Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise and participate in today's debate, and hopefully make some contributions to the discussion this afternoon.

I think we can all agree that on the tail of the last election, where our government presented a fully costed platform to Canadians, we were returned to this side of the House, under new leadership, granted, but it is not as if Canadians had no idea what the plan for the government was. We have been relentlessly pursuing the objectives of that plan by our actions since the House came back, which has been only about 10 or 11 sitting days, and we have made huge strides towards realizing that plan.

We should all agree that there is absolutely no value in trying to rush through a budget within a very narrow window. A budget document involves detailed analysis, policy checks and meticulous preparation. It would be challenging to prepare and present a spring budget with the remaining time left in the House calendar. In fact we feel it would be unwise and unfair to Canadians to rush through a major fiscal document in just a few weeks.

Rather, the government intends to deliver a fall budget which will outline its fiscal priorities and provide a more detailed financial road map for the country. In the meantime, we have announced plans to support Canadians by boosting affordability and economic growth. It is those plans I am very excited to share a little more about today.

Our government is taking immediate action to address the affordability crisis. Key to that plan is bringing down the costs that everyday Canadians experience, allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned paycheque and to spend it where it matters most to them.

The government will eliminate the goods and services tax for first-time homebuyers on new homes at or under $1 million and lower the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. This tax cut will save Canadians up to $50,000, allowing more young people and families, in my riding of Whitby, for example, to enter the housing market and realize their dream of home ownership. By our eliminating the GST, Canadians will face lower upfront housing costs and keep more money in their pocket. Eliminating the GST will also have a dynamic effect on increasing supply, spurring the construction of new homes across the country in the segments of the housing market where we need more affordable homes built.

We are delivering a middle-class tax cut, which I am very excited will provide relief for nearly 22 million Canadians and save dual-income families up to $840 a year. Canadians will start seeing these tax savings on their paycheque as early as July 1, when the rate is reduced. We are also now formalizing the cancellation of the consumer carbon price, which took effect on April 1.

With these measures, we are delivering change to cut taxes, bring down costs and put money back in the pockets of Canadians. The measures send a strong and clear message to Canadians that they are and will remain our government's top priority as we build a strong, united economy for all.

In addition to the measures I just mentioned, we are dedicated to protecting and strengthening the programs that have already been saving families thousands of dollars every year. First, we are dedicated to protecting and strengthening the child care program that we have introduced across Canada. Today approximately 900,000 children are getting high-quality early learning opportunities, setting them up for lifelong success. In only a few short years, the program has become a core part of Canada's social infrastructure and fabric, and we will not let it be taken away or weakened by Conservatives; we know they would cut the program down if they ever got to this side of the House, just like they would with the Canadian dental care plan.

In its first year, the Canadian dental care plan significantly improved access to affordable dental care. More than 3.4 million Canadians were approved to be part of the plan, while 1.7 million have already received care. In my riding of Whitby, I have heard seniors and many other community members, including children under 12, families and parents, tell me how much the dental coverage means to them and their family. In March of this year, the government announced that all remaining eligible Canadians aged 18 to 64 would be able to apply for the plan in May 2025, with coverage starting as early as June 1, 2025. The newly expanded program will cover about eight million Canadians, saving the average person more than $800 per year.

As outlined in the Speech from the Throne, our government has a bold and ambitious plan for the future. The key to that plan is bringing down costs so Canadians can keep more of their hard-earned paycheques to spend where it matters most. We will do this while making the best use of our talented public service and new technologies to save money. We remain focused on outcomes for Canadians and making sure they get what they expect from their government.

It is time for Canada to have a government focused on maximizing investments that drive growth and delivering results. We plan to balance the operating budget by budget 2028, ensuring responsible fiscal management while making wise, long-term investments to build for Canada's prosperity in the future.

A federal budget is a critically important financial and democratic document. That is why budget 2025 must be delivered in a logical sequence that takes both national and international priorities into account. As we all know, there is economic uncertainty on the international stage. As Canada forges a new relationship with the United States based on respect and common interests, it must stay hyperfocused on reinforcing Canada's strength here at home while safeguarding our workers and businesses and defending their interests here and abroad.

These discussions are ongoing, and they are vitally important to our shared future. These uncertainties in U.S. trade policies and upcoming international events, such as the NATO summit in June, present broader challenges and opportunities. We want to take time to address defence spending and trade relationships in a more comprehensive fall budget.

In conclusion, our government has a strong mandate from the people of Canada to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States, to build a stronger economy, to reduce the cost of living and to keep our communities safe. A comprehensive fall budget will allow our government to deliver a thoughtful, strategic financial plan for Canadians, a plan that is delivered within a timeline that is prudent, well calculated and not rushed, as the Conservatives would have us do.

Ryan Turnbull

$558,814.00