Canada's NDP

NDP

April 11th, 2024

A Step in the Right Direction for Sustainable Jobs

Madam Speaker, of course, we know this is a small step. It is not the biggest step, but it is a good step in the right direction. The United States has made quite big strides, especially in clean tech. Biden's IRA has created about 170,000 jobs in clean tech, yet in the Canadian clean-tech sector, investment tax credits that have been promised for quite some time have still not been delivered.

The credits will be a step in continuing the work we need to do to support jobs in this new industry, as well as the sustainable jobs that we are talking about today. When will the hon. member's government deliver on the promise of those clean-tech investment tax credits?

Madam Speaker, this bill would create an independent body with members from indigenous organizations, industry and labour, who would advise the government on moving toward the clean net-zero economy. That is sustainable. In her speech, the hon. member referenced the number of jobs; that would keep these jobs, support these families, engage with all the organizations on this advisory board and move forward in a responsible way.

The International Energy Agency has talked about the fact that, within the next decade, there will be a surging demand for electric vehicles and clean energy technologies. If Canada does not get on board with that, we will be left behind. I do not understand how the member could possibly believe that the Canadian economy should be left behind.