Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, it is with a deep sadness and a heavy heart that I rise in the House today to mark the passing of a dear friend, A Plant: a respected entrepreneur and realtor, a community builder, a generous mentor and a tireless force for good in the national capital region. AJ, a servant of God, dedicated his life to helping others by supporting local food banks and charities, helping families find…
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Mr. Speaker, it is with great humility that I rise today for my first statement in this 45th Parliament. I am very grateful to the voters of Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester for placing their trust in me for a fourth term. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of hundreds of volunteers, my campaign team and my family. I welcome the community of Blackburn Hamlet, which is now…
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Mr. Speaker, congratulations on your new mandate. I want to take this opportunity to thank the people of Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester for putting their trust in me. I will work very hard these next few years. Over the past few weeks, Canadians across the country and in the riding of Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester that I represent sent a clear message. We need to be united, sovereign and responsible. We need…
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Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I had the pleasure of visiting dental assistant students at Willis College on the first anniversary of the launch of the Canadian dental care plan. Thanks to this program, more than three million Canadians are now able to see a dentist. One in four Canadians were not going to the dentist because of the cost. Could the minister explain how the program is making life more aff…
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Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to renowned Franco-Ontarian journalist and columnist Denis Gratton, who left us on December 7. A native of Vanier, Mr. Gratton was a towering voice for the Ottawa—Vanier community and for Ontario's francophones. A veteran scribe for the daily newspaper Le Droit, he not only wrote about the realities of everyday life but also…
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Mr. Speaker, the government has introduced a GST break that will put money directly into the pockets of Canadians, especially the families who need it most. Unfortunately, we know that the Conservatives voted against this measure and continue to vote against the affordability measures we are putting forward. Can the minister explain how all of us in the House can support Canadians in these difficu…
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Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives weep crocodile tears when they talk about affordability for families. However, when the time comes to help all Canadians, they are missing in action. Our government has brought in $10-a-day child care, a national school food program and dental care, all measures that the Conservatives do not support. However, we need to do more. Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Michel Breau, a man with a big heart, a proud Acadian, and an exceptional community builder in Ottawa—Vanier, who passed away on October 29 after a battle with cancer. He was an entrepreneur at heart who owned his own car rental and maintenance franchise. A long-time volunteer with the Gloucester Cougars, Michel was dedicated to giving young people every…
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Mr. Speaker, over the course of the First and Second World Wars, more than 300,000 Canadians in uniform left Halifax bound for Europe. Canada has hundreds of thousands of veterans, each with their own story. Every year, Veterans' Week is an opportunity for us, as Canadians, to reaffirm that we have the right and the duty to reflect on the sacrifices of all those who served and continue to serve. W…
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Mr. Speaker, ensuring the vitality of francophone communities outside Quebec is a priority for our government. Immigration is an essential and powerful tool for achieving that goal. Thanks to the immigration targets planned for 2025‑27, francophone permanent residents will account for 8.5% of all permanent residents admitted to Canada outside Quebec in 2025, 9.5% in 2026 and 10% in 2027. These tar…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise with great sadness to honour to Ethel Côté, who passed away after a battle with cancer. Her family paid tribute to her memory, saying that her unwavering commitment to educating, listening to, supporting and, above all, inspiring everyone she met has left an indelible mark on the lives she touched. A pioneer of the social economy, she founded several organizations, including Mé…
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Mr. Speaker, the next Canada carbon rebate arrives in Ontarians' bank accounts on October 15. Ontario families of four will receive $280 next week. This year, families in Ottawa—Vanier and other Ontario families are receiving a total of $1,120. The Conservatives want to let their wealthy friends off the hook and make the middle class pay the price. The Conservatives know that middle-class Canadian…
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Madam Speaker, wildfires are becoming more and more unpredictable. As keepers of the land, indigenous communities have long held deep local knowledge to mitigate their impacts. Earlier this week, the Leader of the Opposition tokenized indigenous cultural practices when it comes to protecting the environment. To the Minister of Indigenous Services, why is it important that first nations take the le…
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Mr. Speaker, Canada's small and medium-sized businesses keep our country's main streets alive, create well-paying jobs and make the dream of entrepreneurship a reality. These businesses need to thrive so that they can continue to be the foundation of our communities and our economy. Can the Prime Minister tell Canadians what measures have been taken to support small and medium-sized businesses?
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Mr. Speaker, behind every paycheque there are thousands of Canadians working hard to ensure accuracy and timeliness. I rise today as a proud supporter of all payroll workers, many of whom are women dedicated to the vital role of payroll. From September 16 to 20, the National Payroll Institute is celebrating National Payroll Week. To mark the occasion, President and CEO Peter Tzanetakis is here in …
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour Marlene Catterall. A trail-blazing role model for Canadian women, she served on Ottawa city council and was a member of Parliament for 17 years. An accomplished parliamentarian, Marlene preferred to be known as a community activist. She fought for justice, lobbying for the release of constituent Maher Arar from Syrian prison. As Canada's first female chief gover…
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Mr. Speaker, the pandemic and the war in Europe have caused a global inflationary crisis. Our government has endeavoured to curb inflation, and our plan is working. Canada was the first G7 nation to lower its interest rates. The only thing that the Conservatives know how to do is make cuts. Can the Prime Minister tell us our plan for making life more affordable for Canadians?
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I listened carefully to my colleague's speech. I found it somewhat interesting to hear him talk about the dream of home ownership, of owning a house. For several years, the government has had a plan to build more housing. In budget 2024 alone, we are increasing the number—
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, as I was saying, my hon. colleague was talking in his speech about the dream of home ownership. For several years now, the government has been working to build new homes so that both younger and older people can have the opportunity to own a home. For example, the 2024 budget includes investments in the housing accelerator fund, which will help municipalities. Can the member tell me w…
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Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question and the context she provided. As we can see, the government did take steps to set up the Hogue commission and ensure that the mandate it was given had parameters. These parameters are numerous, and they are being followed. We will leave it to Commissioner Hogue to continue to write her report and make recommendations. The government is taking ac…
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Mr. Speaker, I believe that if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to apply the result from the previous vote to this vote, with Liberal members voting yea.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, again, I am sure that Commissioner Hogue will be able to do her work and that she will ask for everything she needs to be able to finalize her report and make recommendations to the government. I am sure that this will happen within the scope of the mandate she received.
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Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House to discuss the government's efforts to protect our democratic institutions. As members know, Canada has an enviable international reputation because of the stability of its system and democratic institutions. It is important to remember that we have a strong electoral system built on a proven legal framework, and that Elections Canada is a high-cali…
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Madam Speaker, I work very well with my colleague across the way at the Standing Committee on International Trade, and I think that we are still in the process of ensuring that we are doing the right things. Obviously, we have concerns. With the bills we are discussing this evening, we are making sure that we have the right tools to reduce any fears that companies may have and address the threats …
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Madam Speaker, businesses that make up our main streets are the lifeblood of our communities. Over the years, especially during the pandemic, main street businesses have run into challenges. I know that the minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario has created a program that will help main street businesses grow and prosper. The members opposite may not …
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Mr. Speaker, for many, cost is a barrier to accessing health care, particularly reproductive health care. The right to access abortion is under threat in Canada. An anti-abortion march made its way through the streets of Ottawa, encouraged and followed by Conservative MPs who promise to further restrict access to health care. Young people in Ottawa—Vanier are concerned and want to know what the go…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Daniel Boucher, who is retiring after 30 years as executive director of the Société de la francophonie manitobaine. He took up this position at the height of the language crisis in Manitoba. This situation motivated him to dedicate his career to striving to make a difference in the francophone community and to advance the cause of Franco-Manitobans. Unde…
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Madam Speaker, it is important for me to rise today on behalf of the residents of Ottawa—Vanier to talk about our government's budget, which is entitled “Fairness for Every Generation”. Our government recognizes that Canadians are facing many challenges today. Whether it is housing or affordability, many of these challenges are leading to growing generational inequality in Canada. That is why this…
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Madam Speaker, I have to say that I am actually very happy that we are starting the first step with a meaningful investment. We have to do more, and we should continue to do more. However, this is a game-changer for community members in Ottawa—Vanier. It needs to pass, and then we could continue to build on this first step.
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Madam Speaker, that is exactly why the government is currently investing to address the housing crisis and to support the most vulnerable members of our society. My hon. colleague understands full well that we need to pass last fall's economic statement so that we can continue to support our communities, including the community of Ottawa—Vanier. I would therefore invite my colleague opposite to en…
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Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for raising this subject. I think the government has made its position quite clear. We will keep working together to make sure we can do better. We will keep doing that work not only in committee, but also here in the House, to advance the agenda the government set forth in budget 2024.
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Madam Speaker, our veterans and their families have sacrificed so much for our country. We have a solemn and sacred duty to support our veterans, who have served courageously and honourably. We know how hard it can be for a veteran transitioning to civilian life to find a doctor. When veterans were active members in the Canadian Armed Forces, they received health care directly from the forces. Can…
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Mr. Speaker, Ottawa, our national capital, is a must-see destination for people from here and abroad, who come to visit Parliament, the National Gallery of Canada, the Rideau Canal, the Canadian Tulip Festival and even the Byward Market. Tourism is one of Ottawa's key economic drivers. Ottawa Tourism has worked with more than 450 tourism-related businesses to profile Ottawa and all of its cultural…
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Mr. Speaker, for the first time ever, we are on track to meet our 2026 climate target. Most importantly, Ontario families, including those in Ottawa—Vanier, will receive $1,120 this year through the Canada carbon rebate, starting today. That means an extra $255 in their pockets. If the Conservatives stop their delay tactics, rural Ontario families can expect an extra 20% with the passage of Bill C…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Benoît Pelletier. A published author and distinguished minister in the Government of Quebec, Benoît played an important role in strengthening ties between Quebec and francophone communities across Canada. His bold vision and his commitment to the francophonie marked a major turning point in our country's history. As minister, Benoît worked to promote Que…
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Mr. Speaker, climate change is a reality that impacts my constituents in Ottawa—Vanier. They have asked the government to reduce emissions while putting more money back in their pockets. That is why, every year, they receive $1,120 from the Canada carbon rebate. While Conservative politicians fail to recognize that climate change is real and that there is an even greater cost of inaction, can the …
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Mr. Speaker, while Conservative politicians fail to recognize that climate change is real and that there is an even greater cost of inaction, can the Prime Minister inform Canadians as to why our plan is so important?
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Mr. Speaker, small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy. The government is committed to making strategic investments through the My Main Street program so that local businesses and communities can thrive. A concrete example of the success of this program can be found right here, in my riding of Ottawa—Vanier. The Vanier BIA, which represents 400 members, created the Vanier HUB by tr…
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Mr. Speaker, reconciliation with indigenous peoples is a top priority for our government. Yesterday, the Conservative leader claimed he was on the side of indigenous peoples. However, repeated comments from his caucus members, including the very first time they spoke on the first nations clean water bill, leaves their commitment to advancing reconciliation in serious doubt. I am proud to be part o…
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Madam Speaker, February is Black History Month. Black Canadians have made invaluable contributions to our heritage and helped shape Canada into the country we know it today. We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the men and women who helped change things in our communities. I would therefore like to thank and pay tribute to Ottawa—Vanier entrepreneur and philanthropist Luc Thermonvil. As…
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Anne-Marie Philippe, a caring woman and outstanding volunteer who dedicated her life to her community here, in Ottawa-Vanier. She left us far too soon and too suddenly in early January. Anne-Marie Philippe was not only a familiar face in our area, she was also known for her community involvement and dedication to volunteering. She was a fixture at every …
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 14th report of the Standing Committee on International Trade, entitled “Non-Tariff Barriers to Trade: Some Canadian Perspectives”. I want to thank the members of the committee, as well as the committee clerk and the analysts, for their hard work.
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Mr. Speaker, throughout the month of November, we celebrate Lebanese heritage thanks to the member for Halifax West, who introduced the bill. Ottawa—Vanier is home to a large and dynamic Lebanese diaspora that is an integral part of our rich cultural mosaic. Through gatherings at the Lebanese festival, the Saint Charbel Maronite church or the Saints Peter and Paul Melkite Catholic Church, this com…
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Madam Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to speak to Motion No. 30, which is designed to unlock the support for Canadians laid out in Bill C-56, the affordable housing and groceries act. I feel compelled to share that I met with many constituents from Ottawa—Vanier who asked me to support this bill, and I will explain why in the next few minutes. It is unfortunate that the urgency of deliv…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. colleague for sharing his thoughts on this bill. It would be great if he could support this measure, which has been brought forward by developers for the last many years, who say that the GST removal would give them a break and help them move forward in building. This is one of the many measures we have been bringing forward. The other one that I know is big talk in O…
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Mr. Speaker, my question has to do with Bill C‑57. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has cost thousands of people their lives, and it continues to jeopardize the stability of the entire region and the world. Unfortunately, this week, the leader of the official opposition and the Conservative members voted against the free trade agreement between Canada and Ukraine. We are talking about an agreement tha…
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Mr. Speaker, I am going to respond in French because I want to make it clear to the residents of Ottawa—Vanier, and to all Canadians, that since we took office in 2015, the Government of Canada, the Liberal government, has been focused on a housing strategy across the country, and that includes affordable housing. I can say that there is a big difference in the riding of Ottawa—Vanier and in the n…
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Mr. Speaker, my colleague makes it easy to see why this is the only way forward and the only way to create more housing across the country. We have to work with partners, including cities, the provinces, co‑operatives and organizations. This affects everyone, and that is why partnerships at the federal level and investment in our communities make things better.
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Mr. Speaker, last week, I had the honour of attending a ceremony in the Legislative Assembly at Queen's Park to watch Edith Dumont be sworn in as the 30th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and the first Franco‑Ontarian to hold that office. Edith Dumont is a respected educator and manager with a lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and community service. Driven by a desire to build relationsh…
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Mr. Speaker, today we are celebrating National Child Day following the adoption in 1991 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. I would like to raise an important issue that residents of Ottawa—Vanier consider a priority. I am referring to the fundamental right of every child in Canada to a healthy diet. On this day dedicated to the well-being of our youngest constituents, let…
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