Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friends from Vancouver Granville and South Shore—St. Margarets and my colleagues across the way for their passionate support for the skilled trades and workers. It is a great honour to rise in the House after a productive recess spent working closely with constituents and stakeholders. I am particularly pleased that my bill is being debated on the first day of this new session. During the recess, I took the time to visit educational institutions and trade associations to talk with them about Bill C-266, an act to establish a national framework respecting skilled trades and labour mobility. Kwantlen Polytechnic University, in my hometown of Richmond, said this bill is a step toward national harmonization and would make it easier for qualified tradespeople to move fluidly between jurisdictions without administrative friction. By modernizing how qualifications are recognized across provincial borders, the legislation would support secondary institutions like KPU to deliver training that meets the dynamic needs of Canada's economy. Polytechnics Canada supports this bill as well, telling me, “At a time of ongoing labour shortages, improving the harmonization and recognition of skilled trades qualifications across provinces and territories will make it easier for workers to take their skills where they are most needed.” However, it does not end with educational institutions. The Canadian Construction Association welcomes Bill C-266 and the development of a national framework to modernize, streamline and harmonize skilled trade certification processes. Canada's construction industry is held back by a fragmented internal market where labour mobility restrictions create costly barriers for workers and employers alike. These inefficiencies limit economies of scale, slow innovation and suppress productivity growth at a time when the country urgently needs to build more critical infrastructure. Unlocking internal trade requires harmonizing credentials and meaningful engagement with the construction industry to develop solutions that work on the ground. The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada also supports Bill C-266 and its vision for a national framework on mutual recognition and labour mobility. For plumbers and electricians working across provinces, inconsistent certification and training requirements continue to create inefficiencies, unnecessary administrative burdens, cost overruns and project delays. Improving alignment and mutual recognition across jurisdictions through a coordinated national framework would support a more efficient and productive construction environment. They are encouraged by the bill's focus on collaboration across industry, labour and provincial governments and look forward to the opportunity to contribute their expertise to this framework. Abigail Fulton, executive director of the Construction Foundation, sees first-hand the value of reducing barriers to certification and creating clearer pathways for skilled workers. Canada needs a skilled trades workforce that can move where the work is, but mobility works best when workers are supported to successfully complete their apprenticeships and achieve certification. Bill C-266 would provide an important opportunity for a national conversation about how we strengthen skilled trades mobility while building the certified workforce Canada needs to deliver housing, infrastructure and major projects. As a former aircraft maintenance engineer, I am grateful that the executive director of the British Columbia Aviation Council is fully supportive of Bill C-266, saying that it is a positive step toward labour mobility in Canada, and is reaching out to its two dozen counterpart associations across the country to solicit additional support. The time has come to complete the work that started 30 years ago on the Agreement on Internal Trade, now the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. We can no longer afford to restrict skilled trade workers to guard regional interests. Governments and regulators must come together and respect the training and experience of Canadian workers. This is about unlocking the potential of the next generation of young Canadians, empowering them to pursue rewarding careers, strengthening our workforce, growing our economy and building a stronger Canada. I look forward to seeing this bill at committee and hearing from experts on the need to harmonize credential recognition from coast to coast to coast.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to speak today on the matter of the Cowichan court decision, as it has understandably raised questions in the House; in my hometown of Richmond, British Columbia; and across Canada. Let me first say that our government disagrees with the Supreme Court of British Columbia's decision and that we immediately appealed the court decision. As the case is before the courts, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the ongoing aspects of the litigation itself. I will, however, provide background on the history of the case and speak about private property interests. It is helpful at the outset to understand the scope of the litigation and the number of parties involved. Besides the federal Crown, there are five other defendants in the litigation: the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the Government of British Columbia, the City of Richmond, the Musqueam first nation, and the Tsawwassen First Nation. The litigation began in November 2014. The Cowichans sought a declaration of aboriginal title to 1,846 acres of land located in the city of Richmond, along with a declaration of an aboriginal right to fish for food in the south arm of the Fraser River. The claimed lands include federal lands owned by Transport Canada and managed by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Richmond municipal lands, and some lands held by private landowners. Given the complexity of the issues and the number of parties involved, it is not surprising that the case unfolded over several years. On August 7, 2025, the British Columbia Supreme Court delivered its decision, ruling that the Cowichan hold aboriginal title over approximately 40% of the claimed area, as well as an aboriginal right to fish for food in the south arm of the Fraser River. Soon after the release of the decision, all parties took further steps within the court process. The court's decision is being appealed by all parties to the litigation, including Canada. Some of the court's findings have potentially significant implications, including with respect to private property rights. Because the decision is not entirely clear on certain points, that clarity is being sought through the proper legal process. I have also been working to seek clarity, and I recognize that the decision has raised questions or concerns. We know that Canada defended the validity of fee simple title granted by the Crown at trial. Canada also defended the principle of transparency in this trial, particularly for parties that are not directly involved in this case but that may be affected by its outcome. In 2017, Canada brought an application seeking an order requiring the plaintiffs to notify private landowners within the claim area in this case. The court declined to exercise its discretion to require the Cowichan to give formal notice to private landowners. I should note that every aboriginal title claim is unique, and the reasoning in this decision will not necessarily apply to other cases. It depends on the facts of the case in question. With that background in mind, I will turn to more recent developments. Three related private real estate companies, which I will refer to as Montrose, operate in Richmond and claim they are the largest landowner in the declared Cowichan title area. Montrose has applied to the British Columbia Supreme Court to reopen the trial, be added as a party and file new evidence and argument. Its application would allow the company to present its perspective on how the declaration of aboriginal title impacts its legal and financial interests. Canada has filed a response to support Montrose's application. It is important for all parties to be heard when they are directly and significantly affected by a court decision. Canada's position is consistent with the application it brought in 2017 regarding the need to provide notice of the trial to private landowners. If successful, Montrose would become an official party to the litigation, and the record would be reopened so the court could receive Montrose's evidence and submissions, including submissions related to the impacts of the ruling. The Montrose application is scheduled to be heard before the British Columbia Supreme Court on May 25 and May 26, 2026. The Government of Canada respects the right of all parties to pursue their own legal strategies. Canada's approach in this litigation reflects the use of appropriate court process to address legal uncertainty, while continuing to advance reconciliation in accordance with the Constitution. I will add that private property rights are fundamental and that our government will always protect them. For the Government of Canada, private property cannot and will not be negotiated. This is not only because our government would never negotiate Canadians’ private property but also because, as members all know, private land ownership and land deeds fall under provincial jurisdiction, not federal jurisdiction. It is important to note that any agreement on aboriginal title at the federal level protects private property. In fact, no modern treaty, negotiated agreement or federal approach has led to Canadians' losing their privately owned land. As the member of Parliament for Richmond East—Steveston, I have been working and will continue to work with the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations to address residents' concerns and share constituents’ perspectives with the government, and to advocate for the people of our city. At the same time, I will work with the Richmond city council and all levels of government to ensure that the residents of our city are engaged and informed on these matters as they proceed in the months and years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I think that if we listened to colleagues who spoke earlier, the fearmongering we are talking about has to do with what the members opposite are implying: that private property lands will be taken away. I come back to the issue at hand. This is a provincial matter. I have outlined how the federal government cannot and will not negotiate private lands. Most of these questions should be directed to the province and the Premier of British Columbia. A corresponding decision on a similar case happened in New Brunswick. That court of appeal issued a decision in the context of an aboriginal title claim on the issue of whether aboriginal title can coexist with fee simple title. The court found that it could make a finding of aboriginal title leading to compensation for an indigenous nation, but it went the other way. This is a provincial matter.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for his hard work on this issue as well. With respect to the other members who are involved, the concerns are there. What they have shared is about having an opportunity to be involved in the case. I would like to mention that the member for Richmond Centre—Marpole, who has been talking quite a bit about this, sat as a Richmond city councillor when this issue was in court. He did not inform residents but is now bringing this issue forward. He also ran for the NDP provincial government that was responsible for the issue at the time, and now we are hearing contradictory information from the other side. Again, it begs the question about why misinformation is being brought forward into the House.

Mr. Speaker, as I stated in my speech, in 2017, the federal government applied to the court to make sure that they notify the residents. If we look at the question the member has brought forward with respect to the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister is taking responsibility for this country, and he wanted to ensure that Canadians understand that the federal government will not negotiate private property rights.

Mr. Speaker, I talked about the Prime Minister taking responsibility to make sure Canadians know what our position as a federal government is, that we will have their backs. I will reiterate one more piece. The federal government would never negotiate Canadians' private property, but also, as members know, private land ownership and land deeds fall under provincial jurisdiction. This is why I am stating that this is a provincial matter.

Mr. Speaker, respecting the spirit of truth and reconciliation, Richmond residents in my hometown are seeking clarity following last summer's Cowichan decision and recent federal agreements with first nations in British Columbia. To dispel the misinformation, it is important that we continue to provide clear, factual information and constructive leadership as Canada moves forward with the important work of advancing reconciliation. Can the Prime Minister outline the government's position and explain how the government is working collaboratively to uphold reconciliation, while protecting private property rights for residents and businesses?

moved that Bill C-266, An Act to establish a national framework respecting skilled trades and labour mobility, be read the second time and referred to a committee. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for Milton East—Halton Hills South for supporting this bill. It is always a huge honour to stand in the House and speak on vital issues for Canadians. Today, I have an opportunity to speak at length on respecting skilled trades and labour. As a former aircraft maintenance engineer, I spent countless hours turning wrenches at a hangar in my hometown of Richmond, British Columbia. When I was campaigning for re-election as MP for Richmond East—Steveston, I did not do it alone. I was supported by electricians, carpenters, construction workers and unions. Builders and everyday Canadian workers share my vision of a community and a Canada that works for them. It is for these Canadians that I tabled Bill C-266, a national framework respecting skilled trades and labour mobility. At its core, this bill recognizes a simple truth: Canada cannot reach its full potential if the people who build it, our skilled trades workers, are prevented from working where they are needed the most. Movement of skilled trades and labour across Canada is essential to the country's economic development, productivity, infrastructure and competitiveness. However, our economy continues to be weighed down by a system of disjointed licensing requirements, certifications and other restrictions. This has evolved into significant non-tariff internal trade barriers. The IMF estimates that Canada's economy could gain nearly 7%, or $210 billion, in real GDP over a gradual period by fully removing internal trade barriers between the country's 13 provinces and territories. This is not just inefficient; it is unacceptable. Across this country, from the shipyards of Vancouver to the construction sites of Halifax, from energy projects in Alberta to housing developments in Toronto, employers are facing unpredictability. On one hand, there are acute labour shortages delaying critical projects, and on the other, there are skilled, qualified workers in other parts of the country who are ready and willing to step in, but they are held back by regulatory barriers that make mobility difficult, costly and slow. A welder trained in Saskatchewan may encounter different certification requirements when attempting to work on major infrastructure projects in British Columbia. These inconsistencies do not improve safety or enhance quality. They create duplication, inefficiency and unnecessary costs. The same holds true for major infrastructure projects. Whether it is expanding transit systems, upgrading ports or building clean energy infrastructure, delays in mobilizing skilled labour translate directly into higher costs and missed opportunities. Every week that a project is delayed because workers cannot be certified quickly enough is a week that Canadians are left waiting for essential services and economic benefits. Of course, there were efforts to correct this growing problem. If we go back to the Agreement on Internal Trade in 1995, it would, “enable any worker certified for an occupation by a regulatory authority of one Party to be recognized as qualified for that occupation by all other Parties.” Regrettably, the AIT did not achieve this crucial goal, which is why in December 2014, the federal, provincial and territorial governments began negotiations to strengthen and modernize into the Canada Free Trade Agreement. The Red Seal program has been an important step forward toward standardization, allowing certified workers in certain trades to move more easily between provinces. However, not all trades are covered, and even within the program, variations and administrative barriers can persist. Efforts to harmonize certifications and labour regulations across Canada's economy made limited progress, not because electricians who reside in Manitoba have unique insight into the functions of an electrical circuit compared to electricians who reside in Nova Scotia or the risk to a trucker's safety changes radically when driving from B.C. to Saskatchewan, requiring different regulations and insurance, but because incentives favoured the status quo. Regulators looking to retain their authority and protect regional labour economies had little incentive to loosen their grip and provide easy access to competition from other provinces. Skilled workers, understandably unenthusiastic about acquiring and maintaining credentials across provinces, could always find ready work down south in the United States. However, this status quo is over. Since President Trump's unacceptable comments about Canada's sovereignty and turning his back on the deal that he signed, applying tariffs to Canadian lumber, steel and cars, Canadians have started to see our relationship with the U.S. in a new light, but more importantly, how we view ourselves and our future in a new light. The comfortable norms Canadians took for granted with our American partners, like trust and predictability, no longer exist. While time will tell if this relationship can be repaired, it is clear that Canada must forge a new path. As our Prime Minister has said, we can give ourselves far more than the Americans can ever take away. Bill C-266 is an essential step in charting a new path forward for Canada. I have heard from the Canadian Construction Association, and it said, “The CCA welcomes the introduction of Bill C-266 and the development of a national framework to modernize, streamline and harmonize skilled trade certification processes. Canada's construction industry is held back by a fragmented internal market where labour mobility restrictions create costly barriers for workers and employers alike.” From my alma mater, the British Columbia Institute of Technology, Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, who is the president of the BCIT, agreed and said, “Canada’s future prosperity is being shaped by large-scale priorities that rely heavily on a strong trades workforce. Whether it be building affordable and climate-resilient housing or infrastructure to strengthen national security, these national priorities all require a job-ready and adaptable trades workforce.” Let me be clear: This legislation does not seek to override provincial jurisdiction, and I look at my friends from Quebec. Provinces and territories would continue to regulate training, certification and labour markets within their borders. That is both appropriate and necessary. Through extensive consultations spanning at least nine months, the minister would engage with provincial governments, regulatory bodies, industry associations, labour unions, indigenous organizations, polytechnics and educational institutions. This would ensure the framework is not imposed from above, but built from the ground up, reflecting the realities of those who work within the system every day. The framework itself wishes to deliver several key outcomes. First, it would establish a comprehensive inventory of skilled trades across Canada. This may sound straightforward, but it is a critical step. Today, even defining what constitutes a skilled trade can vary among jurisdictions. A clear shared understanding is essential for any meaningful harmonization. Second, it would map equivalencies among provincial standards and credentials. This is where the real work begins. By systematically comparing requirements, we can identify where trades are already aligned, where minor adjustments are needed and where more significant differences exist. Third, and most importantly, it would introduce measures to harmonize standards, reduce duplication and streamline regulatory processes. This would mean fewer redundant exams, faster recognition of credentials and clearer pathways for workers moving between provinces. Consider the impact of this on a carpenter relocating from New Brunswick to Alberta. Instead of navigating a confusing and time-consuming certification process, that worker could benefit from a system that recognizes their qualifications quickly and fairly, allowing them to get to work sooner. Fourth, the framework would support modernization. As industries evolve, so too must the standards that govern them. By coordinating updates across jurisdictions, we can ensure that Canadian tradespeople remain at the forefront of global best practices. Fifth, it would promote ongoing collaboration. This is not a one-time exercise, but a continuous process of improvement. The inclusion of indigenous governing bodies and organizations would be particularly important in ensuring that the framework reflects diverse perspectives and supports inclusive economic growth. Accountability is also built into the legislation. The minister would be required to table the national framework in Parliament within one year, ensuring timely action. Annual progress reports would track implementation, measure improvements in labour mobility and assess the effectiveness of the framework, and within five years a comprehensive parliamentary review would provide an opportunity to refine and strengthen the approach. The bill would create a structured, collaborative process to bring those systems into alignment where possible and to make them more transparent and interoperable where full alignment is not feasible. The bill is also about national unity. Canada is one country with one economy. While regional diversity is a strength, unnecessary barriers that divide our labour market weaken us all. The legislation represents a pragmatic, collaborative and forward-looking approach to a long-standing challenge. It would respect jurisdiction, engage stakeholders and focus on outcomes. I look forward to collaborating with everyone if the bill advances to committee. I urge all members of the House to support the national framework respecting skilled trades and labour mobility act and to take this important step toward a stronger and more unified Canada.

Mr. Speaker, the member has been part of the opposition for many years and was previously in government. This has been a problem for decades, including under the Conservative Harper government and in numerous provincial Conservative governments. The truth is that federal and provincial governments have allowed the problem to fester for decades, and it is time to end the status quo. The member opposite knows the government did act immediately in July 2025 to address barriers that the federal government could address alone. Weeks after the election, the Government of Canada removed all 53 federal exemptions from the CFTA.

Mr. Speaker, I am surprised to hear that the member believes that things are working well between provinces, as they all are working hard to find ways to remove internal barriers. With the bill I talked about today, and I said in my speech, the framework that would be developed would be in conjunction with provinces and provincial labour associations so it would not exclude any province. In the unprecedented climate we find ourselves in now, regulators and trade associations alike have new imperatives to come to the table and find an agreement. Too much is at stake to allow minor differences to hold our country back at this time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for seconding the motion and for talking about young people. This is exactly what the bill would do. It would bring respect back to skilled trades and allow young people to think about the possibility of getting involved in something they may wish to do. They may want to be part of the national shipbuilding strategy and to work in Vancouver, but they are located somewhere else and doing their training in Ontario, for example. The bill would allow them to have the vision to be part of our defence programs that we are bringing forward in this country. I think this is exactly what young people are looking forward to doing: uniting this country and working towards something that matters.

Mr. Speaker, global conflicts and chaotic and irrational decision-making with critical oil supply chains have led to increased global prices. While these events seem distant, they are already pushing prices higher at the pump and the grocery store and causing Canadians to rethink where they are booking their summer holiday. Budget 2025 laid out how Canada's new majority government will create a more independent and resilient Canadian economy. Can the secretary of state lay out how our government is supporting Canadians day to day?

Mr. Speaker, representatives of the Kidney Foundation of Canada are on the Hill this week. March 12 is World Kidney Day, and the foundation is launching its national strategic framework for chronic kidney disease, Canada's first unified road map to move kidney care from reactive and fragmented to proactive, coordinated and resilient. As someone born with a solitary kidney, who has undergone dialysis and who has received a transplant, I know the importance of early detection, timely treatment and strong medical teams. I am grateful to all the medical professionals and to organizations like Canadian Blood Services that offer hope to patients nationwide. Thanks to the dedicated medical and transplant teams at Vancouver General Hospital, I am here today. I thank the Kidney Foundation for its leadership and its commitment to a healthier future.

Mr. Speaker, in 2025, the port of Vancouver had a record-breaking year for exports, moving more Canadian goods to global markets than ever before. This is a point of pride for the constituents in Richmond East—Steveston, who help power this success every day through their work in trade, transportation and port operations. Could the Minister of International Trade update the House on what this record-setting year at the port of Vancouver means for Canadian workers and for Canada's growing trade opportunities?

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-266, An Act to establish a national framework respecting skilled trades and labour mobility. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present my first private member's bill. Movement of skilled labour across Canada is essential to the country's economic development, productivity, infrastructure, delivery and competitiveness. However, regulatory barriers, as well as inconsistencies between certification processes across provinces and territories, hinder skilled trades and workers' mobility, and they delay national development priorities like housing, transportation, infrastructure and energy projects. On this World Plumbing Day, and as a former aircraft maintenance engineer, I understand the challenges trades workers face when they try to take their skills on the road. My bill would help these workers take their skills from the Pacific Salish Sea to the Atlantic. While respecting provincial and territorial jurisdiction over training, certification and labour market regulation, my bill, an act to establish a national framework respecting skilled trades and labour mobility, calls on the government to work with provinces, territories, trade skills associations and unions to modernize, harmonize and streamline credential recognition. I look forward to a spirited debate on this important issue for Canada's future. (Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for all of his hard work, especially on this topic and the challenges we are seeing with extortion and other crimes. We all know that as criminal organizations evolve, they look at new ways to do things. Can the member for Surrey Newton let me know what he is hearing on the ground about the kinds of changes being made, and how important people think these changes are that we are bringing forward?

Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for St. Catharines. Today, I will focus on how our immigration system responds to concerns about non-citizens who are accused or convicted of serious criminal offences, as well as the decision-making process of admitting, investigating and removing a non-citizen. I want to emphasize how upholding these rules, and the independence of these processes, is critical to our country. Canadians rightly expect that our immigration system will protect everyone in this country and that our laws are applied consistently and respond to their concerns, especially concerns about serious criminal acts. We want the decisions of our justice and immigration systems to be fair, efficient and final, and we expect that these decisions are made thoughtfully, lawfully and in alignment with our democratic values. Serious criminality has serious consequences in this country. These cases are deeply troubling, and our hearts go out to victims and their families. Our laws are already clear: Individuals who commit serious crimes face consequences. Immigration law is clear that serious criminality has serious implications for admissibility and continued presence in Canada. Before going further, it is important to clarify roles. Criminal investigations, prosecutions, sentencing and court procedures fall within the authority of police services, prosecutors and the courts. Those matters are addressed by other departments. My remarks today will focus on immigration consequences under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Security and public safety measures begin before arrival. Canada's immigration screening process is intentionally multi-layered. It involves Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; the Canada Border Services Agency; and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Every applicant is assessed for criminality, terrorism, human rights violations, organized crime, espionage and public health risks, despite a lot of the misinformation we hear coming from the other side. Screening occurs before travel, at the border, and where necessary, after entry into Canada. This layered approach ensures that the system is responsive, adaptable and capable of addressing evolving threats. To enhance our control over the system, our government has prioritized strengthening document control in recent years. Since January 2025, explicit authorities came into force for our immigration and border officers to cancel temporary resident documents, such as visas and electronic travel authorizations, on a case-by-case basis, when new information comes to light that someone is inadmissible or is no longer eligible to hold their document. They also have the authority in more limited circumstances to cancel study and work permits. This helps Canadians keep Canadians safe and migration orderly. Additionally, we are seeking new authorities under Bill C-12 that would further strengthen the government's ability to manage immigration documents and applications. Included within these authorities are measures that would authorize the Governor in Council to make an order, when it is in the public interest, to cancel, suspend or change groups of immigration documents, to pause or suspend application processing or to stop the intake of new applications on a large scale. These authorities would ensure that the government is better able to manage immigration documents and applications when required to protect the public interest. This is just one example of how IRCC is continually strengthening control over our immigration and asylum systems to the benefit of Canadians and communities. Additionally, we work closely with domestic and international partners to identify risks, share information and respond to concerns as they are identified. The system is proactive as well as reactive. When misrepresentation or criminal history is discovered, individuals may be found inadmissible on the grounds of serious criminality and misrepresentation. Officials can move immediately under the law to issue a removal order. Under the Refugee and Immigration Protection Act, Parliament has carefully balanced thresholds for inadmissibility and removal based on Canadian law and international obligations, including our obligations not to create stateless people and not to return people to danger. The act already contains some of the strictest provisions among like-minded and democratic countries. Non-citizens convicted of serious criminality are inadmissible to Canada. Those sentenced to six months or more of imprisonment have no right of appeal to the immigration appeal division. There is no special treatment for criminals, including violent offenders, under Canada's immigration law. Criminal proceedings take precedence over immigration proceedings. When a non-citizen is convicted of a serious crime, they must serve their sentence, and immigration consequences follow. These consequences are set out in legislation and applied through established legal processes. These serious criminal convictions mean people are subject to a removal order. The Canada Border Services Agency is empowered to investigate, issue removal orders and carry out deportations. Its work is governed by the laws set by Parliament, following due process. Decisions are subject to review by the courts to place a check against potential errors. Effective immigration enforcement is not measured by rhetoric but by results, and the results demonstrate that Canada's enforcement system is active and effective. In 2023-24, the Canada Border Services Agency prevented more than 9,000 individuals from boarding flights to Canada and denied entry to 34,000 people at ports of entry. Within Canada, the CBSA removed well over 700 individuals found inadmissible for serious criminality. The results for the first 10 months of 2025 surpassed the results for 12 months in 2024, showing sustained progress. Canadians want an immigration system that is fast and efficient and that upholds the independence of our judicial and law enforcement systems. That is why our focus has been on a system that carefully screens applicants, responds to new information and applies the laws consistently. We have introduced measures to make the system stronger and more efficient. For example, Bill C-12 introduces strong information sharing and coordination across departments, things that are essential to public safety. This measure could reduce the amount of time it takes to detect a problematic security issue and take action. When programs operate in silos, discrepancies and risks can be missed. Bill C-12 would modernize information-sharing authorities within IRCC and with authorized domestic partners to strengthen integrity and improve decision-making. These authorities would allow the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to share identity, status and document information with domestic partners when there is a lawful purpose for doing so, and that includes with our law enforcement. The new information-sharing authorities would reduce duplication, improve efficiency and enhance program integrity. They would do this while protecting privacy. Any new use or disclosure of personal information from these new authorities would remain subject to existing privacy legislation, policies, guidelines and best practices, including privacy impact assessments. These safeguards would ensure that integrity measures are balanced with a strong protection of personal information. It is important to be clear about what Bill C-12 would and would not change in relation to criminality and removals. Bill C-12 would not alter existing thresholds for inadmissibility or removal. Canadian law already establishes a threshold for serious criminality for the purpose of inadmissibility, one that, unlike the Conservatives' failed proposals, would not risk targeting the wrong people or providing relative leniency to temporary residents compared to permanent residents. We will uphold tough measures to address criminals, as well as the due process that demonstrates to us, to all residents of Canada, that we respect democracy and the rule of law. Criminals adapt fast, and government must do more than keep up. It must get ahead of them. In that spirit, we will continue to improve the sophistication of Canada's criminal response tools to keep Canadians safe.

Mr. Speaker, the member talked about how we talk tough, but we are doing more than just talking tough. What we are seeing here is a war of words. Quite frankly, we have made major additions, not only with bringing back mandatory minimum sentences but also with everything from Bill C-12 to Bill C-2, the borders act. We can talk about strengthening something, but we need the Conservatives to stop blocking what we are doing here in this House and come along to make these changes.

Mr. Speaker, I talked about how criminals adapt fast and how we have to stay ahead. Many of the measures we have introduced, many of which the member just indicated, build upon things that we have done, things like Bill C-70, the foreign interference act. It has many measures that will help us deal with the issues around extortion. We need to move quickly on all of the measures that have been introduced in this House over the past few months to continue not only to adapt to what the criminals are doing but also to move ahead of them and make these changes quickly. We need the Conservatives to join us.

Mr. Speaker, we have heard from many members across the way who claim that it would allow house arrest for serious crimes, such as extortion. This is simply incorrect. Conditional sentences or sentence orders are never available when the sentence is two years or more, which is typically the case. We also maintain mandatory jail time for extortion involving restricted or illegal firearms, as well as extortion connected to criminal organizations. It is clear. It is right there.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my dear friend and colleague from Kingston for his passionate speech and for talking about the importance of having meaningful dialogue in the House. He spoke about opportunities. British Columbians in Richmond and people from across the country want to know what opportunities we are working on right now. Could he shed some light on real, meaningful things that are happening for Canada and what our Prime Minister is doing for this country, with a focus on what really matters? Like the legendary artist DJ Quik said, “If it don't make dollars, it don't make sense”.

Madam Chair, I would like to inform my colleague from the Bloc Québécois that it is not just Quebeckers who are concerned about the forestry industry. I will be sharing my time with my dear friend, the member for Trois-Rivières. As a B.C. member of Parliament, this issue hits close to home, as it does for all British Columbians. It affects communities from Richmond to Prince George, which is why I will be speaking about what we are doing to support this critical industry. As members are well aware, the global trade landscape is fundamentally changing as a result of increasingly persistent geopolitical tensions and persistent unfair trade practices. This transformation is also occurring in parallel with technological advancements, such as the increased adoption of artificial intelligence. As a result, the Canadian economy finds itself at a crossroads. As a government, we are focused on building our strength at home, investing in domestic production and diversifying trade with stable and reliable economic partners and allies. Inherently, we are implementing a new industrial strategy that will transform our economy to make it more competitive, more productive and more resilient towards global shocks, including U.S. tariffs. Richmond has a strong wood products sector, which is why I continue to work with the BC Council of Forest Industries. In 2022, forestry accounted for one-quarter of B.C.'s exports, contributed $17.4 billion to provincial GDP, raised $6.6 billion in taxes and accounted for over 100,000 jobs. In the face of the unjustified tariffs from the United States, the government is supporting Canadian workers and firms through a range of industrial supports to build a more resilient economy. For example, to help companies recover from U.S. tariffs and support innovation, the government announced $5 billion towards the strategic response fund. This new program will help tariff-impacted firms to adapt, diversify and grow by supporting projects that build economic resilience, strengthen supply chains and pivot firms to better serve the domestic or international markets. Additionally, to support small and medium-sized enterprises impacted by tariffs, the government is providing $1 billion to Canada's regional development agencies for the regional tariff response initiative, or RTRI. This is part of the government's industrial strategy to defend Canadian jobs, industries and supply chains by strengthening domestic firms through investments focused on productivity improvements and market diversification. These investments will strengthen Canada's industrial base in the face of continued global uncertainty. The government also recognizes that certain economic sectors are more exposed to tariffs than others given targeted action by the United States, and that is why we are taking targeted action to help industries, such as the forestry and softwood lumber sectors. To ensure the forestry and softwood lumber sectors remain competitive and that they transform to succeed in a new geopolitical and trade order, the government is investing $1.2 billion to unlock the full potential of the industry. This includes $700 million for the Business Development Bank of Canada to ensure companies have financing and credit support, and $500 million towards Natural Resources Canada's forestry programs to support market and product diversification. The government is committed to leveraging procurement as a means to prioritize the use of domestic lumber and steel in housing, construction and federal procurement. The government remains committed, working with Canadian workers and industry to ensure that the Canadian economy comes out of this turbulent period in a stronger and more resilient position than before.

Madam Chair, I thought the member opposite was going into his speech. Quite frankly, I am not sure I heard the question, but I empathize with every member who is concerned about the forestry industry and what is happening with the challenges we are facing with the United States and the tariff issues. If the member had listened to what I talked about, he would know that I spoke a lot about diversifying the supports we are offering the industry at a critical time right now when we know that we need to get the best deal for Canadians, not just any deal.

Madam Chair, when a tree falls, the earth shakes, and it was not us who made the tree fall. If we look at the fact that the United States has chosen to take up this fight with a trusted partner, we are doing what we are supposed to do to help the industry. We are not only providing supports for the industry and the affected workers and families; we are also helping the industry move forward in different ways.

Madam Chair, we are not talking about handouts. Workers need support at a time when we are negotiating a deal, and we have to get the best deal for their families. What we are hearing from the other side is to just give them any deal, with no consequences regarding a potential strong future for the industry. What we are talking about is prosperity for the industry and looking forward to a stronger industry. In the meantime, we need to ensure we are there for the families.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be here speaking to budget 2025, a Canada strong budget, and, specifically, elaborating on actions the Government of Canada has proposed to take on housing and infrastructure. I will share how the government is building on previous investments in housing by introducing more options for Canadians who need housing they can attain. Federal efforts require construction and funding that can deliver. In response, the Government of Canada has outlined a comprehensive framework for moving forward, one that would accelerate the construction of affordable housing at scale. On September 14, 2025, the Government of Canada launched Build Canada Homes with an initial capitalization of $13 billion. Build Canada Homes has a mandate to move quickly, marked by the Prime Minister's announcement of its first four investments and initiatives. It complements measures the government has introduced to remove local barriers, reduce development costs, fund essential infrastructure and incentivize purpose-built rentals. It leverages programs like the Canada housing infrastructure fund, the Canada community-building fund, the Canada public transit fund and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's housing programs, such as the apartment construction loan program and mortgage loan insurance products, to make projects viable. Build Canada Homes is Canada's new federal agency, with the mandate to scale up the supply of affordable housing across Canada. By leveraging public lands and acting as a catalyst for modern methods of construction, Build Canada Homes is driving a more productive and innovative homebuilding sector. Build Canada Homes works differently than previous government entities by combining flexible financial tools, including low-interest loans, equity investments, contributions and guarantees. With land access and development expertise under one roof, it will make large-scale mixed-market developments financially viable and attract private capital and safeguard long-term affordability. The agency will work in partnership to reduce risk, address barriers and guide projects through the development phases. By prioritizing modern methods of construction such as factory-built housing, Build Canada Homes will spark a more productive homebuilding industry, creating a steady demand for factory-built housing, which is expected to speed up delivery, reduce costs and improve sustainability. Working in partnership with non-profits, indigenous organizations, private developers and all orders of government, Build Canada Homes is accelerating the delivery of housing that Canadians need: faster, smarter and more affordable. On November 22, 2025, Build Canada Homes released its investment policy framework, marking a significant milestone in its mission to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing across Canada. The investment policy framework establishes clear investment priorities, guiding principles and eligibility criteria, creating a more flexible, strategic and outcome-driven approach to housing development. Under the investment policy framework, Build Canada Homes will prioritize projects that are ready to build, affordable and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on partnerships. Projects will leverage modern construction methods like modular and factory-built housing to cut costs and speed up delivery. Projects will also use Canadian materials to strengthen supply chains and support local manufacturing. Through this framework, Build Canada Homes will leverage public capital to unlock stalled projects, will attract private and philanthropic investment, and will scale up innovative construction methods that reduce costs and accelerate delivery. The initial focus will be on shovel-ready projects that are financially sustainable and capable of generating long-term community impact, with particular emphasis on housing for low- and moderate-income households. To support projects that deliver long-term affordability, sustainability and community benefit, Build Canada Homes will offer a suite of flexible financial options, including low-interest loans, equity investments, contributions and guarantees. Proposals will be evaluated on affordability outcomes, speed of delivery, financial viability and long-term community impact. The Canada Infrastructure Bank gets infrastructure projects built by leveraging private and institutional capital. The government will continue to leverage its expertise to find key strategic investments on a national scale. In budget 2025, the “Canada Strong” budget, the Government of Canada announced its intention to amend the Canada Infrastructure Bank to increase the Canada Infrastructure Bank's statutory capital envelope from $35 billion to $45 billion. With this amount, the Canadian Infrastructure Bank will be able to invest more and more rapidly across its established sectors as well as in projects that have been referred to the Major Projects Office, regardless of sector or asset class, as long as they fall within the bank's legal mandate. This will unlock more projects with the partnership of private investment. Budget 2025 also announced that the Canada Infrastructure Bank's target for investments in indigenous infrastructure that benefits first nations, Inuit and Métis communities across its priority sectors will increase from at least $1 billion to at least $3 billion. The government will work with first nations, Inuit and Métis partners to identify and support indigenous housing needs and priorities. Richmond, my hometown, is one of Canada's most desirable housing markets. To help address affordability, the government created the housing accelerator fund to expedite construction. That fund is supporting the construction of at least 220 affordable rental units in Richmond, and the rapid housing initiative added another 25 units for women and women with children. I am working closely with the city to deliver more. To streamline federal efforts and leverage development expertise, responsibility for Canada Lands Company has been transferred under the portfolio of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. As part of the federal government's bold response to Canada's housing crisis, Canada Lands Company's land and development expertise is transferring under the newly launched Build Canada Homes. This marks a strategic shift in how federal lands and development expertise are mobilized to accelerate affordable housing delivery across the country. Build Canada Homes will apply a direct build approach to oversee and lead the construction of affordable, mixed-income communities. The direct build approach is one example of how Build Canada Homes will work to improve the availability of affordable housing for those who have been priced out of the market. The Government of Canada has set out a long-term, comprehensive and flexible plan to make housing more affordable and accessible for Canadians. Build Canada Homes will change the way we build homes in this country. Bringing forward ambitious and practical solutions, the agency will not act alone. It will work in close partnership with developers, investors, manufacturers, provinces, municipalities and territories, as well as indigenous partners, to get housing financed and built. Build Canada Homes is an integral part of a broader range of Government of Canada measures to increase the supply of housing, make housing more affordable and accessible, and lead to transformative change in Canada's housing system. Its model exemplifies the work our government is doing to accelerate growth and help make Canada the strongest economy in the G7.

Mr. Speaker, the member does great work at the mighty OGGO committee, which I miss dearly. I like the MURB program. I think it is a fantastic model where Canadians can engage, help, and be part of the solution to build more homes. With respect to how that framework works, there is still a lot of work to do. I am happy to speak with the member across some time to talk about how we can implement some of those solutions to get the MURB program going, but if we look at the measures that have been taken right now, they are bold measures. They bring one entity together with multiple programs to help efficiently move these programs forward to build homes for Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, the Canada Infrastructure Bank does amazing work. My time right now is being spent at the industry and technology committee. Every witness we have had at that committee has talked about reinvesting in Canada, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank helps us do that. I can give an example: In my hometown of Richmond, British Columbia, there is a district energy project that the Canada Infrastructure Bank is going to fund that will be providing energy for 25 new towers at Lansdowne Centre, right in the middle of Richmond, B.C. We are looking forward to that project getting going.

Mr. Speaker, if the member looks at the plan that the Prime Minister has introduced for lowering the debt, it is the first time in Canadian history that we have seen an operational budget that has been split from an investment, or capital spending, budget. It was outlined in budget 2025, the “Canada Strong” budget, that $60 billion of operational spending will be reduced in the next five years. I think those are the savings the member may have missed.

Mr. Speaker, last spring, my hometown of Richmond voted for a government that would develop clean, reliable electricity to power our economy. In British Columbia, the north coast transmission line has just been referred to the Major Projects Office. It will twin key transmission corridors, reinforce B.C.'s clean grid in the northwest and support industry while connecting communities. Can the minister explain how this project will support B.C. jobs and lower emissions while helping Canada realize its potential as a critical mineral producer and clean energy superpower?

Mr. Speaker, just prior to the member's speech, we heard a speech from a Richmond city councillor who is also currently sitting as the member of Parliament for Richmond Centre—Marpole. I got a little chuckle out of his speech because he talked about wasteful spending. Let us look at the Lulu Island waste-water treatment plant, the Iona waste-water treatment plant and a number of infrastructure investments that were done in Richmond, British Columbia, my hometown, like the pump stations, the dykes, and the soccer field at the Olympic Oval, which is in the member for Richmond Centre—Marpole's riding. He took photos with me at every announcement. I am curious. Does the member opposite thinks that is wasteful investment for our city, as he said, or should we not continue to have this money go back to the communities that are important—

Mr. Speaker, Canada's forestry industry, anchored in my home province of British Columbia, is not just a regional asset; it is a national economic engine. I recently met with the BC Council of Forest Industries and forest sector leaders to discuss how we can support this valuable sector, which provides over 200,000 jobs and contributes over $25 billion to our GDP. The United States' tariffs on softwood lumber are hurting both Canadian producers and American consumers, as well as related industries. While the Conservatives want us to sign any sort of deal, our government is working toward getting the best deal for Canadians and the impacted sectors. In the meantime, can the Minister of Industry—

Mr. Speaker, my hometown of Richmond, British Columbia, known for having the longest life expectancy in Canada, was recently recognized as Canada's most active city, winning the ParticipACTION Community Challenge, presented by Novo Nordisk. ParticipACTION is a national charity that has been dedicated to promoting physical activity in Canada since 1971. The most active city award came with $100,000 to support physical activity and sport in our community. Since the community challenge began in 2019, ParticipACTION has awarded $1.5 million to communities across Canada. I want to congratulate my community for its commitment to physical activity, and all communities that participated in the challenge. A healthier Canada is possible if we make room to move.

Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to be here today to speak to Bill C-12. The bill proposes amendments to various acts that would make our laws even stronger and that would keep our families, children and communities safe while protecting privacy and charter rights. The bill would help the government fight the flow of illegal fentanyl, enhance the integrity of our immigration and asylum systems, and combat money laundering. The focus of my speech today will be with respect to parts 2, 3 and 4 of the bill. I will begin by stating that I do not think there is any member of the House without stories about how their communities have been touched by the fentanyl overdose crisis, the flow of precursors and the significant impact those have on families and communities across the country. According to Health Canada, in 2022 an average of 21 lives were lost each day because of opioid-related overdoses. Part 4 of the bill would amend the Canada Post Corporation Act to enable police to search the mail as part of a criminal investigation. The amendments would remove a legal barrier to otherwise lawful seizure of mail, but would not create new search and seizure authorities. With this change, law enforcement could rely on existing search and seizure provisions in federal legislation, which is most commonly a search warrant issued under the Criminal Code. The need for judicial pre-authorization would ensure that mail seizures are conducted in accordance with the law and the charter. This would bring Canada Post into alignment with other courier and parcel delivery service providers such as Purolator that are already subject to lawful search and seizure. The bill would also expand inspection powers for postal inspectors. These changes would enable the police to stop the mail service from being used to traffic drugs and other illegal materials. With the measures in the bill, we would be in a stronger position to prevent dangerous drugs such as fentanyl and their precursor chemicals from finding their way onto our streets and into our communities, to keep Canadians safe. Right now, police officers are not allowed to search and seize letter mail as part of an investigation, not even with a warrant; as a result, fentanyl and other synthetic opioids can be easily trafficked in small amounts by drug traffickers exploiting the postal system by sending illicit drugs through this method. The amendments to the act outlined in part 4 of Bill C-12 become crucial to correcting the issue and stopping the flow of illegal drugs into our communities. The amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act would allow police to search and seize contraband, including fentanyl, from Canada Post mail with a warrant. If I may, I will repeat, “with a warrant”, because I have heard many times a lot of misinformation coming from the other side of the House. Police could not just open our mail; they would be required to obtain a warrant from a judge to lawfully search and seize letter mail during an investigation. The provisions would bring Canada Post in line with other mail couriers such as FedEx and Purolator. The change would, notably, help remote indigenous communities and rural municipalities in their efforts to intercept dangerous illegal drugs such as fentanyl, which is often delivered through the mail via Canada Post. The Minister of Public Safety has heard from these communities, and they are supporting the measures. ln fact, they have been calling on us to do this. The Mushkegowuk Council stated that the government's proposed amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act are a good first step in addressing current enforcement gaps. We also need to address the flow of chemicals used to produce fentanyl. Criminal groups mislabel precursors used to produce fentanyl to smuggle them into the country. Often these chemicals enter Canada legally to support the production of legal goods. To disrupt the flow of illegal fentanyl, the bill would create a new accelerated scheduling pathway to make it easier for the Minister of Health to order limits on precursor chemicals to ensure that they are used legitimately. We have already made significant progress toward strengthening our border, but the measures in the bill would make our country even safer. By stopping the flow of illegal fentanyl, reinforcing our immigration and asylum systems and cracking down on money laundering and terrorist financing, we will keep our country strong and safe. Like all of my hon. colleagues in the House, I too want fentanyl off our streets. Together, let us keep our communities and children safe by supporting the bill.

Mr. Speaker, the member is still the chair of OGGO, and I look forward to, at some point, maybe sitting in or substituting for somebody. I know of the very important work the committee does, and I miss it. As for the member's question, perhaps the chair of OGGO could have representatives of Canada Post come to the committee and further share their thoughts. As I mentioned, this is important work that needs to be done. There are major challenges our country and communities are facing with respect to fentanyl and the flow of precursors. If we look at the negative impact that has had on our communities, we see that it is important to make sure Canada Post, with a warrant, I would add, is co-operating.

Mr. Speaker, I think we are all looking forward to the budget on November 4, and we will see many of those measures in it. With respect to the member's question on how many officers have been hired, we have committed to 1,000 police officers and 1,000 CBSA officers. Just last week, I had the opportunity to make that announcement in British Columbia, and it was very welcome by all police agencies that are impacted by the issues we have talked about in communities.

Mr. Speaker, fentanyl, precursors and issues related to crime and strengthening our borders have had an impact on our communities. Over time, these issues change and evolve, and we need to evolve and bring in new measures. That is what we are doing at this point. If we look at strengthening the borders by adding police and CBSA officers, with the new search warrant measures and all the resources and tools they would be given, everything from going after ghost guns, which we announced earlier to new offences, such as in Bill C-70 with respect to transnational threats, that is a holistic approach. There is a whole level of different measures we have put forward to combat the ever-evolving challenges that this country is facing.

Mr. Speaker, during the parliamentary recess weeks, I, along with my Pacific colleagues, worked actively on the mandate set out by our right hon. Prime Minister to engage with industry in all sectors to identify Canadians who want to collaborate, invest and join us in building Canada. Can the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources please elaborate on how British Columbia is contributing to this nation-building effort and how our economic strategy ensures that the needs of everyday citizens, like affordability, job creation and regional equity, are being met through partnerships and investments?

Mr. Speaker, I do not think there is a member in the House who does not have a story they can share from their community or who has not been touched by the issues of fentanyl, opioids and the flow of precursors. There is the Tablotney family in Richmond, who I had the opportunity to table a petition for, and they were asking for a sustainable, national ad campaign to raise awareness of this at all times. I have spoken to police officers who have shown us data of some of these chemicals they are finding on the street. The member from Surrey Newton has been a strong advocate on public safety measures. Can he let us know what the pathway is to stop these precursors from coming into Canada?

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to appear before the House today to talk about the main estimates, but I want to take a moment to thank my friend, who went before me. I share the respect she showed for our military and those who serve to protect the freedoms we enjoy. I thank her very much for that and her heartfelt speech. Voted expenditures cover an extraordinarily wide range of programs and activities, including the Canadian Forces, health services for first nations, veterans' benefits and support for housing. In my speech today, I will be focusing on the Canadian dental care plan and the wonderful impact it has already had on the oral health of eligible Canadian residents across the country and of course in my hometown of Richmond, British Columbia. With respect to the importance of health care, we all know that Canadians need accessible and affordable health care services. It is important that we recognize that dental care is health care. We know that regular visits to oral health professionals can help reduce the risk of a number of serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease and stroke. Helping catch health issues early on is important to our own well-being and is also important on a much larger scale since it helps reduce the burden on our health care system. Unfortunately, too many Canadians have been going without regular oral health care. Studies have found that a third of Canadians do not have dental insurance and one in four has not been able to see an oral health provider because of the cost. Canadians should not have to choose between paying their bills and getting the care they need. That is why, in December 2023, the Government of Canada launched one of the largest social programs in Canadian history, the Canadian dental care plan, also known as the CDCP. The CDCP is a national plan being delivered in all provinces and territories. It is making the cost of oral health care more affordable for up to nine million Canadians who do not have access to dental insurance and who have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 per year. The plan is making a wide range of oral health care services more affordable. The services include preventative care, such as scaling, as well as other services, such as exams, X-rays, fillings, dentures and root canal treatments. The CDCP also considers coverage for additional services and treatments, such as crowns, the initial placement of partial dentures and general anaesthesia through pre-authorization. As members can imagine, launching one of the largest social programs in Canadian history was no easy task. To ensure a smooth onboarding process for eligible Canadians and providers alike, the CDCP was rolled out using a phased approach. The Government of Canada started its onboarding first with seniors in 2023, then adults with a valid disability tax credit certificate and children under 18 in 2024. Last month, the CDCP applications opened to all remaining eligible Canadians, fulfilling the government's commitment to fully implementing the plan in 2025. Throughout the launch, letters were sent to Canadian residents in the eligible income range inviting them to apply to the CDCP, increasing the plan's awareness at each stage of implementation. So far, more than four million Canadians have been approved to be part of the plan, and more than two million have already gone to get care. This is a remarkable achievement in a very short amount of time and one that would not have been possible without the support of oral health providers and their associations across the country. Oral health providers from coast to coast to coast acknowledge the need to provide better access to oral health services, and their dedication and commitment to providing care to their patients are very commendable. The Government of Canada, with the help and collaboration of many stakeholders across the country, implemented a plan informed by provider associations, oral health experts and research findings. This work continues to solidify the importance of working together with partners within the oral health community to inform the implementation of the CDCP now and in the future as the plan continues to evolve. To date, more than 25,000 oral health providers are participating in the plan. That is more than 22,000 dentists and dental specialists, more than 2,000 denturists and more than 1,000 independently practising hygienists caring for patients covered under the CDCP. Additionally, 19 educational institution clinics that train future Canadian oral health providers are participating in the CDCP. Their participation means greater access to oral health care for patients and more learning opportunities for students in training settings. By participating in the plan and accepting to take on CDCP clients, these providers are helping millions of Canadians get access to the care they need. The success of the plan would not have been possible without the high level of participation of these oral health professionals. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish to thank all the oral health professionals who contributed to this success and continue to do so. I am going to share some stories. The stories heard since the launch of the CDCP have been heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. A patient had half of their complete denture broken off for over a decade, unable to afford a replacement. Another Canadian shared that the CDCP has been life-changing for them, as having an autoimmune illness impacted their teeth and their confidence. Being able to finally get their smile fixed has been life-changing. An 89-year-old woman in a wheelchair got her teeth cleaned by a mobile dental hygienist. She was finally able to receive the care she needed at her long-term care facility. These are only a few of the many patients who had difficulty eating properly or who lived with pain for decades because they could not afford the care, patients who, thanks to the CDCP, are finally getting the care they very much needed. A denturist told us that some of his CDCP patients had gone 15 years without dentures because they could not afford them. An independent dental hygienist shared that some of her CDCP clients had not received dental care in the last 30 years. A dentist was surprised to find three cases of undiagnosed oral health cancer in his first week of treating CDCP patients. That is three patients with a better chance of survival because of the CDCP. These are just a few testimonials of the many heard over the past year and a half from providers and their patients. It is fair to say that the CDCP has been life-changing for many. The CDCP has helped and continues to help improve the oral health of millions of Canadians. The CDCP has also helped the average person save more than $800 per year, which is hundreds of dollars that can now be spent on other important basics they need, such as housing, heating and food. Thanks to the CDCP, many Canadians no longer need to choose between paying their bills and getting the oral health care they need. I will conclude by reiterating that by investing in Canadians' oral health, the Government of Canada is investing in a healthier Canada and a stronger health care system. Together, we are improving the lives of millions of people and in turn improving the Canadian health care system.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for sharing the story from his community. When we look at this, and I will speak specifically to the CDCP program, and when we talk about the economy, this is actually a productivity program. People can get the care they need and maybe get an opportunity to get a job that they could not get when they did not have that care. I thank the member for raising a very important point on how we can link this program specifically to our economy.