Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, we cannot build a clean Canada if we are not working together. We are thinking differently and strategically to deliver results for Canadians. We have introduced new methane regulations. We have brought Alberta to the table. We have actually brought Canada's largest-emitting province to the table. We will soon also be launching our clean electricity strategy to double our grid in the …
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Mr. Speaker, on top of what I just said, we have also released the nature strategy. We are going to be protecting 30% of Canada's lands and waters by 2030. In fact, about two weeks ago, I went to Klemtu on the coast of British Columbia, where I was standing with the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change. We announced with seven first nations in the province of British Columbia a plan to p…
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Mr. Speaker, we cannot build Canada strong and clean if we are not working together. That is why we are thinking differently, strategically, to deliver real results for Canadians. We have introduced new methane regulations and $90 billion in clean investment tax credits. We brought Alberta to the table for the first time, making sure that we move together for the future, and I was so proud to be i…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I have much respect for my colleague from the Nanaimo territory. She mentioned that the government failed to negotiate a treaty with the Cowichan Tribes. However, the Stz’uminus tribe, which is part of the Cowichan Tribes, dropped out of the treaty process in 2014, and who was in government at the time, in 2014? We try to negotiate on this side. We go to court. These sorts of things h…
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Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleague, the member for Richmond East—Steveston, has been very involved with the issue. He is very concerned as well, because he does take this very seriously with his residents and his constituents. I have seen him working on the ground, not only with them but also with the parties appealing the decision along with the federal government. There is the municipality. T…
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Mr. Speaker, I have memories of being in high school in the early 1990s when the B.C. treaty process was opened up because of the many title cases that my colleague has talked about. Fellow students asked, “Are you coming for our house? Are you coming for our land?” We had to have leadership come say absolutely not, we will never do that; we want to work in co-operation and we want to live in harm…
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Madam Speaker, I want to say that Canada continues to be a global climate leader, and we are making our voice heard on the world stage. In fact, just last week, at the G7, the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change presented our ambitious new nature strategy. In the spring economic statement, we renewed Canada's international climate finance to support sustainable solutions across the world, …
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Madam Speaker, before I start, I want to thank my colleague from Kitchener Centre for standing up and having the tremendous strength she had today to share her story. Far too often in my 47 years, I have had to say goodbye to many family members way too early. They never were able to climb the mountain that she was able to climb, but I am able to share her story now to say that people can climb th…
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Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my dear friend's tremendous speech. I know that he is a proud Nova Scotian. I know he is a proud Canadian. Like me, he probably grew up thinking about going to space and always dreaming of being an astronaut. Unfortunately, things changed for me, but we do now have this bill on the floor. I want to talk a bit about the member's beautiful riding. I have never been there, b…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for looking out for my relatives from the Cowichan tribes. I know they are probably very furious about what is happening. We will work with them and work with others to ensure that no illegal dumping occurs on their property. We will make sure that it stops as soon as possible.
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I want to start by saying that the federal government is empowering Canadians to get ahead, through budget 2025. Build Canada Homes and a range of housing measures are part of our national effort to increase housing construction, restore affordability and reduce homelessness. Budget 2025 is making generational investments of $25 billion over five years for housing, and $115 billion ov…
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Mr. Speaker, this will undoubtedly be the hardest minute in my time as an MP, where I honour my father, who passed away on March 29 this year. He was born Howard Hong to a Musqueam matriarch and Hong Tim Hing, a Chinese immigrant. He grew up without a father; his father died when he was 10. My dad was the greatest father that my five siblings and I could ever have. He was Dad to many other people …
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Mr. Speaker, it is always a pleasure to rise and reply to my friend from York—Durham. Yes, we know that too many Canadians are struggling to find homes they can afford. That is why the government is taking action on multiple fronts to increase the rate of home construction, restore affordability and reduce homelessness, not through a single program but with a comprehensive approach that brings eve…
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Mr. Speaker, we, of course, acknowledge and take seriously the concerns raised by indigenous communities in the regions around tailings ponds where safety risks happen. Pollution from oil sands tailings is a serious issue that affects Canada's waters, ecosystems and the well-being of communities. Our government is committed to protecting the health of communities, as well as Canada's waters, fish …
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Mr. Speaker, yes, I do recognize what the hon. member has stated. I have talked with many of my family members in that area about that very topic. I will repeat this because it matters. Farmers do not pay the industrial carbon price, and groceries are not subject to any carbon tax. Our government eliminated the consumer fuel charge back in 2025. Industrial carbon pricing applies only to major emit…
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Mr. Speaker, I know my colleague from Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford proudly represents many of my extended family in the Sumas and Sts'ailes first nations, and I raise my hands to him for that, but I have to disagree with how he is painting the industrial carbon pricing. We have said before that there is no carbon tax on food and farmers, and farmers are not subject to the industrial carbon price. In…
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Mr. Speaker, I will do my best to answer the question. The Government of Canada is always focused on housing affordability for Canadians. The number of homes Build Canada Homes will support is much greater than the estimate contained in the Parliamentary Budget Officer's report, when funding from partners is taken into account. Build Canada Homes is about building partnerships. The Parliamentary B…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for Cloverdale—Langley City, which is a beautiful riding not too far from my home, for the question. The Government of Canada is focused on making housing more affordable and buying a home more attainable for Canadians. Through budget 2025, we are making generational investments of $25 billion over five years for housing and $115 billion over five years for infras…
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Mr. Speaker, I know my friend from York—Durham was recently in my province of British Columbia, so I hope that he had some hospitality from my friends there. To answer the member's question, this government knows that people across the country need affordable housing, and we are taking action. Through budget 2025, we are making generational investments of $25 billion over five years for housing an…
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Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is committed to solving the housing crisis, and we are working together with all of our partners to use every tool available to get the job done. The affordable housing fund, the housing accelerator fund and the apartment construction loan program are just some of the key programs that are helping Canadians. Build Canada Homes will also partner across the hous…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to a man I was lucky enough to get to know over the last 10 years. David Barnett of my riding of Vancouver Quadra passed away on February 5 at the age of 53, after a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Dave was executive vice-president of the Dayhu Group of Companies, working alongside his brother Jonathan to buil…
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Mr. Speaker, let me be clear that I and this government take food affordability concerns seriously. We know that families across the country are feeling the pressure of higher grocery bills. That is why earlier this year we introduced the Canada grocery and essentials benefit, previously the GST credit. This new benefit will boost payments to Canadians by 25% for five years plus a one-time 50% inc…
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Mr. Speaker, with regard to the particular matter raised by my colleague, it would not be appropriate for a minister or parliamentary secretary to indicate an opinion on criminality. This is a matter for law enforcement and the courts to determine. However, it is important to acknowledge the member's concerns. Canada's new government takes financial crimes seriously. This is why our government has…
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Mr. Speaker, I have seen that the Canada school food program has worked in my own community, where I see smiling happy kids every morning going off to school, coming home with full bellies and actually excelling in school for the first time in their lives. That is something that we need to be proud of. At a time when global supply chain disruptions are driving up prices, the government is focused …
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Mr. Speaker, the government will not take steps that weaken Canada's competitiveness or create uncertainty for industries that support good jobs in this country. Industrial carbon pricing and the clean fuel regulations are carefully designed policies that reduce emissions while protecting Canadian competitiveness and encouraging innovation. They provide flexibility for businesses, maintain investm…
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to start off by saying that I was a basketball player growing up in high school, but I guess I am a hockey player tonight, and this is my hat trick. Here we go. The global economy is more than a year into a profound rupture, with economic security, industrial policy and geopolitical competition increasingly shaping economic, financial and supply chain decisions. On top of…
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Mr. Speaker, let me be absolutely clear. We will not tolerate financial wrongdoing. Budget 2025 introduced new, strengthened measures to ensure stronger financial oversight and improved detection and prevention of financial crimes across Canada. We are committed to ensuring that our industries are not only protected from this current global environment, but strengthened and able to adapt to changi…
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Mr. Speaker, I have two young kids, so it is okay. I have dealt with people yelling at me when I am trying to do my job. Food prices in Canada, as in many countries, have been influenced by a range of global factors. Supply chain disruptions, geopolitical instability, extreme weather and rising production costs have always played a role in putting pressure on food systems worldwide. These are chal…
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Mr. Speaker, before I came to this side of the House, I was so excited when the national school food program was put forward. I grew up in a first nations community among many kids who lived below the poverty line. When I go down to my community centre, I watch kids go into our community centre. They get breakfast, they get lunch and they go to school with a full belly. When I graduated from high …
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Mr. Speaker, it is always a pleasure to rise to engage with my dear colleague from Saanich—Gulf Islands. The government does and will always take climate change commitments very seriously. In 2015, Canada, alongside 194 other countries, adopted the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The agreement sets a global goal to limit warming, strengthen resilien…
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Mr. Speaker, I just want to address the fact that Canada's climate strategy is about more than meeting commitments; it is also about building a safer, stronger and more prosperous country. By putting a price on pollution, investing in clean energy and supporting indigenous-led solutions, we are reducing emissions while creating jobs and economic opportunity. Our national adaptation strategy and ac…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from British Columbia for the question. I am so proud to stand on this side of the House as we build Canada strong from coast to coast to coast. Building Canada's housing is very important not only in cities and provinces but in first nations communities. I live in a first nations community with a housing list of over 500 people. These people want to come home to …
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Mr. Speaker, I just want to make sure we make it clear that the member is presenting a picture of the industrial carbon pricing system that simply does not reflect how it works or to whom it applies. There is no carbon tax on food, and farmers are not subject to the industrial carbon price. That is a fact. Independent modelling backs this up. An analysis from the Canadian Climate Institute and Nav…
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Mr. Speaker, I will repeat this because it matters: Farmers do not pay the industrial carbon price, and groceries are not subject to the carbon price. Industrial carbon pricing focuses only on major emitters and gives them practical options to reduce pollution at the lowest possible cost, while it also drives investment in clean technology in Canada. If the opposition succeeded in dismantling thes…
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Madam Speaker, as a father of two young children, aged 15 and 17, I know how important it is to ensure that we think about the health and safety of our children and youth. We will work hard in ensuring that they are not in any danger moving forward. That is what we will continue to do on this side of the House, and I really look forward to working with both sides of the House to ensure the safety …
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Madam Speaker, I welcome the member's question. I will work with him after question period to find a solution with the member.
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart but in celebration of one of my matriarchs. Barbara “Mary” Charles passed away at the age of 96 last year. Better known to thousands as Aunty Mary, she grew up as a Tsleil-Waututh member, went to a Catholic day school for much of her youth and at 17 married into Musqueam. She had 13 children and became the leader of her family, but also a leader in Musq…
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Mr. Speaker, I know some people think one should not do this after February 1, but I would like to wish you a happy new year, because it is the first time I have been able to engage with you. The purpose of Canada's industrial carbon pricing system is straightforward and fair. Large producers should take responsibility for the pollution they produce. That is the principle at the heart of the polic…
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Mr. Speaker, industrial carbon pricing is about fairness and economic responsibility. When pollution imposes real costs, those costs should be borne by the largest emitters, not by families and not by farmers. The system is designed to protect industrial competitiveness, reward efficiency and align Canada with global clean market rules. Scrapping it would not lower grocery prices or strengthen ind…
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Mr. Speaker, that is why, in my speech today, I did indicate that free, prior and informed consent is something that we will seek to achieve with indigenous communities right across the province of British Columbia.
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Mr. Speaker, I have known the member opposite for many years. I know that he has done great work for his community. I know that this government respects aboriginal title and rights in this country. I do know that those conversations are going to be important as we move forward, as we go toward major projects in this country. The member opposite represents many of those coastal first nations in nor…
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Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to be here as the first member of my first nation for my home riding of Vancouver Quadra. I have watched over the years as my mother, who was chief, as my grandfather, who was chief, as my uncle, who was chief, have further succeeded in making sure that our interests are always first and foremost. The government on this side has made great strides in ensuring that we res…
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Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand before the House today to speak about the monumental agreement signed between the governments of Canada and Alberta. We know that this country is facing a pivotal, once-in-a-generation moment and that to overcome the challenges of our time, we must bolster and diversify our economy, working hand in hand with provinces, indigenous groups and the private sector to …
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Mr. Speaker, the short answer is no, I did not want to be a Conservative. The long answer is, I do believe in climate change. I do believe in aboriginal title and rights, and I do believe in the respect to come and speak in meaningful consultation. That is what the commitment has been. In fact, today I had the honour of sitting down with coastal first nations to let them know that I will continue …
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Mr. Speaker, we would like to express our gratitude and thanks to Mr. Donner and Mademoiselle Abreu for their years of service and leadership at the net-zero advisory board. Their important contributions to the board have helped guide our government's work in advancing decisive climate action in Canada, and we are better off for their contributions.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, as the eyes of the soccer world descend upon Washington, D.C., today as the World Cup draw comes near, the eyes of Vancouver soccer fans and soccer fans across Canada will be on Miami tomorrow as we celebrate the exciting achievement of the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are western conference champions in Major League Soccer and will play in the championship game for the very first time, t…
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Mr. Speaker, once again, I want to express our thanks and gratitude to Mr. Donner and Mademoiselle Abreu for their years of service. Our government values the role of the net-zero advisory board as an independent expert body that provides important advice to inform climate policy. We remain committed to working closely with the board, as we continue advancing Canada toward a net-zero future.
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Mr. Chair, I take offence to that comment because I am the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, who happens to be a first nations MP from the province of British Columbia who grew up on the coast. I recognize that the coast is a very supernatural place for me to grow up, and I have worked with first nations all my life. We have been very emphatic that first na…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak about Canada's ecological gifts program and provide information that may help members in their debate on Motion No. 15. Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded traditional territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin nation. I would also like to recognize that the lands and waters across Canada are the homelands and …
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Mr. Chair, there are a number of members in my family who have chosen to have electric vehicles and they very much enjoy driving them. They enjoy driving them and finding places they can go on a single charge. I do recognize that we need to ensure we expand our electric charging stations across the country, whether it be in rural or remote areas, or within urban centres. We do need to ensure that …
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