Karim Bardeesy

Faster fossil phase-down

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

Excerpts repeat that climate objectives must not be sacrificed and that affordability and climate progress can both be achieved.

I do not believe any Canadians, including the residents of Taiaiako'n—Parkdale—High Park, want to sacrifice climate objectives. I believe they think we can achieve both affordability and climate progress.

Restrict new oil and gas

The other end of this axis: Expand production and export

Excerpts promote clean electricity, EV transition and converting from fossil fuels.

We know that electricity is a key competitive advantage for Canada and that we have abundant and relatively clean electricity. This is an area where Canadian ingenuity, workers and opportunities coast to coast are available to develop the kinds of technologies that help lower costs and emissions, and help to prime and benefit industries at home, but also lead in some cases to an exportable technology.

Ottawa leads

The other end of this axis: Provinces lead

Excerpts emphasize federal enforcement of Canada Health Act and national standards.

As guardian of the Canada Health Act, and of those payments, the government will uphold it with resolve and care. When a province or territory allows patient charges for medically necessary services, dollar-for-dollar deductions are made from that jurisdiction's Canada health transfer payment, as I think Canadians would expect.

Stronger unions and standards

The other end of this axis: More flexibility for employers

Excerpts praise union representation and stand with workers and unions.

It was especially important that we recognize them. I think everyone in this House would have recognized that work during the pandemic. After the pandemic, it was too easy for too many to forget about the role of these health care heroes and the representation they got from their union.

Diversify away from one partner

The other end of this axis: Deeper continental integration

Excerpts highlight rising exports to Europe and the need for diversification beyond the United States.

We know that Canadian exports to Europe are up 31% year over year. We know that foreign direct investment is at an 18-year high, so we know that diversification is a key aspect of this issue. We heard from most witnesses, even as they were sharing their very frank and very significant challenges with the section 232 tariffs of April 2, that the need for diversification and support for that diversification were something that was requested and something that our government is already working on through the expansion of trade corridors and through the opening up of new trade agreements and new trade opportunities.