Government Orders
Bill C‑25 aims to strengthen and secure the electoral process, particularly by fighting foreign interference and other emerging threats. I would like my colleague to explain why it was so important to make these changes and follow through on this bill.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Sophie Faucher, a highly talented actress and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful voices on Quebec's cultural scene. Whether on stage, on screen or behind a microphone, Sophie Faucher left her mark on several generations, be it through her elegance, her passion and fire or her ability to light up a room. Throughout an excepti…
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Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the world in 2026 is much different from just a few years ago. The world has changed, and we must change with it. We must continue to ensure that Canada's democracy remains one of the strongest in the world. I would like to hear from my colleague about how the bill would expand prohibition on undue foreign influence.
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Mr. Speaker, I agree with the premise of today's Bloc motion to condemn the new tariffs. These tariffs affect a growing number of businesses. Could my colleague please talk about our response, which puts workers first? It is all about building a stronger economy at home.
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Mr. Speaker, everyone can see that my colleague's economic knowledge serves him well. However, he said in his speech that the government was resurrecting an existing program. I think that is a good thing, so that companies that are truly in need receive help quickly. I would like to hear what my colleague has to say about that.
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Mr. Speaker, the Eastern Townships are mourning the loss of Claude Métras following his passing on April 16, 2026. As a prominent certified appraiser with Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton in Sherbrooke, Mr. Métras was known to all as a leader recognized for his generosity and profound love for our region. He was a true community builder who chaired many boards of directors and events. He was also a g…
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Mr. Speaker, my colleague painted a very rosy picture of all the measures we are putting in place to help Canadians in a volatile and complex context. We know that the price of fuel is very unpredictable because of all the supply chain disruptions in the Middle East. How will the measure announced today regarding the excise tax help trucking companies, particularly those in the food and agricultur…
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Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, we celebrated International Women's Day. In honour of the occasion, I celebrate women and all of our essential contributions to our country. Let us recognize the tremendous work of the women who came before us and ushered in the rights we enjoy today. Women have demonstrated remarkable perseverance and determination in so many domains. For a long time, they were discriminat…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my esteemed colleague for this important question. When we travel elsewhere in the country, we see how important it is to work with the provinces, particularly in times of crisis. Everyone here today has mentioned how serious the housing crisis is and the many consequences it is having on the lives of Canadians. We must therefore work together with the provinces. This collabor…
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Mr. Speaker, Sherbrooke is home to a fine example of the use of public land for the construction of an apartment building, although I cannot recall the number of units. The fact is that Build Canada Homes has a clear mandate, which includes the effective use of public land, and I am confident that this mandate will be adequately fulfilled.
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question. As I said in my speech, transforming this agency into a Crown corporation gives it all the independence it needs to speed up housing construction. We are already seeing real results. Just last Thursday, I was in Saint‑Jean‑Port‑Joli to announce the opening of a nine-unit building for women fleeing violence. Everyone was thrilled. The Coalition Av…
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Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak today at second reading to Bill C-20, an act respecting the establishment of Build Canada Homes. The housing crisis is hitting hard across the country. Too many families, too many young people, too many seniors are spending more than 30% of their income on housing. Too many people are priced out of the market. We have a collective responsibility to take ambitious…
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Mr. Speaker, by transforming Build Canada Homes into a Crown corporation, we are creating a specialized organization focused exclusively on housing construction. We are also giving it the full financial and legal independence it needs to act quickly, enter complex agreements and use public lands effectively.
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Mr. Speaker, I believe you will find unanimous consent to apply the result of the previous vote to this one, with all Liberal members voting no.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, with only days remaining before the new defence industrial strategy is unveiled, I would like to highlight a remarkable achievement by one of our own companies, DARIT Technologies. In a national challenge held in Ottawa as part of the Department of National Defence's IDEaS program, DARIT Technologies took first prize, worth $1 million. After rigorous testing by defence experts, the Ca…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina officially open tomorrow, and more than 3,000 passionate athletes from around the world will compete in the sports they have mastered to get there. More than 200 athletes will wear Canada's colours with heart and courage, and for the first time, there will be more women than men. Sherbrooke will be proudly represented by Kim Boutin, Félix Rous…
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Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the Minister of International Trade for this bill. I would also like to commend all the work being done by the Prime Minister and his entire team to develop new partnerships such as this one. In my riding of Sherbrooke, businesses and entrepreneurs understand full well the importance of diversifying markets, particularly in the current context, and they are rea…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his speech. He did a great job of outlining some issues that I hope will be considered in the agreement. However, coming from a very agricultural riding, I am a bit surprised. I do not think my colleague has spoken much on that matter before. Furthermore, 45% of manufacturing companies in his riding export products outside Quebec. Can my colleague tell me how …
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents in Sherbrooke and the Eastern Townships more broadly, I am pleased to present a petition that deals with an important environmental issue and that complements Motion No. 15, which was moved by my colleague from Brome—Missisquoi. Canada is already protecting a large portion of its ecologically sensitive land through the natural heritage conservation program…
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Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to answer my hon. colleague's question. This budget contains several significant and essential investments for Quebec. With its 44 members from Quebec, the Liberal caucus proudly defends the interests of Quebeckers. These investments will enable large-scale projects to take shape. To strengthen Canada's economy, we must help Canadian businesses become more productive an…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question, and I congratulate her for asking it in French. In fact, 7.5 million seniors receive Canada's old age security pension. We have increased funding for the New Horizons for Seniors program, which supports projects that promote social participation among seniors and help them remain active in their communities. The tax cut for 22 million middle-clas…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for pointing out the quality of the work done at the Université de Sherbrooke's Quantum Institute. I fully support our local media. I believe in the importance of local journalism. I had the opportunity to speak to Jasmin, a TVA reporter in my riding, and obviously, I understand the repercussions of this decision, particularly just a few weeks before Christmas. Ho…
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Mr. Speaker, allow me to begin by thanking and congratulating our colleague, the Secretary of State for Nature, for her strength and courage, as well as her statement on violence against women. Too many women are losing their lives here in Canada and around the world, which is why this call to end violence and promote equality is so important and why we are marking the 16 days of activism starting…
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Madam Speaker, my colleague from Bourassa has reminded us of the measures we are taking to invest in Canada and Canadians. We are making major investments, such as the sports centre in Montreal North, in the member's riding. We are proving that we are taking action for our country and to build a strong Canada. I would like to hear my colleague's thoughts on why it is so important to invest and bui…
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Mr. Speaker, November 14 was World Diabetes Day, and I would like to take this opportunity to talk about my son's experience and the situation of all those who are living with type 1 diabetes. Despite the daily challenges he faces because of his diabetes, Charles is an example of discipline and determination. Every day, he shows that anything is possible with courage and perseverance. As a physica…
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Mr. Speaker, as part of Women's History Month, I would like to pay tribute to an ally of women past and present: artist Adèle Blais. From activist Thérèse Casgrain to civil rights figure Claudette Colvin and writer Gabrielle Roy, Ms. Blais chooses to use her art to celebrate iconic figures and give a voice to women who have been forgotten for too long. She tells the stories of all these great wome…
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Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate women's history, I want to call attention to the outstanding achievement of a young woman from Sherbrooke who made history on September 27. At the tender age of 24, Magdeleine Vallières-Mill, made it the top of the podium, winning gold in the road world championships in Rwanda. After racing over 160 kilometres and making a decisive push at the end, she crossed the fini…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her speech. I also want to thank Madam Arbour for her report, of which approximately 20 recommendations have already been implemented. The face of the Canadian Armed Forces has changed over the decades. Obviously, more women are joining today and that is a good thing. Does my colleague believe that Bill C‑11 must also be accompanied by a cultural change within…
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Mr. Speaker, I want to welcome back my lovely colleagues. We are returning from our ridings after a busy summer, no doubt more motivated than ever to take part in this new parliamentary session. I have returned with such pride in Sherbrooke that I cannot keep it to myself. Today marks the 10th anniversary of Sherbrooke's Quantum Institute, which is accomplishing great things in a very competitive …
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Madam Speaker, I listened carefully to my colleague's speech. He knows very well that Canada is made up of several provinces and territories. In his opinion, are there any limits when it comes to the provinces using the notwithstanding clause?
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago, on June 20, 1975, the legendary Gilles Vigneault performed his song, Gens du pays, for the very first time on Mount Royal in Montreal. On stage, three Quebec music greats, Gilles Vigneault, Louise Forestier, and Yvon Deschamps, sang the now-famous lyrics that ring out during our national holiday celebrations as well on as birthdays. Gens du pays is one of the greatest gi…
Read full speech →Speech from the Throne
Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate my colleague on her speech and on her return to the House. Over the past few years, she has been there for us, day in and day out. Now, she will be able to focus on her constituents once again. I congratulate her. In her speech, she mentioned the importance of fighting for women's rights. We see what has happened in the U.S. since Roe v. Wade was struck down. We…
Read full speech →Speech from the Throne
Mr. Speaker, I too congratulate my colleague on his re-election. As I mentioned in my speech, we need to focus on the strengths, the leadership and expertise hubs in Canada and Quebec. The three sectors that the member mentioned are obviously pillars of the Quebec economy and the national economy. That is why the government is always there to support these sectors, especially in the current contex…
Read full speech →Speech from the Throne
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question and congratulate her on her election and her first question in the House. Our Eastern Townships caucus is incredible. There are three of us, one re-elected member and two new ones with big shoes to fill. There is no shortage of projects in our region. We also have great strengths. I talked about the Quantum Institute and the C2MI in Bromont. All t…
Read full speech →Speech from the Throne
Mr. Speaker, first off, I want to congratulate you on your new role as Deputy Speaker. I also want to congratulate the Speaker of the House. Bad habits are hard to break. Given the respect that all members have for you, I am confident that you will be able to maintain order and decorum in the House. I will be sharing my time with the member for Don Valley West. I would also like to congratulate al…
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Mr. Speaker, the fact is, this is a choice we have to make today and in the few weeks remaining before this session ends. We have already announced tax cuts and the elimination or reduction of the GST based on a new home's value. We have measures to put more money back in people's pockets. People have told us that the cost of living is an important issue for them, and that is what we are addressin…
Read full speech →Speech from the Throne
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and congratulate him on his re-election. I will always be a staunch defender of new technologies in my region. As I mentioned in my speech, the Quantum Institute and all new technologies are very important, not to mention economic drivers. Canada is a leader on this and must continue to be there, to support them so that we can continue to have good jobs in these s…
Read full speech →Speech from the Throne
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate my colleague on his great speech. I also want to thank his predecessor, René Arseneault, who I had the privilege of working with. I also commend him for his passion for protecting and promoting French. On that note, I would like to know what he thinks we can do to protect CBC/Radio‑Canada, especially in the regions.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, today, in my riding, Fondation Rock Guertin is distributing Christmas hampers. I would like to thank all of the volunteers and the executive director, Solange, for the work that they do. When I meet with them, they always remind me of how important the Canada child benefit is for the families they serve. This benefit can provide up to $7,800 per child. The Conservatives would do away …
Read full speech →Orders of the Day
Madam Speaker, the Conservative member cites a number of studies. I have one that was released today. It comes from two economists at the University of Calgary, Trevor Tombe and Jennifer Winter. These two economists found that the price on pollution has had a minimal impact on inflation since 2019. Most price increases are the result of global factors. This is a far cry from the nuclear winter tha…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, through budget 2021, the Government of Canada is investing more than $27 billion over five years (2021-22 through 2025-26) to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care, ELCC, system with provinces and territories, PTs. When combined with other investments, including in indigenous early learning and child care, IELCC, up to $30 billion will be invested in support of ELCC over t…
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Madam Speaker, candles, roses, beams of light, masculinism, harassment, violence, hate; it has been 35 years today. Thirty-five years ago, 14 women full of promise and ambition lost their lives at the hands of a man in a tragic act of anti-feminism. There is no hiding what was behind this act. These leaders of tomorrow were ripped from their future, but their memory pushes us to action. That is wh…
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Mr. Speaker, on July 24, Sherbrooke lost one of its bright lights with the passing of a beloved resident at the age of 94. Lilianne Poulin was extremely active on Sherbrooke's political scene. As a seasoned volunteer, Ms. Poulin followed wherever her convictions and deep faith in democracy led her. She cared about the well-being of her community and worked tirelessly to convince people to get invo…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, Employment and Social Development Canada, ESDC, does not use a benchmark as there is currently no officially recognized benchmark for the minimum cost of raising a child in Canada. Most analytical approaches that examine the cost of raising children focus on direct or out-of-pocket costs. A 2023 study from Statistics Canada examined pooled data from the survey of household spending, S…
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Madam Speaker, we know that we are going through expensive times. This is exactly why we have made investments like the Canada child benefit. This means that we send parents over $7,000 per year to help with the cost of raising kids. When the Conservative leader talks about cuts, he is saying that he will cut these cheques and make families worse off. Is this what families need? No, I do not think…
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Madam Speaker, we are there for Canadian families with programs like $10-a-day child care, the Canada child benefit and the Canadian dental care plan. These are all programs that allow families to keep more money in their pockets, so they can cope with things being a little tougher right now, put food on the table and be there to provide for their children.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, November 14 is World Diabetes Day. It is an opportunity to raise public awareness about a disease that affects one in 10 adults around the world. In Canada, more than 300,000 people live with type 1 diabetes. Today I met two young girls with diabetes who are visiting Parliament. They told me their story and talked to me about what it is like to live with this disease on a daily basis.…
Read full speech →Orders of the Day
Mr. Speaker, in his speech, my colleague talked about training. I congratulate him on going back to university. On the Liberal side, we are offering free training to the Leader of the Opposition to get his security clearance. That is something he could consider. With respect to the question, I really wonder whether the Conservatives understand the process here. Everyone here in the House agrees to…
Read full speech →Orders of the Day
Mr. Speaker, I am amazed by the winding roads some people take to reach their destination. We know that the Leader of the Opposition does not want to obtain security clearance for national security matters. What does my colleague think of the fact that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Auditor General and legal advisors have said that it is precisely for security reasons that documents should…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, with regard to part (a), Health Canada, through the substance use and addictions program, or SUAP, has a contribution agreement with the board of education of schools district number 62 in Sooke. The funding is allocated to this organization and is not broken down by individual schools. According to the parameters of the agreement, funding recipients have the option to distribute a po…
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