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Minister of Foreign Affairs appearance before the Special Committee on the Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States (CAAM) – Briefing material

2021-04-08

Table of Contents

Appearance before the special committee on the economic relationship between Canada and the United States (CAAM) April 8, 2021

Meeting scenario

Committee membership & interests

Committee work

Special Committee on the Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States (CAAM)

Opening remarks for MINA on Buy America and the Canada-U.S. economic relationship — April 8,2021

Word count: 813

Approx. time: 5-6 minutes (approx. 125 words a minute)

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

I would like to begin by acknowledging that this Special Committee is gathered on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people. 

As members of this Special Committee know, Canada and the United States have a special relationship. Our two countries enjoy the world’s largest trading relationship. We defend and protect North America together. We are stewards of our shared environment. We stand together on the world stage to respond to pressing global challenges.  

Indeed, no two nations depend more on each other for their mutual prosperity. About $2.7 billion worth of goods and services cross our shared border every day. Roughly three-quarters of Canada’s exports go to the United States. 

In February, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Biden announced the Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership to revitalize and expand our historic relationship and realize its full potential. As President Biden said, the U.S. has no better friend than Canada. The Roadmap outlines dozens of concrete commitments for Canada-U.S. collaboration in the coming years. It includes a blueprint for our joint efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and in support of our mutual prosperity.  

The economic recovery in Canada and in the U.S. will be faster, stronger, and more enduring if we move forward together. That is why the President and Prime Minister have launched a new strategy to strengthen Canada-U.S. supply chain security.

Mr. Chair, our economic relationship is built on long-standing binational supply chains. These networks of workers and businesses aren’t just trading goods, they’re also making goods together for use at home or around the world. Almost 60% of U.S. imports from Canada are intermediate goods that “feed” American manufacturing of finished goods.   

Canada is a reliable, predictable, and secure trading partner for the U.S, as well as its closest ally. We are working together to ensure that our mutual prosperity and national security continue to be supported by our resilient supply chains.

We know that Buy America-style proposals negatively affect our cross-border trade. It’s why Prime Minister Trudeau and Vice President Harris agreed in February to avoid the unintended consequences of these kinds of proposals. And just last month, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Vice President discussed the importance of free flowing trade and investment, particularly in the context of Buy America proposals.

Mr. Chair, the Government of Canada also recognizes the critical role that energy plays in this trading relationship.  Canada is the United States’ number one foreign supplier of all forms of energy, including crude oil, natural gas, hydroelectricity, and uranium. In the current global context, it is essential that we work together closely to ensure a secure, reliable, and sustainable supply of energy resources for North America and the world.

Energy underpins our exports. It supports the economy, jobs, and competitiveness on both sides of the border. It provides energy security and resiliency to North America. In the new Roadmap, our two countries have recognized this.

Supporting Line 5’s continued operation remains a top priority, now and in the future through Enbridge’s tunnel project. We work tirelessly, through Canada’s diplomatic network in the U.S., to promote and strengthen the energy relationship. Canada will continue to engage with the Biden administration and the state of Michigan in support of the continued safe operation of Enbridge’s Line 5.

Still, energy security is just one important factor in our region’s overall safety and security. Canada and the U.S. also collaborate closely on defence, both at home and abroad. Collective security is a shared responsibility. It has been for decades.

Looking ahead, we will be expanding our cooperation on continental defence and in the Arctic, including by modernizing the North American Aerospace Defense/Defence Command (NORAD) and launching an expanded U.S.-Canada Arctic Dialogue.

I met with Secretary of State Blinken following the meeting between Prime Minister Trudeau and President Biden and welcomed his willingness to work with Canada on issues of common concern, such as the challenges posed by China, including its arbitrary detention of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. U.S. support on their cases has been unwavering, and Canada continues to push for their release on all fronts. Secretary Blinken and I have also discussed the importance of working together to build back in an inclusive way from COVID, as well as cooperating on migration issues. 

Canada and the U.S. are also united by a shared natural environment. We have opportunities to work together in aligning policies and approaches that create jobs while also tackling climate change. For example, the Prime Minister and President agreed to create the necessary supply chains to make Canada and the U.S. global leaders in battery development and production. Under the new Roadmap, we will also launch a High Level Climate Ministerial to increase our climate ambitions, consistent with the Paris Agreement and net-zero objectives, while holding polluters accountable.  

Mr. Chair, this is an exciting time in the Canada-U.S. relationship. In the years ahead, Canada will have many opportunities to work with the Biden Administration – and we are well placed to seize them. 

Drafted: NNB/Diamond
Consulted: NGA/Cronin,NNB/Dixon, NNB/Rose, LCF/Caesar, OPB/Giang,OPB/Payne,OPB/Steil
Approved: NGM/Grant

CAAM Committee Biographies

Rachel Bendayan (LPC—Outremont, QC) 

Parliamentry secretary to the minister of small business, export promotion and international trade

Key interests

Parliamentary roles 

Bendayan was first elected in a by-election in February 2019. She is currently the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade.

Notable committee membership:

Background 

Before entering politics, Bendayan was a lawyer with Norton Rose Canada in Montreal in the fields of litigation and international arbitration, specializing in international trade law. While in private practice, Bendayan also taught at the Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Law. She ran for the Liberal Party in Montreal in 2015, losing to Thomas Mulcair. After the election, she was hired as the Chief of Staff to the former Minister of Small Business and Tourism Bardish Chagger.

Statements about the United States

In regard to the Canada-United States Economic Relationship, Bendayan is largely supportive of the relationship between the two countries, “We (Canada and the US) are stronger together, and our two countries share so much more than the most deeply integrated economies. We share the values of democracy, freedom and human rights, and a deep and strong North American culture. ” (February 4th, 2021). In the past (October 2020) Bendayan has mentioned her concern about the decision of the United States to investigate the export of blueberries and stated her party will advocate for exporters. Bendayan has expressed interest in tariffs, exports, and bilateral trade with the United States.

Leona Alleslev (CPC—Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill, ON)

Key interests

Parliamentary Roles 

Leona Alleslev was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015 and was re-elected in 2019.

Notable committee membership:

Background

Alleslev earned a B.A. (Honours) in History and Political Science from the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston and received her Queen’s Commission to serve as an Air Force Logistic Officer. Prior to serving as a Member of Parliament, Alleslev was a Canadian Air Force Officer, Senior Manager, and entrepreneur. Alleslev has held leadership positions in the Department of National Defence, as well as senior managerial roles with IBM Canada and Bombardier Aerospace. She served on the Aerospace Industry Association of Canada, the Ontario Aerospace Council and the Women in Aerospace Association joint government/industry change initiatives. Alleslev has also owned and operated two small businesses’ an eco-tourism business in Temagami, and a custom closet and home organization company in Aurora.

Statements about the United States

MP Alleslev has been supportive of the motion for a Special committee on Canada-US Economic relations, and has spoken to how crucial bilateral trade is between the two countries, noting that 70% of Canada’s trade is done with the US, and stated it is “not a free trade agreement; it is a managed trade agreement”. MP Alleslev has spoken to the tariffs on steel and aluminum, blueberries, strawberries, and red peppers, and protecting the exporters of these items. On August 12th, 2020, MP Alleslev stated “the new NAFTA is an abject failure when it comes to protecting Canada’s economy”.

Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay, Vice-Chair  (BQ—Saint-Hyacinthe-Bagot, QC) 

Key interests

Parliamentary roles

Savard-Tremblay currently serves as the Bloc Quebecois critic for International Trade and Industry.

Notable committee membership:

Background

Prior to entering politics, Savard-Tremblay worked as an academic, author and columnist. Hispublications have touched on Quebec sovereignty and free trade. He has a Bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Montreal, a Masters in Sociology from the University of Quebec at Montreal, and a doctorate in the social economy of development from the École deshautes études en sciences sociales in Paris. He was heavily involved in the youth forum of the BQ and has been a frequent commentator in Quebec on economic and sovereignty-related issues. In his academic work, he is critical of neoliberalism and globalization.

Statements about the United States

MP Tremblay issupportive of the creation of the CAAM and has stated this committee will be an opportunity for the Government to answer forvarious items, such as using “farmers under supply management as a bargaining chip”, and soft wood lumber, the aluminum industry, and COVID-19 vaccines. MP Tremblay also suggested in February 2021 that the United States should not only be Canada’s first trading partner, but also the first health partner.MP Tremblay has been critical of CUSMA.

Daniel Blaikie, Vice-Chair (Elmwood-Transcona, MB)

Critic for Export Promotion and International Trade 

Key interests

Parliamentary roles

Blaikie was first elected in 2015. Blaikie is currently the NDP Critic for Democratic Reform, Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Export Promotion and International Trade and Western Economic Diversification, as well as the deputy critic for Finance. He has previously served as the Critic for Public Services and Procurement, Deputy Critic for Ethics, and as NDP Caucus Chair.

Notable committee membership:

Background

Prior to entering politics, Blaikie worked as an electrician. He has served on the Manitoba Apprenticeship and Certification Board and the Winnipeg Labour Council.

Statements about the United States

MP Blaikie recognizesthe importance of the Canada-US relationship, noting how many Canadians work in business where they either cross the border or have goods crossing the border every day.During his speech on the opposition debate to implement the CAAM, Blaikie noted the impact of the previous US administration over the last four years, especially impacts to the softwood lumber industry. He has also noted his support for workers in steel and aluminum industry. MP Blaikie stated that while Buy America is important at this time, “the emphasis on it is rightly a worry to many Canadians who depend on access to the U.S. market in order to earn their livelihoods”.

Anthony Housefather (LPC—Mount Royal, QC) 

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour

Key interests

Parliamentary roles

Anthony Housefather was first elected in 2015. From 2015 to 2019, he was Chairman of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Following his re-election in 2019, he was appointed to serve as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour.

Notable committee membership:

Background

Housefather has two Law Degrees (B.C.L and LL.B.) from McGill University and an MBA from Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business. Prior to being elected as a Member of Parliament, was served as Executive Vice President Corporate Affairs and General Counsel at a multinational technological company. Housefather was first elected to office in 1994. He was initially elected as a municipal councillor in Hampstead, then elected in Côte Saint-Luc/Hampstead/Montreal West and served as Mayor of Côte Saint-Luc between 2005 and 2015.

Statements about the United States

In a Human Resources committee MP Housefather has stated that he is passionate about trade relationship with the United States, and noted “They are our biggest trading partner, the partner that we need the most to be onside with”, and he believes in a “team North America” approach. He has previously commented on the number of jobs directly linked to free trade with the United States and, when CUSMA was being debated, stated that the impact of Canada not having a trade agreement would be “disastrous”.

Sherry Romanado (LPC—Longueuil-Charles-LeMoyne, QC) 

Key interests

Parliamentary roles

Sherry Romanado was first elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019. During her first term as Member of Parliament for Longueuil-Charles-LeMoyne Romanado was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defense.

Notable committee membership:

Background

Romanado has a certificate in Public Relations from McGill University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Concordia University. A faculty lecturer for the Public Relations program at McGill University’s School of Continuing Studies, she is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Charted Institute for Transport and Logistics and a past chair of the Education Committee for North America.Romanado has served as Vice President and later as Director of Communications in the CGG 1979 Centennial Cadet Corps at Greenfield Park. She is a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 94) as well as the Lions Club of Greenfield Park.

Statements about the United States

MP Romanado has noted during CUSMA debate that many people from her riding were concerned about tariffs, culture and protection of industry in Quebec, and that she was content with CUSMA. MP Romanado has previously expressed concerns over vulnerabilities created by shared cyber spaces with the United States.

Raj Saini (LPC—Kitchener Centre, ON) 

Key interests

Parliamentary roles

Raj Saini has served as the Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre since 2015.

Notable committee membership:

Background

Saini completed a Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Toronto and later completed a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Boston’s Northeastern University. Prior to serving as a Member of Parliament, Saini was a pharmacist, having moved to Kitchener to start Greenbrook Pharmacy, a local independent business, which he has co-owned and operated for more than 20 years. As a pharmacist, Saini has been a long-time advocate of a national pharmacare program. He was President and Vice-President of the Kitchener Center Liberal Association, a Rotarian, and has served as a member of the Canadian International Council in Waterloo.

Statements about the United States

MP Saini is knowledgeable on the auto sector relations with Canada and the United Statesand has highlighted the importance of a working relationship between the two countries. Upon the announcement of his membership on this committee, he expressed his plan to work on a shared vision of a just and green recovery.

Randeep Sarai (LPC—Surrey Centre, BC) 

Key interests

Parliamentary roles

Sarai was first elected in 2015. In the previous parliament, he served as the chair of the Liberal Pacific and Northern Caucus. He has also been a member of many interparliamentary associations. 

Notable committee membership:

Background

Sarai is a lawyer by training, with experience in real estate development and urban planning. He has a Bachelors degree from the University of British Columbia, majoring in political science, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Queen’s University. He has served on the boards of a number of community organizations dedicated to combatting youth violence in Surrey. 

Statements about the United States

In 2020, during the debates for Bill C-4, Saraistated his support and noted that the United States is Canada’s largest trading partner. During meetings of the International Trade Committee, Sarai has been vocal of the opportunities withnot only the bilateral trade between the United States and Canada, butthe opportunity to become a hub for trade, being the only North American nation with free trade agreements in so many regions that reach over 1.5 billion people around the world.

John Mckay (LPC—Scarborough-Guildwood, ON) 

Key interests

Parliamentary roles

John McKay was first elected as Member of Parliament in 1997. He was re-elected in October 2019 to serve his eighth term in the House of Commons. He was Parliamentary Secretary to then Minister of Finance Ralph Goodale,from 2003 to 2006 duringthe government of Paul Martin. In 2006 He was the Official Opposition Critic for Crown Corporations. In 2008 he was the Official Opposition Critic for Small Business and Tourism. From 2011 to 2013 he was the Critic for Defence. Hethen served as a Critic for Environment until November 2015.

Notable committee membership:

Background

McKay has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto at Scarborough and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Queen’s University. Prior to serving as a Member of Parliament, he practiced private law as a real estate attorney, assuming positions of leadership in the legal community. Most notably, he was the President of the Durham as Association, an Executive Member of County and District Law Association, Real Estate Executive of the Canadian Bar Association, and a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada’s Committee on Title Insurance.

McKay has successfully sponsored two Private Members Bills during his tenure as a Member of Parliament: C-260, passed in 2003, requiring cigarette manufacturers to produce ‘fire-safe’ cigarettes, and C-293, passed in 2008, outlining specific requirements for the disbursement of Canadian foreign aid.

Statements about the United States

At the time of CUSMA negotiations,MP McKay was very supportive, citing endorsements from the Business Council of Canada, and various premiers. MP McKay specifically noted the security benefits of CUSMA, stating “the two are mutually reinforcing, because security creates trade and trade creates security”. He also stated that “the Government has done a magnificent job of protecting the supply chains”in particular its critical protection of the dairy industry. During NAFTA negotiations McKay noted that the deal had to be well received by White House, otherwise Canada would suffer.

Randy Hoback (CPC—Prince Albert, SK) 

Keyinterests

Parliamentary roles

Hoback was first elected in 2008, and has been re-elected in his Prince Albert riding in each of the 2011, 2015 and 2019 elections. Hoback currently chairs the Conservative Saskatchewan Caucus. He has served previously as the critic for International Trade and the critic for Canada-US Relations. He also served as President of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas starting in 2010, and as President of ParlAmericas at the hemispheric level from 2011 to 2014.  

Notable committee membership:

Background

Prior to entering politics, Hoback worked in the farm equipment manufacturing industry before taking over his family farm. He has a business administration certificate from the University of Saskatchewan and a Chartered Director’s designation from McMaster University. 

Statements about the United States

When debating the creation of CAAM in February 2021,MP Hobackraised the issue ofregulatory differences between Canada and the United States, particularly as they apply to the agricultural sector. He also characterizedBuy American and the cancellation of Keystone XL as “disturbing”, suggestingthat Canadians might adopt a similar approach, buying only Canadian goods.MP Hoback has been critical of CUSMA, claiming that Canada has made too many concessions to the United States.

Chris Lewis (CPC—Essex, ON)

Key interests:

Parliamentary roles

Chris Lewis was first elected in 2019.

Notable committee memberships

Background

Before entering politics, Lewis served as a member on the Kingsville Town Council and was heavily involved in 13 Standing Committees for the Town. He was a member of the Kingsville Fire Department 7.5 years and chaired the Master Fire Planning Committee. Lewis was a member of his family business since 1995, specializing in non-intrusive sewer and water repair.

Statements about the United States

As a former deputy shadow minister for Canada-U.S. relations, MP Lewis supported the motion for a Special committee on Canada-US Economic relations. His arguments primarily on supporting workers by building a strong economy and creating secure jobs, stating that “Canada cannot afford to be a junior partner at the table and have our economy dictated by the stroke of a pen”. MP Lewis understands theimportance of being a strong partner in working with the United States of America as a close ally and neighbouring country of Canada to continue seeking solutions for vaccines, Line 5, the Keystone XL pipeline, steel and aluminum tariffs, and softwood lumber agreements.

Mark Strahl (CPC—Chilliwack-Hope, BC)

Key interests:

Parliamentary roles

Mark Strahl was first elected in 2011, re-elected in 2015 and again in 2019. He is currently that Shadow Minister for Labour. He was the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development from September 2013 to August 2015.

Notable committee membership:

Background

Stahl is an Honourary Member of the Rotary Club of Chilliwack, and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Vedder Branch 280, the Hope and Distract Chamber of Commers, the Chilliwack Healthier Community Group and the Chilliwack Housing First Task Team.

Statements about the United States

During Question Period in 2018 MP Strahl commented on CUSMA negotiations, specifically on supply management, stating that Canada’s farming families are worried about compromises the Government was making with the United States. MP Strahl has often used examples in the United States to contrast Canada’s management of its energy sector and natural resources. For example, when criticizing the Government’s budget in 2017 he stated “our biggest competitor, the United States, is cutting red tape and taxes and making its energy sector more attractive to job creators.”

Question Period Monitoring

SubjectDate of QuestionQuestionerQuestioner: Political PartyQuestionResponderResponseParliament
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-02-04Member of Parliament - Alleslev, Leona (Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, we have been asking the Liberals to release all NAFTA-related economic studies and analyses since December 12, to no avail. As parliamentarians, Canadians entrust us to make decisions on their behalf and they expect us to have all the information to do so before we vote. The government's refusal to reveal the upsides and downsides of the new NAFTA is not the action of an open and transparent government. What exactly are the Liberals trying to hide?Mr. Speaker, we are not hiding anything. We are very proud of the new NAFTA. Steve Verheul, the chief negotiator of this agreement, who is respected on all sides of the House, was made available to the Leader of the Opposition immediately after the protocol of amendment was signed. When it comes to the economic analysis being prepared by the chief economist of Global Affairs, as soon as this analysis is complete, we will publish it and share it with all members of the House.
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-01-29Member of Parliament - Alleslev, Leona (Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the importance of the integrated North American economy is not lost on Conservatives. The aluminum, auto, agriculture and digital sectors have many questions and they remain unanswered. They need to know the upsides and the downsides of this deal. We have asked the Prime Minister to release all NAFTA-related economic studies and analysis, so that we as parliamentarians can do the job Canadians sent us here to do. When will the Prime Minister release all of the NAFTA-related documents?Mr. Speaker, we have been working over the past three years to ensure continued access for Canadian businesses to the North American market and to ensure the jobs of Canadian workers from coast to coast to coast who rely on a tight and strong trading relationship with the United States.  We were pleased that, in an era of unpredictability and protectionism from the United States, we were able to secure a great deal for Canadians that has demonstrated that we will be able to be reassured for generations to come, on NAFTA. We will continue to work with all parliamentarians to ensure that this moves forward the right way.
Canada-US Intelligence-Sharing2020-02-18Member of Parliament - Alleslev, Leona (Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, at the Munich Security Conference last week, our closest ally, the United States, once again emphasized that reduced American intelligence co-operation would be the consequence for countries considering letting Huawei build next-generation telecommunications networks. Canada depends on U.S. intelligence sharing. Is the Prime Minister prepared to compromise Canada's national security and NORAD intelligence sharing by approving Huawei?Mr. Speaker, on every issue, we use an evidence-based approach. We ensure that we take into account our allies' positions, which are not unanimous. We will continue the discussions around the Huawei decision and do it thoroughly, carefully and expeditiously.
CUSMA2019-12-11Member of Parliament - Alleslev, Leona (Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, yesterday, the opposition showed the Prime Minister that he has lost control of the House. Nevertheless, the Prime Minister signed the new NAFTA without consulting the opposition. According to the media, the Democrats were clearly in the know and practically negotiated the agreement. The Conservatives will not rubber-stamp it. When will the Prime Minister understand that he needs the opposition's approval before making important decisions?Mr. Speaker, we were very pleased to earn the confidence of the House yesterday to continue to move forward with our plan to help Canadians, invest in communities and serve Canadians across the country. We will always work with our colleagues in the House of Commons to effectively represent Canadians. We know that this new NAFTA will help Canadian workers, including those in the steel and aluminum sector. They will have better job security and stronger growth in their communities.
CUSMA2019-12-11Member of Parliament - Alleslev, Leona (Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, not only did the Prime Minister not inform members of Parliament in Canada about the new NAFTA, but he has sheepishly accepted the terms put forward by our trading partners. According to senior Democrats, the Prime Minister conceded to just about every point that we asked for in this most recent final agreement. Is this not the final, final agreement? When will the Prime Minister realize that here at home he does not have control of Parliament and he needs the support of opposition before finalizing major decisions?Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to highlight the fact that we actually gained throughout this final process. We have significant advantages to Canada with the final text negotiated between Canada, the United States and Mexico. We are representing strong outcomes for Canadian workers, for Canadian businesses and for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. We look forward to debate in the House on ratification of NAFTA, and I am sure all parliamentarians will support this deal that is good for Canadians.
CUSMA2019-12-11Member of Parliament - Alleslev, Leona (Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, not only did the Prime Minister not inform members of Parliament in Canada about the new NAFTA, but he has sheepishly accepted the terms put forward by our trading partners. According to senior Democrats, the Prime Minister conceded to just about every point that we asked for in this most recent final agreement. Is this not the final, final agreement? When will the Prime Minister realize that here at home he does not have control of Parliament and he needs the support of opposition before finalizing major decisions?Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to highlight the fact that we actually gained throughout this final process. We have significant advantages to Canada with the final text negotiated between Canada, the United States and Mexico. We are representing strong outcomes for Canadian workers, for Canadian businesses and for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. We look forward to debate in the House on ratification of NAFTA, and I am sure all parliamentarians will support this deal that is good for Canadians.
NAFTA2020-01-28Member of Parliament - Alleslev, Leona (Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the United States is Canada’s most important trading partner, with trade totalling over $900 billion annually. On December 12, Conservatives asked the government to release all of the economic documents and analyses that show specifically how this new deal will affect our economy, but it refused. Canadians deserve to know all the upsides and downsides of this deal before we agree to sign it. Will the government immediately provide all of the new NAFTA-related economic reviews and analyses, both informal and formal?Mr. Speaker, Global Affairs Canada's chief economist is currently preparing an analysis based on the December amendments to the deal which, in my view and in the view of our professional negotiating team, improve the deal for Canadians. We absolutely intend to publish the analysis once it is finalized, which will be soon. I invite all of us as colleagues to put Canada and Canadians first and to ratify the new NAFTA without undue delay.
NAFTA, Aluminum2020-08-12Member of Parliament - Alleslev, Leona (Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill)Conservative Party of CanadaMs. Leona Alleslev (Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, CPC):  Mr. Chair, I will be splitting my time with the member for Chicoutimi—Le Fjord. The new NAFTA agreement is not worth the paper it is printed on. The Prime Minister claimed victory when it was signed. Here we are, mere weeks after the agreement has come into force, and workers in the aluminum industry are suffering as a result of the Liberal government's failed approach. Why did the Prime Minister mislead these workers into a false sense of security?Hon. Bill Blair (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Lib.):  Mr. Chair, let me be very clear that the Government of Canada strongly supports Canadian aluminum workers. We will continue to do so, as we always have. The United States needs Canadian aluminum and it cannot meet its own domestic needs for manufacturing. I also want to acknowledge that the deputy prime minister has had conversations with the leader of the Bloc and members of the Conservative Party. We are very grateful for the Team Canada approach that has been taken to this. We are going to stand up to these unacceptable and unlawful—
NAFTA, Aluminum2020-08-12Member of Parliament - Alleslev, Leona (Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill)Conservative Party of CanadaMs. Leona Alleslev:  Mr. Chair, the government negotiated away Canada's ability to hit back with retaliatory tariffs on a broad range of strategic products from across the United States. The new NAFTA is an abject failure when it comes to protecting Canada's economy. Has the government conducted an assessment of how many jobs the aluminum industry will lose as a result of these punishing tariffs?Hon. Bill Blair:  Mr. Chair, we have also made it very clear that we will not back down. We find these tariffs unacceptable and we are taking action. We have said that we will impose reciprocal dollar-for-dollar retributive tariffs against the United States in order to stand up for those workers. We are now consulting with Canadians across the country on how to do that most effectively, and we will always stand up and support aluminum workers in Canada.
Aluminum / NAFTA2020-02-05Member of Parliament - Badawey, Vance (Niagara Centre)Liberal Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the new NAFTA safeguards more than $2 billion a day in cross-border trade and tariff-free access. Prime Minister, how will the new NAFTA encourage economic diversification and contribute to strengthening our nation's international trade performance, including for my constituents in the region of Niagara?Through you, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Niagara Centre for all the work he does for his region. The new NAFTA safeguards over $2 billion a day in cross-border trade. That means businesses in Niagara and across the country have virtually tariff-free access to the U.S. market, supporting hundreds of thousands of Canadian jobs. This means good news for workers, employers and the economy everywhere throughout the country, including the beautiful Niagara region. Let us all in this House do our part and ratify this agreement.
Keystone XL2021-01-26Member of Parliament - Barlow, John (Foothills)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the cancellation of Keystone XL is another blow to Alberta’s energy workers and Canada’s economy, but is also a huge step backward in our fight to protect the environment. Keystone XL checked all the boxes: renewable energy to power the pipeline, check; emissions neutral, check; agreements with first nations equity partners, check. TC Energy did everything it was asked to do, and it still was not good enough for the Prime Minister. If the Prime Minister will not stand up and fight for Keystone XL, why should energy workers ever believe the Prime Minister will stand up for another pipeline or their livelihoods?Mr. Speaker, we fought every step of the way, along with the Government of Alberta, in Washington, D.C. We made our case and did so every step of the way, knowing that if we did that together, our chances of success would increase. We were both proud of this project. We believe it checked off all the boxes. The President, in this case, has decided to keep his campaign commitment.
Buy American Plan2021-01-29Member of Parliament - Bergen, Candice (Portage—Lisgar)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, our oil is not flowing, and our vaccines are not landing. The buy American policy is set to put thousands of Canadians out of work. President Biden had these policies as a key part of his campaign platform. The Liberals had plenty of time to prepare for this possibility. Will the Prime Minister do something for Canadian workers and immediately act to protect Canadian jobs?Mr. Speaker, we will always stand up for the interests of Canadians. The Prime Minister spoke with the President and underscored that workers must benefit from our integrated supply chains. The Prime Minister and the President agreed to communicate with one another to avoid limiting trade between our two countries. We are working together to support a sustainable economic recovery.
Buy American Plan2021-01-29Member of Parliament - Bergen, Candice (Portage—Lisgar)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, there is a pattern here. The Prime Minister just surrendered on Keystone XL, and he is surrendering on Line 5. Now he is throwing his hands up and doing nothing to protect Canadian jobs from this buy America policy. Our previous government worked with the Obama administration to get an exemption from its buy American policies. To get our economy back on track, Canadians need a government that will secure jobs now and for the future, so will the Liberals push for an exemption, yes or no?Mr. Speaker, our government will always stand up for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. The Prime Minister and the President have agreed to consult closely to avoid any measures that may constrain economic growth in and bilateral trade between our two countries. Canada is the largest export market for the United States. We buy more goods from the U.S. than we do from China, the U.K. and Japan combined. Canada is the number one customer for more than 32 states. Yes, we will continue to work to stand up for Canadian businesses and the Canadian people so we can grow middle-class jobs here in Canada.
COVID-19: Canada-US Border 2020-11-23Member of Parliament - Bergen, Candice (Portage—Lisgar)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, there is a lot of talk, but no results.  Eleven months after COVID hit, thousands of lives and millions of jobs and freedoms of Canadians have been lost. We are on the verge of a mental health crisis, and lockdowns that were meant to be a last resort to buy some time have become the Prime Minister's only answer. Smart border action, rapid testing and good data are all part of the solution and a federal responsibility, but the Prime Minister is sitting on his hands and doing none of the heavy lifting. When will he step up, do his job and present a solution?Mr. Speaker, I have spoken about vaccines and rapid tests so let me talk for a moment about the border. Let me start by reminding all Canadians and visitors to Canada that a 14-day quarantine is mandatory and we expect and require people to abide by that. When it comes to the Canada-U.S. border, let me also say this. We have imposed unprecedented restrictions on travel across that essential border and have done it while maintaining the essential lifeline of trade between Canada and the U.S. That is a great accomplishment and a testament to the friendship between Canada and the United States.
Enbridge’s Line 5 2021-02-01Member of Parliament - Bergen, Candice (Portage—Lisgar)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Line 5 pipeline, which feeds Ontario and Quebec, from the U.S. is vital to ensuring jobs in Canada and our energy security. It is essential for keeping thousands of jobs in both Quebec and Ontario, as well as literally keeping the lights and heat on in both of these provinces. It also provides all the jet fuel for Toronto's Pearson airport. Its importance to Canada cannot be overstated. What is the Prime Minister doing to ensure that Line 5 is not cancelled?Mr. Speaker, we take this issue very seriously. Line 5 is vital to our energy security. It supplies Imperial, Shell and Suncor's refineries in Sarnia. It supplies Suncor's refinery in Montreal and Valero's refinery in Lévis, Quebec. It delivers 66% of the crude oil consumed in Quebec. It also supplies propane to hundreds of thousands of homes in northern Michigan. Businesses and refineries in that state depend on it. I can assure the House that we are looking at all of our options. Line 5 is a vital pipeline for Canada's energy security, and we support it.
Enbridge's Line 52021-02-01Member of Parliament - Bergen, Candice (Portage—Lisgar)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, that was not the Prime Minister, and that did not sound like a very comforting answer. Line 5's survival is not an option. Canada's largest airport needs it. Farming and industrial sectors need it. Our economy, already suffering from the pandemic, cannot afford to shed any more jobs. The Prime Minister has a choice: He can stand up for Line 5's continued safe existence, or allow thousands of jobs to disappear and leave millions of Canadians out in the cold and the dark. When is he going to do his job and take real steps to ensure Line 5 and our economic future?Mr. Speaker, as I said, we take this issue very seriously. Line 5 is vital to our energy security. In defending Canada's interests with any country, we take a team Canada approach, just as we did very successfully with NAFTA. On Line 5, these are improvements to modernize an existing piece of energy infrastructure. It is irresponsible and it serves no one to conflate that with other issues. I can say that on this side of the House, we are working responsibly and diligently to support our oil and gas workers, keeping existing treaties in mind and protecting Canada's energy and industrial infrastructure.
Enbridge's Line 52021-02-01Member of Parliament - Bergen, Candice (Portage—Lisgar)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the fact is that American policies are threatening Canadian jobs, and the Prime Minister, through three different presidents, has just shrugged his shoulders and let it happen. Whether it is softwood lumber, Keystone XL, Biden's “buy America” or now Line 5, the Prime Minister is failing to stand up for Canadian jobs. While he loves to blame the premiers for his failures, the fact is that it is his job to stand up for Canadian jobs. When will the Prime Minister do something to stop the job losses that are coming as a direct result of these U.S. policies?Mr. Speaker, it is irresponsible and it serves no one to conflate Line 5 with Keystone XL or any other project. President Biden's decision to rescind the permit for KXL has no impact on Enbridge's Line 5 or Line 3 replacement projects. These pipelines continue to operate. These are projects to modernize existing energy infrastructure that has been in place since 1953. They are driven by safety and driven by good labour jobs. Both of these projects have been repeatedly validated by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Keystone XL2021-02-17Member of Parliament - Bergen, Candice (Portage—Lisgar)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Prime Minister does not even pretend to support Canadian energy, and his lacklustre approach is proof. Fourteen states in the U.S. have taken their federal government to court over the Keystone XL cancellation. Democrats and Republicans alike have called for the decision to be reversed, but as for our own Prime Minister, he is silent. He has not even bothered to reach out to any of these possible allies. Why is the Prime Minister always mailing it in, with zero engagement, zero energy and zero passion when it comes to protecting Canada's energy security?Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, we have been consistent in our support for Canadian energy workers and Keystone XL. We continuously advocated for this project to our counterparts in the United States. In my recent phone call with the President, I raised Keystone XL again. We are disappointed, but we acknowledge the President's decision to fulfill his election campaign promise.  We continue to be the single-largest supplier of energy to the United States, contributing to U.S. energy security and economic competitiveness. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with the new administration to ensure that we are creating good jobs for Canadians and opportunities for energy for all.
Keystone XL2021-02-17Member of Parliament - Bergen, Candice (Portage—Lisgar)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Prime Minister failed miserably on Keystone XL. We expected a little more effort from him on Line 5. After all, there are 30,000 jobs in Ontario and Quebec at stake. It would be nice if the Prime Minister passionately advocated for them, but it does not seem he is going to do that. The Prime Minister has made no calls to the governors of Michigan or Wisconsin, or to the cabinet secretaries responsible for these projects. What is it? Is the Prime Minister going to actually pick up the phone, or is he going to continue this half-hearted do-nothing approach to securing Canadian energy jobs?Mr. Speaker, I understand well that the Conservative Party of Canada has a job to do of throwing random accusations at the government to see what will stick. It has been doing that for the past number of years while we have been busy at work standing up for Canadians against what was, at certain times, a very difficult American administration. We stood up for jobs on NAFTA; we stood up for aluminum and steel workers; we continue to stand up to protect our supply management; we continue to protect our cultural industries; and now we work hand in hand with a new administration that is serious about tackling climate change and creating good jobs across the continent. We will continue to work with the Americans, and we will take no lessons from the Conservative Party on how to do that.
Keystone XL2020-11-18Member of Parliament - Bergen, Candice (Portage—Lisgar)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, we all know the lengths the Prime Minister went to in his attempt to get a seat at the UN Security Council, including the money he spent, the political capital he used and the tenacity he showed. The Prime Minister, his ministers and even civil servants were relentless in the campaign for the Prime Minister's vanity seat. It did not work, but the entire world knew the Prime Minister wanted this. Will the Prime Minister use that same focus, determination and zeal in his fight to ensure that Keystone XL, a project that will create thousands of real jobs for Canadians, gets built?Mr. Speaker, I have supported that project for the past seven years. I actually went down to Washington, D.C., to speak to a room full of Democrats before I was Prime Minister to talk about how important that project is for Canadian and American energy security. I will continue to bring that up. We continue to work on it. I brought it up in a conversation with President-elect Joe Biden. It was in our very first conversation. We will continue to work together on fighting climate change, ensuring energy security and building a better future for all of our citizens.
Keystone XL2020-11-18Member of Parliament - Bergen, Candice (Portage—Lisgar)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the problem is the Prime Minister has said so many negative things about Canadian oil and gas, and done so many things to kill jobs in the Canadian energy sector, that nobody believes him or trusts him to do anything to stand up for these jobs in Canada. Conservatives do not trust him, and I promise members, Canadian families and energy workers do not trust the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister stand up today and guarantee that he is as committed to Keystone XL pipeline getting built as he was to his vanity UN seat?Mr. Speaker, here is the problem that Conservatives face: Any time someone talks about doing right by the environment, or building a greener or cleaner future, they think it is an attack on workers, the oil sands and the energy industry, when, indeed, moving forward on protecting the environment is the best way to ensure jobs and security for our energy workers and our energy industries. We know that international investors and consumers are looking for people with plans, with resolve and with a lower carbon future. That is what we are working on building right across the country. Energy, environment and economy go together.
Keystone XL2020-11-16Member of Parliament - Bergen, Candice (Portage—Lisgar)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, Canada's economy was showing signs of trouble before COVID-19 hit, with record debt and out-of-control spending. In fact, in March of this year, prior to COVID, Canada lost over a million jobs, many of those in the energy sector. Since 2015, energy workers have been abandoned by the government, so when Keystone XL was approved in the U.S. in March 2017, there was once again a glimmer of hope for Canadian workers. Those hopes are now at risk. What will the Prime Minister do to ensure that the Keystone XL project moves ahead in the United States?Mr. Speaker, let me be very clear to energy sector workers, especially those in Alberta who are worried about the future of this project. Our government has been and will be unwavering in its support for Keystone XL. We have been advocating for, and will continue to advocate for, this project to the U.S. government. In fact, the Prime Minister discussed this project on his very first call with the president-elect. Keystone is a good project. We support it. There are 1,500 Canadians working on it as we speak. We support them.
Keystone XL2020-11-16Member of Parliament - Bergen, Candice (Portage—Lisgar)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, here is the problem with the Liberals' answer. The Prime Minister said that he wants to phase out the oil sands. He said this in 2017. He attacked pipelines with Bill C-69. He implemented a tanker ban and a job-killing carbon tax. That has meant thousands of jobs lost in the west. Losing Keystone would mean at least 2,800 more jobs lost. What is the Prime Minister's plan to ensure that the Keystone XL project goes ahead so that more Canadian jobs are not lost?Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister raised this issue with the president-elect on the very, very first call. We have been clear. There is a very strong argument for the project, and that continues regardless of who the President of the United States is. We will continue to make that argument. One of the strongest arguments for this project is that we have a government that is fighting climate change, that is putting a price on pollution and that is making investments to help our energy sector become more sustainable than ever.
Keystone XL2020-11-16Member of Parliament - Bergen, Candice (Portage—Lisgar)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, recently, when asked if a Biden victory would mean the end of Keystone XL, the Prime Minister abdicated, saying, “That's a question for Mr. Biden.” This defeatist tone is unacceptable and provides no reassurances that the Prime Minister will actually fight on behalf of energy workers for this project to move forward. The success of Keystone XL would create 2,800 Canadian jobs and indirectly support 15,000 additional jobs. With the current COVID crisis, these jobs are more important than ever.  Again, what is the Prime Minister's plan to ensure that KXL is not cancelled?Mr. Speaker, let me quote: “One of the real problems that I think lingers over [Keystone XL] is, before the pipeline question arose, the [Harper government] deliberately went out of its way to be seen as an adversary of environmentalists”. Who said that? It was the former Progressive Conservative prime minister, minister of Foreign Affairs and member for Calgary Centre, the Right Hon. Joe Clark. I look over to the other side. Its record of inaction and failure on the environment nearly doomed this project. We have been unwavering in our support for Keystone. We do not need any advice from the opposition.
Motion to create a House Committee on Canada-US Economic Relations2021-02-04Member of Parliament - Bergen, Candice (Portage—Lisgar)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, Canadians need to get back to work. We need to see jobs in every region and in every sector in this country. We know the United States is our close ally and friend, and trade between us exceeds $1.5 billion per day. However, several U.S. policies are hurting our economy and the Prime Minister is doing nothing to address it. The Conservative motion today would create a special committee to ensure our ongoing co-operation with the U.S., with a goal to find solutions. Will the government support this motion?Mr. Speaker, our government knows how to defend Canada, as we showed in our successful NAFTA negotiations and in the 232 tariff fight. By contrast, when the going got tough, the Conservatives lost their nerves. The leader of the official opposition actually said, “I...believe that many of the Canadian retaliatory tariffs should be dropped as they...are not worth their symbolic nature.” The Conservatives wanted to wave the white flag, but Canadians can trust our government to fight for them.
Motion to create a House Committee on Canada-US Economic Relations2021-02-04Member of Parliament - Bergen, Candice (Portage—Lisgar)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, does the Deputy Prime Minister not realize that Canadians have already suffered tens of thousands of job losses because of the pandemic? Now with Biden's cancelling of Keystone, the threat to Line 5 and his buy American policy, tens of thousands of more jobs are at risk. Canada's unemployment is already the third highest in the G7. Up to 30,000 jobs alone are at risk if Line 5 is cancelled. Do the Liberals not realize the seriousness of this situation? These are good-paying jobs, many of them unionized. Again, when will the Prime Minister do his job and protect Canadian jobs now and in the future?Mr. Speaker, our government absolutely appreciates the importance of the Canada-U.S. trading relationship, and we have shown that we are able to work with a team Canada approach to maintain that relationship. When the going gets tough, we are willing to stand and fight to defend the national interest. When it comes to jobs, I am pleased to report that Canada has already had a robust recovery from the depths of the COVID recession, much stronger than the one we are seeing in the United States.
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-01-31Member of Parliament - Blaikie, Daniel (Elmwood—Transcona)New Democratic PartyMadam Speaker, New Flyer Industries in Transcona is a world-class manufacturer of electric and diesel buses. Most of its sales go to the United States and the Buy American policy has forced it to move more jobs to the U.S. It is not alone. This is happening to workers and companies across Canada. We have heard that Mexico got some relief from Buy American in the new NAFTA. Can the minister explain what efforts, if any, Canada made to protect Canadian jobs from Buy American and why they did not succeed?Madam Speaker, NAFTA is very important for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. Our largest trading partner is the United States, and 75% of Canada's trade is with the United States. This NAFTA protects, especially in this environment of protectionism, access to the important U.S. market for workers and businesses. I ask my hon. colleague to work with us on ratifying NAFTA as quickly as possible.
NAFTA2020-02-20Member of Parliament - Blaikie, Daniel (Elmwood—Transcona)New Democratic PartyMr. Speaker, trade deals affect every part of Canadians' lives, from jobs to drug prices to the environment.  After extensive negotiations with the government, we were able to deliver a meaningful step forward to make Canadian trade negotiations more open and transparent. We are bringing more decisions out of the back room and into the light. For future deals, the government will need to give 90 days notice of its intent to negotiate, table negotiation objectives 30 days before it begins and provide an economic impact assessment with the ratifying legislation. Could the Deputy Prime Minister confirm the government's commitment to moving ahead with these improvements?Mr. Speaker, we welcome the proposals from the member for Elmwood—Transcona, and we will be formally amending the government's policy on tabling treaties in Parliament in line with his excellent suggestions. It has been a pleasure to work with him. I also appreciate his work to ensure an expeditious ratification of the new NAFTA. It is a shame that I cannot say the same of the Conservatives, who used to be the party of free trade. Unfortunately, thanks to their weak and feckless leadership, it is up to the NDP to do that job.
Aluminum - CUSMA 2020-01-27Member of Parliament - Blanchet, Yves-François (Beloeil—Chambly)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois stands firmly behind aluminum workers, not multinational aluminum companies. This government has not been able to offer aluminum workers the same protections provided to steel workers. Instead it is creating ideal conditions for those companies to move jobs and investments out of Canada and to flood our markets with products made of Chinese aluminum. China now produces 15 times more aluminum than Quebec. Is the Prime Minister tyring to take advantage of the Conservative Party's temporary weakness to ram through an agreement that would otherwise not pass in the House?Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to defending the aluminum sector and its workers. We fought to have the U.S. tariffs on aluminum fully lifted. When the new NAFTA is ratified, we will have a guarantee that 70% of the aluminum in cars manufactured in the area covered by NAFTA will be sourced in North America. Currently, 0% of the aluminum in cars manufactured under NAFTA must be sourced in North America, so 70% is definitely better than 0%.
Aluminum - CUSMA 2020-01-27Member of Parliament - Blanchet, Yves-François (Beloeil—Chambly)Bloc Québécois  Mr. Speaker, Quebeckers are well aware that the aluminum that is subject to dumping in the Mexican market will be considered North American. That is the catch. We have read and heard in several places that the Bloc jumped the gun when it refused to lend its support. Today, however, it is the Prime Minister and the government who seem to want to jump the gun by skipping over as many steps as possible in the legislative review process involving this agreement. I have a clear and simple question for the Prime Minister. If solutions are put forward to resolve the Quebec aluminum issue, will he be open to them?Mr. Speaker, allow me to quote the Premier of Quebec, Mr. Legault, with whom I spoke this morning. He knows how important this agreement is to Canadians. In December, he said, "I believe the Bloc Québécois has to defend the interests of Quebeckers, and it is in the interest of Quebeckers for this agreement be ratified and adopted." It is a good deal for Quebec workers and businesses. I agree with Premier Legault.
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-01-29Member of Parliament - Blanchet, Yves-François (Beloeil—Chambly)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, I think it is relatively well known by now that the Bloc Québécois has announced and presented to the government a numbers of things to consider with a view to finding an upstream solution to the problem of Quebec aluminum in relation to the CUSMA. Parliament has a golden opportunity to do the right thing, make the right choice. To do that, we must first understand each other and establish a common basis for communication. I will start with this: Will the Prime Minister acknowledge that the new agreement treats aluminum differently from steel?Mr. Speaker, in the new NAFTA, we secured guarantees for steel and aluminum. The new agreement guarantees that 70% of the materials used in the production of automobiles in North America must be steel from North America and aluminum from North America. The Americans will indeed have different concerns and requirements with regard to the aluminum or steel sector. We always stand up for our aluminum and steel sectors.
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-01-29Member of Parliament - Blanchet, Yves-François (Beloeil—Chambly)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, I am glad to hear that. Unfortunately, at this point, the agreement has already been drafted, but there are indeed possible avenues. Unfortunately, I am sorry to have to say that, as it stands, the Bloc Québécois cannot vote in favour of the ways and means motion. I hope this is the only time we vote against it and that, going forward, we will be able to find reasons to vote with the government on this agreement. To make that happen, will the Prime Minister acknowledge that this poses a risk to the expansion and modernization projects in Quebec worth $6.2 billion?Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to provide the hon. leader of the Bloc Québécois with many reasons to support this NAFTA agreement, which is good for workers from coast to coast to coast, including farmers, steel and aluminum workers, small and medium-sized businesses, investors who want to expand their businesses and families who depend on trade with the United States. There are many reasons to support this agreement, which provides certainty and opportunities for workers in Quebec and across the country.
Aluminum / CUSMA2020-01-28Member of Parliament - Blanchet, Yves-François (Beloeil—Chambly)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, aluminum is Quebec’s second-biggest export and accounts for no fewer than 30,000 jobs in Quebec. Aluminum can enter North America freely through Mexico without protection. I would imagine the government has studied the impact of the latest version of the free trade agreement on Quebec’s aluminum sector. Can the government and the Prime Minister confirm that such studies exist and make them public?Mr. Speaker, it is very simple. Under the old agreement, North American aluminum producers had no guarantee calling for the use of their products in North American auto manufacturing. We now have a guarantee that 70% of the aluminum used in North American auto manufacturing must come from North America. Given that much of North America's aluminum is produced in Quebec, that is good news for aluminum producers and workers in Quebec and across Canada.
Aluminum / CUSMA2020-01-28Member of Parliament - Blanchet, Yves-François (Beloeil—Chambly)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, we must not confuse parts and the metal used to manufacture them. When NAFTA was signed, Quebec produced more aluminum than China. Now China produces 15 times more aluminum than Quebec. There were five projects to modernize or expand aluminum smelters in Quebec. Can the Prime Minister definitively confirm that there will be no negative impact and that those five expansion and modernization projects of aluminum smelters in Quebec will go ahead?Mr. Speaker, we are very proud of innovation in Quebec's aluminum sector. I have watched projects like AP60 and Elysis take shape. We know that there is good news for our aluminum workers and manufacturers. We will always support them, just as we supported them by eliminating the unfair tariffs the Americans had imposed on the aluminum sector. The member does not need to take my word for it. He can trust Jean Simard, president of the Aluminium Association of Canada, who said that the new NAFTA is the right way to go.
Aluminum / NAFTA2020-02-05Member of Parliament - Blanchet, Yves-François (Beloeil—Chambly)Bloc Québécois Mr. Speaker, I am polite guy, so I cannot turn down an invitation. Let's talk about aluminum. The Premier of Quebec is not a political tool for the Canadian government. There is one similarity between Bill 21 and aluminum, and it is quite telling. The government is clearly not working in the best interests of Quebec. The government works against the best interests of Quebec whenever it suits its own needs. Will the Prime Minister admit that he is the one who wants to fund the challenge against Bill 21?Mr. Speaker, no, the court challenges program is administered completely independently from the government. As for aluminum, I must point out that aluminum sector jobs were very important to us during negotiations with the United States. We defended ourselves against the United States' punitive tariffs and got them withdrawn. NAFTA is good for aluminum workers and for the aluminum industry. The Bloc Québécois should stand up for workers and support the free trade agreement with the United States.
CUSMA - Aluminum2019-12-11Member of Parliament - Blanchet, Yves-François (Beloeil—Chambly)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, yesterday, we feared the new NAFTA would be a disaster for Quebec's aluminum industry. Today, we know for certain. Aluminum gets none of the protections that steel does. Worse still, the agreement states that there will be no protections for aluminum for at least 10 years. Let me read out a quote: “Ten years after entry into force of this Agreement, the Parties shall consider appropriate requirements that are in the interests of all three Parties for aluminum to be considered as originating under this Article.” Did the Prime Minister decide to abandon the workers?Mr. Speaker, allow me to set the record straight, because the hon. member across the way does not have his facts right. NAFTA is a win for aluminum workers. From now on, under this agreement, 70% of the aluminum used in North American automotive production will come from North America. As we know, much of that comes from Quebec. This will be good for aluminum workers. We are always happy to stand up for aluminum workers.
CUSMA - Aluminum2019-12-11Member of Parliament - Blanchet, Yves-François (Beloeil—Chambly)Bloc Québécois Mr. Speaker, one of us does not have his facts right, that is for sure. I am not sure which one. I read an excerpt from the document the government posted online that states beyond any doubt that, for 10 years, Canada is prohibited from protecting aluminum the way it protects steel. I think it is pretty clear, and I want to know what the Prime Minister has to say to the workers in Quebec's regions regarding that sacrifice.Mr. Speaker, the new NAFTA represents a net gain for aluminum workers. We stood up for them not only by getting the punitive section 232 tariffs lifted, but also by defending access to American markets. We made sure that at least 70% of the aluminum used in North American automobile production will come from North America. We know this will benefit Canadian workers.
CUSMA - Aluminum2019-12-11Member of Parliament - Blanchet, Yves-François (Beloeil—Chambly)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, before he has a chance to give me the same answer yet again, I urge the Prime Minister to listen. Steel must come from North America to be use in the manufacturing of goods sold in North America. Aluminum from anywhere in the world can be used to manufacture aluminum goods sold in North America. The protections are not the same. Could the Prime Minister confirm this interpretation of the facts as they were signed?Mr. Speaker, what I can say is that the hon. member does not have his facts straight. We made sure that our aluminum sector was protected. We made sure to protect our aluminum workers. Seventy per cent of the aluminum used by the North American auto sector will have to come from Canada, or rather, North America. This is a positive thing for our workers.
CUSMA - Aluminum2019-12-11Member of Parliament - Blanchet, Yves-François (Beloeil—Chambly)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, that was a very revealing slip of the tongue. It can come from anywhere, but definitely not from Canada and Quebec. Does the Prime Minister realize that by giving up the ability to protect aluminum for at least 10 years, he is inviting companies and aluminum plants to invest elsewhere than Quebec?Mr. Speaker, again, the hon. member is mistaken in his interpretation of what was signed yesterday with the United States and Mexico. This agreement is a win for the aluminum industry of Quebec and Canada, and we know that with projects like AP60 and Elysis, the aluminum industry is truly an industry of the future for Quebec and Canada. We can be very proud of that, and we will always stand up for our workers and our aluminum industry.
CUSMA - Aluminum2019-12-10Member of Parliament - Blanchet, Yves-François (Beloeil—Chambly)Bloc Québécois   Mr. Speaker, please rest assured that I am most compliant. That said, I understand that the Liberal members and ministers have been instructed to express great joy today and to celebrate the likely ratification of a new free trade agreement with the United States and Mexico.Mr. Speaker, they can carry on like that, I have more along the same lines. However, we know that Mexico does primary processing of aluminum, which will come largely from China, an aluminum producer and recycler. We are being told with great concern that aluminum would not be protected in this new version of the free trade agreement.Mr. Speaker, as my colleague said, we are very proud of the new free trade agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico. We have always stood up for Canada's aluminum workers. The new NAFTA contains strict requirements for the domestic content of this North American industry, which helps create a more level playing field for our workers. We will continue to protect aluminum workers here in Quebec and in Canada.
CUSMA - Aluminum2019-12-10Member of Parliament - Blanchet, Yves-François (Beloeil—Chambly)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, they cannot say one thing and do another. When the content of this agreement is presented to the people of Quebec, to the workers of the eight aluminum smelters in Quebec, they may see things differently and in a much harsher light. I caution the government—and the other political parties can tell me what they think—that if anyone is under the impression that the Bloc Québécois will vote in favour of an agreement that sacrifices Quebec aluminum, the Bloc's answer is no.Mr. Speaker, I am not sure whether there was a question in there. In any case, we are very proud of the agreement between Canada, Mexico and the United States that will be signed. It is a good deal for Canada, it is a good deal for Canadian workers and it is a good deal for industry across the country. We are very proud of it and we will continue to defend the rights and access of Canadians to North American markets.
C0vid-19 US Border2020-05-19Member of Parliament - Blaney, Rachel (North Island—Powell River)New Democratic PartyThe next subject that I want to talk about today is the concern around the Canadian border. I appreciate this 30-day
extension that was announced today, but communities in my riding, rural and remote communities, have specific
challenges and specific vulnerabilities that are challenging because of their limited health resources. In my riding, we
saw an outbreak in one of our smaller communities that is accessible by ferry. The chief in council and the mayor in
council were amazing and worked very hard during that time. Unfortunately, we did lose an elder to COVID-19.
 I'm just wondering if the minister could inform us all how rural, small communities are being included in my riding
and across Canada to address the issue of changing border-crossing abilities, because they are more vulnerable to
COVID-19 and an outbreak in their communities can be absolutely devastating.		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, again working cooperatively and collaboratively with the U.S., we have been able to do that.
Canada-US Border2020-10-19Member of Parliament - Blaney, Steven (Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, we know that the Liberals' border management is a big disaster, but that is how the virus is getting into the country. American millionaires in private jets are being allowed to enter the country's three hot spots. Why the double standard? Why do Canadians have to quarantine while American millionaires do not?Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity, if I may, to announce to the House that we have today extended the non-essential travel restrictions until November 21. I am sure that is welcome news. I would also reiterate, once again for the member opposite, that the decision of admissibility by border services officers was based on the information that was provided to them. As a direct result, I have spoken to the president of CBSA. The agency has implemented additional measures to prevent future incidents of this type, and the guidance that has been provided by the president of CBSA is working. The agency continues to deny access to entry for executives intending to travel for discretionary purposes.
Keystone XL and Subsidies to Fossil Fuel Producers2021-02-04Member of Parliament - Boulerice, Alexandre (Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie)New Democratic PartyMr. Speaker, the Liberals believe they are handling the climate crisis better than the United States, but the opposite is true. The Biden administration has halted the Keystone XL pipeline project, whereas the Liberal government is promoting it and spending billions of dollars buying TransMountain. President Biden is showing leadership by eliminating subsidies for fossil fuel companies, whereas the Liberals are putting hundreds of millions of dollars in oil companies' pockets. They still dare to call themselves champions of the environment. That is Liberal hypocrisy, and it has gone on long enough. Will the Prime Minister promise to end subsidies for oil companies, yes or no?Mr. Speaker, let me speak quickly to the single biggest relationship we have, the single largest customer for Canadian crude, for instance, which is our biggest export. It is not just an issue for Alberta or Saskatchewan; it is an issue for all of Canada.  Cross-border energy trade between Canada and the U.S. is over $100 billion each year. We will not find two countries in the world that have their energy sectors linked as closely as we do. Over 70 pipelines and three dozen transmission lines are crossing our border. We will co-operate with the new U.S. administration on areas of common interest: improving continental energy security and protecting our workers.
NAFTA, Aluminum2020-08-12Member of Parliament - Boulerice, Alexandre (Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie)New Democratic PartyMr. Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, NDP):  Mr. Chair, in another one of his rash moves, President Trump has decided to impose tariffs on aluminum, putting 30,000 good jobs in Quebec in jeopardy. The government will impose retaliatory tariffs, but that is not a long-term solution. Will the Liberals listen to the United Steelworkers and ensure that the revenues from these retaliatory measures go to support jobs in this industry? Will they work on a climate adjustment system so that Quebec's aluminum, the most environmentally friendly aluminum there is, can finally have a competitive edge?Hon. Bill Blair (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Lib.):  Mr. Chair, as I have already indicated, our government is prepared to stand up to these unacceptable tariffs and take strong action in our disagreement with the United States on this matter. We are also prepared, as we have always been, to directly support the aluminum industry and aluminum workers as they go through the impact of these unacceptable tariffs. We will always stand up for those workers, and we will not back down from this type of economic intimidation.
Softwood Lumber – NAFTA2020-02-21Member of Parliament - Bragdon, Richard (Tobique—Mactaquac)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, 24,000 people in New Brunswick rely on the forestry sector for their livelihoods. The Prime Minister has already hurt the industry through poorly negotiated trade deals and his inaction on blockades is hurting them again. I am hearing from Forest NB that thousands of jobs and contracts are in jeopardy if this current disruption of rail and port services continues even one more week. When will the Prime Minister move beyond the politics of endless dialogue, dither and delay, and take action so that I can tell the forestry workers of New Brunswick that the blockades are coming down?Mr. Speaker, we understand the impacts on the economy not only for the forestry sector but for sectors across the country. It is unfortunate, again, that the Conservatives will laugh when the topic of dialogue is mentioned, but a path forward for a lasting solution is through peaceful dialogue. It has its limits, but that is the path that we are taking. We place our trust in law enforcement to do their job, but we will do ours, and that is through negotiations.
Aluminum - CUSMA 2020-01-27Member of Parliament - Brunelle-Duceppe, Alexis (Lac-Saint-Jean)Bloc Québécois   Mr. Speaker, 70% of manufactured parts are protected, not aluminum itself. Five expansion projects and a modernization of Quebec aluminum plants had been planned before the CUSMA was signed, but now they are in limbo. Is the Prime Minister aware that by failing to give aluminum the same protections as steel, he is compromising the production of carbon-neutral Canadian aluminum and putting Canadian jobs in jeopardy? He is also encouraging the production of the dirtiest aluminum in the world and promoting jobs in China. Does the Prime Minister fully understand the implications of the agreement he signed?Mr. Speaker, we do indeed understand the implications of this agreement, which is a good agreement for Quebec and for Canada. The new NAFTA is excellent for jobs in Canada and Quebec and for providing economic certainty. Jean Simard, president of the Aluminium Association of Canada, even said that the new NAFTA is the right way to go.
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-01-30Member of Parliament - Brunelle-Duceppe, Alexis (Lac-Saint-Jean)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, let's talk about math. The truth is that Quebec aluminum gets 0% protection in CUSMA. By failing to protect aluminum, the government is enabling auto makers to take advantage of Chinese dumping at the expense of Quebec aluminum. China produces 15 times more aluminum than we do, dirty aluminum made in coal-powered plants by underpaid workers. Let me explain it again: Mexico can buy that stuff, make auto parts out of it and call it a North American product. We have been saying that for two months, and I really hope the government members over there will get it eventually. How could the government sign an agreement that encourages Chinese dumping, which is bad for our aluminum?Mr. Speaker, I do agree with my hon. colleague about one thing: Canadian aluminum is green aluminum, Canadians should be proud of our aluminum industry, and we should work in the interest of our aluminum industry. That is what we have done. That is what our government has done. We are working closely with the industry, and, as a result, we got the U.S. tariffs fully lifted.
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-01-29Member of Parliament - Brunelle-Duceppe, Alexis (Lac-Saint-Jean)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, Mr. Simard also said he was disappointed on December 11, and Mr. Legault said he also thought this agreement was very disappointing for aluminum. I am sick of hearing “70% of the aluminum”. It is 70% of parts. Enough is enough. That distinction needs to be made. The impact study is clear. The CUSMA puts 60,000 jobs in Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean and the North Shore in jeopardy. That is 60,000 jobs, with an average annual salary of $60,000, at a time when our regions are struggling to retain young people. We are struggling to attract young families. Today, the Bloc welcomed workers, the mayors of Alma and Saguenay, and Aluminium Valley Society to Ottawa as our guests. We would have liked to see our colleague from Chicoutimi—Le Fjord there, but he did not show up.Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all the aluminum workers I went to visit a year ago. I assured them that we were going to lift the punitive tariffs that the U.S. President had imposed on them under section 232. We were in fact able to lift those tariffs to defend our aluminum sector. I am very glad to have these municipal representatives and aluminum sector leaders here. They were met by the Deputy Prime Minister. We will always work to defend aluminum workers in Quebec and across Canada.
CUSMA - Aluminum2019-12-11Member of Parliament - Brunelle-Duceppe, Alexis (Lac-Saint-Jean)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, it seems to me that the Prime Minister does not understand what he is signing, and that is scary. If we are talking about aluminum, we are talking about the men and women of Lac-Saint-Jean. These are people, moms and dads, not numbers in accounting ledgers. The people, the industry and the unions now know that Quebec aluminum was sacrificed in favour of steel. Instead of pretending that everything is fine, can the Prime Minister stop for two seconds and spare a thought for aluminum workers? There is genuine concern in my region.Mr. Speaker, I understand the concern. I have had several meetings with workers in the aluminum industry in Saguenay, Quebec. I understand that innovations such as the Elysis and AP60 technologies represent a strong future for these workers, but I also know that it is important to reassure them about the path we are on. That is why I say to them that we ensured that 70% of the aluminum used by the North American auto industry has to be sourced from North America. Before the agreement that percentage was zero. That is a good thing for aluminum workers.
NAFTA, Aluminum2020-08-12Member of Parliament - Brunelle-Duceppe, Alexis (Lac-Saint-Jean)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Lac-Saint-Jean, BQ):  Mr. Chair, in 2018, when we imposed retaliatory counter-tariffs on the United States, did all of the revenue from these counter-tariffs that was supposed to go to the aluminum industry actually reach the industry?Hon. François-Philippe Champagne (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lib.):  Mr. Chair, I thank my colleague for his question. He knows that we have been standing up for the aluminum sector since day one. We have been proud to invest in this sector. As I mentioned earlier, we invested in Elysis. That is the future. Just ask the unions and the workers. Green aluminum is the future of Quebec, the future of the industry. That is exactly what we have invested in to innovate and ensure long-term jobs—
Keystone XL2021-01-25Member of Parliament - Calkins, Blaine (Red Deer—Lacombe)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline is devastating for workers across Canada and especially here in Alberta. This is the second time that a U.S. president has tried to kill this project, and the second time that the Prime Minister has pretended to be disappointed. The left pretends that cancelling this project is about the environment. Meanwhile Russia, Iran, Nigeria and Venezuela cheer the decision. The job losses that come with this decision are not pretend jobs. Instead of playing pretend, why does the Prime Minister not actually stand up for Alberta, stand up for Canada and remind the U.S. President who their friends actually are?Mr. Speaker, the Harper Conservatives had years to get Keystone XL done, and what was their strategy? Nothing. There was no strategy except throwing public insults, negotiating in the media, and doing nothing to support the thousands of energy workers, except beating their own chests. We will not take any lessons from that side of the House on getting projects built or supporting energy workers. We need to focus now on the best strategy to get the best outcomes for workers and for the continued competitiveness and prosperity of our oil and gas industry.
TMX and Keystone XL2020-11-27Member of Parliament - Cannings, Richard (South Okanagan—West Kootenay)New Democratic PartyMadam Speaker, the Canada Energy Regulator's latest report shows that if the government honours its climate commitments and its new climate accountability bill, it will be pushing pipeline expansions in a world where Canada's energy sector does not even need them. The Liberals are not on track to meeting our 2030 climate targets, and without a significant change of course we will not reach net zero by 2050. They have a chance to show they are serious about tackling climate change, so will the Liberals stop pushing TMX and Keystone XL for a world where they will not be needed?Madam Speaker, the Canadian net-zero emissions accountability act will hold the federal government to a commitment of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Countries around the world are accelerating their transition to a net-zero economy and Canada simply cannot fall behind. We must seize the economic opportunity that climate action presents. Net zero is not just a plan for a healthier environment, it is a plan to build a cleaner, more innovative and more competitive economy.
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-01-31Member of Parliament - Carrie, Colin (Oshawa)Conservative Party of CanadaMadam Speaker, on December 12, 2019, Conservative members requested the release of the economic impact studies for the new NAFTA. It has now been over 50 days since that request was made. The government is asking us to ratify its agreement without even letting us see the economic impacts of the deal. The Liberals are stonewalling members of the House. What, exactly, is the government hiding?Madam Speaker, Global Affairs Canada's chief economist is preparing analysis based on the December amendments, which improved the deal for Canada. As the Deputy Prime Minister said previously, we absolutely intend to publish this analysis once it is finalized. I invite my hon. colleagues to put Canada and Canadians first and help us ratify this new NAFTA, without delay.
Prime Minister - NATO Summit Video2019-12-09Member of Parliament - Carrie, Colin (Oshawa)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, over the course of the Prime Minister's time in office, Canada's status on the world stage has taken more hits than one could imagine. Whether he is dancing his way through India or suggesting that he admires China's basic dictatorship, the Prime Minister has embarrassed Canada every step of the way. Last week, the Prime Minister was caught mocking the leader of our closest ally and biggest trading partner behind his back like a high school gossip. The Prime Minister is being parodied on network television. When will the Prime Minister grow up and start taking his role seriously?  Mr. Speaker, let me assure the hon. member and all Canadians that, thanks very much to the Prime Minister's work, we have an excellent working relationship with our American neighbours. Let me say, in the lives of ordinary Canadians, there is perhaps no issue in our relationship with the United States that matters more than trade. The Prime Minister raised the ratification of the new NAFTA and other trade issues in his meeting last week with the President and we have been working intensively, including having many conversations over the weekend and this morning with our American partners, on getting the deal finalized.
Buy American Policies2021-02-04Member of Parliament - Chong, Michael (Wellington—Halton Hills)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the government is seeking an exemption agreement to protect Canadian jobs from the Biden administration's buy American policy. As the government pointed out the other day, Canada is the number one customer of 32 American states. Has the government reached out to any of these 32 state governors to seek their support to oppose these buy American policies? Has the government asked Canada's premiers to reach out to their gubernatorial counterparts?Mr. Speaker, we are taking a team Canada approach, as we have done over the last five years. The Prime Minister has spoken to the President. He has also spoken to the Vice President. Our terrific ambassador in the U.S. is having discussions at all levels. I am looking forward to speaking to my counterpart, once that confirmation process has taken place. Members can be assured that this is absolutely a team Canada approach, as we work with businesses, exporters, officials and colleagues—
Buy American Policies2021-02-04Member of Parliament - Chong, Michael (Wellington—Halton Hills)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, in 2009, when faced with the buy American policies of the Obama administration, the previous government worked with the 10 provincial premiers to present a united front to secure an exemption agreement. Is the current government going to do the same thing? Is it going to convene a first ministers' meeting on this issue?Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to work with my provincial and territorial colleagues. It was just very recently that we had a very good meeting at the provincial, territorial and federal level to talk about trade, that road to recovery, and indeed, how we will work together with provinces and territories on this road to recovery to ensure that Canadian businesses and our workers have the full support of all of us, working as team Canada.
US coalition of democracies to counter China's threats in the Indo-Pacific2021-02-18Member of Parliament - Chong, Michael (Wellington—Halton Hills)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, moving on to the Indo-Pacific, President Biden is assembling a coalition of democracies to counter China's threats in the Indo-Pacific. Today, the Biden administration is participating for the first time in the quadrilateral security dialogue made up of Australia, India, Japan and the United States. Some say this could evolve into an eastern NATO. Is Canada going to be part of this as it was with the creation of the western alliance NATO? Did the Prime Minister, in his phone calls with Prime Minister Modi and President Biden, raise this issue?Mr. Speaker, Canada has had an interest in the Indo-Pacific area for trade, for example, our participation in the CPTPP. We are very interested in the ASEAN group of countries. We have a number of interests with respect to countries like India, South Korea, Japan and others in the southeast Asian region. It is natural for Canada, which is a trading nation, to want to develop those, and we will continue to do that in the years ahead.
Buy America Plan2021-02-02Member of Parliament - Cumming, James (Edmonton Centre)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the buy America rules announced by the Biden administration allow exceptions only under limited circumstances where there is an overwhelming security, humanitarian or emergency needed in America. Canadian businesses could be shut out of U.S. government procurement.  In 2010, the Conservative government dealt with buy America requirements by signing an agreement with the Obama administration to allow Canadian companies to participate in the U.S. infrastructure projects?  Why has the government done so little on a file that means so much to Canadian businesses?Mr. Speaker, I want Canadian businesses and workers to know that we are actively engaging with our American partners at all levels and we will always stand up for the interests of Canadians.  The Prime Minister raised this in his call to President Biden, that workers in both our countries benefit from the integrated resilient supply chains. The Prime Minister also spoke to Vice-President Harris this week about strengthening our trade relationship and avoiding unintended consequences of the buy American policies for the benefit of people in both countries.  We are always going to take a team Canada approach, working with Canadian businesses and exporters, manufacturers and industries, just as we have done in the last five years.
Buy America Plan2021-02-02Member of Parliament - Cumming, James (Edmonton Centre)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce says that the new buy America rules will make it more difficult for Canadian business to secure contracts in the U.S. This will put a significant chill on investment at a critical time when the Canadian economy is very fragile. The government cannot blame its trade problems on the previous administration in the United States anymore. What is the plan to ensure Canadian businesses can participate in U.S. government contracts?Mr. Speaker, we will always stand up for the interests of Canadians. The Prime Minister spoke with the U.S. President and Vice-President and emphasized that workers must benefit from our integrated supply chains. The Prime Minister and the President agreed to consult closely to avoid any measures that may constrain trade between our two countries. We will work together to support a sustainable economic recovery.
Covid-19, Canada-US Border2020-07-08Member of Parliament - Dalton, Marc (Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Marc Dalton:  Mr. Speaker, with the alarming rise in new COVID cases in the U.S., people in my riding, which is not far from the border, are worried about the abuse of border loopholes. Writing people tickets will not stop the spread of the virus. What measures are in place to ensure that American travellers do indeed travel to Alaska swiftly? What consequences exist for those who violate our trust and put the health of Canadians at risk by engaging in non-essential activities like sightseeing?Hon. Bill Blair (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Lib.):  Mr. Speaker, again I will repeat for the member that there are in fact strong measures in place. The CBSA clearly articulates our rules and ensures that people have a plan for moving quickly from the United States through Canada into Alaska. There are real consequences for people who do not follow those rules, and there have been cases in which local law enforcement and the RCMP have enforced those rules. There are significant penalties for people who break them, and we are working very closely with officials and local law enforcement in our various jurisdictions to ensure that people do not put Canadians at risk as they transit through this country. There are also potential long-term consequences for those who choose to break the rules—
Canada-US Border Family Reunification2020-09-28Member of Parliament - Dancho, Raquel (Kildonan—St. Paul)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, Canadian Sarah Campbell has been battling thyroid cancer for months and needs her U.K. fiancé by her side, but they have been separated due to the border closures. Sarah has written 123 letters to Liberal cabinet ministers asking for a compassionate exemption. When she finally received a response, it was nothing but a cold-hearted, useless letter from the department. The minister did not even have the decency to sign it himself. There are thousands of Canadians just like Sarah who are being completely ignored by the Liberal government and they deserve answers. Will families be reunited in October, yes or no?First, Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by congratulating my hon. colleague on her appointment as my critic. I look forward to building on the very constructive conversation that we had soon after she was appointed. With regard to the case involving Ms. Campbell, of course we are sympathetic. We know that there are some families who have not yet been able to reunite, but that is because we are taking decisions at the border to protect the health and safety of Canadians throughout this pandemic, which is our paramount concern.
Softwood Lumber- Aluminum – NAFTA2020-02-06Member of Parliament - Deltell, Gérard (Louis-Saint-Laurent)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, that is all well and good, but the problem is that the lumber industry is not concentrated exclusively out west. It operates across Canada. In Quebec, it represents 60,000 jobs and an $18-billion economy. That is a lot of money. The new NAFTA or NAFTA 0.5 negotiations yielded nothing for lumber workers. I would like the minister to explain why nothing was done. Tomorrow, can she guarantee Canadian workers that the discussions will bear fruit for once?Mr. Speaker, I have a great deal of respect for our hon. colleague, but I must say that he is wrong. The new NAFTA gives a lot to the softwood industry. It is vital for the softwood lumber industry because it gave us chapter 19, which is crucial for the softwood lumber industry. The new NAFTA also guarantees a free market for softwood lumber. For that reason, I urge the Conservatives not to bicker, and to support the ratification of the agreement.
Firearms control and smuggling2021-02-25Member of Parliament - Dhaliwal, Sukh (Surrey—ton)Liberal Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, in order to target gun and gang violence, we need better data to trace firearms used in the commission of an offence. In 2014-15, the Harper Conservatives closed half of the RCMP laboratories that analyzed and traced these types of firearms. It is clear that we need to rebuild and further that capacity. Can the minister provide an update as to what our government is doing to help British Columbia enhance our data?Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Surrey—Newton for his excellent question and his tireless advocacy on behalf of the safety of the people of Surrey. We are pleased to see that our federal funds are being used to open a new forensic firearms lab in British Columbia. This is essential to holding criminals accountable and to getting illegal guns off our streets. We are also renewing the Canada-United States Cross-Border Crime Forum and working on the creation of a new bilateral task force on gun smuggling and trafficking with our American allies. We will strengthen gun control in this country at our border and in our communities.
Canada-US Relations2021-02-24Member of Parliament - Dhillon, Anju (Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle)Liberal Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, during their first virtual bilateral meeting yesterday, our Prime Minister and President Biden talked about the work to be done in the coming years. Our two countries agreed on a roadmap for a renewed U.S.-Canada partnership that prioritizes the fight against COVID-19, economic recovery and the global climate threat. Would our Prime Minister tell the House about the joint commitment to fighting climate change?Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle for that important question and for her work. President Biden and I agreed to launch a high-level climate ministerial to coordinate co-operation between the United States and Canada. We also agreed to take a coordinated approach to accelerating progress towards sustainable, resilient and clean energy infrastructure. We are committed to working with others to increase the scale and speed of the fight against climate change.
Covid-19 US Border2020-06-02Member of Parliament - Duncan, Eric (Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry)Conservative Party of Canada I want to start off by thanking the government for listening to my proposals a couple of weeks ago regarding the extension of benefits for vulnerable Canadians who may not have been able to file their income tax by this week's deadline. There are millions of relieved seniors with GIS, child tax benefit for parents, and GST, who now know they have a bit of time and protection and aren't to be cut off their benefits. I'm hoping to go two for two here today, so no pressure to the Minister of Public Safety.
I want to build on the comments from Ms. Gladu, my colleague from Sarnia—Lambton, last week about family reunification between the Canadians and Americans. I have many constituents in my riding who are concerned and are
caught in this.
 I certainly support, and I think we support in this chamber, the idea of the extension for travel. However, it's now been three months since many spouses have seen each other, there are Canadian and American children who are in custody arrangements and have seen their parent on one side of the border or the other.
 After stating for months that reunifying families wasn't considered essential travel, I am thankful that he and the Prime Minister have now said that they are.
 Will the minister agree that the safe and fair proposal we outlined in our letter last week, which would simply exempt spouses, children and those with medical needs travelling back and forth with accompanying documentation be done so
we can get people and their families back together?		I'd like to thank the member for what I think is a very important question and I want to assure him that I have had similar conversations with members of this House from all parties and representing all parts of the country. We recognize the challenge that this particular policy of restricting non-essential travel has had in families. It is not our intention and never will be our intention to separate families.
 We are working very closely with the CBSA to ensure that individuals are treated fairly.
 I want to share this with the member and honourable members of this House. Because there is a great deal of concern in our communities and from our provincial and territorial partners about the movement of people across our border, any change we make to our arrangement at the border—and this will require a change by an order in council—any change has to be discussed and negotiated with our provincial partners. Some of them, you may be aware, have expressed some concern and we're addressing those concerns because we respect their concerns.
 At the same time we are working very hard and I am very hopeful that we'll be able to resolve this to the satisfaction of the many Canadians you and everyone else represents.
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-01-31Member of Parliament - Epp, Dave (Chatham-Kent—Leamington)Conservative Party of CanadaMadam Speaker, there is an aluminum extrusion and parts company in Chatham that has grown to over 250 employees in less than 10 years. We have all heard the government's talking points, saying that 70% aluminum content is better than 0%, ignoring the reality that 70% is far less than our present market share.  What we do not know is the real impact of the new NAFTA. Why does the government continue to refuse to release the economic analyses that we have requested? Release the documents.Madam Speaker, again I want to thank aluminum workers and the aluminum business for the excellent products that we produce here in Canada. Our government stands by our workers and by our businesses and is ensuring that they benefit from the new NAFTA.  As my colleague said, this new deal offers a guaranteed minimum of 70% aluminum content. The previous deal did not contain that guarantee. Therefore, I encourage my colleague to work with us, to support us in ratifying this NAFTA because that aluminum plant in his riding is depending on it.
Keystone XL2021-02-01Member of Parliament - Falk, Ted (Provencher)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, when the Prime Minister was the opposition leader of the third party, he suggested that Keystone XL would have been approved if Canada had stronger environmental policy, stronger oversight, tougher penalties and, yes, some sort of means to price carbon pollution. I wonder how that is all working out for the Prime Minister. How many gut punches does the Prime Minister think energy workers need to take before he is willing to stand up for them and Canada's national interests?Mr. Speaker, the other night during the emergency debate, I listened carefully to the opposition and some of what the members said really shocked me. The member for Foothills called TMX a white elephant. On this side of the House, we are proud that TMX is finally being built, no thanks to the Conservatives. TMX has already created 7,000 jobs. It is not a white elephant. Those are real jobs, real workers in Alberta and real support from this government. We are proud of our hard-working oil and gas workers. We have their backs.
Blueberry Exports to US2020-10-29Member of Parliament - Fast, Ed (Abbotsford)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, we recently learned that the U.S. has set its sights on yet another Canadian industry. This time it is blueberries that are the target of American tariffs. The Americans know a weak-kneed Liberal government when they see one. They went after our steel and aluminum. They went after our softwood lumber. We all know how the Liberal government sold out our dairy industry in the NAFTA renegotiations. Does a similar fate await our blueberry producers? What action has the minister taken to defend our blueberry industry?Mr. Speaker, our government will always stand up for Canadian producers, farmers and the agri-food industry. We are very concerned by the U.S. decision to launch a global safeguard investigation of fresh and frozen blueberries that could eventually lead to the imposition of tariffs on imports from Canada. Minister Ng raised the issue during a recent call with U.S. representatives. We are confident that there will be no problems.
Cross-border Peace Arch Park2021-02-04Member of Parliament - Findlay, Kerry-Lynne (South Surrey—White Rock)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, cross-border Peace Arch Park in my riding is a U.S.-Canada border loophole. For Mike, Charlaine and their neighbours, who live next to the park, this is intolerable. Since Washington State reopened its side in May, visitors from across Canada and the U.S. are constantly meeting in the park and returning home, with no tracing, no quarantines. We saw many picnics and counted 60 pitched tents last Sunday.  Does the minister not see this as a public health issue?Mr. Speaker, of course I do. We have, as explained several times, implemented some of the strongest measures in the world. Last March, we essentially closed the border between Canada and the United States for all non-essential travel. We have continued to maintain those provisions while allowing for the movement of essential workers and essential goods across the border. The measures we put in place require all people returning from the U.S. to enter into quarantine. Those measures are enforceable, with significant fines and consequences for those who break them. We will continue to do all of the things that are necessary to help keep Canadians safe.
Aluminum / CUSMA2020-01-28Member of Parliament - Gill, Marilène (Manicouagan)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, aluminum is crucial to our regions and to Quebec. I am talking about Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean, Deschambault in Quebec’s national capital region, Bécancour in central Quebec, and the North Shore, home to Alcoa and Alouette, the largest aluminum smelter not just in Canada but in North America. The aluminum sector is hugely important, but it is in jeopardy because of an agreement the Bloc Québécois is being asked to endorse without comment. Considering what this means for the aluminum sector and the damage it will do to supply management, does the government understand the price it is making Quebec regions pay?Mr. Speaker, the new NAFTA will benefit Quebec in big ways. It maintains $57.3 billion worth of exports from Quebec to the United States. It maintains the cultural exemption, which is very important to our government, and it maintains supply management even though the United States wanted to completely dismantle it. This is a good agreement for Quebec and for Canada.
Enbridge’s Line 52021-03-22Member of Parliament - Gladu, Marilyn (Sarnia—Lambton)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Prime Minister raised the issue of Line 5 with President Biden. Will he ask President Biden again to intervene to keep Line 5 open and save 50,000 jobs on both sides of the border?Mr. Speaker, Line 5 is non-negotiable. People will not be left out in the cold. Hundreds of thousands of homes on both sides of the border depend on it for heating. Tens of thousands of jobs on both sides of the border depend on it. We take threats to Canada's energy security very seriously. We are standing up for our proud energy workers. They are the ones who are leading our economic recovery. They are leading the way. As I say, Line 5 is non-negotiable.
Enbridge’s Line 52021-03-22Member of Parliament - Gladu, Marilyn (Sarnia—Lambton)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, Mr. Vern Yu, the president of liquids pipelines for Enbridge, told our Canada-U.S. special committee that the company would appreciate the support of our federal and provincial governments by filing amicus curiae briefs in the lawsuit, declaring they support Enbridge’s position that this is a federal matter of jurisdiction in the U.S. Will our natural resources minister commit to filing such a brief in support of keeping Line 5 open?Mr. Speaker, Line 5 is a battle that we are fighting on every front, including legal and diplomatic. We are taking every tack that we need to in order to make sure that we protect Line 5. Line 5 is the most efficient way to deliver the products that Michigan needs to heat its homes, fly its jets and power its economy. Shutting it down would mean 800 extra railcars and 15,000 additional trucks per day transporting crude and propane. We do not need more trucks on the road jamming up the 401 and our already congested border crossings. Line 5 is safe. It has been for 65 years and it will continue to be.
Enbridge’s Line 52021-03-10Member of Parliament - Gladu, Marilyn (Sarnia—Lambton)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Prime Minister said he spoke to President Biden about the Line 5 closure and the critical impact it will have on 50,000 jobs on both sides of the border. Could he update this House as to whether the President said he would intervene to keep Line 5 open?Mr. Speaker, Canadian energy workers work hard to power homes on both sides of the border. When I met with the President, I underlined how Canada is a reliable source of energy contributing to U.S. energy security and economic competitiveness. Ambassador Hillman and our Detroit consul general, alongside many other officials, are strongly advocating Line 5's continued operation. Our government supports the continued safe operation of Line 5. We will continue to stand up for Canadian energy interests.
Enbridge’s Line 52021-02-24Member of Parliament - Gladu, Marilyn (Sarnia—Lambton)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, after the Liberals said Line 5 was “critical to Canada's energy and economic security”, the Prime Minister did not even raise the topic with President Biden yesterday. How are we supposed to rebuild a relationship with our most important ally when the PM cannot even raise the most pressing issue, while 50,000 jobs on both sides of the border are at risk? How can Canadians believe the Prime Minister when he is no talk, no action?Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be able to correct the hon. member and point out that, yes, indeed, in our extensive bilateral conversations with the Americans yesterday, we brought up Line 5 because it continues to be an important issue for people in Ontario and Quebec and, indeed, across the country. We spoke yesterday about how Canada is a reliable source of energy contributing to U.S. energy security and economic competitiveness. Ambassador Hillman and our Detroit consul general are strongly advocating for Line 5's continued operation and our government continues to engage at the highest levels.
Enbridge’s Line 5 2021-02-22Member of Parliament - Gladu, Marilyn (Sarnia—Lambton)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, I have been asking the Prime Minister to pick up the phone and ask President Biden to keep Line 5 open to save 50,000 jobs. The Prime Minister has a meeting with him tomorrow. Considering the importance of Line 5 to our economy, will the Prime Minister ask President Biden to intervene on this issue?Mr. Speaker, we take the threat to Canadian energy security very seriously. Line 5 is vital to Canada's energy security. I would like to tell my colleague we appreciate her advocacy on this. We know that Line 5 is vital to workers, producers and consumers in Canada and in the United States. We have always made the case that this is vital infrastructure, and we will continue to make that case.
Enbridge’s Line 5 2021-02-18Member of Parliament - Gladu, Marilyn (Sarnia—Lambton)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, it has been two weeks since I asked the Prime Minister to take action on the Line 5 issue. This requires a leader-to-leader interaction. Will the Prime Minister personally pick up the phone, call President Biden and ask him to intervene to keep Line 5 open?Mr. Speaker, as I have said, we take this issue very seriously. Line 5 is vital to our energy security and vital to our economy. It provides thousands of jobs at refineries in Sarnia and in Montreal and Lévis, Quebec. It supplies 53% of Ontario's crude oil supply and 66% of Quebec's. It supplies Michigan with 55% of its statewide propane.  I assure the House that we are looking at all of our options. Line 5 is a vital pipeline for Canada's energy security. We support it. We will defend it.
Enbridge’s Line 5 2021-02-04Member of Parliament - Gladu, Marilyn (Sarnia—Lambton)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Prime Minister keeps sidestepping the question about what he will personally do to support Line 5. We know of efforts by others in the government to keep Line 5 open, but we need the Prime Minister to show direct leadership here. Does he not understand the impact this will for jobs in Sarnia—Lambton, Ontario, Quebec and Alberta?  When will the Prime Minister pick up the phone and call his American counterparts about Line 5?Mr. Speaker, we take this issue very seriously. Line 5 is vital to our energy security. It is a line that is a critical economic and energy security link between Canada and the United States and it has safely operated for over 65 years. It provides good paying, middle-class jobs for thousands of workers at refineries in the member's riding in Sarnia and also in Montreal and Lévis, Quebec.  I can assure the House that we are looking at all our options. Line 5 is a vital pipeline for Canada's energy security. We will continue to advocate for it.
Enbridge’s Line 5 2021-02-04Member of Parliament - Gladu, Marilyn (Sarnia—Lambton)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, it is clear that the natural resources minister supports Line 5, but the Prime Minister is abdicating his responsibility here. He is not answering questions. He is not taking personal accountability. When will the Prime Minister pick up the phone and ask President Biden to intervene to keep Line 5 open?Mr. Speaker, we are working every day on this issue. Line 5 is vital for Canada's energy security. Ambassador Hillman is making the case in Washington. Consul General Comartin is making the case in Detroit and in Lansing. The Minister of Transport raised it with the transport secretary, Pete Buttigieg, yesterday. The Prime Minister raised the importance of North American energy security with Vice-President Harris. I will be raising this issue with the incoming U.S. energy secretary as soon as she is confirmed.
Enbridge's Line 5 2021-02-01Member of Parliament - Gladu, Marilyn (Sarnia—Lambton)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, 50,000 jobs, that is 50,000 jobs on both sides of the border, are at risk if the Prime Minister does not take serious action to save Line 5. Enbridge has even been issued new permits by the Michigan government to make a safe project even safer by encasing the existing pipe in a tunnel along the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac. The natural resources minister has pledged his support. Will the Prime Minister commit to speaking with President Biden about the importance of saving Line 5?Mr. Speaker, the hon. member and I have been speaking about this issue. This is obviously hugely important not only for her riding but, as she mentioned, for Canadian industry. We are working alongside Ambassador Hillman and Consul General Joe Comartin, and I want to thank them for their tireless efforts on this issue. We are loud and clear on this side of the House: We support Line 5. We will continue to advocate for it.
US Border Covid-192020-05-28Member of Parliament - Gladu, Marilyn (Sarnia—Lambton)Conservative Party of CanadaYesterday, my colleague asked the Minister of Public Safety a question and he did not get a good answer. Why are asylum seekers beinCanadians are not being allowed to reunify with their counterparts in the U.S.?g allowed to cross the closed border and reunify with their families when, in fact, Just to correct an error that was just repeated we have put in roles that have excluded people from non-essential travel. We currently have an agreement with the United States that people crossing our border irregularly are being directed back to the United States. We've put in protection for those individuals to uphold our international obligations. We're continuing to deal with the—
 The Chair: We'll go back to Ms. Gladu
US Border Family Reunification Covid-192020-05-28Member of Parliament - Gladu, Marilyn (Sarnia—Lambton)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Chair, I have in my riding a pregnant woman who is having their first child. The father of
the baby is not being allowed to come over. I have another citizen who's married to an American woman who needs
medical services every three weeks who is not being allowed to go over and come back. I also have parents who have not seen their children in months because they're not allowing custody arrangements between Canadians and Americans to continue.
Will the minister create exemptions to allow the reunification of these Canadians with their family?		Again, I thank the member for an important question. It is never our intention to keep families apart. At the same time we are exercising all due diligence to ensure that we prevent non-essential travel to protect the health and safety of Canadians. We've been working very hard to ensure that we have a solution for those individuals who want to reunite with their families. We will have further information on that as soon as we're able to resolve that difficulty.
Covid-19 NAFTA Dairy Compensation2020-05-12Member of Parliament - Gourde, Jacques (Lévis—Lotbinière)Conservative Party of CanadaMonsieur le président, la ministre ne semble pas comprendre l'enjeu ici présent. Les
transformateurs laitiers du Canada investissent des centaines de milliards de dollars par année pour donner aux
consommateurs des produits de qualité et ils contribuent au PIB à hauteur de 19 milliàrds de dollars. Maintenant, on
demande à ces mêmes transformateurs de faire des efforts pour exporter des produits canadiens a valeur ajoutée. La ministre s'engage-t-elle à accorder des permis d'importation aux transformateurs laitiers canadiens plutôt que
d'encourager les multinationales américaines?		Monsieur le président, je remercie le député de sa question. Je comprends très bien. Je
pense que nous comprenons tous l'importance des transformateurs dans notre système, dans notre pays. Je peux assurer
à tous les députés de la Chambre que nous allons continuer de travailler avec les transformateurs canadiens pendant
l'entrée en vigueur de cet accord.
NAFTA CUSMA2020-04-29Member of Parliament - Gourde, Jacques (Lévis—Lotbinière)Conservative Party of CanadaYesterday, we learned that in March, the Liberal government gave assurances to parliamentarians that the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement wouldn't come into force until August 1, 2020. We now know that the agreement will come into force on July 1, 2020. Does the Deputy Prime Minister deny that she gave assurances to parliamentarians about the effective date of the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement?Mr. Chair, the new NAFTA is the result of three years of hard work for all Canadians. We all came together as a country throughout the negotiations. The result is excellent for Canada, especially since today there are major issues around the global economy and protectionism. This is good news for our country.
Buy America Plan2021-01-27Member of Parliament - Gray, Tracy (Kelowna—Lake Country)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, President Biden's new buy America executive order contains much tougher rules than we have ever seen before, all but shutting Canadian businesses out of U.S. government contracts. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce says this will have a chilling effect on businesses and jobs. The Liberals failed to negotiate Canada's participation in Chapter 13 of CUSMA, which addresses government procurement. The Liberals' trade failures just keep piling up. Is the Prime Minister negotiating buy America exemptions for Canadian businesses?Mr. Speaker, over the past four years, we have seen one of the most protectionist administrations the United States has ever had, and we were able to consistently defend Canadian interests, stand up for Canadian workers, and ensure our continued access to the American market and free trade. We will continue to work with this new administration, in much more positive ways, to defend Canadian jobs and interests. I highlighted our concerns with buy American provisions directly with the President. He committed to working together to ensure that we are creating jobs and prosperity for both of our countries.
Buy America Plan2021-01-26Member of Parliament - Gray, Tracy (Kelowna—Lake Country)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, first the U.S. administration cancelled Keystone XL. Now it has announced buy America policies for its government procurement. This will be devastating to our exports of Canadian aluminum and steel, and for the many manufacturing and wholesale sectors that rely on integrated supply chains with the United States. What is the Prime Minister doing to ensure Canada is exempted from these policies, or will he again just express his disappointment, as he did with Keystone?Mr. Speaker, I want Canadian businesses and workers to know that we are actively engaging with our American partners at all levels, and we will always stand up for the best interests of Canadians. The Prime Minister spoke to President Biden and affirmed we will be working together and consulting closely.  Canada and the U.S. share a unique relationship. We will continue working with our Canadian businesses, our exporters. We are going to take a team Canada approach. We have been doing that for the last five years, and we will keep doing that to ensure we are working with our neighbour to create good jobs in North America.
Buy America Plan2021-01-26Member of Parliament - Gray, Tracy (Kelowna—Lake Country)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, when the U.S. put through buy America policies in 2009, the Conservative government secured an exemption agreement so Canadian businesses and workers were protected. We need similar leadership now. Canadian manufacturers and exporters have said that these buy America policies may force them to move across the border, taking tens of thousands of jobs with them. Is the government pursuing an exemption agreement with the United States to protect Canadian workers?Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister and the president have agreed to consult closely and work together. We understand that both countries benefit from the integrated, secure and resilient supply chains between our two countries. Canada is the number one customer of more than 32 states. We look forward to working with the American administration in the interests of Canadian workers and Canadian businesses here in Canada, and indeed, on both sides of the border.
Buy America(n) Exemptions2021-03-25Member of Parliament - Gray, Tracy (Kelowna—Lake Country)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, we recently learned from a senior government official that the Liberals were not pursuing a complete exemption from President Biden's buy American policies and are only looking at sector-specific exemptions. The Conservatives negotiated a full exemption back in 2009. Did the Minister of International Trade push for a complete exemption for Canada from buy American during her call with the U.S. trade representative on March 22, or is the government's position now just settling for second best?Mr. Speaker, as the member opposite knows, buy America was raised directly during the bilateral meeting with President Biden. As Ambassador Hillman confirmed under testimony before our committee, the issue of buy America is consistently raised in almost every meeting between almost every minister and their U.S. counterparts. We will continue to engage actively with our business community here in Canada, the business community in the United States and all levels of government in order to get a successful outcome to this issue, just as we did in our concerted effort to successfully conclude the new NAFTA.
Buy America(n) Exemptions2021-03-25Member of Parliament - Gray, Tracy (Kelowna—Lake Country)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, strict buy American policies would be devastating to the Canadian economy and impact our integrated supply chains if the Liberals fail to get a full exemption. The government would be handpicking which sectors and perhaps which businesses will succeed or fail if it is seeking only a partial exemption.  If a full buy American exemption is not granted to Canada, what is the Liberals' plan to stop good-paying, middle-class Canadian manufacturing jobs from packing up and moving south of the border?Mr. Speaker, as the member opposite should know, Canada already benefits from a complete exemption from the Buy American provisions that the United States put in place. As I mentioned earlier, we continue to work at all levels in order to gain an exemption to buy America. This is just as much in the interest of the United States as it is in Canada's. We are all looking for a strong economic recovery in North America, and we will work with the Biden administration to get there.
Buy American Policies2021-02-23Member of Parliament - Gray, Tracy (Kelowna—Lake Country)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Biden administration has now stated that no changes are anticipated for its buy American policies, which will hurt Canadian businesses and affect jobs. It is crucial that Canada receives an exemption.  The Biden election platform policy fulfilment should not come as a surprise to the Prime Minister. What is the Prime Minister's specific plan to get an exemption for Canada, just as we have had before with the former U.S. administration?Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the hon. member and all Canadian workers and businesses that our government will always stand up for Canadian businesses and our workers.  The U.S. and Canada have agreed to consult closely to avoid any measures that could constrain our bilateral trade and economic growth between our two countries. We have worked with the administration and will continue to work with the administration while standing up for our Canadian workers.
Buy American Policies2021-02-23Member of Parliament - Gray, Tracy (Kelowna—Lake Country)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, thousands of Canadian jobs were lost due to the cancellation of Keystone XL, thousands of jobs are under threat due to the buy American policies and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers are on the line due to U.S. investigations of our produce and dairy sectors. Canadian workers need a victory, not more talking points. On his call today with President Biden, will the Prime Minister stand up for workers who rely on trade with the U.S. and get a commitment for a buy American exemption?Mr. Speaker, at a time when our economy and the global economy are facing significant challenges from COVID-19, we all know the importance of maintaining market access to our closest trading partner.  Our government will always stand up for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. The Prime Minister, in his conversation with the President and the vice-president, and indeed our entire government, is seized with working with the American administration to ensure we stand up for our Canadian workers and businesses.
Buy American Policies2021-02-16Member of Parliament - Gray, Tracy (Kelowna—Lake Country)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Biden administration's buy American policies are set to disrupt supply chains between Canada and the United States. The government needs to go to the table now with the United States to prevent supply-chain disruptions that would put our businesses at risk. We need to protect jobs that rely on them in cities like Mississauga and Windsor. Many sectors will be affected by these buy American policies. What is the government doing to secure Canadian jobs?Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the member and Canadians that our government will always stand up for Canadian businesses and our workers. Canada and the United States have agreed to consult closely to avoid any measures that could constrain bilateral trade and economic growth between our two countries. I want to remind the member that Canada is the largest exporter to the U.S., buying more from the U.S. than China, Japan and the U.K. combined. Canada is its number one customer in more than 32 states. We are going to take a team Canada approach to ensure that Canadian interests and Canadian jobs are absolutely top priority.
International Trade (Blueberries)2020-10-09Member of Parliament - Gray, Tracy (Kelowna—Lake Country)Conservative Party of CanadaMadam Speaker, the ink is barely dry on CUSMA and now another Canadian industry may be facing tariffs, blueberries.  The U.S. is investigating if Canadian blueberry exports are negatively affecting its industry. Ninety-five per cent of fresh blueberry exports from British Columbia go to the United States. These potential tariffs will be devastating for blueberry farmers in places like the Fraser Valley and Nova Scotia. When will the minister resolve this issue and give certainty to our blueberry farmers?Madam Speaker, we will always stand up for our farmers and our hard-working exporters across the country. Obviously Canada is extremely concerned about the decision of the United States to investigate the export of blueberries. We expect the United States to fully respect all the terms of the new NAFTA.  Canada will defend its exporters, including the farmers and producers of blueberries, right across the country.
US Appeal of WTO SWL Decision2020-09-29Member of Parliament - Gray, Tracy (Kelowna—Lake Country)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Liberals failed to negotiate a new softwood lumber agreement with the United States or to negotiate softwood into CUSMA. Yesterday, the U.S. announced its decision to appeal the World Trade Organization's report on U.S. countervailing measures in softwood lumber.  The Liberals have once again let down forestry workers and families. Six thousand people lost their jobs in the second quarter this year alone, adding to the thousands from last year. When will the minister stand up for forestry workers in regions like Skeena, the Okanagan and Vancouver Island?Mr. Speaker, we are expanding and extending the wage subsidy program through until next summer. Our sector was already hit and facing significant challenges before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The wage subsidy is going to help more forestry companies in regions that have been hit hardest by these conditions. It keeps Canadians working. All levels of government are working together to ensure that Canadian workers and companies have the vital supports they need, when and where they need it.
Enbridge’s Line 5 2021-01-29Member of Parliament - Hallan, Jasraj Singh (Calgary Forest Lawn)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Prime Minister continues to remain silent on Enbridge's Line 5. The other day he told the leader of the official opposition that he has always stood up for Canadian interests, but I am puzzled. He refuses to say Line 5 by name, and his minister is waiting to talk to the new energy secretary as soon as she is sworn in, whenever that is. Thousands of jobs are dependent on this pipeline on both sides of the border, and it is so crucial that we get this right. No urgency is being shown. The clock is ticking. What is the government proactively doing, if anything, to save Line 5, or does it want to see this one ripped out of the ground, too?Mr. Speaker, let me be very clear. Our government supports the operation of Enbridge's Line 5. It has been in there since the 1950s and it is vital to the economy of Canada. It supplies Imperial, Shell and Suncor refineries in Sarnia, Ontario, Suncor's refinery in Montreal and Valero's refinery in Lévis, Quebec. It delivers 66% of the crude oil consumed in Quebec. This is a vital pipeline. We believe in it. We support it. We are continuing to work alongside Ambassador Hillman and Consul General Comartin, and we will continue to advocate for Line 5.
Enbridge’s Line 5 2021-02-04Member of Parliament - Harder, Rachael (Lethbridge)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, Line 5 is an essential part of Canada's energy supply chain, providing half the oil needs of Ontario and Quebec. It is currently under threat of being cancelled, but the Prime Minister has not even lifted a finger. Canadians need to fill up their gas tanks, heat their homes and cook their food. Energy is, after all, the fuel of life. Wait a second. Is that why the Prime Minister promised to plant two billion trees? Are we going back to wood-burning stoves?Mr. Speaker, as I have said, Line 5 has operated safely for over 65 years. Enbridge continues to monitor its operations around the clock. It is undertaking checks with remotely operated vehicles and has human divers at regular intervals. The tunnel project, which Michigan recently issued permits for, will make a safe line even safer. Over the past 10 years, Enbridge has transported more than 27 billion barrels of crude with a safety delivery record of 99.99%. On this side of the House, we are working hard to support our oil and gas workers and protect Canada's energy and industrial infrastructure.
Keystone XL2020-12-07Member of Parliament - Harder, Rachael (Lethbridge)Conservative Party of CanadaMadam Speaker, earlier this year the Prime Minister said, “We need to get our resources to new markets safely and securely and that's why I've always advocated for the Keystone XL pipeline.” As the Prime Minister knows, Keystone XL would be a huge advantage to indigenous communities. It would generate prosperity in our country by developing energy in an environmentally friendly capacity. It would create jobs during a time when unemployment is through the roof. My question is very simple. Could the Prime Minister simply outline three very tangible steps he will take in the next little while to get this project done?Madam Speaker, we have supported this project, as the Prime Minister has said, unwaveringly. We have always supported this project for many of the reasons that the hon. member cites. One of the strongest arguments for this project is that we have a government that is fighting climate change, putting a price on pollution, committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, and making investments to help our energy sector become more sustainable than ever. That is the record we will be able to present to our partners in the U.S.
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-01-29Member of Parliament - Hoback, Randy (Prince Albert)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, it has been 48 days since we asked the Liberal government to provide its economic impact analysis of the new NAFTA. There are clearly concerns from a number of key sectors, including dairy and aluminum. We have asked the Prime Minister to provide these documents so that we can do our job. When will the Prime Minister provide these documents? Are you trying to hide something?Mr. Speaker, I assure the member opposite that the Speaker is certainly not hiding anything. The reality is that from the very beginning we offered full briefings and information, not just to the leaders of the opposition parties, but to their critics as well. We will ensure that all information that they require to make the right decision for their constituencies and for Canada is given to them. We know that it is an extremely important achievement for Canada to have secure trade within the North American market. We will continue to work with all members in this House to ensure that we can move forward properly.
CUSMA 2020-05-27Member of Parliament - Hoback, Randy (Prince Albert)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Chair, after CUSMA, this government guaranteed to the trade committee that they would publish the objectives of any new trade agreement. When will we see these objectives published and actually have a chance to view them?We look forward, of course, to working to ensure that those objectives are published as we get into future trade discussions.
Exports to US2020-05-27Member of Parliament - Hoback, Randy (Prince Albert)Conservative Party of Canada Mr. Chair, last week, the President of the United States considered blocking cattle imports. Our beef producers don't need this. They need stability. Three-quarters of Canada's beef cattle exports go to the U.S. Has the government sought out and received assurances from the United States that no such action will apply to Canadian cattle? 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 for the Canadian economy and Canadian producers.
NAFTA2020-01-28Member of Parliament - Hoback, Randy (Prince Albert)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, I appreciate finally receiving a briefing today from the government on the new NAFTA, 48 days after we asked questions regarding it. For a government that wants to move quickly on this file, taking a month and a half to respond simply is not good enough. We have to do our due diligence. When will the government recognize the fact that it is a minority government and start working with us?Mr. Speaker, let me begin by thanking my colleague from Prince Albert for his ongoing collaboration over many years. We absolutely are very open to sharing and making available our officials to all members of the opposition immediately after the signing of the protocol of amendments to the new NAFTA. Steve Verheul offered briefings in December to the leaders of all of the opposition parties with the members of their caucus they chose to invite, and I spoke last week with the member for Prince Albert.
Softwood Lumber2019-12-11Member of Parliament - Hoback, Randy (Prince Albert)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, while the United States and Mexico continued to negotiate a better NAFTA for themselves, the Liberal government again sat on the sidelines. This is a missed opportunity for the Liberals to help industries such as aluminum and softwood lumber. The forestry sector is hurting. Mills are closing. People are losing their jobs. Why would the Prime Minister agree to a deal that does nothing for aluminum producers or our forestry workers?Mr. Speaker, this new NAFTA deal has significant gains for our aluminum workers. On forestry workers, we remain extremely concerned with the difficult situations they are facing. We will continue to work very hard with our American counterparts alongside Canadian premiers, standing up for our forestry workers and encouraging the United States to come to an agreement on softwood lumber.
Aluminum - CUSMA2020-02-03Member of Parliament - Koutrakis, Annie (Vimy)Liberal Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, Quebec's aluminum workers are envied throughout the world for their know-how, talent and expertise. They play a very important role in our economy, in Quebec and across the country. Could the minister please tell Canadians what our government is doing to ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future for Canada's aluminum sector and to guarantee good, middle-class jobs in this important sector?Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Vimy for her question. Our government has always been there for Quebec's aluminum workers and, since 2018, we have been investing in our aluminum smelters, thereby supporting nearly 2,500 good jobs in Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean, in Deschambault and in Sept-Îles. This will help guarantee good, long-term jobs in an industry that is innovative and more sustainable.
Alberta – Alaska Election2020-11-05Member of Parliament - Kram, Michael (Regina—Wascana)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Alaska to Alberta railway will create 28,000 jobs, provide another route out of landlocked Saskatchewan and Alberta for our exports and lower the cost of groceries in the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Will the government join the Conservatives in supporting this $17-billion private sector infrastructure project or will the Prime Minister let the application sit on his desk for six months, as he did with Teck Frontier?Mr. Speaker, as a government, we are fully committed to ensuring that good, sustainable projects get built in Canada and that they are assessed in a timely, fair and rigorous way. With respect to this project, as I said a couple of weeks ago, when this question was posed by the opposition, we had not received an initial project description. However, like with all projects, if we receive it and when we receive it, we will certainly assess it and do so in an expeditious manner.
Alberta to Alaska Railway2020-10-06Member of Parliament - Kram, Michael (Regina—Wascana)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, last week, the Alaska–Alberta Railway Development Corporation received the necessary American permit to move its project forward. This $17-billion private-sector initiative is a true nation-building project that will connect the Yukon and the Northwest Territories with the rest of Canada, all while creating 28,000 jobs. Could the government confirm that it supports this initiative to open up Canada's north?Mr. Speaker, we are firmly committed to ensuring that sustainable projects get built in this country and that they are assessed in a timely, fair and rigorous way. With respect to this specific project, we have not yet received an initial project description, but as with all projects, if and when we receive it, we will assess it.
Keystone XL2021-02-18Member of Parliament - Kurek, Damien (Battle River—Crowfoot)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, over the last three weeks there has been growing bipartisan consensus that the Keystone XL pipeline cancellation was a mistake. Now high-profile Democrat and Republican leaders are calling for the project to be continued, and more than a dozen states are pondering legal action against the Biden administration.  The Liberals say they support the patch. Now is their chance to actually do it and stand up for KXL. Will the government finally do so?Mr. Speaker, we are not happy with the decision to cancel Keystone XL's permit. I will quote Chris Bloomer, the CEO of the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association. He said:  Keystone XL is a loss. But is it the end of Canada’s oil and gas industry? Absolutely not. Canada is a world leader in responsible energy development.... We have abundant natural resources that can help meet the growing demand for affordable energy around the world and can offset global emissions. We agree that the world needs more Canadian energy, and we support our energy workers.
Keystone XL2021-01-25Member of Parliament - Kurek, Damien (Battle River—Crowfoot)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, about 1,000 people in my constituency lost their jobs on Wednesday last week. After half a decade of pain in the energy sector, there was finally a glimmer of optimism when work on Keystone XL began. Canada's world-class energy industry has been attacked long enough by the government. My constituents are suffering, and all Canadians are paying the price. Can somebody, can anybody, in the government not just give up, but commit to reach across the border to our allies and stand up for the future of these workers and their families?Mr. Speaker, we are not happy about this decision. We made a strong argument for this project at every level and in every way we could, from Ambassador Hillman to the Prime Minister. I spoke, weekly, with Minister Savage and the former member for Edmonton—Leduc, James Rajotte throughout the fall. The governments of Canada and Alberta stood shoulder to shoulder in Washington, virtually, to make the case together. We made the case for Canada and the President of the U.S. has made a decision to honour his campaign commitment.
Alberta to Alaska Railway2020-10-06Member of Parliament - Kusie, Stephanie (Calgary Midnapore)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, we know the Prime Minister loves to kill projects in western Canada. The Alaska to Alberta railway project is a $17-billion private-sector initiative that will connect western Canadian resources to international markets. However, the Prime Minister has already hinted that he will use his old friend, Bill C-69, to kill this project.  For the sake of the west, for the sake of the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, for the sake of all Canadians, will the Prime Minister put aside his own selfish ideology and say yes to this project?Mr. Speaker, I do not know how many other ways I can say it. We have not yet received an initial project description on this project. As soon as we do, we will certainly assess it in accordance with the processes that are in place.
Covid-19  US Keystone2020-05-21Member of Parliament - Kusie, Stephanie (Calgary Midnapore)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Chair, Joe Biden's position on Keystone today became a lot clearer this morning when it was reported that former advisor to the Prime Minister, Jenn O'Malley-Dillon is now consulting for this presidential candidate. We know the Prime Minister allowed a former U.S. President to intervene in the last election testing his own foreign interference legislation and Canadians continue to wait for him and his government to take a tougher stand on China. When will the Prime Minister stand up for Canada and our interests as we rebuild? Will he continue to covertly use the influence of foreign entities to destroy us and our economy? Mr. Chair, I must say that I disagree in the strongest possible terms that our government
would ever encourage foreign influence in Canadian democracy. I have to say I believe that all members of this House have the same view. Our democracy is precious and 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.
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-02-04Member of Parliament - Lehoux, Richard (Beauce)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, I would like to take advantage of the presence of Canadian dairy farmers on the Hill this week to remind the government that it promised to conduct impact studies on the concessions made in previous free trade agreements. The government is about to ratify a new agreement, but it has still not disclosed the impact of those concessions. We keep asking for those studies, but we are not getting a response. The dairy industry is one of the hardest-hit sectors. Will the government finally give Canadians answers?Mr. Speaker, it was a Liberal government that created the supply management system and it is a Liberal government that is preserving it. It is worth noting that the American government's goal at the beginning of the negotiations was to completely dismantle the system. This agreement will provide access to markets, but also the assurance that the future of supply management is secure. That is very good for Canada's dairy farmers.
CUSMA2020-02-25Member of Parliament - Lehoux, Richard (Beauce)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Deputy Prime Minister has said several times that all parties involved were consulted extensively in discussions on CUSMA and its implementation.
Yesterday, in an appearance at the Standing Committee on International Trade, Dairy Farmers of Canada clearly said that they had not been consulted at all. The current government continues to neglect this agricultural sector. The government has given up sovereignty and oversight of the dairy sector.
Why did the Deputy Prime Minister not consult Canada's dairy farmers?		Mr. Speaker, it was a Liberal government that created supply management, and it was a Liberal government that protected it.
I should point out that at the beginning of negotiations, the U.S. government wanted to completely dismantle this system. We defended our supply management system, and we will continue to do so.
Canada-US Border2020-10-30Member of Parliament - Lewis, Chris (Essex)Conservative Party of CanadaMadam Speaker, there are hardships at the Canada-U.S. border due to buck-passing by the Minister of Public Safety and the Minister of Health. One example is when Darren tried to cross to the United States to visit his brother. He was turned around by U.S. customs, yet still required to quarantine for 14 days. What followed was buck-passing from public safety to health, only to learn, too late to help Darren, that appeals are to be made to PHAC. To the Minister of Public Safety, how is it that U.S. billionaire executives clear the border, while regular Canadians like Darren face nothing but chaos?Madam Speaker, I am pleased to advise the member that we took very strong action to protect the health and safety of Canadians by imposing very significant restrictions at the Canada-U.S. border that accomplished a number of things. They allowed for the facilitation of the passage of trade goods and essential workers at that border, and at the same time, we placed severe restrictions on non-essential travel. We have been working to resolve issues where individual Canadians have been impacted by those measures. Those measures are important and it is also important we work with local health authorities and our provincial and municipal partners to ensure the health and safety of Canadians. That is what we have been doing from the outset and we will continue that work.
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-01-29Member of Parliament - Martel, Richard (Chicoutimi—Le Fjord)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Canadian aluminum sector is dealing with competitors who have little concern for labour standards or protecting the environment. The new NAFTA is not perfect, but improvements that could be quickly incorporated were presented to the government. Aluminum has to be at the heart of a Canadian environmental strategy. Representatives from Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean came here today expecting a signal from the government to that effect. Will the Prime Minister give the signal to fix the flaws in the new NAFTA?Mr. Speaker, like all Quebeckers and Canadians, I am extremely proud of our aluminum industry. We have world-class, cutting-edge innovations. Whether we are talking about Elysis or AP60, I have seen with my own eyes what is being done with aluminum in Saguenay. I am extremely proud of that work. I am pleased to support these aluminum workers and show that Canadians are once again leading the way on economic growth and environmental protection.
Aluminum / CUSMA2020-01-28Member of Parliament - Martel, Richard (Chicoutimi—Le Fjord)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, aluminum is one of the three economic drivers in Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean. Some 33% of Canada’s aluminum is produced there. Our region will be one of those hardest hit by CUSMA. To mitigate the impact of this imperfect agreement on our region, I reached out to the government to propose constructive, tangible solutions. Does the government plan to work with us, the Conservatives, to move the aluminum sector forward?Mr. Speaker, as I said to the Bloc Québécois, we are absolutely open to constructive proposals from our colleagues on the other side of the House. As far as the aluminum sector is concerned, I want to point out that when the new NAFTA is ratified, 70% of a vehicle's content in North America will have to be made in North America. Today, that number is 0%. I think that 70% is better than 0%.
Aluminun NAFTA CUSMA2020-05-06Member of Parliament - Martel, Richard (Chicoutimi—Le Fjord)Conservative Party of Canada Mr. Chair, as we all know, the price per tonne of aluminum is at an all-time low. We expect the government to strongly defend aluminum workers. A low-carbon buying policy is needed to protect our aluminum industry. Will the government be announcing specific measures to support those workers?Our government is committed to defending aluminum workers and the sector. Beyond the support under CUSMA, we have strengthened our anti-dumping rules. We've also put new tools at the disposal of the Canada Border Services Agency so it can determine whether aluminum is being dumped in Canada. Lastly, we've created a new oversight regime for imports— (Chair cut off)
Blueberry Exports to US2020-10-06Member of Parliament - Martel, Richard (Chicoutimi—Le Fjord)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, as I already mentioned, U.S. protectionism continues to knock at the door. It makes no difference whether the Democrats or the Republicans are in power. Today, we learned that a U.S. trade representative is calling for an investigation into whether their farmers are affected by imports of Canadian blueberries. I would like to know if the government will protect our workers in the blueberry industry or leave them in the lurch.Mr. Speaker, our government will always stand up for Canadian producers, farmers and the agri-food industry.  Canada is concerned by the U.S. decision to launch a global safeguard investigation on fresh and frozen blueberries that could eventually lead to tariffs on imports from Canada. Canadian agricultural exports of fresh and frozen blueberries are not contributing and are not harming the U.S. market, and Canada expects that the U.S. will respect the CUSMA safeguard provisions. Canada will actively participate in the safeguard investigation.
CUSMA - Aluminum2019-12-11Member of Parliament - Martel, Richard (Chicoutimi—Le Fjord)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, unless we were to abandon NAFTA, there could be no worse free trade agreement than the one Canada just negotiated. It is simple: the United States and Mexico had a game plan and we did not. According to Jean Simard, president and CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canada, Mexico has become China's backyard. The Prime Minister has failed our workers. Are there any solutions to help the industry export more of our Saguenay aluminum, the greenest in the world?Mr. Speaker, the new NAFTA agreement is a win for aluminum workers. I understand that our colleagues in the House are more concerned with playing political games and fearmongering, but the reality is that we are here to stand up for aluminum workers. We made gains in the agreement we are signing. Anyone who votes against this NAFTA agreement is voting against aluminum workers in Saguenay and elsewhere in Quebec and Canada.
CUSMA - Aluminum2019-12-10Member of Parliament - Martel, Richard (Chicoutimi—Le Fjord)Conservative Party of Canada Mr. Speaker, once again the government has made major concessions in the new NAFTA. First it was supply management, and now it is the aluminum industry's turn. This government knows full well that we produce the greenest aluminum in the world, but it just allowed Mexico to import cheaper, dirtier aluminum from China. Workers in my region have been hurt by additional tariffs. How can the Prime Minister look workers in the eye and tell them he got a better agreement?Mr. Speaker, we worked hard to sign a good agreement for Canadians. Our government stood up for Canadian workers and protected jobs. We worked hard with our partners in the United States and Mexico to enhance the progressive aspects of this agreement, the very aspects that the Conservatives voted against. We are proud of the agreement we have, and it will be good for Canadians.
NAFTA, Aluminum2020-08-12Member of Parliament - Martel, Richard (Chicoutimi—Le Fjord)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Richard Martel (Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, CPC):    Mr. Chair, we know that the United States imposed a 10% tariff on Canadian aluminum. We knew it. We all saw this coming. We called it, but the government did nothing. Sure, we can retaliate with tariffs of our own, but we faced this same problem in 2018. The aluminum industry is still wondering what happened to the money that was supposed to be given to them. Why should we trust this government when it says that the money will be redistributed so as to benefit the aluminum industry?Hon. Bill Blair (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Lib.):  Mr. Chair, as we have said very clearly, we strongly disagree with the tariffs that have been imposed by United States. They are unacceptable, we believe them unlawful and we are prepared to take strong reciprocal action. We will not back down in the face of such intimidation, and it is our intent to always stand up for aluminum workers. As we do that, we are working closely with industries that are impacted by these unacceptable decisions made by the United States. We will be there to support those workers and to support those industries as we have always been.
NAFTA, Aluminum2020-08-12Member of Parliament - Martel, Richard (Chicoutimi—Le Fjord)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Richard Martel:  Mr. Chair, this business of tariffs, retaliatory tariffs and programs to help the industry feels a bit like Groundhog Day. Meanwhile, there is no accountability. I sat down with the government to propose concrete, long-term solutions to protect the industry. These solutions did not come out of thin air; they came out of consultations I had with industry stakeholders. Everyone was in favour of creating a low-carbon procurement policy. Everyone agreed to put more money into research and development, to promote a circular economy with recycled aluminum and to foster a competitive tax and regulatory environment. Why does the government not want to sit down with us to find long-term solutions that would protect the aluminum industry?Hon. François-Philippe Champagne (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lib.):  Mr. Chair, I want to thank my colleague from Chicoutimi—Le Fjord. As he will no doubt recall, he and I met with aluminum workers in his riding in Lac-Saint-Jean. We also met several times with unions and management to discuss the future of the aluminum sector. We even invested in green aluminum. He must remember launching Elysis together.  Yes, we are examining this matter. Yes, we are working with unions and management to develop export markets for aluminum in order to make it ever more competitive. I want to thank my colleague for contributing to those efforts. This is not about politics. It is about working for Canada's aluminum workers.
US Appeal of WTO SWL Decision2020-09-29Member of Parliament - Martel, Richard (Chicoutimi—Le Fjord)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the United States has appealed the World Trade Organization's decision in favour of Canada on Canadian softwood lumber. We are talking about $3 billion unfairly being held at the border. American protectionism is and will continue to be an issue, regardless of whether the Democrats or the Republicans are in charge. When will the government implement policies that support the interests of forestry workers in Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean, the Lower St. Lawrence, Mauricie, Abitibi and Baie-Comeau?Mr. Speaker, Canada is disappointed that the United States decided to appeal the WTO report from last month. The WTO found that the countervailing measures that the United States had imposed on Canada were inconsistent with the United States' obligations. The American countervailing measures on Canadian softwood lumber were deemed to be unfair and unfounded, and they are undermining the economic recovery on both sides of the border. We will continue to work—
Covid-19 US Border2020-05-12Member of Parliament - Masse, Brian (Windsor West)New Democratic Party 
 During the COVID pandemic, the state of Michigan has become an
epicentre of the outbreak. The city of Detroit alone has more deaths than the entire province of Ontario. The border
communities of Sarnia and Windsor have higher per capita infection rates than the rest of the province.
 Next week, the border restrictions between the U.S. and Canada expire. With the premiers of B.C., Quebec and
Ontario responding against the opening of the border at this time, will the restrictions be extended, or is the Prime
Minister discussing changing the restrictions?		 Let me assure the
hon. member that, first and foremost, all decisions about Canada's border are taken by Canadians and with the health
and safety of Canadians first and foremost in mind. When it comes to the current agreement's coming up next week, we
are in very close conversations with Americans about next steps.
Covid-19 US Border2020-05-12Member of Parliament - Masse, Brian (Windsor West)New Democratic PartyAre you discussing any changes to the current status right now? I found during the NAFTA negotiations, that negotiations are best not conducted in public.
But let me just assure Canadians that the health and safety of Canadians is first and foremost. Our government is taking
a cautious approach and we're working effectively.
Covid-19 US Border2020-05-12Member of Parliament - Masse, Brian (Windsor West)New Democratic PartyWill more information be shared on Canadians and Americans crossing the border, on both sides, between your government and the American government?I'm not sure what the member is alluding to, but let me just say that the current
arrangements are working extremely well. Non-essential travel is down very sharply. Essential travel, particularly for
trade, continues and that's a good thing too.
Covid-19 US Border PPE2020-05-12Member of Parliament - Masse, Brian (Windsor West)New Democratic PartyWith border communities having more rates of infection, will they receive additional PPE and
financial assistance to deal with the loosening of current border restrictions being discussed?		 Let me just emphasize to the hon. member that on a couple of occasions he has implied
that a loosening of the current restrictions is being discussed. Let me be very clear that is his assertion; I have not said
that.
Covid-19, US Border2020-05-12Member of Parliament - Masse, Brian (Windsor West)New Democratic PartyThis is not negotiation. This is whether there are changes on the table. What are they?Let me just say, I think the hon. member was actually seeking to know what exactly is
being discussed with our American partners. Let me just say we are taking a very cautious approach to the health and
safety of Canadians. A very collaborative discussion is happening.
Basel Convention 2020-12-08Member of Parliament - May, Elizabeth (Saanich—Gulf Islands)Green PartyMr. Speaker, it is very tempting to ask about the Parliamentary Budget Office report from this morning, which made it clear that the TMX pipeline only makes money if all climate actions fail, but we have another hot topic. That is the government's attempts to evade the Basel Convention on the shipment of plastics and other non-hazardous waste. There are very clear rules coming into effect January 1 for Basel, but Canada is evading them by contracting with the United States, a party which is not a member of the Basel Convention. What will the Minister of Environment do to plug this loophole?Mr. Speaker, Canada takes its international obligations on the management of waste very seriously. Canada took a leadership role in negotiating the amendments to the Basel Convention and we tabled these amendments this fall. The United States is not presently a party to the Basel Convention on the transboundary movement of waste. The agreement that we are putting into place with the United States will ensure that waste that moves between our countries is handled in a manner that is consistent with the Basel Convention. Through this agreement, we can ensure that waste that moves between our two countries will be managed in an environmentally sound way.
Enbridge’s Line 52021-03-10Member of Parliament - McLean, Greg (Calgary Centre)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, can the Prime Minister tell Canadians what he means when his government says that Line 5 is different from Keystone XL? Is it different because the Minister of Natural Resources is paying more attention this time? Is it different because he might actually engage the U.S. administration on this issue? Is it different because it involves Canadian jobs outside of western Canada?  Keystone XL's cancellation represents the loss of thousands of Canadian jobs and billions of dollars of economic value to our country. So does Line 5. What is different this time?Mr. Speaker, as we did for many years, we continued to advocate Keystone XL up until the moment that a final decision was made. We are continuing to advocate the continuation of Line 5 and will continue to, because we know how important it is to Canadian energy and energy workers. We also have continued to be there for workers in the oil patch, whether it was by purchasing the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion in order to ensure that it would get built, whether it is by investing billions of dollars for orphan wells or whether it is by standing up for Canadian energy workers and a brighter future that we are building together. We will continue to be there to demonstrate that we know the future must include oil and gas workers in Alberta and across the country.
Enbridge’s Line 52021-02-23Member of Parliament - McLean, Greg (Calgary Centre)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, media reports from yesterday say that the Prime Minister will not be raising any specific energy projects when he meets with the President today. No, this is not a Seinfeld episode. We do not need a meeting about nothing when our public health and economic security are at risk. The Michigan governor is threatening to cut off Enbridge Line 5 in contravention of an international treaty. Jobs are at risk. The economy of Canada is at risk. As we all know, budgets do not balance themselves and this issue will not fix itself. Millions of Canadians who depend on Line 5 are wondering, what is the Prime Minister waiting for?Mr. Speaker, no other two countries have their energy sectors as closely linked as we do, with 70 pipelines and three dozen transmission lines crossing the border, and over $100 billion in annual energy trade. We will raise opportunities for further collaboration with our American counterparts on security of energy infrastructure, resilience of supply chains and our common mission to lower emissions in the net-zero future. The Canada-U.S. bilateral energy relationship is the strongest in the world. Today, we will make that relationship even stronger.
Enbridge’s Line 52021-02-23Member of Parliament - McLean, Greg (Calgary Centre)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, if ministers were awarded for words, this minister would be an outperformer. However, the government's results on energy are dismal. On Trans Mountain, its proponents left Canada, and it is now years behind schedule. Northern gateway was cancelled. Energy east was cancelled. Teck Frontier was cancelled. Keystone XL was cancelled while the government sat on its hands. If we leave Line 5 in this minister's hands, we know the likely result: more apologies for failure, more jobs lost and more investments leaving Canada. Will the Prime Minister please step up and rescue Line 5 from this minister?Mr. Speaker, to quote another Seinfeld episode, that is a lot of “yada yada yada”. Let us talk about how we support our oil and gas workers. We approved TMX. We bought it and are building it. Seven thousand jobs have been created, and more are to come. We approved the Line 3 replacement. It is built on the Canadian side. Seven thousand jobs were created. We approved NGTL 2021, with thousands of jobs to be created. There is $1.7 billion for orphan and inactive wells, creating thousands of jobs in Saskatchewan, B.C. and Alberta. We will always defend Canada's interests when it comes to energy security and our energy workers.
Enbridge’s Line 52021-01-27Member of Parliament - McLean, Greg (Calgary Centre)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is a good storyteller, but never fails to disappoint on results. For months, we have been calling on him to take action on Keystone XL. The end results are starkly clear. Now, the governor of Michigan wishes to cancel Enbridge's Line 5 easement, which would seriously affect workers and consumers in Ontario and Quebec. Since this outcome would negatively impact millions of Canadians, will the Prime Minister take action now so that more Canadian workers and families are not simply disappointed and left in the cold?Mr. Speaker, over the past seven years I have defended the Keystone XL pipeline, including to American Democrats, and I have continued to defend it every step of the way. In my conversations with President Biden and with Special Envoy Kerry, we talked about Keystone XL. We talked about energy security. I have emphasized the interconnectedness and the opportunity for us to work together to create good jobs in the energy sector, and indeed across our economies, by working together in North America. That is exactly what we are going to do.
Keystone XL2021-01-26Member of Parliament - McLean, Greg (Calgary Centre)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Prime Minister talks a big game, but he is collecting failures at every turn. He is failing on indigenous reconciliation, the environment and job creation when he fails to support Keystone XL with the new U.S. administration. Everyone knows pipelines are safer and cleaner than rail to transport oil and gas. Designed to achieve net-zero emissions, Keystone XL ticked all the boxes, yet the Prime Minister could not find it in his schedule to make it a priority. Why did he not fight for the Canadian workers who depend on these jobs?Mr. Speaker, we are not happy about this decision. We made a strong argument for this project at every level and in every way we could, from Ambassador Hillman to the Prime Minister. I spoke weekly with Minister Savage and the former member for Edmonton—Leduc, Alberta's special representative in Washington, James Rajotte. We worked together all through the fall. The Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta stood shoulder to shoulder to make the case together. We made the case for Canada, and the president has made a decision to honour his campaign commitment.
Keystone XL2021-01-26Member of Parliament - McLean, Greg (Calgary Centre)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, we know when the Prime Minister wants a file to go his way by the effort he puts into it, such as with SNC-Lavalin, when he bent every rule to save jobs at one company. Surely Keystone XL workers deserve more than a quick chat. Canada is facing another energy crisis. This one could hit Ontario and Quebec hard. Michigan wants to kill Enbridge Line 5. This pipeline supplies Ontario's and Quebec's industries, which thousands of workers and their families depend upon. Will the government stop sitting on its hands, or are we going to add another trophy to the Prime Minister's failure collection?Mr. Speaker, President Biden's decision to rescind the permit for KXL has no impact on Enbridge's Line 5 or Line 3 replacement projects. These pipelines continue to operate. These are projects to modernize existing energy infrastructure, and they are driven by safety and good labour jobs. Both of these projects have been repeatedly validated by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
US Administration and Pipelines (Keystone XL, TMX, Line 3, Line 5)2021-02-04Member of Parliament - McLean, Greg (Calgary Centre)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, Enbridge is spending $8 billion modernizing Line 3, Canada’s main oil transportation link to the U.S. since it was approved by President Obama in 2016. The final section to be upgraded is being challenged by the same activists that moved the new U.S. President to cancel Keystone XL.  The Prime Minister recently spoke with the U.S. administration about energy security without any specifics. Before more environmentally destructive policies are decided in a void of real information, will the Prime Minister commit to getting specific on pipelines with the U.S. administration?Mr. Speaker, we approved the Line 3 replacement project and we did that in order to create good, middle-class jobs. Line 3 is a mixed service line. It carries heavy, sweet, light and high sour blends of crude from Hardisty in Alberta to Superior, Wisconsin. Construction on the project is complete. It is operational on the Canadian side. Ambassador Hillman has underscored the importance of this line to both state and federal level officials in the U.S.  We support our oil and gas workers. We will continue to advocate for projects that support North American energy security.
US Administration and Pipelines (Keystone XL, TMX, Line 3, Line 5)2021-02-04Member of Parliament - McLean, Greg (Calgary Centre)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, those are verbal assurances and verbal assurances leading to no results are not worth the salaries of the storytellers hired to write them.  What Canada needs is action, not stories. Canadian energy workers are receiving an ongoing legacy of failure from the government: northern gateway, energy east, Trans Mountain, Teck Frontier, Keystone XL and now Enbridge Line 3 and Line 5. When will the government stand up for the people it claims to represent and take action to protect their jobs?Mr. Speaker, let me go through another list, one based on facts.  We approved TMX. We are building it and there are more than 7,000 jobs created so far. We approved Line 3, another 7,000 jobs created. We approved NGTL, with thousands of jobs to be created. We are building LNG Canada and providing thousands of jobs. On Orphan and inactive wells, we will spend $1.7 billion and thousands of jobs will be created. The wage subsidy kept more than 500,000 workers in their jobs in a pandemic in Alberta alone. That is our record.
Softwood Lumber2019-12-06Member of Parliament - McLeod, Cathy (Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the B.C. forestry industry is in crisis. Thousands have been laid off and more job loss is expected before the holidays.  The Speech from the Throne yesterday failed to mention that the Liberals will not even acknowledge a crisis exists. The government has failed to negotiate a softwood lumber agreement, and the Prime Minister's antics at NATO may have destroyed any opportunity to get a deal done. What is the Liberals' plan to get forestry workers in B.C. back to work?    Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member opposite for the very important question. The forestry industry is an absolutely essential industry for Canada and one that all of us are deeply concerned about.    We have been working hard with the forestry industry and with our provincial colleagues to support the forestry industry. When it comes to softwood lumber tariffs, we are taking cases at NAFTA and at the WTO. We have preserved chapter 19 at NAFTA that allows us to fight for Canadian industry, and we are prepared to talk to the Americans when they are ready to come to the table.
Softwood Lumber- Aluminum – NAFTA2020-02-06Member of Parliament - McLeod, Cathy (Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Prime Minister said one of his most important roles was to protect jobs. Did he mean only certain jobs were worthy of his protection? He has failed to acknowledge the softwood lumber crisis in British Columbia. He did not put it in the mandate letter for the minister. The so-called softwood lumber action plan expired a while ago, and a lot of the money got doled out to provinces that were not even suffering from softwood tariffs. Would the minister stand up today and commit to helping rural Canadians impacted by this forestry crisis?Mr. Speaker, as the member for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo is from B.C., I would like to thank Premier Horgan, with whom I spoke with at length yesterday about a trip I am making to Washington tomorrow to work on softwood lumber, NAFTA, aluminum and other issues. Premier Horgan worked closely with our federal government. Softwood lumber is a priority, and I want to congratulate B.C. producers on the important recent Department of Commerce ruling, which has confirmed, as we have long said, the fairness of our softwood lumber industry.
Smuggled firearms2021-03-11Member of Parliament - Melillo, Eric (Kenora)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, Conservatives support common-sense measures to stop gun violence. The Liberal government claims to, but its actions show that it would rather criminalize regular Canadians than get tough on real criminals. Right now, it is moving to confiscate legally purchased guns from responsible hunters and sport shooters, while just a few weeks ago it voted against increasing sentences for criminals with smuggled guns. If the government is serious about ending gun violence, why did it vote against tougher sentences for gun smugglers?Mr. Speaker, we promised Canadians that we would strengthen gun control while the Conservatives have promised the gun lobby that they will weaken it. After the Conservatives cut hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of border service officers and RCMP officers, it is a bit tiresome to hear more empty Conservative tough talk on gun crime. Canadians need a government with the resolve to put Canadians' safety first. That is why we are strengthening gun control, investing in law enforcement and in our communities. We will do the work that is necessary to keep communities safe, and we will not take any lessons through more tough talk and empty words from the Conservatives.
Smuggled Firearms from the US2021-02-02Member of Parliament - Motz, Glen (Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, police across Canada have been very clear that smuggled firearms, illegal firearms and criminals are the real problem in this country, not legal gun owners. If the Liberals actually took gun crimes seriously, they would have demonstrated that last week on Bill C-238, but what did they do? The Liberals voted against one of the root causes of gun violence in Canada, which are illegal firearms smuggled into this country from the United States. They did not even want to study the issue at committee. The government continues to fail Canadians at every turn. Why?Mr. Speaker, I would remind the member that we have made a commitment to deal with all of the ways in which criminals gain access to guns, including by strengthening our response at the border and by dealing with guns that are stolen and illegally diverted into the hands of criminals. Let us listen to the police chiefs. The police chief in Saskatoon told us that guns used in crimes in his city come primarily from theft. The police chief in Regina said that they are not being brought across the border, but are coming from break and enters in his city. As I have already said, the chief in Edmonton has said that only 5% to 10% come from across the border. It is important for us to address all of the ways criminals can get access to guns, and that is the work we are doing.
Buy American Policies2021-02-16Member of Parliament - Ng, Mary (Markham—Thornhill)Liberal Party of CanadaMr. Speaker buy American policies have not come out of left field. They were part of the Biden administration's election platform. The fact is that the language in these policies is much stronger than anything we have ever seen before coming from the United States. Manufacturers have already warned that this could result in their having to move south and take their business there. There are jobs at risk. Canadian jobs will be affected by these buy American policies. What is the plan?Mr. Speaker, to Canadian business and workers, I want them to know that our government is actively engaging with our American counterparts at all levels and that we are always going to stand up for the best interests of Canadians. The Prime Minister raised this in his discussion with President Biden and also spoke with Vice-President Harris about strengthening this trade relationship for the benefit of both countries and to avoid any unintended consequences of the buy American policies. We are always going to take a team Canada approach, working with Canadian businesses, our exporters, our manufacturers and industries, just as we have done the last five years, and we are going to keep doing this in the interest of Canadian jobs.
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-02-04Member of Parliament - Normandin, Christine (Saint-Jean)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, the government just said that Bill 21 must be challenged. The Deputy Prime Minister regularly cites François Legault's position on the CUSMA to avoid having to answer our questions about aluminum. My colleagues can see where I am going: We are going to take advantage of this unexpected opportunity. Mr. Legault is calling for more authority over immigration. Quebec wants to makes its own decisions about how many immigrants it takes in and how it will grant permanent residence. The province also wants to take full charge of the temporary foreign worker program. Will the government finally agree to Quebec's legitimate demands?Mr. Speaker, since we are indirectly talking about the free trade agreement, I remind my colleagues that this agreement is good for the aluminum industry. The fact that the aluminum industry, chambers of commerce, various stakeholders in Quebec, the Government of Quebec and Premier Legault all support it shows that there is consensus. The members of the Bloc Québécois are the only ones who do not. I want to reach out to my friends in the Bloc Québécois. In Quebec, we say that we are stronger when we come together. Let us then come together and support the agreement.
Canada-US Border, Covid-192020-10-27Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, in the last month, we learned that the Liberal government allowed two different American billionaires to enter Canada, and it waived quarantine rules. Both times, the public safety minister said he had no knowledge of what happened, but he is just one of five ministers who can approve such waivers. Since the public safety minister did not do it, it must have been the Prime Minister, so my question is for him. Why is there one set of rules for the rich friends of the government and one set of rules for everyone else?Mr. Speaker, the member opposite knows well that it was a decision taken on the border by locals on the ground, that was made in error and the situation was fixed afterward. I want to take this moment to thank all the volunteers, voters, organizers and election workers who participated in by-elections in both Toronto Centre and York Centre yesterday. We showed that during a pandemic, Canadians continue to believe strongly in the strength of our democratic institutions. I want to congratulate Marci Ien and Ya’ara Saks on being elected as the Liberal members of Parliament for Toronto Centre and York Centre. We look forward to having these two strong women join our House.
China, COVID-192020-10-07Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, that is not true. The Prime Minister shut down our pandemic warning system. He placed a higher priority on official information from the Chinese government than on information from Canadian analysts. Canada used to have a state-of-the-art pandemic warning system, but now it does not. Why does the Prime Minister think communiqués from Beijing are better than information from our own professionals?Mr. Speaker, that is simply not so. We have extraordinary experts across Canada who are constantly making recommendations to us. We are also working within a multilateral system that recognizes the work done by our allies in the world and by the World Health Organization. We will continue to rely on the best possible data to do everything we can to protect Canadians. That is what we have been doing since the beginning of this pandemic and that is what we will continue to do for the duration of the pandemic. Unlike the other parties, we will be there to support Canadians every step of the way, always based on science.
COVID-19 US Border2020-04-29Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of Canada Mr. Chair, a few weeks ago, the Prime Minister confirmed the temporary closure of our country's borders, including Roxham Road. However, he recently allowed illegal crossings to resume. A border closed for national security purposes must be 100% closed. It can't be closed halfway. The government made a choice that flies in the face of the public health of Canadians. The government made an ideological choice. When will the Prime Minister close our border for real?Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Unfortunately, in the question the member opposite is simply misinformed. In fact, we implemented very strict reciprocal arrangements with the United States to turn back all irregular migrants crossing our border during this particular medical crisis. During the month of April, not a single person crossed, for example, at Roxham Road. I believe what the member is referring to is the application of the safe third country agreement, an agreement that has been in place between Canada and the United States since 2004, and its application at points of entry. No one has entered this country illegally at all during any point in time since the implementation of these new measures.
COVID-19 US Border2020-04-28Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Chair, the minister just said that we're going to stop illegal crossings just for this health crisis. Will he confirm to the House that after the planking of the curve, they will immediately allow the illegal crossings to continue? Let me be very clear. What I said was that we have stopped all irregular crossings at our border during this period of time—and as well non-essential travel—to ensure the safety of Canadians. Those measures have been put in place and they have been very effective throughout this, and we have undertaken, through our agreement with the United States, to continue these measures until they are no longer required.
CUSMA - Aluminum2019-12-11Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, this is the second time the Liberal government has announced a final agreement on NAFTA. Each time Canada is at the negotiating table we seem to give away more. Maybe we should just accept this before we give away the farm. Wait, the Liberals already did that with dairy. With the auto industry and manufacturing growing in Mexico, why would the government give away our opportunity to sell more and more aluminum to Mexico in the future?Mr. Speaker, I understand that this is a recent development, but I recommend that the member opposite take a little closer look at what actually was negotiated, because this is actually a significant—
Mr. Speaker, this new NAFTA accord represents a significant gain for aluminum workers and steel workers across Canada as we move forward with guaranteed percentages of 70% in the North American automobile industry for North American steel and aluminum. This provides predictability and stability for our workers across Canada. We are going to continue to work hard to defend our workers, as this government has done for the past four years.
CUSMA - Aluminum2019-12-11Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the chairman of the U.S. Ways and Means Committee thanked Canada for conceding on all the new NAFTA amendments. This is after the Liberals gave graciously in the original deal. We know the Liberals have conceded on aluminum, impacting thousands of workers in Quebec. The Prime Minister's latest concessions come just weeks before the plant closure at GM Oshawa. How can the Prime Minister call this a win when workers in Quebec and auto workers in Ontario will lose?Mr. Speaker, what the member opposite is saying is simply mistaken. This is an improvement for workers across this country, particularly steel and aluminum workers. We worked very hard with all parties, with our Mexican counterparts, with the Democrats and the Republicans, to ensure that this was a win-win-win for all three countries. I can highlight that the improvements we achieved in this most recent and final version of NAFTA are significantly better for Canadians. We will always stand up for Canadian workers and for our most important trade deals with the Americans.
Enbridge’s Line 52021-03-10Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has let thousands of Canadian families down twice with Keystone XL. Talks have broken down between the Governor of Michigan and Enbridge on Line 5. Thirty thousand jobs are on the line. It is two months before the deadline, and the Prime Minister just confirmed today that he did not specifically raise the issue of Line 5 with the President. The minister and officials told the committee that they are happy that there is now a mediator in place. Can the Prime Minister tell us why his plan is to bet 30,000 Canadian jobs on an American-appointed mediator?Mr. Speaker, Canadians saw over the past four years that as a government, we were consistently able to stand up for Canadian interests, even against a very challenging American administration. I can assure Canadians that despite the fearmongering going on from the Conservatives, we will continue to stand up for Canadian jobs and Canadian interests throughout our work as government. We will continue to be effective in advocating for Canadians every step of the way, as we successfully did, while the Conservatives play cheap political games.
Enbridge’s Line 52021-03-09Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, we are two months from Michigan's May 12 deadline for Line 5. Government officials said it was their preference to have Enbridge fight for Line 5 before they had to get involved. The minister even said the government did not have a formal analysis of how many jobs were at risk. What is it going to take for the government to stand up for Line 5?Mr. Speaker, our government is standing up for Line 5. We know that it is a vital source of fuel for homes and businesses on both sides of the border. We support its continued safe operation and we are advocating for that. We are explaining, as we did during the NAFTA negotiations, that Canada is a safe and reliable supplier of energy to the United States.
Enbridge’s Line 52021-03-09Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, it is more than just fuel; it is thousands of jobs in Ontario. The Deputy Prime Minister forgets about jobs in southwestern Ontario. Canada's ambassador to the U.S. said that discussions have broken down between Enbridge and the Government of Michigan, but the government's plan still seems to be to let Enbridge stand up for the jobs of Canadians while it sits on the sidelines. How much longer will the thousands of Canadian workers the Deputy Prime Minister just forgot about have to wait before they have someone standing up for their jobs?Mr. Speaker, as our government demonstrated during the NAFTA negotiations, and as we demonstrate every day during the COVID pandemic with our support for Canadian workers and Canadian jobs, we will never forget about Canadian workers. We will never forget about Canadian jobs, whether they are in southwestern Ontario or anywhere else in the country. Line 5 continues to operate and supply refineries in Canada and the United States, and we are going to continue to fight for Line 5.
Enbridge’s Line 52021-02-24Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, “Build back better together” is a nice slogan, but on day one, the Biden administration let thousands of Canadian families down with the cancellation of Keystone XL. Yesterday 30,000 families were expecting the Prime Minister to bring up the situation personally with Line 5, because a decision has to be made in May. Michigan declared an energy emergency, and it does not seem to be urgent to this Prime Minister, despite the fact that workers, families, farms and communities across Ontario and Quebec are worried about Line 5. The Prime Minister's language was very specific: “We” raised it. Did the Prime Minister personally raise Line 5 with President Biden?Mr. Speaker, yesterday Canada and the United States agreed to an ambitious roadmap partnership. We will work together to beat COVID-19 and ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to a vaccine. We will also fight climate change and accelerate clean growth. We will create jobs, we will grow the middle class, and we will address systemic racism.  We are each other's closest allies and most important trading partners. Yes, we talked about energy security and about cross-border flows, and yes, we raised Line 5.
Enbridge’s Line 5 2021-02-03Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, yesterday we got news that Imperial Oil is making plans for how to move product if Line 5 is shut down. That will mean more oil moved by train and more oil moved by tankers on the Great Lakes. Line 5 is the safest option for meeting the energy needs on both sides of the border. Why does the Prime Minister not have a plan to make sure Line 5 keeps operating?Mr. Speaker, from the beginning, we have worked closely with our American counterparts on important issues facing Canadians and people on both sides of the border.  That is why we continue to advocate for Line 5. We recognize how important it is to ensure energy security to both Canadians and Americans. Our ambassador in Washington, along with officials on both sides of the border, remain engaged on this important issue. We are very hopeful we are going to be able to solve this issue.
Enbridge’s Line 5 2021-02-03Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, leadership means that the Prime Minister should be engaged. He has had three calls with American officials, and he has not mentioned Line 5 once. Thirty thousands jobs will be affected if Line 5 is shut down. According to the pipefitters union, up to 6,500 good, trade union jobs could be affected. These are good jobs for families across Ontario. Why will the Prime Minister not stand up for these families?Mr. Speaker, Line 5 is a vital source of fuel for homes and businesses on both sides of the border. That is something we have argued strongly, and will continue to argue strongly, with members of the U.S. administration. Our ongoing engagement with the Biden administration and with partners in the United States on this and many issues continues to be on the front burner.
Enbridge’s Line 5 2021-01-28Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Line 5 pipeline provides all the jet fuel for Pearson airport and most of the propane that Ontario's homes use for heating in the winter. The pipefitters union says that 6,500 trades jobs will be lost if the line is shut. Another 20,000 spinoff jobs could be lost as well. Is the Prime Minister finally going to stand up for Canadian energy workers, or will more families receive pink slips this spring?Mr. Speaker, our government understands very clearly the importance of the energy sector to the Canadian economy and the importance of the energy sector as a provider of valuable, high-paying, very often union jobs. As finance minister, I am very aware of this and very aware of the importance of the energy sector in contributing to Canada's balance of trade. Yes, our government has and will continue to stand up for the energy sector and for energy workers.
Enbridge's Line 52021-02-02Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, in the last two weeks, the Prime Minister has failed to specifically raise the issue of Line 5 with any senior American officials he has talked to. There have been three calls, but no action. Thirty thousand direct and spinoff jobs in Ontario depend on Line 5. This is what these workers want to know: When is the Prime Minister finally going to stand up for their jobs?Mr. Speaker, over the past many years this government has consistently and effectively stood up for Canadian interests across the table from American administrations. We have demonstrated our ability to protect steel and aluminum workers, secure supply management, protect our cultural exemptions, and renegotiate NAFTA. We will always stand up for Canadian workers and Canadian energy and we will continue to engage actively with the United States administration.
Enbridge's Line 52021-02-02Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, all the jet fuel at Pearson airport, the jobs at refineries in Montreal and Lévis, and 66% of the crude used in Quebec, and zero mention of the issue from the Prime Minister in three calls with senior U.S. officials. Yesterday, the natural resources minister talked about a team Canada approach. When is the Prime Minister finally going to get on the field, talk about Line 5, and stand up for workers in all parts of this country?Mr. Speaker, we have seen this consistently from Conservatives over the past many years: armchair quarterbacking; telling us what we had to do, should do, and would do. We just went ahead and did it. We kept protecting Canadian jobs. We kept standing up for Canadian interests. We delivered on NAFTA. We are delivering on protecting Canadian interests, and we will continue to do so, on Line 5, and on every other issue facing Canada and the U.S.
Enbridge's Line 52021-01-28Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Deputy Prime Minister is aware her government shut down two pipelines, and now the Americans are trying to do the same. Line 5 has operated safely for decades, but now its future hangs in the balance because the governor of Michigan wants to shut it down. The U.S. department of transport will have the final say on whether Line 5 survives this threat. Why is the Prime Minister sitting back as the United States considers shutting down another Canadian pipeline?Mr. Speaker, as I have said, our government understands very well the importance of the energy sector to the Canadian economy, the importance of the energy sector as a provider of great, high-paying, often unionized jobs and the importance of the energy sector as a contributor to our balance of trade. When it comes to the trading relationship with the United States, let me say that our government has a lot of experience in dealing with a sometimes volatile, but always essential, relationship. We are going to keep on doing just that.
Enbridge's Line 52021-01-27Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, thousands of jobs in Ontario depend on the operation of Enbridge's Line 5. In November, the governor of Michigan decided to revoke the easement, which has allowed this pipeline to operate safely for decades. Line 5 was not mentioned in the Prime Minister's readout of his call with President Biden last week, or his call with John Kerry last night. Specifically, why has Line 5, the thousands of jobs, the decades of a safe record, not been a priority for the Prime Minister?Mr. Speaker, I think all Canadians know that this government has consistently stood up for Canadian interests with a challenging situation south of the border over the past four years. We defended our steel and aluminum workers. We defended our supply management. We protected our most important trading relationship by renegotiating and even improving NAFTA. We are going to continue to work to ensure energy security and jobs for Canadians, and continue the fight against climate change, hand in hand with the American government.
Keystone XL2021-01-25Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, last fall Conservatives asked the Prime Minister what he was going to do to protect the thousands of jobs related to the Keystone XL pipeline. The Prime Minister's answer was that he called President Biden. Those workers deserved better than one phone call leading to pink slips. Why did the Prime Minister bet the jobs of thousands of Canadians on a single phone call to the President?Mr. Speaker, that is simply not the case. From the very beginning we have been there to support oil and gas workers across the country, including in Alberta and Saskatchewan. That is why seven years ago, when I was a mere leader of the third party in the House of Commons, I went down to Washington to advocate for the Keystone XL pipeline to a room full of American Democrats, to talk about the interconnectedness of our energy security but also to advocate for more leadership on climate change. Over the past five years, we have demonstrated that investing in oil and gas and fighting climate change can go together—
Keystone XL2021-01-25Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Prime Minister for confirming he has had no success with the U.S. relationship for seven years. The government's response since the Americans decided to kill Keystone has been complete surrender. Canadians are being told it was a campaign promise the Liberals did not want to interfere with. The Liberals are now telling Canadians just to move on. Is this the kind of mail-it-in effort from the Prime Minister we are going to get when hundreds of thousands of Canadians are worried about their economic future?Mr. Speaker, how quickly the Leader of the Opposition forgets that the past four years were characterized by this government consistently standing up for Canadians right across the country, whether by protecting supply management, whether by protecting the cultural exemption, whether by protecting our steel and aluminum workers, whether by moving forward on defending Canadian interests against the previous administration or by working hand in hand on both fighting climate change and creating new jobs with this current administration. We will stay focused on sticking up for Canadians every step of the way.
Keystone XL2020-11-18Member of Parliament - O'Toole, Erin (Durham)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, here is the problem that Canadians face: The Prime Minister had a state dinner with President Obama, but Obama cancelled Keystone XL. The government is running a whole-of-government campaign to find Bill Morneau a retirement job at the OECD. The Prime Minister toured the world meeting with despots for his UN Security Council bid, but only one phone call for the thousands of jobs that rely on Keystone XL. Will the Prime Minister commit today to meeting with as many American officials as possible to get this project done, help western Canada and help all of Canada?Mr. Speaker, this is what Conservatives simply do not understand. We cannot get projects built, and we cannot move forward to create good jobs for Canadians, if we do not have a plan for the environment at the same time, and if we are not committing to fight climate change. That is where Conservatives are stuck in ideologies of decades past. Canadians know that the only way forward with Americans and people around the world is to show real leadership on climate change, the kind of leadership we have shown over the past five years. When will Conservatives wake up and realize that to protect jobs, they need to fight climate change?
Keystone XL2020-11-20Member of Parliament - Patzer, Jeremy (Cypress Hills—Grasslands)Conservative Party of CanadaMadam Speaker, Keystone XL is vital energy infrastructure. It provides jobs, certainty and much-needed revenue for municipalities. It is essential for economic recovery. It also plays a key role in reconciliation. One of the best stories about Keystone remains untold. The chief of Nekaneet First Nation in my riding is the president of Natural Law Energy, a growing alliance of first nations who have an equity stake in the pipeline, but now the future is uncertain. Will the Prime Minister fight for indigenous Canadians and ensure Keystone XL is completed?Madam Speaker, we know workers in Alberta and across the country are worried about the future of Keystone XL. I want them to know we are making the case for this project. The Prime Minister raised it on his first call with the president-elect. We will continue making the case on behalf of workers in our sector. One of the strongest arguments for this project is that we have a government that is fighting climate change and putting a price on pollution, has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 and is making investments to help our energy sector become more sustainable than ever. This is the record we will be able to present to our partners in the U.S.
Covid-19 US Border2020-05-27Member of Parliament - Paul-Hus, Pierre (Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles)Conservative Party of CanadaJe comprends bien que vous parlez aux provinces, mais actuellement il est inacceptable qu'une
femme comme Chantale Tremblay essaie, pendant deux mois, de faire venir son conjoint ici au Canada et que cela ne
fonctionne pas. Est-ce qu'il y a moyen de faire passer une directive aux agents des services frontaliers et de leur faire comprendre que les conjoints mariés qui sont américains pour la plupart du temps peuvent traverser la frontière et venir rejoindre leur conjoint ou conjointe au Canada?		 Just to be very clear—again I thank the member opposite for the opportunity to clarify this—it is
never our intention to separate families, but at the same time we have imposed appropriate and necessary restrictions on non-essential travel. Our border services officers inquire of everyone coming to that border about the nature of their travel. For noncitizens who come to that border seeking entry into Canada, if their entry is deemed non-essential, then they exercise their discretion not to allow—
Covid-19 US Border2020-05-20Member of Parliament - Paul-Hus, Pierre (Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles)Conservative Party of CanadaLe premier ministre n'est pas sans savoir que la route 344 dans la région d'Oka est actuellement bloquée par les Mohawks de Kanesatake. Les familles de la région d'Oka doivent faire de grands détours, parce que les Mohawks maintiennent leur barricade. Est-ce qu'on pourrait savoir s'il y a un moyen, pour le gouvernement fédéral, de parler aux Mohawks et de leur faire entendre raison? Madame la présidente, rectifions d'abord le tir. Ce n'est pas une barricade, c'est un point de sécurité. La sécurité des communautés autochtones est d'une importance cruciale. J'ai été informé que le conseil a érigé des points de contrôle routiers pour protéger la population contre la COVID‑19 dans le contexte où le gouvernement du Québec a lancé son plan de déconfinement. Je suis conscient que cette situation soulève des inquiétudes tant à l'intérieur qu'à l'extérieur de la communauté.
Services aux Autochtones Canada — mon département — collabore avec les autorités compétentes, notamment le conseil de bande, le gouvernement du Québec et la Sûreté du Québec, pour trouver une solution équitable et sécuritaire
à cette situation.
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-02-04Member of Parliament - Pauzé, Monique (Repentigny)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, the government is citing François Legault's support for CUSMA to justify its inability to protect Quebec's aluminum smelters. I will take this rare opportunity where the authority of Quebec's premier is being respected in the House to quote him again. Mr. Legault is calling for Quebec alone to conduct environmental assessments of projects on its territory. The federal government has to obey Quebec's laws like anyone else. That goes without saying, does it not? Will the government respect Quebec's environmental sovereignty, or is the aluminum file the only issue on which the federal government agrees with the Government of Quebec?Mr. Speaker, we agree with the Government of Quebec on a whole host of issues. We get along well with Quebec. We collaborate and move forward together. Take, for example, the cultural exemption clause in the free trade agreement that the Prime Minister of Canada defended. He fought for it, telling the Americans that it was a line we would not cross, that it was extremely important for our cultural sector in Quebec, for the Government of Quebec and for all the members on this side of the House. We stood up for aluminum, we stood up for every file, and we stood up for Quebec.
CUSMA NAFTA2020-04-29Member of Parliament - Perron, Yves (Berthier—Maskinongé)Bloc QuébécoisThank you, Mr. Chair. I'll share my time with my colleague, the member for Shefford. It seems difficult to obtain new commitments for the farming community today. I'll give the government the opportunity to easily follow up on the existing commitments. We heard earlier that the Canada-United States-Mexico agreement, or CUSMA, would come into force starting in July rather than in August. This will mean further financial losses. With regard to the compensation for which agreements have been made with certain sectors, but that hasn't been provided yet, can the government commit to making these payments soon? Mr. Perron, I want to reassure you that we're absolutely upholding our commitments to various supply-managed sectors. As you know, we committed to allocating $1.75 billion to the dairy sector, and the first installment has already been paid. With regard to poultry and eggs, COVID-19 has caused a setback, to say the least. However, I want to assure you that our commitment still stands and that discussions will start again as soon as the situation returns to normal.
Canada-US Border, Covid-192020-10-21Member of Parliament - Powlowski, Marcus (Thunder Bay—Rainy River)Liberal Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Canada-U.S. border between Thunder Bay and Manitoba is part of my riding. We know that border restrictions to non-essential travel have been effective in limiting the introduction and transmission of COVID-19 into Canada from other countries. Can the Prime Minister please update the House on measures our government is taking with regard to our border?Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Thunder Bay—Rainy River for his hard work as a health care professional as well as an MP. Since January, we have taken multiple measures at our border to protect the health and safety of Canadians by limiting the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in Canada. We made the extraordinary decision back in March to introduce reciprocal border restrictions for non-essential travel with the U.S., and just this week we announced its extension for another month. We will continue to do what is necessary to keep Canadians safe, and will always base our decisions on the best public health information available.
CUSMA - Aluminum2019-12-11Member of Parliament - Rayes, Alain (Richmond—Arthabaska)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, despite what the Prime Minister has been saying since the beginning of question period, yesterday we learned that an important sector of the Quebec and Canadian economy paid the price of the Liberal negotiations in the new NAFTA. I am talking about the aluminum sector, which is what we have been talking about from the beginning. The Liberal government refused to stand up for these workers, who make the greenest aluminum in the world thanks to our hydroelectricity. Can the Prime Minister tell us today what he intends to do to ensure that aluminum workers throughout Quebec and Canada are protected?Mr. Speaker, let me try again. This agreement is a win for aluminum workers. Before we signed this agreement, there was no guarantee that any North American aluminum would be used in auto production. Now, with this agreement, 70% of the aluminum content will be from North America. That is an enormous gain for aluminum workers, who we will always stand up for.
CUSMA - Aluminum2019-12-11Member of Parliament - Rayes, Alain (Richmond—Arthabaska)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is the only person who believes that version of the facts. Republicans, Democrats and people in the aluminum industry all recognize that the industry in Quebec and Canada took a hit. The Bloc saved the government by supporting a throne speech that failed to address Quebec's specific demands. Bloc members must be kicking themselves for that now. First it was dairy producers; now it is people in the aluminum industry. What will he do to protect those workers?Mr. Speaker, the new NAFTA is a win for aluminum workers. It requires automotive manufacturers to source at least 70% of the aluminum they use from North America. Before the new agreement, that percentage was zero. This will provide better protection for aluminum workers in the Saguenay and across Canada, and we are very proud of that.
Keystone XL2021-02-01Member of Parliament - Richards, Blake (Banff—Airdrie)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, when asked about Keystone's cancellation, the Liberal-appointed ambassador to the United States simply shrugged, “It's time to let Keystone XL go.” That is what the Liberal government did: denigrate our natural resources sector, ignore the threat of the project being cancelled and then tell thousands of Canadians who are counting on these jobs to let it go. Oil and gas projects must be part of the way forward for economic recovery, so when will the government actually do something to stand up for clean, ethical and job-creating Canadian energy?Mr. Speaker, it is incumbent upon us to safeguard our relationship with the single-largest customer for Canadian crude. In fact, over the past five years, Canadian oil has continuously displaced foreign sources in the U.S. market. Canadian crude now represents 60% of all oil imported by the U.S. That is up from 40%.  Because of this government, new pipelines are under construction. Trans Mountain and Line 3 will provide us with the ability to expand our energy exports. We are proud of our energy workers and we support them.
Covid-19 US Border International Tourists2020-05-20Member of Parliament - Rood, Lianne (Lambton—Kent—Middlesex)Conservative Party of CanadaTravel and tourism are huge economic drivers in my riding of Lampton—Kent—Middlesex. Small businesses rely on the tourism season between May and September and are facing uncertainty with their business' success moving forward as current aid programs don't work for seasonal businesses. The borders remain closed and tourists are forced to stay home which is deeply affecting these businesses.
 Can the minister tell us what the government's path forward is for opening our borders? Will the government promote domestic tourism to make up for the loss of our international tourists?		Thank you to my colleague for this important question.
 Of course, we know that the tourism sector is hard hit and we need to be there for tourism operators and different tourism entrepreneurs. That's exactly why we came up with some important measures such as the of cities, the $40,000 CIBA loan, and also with a new fund which is through the regional development agencies. This is to make sure for businesses that are falling through the cracks they have access to funding.
International Trade (Blueberries)2020-10-08Member of Parliament - Rood, Lianne (Lambton—Kent—Middlesex)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, it has been reported that the U.S. trade representative is contemplating putting protectionist measures on Canadian blueberries. The B.C. Blueberry Council has been forced to hire a legal team because of the Liberal government's routine trade relations blunders. The worst part about this is that farmers from the west coast, in the Fraser Valley, and the east coast, in Oxford, Nova Scotia, have never been a priority for the Prime Minister. What exactly does the government intend to do to prevent escalation in trade relations with our closest ally and trading partner?Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the member and, indeed, all Canadian farmers, producers and the agri-food industry that Canada will always stand up for them. Our government is concerned about the U.S. decision to launch the global safeguard investigation into fresh and frozen blueberries. Our agricultural products and exports are not contributing to harming the U.S. market, and Canada expects the U.S. to respect the new NAFTA safeguard provision. Rest assured that we are going to actively participate in this safeguard investigation to defend the interests of our agri-food industry.
US Border Covid-192020-06-08Member of Parliament - Rood, Lianne (Lambton—Kent—Middlesex)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Chair, the Canada-U.S. border is still closed for nonessential travel, which is splitting up spouses and splitting families apart. Families cannot be reunified due to the government's restrictions. Even if someone can comply with all of the health regulations and the current travel restrictions, why do the current restrictions not allow immediate family members of Canadian citizens to be reunited in Canada.Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like thank the member opposite for that important question.
As the Prime Minister announced today, we are expanding the understanding of what counts as essential travel into Canada. As the member opposite points out, immediate family members of Canadians and of permanent residents will be allowed to come into Canada provided it is a journey of lasting duration and [Inaudible].
US Border Covid-192020-06-08Member of Parliament - Rood, Lianne (Lambton—Kent—Middlesex)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Chair, the Canada-U.S. border is still closed for nonessential travel, which is splitting up spouses and splitting families apart. Families cannot be reunified due to the government's restrictions. Even if someone can comply with all of the health regulations and the current travel restrictions, why do the current restrictions not allow immediate family members of Canadian citizens to be reunited in Canada.Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like thank the member opposite for that important question.
As the Prime Minister announced today, we are expanding the understanding of what counts as essential travel into Canada. As the member opposite points out, immediate family members of Canadians and of permanent residents will be allowed to come into Canada provided it is a journey of lasting duration and [Inaudible].
US Border Covid-192020-06-08Member of Parliament - Rood, Lianne (Lambton—Kent—Middlesex)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Chair, the Canada-U.S. border is still closed for nonessential travel, which is splitting up spouses and splitting families apart. Families cannot be reunified due to the government's restrictions. Even if someone can comply with all of the health regulations and the current travel restrictions, why do the current restrictions not allow immediate family members of Canadian citizens to be reunited in Canada.Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like thank the member opposite for that important question.
As the Prime Minister announced today, we are expanding the understanding of what counts as essential travel into Canada. As the member opposite points out, immediate family members of Canadians and of permanent residents will be allowed to come into Canada provided it is a journey of lasting duration and [Inaudible].
Canada-US Relations2021-02-24Member of Parliament - Saini, Raj (Kitchener Centre)Liberal Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, yesterday the Prime Minister and President Biden met to ensure a coordinated approach to our shared priorities. Our two countries have agreed on a road map for a renewed U.S.-Canada partnership, which prioritizes the fight against COVID-19, economic recovery following the pandemic strains, and the global climate threat. Can the Prime Minister please update the House on the joint Canada-U.S. build back better together plan?Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Kitchener Centre for his question and important work to strengthen Canada's most important relationship. The Canadian and U.S. economies are deeply interconnected. Yesterday, President Biden and I discussed our shared vision for a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery, which ensures that people will have good jobs and supports middle-class prosperity on both sides of the border. We agreed to build back better together in a way that addresses the disproportionate impacts on women, youth, under-represented groups and indigenous peoples, and we will continue to work together.
Aluminum - CUSMA2020-02-03Member of Parliament - Savard-Tremblay, Simon-Pierre (Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois has spoken a great deal about its concerns with respect to the failure to protect Quebec's aluminum in CUSMA. Naturally, jobs and economic impacts were mentioned, but we are also concerned because, in light of climate change, the whole world should be using Quebec aluminum. It is the greenest aluminum in the world and there is a risk that it will be replaced on the North American market by the dirtiest aluminum in the world. How could the government agree to jeopardize our aluminum for the benefit of China's?Mr. Speaker, we did not agree to that. I must point out that the new NAFTA is a good agreement for Canada, Quebec and our aluminum sector. Today, we have no guarantee for the aluminum used in North American auto manufacturing. Under the new NAFTA we will have a guarantee that 70% of the aluminum used is sourced in North America. I believe that 70% is better than nothing.
Aluminum - CUSMA2020-02-03Member of Parliament - Savard-Tremblay, Simon-Pierre (Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, the lack of protection for Quebec aluminum in CUSMA is putting the brakes on six investment projects in Quebec at a time when the industry is on the verge of producing the first carbon neutral aluminum in the world. It is a complete revolution. This lack of protection is benefiting China, which uses coal to produce 90% of its aluminum and produces eight times more greenhouse gas emissions than Quebec's aluminum industry. The government is penalizing the head of the class and favouring the worst student. Why is the government depriving Quebec of a golden business opportunity in an era of climate change?Mr. Speaker, with regard to Quebec and the new NAFTA, I want to quote the Premier of Quebec, Mr. Legault, who said, “I think that the Bloc must defend the interests of Quebeckers, and it is in the interests of Quebeckers that this agreement be adopted and ratified”. I think it is the duty of all members from Quebec to stand up for the interests of Quebec. In order to do that, they must ratify the new NAFTA, which is in the interests of Quebec and all of Canada.
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-01-30Member of Parliament - Savard-Tremblay, Simon-Pierre (Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, free trade agreements have a tremendous impact on Quebec. Before ratifying the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Standing Committee on International Trade heard from no less than 400 experts. For CUSMA, the number of experts who came to testify is zero. The committee did not receive a single witness. We can all agree that there is a big difference between 400 and zero. In the case of this hastily drafted agreement, it is not surprising that Quebec's farmers and aluminum were sacrificed. Will the government acknowledge that it was in such a hurry that it cut corners and that Quebec is paying the price?Hon. Chrystia Freeland (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Lib.):  Mr. Speaker, I do not agree with my hon. colleague at all. The reality is that the new NAFTA includes significant benefits for Quebec. As Premier Legault and others have said, the new NAFTA preserves $57.3 billion in exports from Quebec to the United States. It preserves the cultural exemption. I thought that was important to Quebec. We preserved supply management when the United States was calling for it to be dismantled.
CUSMA - Aluminum2019-12-10Member of Parliament - Savard-Tremblay, Simon-Pierre (Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, Quebec aluminum is the cleanest in the world. In the midst of a climate emergency, Quebec is producing carbon neutral aluminum. However, the changes to the new NAFTA that the government wants to sign today will allow China to dump its coal-fired aluminum, driving down prices and halting the expansion of our industry. Is the government really going to sacrifice a clean industry and Quebec workers in favour of China's pollution-causing dumping?Mr. Speaker, we worked hard to sign a good deal for Canadians and Canada. We have always stood up for Canada's aluminum workers. We recognize that the aluminum industry is a world leader in clean industry and the fight against climate change. The new NAFTA contains strict domestic content requirements for aluminum here in North America. We will continue to stand up for aluminum industry workers.
CUSMA2019-12-11Member of Parliament - Scheer, Andrew (Regina—Qu'Appelle)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, yesterday a senior Democrat said that Canada “conceded to just about every point that we asked for” on the new NAFTA deal, and that is after senior Republicans said last year that the Prime Minister gave very graciously. While Democrats and Republicans do not always agree on everything, they do seem to agree that the Prime Minister has failed Canadians when it comes to the new NAFTA negotiations. Will the Prime Minister finally admit that what he came back with from Washington was a more weakened NAFTA than he had when he first went down there?Mr. Speaker, allow me to take this moment to congratulate heartily the entire Canadian team for the great negotiation, and particularly our Deputy Prime Minister, the member for University—Rosedale. We strengthened environmental protections, we strengthened the support for workers and we moved forward on strengthened intellectual property and automotive rules of origin. We have ensured that access to our most important trading partner is solid for years to come. That is the work the Canadian team did in achieving the new NAFTA.
CUSMA - Aluminum2019-12-11Member of Parliament - Scheer, Andrew (Regina—Qu'Appelle)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, Canada has already capitulated repeatedly on NAFTA, and yesterday we learned that the Prime Minister wanted Canadians to give up even more. Can the Prime Minister explain exactly what concessions he made on Canadian aluminum?Mr. Speaker, let me be very clear. The new NAFTA, including the amendments we signed yesterday, is a win for aluminum workers. We are very proud of our record of standing up for aluminum workers, and we will continue to stand up for them. We are now ensuring that 70% of the aluminum used in North American automotive production will come from North America, and most of that will come from Quebec.
NAFTA2020-03-10Member of Parliament - Sgro, Judy A. (Humber River—Black Creek)Liberal Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, over the last few weeks, the international trade committee studied the Canada-U.S.-Mexico agreement, and we have heard from many businesses and stakeholders about various aspects of the agreement and the importance of its impact on our communities.
Can the Deputy Prime Minister tell us more about the next steps towards ratification and the importance of this agreement for all Canadians?		Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all the members of the international trade committee from all parties and their outstanding chair for their hard work in reviewing the new NAFTA.
This agreement safeguards more than $2 billion a day in cross-border trade and tariff-free access for 99.9% of our U.S.-bound exports.
At a time when our economy and the global economy are facing significant challenges from the coronavirus, one thing that we can all do together that is entirely within our power is to support our economy's—
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-01-30Member of Parliament - Simard, Mario (Jonquière)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, in CUSMA, the government decided to protect steel but not aluminum. Let me repeat once more that 70% of steel auto parts must be North American, and the steel must be melted and poured in North America. The aluminum in these parts, however, can come from anywhere, because there are no specifics about the source of the aluminum in the agreement. It does not take a genius to understand that. Will the government have the decency to acknowledge that aluminum is not getting the same protection as steel?Mr. Speaker, the only thing needed to understand the benefits of NAFTA for Quebec is some math skills. What we have to understand is that 70% is better than 0%. Those are the facts for the aluminum sector. One Quebec leader understands this. Premier Legault said, “The Bloc Québécois has to defend the interests of Quebeckers, and it is in the interest of Quebeckers for this agreement be ratified and adopted.” I agree.
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-01-29Member of Parliament - Simard, Mario (Jonquière)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, the regions of Quebec are right to worry about the lack of protection for aluminum in the new NAFTA. With the consent of the House, a little later we could table an impact assessment that reveals that six major projects are compromised by the lack of protection for Quebec aluminum against dumping by China. Over 10 years, the agreement jeopardizes more than $6 billion in investments and 60,000 well-paid jobs in my riding and on the North Shore. I wonder if the government knew that it was sacrificing $6 billion in economic benefits for Quebec when it signed this agreement, or if it did not do its homework.Mr. Speaker, it is a good agreement for all Canadian workers, including aluminum workers. The aluminum sector has more protection than ever before with this agreement. Auto manufacturers are required to use at least 70% of North American aluminum. It is a progressive agreement that will benefit Canadian families. However, if the member does not want to take me at my word, he can listen to Jean Simard, president of the Aluminium Association of Canada, who says that the new NAFTA is the right way to go. If he does not want to listen to Mr. Simard, he can listen to Premier Legault, who says that this agreement must be ratified for Quebec.
CUSMA - Aluminum2019-12-11Member of Parliament - Simard, Mario (Jonquière)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, I would like to clarify for the Prime Minister that there is a country in North America called Mexico. That country does not produce aluminum but imports it from China. There is also a nation in North America called Quebec, which produces 90% of all of Canada's aluminum. I know this because it is made in my region of Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean. It is a lie that this is not going to impact our region. Would the Prime Minister tell us why he is still using Quebec as a bargaining chip when negotiating international agreements?Mr. Speaker, allow me to be very clear once again. The new NAFTA is a win for aluminum workers. It forces automakers to use at least 70% of aluminum produced in North America. Before this new agreement that percentage was zero. We will always stand up for all Canadian workers, including those in the aluminum sector.
CUSMA - Aluminum2019-12-10Member of Parliament - Simard, Mario (Jonquière)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, the government does not seem to understand how important the aluminum industry is to my region. The Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region is responsible for 60% of Canada's total production. Production alone accounts for 7,000 jobs. It is the cornerstone of my region's entire industrial sector and a key middle-class employer. Today's news jeopardizes three major aluminum plant expansion projects in my region. How can the government say it is defending middle-class workers when it is putting Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean aluminum workers at risk?Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for that important question. This morning, I had an opportunity to discuss this very issue with the mayor of Saguenay. I am sure the member is aware that our government has always stood up for aluminum workers, especially when the Americans imposed tariffs. Our government and the then foreign affairs minister worked to get those tariffs lifted. We will always stand up for them. Everyone can rest assured that that will also be the case with the new NAFTA.
NAFTA2020-08-12Member of Parliament - Simard, Mario (Jonquière)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Mario Simard (Jonquière, BQ):  Mr. Chair, I will be sharing my time with my loyal colleague, the member for Lac-Saint-Jean. In negotiating CUSMA, the government unfortunately forgot to protect aluminum, the aluminum produced in my region, the greenest aluminum in the world. The Bloc Québécois had to lobby hard for a solution that would shut out China's black aluminum. Today, we are in a new crisis, which is partly the government's fault. It announced that there would be countermeasures, but oddly, they will only apply to aluminum products. In 2018, the countermeasures applied to any U.S. export, whether it was a Harley-Davidson, bourbon or a boat. The countermeasures could be slapped on any exported good. Why can that not be done now?Hon. François-Philippe Champagne (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lib.):    Mr. Chair, I would like to thank my colleague for his question. He knows full well that we have always been there for aluminum workers. I love to hear him talk about green aluminum, because I was there for the Elysis announcement. I was there when we said that the Government of Canada would stand up to find new, green aluminum products. That is precisely what he just said. Yes, we are going to continue to invest in innovation, as we always have. Yes, we will always be there for the aluminum industry, and yes, we will always work for aluminum workers. It is an important industry in Quebec. We will always stand up for the interests of Quebec workers.
NAFTA, Aluminum2020-08-12Member of Parliament - Simard, Mario (Jonquière)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Mario Simard:  Mr. Chair, unfortunately, I did not get an answer. Why are there no retaliatory tariffs on products other than aluminum? It is because, in 2019, they negotiated an agreement on the cheap. They went from a bazooka, with tariffs on all American exports, to a slingshot. They are defending Quebec's second-largest export sector with a slingshot. I will repeat my question: Why is it impossible to impose retaliatory tariffs on products other than aluminum right now?Hon. Bill Blair (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Lib.):  Mr. Chair, let me be very clear. At the time in 2019 when the previous section 232 tariffs were lifted, an agreement was reached between Canada and the United States. We worked together to resolve all future irritants in the bilateral aluminum trade. We continue to urge the Americans to come back, but we have been very clear that we will impose reciprocal retaliatory tariffs on the things that get their attention the most, because, quite frankly, these tariffs that have been imposed on the aluminum industry are unacceptable and unlawful. We are going to stand up to them and are not going to back down. We are going to stand up for the aluminum industry and will impose appropriate tariffs. We are consulting with Canadians to make sure we get this right, and within 30 days—
CUSMA2019-12-11Member of Parliament - Singh, Jagmeet (Burnaby South)New Democratic PartyMr. Speaker, without actually protecting workers or the environment, the Liberals rushed to see the new NAFTA signed. American politicians did the work the Liberals should have done.
[Translation] Without seeking protections for the environment and our workers, the Liberals were prepared to sign away our future. Instead of relying on the Americans to stand up for our workers, will the Prime Minister commit to improving the process moving forward?		Mr. Speaker, we agreed to improvements to the new NAFTA that strengthened environmental protection, strengthened labour protection, improved the automotive rules of origin, improved the protection of intellectual property and settled a stronger state-to-state dispute settlement. These are all improvements we made to the deal. The NDP has already said that the new NAFTA was the best deal possible. Indeed, the members of the NDP attending the Unifor reception highlighted that this was a much better deal than the deal that was signed 24 years ago. That was from Jerry Dias, the head of Unifor. We know this is a good deal for Canadians.
Canada - US Border during Covid-192020-09-24Member of Parliament - Stubbs, Shannon (Lakeland)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, it has been half a year and other developed countries have gotten it done. Apparently, elite billionaires on private jets get special treatment when they fly into Canada. When Canadians found that out last week, the public safety minister actually claimed he did not know about it. Let us get this straight. In the middle of a pandemic that has locked down our country and almost shut down our economy, the Liberals do not know who or how many are receiving exemptions from the 14-day mandatory quarantine at the border.Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to point out that the reporting on this incident was false, and unfortunately the member opposite may not have heard that there were no national interest exemptions issued in this case. The decision was made by a border services officer based on the information he was provided at the time of entry for those two individuals. The information provided, unfortunately, was not sufficient to allow entry. We have acknowledged that the border officer in that case made a mistake and that those people should not have been admitted. I have spoken to the head of the CBSA and it will not happen again.
Canada-US Border2020-10-19Member of Parliament - Stubbs, Shannon (Lakeland)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, I am sorry for my language, but the whole lives of loved ones and families of murder victims are impacted forever. On August 25, U.S. business executives came to Canada on a private jet and were granted quarantine exemption, which the minister said was a one-time mistake that should not have happened. However, it was just found out that on the exact same day, other big-shot U.S. executives came to Canada on their private jets and were permitted to travel the country freely. Canadians face restrictions and quarantines in their own country, but the Liberals just keep granting exemptions to American billionaires. Why is there always one set of rules for connected elites and another set for everyday working Canadians?Mr. Speaker, our government has taken unprecedented action over the past several months to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 through non-essential travel restrictions. Just to correct the mistake that the member has made repeatedly in the House, there were no ministerial exemptions provided, and no ministerial involvement in the decisions pertaining to these executives or the one reported yesterday. In fact, following that decision and on the same day, I raised the concerns expressed with the president of CBSA and he instantly implemented additional measures. That updated guidance is working. The agency has denied cases of entry by executives intending to enter Canada for discretionary travel. We will continue to do the work of keeping Canadians safe.
Canada-US Border Family Reunification2020-09-28Member of Parliament - Stubbs, Shannon (Lakeland)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, last week the public safety minister said there was a “process in place” to deal with cases of compassion for family members who do not fit the Liberal definition of being “necessary” for entry to Canada. John McCall's adult children are Canadians by birthright. They never had problems travelling back and forth before, but the minister rejected their request to visit their dying Canadian mother. She died a week before the paperwork was done for them to come to Canada. So many other Canadians face the same heartbreaking barriers. Why is there one system for connected elites and one for everyone else?Mr. Speaker, we have taken the decisions that are necessary to protect the health and safety of Canadians and everyone in Canada at the border. We know it has been difficult and we have to make sure that we get the decisions at the border right, which is one of the reasons why we have introduced an immediate family exemption. Last week I announced that we were going to be accelerating and prioritizing the application of family sponsorships. We will continue to work with all members of the House to reunite as many families as possible.
Canada-US Border Family Reunification2020-09-28Member of Parliament - Stubbs, Shannon (Lakeland)Conservative Party of CanadaHowever, Mr. Speaker, the problem is there seems to be two processes: hundreds of special passes for famous athletes and billionaires, for example, while everyday Canadians are kept from work or are separated from loved ones. On September 16, the public safety minister said a new compassionate process was imminent and on September 24, he just said the current system is in place. On September 26, the Liberal MP for Beaches—East York told families to be ready to apply in a new process this week. It seems Liberal insiders have the details long before suffering families know. When will the minister actually make the changes public and why have the Liberals set up a cold-hearted system of such obvious double standards for the past six months?Mr. Speaker, as I said, we have a system that is ensuring that we are exercising compassion as much as possible, we have introduced an immediate family member's exemption, and we are accelerating and prioritizing family sponsorship applications. At the same time, we have to balance those needs against the health and safety of all Canadians, while dealing with the pandemic. I would just underscore that we are still in the midst of a pandemic. We will continue to work with her and all members of this House to strike that balance and get it right.
Canada-US Border, Covid-192020-10-29Member of Parliament - Stubbs, Shannon (Lakeland)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the government is not transparent or consistent about applying its pandemic rules. It is another day and there is yet another revelation that a wealthy U.S. executive was granted a quarantine exemption when he entered Canada on October 19 to push Teamster union workers to accept a new contract. The first time this kind of thing happened, the minister said it was a mistake, but he has not fixed it. Quarantine restrictions are enforced on everyday working Canadians, their small businesses and their family members. So, I have a very simple question. Why is there still one set of rules for wealthy, well-connected elites and a different set for everyone else?Mr. Speaker, that is an important question. There are not two sets of rules. Canadians have the right to enter Canada at any time if they follow the proper health and safety protocols. As to the member's question, our top priority is the health and safety of Canadians during this pandemic. Decisions on exemptions by officials are only issued after approval by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the relevant province or territory. We will continue to protect the health and safety of all Canadians.
Canada-US Border, Covid-192020-10-29Member of Parliament - Stubbs, Shannon (Lakeland)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, everyday Canadians are concerned and confused about the obvious double standard. They do not know what to expect. People, for example, who go to the border for a visa or other issue stay in their cars, remain in the neutral zone and do not even cross into the U.S., but when they turn around they are told that they have to put their lives on hold and quarantine for two weeks. However, if someone is a U.S. billionaire who wants to come to Canada and travel around freely, the Liberals say, “No problem, the door is open. Come on in and take our jobs while you are at it.” When will the government show the same compassion and fairness to everyday working Canadians as it does to U.S. billionaires?Mr. Speaker, let me be very clear. There are not two sets of rules. Canadians have a right to enter Canada at any time when they follow proper health and safety protocols. To the member's question, as I said, the health and safety of Canadians is the top priority of all members of the House during the pandemic. It is also essential, and I am sure the member would agree, to keep our economy moving during this pandemic, and to protect our critical and essential businesses. Exemptions have been granted after extensive consultation by Global Affairs Canada officials, with the Public Health Agency of Canada and the provinces and territories. Canadians understand that we need to—
Gun Smuggling from the US2021-02-02Member of Parliament - Stubbs, Shannon (Lakeland)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, last year gun seizures at Canada's borders spiked. Eighty percent of guns seized by Toronto police came from the U.S., while shootings went up. Yesterday, the Prime Minister talked to the U.S. VP about gun trafficking, but last week the exact same Prime Minister defeated a Conservative bill to crack down on illegal gun smuggling. As usual, the PM is all talk and no action. Why does he target law-abiding firearms owners and retailers, but rejects solutions for criminals and gangs that terrorize Canadians?Mr. Speaker, we are moving forward to strengthen gun control, including addressing all of the ways in which criminals gain access to guns. We have promised Canadians that we will strengthen gun control, while the Conservatives have promised the gun lobby that they will weaken it. It is important to listen to police chiefs, like the police chief in Edmonton who advises that only 5% to 10% of the guns in his city come from across the border. The rest are obtained illegally through straw purchases or are stolen. We are committed to doing the whole job of keeping communities safe.
Aluminum - NAFTA2020-02-04Member of Parliament - Thériault, Luc (Montcalm)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, whenever the government wants to avoid having to explain why it left aluminum workers out in the cold, it holds up François Legault's words as gospel truth. Logically, then, anything Quebec's premier says about health, which is under Quebec's exclusive jurisdiction, should be just as sacrosanct. François Legault has consistently demanded that the federal government increase health transfers enough to cover 25% of health care costs. Will the government honour Quebec's request and increase health transfers?Mr. Speaker, it looks like the Bloc is trying to make the point that the Liberal government is not François Legault's government. I think everyone understands that. There are issues on which we disagree with Quebec's premier. The fact that Quebec and Premier Legault do not always agree with us makes their strong support for the new NAFTA that much more significant. Like us, they understand that this agreement is good for Quebec.
Keystone XL2021-01-25Member of Parliament - Vidal, Gary (Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, in building the most environmentally friendly pipeline in the world, some first nations were looking to solve intergenerational poverty in their communities. They were anticipating improvements to education, housing, health care and social programs. It meant real jobs, real growth, real progress and, most important, real hope. Could the Minister of Indigenous Services tell the House what he has done to advocate for these communities that lost their opportunity to advance toward self-determination when Keystone XL pipeline was cancelled?Mr. Speaker, as the Prime Minister said directly to the President on Friday, we are disappointed in this decision. First and foremost, our concern is with the thousands of workers, indigenous and non-indigenous, and their families that are impacted by this decision.  I spoke to the Alberta energy minister the morning of the inauguration. The message to her, Albertans as well as to the minister of energy for Saskatchewan was that we would be there to support these workers. We are proud of the work they do. We will need their hard work and ingenuity to lower emissions and keep our oil and gas sector strong and prosperous for years to come.
Softwood Lumber2019-12-10Member of Parliament - Vidal, Gary (Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, NorSask Forest Products is a 100% first nations-owned company whose profits are directed to the nine bands that make up the Meadow Lake Tribal Council. These funds are used for services like housing, education and health care, including suicide prevention programs. Since 2017, NorSask has paid over $10 million in softwood lumber tariffs. That is $10 million not being used for services in these communities. When will the Liberals prioritize the negotiation of a new softwood lumber agreement with United States?Mr. Speaker, this is an important issue that my colleague across the way raises. This is something that we have been committed to and are working on very diligently.  The previous minister of foreign affairs, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister will continue to ensure that we advocate for Canada's interest in the softwood lumber industry and ensure we get not just any deal, as the Conservatives keep advocating for, but a good deal.
Alberta-Alaska Raiway2020-10-30Member of Parliament - Viersen, Arnold (Peace River—Westlock)Conservative Party of CanadaMadam Speaker, the A to A railway is a $22-billion project. It would open up markets for Alberta and Yukon. We need these jobs, not government handouts. However, these days the Liberals seem only interested in green-lighting projects for their friends. The A to A project should not have to subcontract Baylis Medical to get this Prime Minister's support. Will the Prime Minister affirm his support for this project; and on what day will we see that happening?Madam Speaker, we know that in Canada it is time to build up, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank is an important part of that plan. Our plan is creating a million jobs and building strong communities through investments in infrastructure like public transit, clean energy, broadband and affordable housing for indigenous peoples and northern communities alike. Our government knows that investing in infrastructure for communities for growth for Canadians is important. Unlike our Conservative friends, whose leader in the previous government campaigned on a promise to cut $18 billion from the infrastructure program—
Keystone XL and Enbridge’s Line 52021-02-26Member of Parliament - Viersen, Arnold (Peace River—Westlock)Conservative Party of CanadaMadam Speaker, my friend JD from Slave Lake works in the oil patch and he likes his job, but Keystone XL has been cancelled and now we could lose the easement for Line 5. Alberta's ability to get its energy to market, and by extension our ability to get a fair price for our energy, is in danger. The energy sector is the engine of Canada's economy. On what day will the Prime Minister pick up the phone, call the Americans and defend Alberta energy markets and jobs?Madam Speaker, actually, the Prime Minister raised Line 5 directly with the President and members of his cabinet during the virtual summit this week. We have approached this at the highest levels because we take threats to Canadian energy security very seriously. Line 5 is vital to our economy, vital to workers, vital to producers and vital to consumers in Canada and the United States. I assure the House that we are working on all of our options. Line 5 is a vital pipeline for Canada's energy security. The Prime Minister has already addressed it with the President of the United States.
Collaboration on Vaccines with the US – Pfizer 2021-01-28Member of Parliament - Vignola, Julie (Beauport—Limoilou)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, the Prime Minister and U.S. President Joe Biden talked about vaccination last Friday. The Prime Minister's Office released the following information: “They discussed collaboration on vaccines and acknowledged that the two countries’ efforts are strengthened by...the flow of critical medical supplies.” Now that Canada and the United States have agreed that the vaccine should flow freely between our two countries, I have one very simple question: How many doses of the Pfizer vaccine did Canada get from the United States?Mr. Speaker, we share Canadians' sense of urgency around securing access to these essential vaccines as quickly as possible. More than 1.1 million vaccines have been distributed across the country to date, which means Canada is on track for the first quarter. Our government is responsible for vaccine distribution, and we will not stop until the job is done.
Collaboration on Vaccines with the US – Pfizer 2021-01-28Member of Parliament - Vignola, Julie (Beauport—Limoilou)Bloc QuébécoisMr. Speaker, just like us, the government needs to be looking for solutions. The Major-General in charge of vaccine supply recently announced that Pfizer deliveries will be delayed once again. Our expectations for next week were pretty low to begin with, and now we are being told that we will get even fewer doses the week of February 8. Quebec has fewer than 9,000 doses left. We are running out. Now that Canada and the United States have agreed that the vaccine should flow freely, what is the government waiting for? When will it go get vaccines directly from the United States?Mr. Speaker, as I have said all along, we will be getting four million doses from Pfizer this quarter. I am in constant personal contact with Pfizer to confirm the numbers. Those are the facts, and we will keep working hard for Canadians.
United States - Canadian Mail2019-12-06Member of Parliament - Williamson, John (New Brunswick Southwest)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, U.S. Customs and Border Protection continues to open and review Canada Post mail going to Campobello Island. Campobello is Canadian territory but is only accessible year-round by driving an hour through the state of Maine. The ongoing mail search by U.S. officials is an invasion of our privacy rights. It also challenges Canada's sovereignty. It is unacceptable. What is the federal government doing to safeguard the privacy rights of Canadians living on Campobello?Mr. Speaker, this is something that the member brought to my attention yesterday. We will be looking at this matter and will have further things to say on it in the future.
Alaska to Alberta Railway2020-11-26Member of Parliament - Yurdiga, David (Fort McMurray—Cold Lake)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Prime Minister strongly hinted he will block the proposed Fort McMurray to Alaska railway. The Alaska to Alberta railway trade corridor will create new markets for Canadian products, including in oil and gas, mineral extraction, agriculture and food security in the north. Does the Minister of Infrastructure agree with the Prime Minister's musings on the A2A railway proposal?Mr. David Yurdiga (Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, CPC):  Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister strongly hinted he will block the proposed Fort McMurray to Alaska railway. The Alaska to Alberta railway trade corridor will create new markets for Canadian products, including in oil and gas, mineral extraction, agriculture and food security in the north. Does the Minister of Infrastructure agree with the Prime Minister's musings on the A2A railway proposal?
Mr. Paul Lefebvre (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources, Lib.):  Mr. Speaker, we have not yet received an application, and we cannot review an application we do not have. This government supports good projects, and we know they only get built after they have gone through a fair and thorough review process. That is how our government approved TMX and the Line 3 replacement pipeline, creating thousands of jobs.
Softwood Lumber2019-12-10Member of Parliament - Zimmer, Bob (Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies)Conservative Party of CanadaMr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has ignored B.C.'s forest industry and its workers for far too long. Thousands of workers in communities in British Columbia are out of work. Residents in my riding are suffering thanks to the Liberal government's indifference. These men and women want and need to get back to work. Could the Liberals inform the House if the new NAFTA agreement includes an agreement on softwood lumber, yes or no?Mr. Speaker, we are very proud of the new NAFTA that will be signed shortly between Canada, the United States and Mexico. We are very proud that we have continued to stand up for Canadian workers and Canadian industries from coast to coast to coast. We are very proud of the new chapters on the environment, on labour, on dispute settlement to ensure that we get the best deal for Canadians, elements that the Conservatives urged us to abandon. This is a good deal for Canadians, and we will continue to stand up for them and industries at every opportunity.
Enbridge’s Line 5 2021-02-05Madam Speaker, the new American administration has stopped the Keystone XL pipeline dead in its tracks, killing thousands of jobs in Alberta. Now Michigan is attempting to shut down Enbridge Line 5, killing thousands of jobs in Ontario. The Liberal government has responded by rolling over and playing dead. All this is while energy workers watch foreign oil come into Canada from third world dictators and human rights abusers. What specific action will the Liberal government take to reduce foreign oil imports into Canada this year?Madam Speaker, we take this issue with respect to Line 5 very seriously. Line 5 is vital to our energy security. This line is a critical economic and energy security link between Canada and the U.S. and has safely operated for over 65 years. It provides good-paying, middle-class jobs for the thousands of worker at refineries in Sarnia and in Montreal and Lévis, Quebec. I assure the House that we are looking at all our options. Line 5 is a vital pipeline for Canada's energy security, and we fully support it.
NAFTA CUSMA Dairy2020-04-29 Mr. Chair, as the Deputy Prime Minister knows, the dairy industry will face significant financial losses if the agreement comes into force on July 1, 2020, rather than August 1, 2020. Why has this government broken its commitment to August 1 as the effective date of the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement? Mr. Chair, I would like to tell the honourable member and all members here that, in the context of a global economic crisis worse than the Great Depression, the conclusion of a free trade agreement with the United States is an excellent success for Canada.

Arctic relations

Supplementary messages

Background

The Biden Administration’s approach to Arctic foreign policy aligns well with Canada’s Arctic foreign policy interests, as outlined in the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (ANPF). There are opportunities for increased engagement, including on climate change policy, environmental protection, security and cooperation in Arctic fora. The Biden administration has made it clear that climate change will be central to the U.S.’ work in the Arctic. The U.S. has signalled that it will adopt a comprehensive approach to the Arctic and every aspect will be taken into consideration, including security issues, but with a more measured approach, focusing on the need for the rules-based international order to govern the region. President Biden has stated the U.S. will use the Arctic Council to put a spotlight on Russia’s activities in the Arctic, standing firm with Council partners to hold Russia accountable for any efforts to further militarize the region.

The ANPF specifies that Canada will strengthen bilateral cooperation with key partners, including the United States. Canada is keen to regularize a bilateral dialogue with the U.S. on Arctic issues as a way to strengthen the leadership role both countries take on Arctic issues and to enhance the Canada-U.S. bilateral relationship across governments and with Northerners.

The recent Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership contains a number of Arctic-related commitments and gives direction for our Arctic cooperation. Prime Minister Trudeau and President Biden directed their Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence, and Secretaries of State and Defense, to meet to further coordinate our joint contributions to collective security and to expand cooperation on continental defence and in the Arctic, including by modernizing the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The Leaders also agreed to launch an expanded Canada-U.S. Arctic Dialogue to cover cross-cutting issues related to continental security, economic and social development, and Arctic governance, which will provide another key platform to deepen our collaboration.

Bilateral economic overview

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Background

The U.S. economy saw a milder decline (3.5%) in economic performance in 2020 than many other advanced economies and is now closer to its pre-pandemic GDP level (‑2.4%) than most other major advanced economies. The Canadian economy shrank 5.4% in 2020, the steepest decline since comparable data was first recorded in 1961. A notable feature of the Covid-19 economic recession is the uneven nature of the recovery, with sectors that rely on social gathering and face-to-face interactions such as accommodation and food services continuing to struggle.

In 2019, bilateral trade in goods and services between the U.S. and Canada totaled $1 trillion, or $2.7 billion per day. In 2020, Canadian trade with the U.S. declined significantly with notable weaknesses in energy, automotive, and travel. Exports declined 15% and imports declined 13%. However, as of January 2021, Canadian goods exports to the U.S. have surpassed pre-pandemic levels. On the other hand, services trade continues to struggle as travel and passenger transportation services remain depressed. Commercial services however, many of which can potentially be delivered remotely,managed to grow (5.6%) in 2020.

The Canada-U.S. trade relationship is built on long-standing binational supply chains. About three-quarters of U.S. imports from Canada are related to supply chains and are used for domestic U.S. production. When sold to the U.S., Canadian goods contain on average 20% American content and, in some sectors like machinery and automobiles, it is significantly higher. At the sub-national level, 32 states count Canada as their top customer.

Border issues

Supplementary messages

Responsive – safe third country agreement (STCA)

Update

Discussions continue within the Government of Canada as to options to move forward on the future of the temporary border arrangement, and an eventual border re-opening. Canadian officials have developed productive working relationships with incoming members of the Biden Administration.

Stakeholder interest in the future of the temporary border arrangement and options for re-opening the border to normal flows is expected to continue to rise. Next month, the Wilson Center Task Force on Public Health and the U.S.-Canadian Border, co-chaired by Anne McLellan, Jean Charest, as well as U.S. co-chairs Christine Gregoire and James Douglas, former governors of Washington State and Vermont, respectively, plans to release a report with recommendations as to next steps to re-open the border.

Supporting facts and figures

Background

The one-year anniversary of the Canada-U.S. temporary border arrangement recently passed; on March 18, 2020, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that the two countries had agreed to temporarily restrict all non-essential travel across the Canada-U.S. border, taking effect on March 21, 2020, and ending on April 21, 2020. The arrangement has since been extended 12 times.

Buy American and Buy America

Supplementary messages

Background

Buy American requirements were first established during the U.S. Great Depression and are set out in the Buy American Act of 1933, which mandates that all federal government departments purchase only U.S. goods. Canada is exempt from Buy American requirements as a result of our respective obligations under the revised WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA).

However, Canada is not exempt from Buy America requirements. Since 1982, Buy America requirements have applied to the purchase of iron, steel and manufactured goods used in state/local infrastructure projects funded – in whole or in part – by certain U.S. federal departments and agencies (mainly the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency). In addition, procurement of rolling stock (e.g.buses, subway cars, vehicles) requires 70% U.S. domestic content and final assembly in the U.S. to be considered Buy America compliant. As federal transfers or grants to lower levels of government are not covered by the U.S. under the GPA, imposing Buy America requirements is consistent with U.S. trade obligations.

There is broad bipartisan support for Buy America policies in the U.S. and President Biden has pledged to attach existing, or potentially expanded, Buy America requirements to the upcoming U.S. infrastructure package, which is expected to be in the range of US$1-2 trillion. This initiative, which would be the subject of new legislation, could particularly impact Canadian companies supplying products for:

The federal government is engaging the U.S. Administration, members of Congress, allies at the sub-national level and in the U.S. business andlabourcommunities, to advocate for a Canada-U.S. approach to the U.S. infrastructure package. A strong Team Canada approach will be required to advance Canada’s interests.

Canada-U.S. relations and roadmap

Supplementary messages

Trade

Climate and energy

Border and pandemic

International security and foreign policy

Inclusion and respect for diversity

Supporting facts and figures

Background

On February 26, Secretary Blinken under took a virtual visit to Canada during which he had a bilateral meeting with MINA and a courtesy call with PM Trudeau. MINA and Sec. Blinken discussed issues in the Americas (Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua,Haiti), China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, as well as multilateralism, democracy and migration.

Political context: Joe Biden was inaugurated U.S. President on January 20, 2021. He has nominated all Cabinet members, and their Senate confirmation processes are almost completed. Biden’s cabinet is the most diverse in U.S. history with almost as many women as men, a non-white majority, and multiple historic nominations, including Deb Haaland, the first Native American in a president's Cabinet.

The new administration inherited significant domestic challenges – including tense partisan and racial relations, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, immigration pressures and a fragile economic recovery – which are expected to focus the Biden administration and Congress on domestic matters rather than foreign affairs. Nevertheless, President Biden has consistently expressed an intention to rebuild alliances with foreign partners and renew U.S. leadership internationally.

Canada-U.S. Roadmap: PM Trudeau and President Biden had their first virtual meeting on February 23. The two leaders committed to a Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership, which is intended to be the cornerstone of a whole-of-government approach to Canada-U.S. relations. It includes the creation of a High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Climate, the revival of the North American Leaders’ Summit, and expansion of the U.S.-Canada Arctic Dialogue, among other initiatives. In particular, the Roadmap prioritizes:

PM Trudeau and President Biden also discussed a wide range of bilateral issues, including an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery, fighting against all form of discrimination, and protecting energy infrastructure. The leaders also considered ways to address key global challenges, such as climate change, NATO, China, digital economy and cybersecurity, and priorities in multilateral forums.

The U.S. administration signaled its interest in hosting the North American Leaders’ Summit (NALS) around April 22, 2021.

Trade: Canada and the U.S. enjoy the largest trading relationship in the world. Canada’s efforts are focused on ensuring the effective implementation of the CUSMA and defending Canadian trade interests in the U.S., and collaborating closely to address global trade challenges, including with respect to China and the WTO.

The CUSMA entered into force on July 1, 2020, reinforcing the strong economic ties between the three parties and enhancing North American competitiveness. More recently, the parties have focused on the implementation of the rules of origin for automotive trade and standing-up CUSMA committees, including those on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and North American Competitiveness.

While implementation is proceeding well overall, certain bilateral irritants exist. For example, the U.S. has pursued dispute settlement consultations with Canada regarding tariff rate quota administration policiesfor dairy, and Canada has requested consultations with the U.S. regarding its continued illegal global safeguards on imports of Canadian solar products. U.S. trade policy continues to be closely linked to domestic priorities and a tendency towards protectionism will remain.

President Biden is moving forward on his campaign promise to expand Buy America and Buy American requirements. On January 25, President Biden signed an Executive Order (EO) on ‘Ensuring the Future Is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers’, which is largely focused on streamlining process, increasing transparency and oversight, and re-enforcing existing commitments for Buy American requirements. As such, it will have limited impact for Canada.

Climate and energy: New U.S. policies and overall approach on climate change and environmental protection are aligned with Canada’s views. As part of the Roadmap, PM Trudeau and President Biden pledged to explore opportunities to align policies and approaches to create jobs, while tackling climate change and inequality, and enhancing adaptation and resilience to climate impacts. They also agreed to protect businesses, workers and communities in both countries from unfair trade by countries failing to take strong climate action, and to reduce oil and gas methane emissions to protect public health and the environment.

There is also local and national opposition in the U.S., including court actions, against Enbridge Line 5 and Line 3 pipelines. The Biden administration has not pronounced on these two projects yet. The renegotiation of the 1964 Columbia River Treaty, a bilateral flood control and hydropower Canada-U.S. agreement, is currently underway and remain a priority.

Border management: On March 17, the temporary border arrangement between Canada and the U.S. was extended through April 21, 2021. In the Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Biden recognized that coordinated border policies remain central to controlling COVID-19 and new variants while promoting economic growth and recovery. Both leaders agreed to take a coordinated approach based on science and public health criteria when considering measures to ease Canada-U.S. border restrictions in the future.

International security and foreign policy: As part of the U.S.-Canada Roadmap, PM Trudeau and President Biden reaffirmed the importance of investment in modern, ready, and capable forces in line with their commitments to NATO, and agreed to expand cooperation with respect to the promotion of democracy, human rights, and media freedom in our hemisphere and around the world. President Biden also condemned the arbitrary detention of Michael Kovrigand Michael Spavorand his commitment to work for their release.

The Biden administration has expressed its commitment to a rules-based international system and multilateral co-operation, notably by cancelling plans to withdraw from the World Health Organization and rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement. There is a recognition from the Biden administration that the U.S. will have more of a lasting and consequential impact on regional and global challenges when it works in concert with partners. The foreign policy challenges identified by the U.S. include building back from COVID, global migration, democracy vs. authoritarianism, China, Russia and Iran.

COVID-19: As of March 18, there have been more than 29.4 million cases and over 530,000 deaths in the United States. About 113 million people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including about 40 million people who have been fully vaccinated. On March 11, President Biden signed a new COVID economic relief package totaling US $1.9 trillion into law.

Representation: Canadian Ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman.U.S. Chargé d’affaires to Canada, Katherine Brucker.

Clean energy (hydro) exports

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Background

On February 24, 2021, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) issued a report examining the economic effects of increased renewable energy commitments in New England and Massachusetts, and the role of renewable electricity imports. Positive for Canada, the report states that increased imports of hydroelectric energy from Canada will likely support Massachusetts’s carbon emissions reduction goals.

Over 30 cross-border transmission lines move electricity back and forth across the Canada-U.S. border. These operate both under long-term contracts (e.g. Hydro Quebec supplies Vermont with 25% of its electricity) and on the spot market as supply, demand and price dictate.

From this existing electricity trade, Canada’s hydro exports are expanding with the Hydro Quebec New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) supplying Massachusetts and the New England grid under a 20-year contract, running through Maine. The project has obtained all federal and state permits, and pre-construction work has started. Local opposition to the project remains, and litigation is ongoing, but there is no expectation of federal intervention. Hydro Quebec’s Champlain-Hudson Power Express (CHPE) would provide clean power to the New York City government. The project is fully permitted at U.S. state and federal level, so construction could begin if a supply agreement is reached that includes financing the project. Manitoba Hydro, on July 1, 2020, brought into service a new export/import project the Great Northern Transmission Line (GNTL) between the province and Minnesota.

Climate change and border carbon adjustment

Supplementary messages

Background

Canada has had a carbon pricing system in place since 2019, known as Pan-Canadian Approach to Pricing Carbon Pollution. The Pan-Canadian Approach to Pricing Carbon Pollution gives provinces and territories the flexibility to develop their own carbon pricing system so long as the system meets the established criteria designed to ensure all systems are stringent, fair and efficient (known as the federal benchmark).

On December 11, 2020, Canada introduced A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy – Canada’s strengthened climate plan. The plan includes $15 billion in investments to build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient and inclusive economy. As part of Canada’s strengthened climate plan, the Government of Canada proposes to continue putting a price on carbon pollution post 2022, by $15 per year to 2030. The Government will engage with provinces and territories, as well as with Indigenous organizations, on the proposal to increase carbon pricing from $50/tonne in 2022 (the current policy target) in $15/tonne annual increments to $170/tonne in 2030.

Climate change cooperation

Supplementary messages

Background

President Biden made rejoining the Paris Agreement and an ambitious “Build Back Better” green recovery plan central to his election campaign and transition, with an emphasis on clean energy, emission reductions and net zero targets.

The U.S. President is moving aggressively to make good on these commitments, guided by the overarching goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 and 100% clean energy by 2035. President Biden has also committed to review and/or reverse policies on climate, energy development, energy efficiency, air and water quality, and environmental protection, including wildlife issues, put in place by the previous Administration. It is therefore important for Canada to engage with the U.S. on these issues to ensure bilateral policy alignment.

Canada is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and will come forward this year with a stronger emissions target (“Nationally Determined Contribution - NDC”) under the Paris Agreement. Canada’s new strengthened climate plan aims to enhance the competitiveness of our existing industries by supporting innovation and clean economic development and job growth across North America.

The Roadmap includes commitments on climate action and the environment, as well as the announcement of a new High Level Climate Ministerial Dialogue. Progress on the Dialogue to date has focused on sharing of information and expertise, including NDC modeling, methane emissions, and international cooperation.

The two countries will work together on cooperative action ahead of the U.S.-hosted Leaders’ Climate Summit on April 22, the first milestone in the work-plan to strengthen the foundation for collaboration on emission reduction efforts.

Canada-U.S. cooperation on China

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Whereas in the past the U.S. has seen China as a developing country (with nuclear weapons), its unprecedented economic growth over the last 20 years, technological advances, large military expenditures, and more assertive foreign policy under President Xi have led to the realization that American pre-eminence cannot be guaranteed. Also, the hope that U.S. support for economic liberalization, especially following China’s accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001, would lead to greater democratization has been unrealized.

In light of these conclusions, a new narrative has emerged in Washington, partly reflected in and influenced by President Trump’s “America First” agenda, that China will not engage as a constructive, cooperative partner with the U.S. and that a new era of great power competition has begun. As stated in his January 2021 Senate confirmation hearing, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken believes that China poses the most significant challenge of any state to the U.S. Supported by a bipartisan consensus in Congress, counter-balancing China’s growing global influence and safeguarding U.S. national and economic security is a high priority for the U.S. administration, which is expected to adopt a whole-of-government approach to China. That said, President Biden and his top national security officials have also stated that the U.S. must find ways to coexist with China, noting that competition and cooperation are not mutually exclusive. Canada also recognizes that we need to work with Chinato address global issues such as climate change, health, non-proliferation, and finance.

In these circumstances, the Biden administration is seeking to act in concert with like-minded democratic partners to address shared concerns about Chinese domestic issues such as repression of human rights (including in Xinjiang and Hong Kong), media freedom, rule of law, growing military expenditures, conditions for foreign investors, market access, and technological competition. The U.S. is also seeking to work with allies to counter other Chinese activities it sees as problematic, such as assertions of its maritime/territorial claims in the South China Sea, foreign direct investment/financial assistance under the Belt and Road Initiative, coercive diplomacy, state-sponsored cyber program (including 5G network concerns) and foreign interference. Long-standing concerns about Taiwan and growing Chinese interest in the Arctic, Latin America, and elsewhere will also preoccupy the United States.

Canada shares many of the U.S. concerns with respect to China’s assertive behaviour both internationally and domestically, notably with respect to trade, intellectual property, human rights, rule of law, security issues and industrial policies. For example, as part of the CUSMA Canada and the U.S. jointly signed on to new obligations that prohibit each country from importing goods made in whole or in part by forced labour. Canada has made use of this provision in order to bring attention to and minimize risk exposure for Canadian companies to the on-going human rights situation in Xinjiang as part of its measures announced on January 12.On March 22, in coordination with the U.S. and U.K., and in solidarity with the E.U., Canada announced new sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under theSpecial Economic Measures (Peoples Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.SecretaryBlinkenand the U.S. administration have also commended Canada’s leadership on the Arbitrary Detention Initiative, supported Canada in advocacy around the world, and joined Canada and 60 other parties in endorsing the Declaration against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations. The U.S. has also pledged to raise the arbitrary detention of Michael Kovrigand Michael Spavor systematically with China at every level and treating it as though they were American citizen.

Some specific policies of the Biden administration are already apparent. Domestically, Trump-era restrictions, such as the requirement for China-based media to register as foreign missions in the U.S., limits on the network of Chinese-language Confucius Institutes, and attempts to ban Chinese technology companies from critical sectors (e.g. semiconductors, 5G) will likely remain in place. Plans to strengthen domestic U.S. manufacturing and increase supply-chain resiliency, particularly for medical supplies, are partly intended to reduce dependence on Chinese sources. The Biden campaign pledge to increase government spending on green technology explicitly refers to the advantage that state subsidies and industrial strategies have given China’s own industry. Canada is also moving forward on investment in green technologies and is considering options with respect to supply chains resiliency incritical sectors, particularly telecommunication technologies (i.e. 5G), critical minerals, and medical supplies.

To counter China’s aggressive foreign policies, the Biden administration has argued that the U.S. should focus on ad hoc coalitions or issue-specific groups to increase pressure on China such as a “D-10 coalition” (G7 + Australia, South Korea and India) proposed by the UK to address issues related to trade, technology, supply chains, and standards. Increased U.S. engagement in multilateral organizations such as the U.N. as well as regional groupings such as Quads, ASEAN and APEC are also expected to be instrumental in a Biden strategy to counter-balance China. Secretary of State Blinken has stressed the importance of taking a lead role in international institutions instead of, through disengagement or absence, effectively ceding leadership to China. Biden has advocated greater consideration at NATO of the risks stemming from China’s growing military capabilities and assertiveness (e.g. Taiwan, South China Sea) and in favour of increased military capacity to address potential Chinese security threats in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions. As a member of the G7, NATO, ASEAN, and other multilateral organizations, Canada will be a key partner for the United States. A number of bilateral priorities will also feature prominently in the U.S. strategy to counter China, such as modernizing NORAD, the Arctic, cybersecurity, and strengthening democracy.

On trade and economic issues, President Biden made campaign promises to address structural issues such as steel over capacity, industrial subsidies, and support for state-owned enterprises, as well as forced technology transfer, cyber threats, intellectual property theft faced by U.S. companies in China. Canada is already well aligned with the U.S. on these issues.

While Canada did work with the Trump Administration on some China-related issues, it’s clear that the Biden administration policies toward China will provide many opportunities for collaboration and cooperation, including a much greater focus on some of Canada’s top priorities, including human rights. Early signs from Washington are encouraging and there is a clear recognition from the U.S. that working in tandem with like-minded partners, including Canada, will be likely to achieve results when it comes to China.

Commitment to a green economic recovery

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Canada and the U.S. are increasing public climate-resilient and green infrastructure spending as a means to spur economic recovery after COVID-19. President Biden’s US$2 trillion green infrastructure and clean energy plan, gaining traction through an Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, calls for investments in clean energy technologies and infrastructure, new electric vehicle charging stations, battery manufacturing incentives, and foreign investment. Part of that plan has been incorporated into draft legislation that is currently before Congress. The Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership, announced by the PM and the U.S. President on February 23, 2021, embraces the opportunity for clean growth by strengthening the Canada-U.S. Critical Minerals Action Plan for a net-zero industrial transformation, essential to zero-emissions vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage.

Critical minerals

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Canada and allies are concerned about reliance on non-market economiesfor the minerals and metals required for their manufacturing and defense industrial bases. The EU, the U.S., Japan and Australia are actively considering actions to secure supply chains and ensure that critical minerals are available for sensitive and clean technologies used in global defense, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing. Canada has the potential to serve as an important supplier of these “critical minerals” and metals and to develop associated downstream industries.

CUSMA implementation and reinforcing the Canada-U.S. economic partnership

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures (Statistics in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise noted)

Background

Following CUSMA’s entry into force on July 1, 2020, the Parties have focused on the implementation of the autos rules of origin and standing-up CUSMA committees, including those on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and North American Competitiveness. More recently, work is underway to support a Free Trade Commission meeting, which could take place as early as mid-April. While implementation is proceeding well overall, certain bilateral irritants exist including with respect to U.S. concerns on Canada’s dairy tariff rate quota practices and Canada’s concerns with continued U.S. safeguard tariffs on Canadian solar products.

Defence and security overview

Supplementary messages (responsive only)

Background

NORAD and Arctic Security: Bolstering security and continental defense is one of the six pillars of the Roadmap for a renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership to which PM Trudeau and President Biden agreed on February 23. Significant investments to Canada’s domestic and continentaldefencecapacity are needed so that Canada can continue to defend its sovereignty. A safe, secure, and well-defended North is also a prerequisite for advancing Canada’s international Arctic leadership and ensuring the region remains stable.

NATO: The Biden Administration views NATO as essential for American security and transatlantic stability. Fair NATO burden sharing, and the progress of each Ally in reaching the aspirational guideline of spending two percent of GDP ondefence, will continue to be important for the U.S.

Coalition against Daesh: Following the military defeat of Daesh, the Coalition has transitioned to a focus on stabilization and addressing the causes that gave rise to Daesh. Since 2016, we have committed up to $3.5 billion to respond to the crises in Iraq and Syria and address their impact on the region. Canada just announced $43.6 million in stabilization assistance.

Indo-Pacific: The Biden administration has identified the Indo-Pacific as its most important foreign policy priority and is seeking to strengthen allied and partner relationships and cooperation in support of their objectives. HMCS Calgaryis currently deployed to the region.

Energy relations

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Over 70 oil and gas pipelines, and 35 electricity transmission lines, cross the border, moving energy back and forth. In 2019, from a $151.7 billion two-way energy trade, Canada enjoyed a bilateral trade surplus of $86.3 billion. Crude oil dominated this multi-billion-dollar export enterprise—56% of U.S. foreign supply—and pipelines dominate this trade. Additionally, Canada supplied the U.S. with 98% of natural gas imports, 88% of electricity imports and 21% of uranium imports.

Energy trade has enormous economic impact on Canada regionally and nationally, and plays a major role in Canada’s overall balance of goods and services trade with the U.S. Americans—even those who focus on trade deficits—consider Canada’s large energy trade surplus as “blameless” because of its critical input to the U.S. economy.

Canada’s energy exports have an equally important positive impact in the U.S. on jobs, the economy and energy security.

Global alliances – reinforcing international cooperation

Supplementary messages

Background

Effective international cooperation is necessary to address the myriad of significant transnational challenges that exist, including to respond effectively to global health emergencies like the pandemic,and also to sustain the free flow of goods and services and the protection of human rights. Collaboration on such matters is enabled through a variety of laws, norms, and institutions that have evolved over decades. However, cooperative security and economic arrangements have become increasingly strained, not least as a resultof increased geopolitical competition, growing unilateralism and protectionism, populism and nationalism, and concerns about the representativeness, performance, and legitimacy of key institutions.

Canada thus seeks both to invest in the protection, renewal and adaptation of existing international institutions and arrangements to safeguard Canadian interests, and pursue the creation of new ones where it makes sense to do so, notably in response to emerging issues or under-governed fields. In doing so, it works with close traditional allies, such as the U.S., but also cooperates with diverse and potentially unconventional partners on shared concerns.

As part of the Roadmap for a Renewed Canada-U.S. Partnership, Canada and the U.S. affirmed their shared commitment to addressing global challenges including by working with other like-minded partners to strengthen and revitalize global alliances and institutions that underpin our shared security and prosperity (e.g. G7, G20, UN, NATO,WTO). In particular, Canada and the U.S. agreed to revive the North American Leaders’ Summit (NALS) and expand cooperation with respect to the promotion of democracy, human rights, media freedom, and migration.This also includes working with the U.S. and other like-minded on ways to safeguard and strengthen the rules-based trading system, including in areas related to COVID economic recovery, trade rules, WTO initiatives related to the environment/climate change, as well as through other important multilateral bodies such as the UN Human Rights Council, World Health Organization (WHO), and the Organization of American States (OAS).

Canada also cooperates with the U.S. and others on advancing and protecting human rights across several multilateral bodies, including the UN, the OAS, and the Organisationfor Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Canada also work closely with the U.S. and other like-minded partners to strengthen UN human rights mechanisms and resist efforts aimed at weakening international norms. Extra attention will be required to ensure fundamental human rights are respected – with states held accountable for actions which violate these rights.

International peace and stabilization

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated threats to global peace and security. Poverty alleviation is crucial, but insufficient, to achieve sustainable peace, and peace and security need to be directly pursued through an integrated approach. To achieve this, GAC engages with like minded partners and across the Government of Canada, to support the integration of diplomatic capabilities, programming, and all other resources. In particular, GAC works to address conflict and insecurity through: Peace and Stabilization Operations Program; Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion; Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program; Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program; and Weapons Threat Reduction Program.

Keeping supply chains open

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Keeping supply chains open is a priority for the Government of Canada and is being raised at all levels with the Biden administration.  

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Canada has closely collaborated with its partners in the U.S. to maintain the two-way flow of medical supplies and critical inputs. The export of certain medical products is restricted under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA“). Canada has an exemption valid until June 30, 2021. The list of restricted items does not include COVID-19 vaccines. 

On January 21st, President Biden signed an Executive Order on a Sustainable Public Health Supply Chain directing federal authorities to secure supplies necessary to respond to domestic needs related to COVID-19, including through the authorities of the Defense Production Act. There is no evidence to date that Canada’s vaccine orders are being held up as a result. 

No country supplies more unique imported products to the U.S. than Canada – not even China. The U.S.-Canada trading relationship is essential for the stability and security of both of our nations. Through cross-border defense trade and the National Technological and Industrial Base, we collaborate to produce the world’s best defense materiel.   

Supply chain security and resilience were recognized as a key element of the new Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership. Leaders launched a strategy to strengthen Canada-U.S. supply chain security, recognizing the opportunity to work together on clean growth, building the necessary supply chains for all aspects of battery development and production and strengthening the Canada-U.S. Critical Minerals Action Plan to target a net-zero industrial transformation, batteries for zero-emissions vehicles, and renewable energy storage. Officials are working to be able to show progress by the G7, where themes will Build Back Better and climate change. 

Keystone XL pipeline (KXL)

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Background

On January 20, 2021, President Biden revoked KXL’s Presidential permit, fulfilling an explicit election campaign promise made in May 2020. Although the permit applied to only a couple of kilometres inside the U.S. at the border, this action permanently blocks the project. TC Energy immediately suspended ongoing construction in Canada and the U.S., laying off large numbers of workers. The President’s decision repeats that taken by the Obama administration in 2015, which was reversed by the Trump administration in 2017.  

The political profile and symbolism of the President’s decision goes well beyond the merits of the pipeline project, bringing in U.S. climate change policies and actions. Some members of Congress have written to the President urging him to reverse this decision, and have introduced draft legislation that would allow the project to proceed without the revoked permit. These efforts have little chance of succeeding. In terms of KXL-related litigation, the U.S. Department of Justice has requested the dismissal of one Federal appeals court case, and two other cases have been paused for 60 days to determine if further proceedings are required. Twenty-one U.S. states have recently filed a lawsuit challenging the President’s decision to revoke the permit. 

While TC Energy has not commented on its next steps in response to the permit’s revocation, it is unlikely that the company will continue to pursue a path forward for the project, and are moving on. For his part, Alberta Premier Kenney wrote to the Prime Minister on January 21 calling for the Government of Canada to press the U.S. administration to compensate both TC Energy and the Government of Alberta for their investments in the project. He has also previously said he is prepared to use all legal avenues available to protect Alberta’s interest in the project. In a mid-February interview, Minister Ng stated that she did not think that getting into a trade war with the U.S. would be in the best interests of Canadian workers or the energy sector. Minister O’Regan has made similar comments. 

Line 3

Supplementary messages

Update

On March 23, the Minnesota Court of Appeals heard oral arguments to consider the consolidated appeals of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) Orders approving the construction of the project. A panel of three judges centered their questions on two points: whether the PUC erred by not utilizing a long-term consumer demand forecast in determining whether the project was needed (opponents claim this required by Minnesota Statutes), and whether the second revised Environmental Impact Statement included a sufficient examination of potential spill impacts on Lake Superior. The panel will issue a majority decision(s) within 90 days (by mid-June). The Consulate General in Minneapolis is monitoring developments. 

Supporting facts and figures

Background

The Line 3 Replacement project runs from Alberta to Superior, Wisconsin, connecting from there to other Enbridge lines. The project will replace the original, aging, 50-year-old Line 3 with a newer, safer pipeline, and allow the pipeline to resume its original operating capacity of 760,000 barrels per day (up from the current 390,000 bpd flows). The replacement project is complete in Canada, North Dakota and Wisconsin, leaving the unfinished 337-mile section in Minnesota. In November 2020, Enbridge obtained the last of its federal and state permits.  

Opposition continues to pursue avenues to stop the project through civil disobedience to block construction sites, a case in the Minnesota Court of Appeals and a recently launched campaign to target Enbridge’s financing with Canadian and U.S. banks. While some opponents have increased their focus on asking the President to take action against Line 3, there is currently no indication that the Administration is focused on this. 

Line 5

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Line 5 is a pipeline operating safely since 1953, carrying light crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs) from Alberta and Saskatchewan to Michigan and Ontario. Connecting pipelines transport these resources further to Quebec, Ohio and Pennsylvania. A shutdown of the Line 5 would cause significant economic disruption. 

On November 13, 2020, Michigan announced that it was revoking Enbridge’s 1953 authorization (‘easement’) to operate its Line 5 pipeline through the Straits of Mackinac, which connect Lakes Michigan and Huron. Citing alleged violations of the easement agreement by Enbridge, which Michigan sees as an unacceptable oil spill risk, the company was given until May 12 to cease operations. The Governor has filed a legal claim seeking a state court decision to validate the action. Enbridge has filed a suit against Michigan in federal U.S. District Court, seeking to remove the case from State to federal jurisdiction. The state court case is in abeyance, waiting for a decision from federal court. The federal court has set aside all consideration and motions, with the exception of Michigan’s motion to remand the case to state court.  

On February 17, the federal court judge set down a briefing schedule on one procedural motion, whether to remand the case to state court, where all action is suspended until the federal court determines jurisdiction. Filings of pleadings may run until June 2, 2021, after Michigan’s stipulated shutdown date of May 12. The federal court judge ordered Enbridge and Michigan to enter into mediation to see if, they might reach a settlement, rendering court proceedings unnecessary. A mediator has been announced, and the first meeting will take place on April 16 after which they will report out a meeting schedule to the judge. The mediation outcome would be non-binding. 

Canada’s advocacy in support of Line 5 has been ongoing for several years, led primarily by the Consulate General in Detroit. The Consulate General in New York has also joined the advocacy activities to cover a refinery in western Pennsylvania. In addition, Canada’s current and former ambassadors have had discussions with Governor Whitmer. 

Softwood lumber

Supplementary messages

Background

Currently, most Canadian companies are subject to a combined 8.99% duty rate when exporting certain softwood lumber products to the United States.  

Softwood lumber continues to be a priority for the Government of Canada. It is being raised at all levels with the new U.S. Administration. In addition, Canada continues to work with long-time allies in the United States, such as homebuilder associations, to stress that U.S. duties are not only causing undue harm to Canadian producers, but also to U.S. homebuilders and consumers. The current record-high lumber prices are hampering the role that the U.S. housing sector may play in the economic recovery. U.S. homebuilders have been vocal about the need to find solutions to the high prices and to ensure stability of supply. Canada’s position remains that a new softwood lumber agreement is in the best interests of both countries, and Canada is prepared to re-engage in negotiations when the United States is ready to discuss realistic proposals that would be acceptable to Canadian industry. In the meantime, Canada is continuing to vigorously pursue legal challenges against U.S. duties at the WTO and through NAFTA/CUSMA dispute settlement panels.  

Under NAFTA Chapter 19, Canada is challenging the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (Commerce) initial countervailing (CVD) and anti-dumping (AD) determinations. Canada and the United States continue to be engaged in protracted discussions regarding panel composition for these cases. Canada is also challenging Commerce’s determinations before the WTO. While the WTO AD panel found that the U.S. improperly calculated dumping margins, Canada appealed in June 2019 certain findings from the Panel that were unfavorable. The Panel’s report on Canada’s CVD challenge was released in August 2020. The WTO CVD Panel found overwhelmingly in Canada’s favour and that U.S. CVD duties on Canadian softwood lumber are inconsistent with the United States’ WTO obligations. However, the United States appealed the Panel’s report in September 2020. Timelines for both appeal proceedings are unclear due to the WTO Appellate Body’s current lack of quorum.  

Finally, Canada is pursuing challenges of the final results of Commerce’s first Administrative Reviews under Chapter 10 of CUSMA. Administrative reviews are annual reviews Commerce conducts of its AD and CVD orders. The Administrative Review process establishes duty assessment rates for shipments entered during the period of review, as well as the new duty deposit rates going forward until the next annual Administrative Review is completed. On November 23, 2020, Commerce issued the final results for its first AD and CVD Administrative Reviews. The final duty rates are, for most companies, significantly lower than those from the initial investigation (8.99% compared to 20.23% “all-others” rate). The second and third Administrative Reviews are underway and final results are, respectively, expected in November 2021 and August 2022.  

Solar tariffs and other trade remedy issues

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Solar Tariffs

In 2018, the Trump administration purposely ignored NAFTA global safeguard rules and imposed a 30% safeguard tariff on solar modules from Canada.  The U.S. also blocked Canada’s attempt to launch NAFTA dispute settlement proceedings. Despite a high level of engagement with the Trump Administration since the tariff was illegally imposed in 2018, the tariff has remained in place. On December 22, 2020, Canada launched CUSMA dispute settlement proceedings and held consultations on January 28, 2021, with the goal of convincing the Biden Administration to respect NAFTA and CUSMA rules and exempt Canada from the solar tariff.  

Fact-Finding Investigations on Seasonal Produce

The Trump Administration also launched various investigations on seasonal produce. Although Canada was successful in preventing the imposition of a safeguard duty on blueberries, the threat of new safeguard investigations on bell peppers and strawberries remain, and any resulting tariffs could disrupt Canadian exports of these products (fact-finding investigations can lead to safeguard investigations). It will be important to ensure that the Biden Administration adheres to CUSMA safeguard rules, which require the United States to exempt Canada from the application of these tariffs, subject to certain conditions. 

Section 232 Investigations on Transformers and Vanadium

The U.S. 232 National Security investigations on Vanadium and Transformers and parts that were launched by the Department of Commerce in 2020 remain without final decision or closure by the President. In both cases, there is no indication that the Commerce Secretary submitted a final report to the President. Although the tariff threat appears to have diminished greatly with the new Administration, the Embassy in Washington continues to seek clarity on the status of these investigations. 

Steel and aluminum

Supplementary messages

Update

With the new Biden administration coming into place, the steel and aluminum industries are eager for Canada to engage closely with the United States on important issues of common concern.  Minister Ng and Ambassador Tai spoke on March 22, committing to strengthening the two countries’ deeply integrated supply chains, supporting North American competitiveness, and working together on trade issues.   

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Canadian steel and aluminum products are currently tariff free when they enter the U.S. However, section 232 tariffs or quotas are still in place on imports from most steel and aluminum producing countries, and the new Administration is under pressure from certain U.S. steel and aluminum producers to act against imported products. Access to the U.S. is a priority for Canadian producers who are therefore eager to obtain clear signals from the U.S. that the threat of national security tariffs is gone for good. 

Other key priorities for the steel and aluminum industries are close collaboration with the U.S. on climate change, where possible, and maintaining strong trade remedy laws in Canada to address unfairly dumped and subsidized imports.  

Technological threats and cyber security

Supplementary messages

Background

Threats

Technologies can be infiltrated, co-opted, or leveraged to advance the interests of state and non-state actors, including criminals. Some states are actively pursuing their interests in cyberspace through espionage, the theft of intellectual property and sensitive information, and the spread of disinformation. In addition, some authoritarian states are curtailing rights and freedoms by censoring, controlling or partitioning the Internet under the pretext of cyber security or national sovereignty.  

Adversaries may seek to gain access to Canadian technologies for military use or to gain advantage, including economically. The cyber compromise of SolarWinds and the US government in the fall of 2020 is a high-profile example of cyber espionage and the geostrategic competition over emerging technology. It is a reminder that threats are present in the supply chain of technologies and not only in the end product. Though SolarWinds did not have a significant impact on Canada, where compromised SolarWinds products were found on Government of Canada systems, they have been dealt with. 

5G / Telecommunications Security
The Government of Canada is examining 5G technology from a technical, economic and security perspective, and is considering the advice of allies and partners. Canada views this issue as an important element within the context of our key bilateral relationships, in particular with the US. Ensuring that Canada’s 5G technology is compatible with US and allied communication systems is key to securing our shared critical infrastructure and advancing our economic interests. 

Cooperation with the US
The security and economic networks of Canada and the US are intertwined with cyber and emerging technologies. Many large players in technology (e.g. Google, IBM, and Microsoft) and military (e.g. Lockheed Martin and Raytheon) have significant Canadian divisions. Valued at $3.3 billion in 2019, US venture capital investment in Canada is a major financial contributor to the development of Canada’s innovation ecosystem. Cross-border investments in technology are important to our collective interests by advancing critical security standards and practices, and to reduce dependence on vulnerable products or unsafe capital from other countries. Montreal’s AI hub is a prime example of the benefits of Canada-US cooperation on developing North American made software and solutions for the 21st Century. 

Trade promotion

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Vaccines (Defence Production Act / executive orders, Canada-U.S. vaccine cooperation)

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Background

On January 21, 2021, President Biden signed an Executive Order titled “Sustainable Public Health Supply Chain” to direct authorities to secure supplies necessary to respond to domestic needs related to COVID-19, including through the authorities of the Defense Production Act (DPA). The Biden Administration has since invoked the DPA to increase production of vaccines by U.S. manufacturers.  

Canada has an exemption to export restrictions of certain related medical products under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA“), valid until June 30, 2021. These restrictions do not cover COVID vaccines. 

The White House announced on March 19, 2021, that the U.S. will allow exports of 1.5 million AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine doses to Canada. This will count as part of Canada’s 20 million doses secured through a bilateral agreement with AstraZeneca. Canada will receive 1.5 million doses in late March and, in return, an equal number of doses will be provided to the U.S. at a later date by AstraZeneca. 

Buy America stakeholder interactions, public consultations, and US outreach during Biden Administration

The Government of Canada has been engaged and will continue to engage with stakeholders implicated by Buy America policies. Meetings and stakeholder engagements have taken place on both sides of the border. The issue is raised at every opportunity by elected officials as well as by Canadian representation at the Embassy of Canada and throughout our network of Consulates in the United States.

Title of Canadian interlocutorInterlocutor nameInterlocutor TitleDateIntelocutor Type
WSHDC HOMCABC Advisory Groupn/a13‑Jan‑21Industry
WSHDC HOMJerry DiazHead ofUniforunion14‑Jan‑21Labour
WSHDC HOMJay TimmonsPresident and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers15‑Jan‑21Industry
WSHDC-TDMarkRowlinson, Gingrich, MegAdministrative Assistant to the National Director of the United Steel Workers; and researcher at United Steelworkers19‑Jan‑21Labour
WSHDC-TDJocelyne Dubois; Marie Clarke Walker; Chris RobertsDirector - International Department - CLC;
Secretary-Treasurer - CLC;
National Director of Social and Economic Policy - CLC		19‑Jan‑21Labour
WSHDC HOMFirst Ministers' Meetingn/a21‑Jan‑21Provinces
WSHDC HOMBrian DeeseDirector - National Economic Council21‑Jan‑21US Government
WSHDC-TD, TPZ, ESDCMark Hennessy; MegGincgrichUnited Food and Commercial WorkersInternatinonalUnion Canada (UFCW)21‑Jan‑21Labour
Dep_PMCoons, ChrisSenator25‑Jan‑21Senator
WSHDC-TDCatherineLoubier; FrançoisHouldQuebec government26‑Jan‑21Provinces
WSHDC-TDAustralia/Fischer,Suzn/a26‑Jan‑21Foreign Government*
CNGNY_A_HOMAndrew GarbarinoAndrew GarbarinoRepresentative27‑Jan‑21Representative
MINAElise StefanikRepresentative27‑Jan‑21Representative
WSHDC HOMClerks and Cab Secretaries Meetingn/a27‑Jan‑21Provinces
WSHDC HOMBrian KingstonPresident and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA)28‑Jan‑21Industry
WSHDC-TDJohn G. MurphySenior Vice President for International Policy - U.S. Chamber of Commerce28‑Jan‑21Industry
TFMCanadian Chamber of Commercen/a28‑Jan‑21Association
TFMCanadian Association of Importers and Exportersn/a28‑Jan‑21Association
TFMBusiness Council of Canadan/a28‑Jan‑21Association
TFMCanadian Manufacturers and Exportersn/a28‑Jan‑21Association
TFMU.S. Chamber of Commerce (MINT lead)n/a28‑Jan‑21Association
WSHDC-TDMatt PoirierDirector - Trade Policy - Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters29‑Jan‑21Industry
Prime_MinisterHarris, KamalaVice President01‑Feb‑21US Government
WSHDC-TDLuis PintoDirector, Corporate Affairs, North America & Europe at Alcoa01‑Feb‑21Industry
WSHDC-TDJanghee KimKorea01‑Feb‑21Foreign Government*
WSHDC HOMDennis KingPremier - PEI02‑Feb‑21Provinces
Minister AlghabraPete ButtigiegSecretary - U.S.D.O.T.03‑Feb‑21US Government
WSHDC-TDDavid PatersonVice President, Corporate & Environmental Affairs, GM Canada04‑Feb‑21Industry
WSHDC-TDKunoSwitzerland04‑Feb‑21Foreign Government*
WSHDC-TDJoseph MancinelliInternational Vice President and Regional Manager - Laborers' International Union of North America05‑Feb‑21Labour
Dep_PMBrian DeeseDirector - National Economic Council08‑Feb‑21US Government
WSHDC-TDAdemola Ayefeso; Rachel LyonsUFCW08‑Feb‑21Labour
WSHDC-TDIan SaundersDAS for the Western Hemisphere - Office of the International Trade Administration09‑Feb‑21US Government
BOSTN_HOMEric Kantern/a10‑Feb‑21US Government
WSHDC HOMJuan GonzalezSpecial Assistant to the President and NSC Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere at The White House10‑Feb‑21US Government
WSHDC HOMScott MoePremier of Saskatchewan12‑Feb‑21Provinces
WSHDC, NNB, TPZRoy Houseman; MarkRowlinson;
Meg Gingrich		United Steelworkers Union (USW)12‑Feb‑21Labour
WSHDC-TDBen NicholsonVice President Washington Operations - CAE12‑Feb‑21Industry
CNGNY_A_HOMFreiman, RoyState Representative16‑Feb‑21US Government
LNGLS_HOMAmodei, MarkRepresentative16‑Feb‑21US Government
BOSTN_HOMHysom, TimChief of Staff to Rep. JakeAuchincloss(D-MA)16‑Feb‑21US Government
WSHDC-TDGreta PeischGeneral Counsel - Office of the United States Representative16‑Feb‑21US Government
WSHDC-TDKatrin van DykenGermany18‑Feb‑21Foreign Government*
WSHDC HOMJuan GonzalezSpecial Assistant to the President and NSC Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere at The White House18‑Feb‑21US Government
WSHDC HOMJuan GonzalezSpecial Assistant to the President and NSC Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere at The White House21‑Feb‑21US Government
MNPLS_HOMFischbach, MichelleRepresentative23‑Feb‑21US Government
SenatorMurphy, PhilGovernor of New Jersey23‑Feb‑21US Government
WSHDC-TDMatt PoirierDirector - Trade Policy - Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters23‑Feb‑21Industry
MINTRichard NealRepresentative24‑Feb‑21US Government
WSHDC-TDJim Brewer; RossMaradian; Rita Rahmati; Sean StricklandNorth America's Building Trades Unions: NABTUCanada's Building Trades Union: CABTU24‑Feb‑21Labour
WSHDC-TDRio Tinto/Brown, Judy; Chisholm, Carolyn;Modlin, RyanRio Tinto Mining Company24‑Feb‑21Industry
WSHDC-TDLiUNA/Pena-O'Sullivan, Yvette;Mallino, DavidLaborers International Union of North America (LiUNA)25‑Feb‑21Labour
WSHDC-TDIBEW/Keyser, Austin; Espinosa, SergioInternational Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Construction (IBEW)25‑Feb‑21Labour
MIAMI_HOMFranklin, ScottRepresentative26‑Feb‑21US Government
WSHDC-TDTeamsters/Dolan, MikeTeamsters Union26‑Feb‑21Labour
LNGLS_HOMGosar, PaulRepresentative01‑Mar‑21US Government
WSHDC HOMBCC/Hyder,Goldy; Kennedy, TrevorBusiness Council of Canada01‑Mar‑21Industry
DALAS_HOMCole, ThomasRepresentative02‑Mar‑21US Government
WSHDC-TDFord/Rowland, JamesGlobal Manager of International Government Relations at Ford Motor Company.02‑Mar‑21Industry
DALAS_HOMGonzalez, TonyRepresentative03‑Mar‑21US Government
DENVR_HOMLamborn, DougRepresentative03‑Mar‑21US Government
TFMCanadian Federation of AgricultureCanadian Federation of Agriculture04‑Mar‑21Industry
LNGLS_HOMCarbajal, SaludRepresentative05‑Mar‑21US Government
WSHDC-TDFlo, Inc./Bullis, Coryn/a05‑Mar‑21Industry
LNGLS_HOMGarcia, MikeRepresentative09‑Mar‑21US Government
DTROT_HOMJohnson, BillRepresentative09‑Mar‑21US Government
DTROT_HOMKain, Amanda ShawLeg Director for Rep David Joyce (R-OH)10‑Mar‑21US Government
LNGLS_HOMLee, SusieRepresentative10‑Mar‑21US Government
WSHDC HOMJuan GonzalezSpecial Assistant to the President and NSC Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere at The White House10‑Mar‑21US Government
WSHDC HOMWayne Easter
Brian MacDonald		Canada-US IPG Co-Chairs10‑Mar‑21Parliament
WSHDC-TDTrevor KennedyBusiness Council of Canada11‑Mar‑21Industry
WSHDC HOMDaleep SinghU.S. G7/G20 Sherpa16‑Mar‑21US Government
WSHDC HOMNEC Senior Director for International EconomicsNEC Senior Director for International Economics16‑Mar‑21US Government
WSHDC HOMJake SullivanNational Security Advisor16‑Mar‑21US Government
WSHDC-TDJulie Greene
Sira Attapit		Office of U.S.T.R.17‑Mar‑21US Government
WSHDC-TDSMART/Hynes, Greg; Cassidy, Jared18‑Mar‑21Labour
WSHDC-TDWendy LiberanteDeputy Director -IntrernationalTransportation and Trade - U.S.D.O.T.18‑Mar‑21US Government
WSHDC-TDRobert KulikTeva19‑Mar‑21Industry
WSHDC-TDSameera FaziliDeputy Director of the National Economic Council22‑Mar‑21US Government
WSHDC-TDEckdish, JessicaBlue Green Alliance24‑Mar‑21Labour
Minister AlghabraButtigieg, PeteSecretary of Department of Transportation24‑Mar‑21US Government
WSHDC HOMCME CEOsCanadian Manufacturers & Exporters07‑Apr‑21Industry
WSHDC-TDNAM/Monahan, Ken09‑Apr‑21Industry
WSHDC-TDHarrell, PeterSenior Director for International Economics and Competitiveness - NSCTBCUS Government

*exchange of information and comparing notes on potential impact of certain US actions

Softwood lumber stakeholder interactions, public consultations, and US outreach during Biden Administration

The Government of Canada is in regular contact with a plurality of stakeholders implicated by the softwood lumber dispute. The federal government works collaboratively with provincial and territorial governments, individual companies, regional and product sub-category associations, organized labour, and First Nation interests and reaches out to these groups periodically to provide updates and seek views on the way forward as the file unfolds. Softwood lumber is also being raised with the United States at every opportunity, including by the Prime Minister, the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade as well as officials with their U.S. counterparts.

Title of canadian interlocutorInterlocutor nameDateIntelocutor Type
WSHDC-TDDOC/Laroski, JoeDeputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Negotiations and Director of Policy the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, from 2017-2021.12‑Jan‑21US Government
WSHDC-TDNAHB/Strong, Alex; Watson, Felicia; Dietz, Rob; Logan, DavidNAHB14‑Jan‑21Industry
WSHDC-TD, TPZ, ESDCUFCW Canada/Hennessy, Mark; USW Canada/Gincgrich, MegUFCW21‑Jan‑21Labour
WSHDC HOMBC Premier HorganProvincial Premier04‑Feb‑21Provinces
WSHDC-TDUSTR/Peisch, GretaOffice of U.S.T.R.16‑Feb‑21US Government
WSHDC-TDNAHB/Strong, AlexNAHB26‑Feb‑21Industry
WSHDC-TDQC/Chrétien, Raymond;Hould, Jean-FrançoisSpecial Envoy for Quebec (SWL)17‑Mar‑21Provinces
WSHDC HOMBC COFI/Yurkovich, SusanCOFI08‑Apr‑21Industry
WSHDC-TDBC/Sanderson, MelissaTBCProvinces

Forced labour

Background

Under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the Parties took on obligations to prohibit the importation of goods that have been produced in whole or in part by forced or compulsory labour. Canada implemented the obligation by amending the Customs Tariff to include a prohibition on the importation of goods that are mined, manufactured or produced wholly or in part by forced labour. The amendments entered into force on July 1, 2020.  While the forced labour ban was implemented to fulfill a CUSMA obligation, it applies to all imports, regardless of origin. 

ESDC and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials have developed an approach to operationalize this new prohibition. Under their agreed mechanism, CBSA will transfer the tips it has received from the public regarding instances of forced labour to ESDC, which will conduct research and analysis on cases of suspected use of forced or compulsory labour. In addition to undertaking research based on tips from the public, ESDC would also have the ability to self-initiate an evaluation or proactively undertake research based on reporting by NGOs, media or other sources. ESDC would subsequently produce a report on the forced labour allegation assessing the likelihood that the goods were produced by forced labour. As the enforcement agency, CBSA may use this information to identify and intercept shipments containing goods that have been identified as suspected to have been produced by forced labour.  

No shipments have yet been blocked from entry under the updated Customs Tariff. However, ESDC has launched several case reviews that are ongoing at this time. In view of data privacy considerations, the targets of those investigations have not been shared outside of CBSA and ESDC. 

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