Joël Lightbound

Defend supply management

The other end of this axis: Liberalize supply management

Supply management is non-negotiable and the party has defended it and will always defend it.

They tell me that supply management is non-negotiable for them, that it is important, and that it might even be responsible—

Faster fossil phase-down

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

Excerpts repeat support for carbon pricing, coal phase-out, and ambitious Paris agreement action.

We are pricing carbon pollution right across Canada, accelerating the phasing-out of our traditional and highly polluting coal-fired power plants, developing a clean fuels standard to stimulate greater use of biofuels, investing in public transit and electric vehicle infrastructure, putting in place strong regulations on methane emissions, and taking action on short-lived climate pollutants, including HFCs.

Restrict new oil and gas

The other end of this axis: Expand production and export

Excerpts repeat support for low-carbon economy and phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.

Under the provisions of the bill before us today, consistent with the usual treatment of enduring assets, expenses associated with oil and gas discovery wells will be treated as Canadian development expenses, unless the wells are deemed unsuccessful. By improving the tax system's neutrality, this measure supports Canada's international commitment to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies and indirectly supports the federal sustainable development strategy's measures and goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Tighter prudential rules

The other end of this axis: Lighter capital rules and more competition

Excerpts repeat that refusing to deregulate the financial industry helped Canada in the crisis.

If we look back in history, one of the reasons for that, among others, is that while the former prime minister, when in opposition, was advocating that we deregulate our financial industry, a former Liberal minister of finance said no. This is one of the reasons our banking industry, our financial sector, was so much stronger than perhaps our southern neighbour.

Higher taxes and public spending

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

Excerpts repeat support for new high-income tax bracket, deficits for investment, and repealing regressive measures.

There will always be work to do when it comes to reducing inequalities, but this bill is a step in the right direction, a step that the government took at the earliest opportunity. This bill is a step in the right direction because it makes our income tax system more progressive by creating a new 33% tax bracket for incomes over $200,000, while lowering taxes for over nine million Canadians who earn less than $90,000. As a forward-thinking individual, I cannot help but be pleased to see our tax system becoming more progressive through the creation of a new tax bracket under this bill.

Expand public coverage

The other end of this axis: More private delivery

Excerpts repeat commitments to increased federal health transfers and targeted funding for mental health and home care.

Our government is committed to working with the Government of Nunavut to address the health care needs of its residents. As part of the health accord, Nunavut will receive $11.2 million over 10 years in targeted federal funding to improve access to home care and mental health services. This is in addition to federal health funding provided through the Canada health transfer, which will reach $37 million in 2016-17 and will continue to grow year after year.

Public supply and demand controls

The other end of this axis: Market supply and deregulation

National housing strategy with $40 billion over 10 years to build social housing and reduce homelessness.

One example that comes to mind is the national housing strategy, where we are investing $40 billion over 10 years, I believe. This really confirms the federal government's commitments regarding community and social housing. Since the 1990s, the federal government has been backing away from its responsibilities with regard to community housing, and this is true of both Conservative and Liberal governments.

Higher permanent intake

The other end of this axis: Lower intake

Excerpts repeat commitment to welcoming high numbers of immigrants and refugees.

Canada will continue to be a country that welcomes immigrants and refugees. The member rightfully pointed out, and I could not agree more when he talks about the value of refugees.

Stronger unions and standards

The other end of this axis: More flexibility for employers

Excerpts repeat support for prohibiting unpaid internships and expanding labour standards.

To that end, Bill C-63 proposes changes that would amend the Canada Labour Code to prohibit unpaid internships, unless they are undertaken to fulfill requirements of a program offered by a secondary or post-secondary educational institution or vocational school or an equivalent institution outside of Canada.

Diversify away from one partner

The other end of this axis: Deeper continental integration

Increased non-U.S. exports by nearly 40% over the past year through new agreements.

As a result of government initiatives and efforts made by Canadians, we have increased our non‑U.S. exports by nearly 40% over the past year. That is a major shift. It is because we are signing trade agreements, security agreements and agreements on critical minerals around the world.