QUESTION PERIOD — Finance
Cost of Living
November 5, 2024
Senator Gold, after nine years of Justin Trudeau, not only does everything cost more, but this country is going through the worst decline in living standards in 40 years, the worst housing inflation, the worst drop in per person income and the worst economic growth in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
At the same time, half a trillion dollars in Canadian investment has gone to the U.S. versus the other way around. Canadian businesses are fleeing to the U.S. to escape your government’s economic vandalism, and they are taking Canadian jobs with them.
Even Mr. Trudeau’s top economic advisor, “carbon tax Carney” won’t do business here. He is making life more expensive for Canadians with sweeping powers he’s been given by your government, but the investment firm that he is chairing is now leaving Toronto for greener pastures in New York City. Imagine that, Senator Gold.
Hard-working Canadians don’t have anywhere else to go, Senator Gold. It’s unfortunate, but a reality. Why won’t your government at least let them go to the polls? Why won’t you call an election so the Canadian public can give you a report card?
Senator Housakos, the preambles sometimes vary, your question is always the same, but my answer is going to be the same. This government will continue to do its best to help Canadians and to serve Canadians. There is important work that needs to be done. We’re doing it here in the chamber with a number of important government bills that are moving through our process. It is regrettable that things in the other place are stalled, but the government will continue to work hard for the benefit of Canadians.
Senator Gold, it is not good enough. Actually, your government is doing nothing. Colleagues, look at the scroll. Look at how much government business this government is doing.
Business investment per worker in Canada is barely half of that in the United States. Our GDP per capita is smaller than it was a decade ago, while the American economy is up 8% just over the last five years. It is no wonder that “carbon tax Carney” is now pulling his money out from this country. Meanwhile, your government now announces another crippling policy for Canadians by putting a cap on oil and gas production at the expense of already struggling families. It is unbelievable your government doesn’t get your actions are killing Canadians.
Senator Housakos, first of all, it is not a cap on production, so, please, at the very least — you are entitled to your opinion and you are entitled to your partisanship which you celebrate — no, the facts are that again, and with the greatest of respect, you have, perhaps unwittingly, said something that is not, in fact, true. The cap on energy is not a cap on production. It is a cap on emissions.
