Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, we are absolutely looking after Canadians, which is why we are bringing in various measures to help them get through these slightly more difficult times. Take, for example, the Canada child benefit, which can put up to $7,000 more in the pockets of families per child under the age of 6 and up to $6,000 more per child between the ages of six and 17. That is $350 more than last year. We…
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Mr. Speaker, the toxic drug and overdose crisis continues to have an impact on Canadians from coast to coast. People are losing their lives to the ever-changing illegal toxic drug supply. Many are dying because of it, but these are preventable deaths. We need to use everything at our disposal to save lives. This crisis is complex, and we need to work with all orders of government, partners and sta…
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Mr. Speaker, Canada's approach to addressing the toxic drug and overdose crisis and substance use-related harms is comprehensive, equitable, collaborative and compassionate. It is guided by the Canadian drugs and substances strategy. This federal strategy outlines a continuum of care, including prevention and education, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. Our government supports an evidence-ba…
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Madam Speaker, as I said, we are committed to addressing substance use and addiction as a public health issue, while protecting public safety. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. We must keep working together to save lives, reduce harms and help people access the health care services they need, when and where they need them. We will continue working with provinces, territories, municipalities,…
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Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for this opportunity to defend our government's responsible economic plan, which has left Canada in an enviable fiscal position. Let me begin by stating some facts. Canada's net debt-to-GDP ratio is well below that of our G7 peers, and we are one of only two G7 countries rated AAA by at least two of the three major global rating agencies. This has been achieved …
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Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Courtenay—Alberni for his strong advocacy on the matter. The overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada's recent history. It is driven by the increasingly toxic and ever-changing illegal drug supply. We are committed to examining all tools at our disposal, and evidence, to respond to the tragic increase in over…
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Madam Speaker, I am happy to rise in this House tonight to speak about our good economic financial plan. From universal public health care to employment insurance to strong, stable, funded pensions like the Canada pension plan, there has always been an agreement that we will take care of our neighbours when they have the need. It gives our workers stability and our businesses confidence that the r…
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Mr. Speaker, we understand that children are the ones suffering from food insecurity in these tough times, and that is why we introduced the school food program. This program will help feed 400,000 more children than are currently being fed. We are working with the provinces and territories to implement this program, which will really help children.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, last week we marked the sixth annual Military Family Appreciation Day. This year, the day held special meaning for my family. My husband, who was an honorary colonel in the Sherbrooke Hussars, and I are very proud of our son, who is currently on a mission in Latvia. Along with many other Canadian military personnel, he is taking part in Operation Reassurance, our contribution to NATO'…
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Madam Speaker, the Canada child benefit is making a real difference in the lives of more than four million Canadian families. They can receive up to $7,787 per child under six and $6,570 per child aged six through 17. This tax-free benefit increased in July to help families keep up with the cost of raising kids. This represents up to $350 more than last year. The payments went out today, but the C…
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Madam Speaker, since the question is not directed at us, I will take the opportunity on this Military Family Appreciation Day to recognize the sacrifices and the service of the families of the Canadian Armed Forces members who keep us safe here in Canada and around the world. I know that many Canadian Forces members are currently deployed to Latvia and that they are proudly and bravely participati…
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Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives claim to defend freedom, but when they amended the Citizenship Act, they deprived many Canadians of their rights and their identity as Canadians. I think that my colleague will agree with me that this is hardly surprising, coming from the Conservatives, and that Bill C-71 is a good way to correct such flaws, as he mentioned in his speech.
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Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. However, the announcement indicated that the question would be about ways to help families. I will therefore focus on the topic that was announced. Supporting families and improving their quality of life is one of the government's key priorities. We have made significant investments to make life more affordable, because we believe every Canadia…
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Madam Speaker, I am pleased to hear my colleague say that the carbon tax does not apply in Quebec. Quebec has its own system. I think that we can help families with programs like the ones I listed, while fighting climate change and protecting the environment. It is the eleventh hour, and I think that, with a Liberal government in Canada, we are much better equipped to give Canadians the best of bo…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, as to the request by the City of Vancouver, the final submission was made on May 28, 2021, by the city manager. The proposed model would decriminalize personal possession of small amounts of controlled substances for adults over 18 within city limits. Specific thresholds were proposed for common drugs. Personal possession of other drugs was proposed as a three-day supply, as determine…
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Mr. Speaker, comprehensive information on applications received by the government to run supervised consumption sites since 2015, including details such as province or territory, city and location, approval and expiration dates, and authorized services, is available at the Supervised consumption sites: Status of applications website at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/…
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Mr. Speaker, Health Canada does not operate prescribed alternatives programs or make decisions about what prescription drugs are prescribed to clients by these programs. The choice of medication is a decision between the practitioner and their patient, and licensed companies do not play a role in this decision. With regard to questions (a) and (b), all prescription drugs containing controlled subs…
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Madam Speaker, I am pleased to hear that my colleague opposite understands math better than the Conservatives do. It is odd that the Conservatives are saying that doing away with the carbon tax, or rather the price on pollution, will put more money in Canadians' pockets when, on the contrary, many economists and experts of all kinds are saying that the carbon tax is putting more money in Canadians…
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Mr. Speaker, what I can confirm is that we will always be there for Canadians and Quebeckers. We will ensure that they have clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. Thanks to our price on pollution, eight out of 10 families in Canada are getting more money back than they spend. Once again, I think it is a good system, one that is also recognized across the world.
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Mr. Speaker, we can be confident because we are seeing results. We are here to fight climate change, unlike the official opposition, which has no plan. We are here to protect the environment and to fight climate change. Climate change is becoming increasingly costly. We really need to take action. That is what we have been doing since we have been in office.
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Mr. Speaker, the opposite is true. It is entertaining to watch the official opposition do everything in its power to undermine the policies we are putting in place, which are actually allowing us to achieve our objectives. With all the measures we have taken and implemented since 2015, we are firmly on track to achieve a one-third reduction in Canada's emissions by 2030. Without carbon pricing, we…
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Mr. Speaker, the opposition party is there to propose cuts. This is a critical time in the fight against climate change. I think that the measures we are implementing year after year show Quebeckers and Canadians that this important issue is a priority for us. We are helping municipalities, indigenous communities and developers to undertake innovative projects to make the energy transition and tur…
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Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Pickering—Uxbridge. I would like to start by setting the record straight. Pollution pricing is a key tool for fighting climate change and supporting Canadians. Canadians know climate change is a real and serious threat to all of us. They have asked governments across the country to take action and to do our part to reduce the carbon pollut…
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Madam Speaker, I imagine that my colleague opposite is pleased, since he got his video clip, but I would like to set the record straight. The overdose crisis is one of the worst public health crises Canada has ever faced. There is no easy solution. The crisis is fed by a supply of illegal drugs that are becoming more toxic, unpredictable and deadly by the day. It is also driven by underlying socio…
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Madam Speaker, the thing we need to remember is that every person who uses drugs needs to have access to the help that best works for them. By offering a wide range of options, we increase the chances that they will find the one that best meets their needs. Stigmatization may be a barrier to accessing these services. That is why the fight against stigmatization is also a priority for the governmen…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, the impacts of suicide extend far beyond the individual. Each life lost sends ripples of pain through family, friends, and communities. The new national suicide prevention action plan is our comprehensive, evergreen plan to address suicide in Canada. Preventing suicide requires collaboration across all levels of government, partners and society as a whole. Working together, we will en…
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Madam Speaker, unfortunately, my colleague opposite is confusing decriminalization with legalization. From the outset, both during the tour of the Standing Committee on Health and in its meetings, we have heard that, in order to help people who use drugs, we need to offer them a range of services and support measures. These people did not choose to become drug users. Nobody wakes up one morning an…
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Madam Speaker, we are obviously very concerned about the overdose crisis we are currently experiencing in Canada. Loss of life, emergency room visits and hospitalizations affect not only the individuals involved, but also their family, their friends and communities across Canada. This crisis is a complex public health issue, and no one organization or level of government will be able to resolve it…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, the Fédération des communautés culturelles de l'Estrie has been serving our communities for over 30 years. With 180 projects for cultural associations to its credit, the federation is a key contributor to the socioeconomic and cultural integration of newcomers. The federation creates spaces where immigrants and their host communities can come together and engage with one another, spac…
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Mr. Speaker, from the outset, I would like to assure everyone that we are deeply concerned about the overdose crisis and its consequences on the lives of so many people in the country. Every loss of life is tragic and we must do everything in our power to help people and save lives. Substance use and addictions are health issues first and foremost and should be treated as such. People need health …
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Mr. Speaker, clearly, we have to do everything in our power to save lives and reduce risks, while keeping communities safe and fighting drug trafficking and organized crime. Our government is focused on supporting a full range of services and supports to address the diverse needs of people who use drugs, as well as enforcement efforts to protect our communities. We are in the midst of a crisis whe…
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Mr. Speaker, we are guided by the lens of public health and public safety. We refused the Toronto Public Health request because it did not adequately protect public health and maintain public safety. We follow science. We listen to families, doctors and people with lived and living experience because we know what works: a full continuum of support, from prevention and harm reduction to treatment.
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Mr. Speaker, what we have been hearing from the Conservative side is dehumanizing. They are basically saying that we need to clean up the streets because these people are a bother. On this side of the House, we are here to help people who use drugs. They did not choose to become addicts. They did not wake up one morning and say that they were going to start using drugs. The important thing is to g…
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Mr. Speaker, I also happen to sit on the Standing Committee on Health. In recent meetings, we heard what my colleague from the other side just said. We also heard that we need to have a whole range of options, because there is more than one way of getting off drugs. We need many options, strategies and initiatives that could potentially suit everyone. That is the direction we are heading in. With …
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Mr. Speaker, our government is investing in Quebec businesses through the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. Let me share a few good examples. In Lévis—Lotbinière we provided $1 million so that J.L. Leclerc et Fils could improve productivity and transition to a green economy; in Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, we provided $1 million so that Plate 2000 Inc. could expa…
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Mr. Speaker, I am just back from a tour with the health committee to Vancouver, Calgary, Red Deer and Montreal. We heard from amazing organizations that are working tirelessly to help and support those who are using drugs. All parties were represented for the entire duration of the tour, except the Conservatives. It is a shame, because we heard that it is painful for frontline workers to hear that…
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Mr. Speaker, what is more unifying than a public market, a gathering place for the community, a showcase for our farmers and local artisans? With Sylvie Brunelle, the Marché de la gare de Sherbrooke has also become a place where magic happens. As the coordinator for the station market corporation, Ms. Brunelle has, over the years, been able to bring local actors together to put on incredible event…
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Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to explain again to the hon. member that putting a price on pollution is at the centre of the government's plan to fight climate change and curb its devastating effects on our communities and economy. The negative impacts of climate change are very real. The public will not soon forget the destructive force of last year's forest fires that scorched …
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Madam Speaker, the overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada's recent history, and it is impacting communities across the country. Our hearts go out to the individuals, families and friends affected by this public health crisis. As part of its holistic approach, our government is continuing to support efforts to divert people who use drugs away fr…
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Madam Speaker, we will continue to work with British Columbia, the other provinces and territories and all of our partners to address specific needs and support public health and safety. Law enforcement partners have been clear. They do not want to arrest people for personal drug possession, but rather they want the necessary tools to address issues of public safety. They support a comprehensive p…
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Madam Speaker, is the member calling into question the opinion of over 300 experts in Canada who have clearly demonstrated that pollution pricing is the right way to go? What we are doing is protecting people from the dangers and costs of climate change and ensuring that Canada continues to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Not only does our price on pollution help combat climate change, but it…
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Madam Speaker, Canada is committed to holding the Iranian regime accountable for its terrorist activities and gross violations of human rights. The government is exploring all possible measures to constrain the activities of the Iranian regime, and recognizes its disregard for peace and stability in the region. The government uses multiple instruments and has measures in place to hold Iran account…
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Madam Speaker, my answer is the same answer that my colleague would have received from any other parliamentary secretary. In terms of adding the IRGC to the list, I would like to point out that the Government of Canada could use listing as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code as a way to respond to Iran's blatant contempt and gross violations. Moreover, the Government of Canada is committed …
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Madam Speaker, harm reduction is health care. Harm reduction is the door to the system. Safe consumption sites have responded to more than 53,000 overdoses since 2017. Our government has invested $200 billion to support provinces and territories, delivering services needed in addition to the $1 billion we have directly invested to address this crisis. We will use every tool at our disposal to end …
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Madam Speaker, we have engaged with experts with a range of views, to learn from current experiences and to inform policies, moving forward. We are working with all federally funded programs and are ramping up mitigation and enforcement measures. We expect provinces and territories to do the same. The evaluation is ongoing. We will do what we need to do.
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Madam Speaker, too many Canadians are dying every day from an ever-changing illegal toxic drug supply. The opposition leader talks about investing in treatment, but Conservatives cut two-thirds of drug treatment funds when they were last in government. Let us talk about what saves lives: safe consumption sites, accessible social and health care services, prevention, treatment and harm reduction. T…
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Madam Speaker, it is because we are listening to the experts, listening to the public and listening the needs of the people in the street who use drugs that we are proposing harm reduction, prevention, enforcement and supervised consumption. That is what the experts are telling us, and that is what we will do.
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Madam Speaker, from day one, what we have been proposing to members of the public is to support them with treatment, harm reduction and enforcement. We are there to help and support them. Each journey is different. Each individual needs all the support they deserve. No one chooses to become addicted to drugs. That is why we are there to help.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, there are many good measures in the 2024 budget that resonate with the people in my riding of Sherbrooke, including the school food program, money for housing, money for the New Horizons program and money for homelessness. However, what I am hearing the most is that students are very happy to see that the grants for post-secondary education have been increased. I am wondering if my …
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Madam Speaker, my colleague made an observation, noting that drugs do exist. I would add a second part to that observation: Diversion will always exist as well, for all substances, whether they are used for pain, anxiety or ADHD. I would like to know whether the member thinks it is still better to have access to these substances. Does he think that doctors are well positioned to make these decisio…
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