QUESTION PERIOD — Prime Minister’s Office
Government Priorities
May 28, 2025
Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government. This morning, we learned that the former Liberal government spent $330,000 to rebrand VIA Rail’s high-frequency rail project before the project was even officially announced.
I’d like to remind senators that, according to Ryan Katz-Rosene, an associate professor at the University of Ottawa, it is concerning to see the government focusing on how to maximize the marketing appeal of the project instead of trying to address challenges in the transport sector. This type of irresponsible spending, with no accountability or economic logic, is a perfect example of the wastefulness characterized by the Liberal government at the time and the current Carney government. What tangible measures, if any, will be taken to ensure that taxpayers’ money is used wisely?
Thank you for your question. I congratulate you on your appointment as the Leader of the Opposition here in the Senate.
Prime Minister Carney was very clear, not only during the election period, but also after as Prime Minister and even here today, in saying that he will focus on Canada’s economic development, including major projects of national interest that will transform our country in order to create new opportunities so that our businesses and citizens can engage with the world.
Honourable senator, you’re well aware that the Prime Minister has also been very clear about taxation and fiscal responsibility, which are very important to him. As you also know, and I will close with this, next week, all of the provinces and the two territories will meet in Saskatoon to discuss these projects of national interest.
Senator Gold, those are fine words, but the announcements that were made to improve the government’s image are nothing new. They were a specialty of the Trudeau government. Yesterday’s Speech from the Throne was full of grand promises, but was lacking on how those would be implemented.
Can you reassure Canadians that Mr. Carney’s Liberals will truly shift into action to keep their promises, and explain what they are going to do to actually succeed this time?
The Prime Minister was very clear about the fact that the government will focus on results to ensure the well-being of Canadians.
As you know, we will soon be introducing legislation to deliver on many election promises. Regarding the government’s other priorities, we look forward to legislation being introduced and studied in the weeks and months to come.
