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Mr. Brad Vis (Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, CPC)

Apr/28/22 4:12:53 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, Bill C-8 talks about an underused housing tax act. The recent budget, in conjunction with Bill C-8, talked about implementation of the underused housing tax act. Indeed, this is something we have in British Columbia already, but I would be remiss if I did not point out the obvious gaps included in the act, including the fact that under this new law, foreign students would still be able to purchase real estate in British Columbia. Anyone in the House who has followed the news in British Columbia knows that many students with wealthy offshore parents have used that to get massive gains when Canadians have been priced out of the market. Why did the Liberals provide an exemption for foreign students to continue purchasing real estate when so many British Columbians cannot do so themselves?

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Hon. Chrystia Freeland

Apr/28/22 4:13:52 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, let me just say it is a bit rich for the Conservatives to be talking about action on housing, particularly action on foreign buyers, when they have blocked our historic efforts in this space at every turn. The member is quite right: One of the essential elements in Bill C-8 is the historic underused housing tax act. This is an important step. It is an important step for affordability for Canadians, yet this legislation has been repeatedly blocked by the Conservatives. When it comes to foreign buyers, I was very glad that in the budget we presented earlier this month we were able, again historically, to introduce a two-year ban on foreign purchases. I would say that if the Conservatives actually support this measure, which I think they should, let us see them support Bill C-8. Let them move it through quickly and support the budget.

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Mr. Sébastien Lemire (Abitibi—Témiscamingue, BQ)

Apr/28/22 4:15:08 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, my question for the Minister of Finance is a simple one. It is now the end of April. Bill C‑8 was introduced in December. Is it essentially the sum total of all the government's foot-dragging since that totally pointless election? It took some time to get back to work, appoint ministers and open Parliament. This is a budget statement from last fall. The budget has since been tabled, and we are debating it, but we are still beating around the bush with Bill C‑8. It is the minister maybe a little embarrassed about that?

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Hon. Chrystia Freeland

Apr/28/22 4:15:43 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, once again, I am pleased that all members support the measures in Bill C‑8 and, of course, the budget. That is a good thing. However, if the members really think that these measures are necessary, and I definitely agree with this idea, then they have to help us pass this bill. We need real support, not a hypocritical stance that, on the one hand blocks our efforts to help Canadians and, on the other, asks critical questions about why these measures are not in place. If the members opposite want them, and that would be a good thing, they have to support the government and vote in favour of these measures if necessary

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Ms. Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands, GP)

Apr/28/22 4:16:53 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, I am well aware we are debating time allocation. I will not comment on the substance of Bill C-8, but on the question of the use of time allocation. The hon. minister will know that, for as long as we have both served in the House together, I have opposed time allocation as a sign that we are disrespecting the parliamentary process by pushing legislation through. On the other hand, I am also aware of what this debate on Bill C-8 has canvassed in the past few moments and for a long time in this place. I want to put forward on the record the best way to handle it. I am not going to get into House leader discussions. It is not a failure of the government or of the opposition, but collectively a failure of the management of the legislative agenda. I point to a failure to uphold our rules, which makes it possible for opposition party leaders to tell the government that they do not know how many members they want to put up for debate and will let it know later. Although I am not in the room, or a fly on the wall, our rules still say that members cannot deliver a prepared written speech. If we were held to that, it would be like the Parliament of Westminster in the U.K. None of the members here would be able to stand up and deliver a speech on a subject they did not know well enough to speak to off the cuff with the knowledge they had in their heads. That would significantly expedite the process of passing good legislation. I would put that to the member for her comments.

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Hon. Chrystia Freeland

Apr/28/22 4:18:26 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, I want to say that I have tremendous respect for the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands. She is someone who has served Canada and the House for a very long time. I want to say to her, through you, that our government takes absolutely no pleasure in using time allocation. This is a measure we are introducing solely because Canadians need this support now. We have heard from the members opposite, the same ones who have been obstructing and delaying this legislation, how important the legislation is. Therefore, I think members can grasp the absurdity of that position and the necessity we are faced with in having to use this measure that we take no pleasure in using. I will also say to the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands that when it comes to comparing the practices of this House with those of other parliaments, while I would by no means claim we are perfect, I think we as Canadians can really hold our heads up high when it comes to how our parliamentary democracy functions compared with others anywhere else in the world.

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Ms. Michelle Ferreri (Peterborough—Kawartha, CPC)

Apr/28/22 4:20:00 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, my question is with respect to the 12,000 independent travel advisers across Canada, primarily women, who we know have suffered very much during this pandemic. They have not yet been included in any of the economic statements. My question to the member opposite is why, when they have met with multiple members and been promised to be included in relief funding, they have not been. Why?

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Hon. Chrystia Freeland

Apr/28/22 4:20:34 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, let me say this. Our government has provided significant support to travel and tourism. We recognize that sector has been particularly hard hit by COVID. That is why the support has been there and will be there until May 7. I will also say that I think every single member of the House would agree with me that it is absolutely essential that our country and economy continue to function and come roaring back, even in the face of the continued presence of COVID and a sixth wave among us. That is why it is so important to get Bill C-8 passed. The ventilation, the rapid tests and the support for vaccination credentials are all key to getting through this sixth wave.

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Hon. Bardish Chagger (Waterloo, Lib.)

Apr/28/22 4:21:44 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, I would like to highlight that the government, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, has been conscious about being there for Canadians. It has been a very challenging time, and disproportionately for certain segments of the population. What is clear is that supports are still needed, and many of those measures are available in Bill C-8. Though it is unfortunate we are having to use a tool to get this legislation voted on, I am glad to see that we might have a vote sooner rather than later, because many people in my riding of Waterloo and the surrounding areas will benefit. I would like to ask the minister to comment on some of the Canadians who would benefit from these measures. People have been waiting for way too long to ensure these measures and investments will start to flow.

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Hon. Chrystia Freeland

Apr/28/22 4:22:33 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, all of us here in this House seek to serve our constituents and be connected with our communities, but I know of no one here who is better connected and who more fiercely and more effectively represents her constituents than the member for Waterloo. I am also very aware of the hard work the member for Waterloo has done for young Canadians, for the people who are our future. That is why one of the measures that are so important in Bill C-8 is the tax credit for teachers, the tax credit for those very, very dedicated and self-sacrificing teachers who reached into their own pockets and bought school supplies for their students. I really think everyone in this House will agree with me, and I am sure the member for Waterloo and her constituents will agree with me, that those teachers deserve our support. They deserve a tax credit. That is why I would urge everyone in this House to set aside the partisan posturing and help Canadians.

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Mr. Jacques Gourde (Lévis—Lotbinière, CPC)

Apr/28/22 4:23:51 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, the economic update presented by the Minister of Finance last fall did not include a single item or line about the possibility of increasing interest rates. The same is true of the recent budget. The minister has completely ignored any such increase, which demonstrates the level of Liberal incompetence. Can the minister tell us what this will mean in terms of debt? How much is this going to cost Canadians in additional interest given the higher interest rates we are going to have this year? We have heard nothing about their impact.

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Hon. Chrystia Freeland

Apr/28/22 4:24:38 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, I apologize to the House, but what the opposition member just said is simply not true. The budget contains a number of analyses that talk about inflation and interest rates, and I can find those page numbers. The budget was subjected to a stress test examining the effects of various scenarios on the economy and the fiscal situation of our country. With regard to the debt, I want to point out that, for this fiscal year, the cost of paying down the Canadian debt will represent 1% of our country's GDP, which remains a historically low level. I want to again emphasize that there are several analyses in the budget showing the impact of various scenarios in relation to inflation, interest rates and the war in Ukraine.

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Ms. Andréanne Larouche (Shefford, BQ)

Apr/28/22 4:26:06 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, I know that I already spoke about this issue when I gave my speech on Bill C‑8. I spoke at length about it with my colleague from Joliette, and we came to the conclusion that this interferes in Quebec's and the provinces' jurisdiction over property tax. We are accused of picking fights, but why is the Liberal government constantly encroaching on the responsibilities of Quebec and the provinces? My colleague from Joliette may have an amendment to propose wherein the tax on secondary residences would apply only in the provinces that want it so that they, and Quebec of course, can choose for themselves. Why is the government taking a centralist approach yet again and trying to interfere in a jurisdiction belonging to Quebec and the provinces?

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Hon. Chrystia Freeland

Apr/28/22 4:26:56 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, I thank the member for the question and for pointing out how our government always tries to work in close collaboration with the provinces and territories, including Quebec of course. Many measures in Bill C‑8 have to do with the fight against COVID‑19, which is ongoing, and the vital efforts to keep Canada's economy going and ensure that society stays open during the sixth wave of this pandemic. I want to point out that our government, the federal government, is the one that has supported the provinces and territories in this fight. In March, we sent $2 billion to the provinces and territories to strengthen their health care systems. The bill provides for $300 million to support the proof of vaccination systems implemented by the provinces and territories, as well as $1.7 billion for the rapid tests that we are sending to the provinces and territories for free.

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Ms. Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre, NDP)

Apr/28/22 4:28:32 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, people and their families are paying more for rent, groceries and gas, and instead of helping people out, the Liberal governments keep protecting, in this instance, their wealthy friends who own grocery chains. This seems to be a pattern with the current government, which gave Loblaws $12 million for fridges. Now we are in the middle of a recession and families are struggling. Why does the government continue to not help families in need?

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Hon. Chrystia Freeland

Apr/28/22 4:29:12 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, with the greatest respect, I have to disagree with the hon. member. The reality is that Bill C-8 and our most recent budget include a number of measures to help Canadians with the cost of living. They include dental care; they include doubling the support provided through the first-time homebuyers' tax credit; they include a multi-generational home renovation tax credit, which recognizes that many Canadians want to live together with an extended family; and they include, crucially, a $500 payment to those facing housing affordability challenges. Of course, the budget does also include some significant tax-raising measures targeted precisely for those who are at the very top.

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Mr. Doug Shipley (Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte, CPC)

Apr/28/22 4:30:18 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, I have a very straightforward question. Where I come from, Barrie—Springwood—Oro-Medonte, the average price of a home is over $900,000. It is getting very tough for young people to buy their first home. In the recent budget 2022, there was a tax-free savings account set up to a maximum of $40,000. If someone hits that $40,000 in my area, they are still nowhere near being able to buy their first home. Can I maybe get an explanation as to why we are topped off at only $40,000 and how that is supposed to help people buy their first home?

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Hon. Chrystia Freeland

Apr/28/22 4:30:56 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, I am very glad to have another question on housing, because I think something that every member of this House does, and certainly should, agree on is that housing is one of the most serious economic and social challenges Canada faces today. We have the fastest-growing population in the G7, and the reality is that our housing supply is just not keeping up with a growing country. That is why the budget that I presented earlier this month puts forward the most ambitious plan ever put forward by any Canadian federal government on housing. What does it include? We recognize in the plan that housing is a big, complicated and multi-faceted challenge. We were upfront with Canadians and said there is no silver bullet, no single measure, not even a single budget that will fix it, but we are rolling up our sleeves and we are working on it. We are doing concrete things: the tax-free first home savings account; the $4-billion housing accelerator fund; a homebuyers' bill of rights, including a plan to end blind bidding; and the unprecedented two-year ban on foreign buyers.

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Mr. Dan Mazier (Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa, CPC)

Apr/28/22 4:32:25 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, with all due respect, with all the challenges our health care system had throughout the pandemic, how does charging a carbon tax to a hospital, in the order of hundreds of thousands of dollars, reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

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Hon. Chrystia Freeland

Apr/28/22 4:32:48 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, the member opposite has touched on two really important issues for Canada. One is action to fight climate change, and the other is supporting Canada's health care system. When it comes to fighting climate change, I really believe that Canada today has a national consensus, a consensus that crosses party lines and a consensus that reaches from coast to coast to coast, and that is that climate change is real and that our country must ambitiously fight climate change. Let me also say, as finance minister, that yes, climate action is a moral imperative, an existential question, and we owe it to our children and future grandchildren to act on climate change, but it is also an economic necessity. The industrialized economies that are our trading partners have decided to go green, and the only question is whether Canada is going to be in the vanguard of the transformation, or falling behind.

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