Ali Ehsassi

Faster fossil phase-down

The other end of this axis: Slower phase-down, production first

Excerpts repeatedly back government investments and policies to cut GHG emissions and adapt to climate change.

Going forward, we are committed to addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors, including the transportation sector. Advances in vehicle technologies, such as zero-emission vehicles, have the potential to enhance the productivity, efficiency and environmental performance of Canada's transportation system, as well as drive innovation and economic growth.

Higher taxes and public spending

The other end of this axis: Lower taxes and tighter spending

Excerpts endorse government fiscal plan with new benefits and supports for affordability measures.

We have a responsible fiscal plan which will this year see Canada maintain the lowest deficit-to-GDP and net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7. The Canadian economy is strong and resilient—and more Canadians have good jobs today than ever before.

Expand public coverage

The other end of this axis: More private delivery

Excerpts back new federal dental care plan and expanded health programs.

Budget 2023 announced an investment of $13 billion over five years, starting in 2023-24, and an ongoing $4.4 billion to implement the new Canadian Dental Care Plan. Once implemented, it will support the oral health of up to nine million uninsured Canadians who have an annual family income of less than $90,000, with no co-pays for those with family incomes under $70,000.

Public supply and demand controls

The other end of this axis: Market supply and deregulation

supports large federal funding for Toronto Community Housing

Last week, the Prime Minister was in Toronto to make a $1.3 billion housing announcement, the largest federal housing investment in Canadian history. Could the Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development inform the House how this record investment will provide tens of thousands of Toronto families safe and affordable homes?

Higher permanent intake

The other end of this axis: Lower intake

Excerpts praise refugee intake, faster family processing, and immigration for economic growth, repeated across excerpts.

Immigration is critical to job creation and economic growth for the middle class. The fact is that Canada needs immigration to maintain our population levels, and we do have an aging population and Canadians obviously are living longer lives. Given all of that, despite all the foregoing, Canadians have been deeply concerned during the past decade about application processing times for various streams of immigration, as you alluded to in your opening comments.

Stronger unions and standards

The other end of this axis: More flexibility for employers

Excerpts endorse new collective bargaining rights for RCMP members.

Fundamentally, the proposed legislation would provide RCMP members and reservists with a process to choose their representatives, as well as the process by which they may independently and collectively pursue their workplace interests and objectives. Doing so would allow the RCMP to more effectively negotiate in regard to arbitration, unfair labour practices and grievances, and many other issues.

Diversify away from one partner

The other end of this axis: Deeper continental integration

supports CPTPP and multiple agreements to diversify beyond existing partners

Implementing and ratifying the CPTPP would strengthen our existing trade partnerships with Chile, Mexico and Peru, and provide preferential access to seven new markets: Australia, Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam.