This has been a week of transformation and action. Following the three recent by-election wins

Dear Friends,

This has been a week of transformation and action. Following the three recent by-election wins, there are now 174 Liberal members in the House of Commons giving us a majority government for the first time since 2019. Our new government has been given a clear mandate to move with speed and ambition. As the Prime Minister stated, we accept this responsibility with humility and determination, our focus remains on building a Canada that is not just prosperous, but fair for everyone. This also allows us to have a government that can look and plan for the long-term. Many people are unaware, but under the Canada Elections Act the next fixed federal election date is Monday October 15, 2029. This schedule is the result of changes proposed by the Harper government and adopted by Parliament in 2007.

Providing Immediate Relief at the Pump

On Tuesday the Prime Minister’s first actions following the by-elections were to announce a significant action to help families manage the rising cost of living. We know that the cost of fuel is a major pressure on household budgets right now, exacerbated by global conflicts and supply disruptions in the Middle East, including the partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

To provide immediate relief, our government is suspending the federal Fuel Excise Tax on gasoline and diesel across Canada.

When: Effective this week, starting April 20, 2026, until Labor Day (September 7, 2026).

The Impact: This suspension will reduce bills by 10 cents per litre on gasoline and 4 cents per litre on diesel.

For a typical 50-litre tank, this saves families approximately $5.75 per fill-up.

Broader Benefits: This $2.3 billion relief measure also applies to aviation fuels and will lower operating costs for truckers and businesses in the food, construction, and delivery sectors, helping to stabilize prices across the board.

This measure builds on our previous work to lower costs, including the elimination of the federal consumer fuel charge on April 1st.

While we build long-term energy security through investments in electricity and nuclear power, these tax cuts provide the relief Canadians need right now.

I had the pleasure of leading off Tuesday’s debate for the Government in the House of Commons and got to tell the House about the Prime Minister’s announcement.

Watch my speech

Alto: Connecting Canada Through High-Speed Rail

We are moving forward with Alto, Canada’s first High-Speed Rail network. This generational project is expected to boost our GDP by $35 billion annually and create over 51,000 good-paying jobs.

I want to take a moment to clear up some misinformation regarding this project. Bill C-15 was recently introduced to reduce costly delays and align our laws with existing legislation in Quebec and Ontario. The rail line will only be 60 meters wide and will follow existing routes as much as possible to limit the impact on landowners.

Please be assured that expropriation is a tool of last resort and will only be used if negotiations to purchase required land fail. With over 92% of Ontarians and Quebecers favoring this project, we are committed to delivering the world-class transportation system our economy deserves.

Clarifying Canada’s Stance on Iran and the UN

There has been a great deal of misinformation circulating claiming Canada and other western countries supported Iran being included on a UN Committee. This is false. We have no diplomatic relationship with the Iranian regime which is a state sponsor of terror. Canada has repeatedly condemned the regime and sanctioned it and we do not support Iran for positions of influence at the UN or elsewhere.

I invite everyone to review the statement that was issued on Tuesday by Thida Ith spokesperson from Global Affairs Canada:

“Iran was nominated on April 8 to the UN Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC), an Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) subsidiary body, by acclamation. ECOSOC members, including Canada, did not cast a vote, in accordance with established procedures for ECOSOC elections. The vote to elect nominated candidates to the CPC will take place in the UN General Assembly in November 2026, with all UN Member States voting. Canada works closely with partners to actively counter Iran’s candidacies in UN bodies.”

“Canada remains unequivocal in its view that the Islamic Republic of Iran is a principal sponsor of terror in the Middle East,” Ith added, “Iran has a long-standing history of abhorrent conduct, both domestically and internationally. Canada does not support Iran for positions of influence in the United Nations or elsewhere.”

The Search for VIA Rail’s Next Chief Executive

Additionally, the selection process for the next President and CEO of VIA Rail is now open. We are looking for a leader with senior executive experience to guide this vital Crown corporation through its next chapter of growth.

Interested applicants have until May 14, 2026, to apply.

More details here

My Work This Past Week

This past week has been very busy with the Liberal Convention having taken place in Montreal last weekend.In addition to chairing one of the policy sessions I had the chance to attend multiple events and meet people from across the country who converged on Montreal.During the week in Ottawa, I had the chance to speak in the House both to lead off the debate on Tuesday on affordability and on the Strong and Free Elections Act on Thursday.

At the Justice Committee I questioned witnesses (including our riding’s very own Raoul Wallenberg Centre) about suggested amendments to the Protecting Victims Act which we are studying this week in advance of submitting amendments and clause by clause consideration planned for the week of April 27.

In my capacity as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience I got to meet with multiple varied stakeholders including the Peel and Halton police to discuss issues like public safety technology and to represent the Minister at the Sumas River Watershed Flord Mitigation Plan Leadership Table. This table brings together the BC provincial government and various local municipalities and indigenous communities to refine the flood mitigation plan for the Sumas Watershed region.I also had a chance to spend a significant amount of time with colleagues advocating for local issues and constituent files. One issue on which I am heavily advocating is for enhancements to and more flexibility for the Canada Community Security Program which is so important to our riding.

Reflecting on Yom HaShoah

On Monday night and Tuesday, we observed Yom HaShoah, the Holocaust Remembrance Day. It was a somber time to look back at the six million Jewish lives lost and to honor the survivors who rebuilt their lives here in Canada and around the world and to honour those who stood up against the Nazis. Reflecting on this history is a powerful reminder of our collective duty to stand against antisemitism and hatred in all its forms.

As your Member of Parliament, I remain committed to ensuring that “Never Again” is not just a phrase, but a guiding principle in everything we do to keep our community safe.

Thank you for your continued trust and engagement as we work to build a Canada that is strong and fair for all.

Best,

Anthony