Parliamentary Speeches
470 speeches by Marie-Hélène Gaudreau — Page 1 of 10
Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, the Laurentians were developed thanks to the P'tit Train du Nord, the cherished dream of Father Labelle. It was a railway line that made it possible to open up the territory and build our communities. For the past 30 years, this iconic route has sustained another mode of transportation. Today, cyclists, trekkers, runners and cross-country skiers can enjoy this long trail winding like …
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Mr. Speaker, the Department of Natural Resources warned on Thursday that wildfire activity will increase throughout the summer. With hot temperatures expected, 300 mayors are calling on the federal government to abandon its plans for new pipelines, stating in their declaration that more communities are likely to burn to the ground this summer as we double down on fossil fuel expansion. As another …
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Mr. Speaker, my question is very simple. I would like to know if my colleague opposite, the government leader, has seen or read the remarks by the National Assembly's cybersecurity lead, Stéphane Le Bouyonnec, and if he noticed any red flags. In committee, Mr. Le Bouyonnec talked about the risks associated with insufficient digital sovereignty. In the case before us, the Standing Committee on Proc…
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Mr. Speaker, I think we are all starting to feel a little worse for wear—sitting here until midnight, constantly voting and dealing with closure motions. In short, we are all in the same boat, and we are all telling ourselves that we need to be strong, that we will get through this. I am going to ask my colleague a very simple question. How is it that, when the Standing Committee on Procedure and …
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Mr. Speaker, it has been a long time since we sat on the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs for a number of meetings. We were just starting the study, and I am pleased to have an outcome like this. My question for my colleague is quite simple. What is missing from this bill that would make it even better, although maybe not perfect?
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Mr. Speaker, I congratulate my colleague. I served on the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs for over two years. Yes, we had begun considering this issue before any foreign interference occurred. It took up some 70 meetings; I remember it like it was yesterday. My question is very simple. I am surprised, even disappointed, when we talk about loopholes for foreign funds. When we seek…
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Mr. Speaker, I was just talking about partisanship. Partisanship has its limits. Not agreeing with a decision or voting nay is one thing. In my opinion, however, using social media as an election platform is unacceptable. I do not even want to know how much money was raised. Ultimately, what this shows is a lack of seriousness. We may think of ourselves as seasoned parliamentarians representing ou…
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Mr. Speaker, again, this is about implementing and enforcing laws—
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Mr. Speaker, I understand that there is some parliamentary gamesmanship going on. There are procedures that can be used to carry out or slow down our processes, but I implore my colleagues to realize that, on some issues, there is no room for partisanship. I am telling all members of the House that when it comes to issues like safety, crime or even medical assistance in dying, we must set partisan…
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Mr. Speaker, I have a very simple question for my colleague. I would like to know if she is aware of the impact that this new administrative structure, the so-called Build Canada Homes, has had in places like Laurentides—Labelle, where projects have not been allowed to move forward, leaving women who are victims of violence without the safe havens they need. Construction has been put on hold while…
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Mr. Speaker, tonight, it is clear that there is a party line. I can tell what my colleague wants. There are consequences to voting against this bill because it falls short and is not broad enough. We can analyze the situation and decide that the bill can be reassessed. Has there been any progress? If the answer is yes, can victims be kept safe right now? If the answer is yes, then I beg them to pl…
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleague the following question. The Bloc Québécois proposed an amendment that would correct a mistake and improve legal support. I would like to know why the government members voted against that amendment when the rationale behind our proposal was sound and justified.
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Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, we have no interpretation.
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I think I am bothering some people in the House, Mr. Speaker. I was talking about my colleague across the way. He is coming back and bothering us. It is 10:30 p.m. We are tired. Seriously, we are talking about respect and dignity for women, and that is what we are doing tonight. I think some of my colleagues need some interpretation, because they are not understanding what I am saying at all. In s…
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to know my colleague's thoughts about the study in committee of Bill C-16. The Conservatives made a lot of deliberate attempts to obstruct the work. While purporting to bring amendments beyond the scope of the bill, our colleagues engaged in endless filibustering. Considering that we made some progress and that we support the bill, even though it may not be perfect, what …
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Mr. Speaker, in the last four months of 2026, Quebec has mourned 10 victims of femicide. This number rivals the annual average for the past decade. That is horrific. I hope that my colleague on the other side of the House is aware of that, because these are tragedies. This is really an unacceptable number of domestic tragedies. I find the increase extremely alarming, perhaps more so than my collea…
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Mr. Speaker, I am deeply moved by the remarks made by my colleague from Shefford. We are talking about taking back control of our lives. Just a few hours ago, during the debate on Bill C-20, we were talking about building Canada. I asked the following question: How could a program be implemented to the point of jeopardizing or suspending the activities of organizations that help abused women, even…
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Mr. Speaker, in the span of two weeks, the Prime Minister announced that he will undermine democracy in a referendum by disregarding the 50%-plus-one rule; he announced, together with Alberta, a new pipeline that crosses the territory of another province without that province's consent; he forced the former environment minister to resign over his shift toward the oil industry; and he proved himsel…
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Mr. Speaker, he touched our hearts on Monday night as he carried the torch ahead of the Canadiens game. Then our hearts were broken by the news of his sudden death. Claude Lemieux, the most formidable playoff performer in history, passed away at just 60 years old. He was a four-time Stanley Cup champion, including in 1986 with Montreal. Claude Lemieux was the playoff MVP with New Jersey and a symb…
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Mr. Speaker, I have a very simple question for my colleague. We are talking about consistency in government planning. I serve on the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates. The Liberals are talking about Build Canada Homes, and they want to build more homes. Our party has made concrete proposals and, right now, the industry's survival is in serious jeopardy. Does my colleague ag…
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Mr. Speaker, earlier I dared to speak my mind loud and clear, and I will say it again: One day the government will have to get its house in order and become experts on the “Buy Canadian” policy, among other things. I digress, but it will soon be clear why, as that is my question for my colleague. How is it that government investments have a direct impact when we have free trade agreements, and how…
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Mr. Speaker, it is true that seniors are facing difficulties. We have been saying for many years that seniors aged 65 to 74 are being discriminated against by the government, and we expected that this situation would be rectified. Instead of offering a poisoned chalice in the form of election-time handouts, the government could have helped people in this age group. What are my colleague's thoughts…
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Mr. Speaker, the question I would like to ask my colleague—
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Mr. Speaker, the Liberals give the impression that they are listening, while silently thinking to themselves that they have a trick up their sleeve. They even said that we were traumatizing the people who came to give evidence all over again. I have heard that so many times. Then, when they realize that this sort of incident is not an isolated one, they have to keep it under wraps. What do they do…
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Mr. Speaker, I also appreciate my colleague's work. Why is this not done on a case-by-case basis? Proposals are heard, a preliminary study is done, there is an assessment, and then a decision is made based on need and on what is proposed. When we all agree and then they say that it is wrong, that we should forget about it, that is like telling the minister that he will have the right to do whateve…
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Mr. Speaker, not long ago, on October 8, I spoke here in the House about Bill C‑11. My background in social psychology means that I have a specific perspective when it comes to victims, actions and their impact. In particular, I want to commend my colleague from Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton because he and his colleagues had an opportunity to meet with victims, which allowed them to see that the rec…
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Mr. Speaker, everywhere we turn, we hear about investments or about “building Canada strong”, whether during elections or government announcements, while the veterans affairs budget has been cut by 15%. Do not try to tell me that the government sees them, hears them, believes them. The government definitely does not want to help veterans.
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Mr. Speaker, I am deeply moved by the topic of our discussion. Allow me to explain why. I will start by asking those present and those watching at home to raise their hand if they have cared for someone at the end of their life who sought medical assistance in dying. We are not alone. We can ask people who have lived through the experience and people who are as afraid of this word as they are of t…
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Mr. Speaker, we all have different abilities to focus. I tend to hear everything and see everything. It may be a character flaw, but noise bothers me. Members do not have to listen, but I would ask them to be quiet. I will continue by sharing what I experienced and what I have seen over the past few years. I hope that my colleague who introduced this bill has had the opportunity to openly discuss …
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Mr. Speaker, I listened to my colleague's speech. The intent of the bill is to amend the Criminal Code to make it an offence for certain people, in an end-of-life situation, to initiate a discussion about all the options available to a person who is suffering. This is based on discussions. Instead of the offence being based on an employee's behaviour, something else should be done. There are peopl…
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Mr. Speaker, once again, what movie is this? I was there, back in 1997, in the era of the labour market agreement, occupational training and the creation of the Commission des partenaires du marché du travail. It is no mystery what is going on here in Ottawa. Businesses are struggling to survive because of the relentlessly rising tariffs. We were told to expect a big surprise after a year. Why is …
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Mr. Speaker, I worked for decades for labour market partners, including the youth employment centres that we have in Quebec, and I learned one thing: Employment insurance benefits were the only benefits that had not yet been transferred for Quebec to manage. Unfortunately, it did not happen. Right up until 2017, there were prior learning recognition agreements in place to allow educational institu…
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Mr. Speaker, how can the government reconcile the fact that it is promoting co-operation and negotiation when we are being hit with this right in the face? In the end, we were told that the government was upholding a tradition. I do not understand. Someone please explain it to me.
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Mr. Speaker, far too many veterans suffer from mental health issues. To help them, Ottawa created a program called partners in Canadian veterans rehabilitation services, or PCVRS. However, instead of helping, it is hindering. A survey of 51 mental health professionals found that PCVRS makes veterans' health worse. They are misdiagnosed by unqualified employees. Worse still, if they boycott the pro…
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Mr. Speaker, veterans who are suffering are forced to participate in PCVRS under pressure from Ottawa, even when it worsens their symptoms. They are caught up in a bureaucracy that is hurting them. They are repeatedly confronted with their traumas by poorly trained therapists who contradict the advice of health care professionals, yet Ottawa is considering extending the program for another six yea…
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Mr. Speaker, the words “sense of duty”, “tenacity” and “strength of character” are not enough to describe retired captain Hélène Le Scelleur. For 28 years she served in the Canadian Armed Forces— I am sorry, Mr. Speaker, but it is noisy.
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Mr. Speaker, the words “sense of duty”, “tenacity” and “strength of character” are not enough to describe retired captain Hélène Le Scelleur. She served with courage in the Canadian Armed Forces for 28 years, particularly in the Balkans and in Afghanistan, guided by a deep sense of duty. However, her dedication extends beyond her uniform. Today, she continues to serve in different ways. She is ver…
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Mr. Speaker, it took 70 meetings to finally secure an independent public inquiry. My question is very simple: With Bill C-25, does my colleague believe that this independent public inquiry was a good thing and that it will enable us to make changes? We have worked very hard and I believe that, today, we will be able to hold fair and democratic elections. What does my colleague think?
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Mr. Speaker, I listened to my colleague's remarks, and I would like to point out that, when we discussed foreign interference, several colleagues here agreed with me, following those 70 meetings, that an independent public inquiry into the issue of foreign interference needed to be called. This bill is not only important, but essential. Since our own Privacy Commissioner lacks sufficient enforceme…
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Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my colleague's attention to detail. I have attended several meetings of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs with him. I have a question for him. What about public funding for parties? The goal is to promote fairness, justice and democracy. Clearly, one of the things that public funding does is reduce the number of friends and loved ones with deep pockets…
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Madam Speaker, first and foremost, it is important for me to express my full support tonight for “Le communautaire à boutte” movement. Before becoming an MP, I served as executive director of the Hautes-Laurentides community development corporation for over five years. I worked closely with more than 50 organizations that provide services that government agencies cannot. These are dedicated people…
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Mr. Speaker, tonight I rise to speak to Bill C‑220, an act to amend the Criminal Code regarding immigration status in sentencing. I think it is a shame that we have to talk about immigration this evening because of a bill. What we should be talking about are the business owners and claimants who are paying the price for the unacceptable delays caused by the mismanagement of the Minister of Immigra…
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Mr. Speaker, in life, there are people who inspire us with their courage, self-sacrifice, strength and dignity in the face of adversity. Since becoming the veterans affairs critic, I have come across some truly exceptional human beings. I have entered a world that is too often overlooked, one that is characterized by humanity, dedication and altruism. One person in particular is always on my mind.…
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Mr. Speaker, I did pick up on a desire to make greenhouse gases less and less noticeable. I actually met with the President of the Treasury Board this morning, and we talked about regulatory sandboxes, among other things. I am very concerned. I am very concerned because, on this opposition day, it is clear that economic pressure from the fossil fuel lobby has resulted in an opposition motion aimed…
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Mr. Speaker, I am reflecting on my colleague's question from a few minutes ago about the motion. How could the Conservatives have left some things out of the motion? Why were they forced to amend it after we listed the Quebec businesses that were not included?
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Mr. Speaker, my question is simple. Why are we debating Motion No. 16 here, rather than with my colleague on the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates?
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Mr. Speaker, tonight, the fundamental question is: Why debate this motion in the House? This question seems very simple, but it is crucial to me. Since I have been a member of the House of Commons, I have rarely seen orders of reference from the House to committees, other than for questions of privilege. I have seen my share of questions of privilege. I sat on the Standing Committee on Procedure a…
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Madam Speaker, as Parliament winds down before the break, we are working very hard, and I appreciate your efforts. I also appreciate the outstanding work of my colleague from Mégantic—L'Érable—Lotbinière. I mentioned to him earlier how valuable it is. There is a lot of noise, Madam Speaker. This is a very—
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Madam Speaker, I think it is time we all took a break. I want to take this opportunity to share something positive. This past weekend, the PwC Tremblant World Cup was held in Mont-Tremblant. Franco-Ontarian athlete Valérie Grenier, who lives in Laurentides—Labelle, made it to the podium, winning the bronze medal. It is good to talk about positive things. I think we all need to take a little break,…
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Madam Speaker, I would like my colleague to tell me whether he will still vote against the next budget, since we now know that the Prime Minister has made a major shift in favour of the oil industry.
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