Parliamentary Speeches

Madam Speaker, with regard to the point of order, I want to mention that I serve on the Standing Committee on Finance and what my colleague is debating right now is a motion that the committee unanimously adopted. The Conservatives are—

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, today all Quebeckers and Canadians are mourning the loss of a great actor, a creative force, a great man. Michel Côté was the perfect blend of passion and discipline. He was a charming and extremely sensitive person. As an actor, he had great range. He could go from playing Jean-Lou in the sitcom La petite vie to playing Pierre Gauthier in Omertà, not to mention his inspired portrayal…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, last week, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec announced the largest procurement of electric buses in North America. This project will put over 1,229 electric buses, which will be assembled at the Nova Bus plant in Saint‑Eustache, on Quebec roads by 2027. Can the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs explain how these historic investments will improve the lives of Qu…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, every person in Canada deserves to be safe. Tomorrow is Red Dress Day, a time to commemorate the tragedy of these missing and murdered women and girls. We all need to do more. Would the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations please tell us more about the work our government is doing to protect indigenous women and girls?

Government Orders

Madam Speaker, my colleague mentioned housing. Last year's budget earmarked a huge amount of money for housing. That funding is currently being allocated to various programs. Many citizens, committed individuals and leaders in housing are looking at how those amounts can be allocated effectively to create more housing units across Canada. Amounts were earmarked in last year's budget, and they are …

Government Orders

Madam Speaker, the budget makes significant investments in clean energy. That is really the main point of my speech. Investments are needed in strategic sectors to ensure we have a clean economy, which must also be inclusive and bring prosperity to communities across the country.

Government Orders

Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Kings—Hants. I am pleased to participate in the debate on Bill C‑47, an act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023, which will help build a clean economy. Today, the world's largest economies are making incredible strides not only in fighting the climate crisis, but also in restructuring, sei…

Government Orders

Madam Speaker, my answer is very simple: Carbon pricing does not apply to Quebec. I would also add that farmers in my riding are ahead when it comes to many green technologies. They are ahead of the government because farmers live off the land and they see climate change every day. They are concerned and they need new technologies, because the seasons are much more challenging. There are some real…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, this week, we learned that the 2027 Canada Games will take place in Quebec City. That is excellent news for our beautiful province and the sports community. This not-to-be-missed sporting event provides many athletes with their first opportunity to participate in a high-level competition in a very friendly environment. Can the Minister of Sport tell us more about the government's effo…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, I will be asking real questions and not just talking about Christmas vacation. The important meeting of G7 environment ministers concluded on Sunday, in Japan. Canada was there to promote renewed ambition in the fight against climate change, and also in protecting nature while promoting global energy security. Can the Minister of Environment tell us about the progress being made on th…

Oral Questions

Madam Speaker, I want to say that I was here too. Like my colleague, I clearly heard the words that were said. I am the mother of twins. I have been pregnant too. I do not understand how someone can exploit that for political purposes. Frankly, it is disappointing.

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, budget 2023 does a great deal to address affordability, including access to nutritious food. One of the really important measures in the budget is additional investments in the local food infrastructure fund, the LFIF. Could the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food tell us more about this program and its impact on communities from coast to coast to coast?

Routine Proceedings

Mr. Speaker, I am presenting an important petition today asking the government to amend the National Capital Act to give Gatineau Park the necessary legal protection to ensure its preservation for future generations. This petition was initiated by the Ottawa Valley chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, or CPAWS. On behalf of nearly 600 residents, I would like to recognize the hard …

Oral Questions

Madam Speaker, inflation in the food industry is indeed worrisome. I am very pleased that the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food is looking into this matter. The experts who testified had very positive things to say about a code of conduct that could reduce pressure on rising food prices. I know that, yesterday, the Conservatives were a bit confused about the issue. Can the parliament…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, post-secondary education for official language minority communities across the country is very important to our government. There is a huge need in francophone communities. This sector is being affected by the labour shortage. More francophone and bilingual teachers are needed. I wonder if the Minister of Official Languages could explain to the House what she is doing to support Frenc…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot of talk about Canada's Agriculture Day, which is being celebrated today. There is also more talk about global food security lately. When we talk about food security, we are also talking about our economy. Agriculture is one of the key pillars of the Canadian economy in the 21st century. I would like to ask the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food if she can tell …

Oral Questions

Madam Speaker, the tourism sector made a strong comeback over the last year. I wonder what can be done—

Oral Questions

Madam Speaker, tourism made a strong comeback last year. Fortunately, companies and tourists are coming back to Canada. Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance give us an update on the state of this sector that is so vital to our economy, particularly in rural communities?

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, I have a question I would like to put to the House. Can anyone in this place say that they have never experienced significant distress in their life or had suicidal thoughts? This proves that suicide is everyone's business. In Canada, 12 lives are lost to suicide every day. This week is Suicide Prevention Week in Quebec, and this year's theme is “Prevention is Better than Death”. This…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my hon. colleague whether she is against us helping people 65 and older and whether she wants us to cut these benefits.

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, I visited some food banks in my riding and met Amélie, a passionate volunteer. She showed me large freezers full of wild game meat. Are my colleagues familiar with the Chasseurs généreux program organized by Food Banks of Quebec and the Fédération québécoise des chasseurs et pêcheurs? Through this program, hunters donate a portion of their wild game meat for those most in need in our …

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, hunters across Canada carry on a proud tradition, and some are worried. I can say from experience that spending time in nature with family and friends is not just good for mental health, it also provides food security to many indigenous families and communities. Can the Minister of Public Safety assure us that the changes in Bill C‑21 will not affect our hunters?

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, last week the entire Outaouais region was preparing for the United Nations COP15, to be held soon in Montreal. As part of our For a Green and Prosperous Outaouais initiative, which I launched a year ago with my partners at the Conseil régional de l'environnement et du développement durable de l'Outaouais, or CREDDO, we brought together more than 70 biodiversity experts and elected off…

Oral Questions

Madam Speaker, I also want to highlight the great news we received yesterday that Bill C-31 received royal assent. While the Conservatives opposed the bill, to prevent kids from receiving affordable dental care this year, the government stood up for Canadian families and put forward real solutions to make life more affordable. These are solutions, not slogans. Can the Parliamentary Secretary to th…

Oral Questions

Madam Speaker, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance presented the fall economic statement yesterday, outlining our plan to continue investing to grow our economy, make life more affordable for Canadians and build a Canada where no one is left behind. As members know, Canada faces real challenges, but also real opportunities. Can the hon. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tour…

Statements By Members

Mr. Speaker, I have spoken to farmers and other people in my riding who are concerned about flooding and prolonged drought caused by the climate crisis because it will permanently increase grocery prices. Quebeckers want to see action and co‑operation here in Canada and internationally. Federal carbon pricing does not apply to provinces that have their own systems, such as Quebec, British Columbia…

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, Canada has all the ingredients to become a global leader in the economy of tomorrow. We have critical minerals, productive farms, high-tech companies and world-class universities. The main threat to our prosperity are irresponsible policies, such as those of the Conservatives in the United Kingdom. This week, the opposition will once again give Canadians slogans rather than solutions.…

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, investing in Canada's small and medium-sized businesses results in prosperity for all. It is not complicated. When people are given the means to realize their dreams, we can foster skills and innovation that grow our economy and create good jobs. That is why I want to highlight the extraordinary work of our economic development agencies, our CFDCs and BDCs here, in Quebec, who every d…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. We have strong, capable women ministers, and the member for South Shore—St. Margarets is saying that we do not have a fisheries minister. I am shocked.

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, extreme weather events, hurricanes, floods and droughts are taking a toll on our farmers' mental health. Many of them find it difficult to ask for help. This is Mental Illness Awareness Week, and we need to talk about it. We also have to recognize that the pandemic affected many groups that were already marginalized, such as youth, women, indigenous communities, and members of the LGB…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, it was so tough to see the devastation caused by hurricane Fiona over the weekend. It is a sobering example of the climate crisis that we all face here and in our communities. Could the Minister of National Revenue give us some concrete examples of this reality?

Routine Proceedings

Madam Speaker, I am honoured to rise in the House today to table a petition that was started by the council of mayors of the MRC Pontiac and concerns a request for funding to ensure adequate cellular coverage in all rural communities of the Pontiac. I would like to thank the warden, Jane Toller, for her leadership, and every mayor and regional councillor for their amazing work for the community of…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, when news broke that our neighbours to the south were considering overturning abortion rights, several members rose here in the House in support of women in the U.S. What is happening in the United States is a step backwards. It is a regressive policy. That is why MPs must stand up, especially those from Quebec. No one should remain seated. We really need to support—

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, I was in the House when the Liberal Party and the opposition parties, with the exception of the official opposition, stood up—

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, I was horrified and shocked as I sat here in the House and watched 10 opposition members from Quebec remain silent about the possible eradication of abortion rights south of the border. That is troubling.

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, I was shocked and then horrified to see the 10 Conservative members from Quebec remain silent about the possible eradication of abortion rights south of the border. That is so regressive.

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, I would like to know what the Prime Minister has to say about the official opposition's shameful reaction.

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, I also have questions about farmers. Planting season starts soon, but unfortunately, this is a financially stressful time for many farmers, because they have to pay for most of their inputs, such as seed, fertilizer and fuel, before the year begins. We know that high inflation has had an impact on the cost of inputs this year. Can the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food tell the Hou…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, Canadians have been clear about what they want: good jobs, a healthy environment, a strong economy and a future for their children. Last week, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change released a reduction plan that outlines the next steps to continue delivering on those priorities. Can the minister tell the House about the very specific targets in his plan?

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, when I was eight or nine years old, my father drove me past the University of Montreal and said, “Look, Sophie, that will be your school one day”. A world of possibilities was open before me. Unfortunately, that is not the case for many girls around the world. That is why I would like to emphasize that education is a human right for all women in the world, including Afghan women. The …

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, as part of its commitment to a high standard of ethics and accountability, the government absolutely needs to protect whistle-blowers. These are the ones who expose cases of serious wrongdoing. Could the President of the Treasury Board update the House on what she is doing to safeguard whistle-blowers?

Oral Questions

Madam Speaker, speaking of incompetence, after the Harper Conservative government neglected the Canadian space industry for a decade, our government reinvested in that sector. In fact, the national capital region is a booming hub for this sector of innovation that helps Canada gain a unique perspective on our world, support science and implement revolutionary services. Can—

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, I, along with many of my constituents in Pontiac, care deeply about our two official languages. Our government remains firmly committed to protecting the French language in Quebec, of course, and across Canada. Could the Prime Minister tell us what our government is doing to protect our two official languages?

Statements By Members

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to rise virtually in the House today to draw attention to the extraordinary achievements of our athletes from the Outaouais region. Did members know that one third of the Olympic cross-country ski team came from the Outaouais? I want to applaud Katherine Stewart-Jones, Antoine Cyr and Laura Leclair for their excellent performances at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Th…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, the transition to a green economy is also an opportunity for our businesses to innovate and ensure Canada's economic prosperity in the economy of tomorrow. Can the Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec inform the House about new and significant green initiatives for Quebec's small and medium-sized businesses?

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in Canada and the second leading cause of death among youth aged 15 to 34. The suicide rate among indigenous peoples is even higher. It is an especially serious issue for the Algonquins of Barriere Lake in the northern part of my riding. This is Quebec's 32nd suicide prevention week. The theme is “Talking about suicide saves lives”. Does the…

Statements by Members

Madam Speaker, the Gatineau Chamber of Commerce held a gala a few weeks ago for its Excelor Awards, which recognize entrepreneurs in our region. I congratulate all of the nominees and winners, and more specifically, Manuela Teixeira, an entrepreneur I admire a lot. She is the CEO of Old Chelsea Square and the owner of the Chelsea Pub and Biscotti & Cie. She is not afraid of a challenge and does an…

Statements By Members

Mr. Speaker, last week, I was pleased to launch the initiative for a green and prosperous Pontiac. This is an integrated action plan to address climate change in our communities. To fight climate change we must act locally. As MPs, we can mobilize our communities and support them in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This is why I take this time to thank the 18 mayors of the MRC of Pontiac and …

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, Canadians can be proud of Canada's active involvement at COP26 in Glasgow. Canadian climate policies are internationally recognized as being fair and progressive. Could the Minister of Environment and Climate Change tell us more about what Canada is specifically doing to combat climate change?

Speech from the Throne

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague from Trois-Rivières and I congratulate him on his election win. I have to say that the climate crisis is indeed at the heart of every action this government takes. This has been true since 2015 and will remain true going forward. It is also at the heart of our economic policies. We have already invested over $100 billion in climate action, and we will increas…