Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, Canadians understand that food security is national security. In fact, a Nanos Research survey released this month for Dairy Farmers of Canada found that 94% of Canadians believe it is important that Canada maintain as much control as possible over its food supply. The survey also found significant support for Canadian farmers and the supply management system, which helps ensure a stable and reliable food supply. As a farmer myself, I know the importance of growing, producing and processing more of our food here at home. Last week our Prime Minister unveiled Canada's national food strategy. Could the Minister of Agriculture—

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to Bill C-240, the offender rehabilitation act. I want to begin by recognizing the underlying objectives of this bill: to strengthen rehabilitation, reinforce accountability and ultimately improve public safety in Canada. These are goals I believe we all share. Ensuring that our justice system not only responds to crime, but also reduces the likelihood of reoffending is essential to safer communities. This bill would amend three key statutes: the Criminal Code, the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, with a view to more explicitly integrating rehabilitation into sentencing, tying progress and rehabilitation to parole decisions, and addressing serious drug trafficking, including fentanyl. First, Bill C-240 would give courts the authority to require specific rehabilitative measures as part of an offender's sentence. In addition to imposing the term of imprisonment, Bill C-240 would give courts the ability to require an offender to participate in educational programs, job training or, where appropriate, with the offender's consent, treatment programs. The intent here is clear: to ensure that sentencing not only reflects accountability, but also establishes a pathway to address the underlying factors that contributed to the offence. It appears that this change is intended to ensure that when individuals are taken into custody, the criminal justice and correctional system would work together to create a clear path for how the underlying factors that contributed to their offence would be addressed, including substance use, lack of skills or other challenges. There is merit in considering this approach. Recognizing and addressing the challenges that contribute to criminality is an important part of breaking cycles of offending. It should also be noted that, at least at the federal level, there are already tools and processes in place to support offender rehabilitation and treatment, including the use of empirically based assessment tools to identify programming needs. At the same time, the impacts of these provisions, including how such orders would be implemented and the consequences of not complying, are important questions that would benefit from careful study at committee. Second, the bill intends to ensure that these court-ordered measures would be incorporated into an offender's correctional plan. By extension, an offender is held accountable for their progress on these measures and it would become a consideration in conditional release decisions. In other words, if an offender makes reasonable efforts to complete the ordered training, education or treatment, that progress would form part of their assessment, including for key decisions such as for parole. If they do not, that too would be taken into consideration. It will be important to examine how these proposed amendments would function in practice. Key considerations include the availability of programs, including in the jurisdiction or community where the sentence is to be served; how assessed needs align with access to appropriate services; and the criteria that apply in release decisions. Research shows that offering programs to low-risk offenders can in fact increase their risk. As such, if the courts are too prescriptive in their requirements, there are risks. The correctional system has the empirical tools and the expertise to determine the program and the treatment needs tailored to each individual offender. It will also be important to ensure that, should the bill pass, any conditions that form part of a sentence are realistic and capable of being complied with. Offenders should not be unfairly prejudiced by barriers outside of their control, including differences in service availability, depending on where a sentence is served. Ensuring fairness, consistency and transparency in these processes will be key. Third, the bill aims to address a significant public safety challenge facing our country, the opioid crisis, and, in particular, the role of fentanyl. Bill C-240 would amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to require that courts treat large-scale fentanyl trafficking as an aggravating factor in sentencing. This means that when individuals are convicted of trafficking in quantities that indicate large-scale operations, judges would be encouraged to impose more severe sentences. The intent here is clear and it is very important. The harm caused by fentanyl in communities across Canada is profound, and measures that seek to hold accountable those who profit from that harm deserve serious consideration. At the same time, we must consider how these provisions would operate in practice, including how large-scale activity would be interpreted and whether this approach would serve to address current trends in organized crime or reflect the constant evolution of dangerous substances. It is also important to consider the broader societal context in which the bill would operate. Individuals who enter the correctional system often face multiple barriers long before their offence occurs, including limited access to education, unstable employment, mental health challenges and substance use disorders. Addressing those factors is essential if we are to reduce reoffending and improve long-term public safety. Bill C-240 recognizes this reality by proposing to make rehabilitation a more explicit and structured part of sentencing. It also aims to create another layer of accountability for an offender to meaningfully engage in that process. That said, it would be important to assess how these measures could be implemented effectively, including how they would align with the empirically derived risks-and-needs principles applied in the correctional system, as well as program availability across jurisdictions and consistency of delivery. We should also recognize the economic dimension of this issue. When people reoffend, the costs are borne not only by the victims but also by the justice system itself, through policing, the courts and correctional services. Investments in effective rehabilitation could reduce those pressures over time by lowering rates of re-entry into the system. Ensuring that the proposed approach would achieve those outcomes in a measurable and sustainable way would be an important part of the study of Bill C-240 at committee. The objective of the bill also appears to aim to provide greater clarity and transparency by allowing courts to set expectations, and requiring those expectations to be tracked through an offender's sentence. This is a positive principle. The broader approach outlined in Bill C-240, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration, reflects principles that many practitioners support. The question for committee would be how best to translate those principles into workable and effective processes within the existing system. Ultimately, our communities want a justice system that enhances public safety, reduces reoffending and supports successful reintegration. Bill C-240 speaks to those broad objectives. The task before us is to ensure that the mechanisms it proposes are sound, effective and achievable. By embedding rehabilitation into sentencing, strengthening follow-through during incarceration and linking progress to parole decisions, the bill sets out a direction that many people would agree is worth exploring. Likewise, its focus on responding to the harms associated with fentanyl reflects a serious and pressing concern. As the bill moves forward, committee study would be critical and would provide an opportunity to examine its provisions in greater detail. That process would help to determine what refinements or amendments may be necessary to ensure that the legislation would achieve its intended goals and avoid unintended consequences. For these reasons, I support sending Bill C-240 to committee for further study so we could work collectively to strengthen the PMB and ensure that it would deliver meaningful results for communities across this country.

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate World Milk Day today, on June 1, I rise to recognize the hard-working dairy farmers who have helped feed our country and strengthen our communities. Having spent most of my life as a dairy farmer in Little Pond, Prince Edward Island, this day holds special meaning to me. Canada's dairy sector includes more than 9,000 farms and supports over 270,000 jobs in communities across our country. Our supply-managed dairy sector helps provide something no other country can give us: the ability to feed ourselves. At a time of increased global uncertainty, our food sovereignty has never been more important, so today, I invite all Canadians to raise a glass to our dairy farmers and thank them for the important role they play in our communities and our economy. I am proud to be a Canadian dairy farmer, the son of a dairy farmer and the father of another.

Mr. Speaker, that is a hard act to follow, but as we are dealing with climate change, and it continues to increase the frequency and severity of emergencies like flooding, wildfires and storms, it is critical that indigenous communities are recognized as equal partners in emergency preparedness and response efforts that keep community members safe. Can the Minister of Indigenous Services update this House on the historic agreement signed with the Abegweit First Nation and the Government of P.E.I., and on how our government is advancing indigenous-led approaches to emergency management and community resilience in P.E.I. and across the country?

Mr. Chair, I rise this evening to highlight the contributions of the new government in Bill C-30 to the coastal communities of Prince Edward Island. Small craft harbours are places of employment for more than 1,200 fishers. For many, it is a way of life passed from one generation to the next, from setting day when family and friends line the wharf to wish harvesters a safe and prosperous season to the last trap that comes ashore at the end of the season. It is the pride of families who have made their living from the sea for decades. For Islanders, fishing is part of our identity. It is parents and the next generation hauling traps together, learning the ropes. It is gathering at the wharf after a long day on the water to talk about the daily fishing news. It is communities built around hard work, resilience and respect for the ocean. Across Atlantic Canada, this same story exists across coastal communities where the fishery sustains not only local economies but traditions, culture and livelihoods. In Prince Edward Island alone, the total value of fish and aquaculture exceeded $454 million in 2024, with lobster landings accounting for more than $358 million of this. The overall contribution to P.E.I.'s economy exceeds almost $1 billion and supports as many as 8,000 jobs at peak production. Across Atlantic Canada, fisheries landings totalled more than $3.6 billion in 2024, with shellfish accounting for over $3.28 billion of that value. These are not just statistics. These are processing plants operating in rural communities. They are truck drivers, welders, suppliers, fuel operators, mechanics, buyers and plant workers, whose livelihoods depend on a strong and sustainable fishery. Small craft harbours are the centre of all this activity. They are the economic engines of many rural communities in Atlantic Canada, yet for many years, too many of these harbours have faced underinvestment, aging infrastructure, storm damage and the growing impacts of climate change, as we have seen with the devastating impacts of hurricane Fiona. In many areas, fishers and harbour authorities are doing everything they can simply to keep facilities operational while waiting for major repairs and modernization work to proceed. Here in Ottawa, we formed a small craft harbours committee to discuss these very issues as a collective. I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues for their unwavering persistence to work with me for funding for small craft harbours. I also want to personally thank the Prime Minister and the ministers of finance and fisheries for making sure our proposal for a significant investment in small craft harbours was included in the spring economic statement. We are very pleased to see the beginning of the rollout of these announcements across Atlantic Canada, the Pacific coast and the north as part of the nearly $1-billion investment over five years through the small craft harbours program. This is the largest sustained investment in small craft harbours in decades. However, maintaining safe and functional harbours is not only about wharfs and breakwaters. It also requires ongoing and responsive dredging investments to ensure channels remain navigable and safe for harvesters. In Prince Edward Island and across Atlantic Canada, weather events, storm surges and coastal erosion can quickly impact harbour entrances and navigation channels. When dredging delays occur, fish harvesters face serious operational and safety challenges, particularly during low tide. Responsive dredging capacity following major weather events must be viewed as essential maintenance for our harbours. During her recent visit to Red Head Harbour, the Minister of Fisheries saw first-hand sections of the harbour that have been fenced off because of damage and safety concerns. That reality should be a concern to all of us. Harbours are workplaces. They should be safe for fish harvesters. They should be safe for buyers, plant workers, transport operators and the many families and tourists who visit throughout the season. Red Head is not alone. Harbours in the Cardigan riding, which I represent, like Mink River, Fortune and Georgetown, all continue to wait in the queue for repairs to ensure their harbour infrastructure can support their fisheries. I also want to take an opportunity to commend the Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Association and associations across Atlantic Canada for the leadership they continue to show in advancing conservation measures while sustaining fisheries. Harvesters understand the need to protect marine ecosystems because their livelihoods and their futures depend on them. When we invest in fisheries, we are investing in much more than infrastructure or economic output. We are investing in communities where families will continue to watch boats come home at sunset and where generations continue to see that there is a viable future on the water. That future matters deeply to Prince Edward Island and to Atlantic Canada. I believe there is much more to come as we continue building stronger coastal communities, modernizing harbours, supporting innovation in conservation and ensuring that the next generation can continue with a proud tradition of making a living from the sea. I believe we also need to think bigger about the role of ports and harbour infrastructure in Atlantic Canada and throughout Canada. Our harbours are not only critical to the fishing industry. They also represent untapped economic potential tied to trade diversification, domestic supply chains, food security and transportation corridors. In Prince Edward Island and across Atlantic Canada, strategic investments in harbour and port infrastructure could support seafood exports, agri-food storage and transportation, cold storage capacity and greater access to domestic and international markets. These investments can strengthen economic resilience while reducing pressure on larger transportation hubs. There is also growing potential for ports and marine infrastructure to support broader national objectives, including Arctic and defence supply chains, emergency response capacity and economic security. Coastal communities have always played an essential role in building Canada's economy, and they will continue to play an even greater role as we strengthen domestic trade and transportation networks. Can the minister speak to how the government views small craft harbours as strategic economic assets that strengthen trade diversification, food security and rural economic resilience across Atlantic Canada?

Mr. Speaker, it is planting time in P.E.I., so I give a big shout-out to farmers who are once again heading to their fields, beginning the important work of seeding new crops. Farming families rise early and work long hours, all while facing the uncertainties of climate change, input costs and global disruptions, yet they continue to deliver with determination and pride. They are the ultimate optimists. Agriculture is at the heart of our communities, from potatoes to grains and livestock to horticulture. It all plays a vital role in supporting jobs and local economies across Canada, and especially in P.E.I., Canada's food island. I want to wish all farmers on the island and across this country, especially those closest to my heart, a safe and successful growing season. I thank them for their hard work, their stewardship of the land and their unwavering dedication to keeping food on our tables.

Mr. Speaker, spring lobster season is under way in P.E.I. Traps were set on the southeast shore of the island this morning, and the north side will be setting their gear tomorrow morning. As islanders, setting day reminds us how important the lobster industry is for P.E.I. More than 8,000 jobs and close to $1 billion in economic activity are connected to the seafood industry. Setting day reminds us of the personal connections we all have to lobster fishing and the generations of work behind those handmade traps and uniquely coloured buoys. Islanders all know someone braving the winds and the waves with that first load of traps. We all worry a little, especially for the younger fishers entering the business. It is my nephew Jarrett's first setting day with his own fleet. Good luck, Jarrett, and good luck to all fishers. When that first trap comes up over the washboard, we are all waiting for that first feed of lobsters with some good old ADL butter. On setting day 2026, I ask this House to join me in wishing fair weather, a safe return to port and full traps for all.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise here today to represent the people of eastern P.E.I. Like many residents of Canada, they are frustrated by the trend of increasing banking fees and charges. Our government has taken action by capping non-sufficient fund fees. These can run as high as $50, and they impact mostly low-income Canadians. In many cases these fees add up to hundreds of dollars over the year. Can the Secretary of State for the CRA and Financial Institutions outline what this measure means for Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, the member opposite mentioned in his speech the Conservatives' favourite professor, the food professor. I take exception to the food professor. He does not have all the answers on food prices in Canada. In particular, we can look at prices under supply management, which have stayed in the inflationary range instead of escalating. Could the member speak to that? Does he support supply management? Does he support the food professor's call to dismantle it? All the dairy farmers in Canada are here this week. I would like to hear—

Mr. Speaker, I was here all morning listening to the debate, and the opposition members continually brought up the idea that the industrial carbon price is a solution to all the woes with food prices. They particularly mentioned beef going up 19%. I also heard comments from the agriculture committee this morning. The president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Meat Council reported to the agriculture committee this morning that we have a coordinated system that depends on constant livestock supply. He said, “On the beef side, Canada's cattle inventory has declined significantly, driven by prolonged drought in key producing regions, producer herd reductions and global supply pressures,” which means the American inventory has also dropped. Would the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship not agree that the groceries and essentials benefit, Bill C-19, would have a large impact on affordability for the Canadians who need it the most?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Canada's national heritage fair winners. These are projects that highlight the curiosity and learning among our youth across the nation. One of the winning projects, by Cora Lukeman, focused on women in farming. It celebrates the strength, leadership and legacy of women in agriculture. Let us picture a young girl holding a bag of P.E.I. potatoes. They were grown by her aunt in North Lake, packed by her grandfather just down the road and sold by another aunt in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. This farm-to-table supply chain is rooted in family tradition that has sustained a seventh-generation farm and family for over 150 years in P.E.I. Her grandfather summed it up best. He said, “My daughters are smart. They care about the land and they work hard. That's what makes a good farmer.” Today, one in three farmers in Canada is a woman and more than half of all new farmers in Atlantic Canada are women. They are shaping the future of Canadian agriculture and inspiring the next generation.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge my family joining me in Ottawa today. I thank them for their love and support, and as a special shout-out to my sister, I say, happy birthday. I want to extend my warmest holiday wishes to everyone across the Cardigan riding, Prince Edward Island and indeed Canada, especially those volunteers and those working in essential services throughout the holidays, who are keeping our communities safe, healthy and supported, and our farmers, who work every day of the year to provide homegrown, nutritious food for Canadians and the entire world. I give a very special “thank you” to our dairy farmers, who ensure Santa has fresh milk to go with the cookies. This season reminds us of the strength we find in family, the support in community and the progress we make when we come together for Canadians. When members of the House work with that same spirit, we can build Canada strong. To all members of the House, I wish happy holidays and joyeux Noël.

Mr. Speaker, the national school food program is helping out over 400,000 children by providing them with healthy meals and snacks, yet Conservatives called this program “garbage” and voted against it. Let us talk about what some of the largest advocates for children in Canada have to say. The Breakfast Club of Canada said that “children's well-being must remain a national priority”. Pediatric health experts across the country state that research shows children learn better and have better health outcomes when they have access to nutritious meals. UNICEF said to enshrine it in law. The Canadian Teachers' Federation said to make it permanent. That is exactly what budget 2025 would do. On Prince Edward Island, meals are made by local restaurants and program hubs using locally sourced food from our producers and processors. Our national school food program is a collaborative approach that supports our children, our food producers and our small businesses, and it strengthens our communities, our provinces and our territories, and—

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a bit of a heavy heart. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of Cardigan fire chief Tony VandenBroek. Tony is gone way too soon. Chief Tony was a dedicated leader and committed volunteer in his community. His decades of service reflect his courage, compassion and unwavering commitment to keeping others safe. I also want to express my appreciation for the important discussions I had with representatives of the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association this week in Ottawa. Its support is crucial to supporting firefighters, such as Tony, who protect our communities. I say to Chief VandenBroek's family, his fellow firefighters and everyone else who is feeling the loss, my thoughts are with them. May Tony rest in peace. I rise today with pride to speak about the importance of international trade to the people of Prince Edward Island. Ambition, creativity and determination span this province from tip to tip. This is something that may be a bit of a challenge for me because I came from the supply-managed sectors, and all the trade deals, although they bring common good to the country, have carved away some of my industry, but I support free trade. That is why I am standing here today to speak to it. Islanders know the value of hard work. It is their love of the land and the sea that lays that foundation. Whether it is running tractors through the fields in eastern P.E.I., hauling traps in Morell or serving customers at the local shops in Georgetown, farmers, fishers and manufacturers are producing traditional world-class commodities with care and ingenuity. They are not just feeding families on the island; they are also feeding Canada and the world. They are not just crafting goods; they are creating excellence that stretches far beyond our red shores to all corners of the globe. Islanders understand that trade is not an abstract policy. It is more than just numbers on a spreadsheet or lines on a ledger. Trade is about people. It is about the hands that haul the lobster traps, the families who farm the potato fields and the innovators who turn local knowledge and creativity into a global opportunity. In today's fast-changing global economy, for Islanders to be competitive and to succeed, P.E.I. businesses need further access and expansion across the global industry. Trade diversification is not just a government policy priority, but a necessity for economic sustainability. Too often smaller economies, like ours in Atlantic Canada, become vulnerable when we rely too heavily on one or two export destinations. We have seen, time and again, how a single border delay, a newly imposed tariff or an unexpected policy shift can ripple across an entire province and significantly impact an entire industry. That is why agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP, and Canada's vast network of trade agreements are so vital for Prince Edward Island's future. The CPTPP opens doors to fast-growing markets across the Asia-Pacific region in countries such as New Zealand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and now, with this legislation, the United Kingdom. It provides clarity in trade rules, lowers tariffs and offers fair access for our exporters. It gives our potato growers, seafood processors, bioscience innovators and small business producers the pathways and tools to reach new customers. Islanders are proud of what we make and produce. We farm responsibly. We fish sustainably. We innovate with excellence. The world is noticing. There is a growing demand for P.E.I. seafood, our world-famous potatoes, our bioscience, technology and research, and the creativity of our local artists, storytellers and musicians who perform for audiences from all over the world. However, global demand alone is not enough. We need agreements that open doors and the infrastructure and policies to help Islanders walk through them. That is where our Prime Minister's announcement comes in. It is a bold, transformative goal to double Canada's non-U.S. exports over the next decade. Doubling our non-U.S. exports means diversifying where we sell, what we sell and how we sell it. This means a pathway to resilience, growth and independence, and with agreements, such as with the U.K. accession, being strengthened, we would have the tools to make that vision a reality. For decades, our island economy, like much of Canada's economy, has relied heavily on a single market. That partnership with our friends and neighbours to the south will always remain important to us, but if we want to secure our long-term prosperity and independence, we must broaden our reach. It means finding new customers for island seafood on other islands around the world, like Japan or Singapore. It means showcasing our clean tech and bioscience innovations in the U.K. and Australia. It means putting P.E.I. products on tables and in markets around the world. The CPTPP is one of the key tools that would help us achieve that goal. When we talk about doubling the exports, we are talking about creating new markets for our producers, reducing risk and building resilience. That is what this legislation is about. It is about building the future of communities on Prince Edward Island. Why does this matter so much to P.E.I.? It matters because P.E.I. is an export province. Over 90% of what we produce, we export. Our success depends on our ability to move products beyond our shores, whether it is by truck across the Confederation Bridge, by plane, by ship across the Atlantic Ocean or even by digital connection. By connecting our producers to new global customers, we would be taking concrete steps toward doubling our non-U.S. exports, strengthening both local jobs and Canada's presence on the world stage. When island seafood, farm crops or manufactured goods find buyers in Europe or Asia, that success flows back home. It means more young people choosing to stay to build their futures on P.E.I. and in Atlantic Canada. Trade diversification is also about resilience. Through building relationships with multiple partners, we provide businesses with options and workers with stability. This is how we protect the prosperity that generations of Islanders have worked so hard to build and maintain. The CPTPP, especially with the inclusion of the United Kingdom, reinforces the kind of trade values Canada believes in, which are fair, inclusive and sustainable trade. These values are also important to Islanders. It is trade that upholds high standards for labour, strong environmental protections and clear digital commerce rules, all areas where Canada and our province of P.E.I. can lead. Our exporters do not want to compete by lowering standards. They want to compete by raising them, by offering better quality, better sustainability and better reliability. Now, what would this mean in practice for P.E.I.? It would mean new market opportunities for our seafood industry. It would mean a stronger platform for our agri-food producers, from potato growers to the entrepreneurs turning local ingredients into global products. It would mean momentum for our bioscience cluster, one of the fastest-growing sectors in Atlantic Canada, where firms are developing health solutions that are already reaching overseas markets. It would also mean a brighter future for our tourism and cultural industries because trade is not only about goods; it is also about ideas, creativity and people-to-people connections. When the Prime Minister set the goal to double Canada's non-U.S. exports, the Prime Minister sent a clear signal that every province and territory has a role to play. We all need to step up our game, and I know we can. For Prince Edward Island, this is an opportunity to show what our island can achieve with big ambition. Now with the CPTPP and the inclusion of the U.K., we would have another framework and the improved access it needs to grow. This is how we will reach that goal, by combining national leadership with local initiative and global ambition with island pride. This bill is about nation building through new partnership opportunities. By ratifying the United Kingdom's accession to the CPTPP, we would help ensure that Islanders can continue to make a substantial impact on the world stage. We would strengthen our ability to export sustainable and high-quality products, exactly what we do best. We would ensure that the next generation of Islanders inherits a strong economy, one that continues the legacy of quality products. Let us support this legislation for the benefit of our national economy and for every Islander whose work, creativity and resilience deserves to be a strong player on the world stage. When P.E.I. succeeds, Canada succeeds and when Canada trades with the world, our communities become stronger.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to speak in support of Bill C-15. It is a financial plan that would deliver meaningful results for Canadians and real progress for Islanders, especially those living in eastern Prince Edward Island, where my riding is located. The budget builds on the work that our rural, Atlantic and national caucus teams have championed, with investments that strengthen rural communities, support our fishers and farmers, modernize our infrastructure and make life more affordable for families. It is a plan rooted in fairness, opportunity and resilience, values that define both the country and our island way of life. We introduced a tax cut to lower the first bracket from 15% to 14%, to save nearly 22 million Canadians up to $840 for a two-income family. The budget also cancelled the federal consumer carbon tax, effective April 1, 2025, immediately lowering fuel costs by about 18¢ a litre. For first-time homebuyers, the budget offers GST relief on new homes. This will make it easier for young Islanders to put down roots and build their future in our communities. I will be sharing my time with the member for Winnipeg North today. Budget 2025 also modernizes our system of delivering support to Canadians. In 2026, the Canada Revenue Agency will start preparing prefilled tax returns for about one million low-income Canadians. Once this is fully implemented, by 2029, over 5.5 million low-income Canadians will receive federal benefits automatically. This will mean a lot to seniors, students and low-income workers in P.E.I. They will not miss out on tax benefits simply because they did not file a tax return. For island families with school-aged children, the budget makes the national school food program permanent. The program will save families an average of $800 per year on groceries. It will ensure that no child, not in Souris, not in Montague, not in Mount Stewart, goes to school hungry. The program utilizes help from local island restaurants to deliver meals. Roughly 52% of the food is prepared by local restaurants, and 48% of the meals are produced by program hubs across the island. I commend all the volunteers who manage the nutritious food program. The budget also recognizes the workers who hold up our communities. The new personal support worker tax credit would provide up to $1,100 per year to eligible PSWs. This is a significant show of support for those caring for others in our communities. The budget also introduces a national anti-fraud strategy, with a particular focus on protecting seniors, who are often the most vulnerable to scams and financial abuse. From stronger enforcement to improved public awareness tools, this initiative will help protect the life savings and financial security of island seniors, who have already contributed so much to our communities. For our youth, $1.5 billion is invested over three years to expand the Canada summer jobs and student work placement programs to 175,000 positions. This is 45,000 more than the previous year, supporting young islanders and Canadians to gain valuable work experience near their homes. Housing affordability is one of the most defining challenges of our time, and rural Atlantic communities feel it deeply. That is why the budget launched Build Canada Homes, an $11.5-billion investment in new funding over five years. Build Canada Homes will drive the development of affordable housing, provide flexible financial tools and mobilize the construction sector. Budget 2025 also commits to indigenous housing and infrastructure for first nations. I would like to highlight the apartment construction loan program announcement in August. The program is already supporting new builds in eastern P.E.I. I was proud to host the housing and infrastructure round table in Stratford with the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, where island builders, municipal leaders and non-profits discussed innovations, barriers and opportunities to accelerate construction in P.E.I. To meet the growing demand for workers in construction, housing, energy and transportation, we must build stronger apprenticeship pathways. That is why budget 2025 would continue the government's work to expand skilled trades training, strengthen apprenticeship supports and help more young people enter Red Seal and construction careers. Islanders know the demand is here. Housing projects, infrastructure builds, new community facilities and clean energy initiatives all require a skilled workforce. The message is clear: Islanders want to build, and the budget would give them the support to do it. Rural infrastructure is the foundation of strong communities. Budget 2025 would establish the build communities strong fund, with $51 billion over 10 years. This is one of the largest infrastructure investments in Canadian history. Of this, $5 billion would be dedicated to the health infrastructure fund, which is essential for modernizing hospitals and clinics across the region. Budget 2025 lists support for one particular project in my riding: the SeaRoots Alliance wellness centre in Souris. It is a transformative community-led project that would improve the well-being of families across eastern P.E.I. and would support the next generation of community builders. Other key community projects in my riding that I hope will gain support through this program are the Stratford community campus, the TCAP Family Aquatic and Fitness Center in Montague and the replacement of the Kings County Memorial Hospital, which dates back to the 1970s. Within this beautiful and sustainable environment of eastern P.E.I., the economy is powered by the sea and the soil. The budget recognizes our rural industries and would support them during a time of global uncertainty. Starting in the 2024-25 fiscal year, there was $463 million dedicated to repairs and maintenance of small crafts and harbours. There would be $109 million for the AgriStability program in 2025-26, and we have pledged $75 million over five years for AgriMarketing, to help island food products reach new markets. Diversification is essential. We are actively expanding new trade corridors and markets so that island agriculture and seafood can reach global customers in Asia, Europe and beyond. Islanders produce world-class food. We are Canada's food island. Through Farm Credit Canada, the new trade disruption customer support program would provide $1 billion in new lending to help farmers and food processors weather global instability. These investments build on decisions made in July by our Prime Minister to cut Confederation Bridge tolls from over $50 to $20 and reduce the Atlantic ferry costs by 50%. Did members know that 400,000 passengers used the Wood Islands-Pictou ferry in 2025? Since fares were reduced last August, passenger volumes have increased by over 25%, providing a major boost for tourism and small businesses throughout eastern P.E.I. Budget 2025 would invest $6.6 billion over five years to strengthen Canada's defence manufacturing base through the defence industrial strategy, creating new economic opportunities in Atlantic Canada. For those who have served, Veterans Affairs Canada, located in Charlottetown, would receive $185 million over four years plus $40 million ongoing to streamline disability benefits and modernize service delivery so that veterans receive the support they deserve. Budget 2025 would also invest $4 million over four years to support National Acadian Day and $20 million over four years to enhance Canada Day celebrations nationwide. In a province with deep Acadian roots and proud traditions, these investments would help celebrate the culture and identity that bind us together. None of this happened by accident. The budget reflects the relentless advocacy of our Atlantic caucus, which ensured that rural voices were not only heard but acted upon. We secured investments in housing and health care. We defended the interests of farmers and fishers. We pushed for relief for families and seniors. We championed the infrastructure for rural and coastal communities. For Islanders, especially in eastern P.E.I., this budget would mean better connectivity, stronger communities and a brighter future. Islanders have always believed in hard work, fairness and looking out for one another. Budget 2025 reflects those same values.

Mr. Speaker, budget 2025 is about building communities strong, and the SeaRoots Alliance will have a new wellness centre in the town I grew up in, Souris, P.E.I. I played hockey in the old arena and the arena before that, so that is dating me very well. This is an example of community creating new community builders. Those in group that spearheaded the SeaRoots Alliance, which has applied for funding for this project, are 30- to 40-year-olds with young families in Souris. They inspire me to believe that we have a future in Canada. They believe in Canada, and they believe in their community.

Mr. Speaker, in eastern Prince Edward Island fishing is not just an industry; it is a way of life and part of our identity. More than 1,200 licensed harvesters contribute over $300 million annually to the island economy, with lobster alone accounting for nearly 70% of our landed value. Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity to meet with fishers and the industry stakeholders in the region. These conversations focus on what matters most to our fishing communities: fair prices, deterrence of illegal fishing activity, sustainable stock management, safe working conditions and ensuring the next generation can continue this proud tradition in Atlantic Canada. As we lead up to World Fisheries Day on November 21, let us reaffirm our gratitude to the harvesters, plant workers, buyers, families and coastal communities, whose dedication sustains one of Canada's most vital industries. Their knowledge, experience and commitment to sustainable harvesting ensures that our coastal communities remain strong for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Souris Lions Club on celebrating its 70th anniversary. It is a remarkable milestone for one of Prince Edward Island's most dedicated service clubs. Since 1955, the Souris Lions have shown dedication and community pride. From supporting local families and improving accessibility to organizing blood donor clinics and youth programs, its impact can be felt right across the riding. Each Christmas, the Lions lead their hallmark initiative, the Christmas box program, led by Lion Peter Boertien, with support from day cares, schools, seniors clubs, Girl Guides and countless community donors, over 130 families receive boxes filled with all the fixings for a turkey dinner, including gifts for the children. Under the leadership of President Arie Hoogerbrugge, Secretary Allan Campbell, Treasurer Brian Deveau and with special recognition to Elwood Ching for over 50 years of service, their motto, “we serve”, is a way of life for this club. I thank every member, past and present, for 70 years of community service.

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported that, in 2024 alone, Canadians lost millions of dollars to fraud. There is not one person in this House today who does not know a senior, a newcomer or a vulnerable person who has been affected by financial abuse and scams. Yesterday, our government announced that it is taking action. Can the Minister of Finance provide an update on how our new government plans to help Canadians by combatting fraud, financial abuse and scams?

Mr. Speaker, it is harvest time on Prince Edward Island. What better way to celebrate than the Fall Flavours Food and Drink Festival? The festival runs until October 11. This annual event highlights the best island flavours and hospitality with farm fresh produce and delicious seafood. In the Cardigan riding, communities are hosting many unforgettable experiences, such as the Taste of Georgetown in the historic Kings Playhouse theatre, the lively Whoa Nellie Fiddler’s Feast in Murray Harbour, the Flavours in Concert in the hills of Caledonia, and the Ultimate Chefs Table in Greenwich overlooking Saint Peters Bay. Fall Flavours reminds us that, when Islanders come together to share food, music and tradition, we are strengthening our communities. Visit Prince Edward Island this autumn season. Come across the Confederation Bridge for $20 or take the ferry for half the cost and savour the best we have to offer. We are Canada's food island—

Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Kingston and the Islands. I appreciate the opportunity to participate in today's debate. Our government is committed to doing everything it can to help make life more affordable for people from B.C. to Nunavut to P.E.I. Today, I would like to highlight the measures we are taking to build the strongest economy in the G7 while bringing down the cost of living. The affordability challenges that have long impacted low-income Canadians are now having serious impacts on middle-class households. Islanders and Atlantic Canadians, in particular, know this all too well, whether it is paying for groceries; heating our homes through long, cold winters; or trying to secure affordable housing. Since elected, the government has been focused on delivering a plan to address the cost of living challenges that have affected Canadians' quality of life. We are letting Canadians keep more of their hard-earned paycheques by delivering a middle-class tax cut and by removing the consumer carbon price. The middle-class tax cut provides relief for nearly 22 million Canadians, and over the next five years it is expected to deliver more than $27 billion in tax savings. Importantly, this relief is targeted to those who need it most, with nearly half of the benefit going to Canadians in the lowest tax bracket. In addition to tax relief, we are protecting and expanding programs that are already saving families thousands of dollars each year. The Canadian dental care plan now covers about eight million Canadians, with average savings of more than $800 annually. For families in Prince Edward Island and across Atlantic Canada, this makes a real difference in household budgets. Affordability challenges also extend to home heating costs with climate change considerations. By driving down both energy bills and harmful pollution, the benefits of switching to a heat pump are clear, and the Government of Canada has been bringing these benefits to Canadians through the oil to heat pump affordability program. This program is helping households across P.E.I. and Atlantic Canada make the switch from expensive oil heat to efficient, clean heat pumps. Families are saving hundreds of dollars each year on energy bills while reducing emissions and building a more sustainable future. We are also acting to make food more affordable through the grocery code of conduct. We are standing up for fairness in the food supply chain. This measure will bring greater accountability to Canada's largest grocers, help curb unfair retail price increases and protect small suppliers. This gives families across the country a fairer deal at the checkout counter. We know the code of conduct has been fought by the grocery chains for years now. I participated in many committees over the years, representing agriculture, to fight for a code of conduct, and I am pleased that we are bringing it in. Affordability is also about housing. Rents and home prices are out of reach for many Canadians, not only in large urban centres but in small towns and rural communities just like Cardigan, the riding I represent. That is why the Minister of Finance and National Revenue has tabled proposals to eliminate the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes under $1 million and to reduce the GST for homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. This will save first-time homebuyers up to $50,000, putting home ownership within reach and spurring construction across the country. We have also launched “build Canada homes”, a new special operating agency designed to double the pace of housing construction over the next decade. This agency will build affordable housing at scale, fight homelessness and partner with the provinces, territories, municipalities, indigenous communities and private sector. By focusing on non-market housing and innovative building technologies, “build Canada homes” will create supply faster, support Canadian workers and materials and help restore affordability. Islanders and Atlantic Canadians want to see real solutions. They want fairness at the grocery store, lower heating bills and a realistic path to home ownership. That is exactly what we are delivering. Our government remains focused on what matters most, which is creating good, well-paying jobs, growing the economy and building stronger trade ties with trusted partners to strengthen our resilience and security. We are acting with urgency and determination to make life more affordable and to confront the housing crisis head on. Canadians can count on the government to continue presenting serious solutions that make a real difference in their lives and ensure families are better off. We will build the strongest economy in the G7.

Mr. Speaker, there are many programs we have announced so far that have had a big impact on Canadians, particularly in P.E.I and in my riding of Cardigan. For example, we reduced the cost of the ferry by 50%, and we put the bridge toll at $20. This is adding to economic activity in P.E.I. Trucking has come down. Food affordability will come down as a result of that. Many islanders are realizing the benefits of the government's interventions to make life more affordable.

Mr. Speaker, I will let the hon. member know that I produced food for over 40 years before I took time to come up here and give back to my community. I will take no lessons from the hon. member. Would the hon. member not agree that food security is very important to Canadians, and it is more important that we invest in greenhouses, hydroponics and the growing of vegetables in controlled environments, so we are not dependent on importing? It is also more important to support supply management to guarantee food security for Canadians in various sectors across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome my colleague from Madawaska—Restigouche to the House. I know, from discussions with him, that our ridings are very similar in their makeup, or their mosaic. The message I heard when I was going door to door was that we had to make life more affordable. Our government has put this bill forward. I would like him to expand his thoughts on that and what he heard at the doors.

Mr. Speaker, on Saturday I was proud to mark International Trails Day in Morell, Prince Edward Island, which was one of 13 communities across the country where Trans Canada Trail supported events to celebrate and give back to the trail. In Morell, we rolled up our sleeves and planted trees alongside neighbours and volunteers, contributing to a greener, more resilient trail for future generations. It is a powerful feeling to know that, at the same time, Canadians across our great nation were also coming together to care for this incredible national resource. The Trans Canada Trail links thousands of communities across the country, including in P.E.I., where it follows the Confederation Trail and draws countless Islanders and visitors each year to walk, cycle, and ski through our beautiful landscape. The trail plays such an important role in our economies and our tourism development. We thank Trans Canada Trail, the town of Morell and all the volunteers who made the celebration a success and who remind us of the power of trails to connect people to nature and to each other.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise in the House today on behalf of the people of Cardigan, Prince Edward Island. I thank them for the trust they placed in me, and I assure them that I am here to work for all my constituents, regardless of who they voted for. I want to take a moment to thank my family: my wife Catherine, my son Alex and all my extended family, who have stepped up and taken over my duties as a dairy farmer of 38 years. They have allowed me this opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream of representing the people of Cardigan. I would also like to acknowledge and thank my predecessor, the Hon. Lawrence MacAuley, who represented the riding of Cardigan for over 36 years and delayed my lifelong dream. In all seriousness, his hard work and commitment during his years as an MP are visibly evident throughout the riding of Cardigan. I invite all colleagues of the House to visit Prince Edward Island in support of tourism at home in Canada this year. From our pristine beaches and renowned golf courses to our world-class seafood and rich cultural experiences, P.E.I. offers something for everybody. Our vibrant and resilient communities welcome people to discover the authentic hospitality that makes our island truly unique. As the representative of Cardigan, I stand grounded in shared values: community, family, hard work and fairness. I stand here today feeling proud and hopeful because the Speech from the Throne delivered last week offers a bold and ambitious yet practical approach to building a strong Canada from coast to coast to coast. This government's plan responds to the defining challenges of our time with clarity, compassion and informed decision-making. It prioritizes affordability, national unity, clean energy growth, reconciliation, and rural opportunities. It offers the people of Cardigan more than the ability to endure the pace of change, but opportunities to forge and lead through it. What I hear about most from my constituents is the cost of living, including from young families trying to buy their first home in Montague and seniors living in Morell trying to balance their household budgets with the increased cost of groceries and prescription medicines. That is why I strongly support the government's measures for reducing costs and making life more affordable. Removing the consumer carbon tax will help our fishers and farmers be more competitive, with lower costs to process and transport their products, and it will benefit all other residents through reductions in fuel prices. Cutting the GST on houses at or under $1 million for first-time homebuyers will result in up to $50,000 in savings. In rural P.E.I., that is a real game-changer. We are maintaining key programs, such as child care, pharmacare and the new dental care plan, which now helps millions of Canadians, including thousands of people in Cardigan. We are also going to be reducing income taxes for approximately 22 million Canadians. These are practical ways that this government is reducing day-to-day costs for every individual and every family in Canada. Housing is one of the biggest issues facing young Islanders. Whether it is finding a place to rent or saving for a down payment, the barriers are real, and this government has taken serious action on housing and homes. We will be creating the “build Canada homes” program, a mission-driven approach to fast-tracking affordable builds. We will be investing in prefabricated and modular housing, an area P.E.I. could lead in given our skilled trades base, and we will be cutting municipal development charges for multi-unit housing, making it easier to build homes where they are required. This is not just a housing program; it is a job and growth creation plan for Canada. As we ramp up homebuilding, we can train and support the next generation of skilled workers in P.E.I. We will work with our educational institutions, like Holland College; our trade unions; and employers across P.E.I. to support Islanders in accessing the training and skills to seize these opportunities. One of the most exciting parts of the throne speech, which will positively impact all areas of growth, is the drive to create one Canadian economy. Every year, domestic interprovincial trade barriers cost the Canadian economy up to $200 billion, barriers that directly impact opportunities for farmers, fishers and even craft brewers in Cardigan. The plan to remove all remaining federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility by Canada Day is a major win for P.E.I., and I am hopeful this includes reducing the tolls on the Confederation Bridge and Atlantic Canadian ferries to make all industries in P.E.I. more competitive as we pursue new trade alliances across Canada and throughout the world. The creation of a major federal project office is expected to cut project approval times from five years to two. For infrastructure projects like a proposed electrical grid for the Atlantic region, for clean energy projects like wind or solar and for support for an energy corridor, this means faster action, more jobs and timely outcomes. The government's renewed trade agenda also promises to open up export channels for island products, from potatoes to seafood to bioscience innovations. Both a port expansion and a new facility for exporting island goods are being discussed. These could translate into real jobs in community hubs in my riding such as Stratford, Souris, Georgetown and Montague. I represent a riding built on the backbone of our primary industries: farming and fishing. Our government will be protecting supply management, which is essential to dairy farmers like me and egg and poultry producers. We will be backing our food producers and ensuring us all access to fresh, healthy and local foods. We will be recognizing agriculture as not just an economic driver, but a key part of our national identity. We can also support other initiatives, including community-owned lobster co-ops and sustainable agricultural practices. These actions will give our primary industries a path to sustainability and profitability and thus economic stability. With climate impacts and market uncertainty, stability in these sectors is vital. We create stability by investing in agri-tech and processing infrastructure. Our government must also continue to fund small craft harbours for the repairs and dredging that are required because of the increasingly severe weather events and reduced winter ice. Without ice cover, shorelines are exposed to water currents throughout the winter, causing silt accumulation in all our harbours. The impacts from climate change are not abstract for Islanders. We must advocate for programs that reward climate-friendly land use, protect shorelines and fund climate resilience. Our government's plan includes supporting the creation and sustainability of national and urban parks and marine protected areas, and supporting Canada's clean energy transition, where P.E.I. demonstrates leadership. These actions will support local conservation initiatives and clean growth sectors in eastern P.E.I. Our legacy of service and unity lives on today as we face uncertainty together. We must learn from our history to make tomorrow a better place for future generations. In the spirit of unity, rural P.E.I. has welcomed newcomers for generations. Cardigan's economy depends on the skills of local workers and newcomers. However, with the increased pressure on housing, education, and health services, this government's decision to rebalance immigration streams while also investing in settlement and training support for newcomers is a responsible approach to supporting communities, as our rural industries need continued access to a temporary foreign worker program. We need to ensure that people are treated fairly and that integration pathways lead to long-term community vibrancy. The throne speech rightly affirms our commitment to indigenous reconciliation, to supporting two official languages and to maintaining culturally focused institutions like CBC/Radio Canada. CBC's presence in the Atlantic ensures our stories, our music and our challenges are heard, and it is vital to rural community connection. In the Cardigan riding, we work closely with the Abegweit First Nation in our continued efforts in reconciliation. The Speech from the Throne commits to advancing reconciliation by doubling the indigenous loan guarantee program to $10 billion, enabling communities to participate in major projects. At the end of the day, Islanders are pragmatic. We know the value of a dollar, and we expect our government to exercise the same pragmatic approach to spending. The Speech from the Throne sets a strong target of reducing annual government operating spending from 9% to 2%. At the same time, it protects transfers to provinces, individuals and communities. It demands smart investment, not reckless cuts. By reducing duplication and using technology, the government aims to improve services while controlling costs, a philosophy that would resonate in any P.E.I. household. This Speech from the Throne is more than a federal document. It is a blueprint for how we can strengthen Canada by empowering electoral districts like mine. It acknowledges that places like Cardigan are not peripheral to the nation; we are foundational to it. With action on affordability, housing, jobs, reconciliation and sustainability, this plan reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people I am proud to represent, people who wake up early, work hard and care deeply about their communities. As a member of Parliament, I will work hard every day to make sure the plan is implemented in a way that reflects our island priorities, that our projects are funded, that our voices are heard and that our future is secured. Let us build a Cardigan where opportunities are everywhere. Let us work together to write the next chapter of—

Mr. Speaker, in my speech, I talked about creating community co-ops in the lobster fishing industry. The lobster fishermen are experiencing lower prices than normal this year and have to get a steady say in the marketplace. An avenue to do that is to create community co-ops. I will be pursuing efforts with the federal government to fund some of those initiatives. In addition, the reductions in the carbon tax will help with the cost of fuel and other issues in the fishing industry.

Mr. Speaker, I am from the sector of dairy farming, where supply management greatly affects the marketability and profitability of our farms. Our government has been quite clear, and the Minister of Agriculture, a colleague of mine from Prince Edward Island, has been quite clear: Supply management will not be on the bargaining table when we negotiate with our southern neighbours. I am proud of the government's stance on this. The future of farming is going to be climate-smart, tech-driven and farmer-led, and we are here to help, not hinder, the process.

Mr. Speaker, having spent most of my life as a dairy farmer in eastern Prince Edward Island, I would like to take this opportunity to raise a glass to all the dairy farmers across this nation. As members may know, World Milk Day was June 1. It is a day celebrated around the world. It highlights the nutritional value of milk and recognizes the hard work of our dairy farmers, the women and men who work so hard every day to provide safe and nutritious milk to Canadians. With over 9,000 Canadian dairy farms, the dairy sector supports over 270,000 full-time jobs in communities in every province across this country. A healthy, vibrant dairy sector brings stability to both rural and urban communities while supporting the vitality of its related industries. I am proud to be a Canadian dairy farmer, to be the son of a dairy farmer and the father of another. To use a phrase coined by the members opposite, I come from boots, not suits.