Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, five members of the Sherbrooke Phoenix made their mark at the World Junior Hockey Championship. Two Canadians, forward Joshua Roy and defenceman Tyson Hinds, along with their coach, Stéphane Julien, proudly represented Sherbrooke at this major hockey tournament, winning the gold medal with Team Canada. Two other Phoenix players, David Spacek and Jakub Brabenec, also stood out, winning…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, with regard to question (a), while recipients of Health Canada’s substance use and addictions program, or SUAP, funding are required to report back to Health Canada using standard performance metrics, this level of detail falls outside of what is collected by the department. With regard to question (b), there are a number of prescription drugs approved by Health Canada that provinces,…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, with regard to question (a) above, provincial, territorial and indigenous governments are primarily responsible for management, organization, and delivery of health care services to their populations. This includes drug treatment and harm reduction services, procurement of prescription drugs, and drug plan formularies. Provinces and territories are best placed to plan and deliver safe…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, even though it is late, I want to thank the member for Courtenay—Alberni for giving me the opportunity to speak to this important matter and explain to the House what we are doing to support mental health and health care services for people who use substances. Mental health is health. This is why we have made historic investments to support mental health care and substance use care ne…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, we remain committed to continuing to do everything we can to support the mental health of Canadians. As I noted earlier, in addition to a range of existing federal supports, provinces and territories are now receiving $600 million from the federal government to support mental health and substance use services on an annual basis, which will continue until 2027. We also know that much m…
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Mr. Speaker, last Saturday, I had the chance to participate in the Sherbrooke firefighters' toy drive. Every December since 1940, the firefighters have been handing out new toys to more than 1,200 disadvantaged children in the region, or roughly 800 families. I sincerely thank our firefighters for carrying on this wonderful tradition. During this holiday season, many families in Sherbrooke are goi…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the amazing performance of the Sherbrooke CEGEP's Volontaires, who won the college football division 2 Bol d'or last month. The team, which took home the title for the first time since 2010, played a great defensive game, as usual, and led a forceful offence. I congratulate all of the players and coaches. Sherbrooke is making a name for itself on Canada's sports …
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, we are hearing some harsh truths tonight. We can hear the shaky voices. It is important to reaffirm our commitment and to continue to implement the national action plan. My colleague across the way talked about a broken system. I think it really will take transformational change. What does she think are the root causes of violence against indigenous women and girls in Canada?
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, under the Food and Drugs Act, Health Canada authorizes the sale of drugs by manufacturers, not the prescribing of drugs. Once a drug has been authorized by Health Canada, provinces and territories make decisions about who can prescribe the drug in that jurisdiction. At this time, ketamine is the only psychedelic drug that has been authorized by Health Canada to be marketed in Canada.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, 85% of Canada's critical infrastructure is owned by the private sector, provinces and non-governmental agencies. Does my colleague think Bill C-26 will help standardize cybersecurity practices to better protect systems and services pertinent to Canada's cybersecurity?
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. We all know that the toxic drug and overdose crisis has a very painful effect on families and communities. We are working with the provinces and territories to put in place every tool and program we can to improve the situation. Since 2017, we have invested over $800 million to respond to this crisis and we will continue in that direction.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this is National Addictions Awareness Week. It is an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about addictions, to talk openly about prevention, treatment and recovery, and to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use. This year's theme, “A Community of Caring”, is very important. It highlights the community's efforts to reduce the stigma associated with addiction and to promote the …
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for her speech. Among other things, Bill C-20 seeks to ensure that all Canadians are treated fairly and equitably. The bill provides for the collection of data to address systemic racism. I would like to know whether my colleague agrees that these measures will indeed help to combat systemic racism.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, we lost a great man last Friday. Jean Lapointe was beloved by Quebeckers, particularly for his contribution to the Quebec cultural scene as a singer, actor and author. He was also known for his philanthropy. By publicly admitting that he was an alcoholic, Jean Lapointe helped break taboos and dispel our society's prejudices. He even founded Maison Jean Lapointe and Fondation Jean Lapo…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, supporting the mental health and substance use care needs of Canadians is a top priority for the government. The government reaffirmed in budget 2022 its commitment to engaging with provinces and territories to inform the development of the Canada mental health transfer, or CMHT. When established, the CMHT will build on the significant investment of $5 billion over 10 years that is cu…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to provide my hon. colleague with more details. We all agree that we want to give young people access to mental health services when and where they need it most. Supporting mental health also helps to prevent suicide, and that is vitally important. In 2020, suicide was the second leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 34. The government recognizes the devastating…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, as we look to the future, we know that more needs to be done. As the first Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, the minister is dedicated to ensuring that mental health is treated as a full and equal part of our universal health care system. Achieving this requires building on our current investments. Over the past year, we have had the opportunity, as has the minister, to trav…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, last week was National Pain Awareness Week. Chronic pain is often invisible, but it affects nearly eight million Canadians. This is physical pain, yet it has an impact on mental health, family life and communities. This situation is unacceptable. As a country, we have to work even harder to make sure that care is personalized and that health professionals and people living with pain c…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, information containing project names, titles and other such specific details is not included in this response to adhere to the principles set out in the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act on protecting sensitive, third party data. The information being provided is structured around budget allocations received in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Data regarding funding sources prior to 2…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada’s approach to substance use harms, including the overdose crisis, has been guided by the Canadian drugs and substances strategy, or CDSS. This strategy takes a comprehensive, collaborative and compassionate public health-focused approach, covers all substances and lays out our framework for evidence-based actions to reduce the harms associated with substance u…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his speech. He has demonstrated why it is important to examine this issue. We will soon begin a comprehensive review of the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act with the support of experts. We want to ensure that the act effectively protects public servants. We also want to strengthen Canadians' confidence in the integrity of our public institution…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, once again this fall, Sherbrooke Innopole has ranked among the top 20 economic development agencies in Canada, according to Site Selection magazine. I would like to acknowledge the leadership of Sylvain Durocher and his entire team. It is thanks to organizations like Sherbrooke Innopole that our community is enjoying strong growth in private sector investment. Our government has suppo…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this week, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the life and outstanding work of an inspired and inspiring woman from Sherbrooke. Magaly Brodeur was named one of Canada's 100 Black women to watch in 2022 by Canada International Black Women Excellence. That is on top of the many awards she has already won, and it is obvious why that is so. She has bachelor's degrees …
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Chair, I thank my colleague for Cariboo—Prince George for his moving speech and for his strong advocacy. Also, I congratulate him on his new function as the mental health critic, and I will be glad to work with him. As the member said, mental health is health, and it is a complex issue. Does he think that a diversified approach is required to answer the needs of those suffering with mental h…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Chair, I thank my colleague for his speech. I am working with mental health organizations in Quebec and I, too, am willing to acknowledge Quebec's leadership in this area. That is why it was recognized in the federal-provincial bilateral agreement and the action plan my colleague was talking about. A total of $11 million was announced in the 2017-18 economic and fiscal update, and that amoun…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Chair, I thank my colleague for his speech. We know that having access to mental health services at the right time, when we need it, is important. During COVID‑19, we saw with Wellness Together Canada that there were more than two million visits to the portal we put in place. Does my colleague think that working on accessibility to mental health services puts us on the right track to moving …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question. Suicide is a very important issue for us. We are taking action to make a difference. Our thoughts are with families who have lost a loved one recently. It is important for Canadians to have timely access to the right services. We are working on establishing a three-digit national crisis line as well as a pan-Canadian suicide prevention service.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this week is Mental Illness Awareness Week. The last two years have been hard on Canadians, exacerbating existing health inequalities and gaps both in Sherbrooke and across the country. However, the pandemic has also facilitated open, authentic conversations about mental health and substance abuse. It is incumbent upon all of us to keep those conversations going and to make sure that …
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, the rising cost of living is hitting Canadians hard. With our plan to make life more affordable, we are seeking to limit the effects of global inflation. Our support also includes continued funding for community organizations, which are essential to the well-being of Sherbrooke residents and the development of the social economy. This is true of Moisson Estrie, which distributes food …
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I would like to ask my colleague if indigenous communities are embracing this piece of legislation and if she is comfortable that it is a good way to advance reconciliation.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question. I was pleased yesterday to be able to answer his question with more details during the adjournment debate. We are well aware of the complexity of the current crisis and the importance of taking action. That is why we remain committed to investing this $4.5 billion over five years by way of the new transfer. This is in addition to the historic inv…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this week communities across Canada are joining together to recognize National Coaches Week. The goal of the week is to celebrate the tremendous responsibility coaches have in creating a positive impact on our athletes and communities. During this week, thousands of coaches will be tagged with the hashtag #ThanksCoach and invited to participate in many activities, including online cli…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for Courtenay—Alberni for his advocacy and for the opportunity to address the House on what we are doing to support the mental health needs of Canadians. We know that this pandemic has had a toll on the mental health of Canadians, due in part to the increased isolation, stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness that so many faced during the pandemic. Additiona…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I understand my colleague's question. I agree with him that the crisis has cost lives and that we have to take action to adequately meet the mental health needs of Canadians. As we have often said, mental health is an integral part of health. Our government is making it a priority. Since 2015, we have invested several historic amounts, including $5 billion for access to mental health …
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, a lethal dose can vary from person to person. The composition and purity of the illegal drug supply varies, including strong opioids such as fentanyl. In particular, the illegal drug supply remains contaminated by potent drugs like fentanyl and its analogues and has the potential to pose harm to people who use drugs. Health Canada recognizes that fentanyl is a dangerous drug due to it…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, PHAC publishes updated observed national surveillance data, i.e., reports on opioid- and stimulant-related deaths, hospitalizations and emergency medical services responses, which are released every three months: March, June, September and December. Modelling releases happen every six months jointly with the June and December national surveillance data releases. The latest projections…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, today I am happy to mark the start of the summer season for the Sherbrooke Station Market. Located on the shores of Lac des Nations, this public market is steeped in history and showcases Sherbrooke's natural and built heritage. Five permanent merchants occupy the interior space year round and, with the beginning of the summer this weekend, many market gardeners and artisans have set …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for that important question. People are dying every day. Putting an end to this crisis calls for a multi-faceted plan that includes diverting drug users away from the criminal justice system. We approved British Columbia's plan to decriminalize personal possession of small amounts of drugs. It is based on a comprehensive implementation plan, along with a broad r…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for her important question. This allows me to reaffirm that good mental health will always be a priority to our government. This funding will not only help enhance resilience in communities across Canada but also support those whose mental health has been most affected by the pandemic. Yesterday, I was pleased to announce that our government will provide $10 mil…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, I know that mental health organizations are essential to helping the people of Sherbrooke get through tough times. Today I want to talk about Secours-Amitié Estrie, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Secours-Amitié Estrie is a local organization dedicated to the mental health of the people of Sherbrook…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this is Canadian Environment Week, so it is a great time to highlight the historic investments our government has made to position our country and the Sherbrooke community on the path to a clean, strong and competitive economy in a low-carbon world. I am proud of our government for investing more than $3.8 million in the Société de transport de Sherbrooke so it can operate a fleet of …
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, the government has made a firm commitment to Canadians that it will develop, fund and implement this new permanent mental health transfer. To do that, we must work collaboratively with the provinces and territories. I know that my colleague understands without a doubt that mental health is sharply declining across the country. We have to be able to provide promising and innovative p…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to respond to my esteemed colleague this evening and to talk about what our government is doing to support mental health care across Canada. We have made historic investments in mental health, including $5 billion to the provinces and territories through ongoing bilateral agreements. Budget 2022 proposes to provide $227.6 million over two ye…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, our government recognizes that problematic substance use is a health issue, and we are working to divert people who use drugs away from the criminal justice system and toward supportive and trusted relationships in health and social services. With the budget 2022 investment of an additional $100 million, we have now committed over $800 million to support community-led harm reduction…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Madam Speaker, the opioid and toxic drug supply crisis is heartbreaking and has taken a tragic toll on the families, loved ones and communities of those we have lost across Canada. I would like to thank the member for Courtenay—Alberni for his advocacy on this critical issue and for prompting this important debate in the House of Commons. The Government of Canada recognizes that the overdose crisi…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, although alcohol consumption is legal and socially acceptable in Canada, it can have significant health and safety implications for Canadians and can exacerbate a number of social problems, such as homelessness. That is why our government is committed to supporting researchers in Sherbrooke and all across the country who are leading the way when it comes to addictions prevention and t…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, our government has made historic investments in mental health, including $5 billion to the provinces and territories through ongoing bilateral agreements. We are also engaging with provinces and territories to inform the development of a new mental health transfer, building on the principles of the Canada Health Act, and sharing data on indicators and outcomes. We remain fully committ…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, our government is working to implement this crisis line as quickly and as effectively as possible. While the CRTC is completing its process, PHAC is working concurrently to ensure there will be capacity for the new line to connect people to the most appropriate support in the most appropriate way. We are also working closely with U.S. Admiral Levine, Dr. Delphin-Rittmon and their team…
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for his question. We are conducting a thorough process. The CRTC has reviewed the comments received during recent consultations and it is working to ensure that every call is routed efficiently. This will require significant changes to the Canadian telecommunications system, including converting telephone switching stations across the country. We hav…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Salaberry—Suroît for her speech. I agree with many of the things she said in her speech, in particular the fact that the two official languages do not have equal status and that French is in decline in Quebec. However, we need to concern ourselves with minority languages across Canada and not just in Quebec. I would like her to clarify a few p…
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