Date of publication: Friday 1 August 2025
Delivering for Canadians: Trade, Affordability, and a More Secure Future
by Yasir Naqvi , MP, Ottawa Centre
Tuesday 15 July 2025
As we wrap up our first sitting of the 45th Parliament, I wanted to reflect on the work we have done—and the progress we are making. It has been a focused and productive session, centred on what matters most: making life more affordable, opening new doors for Canadian workers and businesses, and strengthening Canada’s place in an increasingly complex world.
Here is a quick look at what we have achieved—and how it is making a real difference in people’s lives.
Making Life More Affordable
We know families are feeling the pressure. That is why we delivered a middle-class tax cut, effective Canada Day, reducing the federal rate on the first $57,375 of income from 15 percent to 14 percent. That is up to $420 in annual savings for individuals or $840 for couples—money that can go toward everyday essentials and monthly bills.
We are also taking steps to help more young people get into the housing market. In May, the government introduced legislation for a new GST rebate for first-time homebuyers. When in place, this rebate would eliminate GST on newly built homes up to $1 million and provide partial relief up to $1.5 million—saving buyers up to $50,000. It is a significant move to reduce upfront costs and support the next generation of homeowners.
And we have expanded the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which is now open to eligible Canadian residents of all ages. More than 4 million people have already been approved, and over 2 million have received care. From cleanings to dentures, the plan is helping Canadians get the care they need—without having to choose between their health and their bills.
Expanding Trade, Strengthening Partnerships
In my new role as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and Secretary of State for International Development, I have had the opportunity to engage directly with Canada’s global strategy. One thing is clear: growing our economy means building strong, diversified trade partnerships—so we are not overly reliant on any single market and can stay competitive in an unpredictable global landscape.
In Southeast Asia, we are working to finalize a comprehensive agreement with the ASEAN bloc by the end of 2025. With support from our Indo-Pacific Strategy, we are deepening economic ties across the region—especially in high-growth sectors like agri-food, digital services, and ocean technology.
In Africa, Canada has launched a bold new Africa Strategy focused on sustainable development, trade, and inclusive growth. We are investing in renewable infrastructure, supporting education, and creating an Africa Trade Hub to help Canadian companies expand their presence on the continent.
In Europe, the new EU–Canada Security and Defence Partnership marks a major step in strengthening our transatlantic cooperation on cybersecurity, defence innovation, and crisis response. It gives Canadian industries greater access to joint procurement, training, and research opportunities—supporting skilled jobs, advancing technology, and reinforcing our role in global peace and stability.
Meeting Our Security Commitments
Canada is stepping up to meet its defence and security responsibilities, confirming that it will meet the 2 percent defence spending target this year—a commitment welcomed by our allies.
We are also committed to NATO’s updated investment goal of 5 percent of GDP by 2035, including 3.5 percent in direct military spending and 1.5 percent for infrastructure and industrial capacity.
That means investments in Arctic surveillance, ports, telecommunications, and emergency preparedness—projects that protect our sovereignty, create good jobs, and help ensure Canada remains secure, resilient, and ready for the future.
Cutting Red Tape and Growing Our Economy
Here at home, we are focused on building a more efficient and connected economy. The One Canadian Economy Act is a major step toward that goal—streamlining project approvals, improving labour mobility, and reducing duplication across provinces.
It makes it easier for skilled workers like nurses and tradespeople to move between provinces without having to requalify, and it helps businesses grow by cutting through outdated interprovincial barriers. By harmonizing regulations and digitizing compliance, we are making it simpler and faster to get things built and get people to work.
Building a Stronger Canada, Together
From meaningful tax relief and housing support, to bold trade expansion and national defence investments, this session has been about delivering results. There is still more work ahead—but we are building momentum.
I am proud to keep working alongside our community to build a Canada that is more affordable, more resilient, and more secure for everyone.