Mr. Speaker, as a new MP in a new government with a new Prime Minister, in a very new Canadian and global context, I am very pleased to share my enthusiasm for the one Canadian economy act, an act to enact the free trade and labour mobility in Canada act and the building Canada act. The act aligns with the goals outlined in the throne speech two weeks ago, namely, to affirm our sovereignty, protect our economy and build the strongest economy in the G7, and in so doing, to advance reconciliation and take bold climate action.

The throne speech was the vision, the mandate letter set the priorities, and now, the legislation would start to drill down into the execution. I hate doing the math, but it was 30 years ago that I graduated with a degree in economics, A hot topic at the time was interprovincial trade barriers. Since then, Canadians, under governments of all stripes, have seen little progress in this regard. Provinces were interested in protecting emerging sectors or jobs, or customised standards and practices, or fees and tariffs, for a variety of reasons that probably seemed reasonable at the time. They included different transportation rules, food safety standards, environmental regulations and professional certifications.

Even if not designed to restrict trade, fragmented policies mean it is harder for businesses to operate across provincial lines. Here is an example I heard about a couple of years ago. Court Desautels is the CEO of the Neighbourhood Group of companies. It is a B Corp, a group of restaurants in Guelph focused on spectacular food and also on sustainability. In addition to that, part of Mr. Desautels' commitment is to reconciliation, so he really wanted to ensure that at least 10% of his procurement was with indigenous companies. He found a great indigenous-owned winery in B.C. but could not add it to the wine list in his restaurants. At the time, he could import wine from the U.S. but not from B.C. It just defies all logic.

I have been thinking about that story since I heard it. About 18 months ago, my campaign team asked me what I would like to tackle if I were successful in gaining the trust of voters as Guelph's new MP. I told them I would like to work on reducing interprovincial trade barriers, and they kind of laughed a bit, because apparently I was not the first person in 30 years who had that idea. However, like Charlie Brown running for the football, I thought I would give it a shot.

Now, the imperative is even more critical. With the U.S. wolves at the door, threatening our sovereignty and our economic security, we have what in change management theory is called a “felt need for change”, and a renewed desire to reduce interprovincial trade barriers. We are setting aside provincial and regional interests for national interests to reaffirm our sovereignty; protect our industries, jobs and workers; and build a stronger economy and, I am hoping, a renewal and reaffirmation of the Canadian federation.

I applaud the leadership we are seeing from provinces, like the historic agreement between Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador, which reached a monumental deal over power from the Churchill Falls hydroelectric plant that could mean $200 billion for each province over the long term. New Brunswick premier Susan Holt is proposing a free trade zone within Atlantic Canada. B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have invited the territories to join their trade pact, the New West Partnership Trade Agreement.

The leadership must come from the federal government, as well as from the provinces. The winds of change are blowing. The political will for eliminating interprovincial trade barriers and building nation-building projects exists; we saw it at the first ministers' conference in Saskatoon just last week, and it is exciting. To reiterate from the Speech from the Throne, “this moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. An opportunity to think big and to act bigger.”

As our Prime Minister has said, we used to build things in this country. I think about that when I walk past the historic Rideau Canal here in the nation's capital, because there are actually a number of very interesting parallels. The Rideau Canal was built for military and strategic purposes in the early 19th century, after the War of 1812, to be a secure inland water route for supplies between Montreal and Kingston. Why is that? It is because there was a threat from the Americans.

The canal then facilitated transport and exchange between two provinces. The easier navigation brought settlement and development to the interior of Upper Canada. It facilitated trade and transportation at a time when railways had not yet been built, and it especially became a vital commercial waterway supporting the movement of goods and people.

We have a history of infrastructure projects, and we will again build a stronger, more competitive and more resilient domestic economy from coast to coast to coast.

There is a significant difference in the approach to major projects that is proposed in this bill, of course, and that is how we approach projects and who stands to gain. The following criteria are essential in the designation of major projects. They are to strengthen Canada's autonomy, resilience and security. They are to provide economic or other benefits to Canada. They must have a high likelihood of successful execution. More importantly, they have to advance the interests of indigenous peoples through meaningful partnerships and participation, and they must contribute to clean growth and to Canada's objectives with respect to climate change. We can accomplish many of these goals at the same time. These principles are at the core of this legislation.

Over the past year, I have held round tables with Guelph business leaders, and their message is consistent: streamline regulation and processes. This reflects the findings of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, which found that 85% of small business owners said that excessive regulation, including interprovincial trade barriers, hurt their productivity. More than a third of Canadian business owners say that interprovincial trade is more difficult than international trade. In our country, that has to be unacceptable.

The one Canadian economy seeks to address some of these concerns. With respect to the major projects, decision-making will also be simplified. Instead of having multiple ministers rendering regulatory decisions, there will be one designated minister responsible for the decision. However, that does not preclude the required consultation with ministers, provinces and indigenous people to make sure conditions are sufficient. Those conditions will be published; there is transparency. The speed comes from a coordinated approach, rather than a sequential one. This new bill helps provide speed and certainty and is guided by the principles of transparency and efficiency, all important factors to attract investment.

During the election campaign, we promised that we would enhance this aspect of our government. Three weeks later, we are already facilitating processes while ensuring the respect of indigenous rights and initiating bold climate action. We were elected on the promise that we would deliver big projects to benefit Canadians, and that is what we are doing. We are committed to a thriving Canadian economy, including job creation and training more tradespeople, and that is what we are doing.

Eliminating internal trade barriers across the country, whether in federal, provincial or territorial jurisdiction, could grow our economy by as much as $200 billion or boost productivity by 7%. Each year, 530 billion dollars' worth of goods and services are exchanged across provincial and territorial borders. That is nearly 20% of Canada's GDP. In 2024, one-third of Canadian businesses engaged in internal trade. This supports jobs, expands markets for Canadian businesses, increases consumer choice and helps make life more affordable for Canadians across the country. It is the eighty-twenty rule. Canada must play to its strengths, and we are building a strong Canada.

This legislation would ensure Canadian energy security, diversify trade and ensure long-term competitiveness. At a time when the world economy is being redefined and when our historic and most trusted trading partner has engaged in a trade battle with us, this is an opportunity, and now is the moment to lower trade barriers and to engage in nation-building projects. It is time to create one Canadian economy. It is time to seize this moment. It is time to advance reconciliation.

With this legislation, we are improving national supply chains, boosting productivity and creating a more competitive investment environment. That is a better future made real. This is what building one Canadian economy looks like, an economy that promotes reconciliation, supports clean energy and works better for everyone everywhere in this country.

I invite all members of this House, all political parties, to support this legislation. Let us get it done.

Dominique O'Rourke

Transcript

Government Orders

Discussions (0)