Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, we are talking about housing. I have met with the mayors in my riding. They are eagerly awaiting the historic investments in municipal infrastructure that we need to build more homes in Quebec. I urge my colleague to vote in favour of the budget implementation bill so we can distribute the funds that our municipalities need to build housing in Quebec.
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Mr. Speaker, I want to reassure my colleague that the new partnership the government has secured with China is being implemented. We have orders, and in fact, orders have been placed. Commerce is resuming right now with China, so it is good news. I invite my colleague to come to us if he wants more detail, but commerce is resuming with China.
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Mr. Speaker, I will start by saying that our canola growers grow the best canola in the world. They are doing tremendous work. Yes, we have a great partnership, a renewed strategic partnership, with China to export canola. In fact, we know that Chinese importers have already secured 650,000 metric tons of Canadian canola, which is 25% of China's total import last year. The door is wide open now, a…
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Mr. Speaker, I just answered and reassured my colleague that trade is resuming with China. I also want to highlight that the agriculture minister will be in Mexico next week opening even more of the market. We secured a market for meat, and now we want to expand these opportunities. We are not stopping there, because we have the best food in the world. The world wants our food, and we will make th…
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Mr. Speaker, in this tragic week for our country, my heart is also with the people of Kitigan Zibi. The community is grieving the unimaginable loss of two of its children, a loss that every parent, every family and every member of this strong and deeply caring community feels today. To the people of Kitigan Zibi, I want to say this: They are not alone. We stand with them. We are mourning with them…
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Mr. Speaker, the sudden loss of Franco Nuovo has shaken Quebec as a whole. Like many francophone listeners across Canada, I could count on his voice, his personality and his insights to set the tone for my Sunday mornings. He knew how to create unique moments by making radio a meeting place, a space for dialogue and exploration, but above all, for culture. His passing is an incredible loss for Que…
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Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for raising this important point in the context of the debate this evening. In my view, we do not talk about agriculture very often and yet agriculture is central to our economy, Canadians' lives and food security, as my colleague referred to. A country that does not feed its people is a country with few options, as our Prime Minister said so well. I would…
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Mr. Speaker, we recognize the importance of a farmer's privilege, which my colleague referred to, to save and replant seeds. The proposed regulatory amendment would help clarify this concept, and that is what we will do. The proposed changes do not alter the right to save and reuse seeds, such as grains and legumes, which is a long-standing practice. Farmers' privilege would not apply to crops suc…
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Mr. Speaker, this new government is committed to reducing red tape across government, especially with our agencies, such as CFIA and PMRA. In committee, we just finished a study on how to effectively reduce red tape across the sector to support our producers and farmers to increase their productivity. On this side of the House, we work with our farmers and our agencies to find concrete solutions t…
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Mr. Speaker, our farmers are at the front line of something very difficult and very challenging. They are fighting against tariff disruption of trade and also extreme weather events. That report clearly said that increasingly violent and unpredictable weather patterns are disrupting agricultural production, creating supply challenges and continuing to influence food prices across Canada. The solut…
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Mr. Speaker, I fully understand that fertilizer use is very important for our producers to supply the country and the world with really healthy food. We are working with the farmers and the industry to find solutions to a fertilizer made in Canada, because in Canada we grow the best food in the world. We will continue to work with our farmers to ensure their long-term competitiveness and to help p…
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Mr. Speaker, the rise in food prices is difficult for families, which is why we are helping lower grocery bills through, for example, the national school food program. However, Professor Sylvain Charlebois, the lead author of the recent study that my colleague just quoted, said that obviously what comes back every year is the impact of climate change on prices, and he noted in particular the effec…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, today, during this week of remembrance and action on violence against women, I would like to congratulate and express my full support for L'EntourElle, an essential organization in my riding. I would like to thank Gisèle, Ashley, Christie, Ollisha, Cassey and Chantal, and everyone who works with and supports their vital work. They are making a difference in the riding through their co…
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Madam Speaker, I want my colleague to know that we are working with all provinces and all sectors. We have a mission. Our government was elected to build a strong economy, a sustainable economy and a future for our children. The proof that our approach is working is that we learned today that our productivity is increasing. That is very good news. Our policies are working. I urge my colleagues to …
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Madam Speaker, we need our forestry workers in rural areas. We need our Canadian softwood lumber, which is a source of pride in Canada. In my riding, I have proud forestry companies. This week, we announced important measures to support the industry. We know that things are not easy, but when times get tough, we support each other. That is exactly what we are doing in the forestry industry. We wil…
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Mr. Speaker, we are looking for solutions to lower the price of food. Real solutions are based on real facts. Last week, the vice-president of Costco appeared before the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. He said that climate change is the cause of food inflation. When the harvest is good, prices are lower. When the harvest is not good because of climate change, food gets expensive. …
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Mr. Speaker, we all want the best solution to drive down the price of food, and that is why we are working on real facts. My colleague mentioned the agriculture committee. Let me quote the VP of Costco and other grocers, who said, when asked what drives the price of food, that the first item is the commodity itself. With a bad crop, the price goes up; with a good crop, the price goes down. It has …
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Mr. Speaker, every Canadian deserves an affordable life and opportunities. Costco's CEO was at the agriculture committee yesterday with other grocers. On the cost of food and the factors that influence the cost of food, guess what they said. They all agreed that the main factor was weather conditions, like the droughts we have experienced recently, as well as commodity conditions and currency. To …
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Mr. Speaker, every motor vehicle accident is a shock to families. Our hearts go out to the victims of these accidents. That is why we are working with agencies, authorities and the provinces to ensure that these kinds of tragic events stop happening. We are strengthening our transportation and safety rules, and we are working collaboratively with all stakeholders in this sector.
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Mr. Speaker, this government is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all modes of transportation. We are also investing heavily in all of our transportation infrastructure. We are there to ensure the safety of infrastructure and transportation. One thing is clear: Transportation in Canada is not only safe, but among the safest in the world.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Private Basil Alias Odjick of Maniwaki, son of William Odjick and Catherine Riel. He served with courage and dignity during the Second World War, giving his life in service to Canada on August 28, 1944, during the Battle of Normandy. His name is commemorated in the Second World War Book of Remembrance, alongside that of his brother, Private Robert Simon Odjick…
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Mr. Speaker, canola farmers produce the best canola in the world. We know China has imposed unfair tariffs on canola. We are working on it. The Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture are currently in Asia diversifying our trade, but also resolving disputes, and Pakistan has now opened its doors to our canola. In the meantime, we will be there for our farmers with programs to support them d…
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Mr. Speaker, one thing we can be proud of is our canola producers, because they produce the best canola in the world. China is imposing completely unjustified tariffs on our producers. Yes, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food are in Asia right now. They are there to explore new markets for our producers. They will also try to resolve this trade dispute. That is not all…
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Mr. Speaker, this Women's History Month, I would like to recognize the outstanding contribution of Rosaleen Dickson, a trailblazer in Pontiac—Kitigan Zibi. In 1942, together with her husband, David, she acquired The Equity, the community newspaper of Shawville, which has long served as the voice of our community. Rosaleen went on to serve as its editor-in-chief for more than 30 years. A passionate…
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Mr. Speaker, my colleague referred to law enforcement officers. I would remind him that just steps away from this very chamber stands a memorial honouring RCMP officers who gave their lives to protect Canadians. What does my colleague think of the shameful comments made by his leader about the very officers who gave their lives for this country?
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Mr. Speaker, canola is one of the best products in the world. China's tariffs are completely unfair. As we are resolving this trade dispute, we are there to support our farmers with programs. We have announced $370 million in support, and we have changed the regulations to allow more biofuel in this country, which will use the product from our canola producers.
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Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is taking a balanced approach after having consulted more than 100 value chain stakeholders for over four years. Following the release of its report this summer, called “What we heard”, the CFIA is currently engaging with stakeholders to modernize the regulation system in Canada with all of the input from stakeholders.
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Mr. Speaker, my colleague still has not answered my question. Would she agree that a federal government could use the notwithstanding clause to limit the rights of women without restraint and without judicial review?
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for reminding us once again about the importance of agriculture. I completely agree with him. The agricultural sector is a pillar of our economy that feeds not only our country, but much of the planet as well. It is an economic driver, as my colleague said, and not just with respect to jobs, although it accounts for one in nine jobs in Canada. It also accounts for…
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Mr. Speaker, we also met at committee this week with the pea producers, and the situation is really dire there as well. The tariffs China has imposed on the sector are really difficult. These farmers will also be able to benefit from the support of the strategic response funds of $5 billion to affected sectors. It is not only canola. It is the pea sector as well. I would add that China also has un…
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Madam Speaker, as I rise in the House today, I want to convey just how important the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is to me and to my identity as a Quebecker and a Canadian. I will also explain why it must be protected. Like so many women before me, my mother and my grandmother fought for equality before the law. To give a little background, my grandmother owned several newsstands in Mon…
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Madam Speaker, I am pleased to hear my colleague reaffirm that the situation is worrisome. Again, as Simone de Beauvoir said, we must always remain vigilant. We must never take our rights for granted. Right now, our rights are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It is important not to create a back door that could be used to circumvent the protections and guarantees provided …
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Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. It is important for the Attorney General to intervene. Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more legislatures invoking the notwithstanding clause to limit our fundamental rights and freedoms. Perhaps it is justified, but it is up to the court to decide. The Attorney General's intervention will prevent a serious breach of our rights, prevent th…
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Madam Speaker, only women can truly understand the insecurity they feel and the importance of ensuring that their rights and freedoms are guaranteed by the Canadian charter.
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Mr. Speaker, my colleague and I are two of 44 proud Liberal MPs representing Quebec, which is twice as many as the Bloc Québécois. We are very proud to stand in the House during this very important debate. Earlier, my colleague mentioned the importance of our citizens asking us, their MPs, to protect them against the erosion of their fundamental rights and freedoms. How will our government's inter…
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Madam Speaker, we agree that Canadians are more united than ever in facing up to the impact of Donald Trump's tariffs on our economy. We have seen their enthusiasm for buying Canadian, their support for our businesses and organizations and their support for the Prime Minister. It is very important that we stand united behind him, because we are facing historic economic challenges. As Simone de Bea…
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Madam Speaker, I am very proud to live in a country that is united in its diversity. This government has always been there to protect our Charter of Rights. It is so dear to us, and as I said, generations of Canadians have fought to have it. By protecting the charter, we are protecting our unity. This is more important than ever as we live in a global and changing world. In other parts of the worl…
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Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois is currently claiming that all governments—whether federal, provincial or territorial—can invoke the notwithstanding clause at any time and limit any of the rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. If a new federal government decided to invoke the notwithstanding clause to limit one of the rights protected by the Charter, including women's ri…
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Mr. Speaker, I have a question for my colleague. There has been a lot of talk about the rights enshrined in the Charter and the importance of protecting them. In order to protect them, is it necessary to determine that, when a legislature invokes the notwithstanding clause, it must do so only under exceptional circumstances and in compliance with certain guidelines? Is it necessary to have a judic…
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Mr. Speaker, I like the quotation my colleague referenced: “The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.” I am listening carefully. That is precisely why I am rising to ask him a question. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects a number of rights, including women's rights. We are in the Parliament of Canada. If a future Canadian government were to decide to limit these rights by invoki…
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Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question, because it gives me a chance to reiterate how important this is. I am a Quebecker, I am proud to live in a province that supports women's rights, but I have some concerns. I see what is happening in the United States, and I want to ensure that our rights and freedoms, which are set out in the Constitution, in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms,…
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleague a question. Like him, I live in Quebec. We are proud Quebeckers. Many of my constituents are concerned about the erosion of women's rights around the world. If we allowed the provinces, or any Parliament, to make invoking the notwithstanding clause the rule rather than the exception, would this put our rights in jeopardy?
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Madam Speaker, I agree. The Attorney General's factum and intervention are intended to support the Supreme Court in interpreting the notwithstanding clause with a view to regulating its use and ensuring that, as I said earlier, our rights and freedoms are not eroded to the point where we no longer recognize them and they all but disappear in the long term.
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Mr. Speaker, my colleague is absolutely right. Farming, the entire agricultural sector, is a pillar of our economy. It accounts for one in nine jobs. To support our farmers who are facing completely unjustified tariffs from China, we have doubled advance payments, added $75 million to the agrimarketing program and, on top of that, opened up the biofuel sector. We will never turn our backs on our f…
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Mr. Speaker, our Prime Minister and our government are working really hard to resolve these unfair tariffs from China on our canola producers, our pork producers and our pea producers. We are not waiting for that to be resolved. We are proposing to double the advance payments program for canola farmers. We have added $75 million to the AgriMarketing program. We have also opened the market for biof…
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Mr. Speaker, we do not talk enough in the House about the agriculture and agri-food sector, and I am so thankful the member raised this important issue. Our farmers and I echo what the member said. It is very important. They are at the end of the season. Some have experienced drought, extreme weather events, smoke and fires. It is a difficult time for farmers. They are resilient and great, and I t…
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Mr. Speaker, I think that is an important aspect. Those risk management programs are so important and so vital. These are programs that are shared federally and provincially. There will be another round of discussions with the premiers and with the territories. The second round of the partnership, the strategic partnership, will be discussed. There is improvement that needs to be done on both thos…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank the minister for her very important speech. In the Outaouais, we have had similar situations where one of the indigenous communities in my riding had to be evacuated. I would like to thank everyone at Indigenous Services Canada for their support. Can the minister elaborate on what steps the department is taking to support indigenous communities affected by the wildfires in Man…
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Mr. Speaker, in these difficult economic times, the Canadian dental care plan provides real support to seniors and families in my riding. Since the end of May, this program has been available to all Canadians earning less than $90,000 per year. My question is for the Minister of Health. What is the status of the program's rollout for all Canadians, and what efforts are being made to make it access…
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Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleague is a great advocate for rural areas and especially rural health care. We are at a time when it is no longer possible to die or be born in our community because we have to go to urban centres to receive health care. The situation in rural Canada is dire. I would like to hear my colleague explain what the issues are and what he thinks the solution could be for r…
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