'Let the planet burn': Trudeau health minister triggered over family summer road trips

A question about dropping the carbon tax on gas in order to assist families on summer road trips triggered Trudeau Health Minister Mark Holland (Lib-Ajax) during Thursday's Question Period in the House of Commons.

Holland's outburst and claims that Conservatives just want to "let the planet burn" came after a question from Conservative heritage critic Rachael Thomas (CPC-Lethbridge).

"After nine years, this NDP Liberal government is not worth the hunger and homelessness that it's causing so many Canadians across this country. Many Canadians just simply look forward to a small summer vacation, or a road trip perhaps. It's normally a time where they can go and camp in the mountains or go to a national park or visit loved ones," Thomas began.

"But this year, many Canadians can't afford this simple delight because this government has made life too expensive. On Monday, this House will have the opportunity to vote on a common sense motion to save Canadians 35 cents per liter on gas. Will the prime minister vote with us, the common sense Conservatives, so that Canadians can afford a simplification? Or will he force them to stay home?" Thomas asked.

"Good news kids: you can take a summer fun time vacation where you're locked  in a car for 10 consecutive days non-stop with no bathroom breaks," Holland responded.

"And the Conservatives have a plan for you to have that summertime fun. And the cost? Give up the future of the planet. Don't worry kids about climate change. Don't worry about taking action on the planet. Enjoy your 10 hours in the car, but let the planet burn."

Thomas replied that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau remains "out of touch" and though he "might be able to take a $230,000 taxpayer funded vacation to some fancy islands … that's not an option for most Canadians. In fact, most Canadians just simply want to be able to get in a car and drive a few kilometers to enjoy a national park or the mountains for the day."

She reminded MPs that "on Monday, this house will have the opportunity to vote on a very common sense motion that would take the federal tax off of fuel. It would make life affordable for Canadians and allow them to enjoy their summer. Will the Prime Minister vote with us so that Canadians can afford a simple road trip?"