Adam Chambers

Slower phase-down, production first

The other end of this axis: Faster fossil phase-down

Excerpts repeat that carbon tax is redundant because high fuel prices already change behavior, so no need for faster fossil phase-down.

Let us remember that, if a carbon tax is supposed to affect and change the behaviour of Canadians by increasing the price, what we have just seen in the last year, with prices for fuel increasing by 40% to 50% in some cases, is accomplishing what the carbon tax is supposed to accomplish. The carbon tax is, in many ways, just redundant and salt in the wound for many Canadians who can least afford its increase.

Higher spending and more capability

The other end of this axis: Restrain spending and deployments

Excerpts repeat support for pulling forward defence expenditures, supporting NATO allies and Arctic sovereignty with more resources.

Pulling forward defence expenditures to displace other planned spending is a sacrifice that Canadians are willing to make in the face of increasing threats from the Russian Federation. Additionally, the government is going to see a windfall of revenue resulting from persistent inflation, higher-than-expected oil prices and, yes, higher taxes.

Expand production and export

The other end of this axis: Restrict new oil and gas

Excerpts repeat the call to supply the world with Canadian energy including traditional fuels to reach global markets and help allies.

Putin's war machine, we must help our allies reduce their dependence on Russian energy by ensuring that our energy can reach global markets. Furthermore, we can create a secure North American energy market that uses all sources of Canadian energy, including renewables, traditional fuels and nuclear energy.

Provinces lead

The other end of this axis: Ottawa leads

Excerpts state provinces know best how to use federal transfers for services like health care without strings attached.

I would submit that the provinces know best where and how to use the money they receive from the federal government to provide services to their citizens.

Lower taxes and tighter spending

The other end of this axis: Higher taxes and public spending

Criticizes government spending and carbon tax while supporting tax relief.

There are other areas that I have significant concerns about, in particular the proposed housing tax and the carbon rebate that the government has proposed for farmers. However, before I turn to these issues, I would like to address an overall objection that I have to the bill.

Assertive alliances and sanctions

The other end of this axis: Alliance restraint

Excerpts support an even more aggressive approach against Russian aggression and stronger response including sanctions context.

I would support them to take an even more aggressive approach and I look forward to a Canadian response that includes an increase in our humanitarian efforts and aid. I have listened to many colleagues speak in the chamber about Bill C-8.

Enforcement and sentencing

The other end of this axis: Prevention and restraint

Excerpts support criminal penalties including jail and fines for money laundering and the Emergencies Act use.

The bill comes with penalties of up to 10 years in jail, a $1-million fine or both. It should no longer be free to wash money in Canada. These crimes, these simple lies, deserve significant consequences.