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Results: 101 - 200 of 302
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, we are very proud of the wage subsidy program and proud of the role it is playing to keep Canadian businesses going and, crucially, to keep Canadian workers connected to their jobs, but I have a question for the member opposite.
Half of the questions we hear from the Conservatives in question period are concerns that we're spending too much money, that the deficit is too high. The other half of the time they complain about specific companies not getting access to our programs.
We know which side we're on as a government. I'd like the Conservatives to let Canadians know what they believe in.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I'm really grateful for that question because it allows me to set the record straight for Canadians.
Canadians need to know that our country has the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7. We had that before the crisis began, and we still do. Canada has the fiscal firepower to support Canadians during this unprecedented crisis, and that is what we are going to continue to do.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I thank the hon. member for the question. I want to point out that, as the hon. member said, the wage subsidy was really put in place to protect workers across Canada. We are proud of that. More than 2 million Canadians have benefited from this—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
I thank the hon. member for her question.
I would like to point out again that the purpose of the Canada emergency wage subsidy is to support workers across Canada and Quebec, to help them keep their jobs and allow them to stay connected to their workplace.
That is what we've done. More than 2 million Canadians are benefiting from this important and truly essential program for our country. We are proud of it.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Our programs do not discriminate. They are there to help all workers. The hon. member talked about businesses and sectors that need more help. We agree. There is still a lot to do, but we want to work with all the—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
I thank the hon. member for her question.
I agree that there is still a lot to do. We are ready, and we are taking action. However, it's important to point out that our government has already done a lot to support Canadians. We've spent $152 billion in direct support measures to Canadians. More than eight million people are benefiting from the CERB, and more than two million—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I want to point out that our programs do not discriminate. They are there to help all workers across the country, and I want to point out to what extent our programs do that.
Eight million people are currently benefiting from the CERB, and two million are supported by the emergency wage subsidy. Our programs are also helping 380,000 students and 639,000 businesses—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I would like to start by thanking the member opposite for his very important question and the very important work he has done throughout his career in drawing attention to racism in Canada and in fighting against it. Thank you.
I agree strongly with the member opposite that we, as Canadians, must be the opposite of complacent. We have to acknowledge that anti-black racism is real in our country, that unconscious bias is real in our country and that systemic discrimination is real. It happens here. We have to commit today to working hard to fight it.
I have more to say about disaggregated data and the coronavirus, and I hope I'll have a chance to do that in my next answer.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Thank you again for that very important question.
First of all, on coronavirus, our government believes that disaggregated data, including when it comes to race, is extremely important. We're working with our provincial partners on that.
On policing, racial profiling is unacceptable and unlawful. We will always work to uphold the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and to ensure the human rights of everyone in Canada are protected. At the federal level, RCMP members are guided by bias-free policing based on equality and non-discrimination.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, at this moment I can only speak for myself, and I have not met with any such lobbyists during that period or at other times.
I share the member opposite's concerns about long-term care facilities in Canada. We have to do better, and we will.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Let me very clear about one thing, speaking on behalf of our government and on behalf of the Prime Minister. Our government sees as a matter of utmost concern and utmost urgency what has been happening in long-term care homes in our country, and the reports we have received from the brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces about facilities in Ontario and Quebec need to be treated as historic documents that—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Our government absolutely understands the crucial role municipalities play as the engine of our economy at all times, and particularly today, as in many parts of the country we are looking to restart the economy. That is why the Prime Minister announced just this morning that we will be accelerating payments under the gas tax fund. Municipalities will receive the full amount of their 2020-21 payment on June 10. This will help them with some of their near-term liquidity issues.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, it is absolutely not. In fact, I am pleased to be here in person meeting with members from across the country and pleased that our colleagues who live further away from Ottawa than I do have the opportunity to join us.
Parliament plays an essential role in our democracy, and it's—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, the agricultural sector is critical to our country, and the questions some of us have been asking around food security have reminded us how lucky we are, as Canadians, to be living in an agricultural superpower.
When it comes to the specific technical questions that farmers have, they should turn to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, who will be delighted to help.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
What I can say is that we are very mindful of and very grateful for the extremely—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, very many farmers, and certainly many of the farmers of my acquaintance, have worked with accountants for a very long time. Farmers are sophisticated business people who deal in the futures markets every day. They run hugely important businesses—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, what is condescending is to behave as if farmers are not highly sophisticated businessmen. They hire economists. They hire agronomists. They are at the cutting edge. I am proud of the sophistication of Canadian farmers, and I'm proud of the support we offer them.
Some honourable members: Oh, oh!
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I agree with the member opposite about one thing: The energy sector and energy workers are absolutely essential to our economy, and we support them.
One of the things I am most proud of is the $1.7 billion our government has committed to cleaning up orphan wells. That money today has created jobs in Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan. People are working because of it, and they are cleaning up their communities thanks to that support.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, the purpose of the wage subsidy is to support workers, help them keep their jobs and keep them connected to their workplace—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, allow me to remind the hon. member opposite what we're doing to support Canadians: more than 8 million Canadians have received the Canada emergency response benefit.
In addition, 635,000 businesses have received loans through the Canada emergency business account.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I would like to continue by reminding my colleague opposite what our government is doing today to support Canadians and Quebeckers: 293 applications for the Canada emergency wage subsidy have been approved.
Over 2 million Canadians today have—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, our programs don't discriminate. They're there to help all workers, to help all Canadians, to help all Quebeckers.
The hon. member talked about companies and sectors that need more help. We agree with that. We think we all need to work together to continue to help Canadians and Quebeckers—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I want to point out something important when we talk about our work and our economy. The important thing is that we have put in place unprecedented economic measures that are absolutely urgent and necessary.
That's what we'll continue to do.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I am absolutely willing to look into the eyes of the entrepreneurs and workers in my riding because they know that our government is doing a lot to help Canadians in this historic crisis.
Our economic support program is the largest program in Canada's history—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, that's a very important question, and I would like to thank the member for asking it.
I think this is a historic week. All Canadians have seen what is happening in Ontario and Quebec. We—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I want to start by saying one thing, and that is to publicly thank, in this House, Brigadier-General Conrad Mialkowski and his team for compiling the assessment that they did of long-term care homes in Ontario. They acted with courage. They acted with compassion. What they did is historic, and we all need to—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I agree with the member opposite that after what we have learned this week, all options must be on the table when it comes to how care for our elders will be provided in Canada in the future.
I think it is clear to us all that root-and-branch reform is necessary. We need to act with speed but not haste, and work with our provincial partners.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
What we will commit to do—and I hope with the support of all members of this House—is work very carefully and also very urgently in close co-operation with our provincial partners, under whose jurisdiction this falls, to ensure that these heart-wrenching reports mean that as a country we turn the page—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I want to clarify one point in the member's question. Canadian Crown corporations are not Liberal, not Conservative and not partisan.
One of the strengths of Canada is that we have non-partisan government institutions, and they serve us extremely well. Our—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, as I said at the outset, the ownership structure of long-term care facilities needs to be on the table. Everything does.
I also want to emphasize how important it is for us to do what we have been doing, which is to work very closely with the provinces, under whose jurisdiction this falls. In just the past 24 hours, I have spoken with Premier Ford, Premier Horgan and Premier Moe, and our conversation included long-term care facilities.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
I'd like to thank the member opposite for her excellent point.
Our government is very committed to removing barriers to interprovincial trade. It's something that we have been working on with the premiers. Obviously the coronavirus has taken precedence in recent weeks, but it's a priority. It's the right thing to do.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, it is absolutely right and appropriate for first ministers, who have been meeting every week for more than two months, to be focusing on the urgent threat posed by the coronavirus.
However, I agree with the member opposite that we need to lift barriers to interprovincial trade. That's something we're committed to doing and to working on with the premiers.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
What we do acknowledge is the essential role municipalities play in our country at all times, and the particularly essential role they play today as our country gets ready to restart our economy.
We are working closely with the municipalities to talk about ways we can support them and are working closely with the provinces, in whose jurisdiction the municipalities fall.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Let me just say again, Mr. Chair, that we are extremely alive to the importance of municipalities in our economy. We are very aware of the difficult financial situation they find themselves in, and we are very aware of how important it is to keep our municipalities functioning, particularly as we move into the restart.
We're working with municipalities and are urging them to work with their provinces, as we are doing too.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, the federal government very much understands and appreciates the importance of municipalities. We are prepared to support them. Provinces need to do their share too.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, we have an excellent assurance of our trade with the United States, which is our new NAFTA trade agreement that we have negotiated, thanks to the unprecedented co-operation across this country. It is very important to the Canadian economy and Canadian producers.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, Canada currently has restrictive border measures in place. One of the aspects of our border measures that I think is most valuable to Canadians—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, let me continue my answer.
One of the most important and trickiest aspects of our travel restrictions has been to ensure that we have restrictions in place with our largest neighbour, most important trading partner, the United States, restrictions which simultaneously protect the health of Canadians but also permit essential travel for businesses, for services. That was a complex balance to achieve. I'm very pleased that we have achieved it.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, as I said, getting the balance exactly right, particularly with the United States, with whom we have the longest unmilitarized border in the world and with whom we have essential trade that needs to continue, was very tricky. I'm very pleased that we've managed to do that in a reciprocal and collaborative way.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, we are very closely monitoring the need for various medicines in Canada.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, absolutely not. I would strongly disagree with that assertion. Of course, not every drug that is invented in the world has a manufacturer that seeks approval in Canada, but we always look for ways for Canadians to have access to the medicines they need.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, let me be very, very clear with Canadians. It is absolutely important for Canadians to have access to the medicines that they need. That is something that our government, working closely with the provinces, is focused on.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, our government is focused on making the medicines that Canadians need available to them at an affordable price.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, let me first of all say that our health minister is doing a fantastic job. She, like the rest of our government, is focused on ensuring that all Canadians have access to the medicines they need and that our country doesn't pay more than it needs to for the medicines it needs.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
I would like to thank the member for his question.
I would like to emphasize that in my view, as a mother and a member of Parliament, the most important thing is to protect our young people and students. We must all understand that the crisis raises a particular problem for them and that it is a very dangerous time for them and their future. For this reason, I am proud to be able to say that our government has created a $9-billion support program for our students.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I thank the member for his question.
I would like to reply by saying that for our government—and for the Bloc Québécois member, I believe—the priority must be to protect our students.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
The answer is simple too.
We will do everything required to protect and help our young people because we understand that the situation is difficult, and even dangerous, because of the COVID-19 crisis.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
It may be because I am a mother and have many young Canadians in my personal life, but I have an enormous amount of confidence in our young people. I believe that they want to work.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
I am well aware that the Bloc Québécois member is not a mother. Fathers also think that students and young people are important.
I have two things to say. First of all, our government recognizes the close cooperation that exists among all members of the opposition, including members of the Bloc Québécois. We are always prepared to speak and work with them. Secondly, I am personally convinced that our young people want to work. They want to gain employment experience because they understand that it is important for their careers.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
I hope and believe that Canadians and Quebeckers have a high level of confidence in our government. I hope that they know we understand that we have to deal with a crisis that is a major challenge. We are prepared to do everything needed to protect the health of Canadians and our country's economy.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Thank you Mr. Chair
I agree with the leader of the NDP that the priority is to help workers. We must help Canadians because our country is facing a major economic crisis. We believe that it is important to find ways to give money to people.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I agree with the member opposite that our priority needs to be to support Canadian workers in this very difficult time.
What I would say to the member opposite, as the Prime Minister said earlier this week, please name one company that is receiving the wage subsidy support and therefore is able to keep its workers on the payroll who you think should not be getting that support. We'd like to know. We don't want anybody to be cheating either.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
While I'm not sure if the member opposite is suggesting that Loblaws and Cargill are in receipt of wage subsidy support, and if he is, I'd like to hear that, but more broadly, I do want to be clear about our government's position, which I'm very proud of. Our government's position is that our house is burning down, and Canadians right now are facing the toughest economic situation since the Great Depression, and our priority is to support every single Canadian worker we can.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Well, look, when it comes to bonuses, I don't think the member opposite is proposing that our government should put in place across-the-board restrictions on—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
—on the salaries of all CEOs across the country no matter what. That would be rather draconian.
When it comes to our LEEFF program of support for large employers, it is absolutely the case that any company that seeks that support will have to agree to very strict —
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, let me commit to two things.
First of all, our priority absolutely is to support workers. That's what we're doing.
Second of all, companies getting support through the LEEFF program absolutely will face restrictions on dividends, share buybacks and executive compensation.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
This would absolutely not be an accurate characterization.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
I would like to thank my colleague very much for his question.
When I was Minister of Foreign affairs, I worked closely with the Gauthier family. Mr. Martel is right to say that this matter is of considerable concern to our government, and to all Canadians, particularly in Mr. Gauthier's region. We are going to continue to work with the family and our foreign partners to help Mr. Gauthier.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I would like to thank my colleague for his question.
We are very familiar with this project and are working on several issues, including this one, in close collaboration with Quebec. I, like the member, believe that natural resource projects are important for Canada's economy and that they will also be important for helping our economy recover.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I must say that I disagree in the strongest possible terms that our government would ever encourage foreign influence in Canadian democracy, and I have to say that I believe all members of this House have the same view.
Our democracy is precious. Our sovereignty is precious. I think all of us as members of this House are sworn to defend it, and our government certainly has always done that and will continue to do so.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, if the member opposite is suggesting that people who believe we need to protect our environment and people who believe we need to fight climate change work in our government, then the member is absolutely right, and I believe that all Canadians understand that we need to fight climate change and we need to support the environment.
Canada, as a proud natural resource producing country, needs to continue the work that is led by many brilliant people in the energy sector to produce our natural resources in a sustainable way to protect our environment. That is something we're doing, and it is something we'll continue to do.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, our government absolutely understands the need to support workers across our fantastic country, very much including energy workers, and we understand that energy workers are facing a double burden. They are facing the challenges posed by the coronavirus, and they are facing the challenges posed by a historically low price for oil.
That is why our government has stepped up to help them. We have stepped up to help them with the $1.7 billion to clean up orphaned wells, an effort that will put people back to work while supporting our environment. The LEEFF program, which is now open for applications, is going to support large employers across the country, very much including in our energy sector.
I'd like to congratulate the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and B.C. for working with the federal government to agree on methane emissions. This is very good news for the environment. It's very good news for our energy sector. We are making progress together.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, let me thank the member opposite for the question. It's a very important one for Canadians, and I want to start with this assurance to Canadians: The health and safety of Canadians is first and foremost for our government when it comes to reopening the borders. We need to be very careful about the epidemiological situation in Canada and outside our country. We're also working very closely with the premiers.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, our government understands the importance of the energy sector to the Canadian economy, and we are committed to supporting energy workers.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
I'd like to thank the member opposite for his very important question. He raises a very important point that today, at a time when our economy is facing a very difficult situation, Canadian companies are particularly vulnerable. Today is also a time when we have particular reason to pay attention to the sanctity of our supply chains in areas like medical equipment and food security.
Let me assure the honourable member that our government, informed by the work of our excellent intelligence analysts, is very focused on ensuring the safety and sanctity of Canadian companies and on ensuring that they are not acquired inappropriately.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Let me say that the member points to a very important issue, one that I think should concern all Canadians. It is never right for Canadian companies to be acquired by hostile foreign interests in the world today, where we have more reason than ever to be concerned about our national security. We need to pay particular attention to this concern, and we are.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
I would really like to assure the member opposite, and all Canadians, that our government will always stand up for the national interest. We will always stand up for national security, and that definitely means not allowing hostile interests to buy up our companies.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Madam Chair, the government was very clear at the recent general assembly of the WHO that we do support a post-crisis review. That's the right thing to do. Canada is behind it.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Madam Chair, our government has been very clear, working together with our allies, co-sponsoring an EU-sponsored resolution, that we do believe a post-crisis review is the right thing to do.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Madam Chair, my answer was also very clear, which is that Canada, working together with our closest allies, such as the EU, has been very clear that we support a post-crisis review.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Madam Chair, our government has been very clear and has been working effectively with our strongest democratic allies in the world, such as the EU. We believe a post-crisis review is absolutely necessary. We will continue pushing for that.
Let me just say that right now we're focusing on fighting the coronavirus in Canada.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Madam Chair, let me be extremely clear about our government's public position taken just a few days ago, which is that we support an independent and comprehensive review of the WHO response to the pandemic. We're working with our allies to get that done, and we will.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
I think that I have been extremely clear about the government's position when it comes to the WHO. Canada is working closely with our democratic partners to ensure there is an independent and comprehensive post-crisis review, and one will happen. We'll make sure it does.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Madam Chair, the work of parliamentary committees is independent, as it ought to be, and we support the work of all of our parliamentary committees, including calling the witnesses whom they would like to interview.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Let me just say this: The government supports the work of our parliamentary committees very much, including the health committee, and the health committee has the right to call witnesses it believes are necessary for its work. When it comes to the WHO, our Minister of International Development has spoken directly with the leader of the WHO and made it clear that a post-crisis review is the right thing, and Canada is calling for it.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Madam Chair, I thank my colleague for his question. It is a very important issue.
I spoke with Mayor Plante on Friday. I agree with her and with the mayors across the country that municipalities continue to play an essential role, especially when it comes to reopening our country. Municipalities, public transit and everything else will be essential for us.
That is why we encourage municipalities to work with the provinces. We are prepared to work with the provinces to support municipalities.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Madam Chair, once again, I fully agree that this is a very important issue for our country. Our government is prepared to work closely with municipalities. The issue of public transit is absolutely essential to the recovery of the economy.
I also want to note that it is very important that municipalities continue to work with the provinces, which have the primary responsibility for municipalities. The federal government will be there as well.
I encourage all members of Parliament to have talks with the provinces.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
The Prime Minister of Canada understands that this is a historic moment for Canada and for the world, and he understands the importance of Canada's voice in this historic moment.
After World War II, Canada did some important work in creating the postwar international order. Canada must and can do similar work now. That is why the Prime Minister is making those calls.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
We agree that municipalities are essential. We are working closely with them and we encourage the provinces to do the same.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Madam Chair, let me start by saying I am aware of Irving Oil's decision and I think this is a very good step in energy self-sufficiency for our country. It's great to see Canadian energy products being refined and used here in Canada.
When it comes to pipelines, let me just point out that our government has actually bought a pipeline and I'm very pleased to report that this pipeline is being built even as we speak.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Madam Chair, I am almost tempted not to dignify that juvenile question with an answer. Let me simply say that I believe there are a lot of eager customers for Canadian energy products. When we can get that oil to our Pacific coast, I know that people will be happy to buy it, and it will be great for all Canadians.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Madam Chair, following the example of my colleague, let me just say that I know the member is very concerned about Canadian working people and understands that today, as we face the coronavirus, we need to be even more concerned about Canadian working people.
The member opposite would agree with members on this side of the House—and I think on the other side of the House—that workers in the oil and gas sector are particularly affected and are facing a double blow. That is why I am extremely proud of the $1.7 billion our government has committed to cleaning up orphan wells. I think this is a program we can all—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Let me just continue my answer from the previous question, which is to say that our government's priority today is to help Canadian workers whom we know are facing a greater challenge than at any time since the Great Depression. We understand that the workers in the oil and gas sector are facing a double whammy. We also understand the importance of cleaning up Canada's environment, and I think the orphan well program is perhaps one of those rare programs that members on all sides of this House can support.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Let me just say to the member not opposite but on this side of the House that our government absolutely agrees that all Canadians and all Canadian companies need to pay their fair share. We have committed unprecedented amounts of money to the CRA to find examples of tax fraud. Having said that, we also understand that we are facing an emergency right now, and our priority first and foremost is to take care of Canadian workers and not to punish them.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I'd like to thank the member for his question.
I completely agree that municipalities are still vital, especially now as we get Canada's economy going again. They are also vital when it comes to public transit.
I think every member of the House understands the conditions municipalities have to work within, and all of us should understand that municipalities are under provincial jurisdiction. The federal government is willing to work with municipalities and provinces.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
I'd like to thank the member for her important question. It gives me an opportunity to point out how important our $1.7 billion for cleaning up the orphan wells has been.
This program, as we have already seen, is creating great jobs for workers in the oil and gas sector in Alberta, Saskatchewan and B.C. These are the parts of the country that have been the most affected, and that's why we have targeted our support there.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Let me just say that I am sure the member opposite, who is a member for Alberta, is not in any way suggesting that any of the funds we have dedicated to orphan well cleanup should be taken away from Alberta and moved to any other part of the country. We will—
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I think the member opposite must have a definition different from what the oil and gas sector has for what constitutes real and meaningful support, support that has reassured the industry, support that has reassured the oil sector.
Let me talk about the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and its reaction to the LEEFF financing support. It said, “Today, we welcome the federal government's action to increase access to capital and liquidity”.
These are important steps. They've increased confidence in the industry, and that's the right thing to do.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, the industry understands very well that this is significant support and that the support absolutely is coming.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, our government has long been clear in its support for Keystone XL. In fact, in 2013, before we were in government, our then future prime minister travelled to Washington to make very clear our support for that important pipeline.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
I would like to thank the member opposite for her very important question. It gives me an opportunity to underscore what the Prime Minister announced earlier today, which is that our government has now agreed with our American partners to roll over for another 30 days the restrictions on non-essential travel between Canada and the United States.
The member is quite right that for ridings like hers, these restrictions are particularly important. We've worked very closely with the provinces on the border. The Premier of British Columbia was very clear that the epidemiological situation in B.C., in his view, meant that we needed to maintain those restrictions in place. I'm very glad that by working co-operatively and collaboratively with the U.S., we have been able to do that.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
I would like to thank the member opposite for her very important question.
Our government is absolutely aware of the essential role municipalities play every day, and particularly of the essential role they will play as we are all looking toward restarting the economy.
As the member opposite suggested, public transit is an essential part of the work municipalities do. At the FMM meeting, over the phone last week with the Prime Minister and the first ministers, the Prime Minister did discuss the need to support municipalities and for provinces to really work with the municipalities and with us to ensure that our municipalities are able to be part of a successful relaunch of the Canadian economy.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Excuse me, Mr. Chair.
Sorry, I was on mute.
Our government's priority is to respond to the needs of Canadians during this economic crisis, a crisis greater than any other our generation has experienced.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, our priority is to support Canadians in the deepest crisis that we have experienced since the Second World War. This is what we will continue to do.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, more than seven million Canadians have received the CERB, and I am delighted to be able to say that. Our country is experiencing the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. Our government is here to help, and we are proud of that.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I will give Canadians a clear answer. Of course, instances of fraud will be looked into carefully. I also want to say to the member opposite that we trust Canadians. Canadians have shown tremendous resilience, tremendous dedication to the common good in this crisis, and I trust Canadians in accessing our benefits.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, the member opposite may not appreciate, as our government does, that we are experiencing the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. That is why our government has acted, and it has acted with alacrity. We trust Canadians to do the right thing. Fraud, of course, will be investigated.
View Chrystia Freeland Profile
Lib. (ON)
Mr. Chair, I feel, in the question periods we've had this week, that Conservatives want to have their cake and eat it too. Half of their questions are about businesses in their communities or sectors that are not receiving enough government support. The other half of their questions are about how we need more red tape to make it harder to support Canadians.
Our government knows that Canadians need support. The Conservatives—
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