François-Philippe Champagne

The government will review and act on the recommendations.

We should be doing better.

Obviously this is an important measure in terms of affordability so we'll certainly look into that.

This was a moment of great opportunities and to strengthen the existing relationship between Canada and the EU.

We responded because at some stage you have to say 'enough is enough'. No one can infringe on our economic sovereignty... the world took notice.

We need to look at partnership in a different way and the great thing is that when you look at Canada - and I would say the United Kingdom - we share the same values.

This is all about the substance, to build an alliance of the future.

When there are (U.S.) actions that are taken, we always have to make sure that our response is proportionate. We don’t want to escalate, but we, at the same time, want to make sure we have a level playing field with American companies who…

We did not wake up one day and say, ‘What are we going to do?’ We had already a number of plans in place. Plan A has always been to build, to support, to protect our economy and our workers.

At the right time, there will be further engagement with respect.

This is the most impactful measure we can put together because reducing the federal fuel excise tax is a direct measure, it applies across the country.

What Ukraine is facing — the escalation and the conflict, the devastation that we’re seeing — requires all of us to show great, great, great unity with the brave people of Ukraine.

Canada is steadfast in our resolve to support the Ukrainian people.

It created a lot of discomfort around the table, not only from Canada, but I would say from a number of colleagues around the table.

For Canada, it means practical relief at a time when Canadians need it most.

This is a measure which is very targeted, very broad-based, because that’s what you want when you want to tackle affordability.

We’re building the Canada of today and tomorrow.

This is real relief right now. Relief for families that are commuting to work … driving their children to activities or managing the cost of everyday life, these savings add up.

Canadians did not cause these global challenges, it’s very clear. But they are feeling the consequences.

Lower fuel costs help to bring down costs across the country.

These ongoing disruptions in the Middle East are driving up energy costs, pushing fuel prices higher and putting additional pressure on families, workers and businesses here at home.

Canada’s plan A has always been clear: strengthening our economy at home and expanding our trade relationships abroad.

We did not choose that trade conflict. We’re just responding to what has been imposed on Canada.

We don’t want any escalation, but at the same time, we have been clear from the get-go we’re going to stand up for Canadian industry, Canadian workers and Canadian businesses.