François-Philippe Champagne
- Born
- June 25, 1970 — Greenfield Park, Quebec, Canada
- Education
- Law at the Université de Montréal and Case Western Reserve University School of Law
- Career
- Senior attorney for Elsag Bailey Process Automation; ABB Group, group vice president and senior counsel; Amec PLC as a strategic development director
- Political Experience
- Elected to Parliament in 2015; Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance until 2017; Minister of International Trade (2017); Minister of Infrastructure and Communities (2018–2019); Minister of Foreign Affairs (2019–2021); Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry (2021–2025); Minister of Finance and National Revenue (2025-present)
- Property
- Two mortgages with the state-owned Bank of China
- Notable
- Designated a "young global leader" by the World Economic Forum; trilingual, speaking English, French and Italian.
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering politics, François-Philippe Champagne had an extensive international business career. He worked for over 20 years in Europe and Asia. He was reportedly the Vice-President and Senior Counsel of ABB Group, a large Swiss-Swedish multinational corporation. He also served as Group Vice-President and Senior Counsel at AMEC Foster Wheeler, a global engineering and project management company. His work focused on major infrastructure projects and international trade. According to his public disclosures, upon entering cabinet he placed his assets in a blind trust, which is a standard practice to avoid conflicts of interest. His professional background is often cited in relation to his roles as Minister of International Trade and later as Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
Key Relationships & Connections
As a senior cabinet minister in the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Champagne is a key member of the Liberal Party's inner circle. He has held several major portfolios, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of International Trade, and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, indicating a close working relationship with Trudeau and other senior ministers like Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Through his international business career and his time as Foreign Affairs Minister, he has reportedly developed a network of contacts in global business and diplomatic circles. He is also a prominent political figure in Quebec, particularly in the Mauricie region represented by his Saint-Maurice—Champlain riding.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
In 2020, media reports revealed that François-Philippe Champagne held two mortgages with the state-owned Bank of China, with an outstanding balance reportedly totaling approximately $1.2 million. At the time, he was serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs. The situation raised concerns among opposition parties and some analysts about the potential for the Chinese government to exert influence over a Canadian cabinet minister. Champagne stated that he had properly disclosed the mortgages to the Ethics Commissioner upon becoming a Member of Parliament and a minister. Following the public scrutiny, he announced that he had paid off both mortgages. The Ethics Commissioner's office did not launch a formal investigation, having been aware of the mortgages through the standard disclosure process.
Public Controversies
The primary public controversy involving François-Philippe Champagne centered on his mortgages with the Bank of China. The revelation became a significant political issue, with critics questioning the judgment of a senior minister, especially the one responsible for Canada's foreign policy, being indebted to an institution controlled by an authoritarian state like China. The controversy fueled broader debates about Canada's relationship with China and the potential for foreign influence. Separately, he has faced some criticism for past comments that were seen as being favorable toward China's global ambitions. For instance, a video from 2017 surfaced showing him praising China's "Belt and Road Initiative," which later drew scrutiny given growing international concerns about the project.
Where François-Philippe falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
François-Philippe Champagne won with 31,095 votes (50.0%)
Total votes cast: 62,240
How does François-Philippe Champagne's voting record line up with your values?
Mr. Speaker, let me try to help the member because I appreciate that he only had a few hours to read the budget. We had a lower deficit last year, we have a lower deficit this year, and we will have a lower deficit during the fiscal period. That is number one. Number two, we are bringing direct program expenses from 8% in the last decade to 2%. We are kick-starting an investment supercycle, we
That this House approve in general the budgetary policy of the government. moved: He said: Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 83(1), I would like to table, in both official languages, the budget documents for 2026, including the notices of ways and means motions. The details of the measures are contained in these documents. Pursuant to Standing Order 83(2), I am requesting that an order of
Mr. Speaker, I have a great deal of respect for my colleague. I have known him for a very long time. However, I can say that, on this side of the House, with more than 40 members from Quebec, we have a strong voice for Quebec. I listened to Quebeckers. That is why we are investing in our artists, in our culture and in our SMEs, which from the backbone of Quebec's economy. That is why we renewed
Mr. Speaker, Canadians watching at home are probably wondering whether the hon. member has read the right budget. The 2026 budget we have just presented contains $22 billion in measures to make life more affordable for Canadians, on top of the $100 billion in affordability measures already in place. On this side of the House, we know that more needs to be done on housing, and that is exactly
Mr. Speaker, I have enormous respect for my colleague, but I thought she would talk about the $50-million investment in our national electricity strategy, doubling the electricity generation in this country. I thought she would talk about our climate plan. I thought she would talk about our ocean plan. I am sure she will have other opportunities to rise in the House and to say we are seizing the
Mr. Speaker, we are choosing Canadians. What the member failed to mention is that we are investing up to $30 billion on measures to help with ending homelessness in this country. This is a national endeavour. We are going to work with provinces, territories and municipalities. Prime Minister Instead of complaining about what we are doing, why do they not join us and help us to end homelessness
Mr. Speaker, I know there are several pages in the budget, but I think my colleague missed a few. Let us talk about heat pumps instead. A historic investment will help millions of people across the country use electricity. Let us talk about charging stations. I am sure he has not gotten to that part yet. There is going to be some good news about charging stations. Let us talk about our climate
Mr. Speaker, what Canadians are hearing is an opposition leader who is always criticizing the Canadian economy, and I am sure they are sick of it. Members on this side of the House are confident. Canada is attracting talent from around the world. Canada is one of the rare countries in the world that can build a ship, build a car and certify a nuclear power plant. Canada is a country that has the
Mr. Speaker, we are always prepared to answer questions before the Standing Committee on Finance. What is strange is to see the Conservatives talk down the Canadian economy in every one of their questions, even though international institutions and the Bank of Canada recognize that there are external factors at play. The good news is that Canada has the second-fastest growth rate in the G7. One
Mr. Speaker, the Bank of Canada understands and acknowledges the challenges in the global economy. However, it is Wednesday, and I have good news. In fact, Canada has the strongest fiscal position in the G7, the lowest net debt to GDP in the G7 and one of the lowest deficits to GDP in the G7. The Bank of Canada has seen that we are going to have the second-fastest growth in the G7. On top of
Mr. Speaker, we all know that the Leader of the Opposition likes to talk, but he should listen. He should listen to the voices in this House, like when we extended the suspension of the excise fuel tax. That is helping Canadians. That is helping families. That is helping truckers. That is helping farmers. That is helping fishers across this nation. I hope Canadians are watching at home today