Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, after nearly 50 years of unwavering dedication, Mayor Michel Bissonnet has announced that he is retiring. From his first election as mayor in 1978, to his decades as an MNA and his return as mayor in 2008, Michel has been more than a leader. He is the heart and soul of our community. His tireless dedication, openness to everyone and deep love for Saint-Léonard has touched many lives. …
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Mr. Speaker, we are working closely with the provinces and territories to reform our bail system, look at sentencing and address court delays. This will give police and prosecutors more effective tools to keep violent offenders off our streets, particularly in cases of violent or organized crime, breaking and entering, car theft and human trafficking. Canadians elected this new government to impro…
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Mr. Speaker, we are working very hard to be able to introduce legislation shortly. In fact, the Minister of Justice has already committed to introducing a bill in the House this fall. We know that the safety of our communities does not depend on slogans. It is our responsibility. While we are focused on delivering real results, the Conservatives are focused on recycling slogans and fearmongering. …
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Madam Speaker, extortion is a serious and deeply harmful crime for which the Criminal Code already provides some of the strongest penalties in the world. That being said, we recognize the growing impact of extortion, including new and more sophisticated forms, and this is why this government is committed to doing more. On this side of the House, we know that tackling serious crimes requires more t…
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Madam Speaker, the Government of Canada is deeply concerned by the growing number of Canadians who fall victim to extortion each year. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, so too have the tactics used by most who commit extortion. These extortionists are increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect. They threaten safety in our communities and, most disturbingly, often target th…
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Mr. Speaker, with respect to the legal costs incurred by the Government for the cases Canadian Frontline Nurses and Kristen Nagle v. Attorney General of Canada, Canadian Civil Liberties Association v. Attorney General of Canada, Canadian Constitution Foundation v. Attorney General of Canada, and Jeremiah Jost, Edward Cornell, Vincent Gircys and Harold Ristau v. Governor in Council, His Majesty in …
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Mr. Speaker, as to parts (a), (b) and (e), criminal justice system delays have negative impacts on all persons affected by crime, including victims, families and the broader community in which the crime took place. Addressing delays requires concerted action by all levels of government. Since 2019, the federal government has introduced, and Parliament has enacted, the following legislative measure…
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Mr. Speaker, I understand my colleague, and Canadians deserve to feel safe in their own communities, which is why we have committed to cracking down on repeat, violent offenders even further, in our platform. We will strengthen the Criminal Code and move aggressively to protect victims by making bail laws stricter for violent and organized crime, home invasion, car theft and human trafficking. We …
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Mr. Speaker, I feel for the member's opposite situation. There are mandatory minimums when it comes to certain offences committed with firearms relating to some crimes. There is a maximum amount for a sentence for repeat offenders: seven years. We take these issues very seriously, and we will be working towards reforms in the coming months.
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Mr. Speaker, as an Italian Canadian and member of Parliament representing the riding of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, I am honoured to rise in recognition of Italian Heritage Month. It is held in June, and Canadians have the opportunity to celebrate the vibrant culture, customs and traditions, as well as the invaluable contributions of Italian communities across Canada. My Italian heritage has had a…
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Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, as part of the Canadian delegation for Vatican City, I had the honour and privilege to attend the induction of His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo into the College of Cardinals, presided by His Holiness Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica. Cardinal Leo is the 18th Canadian to be inducted into the College of Cardinals. Among his many accomplishments and important positi…
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Mr. Speaker, on December 7, we will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, a landmark agreement that has shaped a global vision in aviation. This historic treaty laid the foundation for the development of a safe, efficient and interconnected air transport network, which has brought nations closer together in the spirit of co-operation and n…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to His Excellency Andrea Ferrari, whose distinguished tenure as ambassador of Italy to Canada is soon coming to a close. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Ferrari for his invaluable contributions over the past several years. His unwavering support for the Italian Canadian community, of which I am a proud member, is rooted in deep appreciation of the ri…
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Mr. Speaker, I had the honour of attending the historic inauguration of Amazon Web Services' brand new Espace Voir Grand at the Centre Lasallien in Saint‑Michel. This educational space is the first AWS Think Big Space in Canada and the first one in the world to be designed for francophones. It will give students, teachers and members of our community unprecedented access to educational resources i…
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Mr. Speaker, Montreal's east end is brimming with opportunities. Last November, at the Sommet de l'Est, the minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions announced $30 million in funding for local businesses and organizations as part of the initiative to support economic development in Montréal's east end. Can the minister tell us how our government is supporting the east…
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Mr. Speaker, next week, from October 7 to 11, Canadian Malnutrition Awareness Week will be taking place. Malnutrition is a serious challenge that has deep and long-lasting developmental, economic, social and medical impacts on individuals and communities. From under-nourishment to poor diet, millions of children across the world suffer serious consequences each year. Here in Canada, our government…
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Mr. Speaker, this weekend, I had the great pleasure of attending La Festa Degli Anziani with a group from the Giuseppe Garibaldi Seniors Club. This event, to mark National Seniors Day, which will be celebrated on October 1, was an opportunity to highlight and be grateful for the contributions of our seniors in our communities. Whether it was bringing the retirement age back down to 65 after the Co…
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Mr. Speaker, more than 9,000 citizens in my riding of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel are receiving dental care thanks to the Canadian dental care plan. This is a historic investment that benefits many Quebeckers, especially seniors, and guarantees access to the health care they need and deserve. Can the Minister of Public Services and Procurement explain how this plan helps Quebeckers get the care the…
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Mr. Speaker, thousands of seniors, including those in my riding of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, have already been to see their dentist to get dental care. This shows the importance of implementing the Canadian dental care plan. Unfortunately, the opposition continues to oppose this program day after day. Can the Minister of Public Services and Procurement give us an update on how successful this pr…
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Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that over 62% of dental care providers in the province of Quebec are now registered to participate in the Canadian dental care plan. More than 200,000 seniors have already received care through this program, and with more than 694,000 Quebeckers registered and accepted, we can expect that number to keep going up. We can be very proud of supporting our seniors. Many o…
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Mr. Speaker, Italian Canadians' positive contributions to our country are apparent from coast to coast to coast, and more so in my riding of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel. Whether in our small businesses or in multinationals that have set up shop here, Italian talent and know-how shine throughout our community and our country. As the daughter of Italian-Canadian parents, I am very proud to celebrate …
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Madam Speaker, the Conservatives continue to show their true colours. The Conservative leader said he would override the rights of Canadians by using the notwithstanding clause. On Tuesday, the member for Peace River—Westlock introduced a petition here in the House to restrict abortion access, and on the same day, every Conservative member voted against a bill that would provide contraceptives to …
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Mr. Speaker, my riding of Saint‑Léonard-Saint‑Michel is fortunate to be located on the island of Montreal, a city known worldwide for its spectacular festivals and vibrant cultural scene. Our government understands the value of arts and culture; therefore, it is committed to making the necessary investments to see them grow and flourish. Budget 2024 will provide $31 million in funding over two yea…
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Mr. Speaker, the federal government is committed to promoting Canadian values, such as inclusion, diversity and acceptance. As elected members of the House, we are all responsible for our conduct in this chamber and outside of it. Yesterday, our government called out the Conservative leader for his behaviour in the courting of a far-right, white nationalist extremist group. Instead of standing up …
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Mr. Speaker, on March 8, I had the immense pleasure of meeting and celebrating women community leaders from my riding of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel. The women spoke of their personal stories, challenges and triumphs. They are successful women, not only in their respective lines of business, occupations or professions, but because each day they inspire and serve as role models for other women. I am…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to address the chamber with respect to Bill C-352, which would amend the Competition Act. I think we all agree in the chamber that a stronger competition enforcement regime would be good for all Canadians. The bill proposed by the New Democratic Party, while receptive to the need for change in competition law, and generally aligned with the government's overall direction …
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Madam Speaker, we know that families across Canada, including those in my riding of Saint‑Léonard—Saint‑Michel, are struggling with the cost of living. The Canada child benefit is a source of support for families in my community. Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families and Children tell the House how this important benefit is helping all Canadian families?
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Mr. Speaker, our government cares deeply about Montreal East. This area has long been neglected and associated with refineries and heavy industry, but the time has come to transform it into a hub of economic and social development. Can the minister tell us how the federal government is working with other levels of government to help revitalize Montreal East and support businesses like Les Laborato…
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Mr. Speaker, many countries have agreed to triple their production of renewable energies, such as solar energy, wind energy and hydroelectricity. This commitment stands in sharp contrast with the approach of the opposition leader, who promotes oil production and wants to go back to the Stone Age when it comes to fighting climate change. Can the minister tell us about the commitment that our govern…
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Mr. Speaker, in yesterday's economic statement, the government announced measures to support housing co-operatives. There are 1,130 co-ops in Quebec, representing more than 22,000 housing units. The Leader of the Opposition referred to co-ops as Soviet-style housing. That shows his contempt for this type of housing. Can the minister explain to Canadians the impact that yesterday's measures will ha…
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Mr. Speaker, last week, members of this House voted on my private member's bill, Bill C-252, which aims to prohibit the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children aged 13 and under. While the Bloc and the NDP voted in favour of this initiative to protect the health of children, the Conservatives voted against it, once again demonstrating that the health of Canadians is always their las…
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Madam Speaker, it is an honour and a privilege for me to rise this evening in this House to bring forward once again my private member's bill, Bill C-252, which aims to prohibit the marketing of certain foods and beverages directly to children. I would like to begin by sincerely thanking all my colleagues here for offering their opinions and contributing to the important conversation on Bill C-252…
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Mr. Speaker, I was happy to join the Minister of Small Business to kick off Small Business Week in Montreal, where we met amazing small businesses such as Camillette Jewelry, Unel and Cookine. Les Délices Lafrenaie, a small must-try bakery located in my riding, is one of the many businesses that form the backbone of our economy. Can the Minister of Small Business tell us how the government is supp…
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Mr. Speaker, after years of inaction under the Conservative government, our government became the first to adopt a regime to protect passenger rights, establishing a common set of obligations that all airlines must respect. To strengthen this regime, additional measures were introduced in Bill C‑47, creating even stricter regulations for airlines and ensuring that passengers are always protected. …
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Congratulations, Mr. Speaker. October is Women's History Month in Canada. It is an opportunity to reflect on and to honour the efforts and dedicated work of countless women in the feminist movement. One such actor is the Montreal Council of Women. I joined them this weekend to celebrate their 130th anniversary. MCW has played a pivotal role, not only in empowering women but in encouraging them to …
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Mr. Speaker, today I wish to acknowledge the loss of a great woman in Canadian politics, the Hon. Monique Bégin. She was member of Parliament for Saint-Michel in 1972, and for Saint-Léonard—Anjou in 1974, 1979 and 1980. Not only was she a pioneer, becoming one of the first three Quebec women elected to the Canadian Parliament, but she also defended her progressive family values with conviction and…
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Mr. Speaker, that is an excellent question. In fact, the bill contains a provision that would mandate Health Canada to monitor impacts of this bill on the marketing of foods and beverages to teenagers aged between 13 and 18. This would be done specifically in an effort to ensure that food companies and advertisers would not simply, as I mentioned, turn around and ramp up their marketing to teenage…
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Mr. Speaker, my colleague has an excellent question. If such a law had been adopted a few years back, when Senator Greene Raine brought it before the Senate, we probably would have decreased the number of deaths that I have reported since then. More important, we know this is putting a strain on our health care system and is costing, in Canada, $13.8 billion a year. Therefore, it is monetary, in e…
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moved that the bill be concurred in.
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Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, Quebec has served as a model in terms of not targeting marketing to kids. However, this bill goes a lot further and is much broader. We want to put more measures in place to ensure that foods that are unhealthy for kids are not marketed to them. Obviously, there have been industries that have tried, in various forms and through various attempts, to still market to youn…
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Mr. Speaker, the goal is not to encroach on areas of provincial jurisdiction. The goal is to protect the well-being of our children and to ensure that children are not targeted by advertising campaigns that promote unhealthy eating. Health Canada looks after its areas of jurisdiction and the provinces have theirs.
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moved that the bill be read the third time and passed. Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to rise today to discuss my bill, Bill C-252. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank my colleagues for all their support and hard work in advancing the bill. Bill C-252 essentially seeks to prohibit the marketing of foods that contain excessive amounts of sugar, sodium and saturated fats to…
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Mr. Speaker, firmly rooted in the Saint-Michel neighbourhood and at the heart of the Cité des arts du cirque, TOHU is a place of creation, culture and community engagement that contributes considerably to Montreal's reputation as an international capital of the circus arts. TOHU recently won in two categories at Tourism Montreal's Distinction Awards for its 3GIANTS project, presented during the 20…
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Mr. Speaker, today marks the beginning of Italian Heritage Month here in Canada. Over the next 30 days, we will have the opportunity to celebrate and honour the richness of the Italian language, culture and heritage. From generation to generation, Italian Canadians have visibly and vastly contributed to the economic growth of our country and marked the history of Canada with their many achievement…
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Mr. Speaker, our government is working hard to help Canadians have a healthier lifestyle. We have implemented important initiatives, such as an updated Canada's food guide, new nutrition labelling standards and investments of $10 million in budget 2023 to encourage people to adopt a more active lifestyle. Can the Minister of Health tell us what new measures might be added to Canada's healthy eatin…
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Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the hard work and dedication of a group of 17 young female athletes in my riding and members of Les Suprêmes Novice de Saint-Léonard, who won gold at the 2023 Novice Canadian Championships, 2023 Skate Canada Cup. Les Suprêmes delivered an outstanding performance in the synchronized skating competition held in Calgary. Congratulations go to Siena Ferrant…
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Mr. Speaker, this Black History Month, let us continue to honour the legacy and contributions of Black communities in Canada. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable work done by the various Black-led organizations in Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, including the Association haïtiano-canado-québécoise d'aide aux démunis, the Centre Lasallien, Compagnie Théâtre créole, and Maison …
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Mr. Speaker, this week is Canadian School Counselling Week, an opportunity for us to recognize the remarkable work done by school counsellors to support the academic, social and emotional growth, and career development of students at all grade levels. According to a survey conducted by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the main challenges facing our youth are feelings of isolation and loneli…
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Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Justice just announced today his intention to delay by one year the expansion of the medical assistance in dying legislation to those suffering solely from a mental illness. We know that medical assistance in dying is a complex issue and very personal for many Canadians. Can the minister explain the reasons for his decision?
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Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to congratulate Roberto Luongo, former Florida Panthers goaltender, on his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. A native of my riding of Saint-Léonard who also grew up on my street, Roberto Luongo is known for his on-ice butterfly style of goaltending and remains one of only three goaltenders in history to have played over 1,000 games in the NHL. He is a recipie…
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