Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, investments coming into Canada are at record levels, actually close to 20-year highs. Last year alone, there was $97 billion of foreign direct investment into Canada. That is more major projects being built. That is major, big aircraft being built here in Canada. Airbus has a current deal with Mirabel. That is 150 Airbus aircraft, sold for over $15 billion, supporting 30,000 workers. That is $97 billion into our country. Building big projects is what Canada is going to do.

Mr. Speaker, our international efforts are about bringing results home for workers here in Canada. I will talk about our trip to China in January and the $7 billion dollars of agriculture access to China for our farmers across the country. That is more access for our canola growers, our beef farmers and our seafood sector. Collectively that is over 500,000 jobs being supported for workers and farmers across the country. That is not all. Recently we met with Malaysia's AirAsia CEO. That brought a deal worth $15 billion, which will result in 30,000 jobs across the country. All our international efforts are about bringing jobs home for Canadians.

Madam Speaker, we are building big projects across the country to create new opportunities and new jobs through the new build communities strong fund. We announced a $64-million federal investment to build the largest community centre in Brampton, the Embleton Community Centre, with 175,000 square feet of pool, gym and child care facilities. This is what citizens of Canada expect. They expect us to build Canada strong, with major projects to create jobs and opportunities across the country.

Mr. Speaker, this is not a Google search. These are real projects with real workers building big things. There is Darlington's new nuclear project in Bowmanville and its 18,000 jobs; the Port of Montreal expansion and its 8,000 jobs; the copper mine project in Saskatchewan and its 500 jobs; the Grays Bay road and port project, which is enabling 3,000 jobs; and the upcoming LNG Canada phase 2 and its 7,000 jobs. This is how we build Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, to get more Canadian exports to new markets and create jobs, we are championing major projects like the Darlington nuclear project with 18,000 jobs in Ontario; the port of Montreal project, 8,000 jobs; the copper mine project in Saskatchewan, 500 jobs; the Grays Bay road and port project, nearly 3,000 jobs in the north; and the LNG Canada phase 2 project with 7,000 jobs in British Columbia. This is how to build Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, speaking of building, we are building big. The port of Montreal expansion means over 8,000 construction jobs and over 1,000 permanent jobs. The Darlington nuclear plant means 18,000 good‑paying jobs and clean power for generations in Ontario. LNG Canada in B.C. means tens of thousands of jobs in Canadian energy and reaching a new global market. That means cranes on the ground, paycheques in pockets and Canada building big.

Mr. Speaker, as we approach the CUSMA review, we need to focus on trade diversification. Our efforts are working. They are leading to real results. Last year, there was a 17% increase in non-U.S. exports. Fact number two is that we also had 170 million metric tons from the port of Vancouver, which is a historic record. That is more shipments to China, Japan and South Korea. Just in from the port of St. John's, cargo is up by 30% at that port alone. Our efforts to open up new partnerships around the world are working. That includes Indonesia, Ecuador, UAE with the European Union, and of course others such as India, ASEAN, Mercosur, Philippines, Thailand, UAE and Saudi Arabia. We are at the door. We are creating opportunities for Canadian workers.

Mr. Speaker, we all know the vital importance of the Canada-U.S. relationship, especially as it relates to trade. I have seen it first-hand in the private sector. I spent 13 years facilitating international trade, utilizing NAFTA and CUSMA in thousands of transactions. We will continue to be at the table. We need to ensure that we take a team Canada approach. That is exactly what we are doing. We do not want to go back to 2018, when the Conservatives asked us to capitulate and take any deal.

moved: Motion No. 5 That Bill C-11, in Clause 8, be amended by replacing line 11 on page 5 to line 34 on page 7 with the following: 70.1 Despite any other provision of this Act and any other law, an officer or non-commissioned member does not have authority to investigate, for the purposes of the laying of a charge under paragraph 130(1)(a) or an information under the Criminal Code, in relation to an offence referred to in any of paragraphs 70(d) to (h) that was, or is alleged to have been, committed in Canada. 70.2 (1) Nothing in section 70.1 prevents an officer or non-commissioned member from exercising their powers or performing their duties and functions, before the arrival of the civilian authority having jurisdiction in the matter, to the extent necessary to prevent the commission, continuation or repetition of an offence referred to in any of paragraphs 70(d) to (h) that, as the case may be, is being, was, or is alleged to have been committed in Canada, including (a) making an arrest in relation to the offence in accordance with Division 3 of Part III of this Act or section 494 or 495 of the Criminal Code; or (b) if an arrest is made under paragraph (a), conducting a search incident to the arrest. (2) Nothing in section 70.1 prevents an officer or non-commissioned member from securing or preserving any evidence of or relating to the offence referred to in subsection (1) before the arrival of the civilian authority having jurisdiction in the matter. (3) Nothing in section 70.1 prevents an officer or non-commissioned member from securing or preserving — to the extent that their powers, duties and functions under this Act, other than under subsection (1) or (2), or any other law authorize them to do so — evidence of or relating to an offence referred to in any of paragraphs 70(d) to (h) that was, or is alleged to have been, committed in Canada. (4) An officer or non-commissioned member shall, as soon as feasible, transfer a person arrested under paragraph (1)(a) to the custody of the civilian authority having jurisdiction in the matter and transfer to them any evidence secured or preserved under any of subsections (1) to (3). 70.3 Nothing in section 70.1 prevents an officer or non-commissioned member from initiating or conducting a private prosecution in relation to an offence referred to in any of paragraphs 70(d) to (h). Motion No. 6 That Bill C-11, in Clause 9, be amended by deleting lines 6 to 13 on page 8. Motion No. 7 That Bill C-11, in Clause 15, be amended by (a) replacing lines 25 to 27 on page 9 with the following: years but may be subject to remedial or disciplinary measures in accordance with section 165.101. (b) replacing lines 30 to 32 on page 9 with the following: (4) On receipt of a request referred to in subsection 165.101(1), the Governor in Council may, if the Governor in Council is of the opinion that there are exceptional circumstances that justify it, suspend the Director of Military Prosecutions from office until the Governor in Council decides whether to impose any remedial or disciplinary measures. (5) For the purposes of subsection (4), “exceptional circumstances” include circumstances in which there are allegations of serious misconduct or allegations related to a risk to occupational health and safety or to a risk of injury to international relations, national defence or national security. 165.101 (1) The Minister may request of the Governor in Council that an inquiry be held to determine whether the Director of Military Prosecutions should be subject to remedial or disciplinary measures for any reason set out in paragraphs (12)(a) to (e). (2) On receipt of a request, the Governor in Council may appoint a judge of a superior court to conduct the inquiry. (3) The judge has all the powers, rights and privileges that are vested in a superior court, including the power to (a) issue a summons requiring any person to appear at the time and place specified in the summons in order to testify about all matters within the person’s knowledge relative to the inquiry and to produce any document or thing relative to the inquiry that the person has or controls; and (b) administer oaths and examine any person on oath. (4) The judge may engage the services of counsel and other persons having technical or specialized knowledge to assist the judge in conducting the inquiry, establish the terms and conditions of their engagement and, with the approval of the Treasury Board, fix and pay their remuneration and expenses. (5) Subject to subsections (6) and (7), the inquiry shall be conducted in public. (6) The judge may, on application, take any measures and make any order that the judge considers necessary to ensure the confidentiality of the inquiry if, after having considered all available alternative measures, the judge is satisfied that (a) there is a real and substantial risk that matters involving international relations, national defence or national security will be disclosed; (b) there is a real and substantial risk to the fairness of the inquiry such that the need to prevent disclosure outweighs the societal interest that the inquiry be conducted in public; or (c) there is a serious possibility that the life, liberty or security of a person will be endangered. (7) If the judge considers it appropriate, the judge may take any measures and make any order that the judge considers necessary to ensure the confidentiality of a hearing held in respect of an application under subsection (6). (8) The judge is not bound by any legal or technical rules of evidence and may receive, and base a decision on, evidence presented in the proceedings that they consider credible or trustworthy in the circumstances of the case. (9) An interested party may, with leave of the judge, intervene in the inquiry on any terms and conditions that the judge considers appropriate. (10) The Director of Military Prosecutions shall be given reasonable notice of the subject matter of the inquiry and of the time and place of any hearing and shall be given an opportunity, in person or by counsel, to be heard at the hearing, to cross-examine witnesses and to present evidence. (11) After the inquiry has been completed, the judge shall submit a report containing their findings and recommendations, if any, to the Minister. (12) The judge may, in the report, recommend that the Director of Military Prosecutions be suspended without pay or removed from office or that any other disciplinary measure or any remedial measure be taken if, in the judge’s opinion, the Director (a) has become incapacitated from the proper execution of that office by reason of infirmity; (b) has committed misconduct; (c) has failed in the proper execution of that office; (d) has been placed, by conduct or otherwise, in a position that is incompatible with the due execution of that office; or (e) no longer satisfies the minimum standards and conditions of service applicable to officers. (13) The Minister shall send the report to the Governor in Council who may, if the Governor in Council considers it appropriate, suspend the Director of Military Prosecutions without pay, remove the Director from office or impose any other disciplinary measure or any remedial measure. Motion No. 8 That Bill C-11, in Clause 17, be amended by replacing line 10 on page 10 with the following: 17 (1) Subsection 165.17(3) of the Act is replaced by the following: (3) The Minister may issue instructions or guidelines in writing in respect of a particular prosecution. (2) Subsections 165.17(5) and (6) of the Act are re-

moved: Motion No. 10 That Bill C-11, in Clause 40, be amended by (a) replacing lines 17 to 19 on page 29 with the following: years but may be subject to remedial or disciplinary measures in accordance with section 249.181. (b) replacing lines 22 to 24 on page 29 with the following: (4) On receipt of a request referred to in subsection 249.181(1), the Governor in Council may, if the Governor in Council is of the opinion that there are exceptional circumstances that justify it, suspend the Director of Defence Counsel Services from office until the Governor in Council decides whether to impose any remedial or disciplinary measures. (5) For the purposes of subsection (4), “exceptional circumstances” include circumstances in which there are allegations of serious misconduct or allegations related to a risk to occupational health and safety or to a risk of injury to international relations, national defence or national security. 249.181 (1) The Minister may request of the Governor in Council that an inquiry be held to determine whether the Director of Defence Counsel Services should be subject to remedial or disciplinary measures for any reason set out in paragraphs (12)(a) to (e). (2) On receipt of a request, the Governor in Council may appoint a judge of a superior court to conduct the inquiry. (3) The judge has all the powers, rights and privileges that are vested in a superior court, including the power to (a) issue a summons requiring any person to appear at the time and place specified in the summons in order to testify about all matters within the person’s knowledge relative to the inquiry and to produ (b) administer oaths and examine any person on oath. (4) The judge may engage the services of counsel and other persons having technical or specialized knowledge to assist the judge in conducting the inquiry, establish the terms and conditions of their engagement and, with the approval of the Treasury Board, fix and pay their remuneration and expenses. (5) Subject to subsections (6) and (7), the inquiry shall be conducted in public. (6) The judge may, on application, take any measures and make any order that the judge considers necessary to ensure the confidentiality of the inquiry if, after having considered all available alternative measures, the judge is satisfied that (a) there is a real and substantial risk that matters involving international relations, national defence or national security will be disclosed; (b) there is a real and substantial risk to the fairness of the inquiry such that the need to prevent disclosure outweighs the societal interest that the inquiry be conducted in public; or (c) there is a serious possibility that the life, liberty or security of a person will be endangered. (7) If the judge considers it appropriate, the judge may take any measures and make any order that the judge considers necessary to ensure the confidentiality of a hearing held in respect of an application under subsection (6). (8) The judge is not bound by any legal or technical rules of evidence and may receive, and base a decision on, evidence presented in the proceedings that they consider credible or trustworthy in the circumstances of the case. (9) An interested party may, with leave of the judge, intervene in the inquiry on any terms and conditions that the judge considers appropriate. (10) The Director of Defence Counsel Services shall be given reasonable notice of the subject matter of the inquiry and of the time and place of any hearing and shall be given an opportunity, in person or by counsel, to be heard at the hearing, to cross-examine witnesses and to present evidence. (11) After the inquiry has been completed, the judge shall submit a report containing their findings and recommendations, if any, to the Minister. (12) The judge may, in the report, recommend that the Director of Defence Counsel Services be suspended without pay or removed from office or that any other disciplinary measure or any remedial measure be taken if, in the judge’s opinion, the Director (a) has become incapacitated from the proper execution of that office by reason of infirmity; (b) has committed misconduct; (c) has failed in the proper execution of that office; (d) has been placed, by conduct or otherwise, in a position that is incompatible with the due execution of that office; or (e) no longer satisfies the minimum standards and conditions of service applicable to officers. (13) The Minister shall send the report to the Governor in Council who may, if the Governor in Council considers it appropriate, suspend the Director of Defence Counsel Services without pay, remove the Director from office or impose any other disciplinary measure or any remedial measure. Motion No. 11 That Bill C-11 be amended by deleting Clause 40.1. Motion No. 12 That Bill C-11 be amended by deleting Clause 40.2. Motion No. 13 That Bill C-11, in Clause 60, be amended by replacing line 9 on page 40 with the following: graphs 70(d) to (h) of the National Defence Motion No. 14 That Bill C-11, in Clause 61, be amended by replacing line 18 on page 40 with the following: fence referred to in any of paragraphs 70(d) to

Mr. Speaker, we are going to continue to focus on trade diversification. I would like to share some facts for those that are watching at home. Non-U.S. trade is up by 17%, which is a record in 2025. Fact number two is that the Port of Vancouver moved 170 million metric tons of cargo, which is the highest amount in the port's history. That is more shipments to China, Japan and South Korea. Let us go to the other side of the country. The Port of St. John's just reported a 30% jump, which is another historic record. This is how we build Canada strong and open opportunities for workers across the country.

Mr. Speaker, China is our second-largest trading partner. In our trip in January, we unlocked billions of dollars of opportunities for our agriculture and seafood sector. That includes more canola to China, more beef to China and more seafood to China. That is over 500,000 workers being supported by trade with China. We will continue working with our Chinese counterpart to unlock more opportunities for more workers across the country.

Mr. Speaker, of course the U.S. is an important trading partner, but there are also many trading partners around the world that we are engaging with. We signed a trade agreement with Indonesia, destined to be the fifth-largest economy in the world, overtaking Germany. The UAE investment agreement brought back $70 billion of investments to this country. We have a trade agreement with Ecuador. Also, there is what we are doing with the European Union. Our defence exporters have asked us to unlock opportunities, and that agreement alone has unlocked hundreds of millions of dollars of opportunities for our defence export community. This is what it takes to unlock jobs in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, overseas efforts are delivering concrete results. Last week in India, we secured a $2.6-billion uranium deal. This is not about the billions. It is about the 90,000-plus nuclear workers in Ontario that it is powering. In Australia, the Prime Minister secured a commitment of $10 billion to build major projects across the country. VistaJet, based in the gulf, recently placed an order for 40 Canadian-made planes valued over a billion dollars. This is about the thousands of workers producing the world-class goods that the world is buying.

Mr. Speaker, the people of Labrador have sent a strong champion here to Ottawa, and together we are unlocking new global opportunities. In China, we achieved tariff relief on crab and lobster, welcomed by harvesters across Newfoundland and Labrador. In Australia, the Prime Minister secured a $10-billion commitment to build Canada. In the Gulf, VistaJet ordered 40 Canadian-made airplanes worth over $1 billion. Together, these wins are unlocking opportunities and jobs in construction, aerospace, fisheries, seafood and more. This is how we build Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, Canadian energy is bringing the world to our doorstep. The LNG Canada project alone is linking Canadian natural gas to major energy markets in Asia: to Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, China and more. These partnerships show that Canada's energy is respected and it creates good jobs here at home. That is exactly what we are doing to get more energy to new export markets around the world.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), and consistent with the policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaty entitled “Agreement between Canada and the European Union laying down the conditions for the participation of Canadian legal entities and products originating in Canada to procurement under the SAFE Instrument”, done at Munich on February 14.

moved: That a message be sent to the Senate to acquaint Their Honours that, in relation to Bill C-4, An Act respecting certain affordability measures for Canadians and another measure, the House respectfully disagrees with the amendment made to the bill by the Senate because Parliament should be the body that decides the rules that govern communication by federal parties with Canadians, the amendment constitutes a substantive reversal of the principle of the proposed amendments to the Canada Elections Act in Part 4 of Bill C-4, the government intends to bring forward additional privacy provisions in legislative changes to the Canada Elections Act within this parliamentary session, and furthermore, there is a long tradition of the Senate deferring to the House of Commons on amendments to the Canada Elections Act, particularly those which have unanimous support of all recognized parties in the House and which govern the operations of candidates representing political parties seeking election to the House of Commons.

Mr. Speaker, that member from Richmond, B.C., has been a tireless champion for the port of Vancouver and its workers. We are talking about 170 million tonnes of cargo, which is the highest in the port's history. That is more exports to China, South Korea, Japan, the Middle East and more. Non-U.S. exports were up by 17% in 2025, and we are not stopping there. We are a signing a record number of trade agreements to open new opportunities for the workers who are producing world-class products to get products out the door. This is how we build Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, the government is focused on attracting foreign direct investment to this country. Last year alone, close to $100 billion was attracted to Canada, which is the highest it has been in close to 18 years. That is something to celebrate. People are looking to our LNG projects. There are over a handful in various stages of development. LNG Canada 1's first shipment is out to Asia. LNG Canada 2 will be the second-largest LNG facility in the world. We are there. We are going to export our energy to various places around the world.

Mr. Speaker, speaking of farmers, we are listening to our farmers. In fact, in our last trip to China, we got them over $7 billion of agriculture access in canola, seafood and beef. That means good jobs for our farmers: over 200,000 jobs in the canola sector; over 250,000 jobs in the beef sector and 35,000 jobs in our seafood sector. That is what we are doing. We are standing with our farmers and opening new markets around the world.

Mr. Speaker, speaking of building, we are building big. The port of Montreal expansion project has 7,000 construction jobs and over 1,000 permanent jobs. Darlington nuclear has 18,000 good-paying jobs and clean power for generations. LNG Canada in B.C. means thousands of jobs in Canadian energy, reaching new global markets. That is cranes in the ground, paycheques in pockets and Canada building big.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with pride and conviction to speak in support of Bill C-18, legislation that will bring into force the Canada-Indonesia comprehensive economic partnership agreement. This is a consequential moment for Canada, a moment to choose engagement over hesitation, diversification over dependence, and action over rhetoric. It is a moment to demonstrate that Canada understands the economic realities of the 21st century and is prepared to act decisively in response to them. The global economy is changing, not gradually, but structurally. Growth is no longer concentrated on a small number of advanced economies. It is shifting towards the Indo-Pacific, towards emerging markets and towards economies with expanding middle classes, increasing infrastructure investments and growing demand for food, energy, manufactured goods and services. Canada cannot afford to be passive in this environment. That is why our new government is leaning forward. We are all in for Canada. Our economy, our workers and our communities require foresight and deliberate action. Bill C-18 represents exactly that, a strategic decision to ensure Canadian businesses and workers are positioned to compete in the markets that will define future growth. Indonesia is central to that story. With a population exceeding 275 million potential consumers, Indonesia is the fourth-most populous country in the world and one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia. It is a country undergoing rapid urbanization, industrialization and income growth. Its middle class is expanding by millions every single year. Demand is rising for food, raw materials, infrastructure inputs, clean technology and professional services, areas where Canada has both capacity and global credibility. Today, trade between Canada and Indonesia is roughly $6.7 billion in goods and services annually, yet despite that volume, Canadian exporters continue to face tariffs that put them at a disadvantage compared to competitors who are already enjoying preferential access. That is precisely what Bill C-18 changes. Under this agreement, Indonesia will eliminate or reduce tariffs on nearly 86% of tariff lines, covering almost all current Canadian exports. These are not symbolic reductions. They are commercially meaningful changes that affect pricing, competitiveness and long-term investment decisions. Let me be clear about what that means. In agriculture, Indonesian tariffs on Canadian products such as wheat, barley, pulses and oil seeds will be reduced or eliminated entirely. Indonesia is one of the world's largest importers of wheat and Canadian grain, which is valued for its quality and reliability. Eliminating tariffs ensures that Canadian farmers compete on product excellence. That matters to producers in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba, but it also matters to rail workers, port operators, processors and exporters across Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada who are part of that supply chain. In agri-food and processed foods, tariff reductions improve access for value-added products that support jobs not only on farms but in processing plants, logistics hubs and other value-add services. These are jobs that sustain rural communities and urban communities alike, including communities like Brampton East, while strengthening food security at home and abroad. In fish and seafood, Indonesia currently applies tariffs of up to 15% on products such as lobster, salmon, scallops and crab. Under this agreement, those tariffs will be eliminated and phased out. For fish harvesters and processors in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, P.E.I., British Columbia and Quebec, this translates directly into improved margins, stronger export volumes and greater stability in seasonal employment. In forestry and wood products, tariff reductions will enhance competitiveness for Canadian softwood, pulp and paper products used in Indonesia's expanding construction and packaging sectors. These benefits will flow directly to forestry communities in British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick. In manufacturing, this agreement will reduce tariffs on industrial goods such as machinery, automotive parts, aerospace components, chemicals and fabricated metals. For manufacturers in southern Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and Manitoba, this means the ability to bid into projects and supply chains in Southeast Asia without pricing themselves out of contention. In clean technology and environmental services, the agreement supports Canadian firms working in renewable energy, emissions reductions, water treatment and sustainable infrastructure. As Indonesia invests billions in energy transition and climate resilience, Canadian companies gain predictable, rules-based access to the market. This agreement is particularly important for small and medium-sized businesses. Large multinational firms can absorb tariffs, but small businesses often cannot. For them, even a 5% duty can be the difference between entering a market or staying out of it. Eliminating tariffs reduces upfront risks, improves cash flows and allows smaller Canadian firms to plan multi-year export strategies and hire new staff to turn plans into production. This is what trade diversification looks like in practice. This is why it matters now more than ever. The new government has committed to doubling Canada's non-U.S. exports over the next decade. Bill C-18 is a concrete step toward that goal. Trade is not a simple concept. Trade is people. It is skilled tradespeople seeing consistent demand. It is plant workers and technicians benefiting from expanded production. It is port workers, inspectors and transportation professionals handling growing volumes of Canadian goods. These are resilient, productive jobs that anchor communities. Canada's primary producers are a vital part of this story, and the message we have received is clear: They support this agreement. Cereals Canada has called the conclusion of this agreement a significant milestone and praised the government's commitment to expanding market access and creating new opportunities for Canadian exporters. That support resonates in provinces like Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba, where grain production supports farm families, transport workers, exporters and related industries. It also strengthens supply chains that reach Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, connecting communities through stable jobs and increased economic activity. By securing markets in Indonesia, Canadian farmers gain predictability, allowing them to plan for multi-year harvests, invest in sustainable farming practices and contribute to food security both domestically and globally. It also reinforces Canada's reputation as a dependable supplier of high-quality, ethically produced agriculture products. The Wheat Growers Association has described this agreement as a win for western Canadian farmers, noting Indonesia's growing demand for high-quality grain and the importance of market diversification in protecting livelihoods and strengthening resilience. These lessons extend far beyond agriculture. They illustrate how strategic trade agreements benefit the broader economy, from manufacturing to services and from urban to rural Canada. When farmers thrive, communities thrive. When exporters grow, supply chains grow. When trade expands, opportunity expands. In the protein and manufacturing sectors, the Canadian Meat Council and the Canadian Pork Council have described this agreement as a landmark opportunity to expand Canada's presence in the Indo-Pacific. It is clear that when we act decisively, the benefits ripple across sectors, regions and communities, and it positions Canadian processors and manufacturers to invest confidently, knowing that the rules of trade are clear, predictable and fair. I want to speak directly to this chamber. I believe profoundly in this agreement. I believe in the leadership of the Prime Minister in advancing Canada's role on the global stage. I believe in this government's conviction that Canada must engage, diversify and lead to secure long-term prosperity, and I believe in Canadians: the entrepreneurs, the farmers, the workers and innovators who turn opportunity into results. However, colleagues across the aisle do not have to take my word for it. The value of this agreement is being affirmed by the Canadians who would put it to work every single day. The exporters, producers, processors, manufacturers, small businesses and workers are ready, prepared and asking Parliament to act. Choosing not to act is a decision. Delaying is a decision. Hesitation is a decision, and in a fast-moving global economy, those decisions carry consequences. Other countries are moving quickly to secure access in fast-growing markets, and Canada must move too. Bill C-18 would ensure that Canadian workers can compete on a level playing field, it would ensure Canadian businesses are positioned for long-term success, and it would ensure that Canada remains a reliable, rules-based partner. This agreement is not just a document; it is a bridge connecting Canadian ambition with global demand, and we are not stopping with Indonesia. We are deepening engagement across the Indo-Pacific. We are building new partnerships. We are opening new markets. We are securing Canada's place in the fastest-growing region of the global economy, because leadership means acting, because prosperity means building and because Canada's future will not be shaped by standing still; it will be shaped by stepping forward. Bill C-18 is a statement of confidence in Canada, confidence in our workers, confidence in our businesses and confidence in our future. We are all in for Canada.

Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his important work on the trade committee and as my critic. It is an important time. The member opposite mentioned the Prime Minister. We have been clear with Canadians since the very start. Just over eight months ago, during the election, we promised Canadians that we would be out there diversifying our trading partners, along with in the Speech from the Throne. In our budget, we will be making record-level investments. We are opening doors. This is what it is going to take to ensure our economic resilience, to ensure that Canadians have opportunities around the world and so that Canada is seen as a reliable trading partner. That is why the calls that we are getting are, “We want to do more with Canada. We want to do more with Canadian workers. We want to do more with Canadian farmers.” We are going to be there to continue opening doors for our workers and for our farmers.

Madam Speaker, with respect to human rights, labour and the environment remain at the heart of our trade policies and our high-standard trade agreements. Canada is deliberate and mindful when negotiating trade agreements, and we prioritize Canadian values, protecting workers' rights and environmental standards. Building new trading partners around the world is an important driver to promote economic security for Canada. When we look at how trade drives our economy, we see that two-thirds of our economy is powered by international trade. Millions of jobs are directly related to international trade, so we have to continue to be out there knocking on those doors, getting these types of agreements done to build on our 15 free trade agreements.

Madam Speaker, I appreciate my friend and colleague's very important question in terms of the ecosystem that we are developing. I spent 13 years in the private sector facilitating international trade for hundreds of businesses. We need to continue to step up to give those businesses the tools to get export-ready. In budget 2025, we have announced the Canadian SME export readiness program to get businesses ready to export. Once they are ready to export, we are going to utilize a program called CanExport that will get them to trade shows so they can show off their products and services. Once they have their first shipment ready, we want to be able to facilitate credit for that shipment through EDC, so we are putting about $25 billion more into credit facilitation. This is about creating an ecosystem so that Canadian businesses and workers can succeed on the global stage.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for his good work on the international trade committee and, of course, for the good people of Mississauga. Indonesia is the eighth-largest economy in the world, with a population of 280 million potential consumers. The trade agreement we tabled this morning will cut tariffs and open new opportunities in aerospace, agri-food, agriculture, critical minerals and so much more. Together we are opening doors for Canadian workers, Canadian businesses and Canadian products to new global markets around the world.

Mr. Speaker, the MOU is about building Canada strong with the people of Alberta. I was born in Calgary. I talk to Albertans every single day, and they know that our Prime Minister is bringing Canadians together to build big things and to build a stronger economy. Meanwhile, the Conservative leader has spent 20 years in the House, including as a minister, and has built nothing. He continues to divide Canadians and continues to play political games. Now is not a time to play games. It is time for serious leadership and to step up and build Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and in accordance with the enhanced transparency requirement set out in the amended policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I am pleased to present to the House of Commons the Government of Canada's objectives for negotiations for a Canada-Philippines free trade agreement. The Government of Canada intends to commence negotiations with the Philippines as soon as it is practical, but, in accordance with the policy, the commencement of negotiations will take place no earlier than 30 days from today.

Mr. Speaker, speaking of jobs, we are focused on creating jobs for the good workers in Brampton and across Ontario. The Prime Minister committed $2 billion to build small modular reactors in Ontario, a project that will create 18,000 jobs in Ontario and help build Canada as an energy superpower. We can look at the opportunities we are creating through nuclear exports, a sector valued to create 90,000 jobs in 250 businesses in Ontario. We remain relentlessly focused on creating jobs in nuclear and energy across Ontario communities, including Brampton.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for his advocacy for farmers in his region. That is something that I am happy to follow up on with CFIA and Health Canada. Speaking of the agriculture sector, the agreements I have spoken about will unlock new opportunities in markets around the world. We look at the CPTPP trading block, which consists of over 500 million potential consumers. When I am sitting down and talking to those in the agriculture sector, they are excited about the potential that these opportunities create. That is exactly what the government will do. We will continue to be out there opening doors for our farmers and our workers.

Mr. Speaker, I hope to answer my colleague one day in French, as I am learning. I do miss my time on the trade committee with the member opposite. We are in a crisis today, and the Prime Minister has been very clear about this. This is not a speed bump. This is a rupture in the current trading environment. I spent 13 years in international trade prior to politics, facilitating trade for hundreds of businesses. If I were asked back then, I would have said that businesses were not ready to look at global markets because of the conditions that existed at that time with the U.S. Twenty-five years ago, 90% of our trade was with the U.S. It is now around 75%, and we have to move fast. That is exactly what the government is doing. We are moving quickly because we want to make sure that these trade agreements are in place. This is what stakeholders are asking us to do. This is what Canadians are asking us to do. As we sort this out and have those discussions with the U.S., we need to continue opening new markets.

Mr. Speaker, through you, I would like to thank the member for his incredible work on the trade file and for representing his constituents so well. We have been talking about our farmers, and I was in different regions across the country, talking to farmers who grow fruits. Of course, the member mentioned Vietnam. It has been a huge market since we signed the CPTPP back a few years ago, in 2018. When we look at what we are doing with Vietnam and the trade numbers, there are incredible opportunities there and we are investing. There is now an agri-food office in Manila in the Philippines to help facilitate even more trade for our farmers, for those who are involved in agriculture and agri-food. There are plenty of opportunities. That is exactly what we are exploring, as I mentioned, with many of the agreements we have talked about today.