagine a family standing in an appliance aisle because their washing machine has broken down. They are already dealing with higher grocery bills, higher mortgages, higher rent and higher utility costs. They are looking at the price tags and trying to make the best decision for their household. One model is more expensive but may last longer. Another is more affordable and fits their budget today. That family should have the freedom to make that choice. Bill C-267, despite its good intentions, risks having Ottawa make that choice for them by creating a broad new regulatory framework that could increase costs, reduce options and make essential products less affordable for Canadians. Every single one of us gets frustrated when products break too soon, when repairs are difficult or when replacing an item seems easier than fixing it. Those concerns are real. Canadians should be able to repair the products they own, access reasonable repair options and receive clear information about the products they buy. However, the question before us is not whether durability and repairability are good things. The question is whether Bill C-267 is the right way to achieve them. On that question, Conservatives have serious concerns. Bill C-267 would require the Minister of Industry to develop a national framework on the durability and repairability of electronic products and essential home appliances offered for sale, distributed or sold in Canada, whether they are made here or imported. That framework would include measures related to minimum useful life, labelling, access to parts, tools and repair information, replacement parts, technical documentation, software support and the responsibilities of manufacturers, importers and distributors. The bill also contemplates future legislative measures, including obligations on the industry, inspection mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance. That is a very broad scope. It goes well beyond simply helping Canadians fix what they own. It opens the door to a new federal regulatory framework over a wide range of consumer products, many of which are already subject to complex supply chains, international standards, safety requirements, warranties and provincial consumer protection laws. Parliament has already taken steps in that direction through targeted right to repair legislation. In recent years, members from different parties have worked to address practical barriers that prevent Canadians from repairing the products they own. For example, in the 44th Parliament, Bill C-244, introduced by a Liberal member, addressed the issue of digital locks by allowing circumvention for the purpose of diagnosis, maintenance and repair. Also in the last Parliament, Bill C-294, introduced by a Conservative member, addressed interoperability by allowing consumers and businesses to use third party parts, systems and devices without being blocked by copyright rules. Both bills received royal assent in 2024. Those were targeted changes. They focused on removing specific legal barriers that made repair more difficult. They did not impose broad new federal product standards. They did not create a national framework for minimum product lifespans. They did not open the door to sweeping new rules on labelling, replacement parts, technical documentation and the like, and that distinction matters. Conservatives have supported practical right to repair reforms because they can empower consumers, support farmers, help small businesses and improve competition. As we consider the best policy response, we should focus on measures that remove unnecessary barriers to repair, support competition in repair markets and give consumers better information without imposing rigid top-down requirements that may not fit every product category, or even consumer need. At a time when businesses are already struggling with red tape, tariffs, supply chain pressures and weak productivity, we should not support legislation that could add new compliance costs and uncertainty. Canadians deserve products that are durable. They also deserve affordable products. They deserve repair options, but they also deserve marketplace choice. They deserve consumer protection, but—