Statements By Members
Madam Speaker, this is National Nursing Week, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the incredible work that nurses do every day. They are unsung heroes who work tirelessly to care for, comfort and support those who need it. Our lives are vastly improved by the dedication, compassion and expertise of Michelle, Nicole, Johanne, Kathy, Jay, Hassan, Karim, Frantz and all n…
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight the performance of our Laval athletes at the 56th Quebec Games finals, which were held from March 3 to March 11 in Rivière‑du‑Loup. They won eight gold, six silver and 11 bronze medals. They make us proud. The performance of young Liam Schmidt from Alfred-Pellan deserves special recognition. At the age of only 14, Liam gave us an extraordinary performance, be…
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Mr. Speaker, today is International Women's Day. I would like to take a moment to recognize the woman with whom I have shared my life for the past 29 years. I thank her for being who she is and for allowing me to be the man that I am. I believe that every day is International Women's Day. That is why I want to pay tribute to the contributions of female nurses, teachers, mechanics, politicians, hoc…
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Mr. Speaker, artificial intelligence plays a key role in the future of manufacturing, agriculture and business. Can the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry inform the House of the measures that have been taken by our government to finance important projects and support the AI ecosystem in Canada?
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Mr. Speaker, the tourism industry has been hit hard over the past two years. I am happy to see that some sectors are recovering, including food service, hospitality, travel, and markets and small shops. Tourism industry workers deliver the warm welcome Canadians are known for. They keep up our legendary reputation for politeness. Their welcoming smiles are a comforting expression of our joie de vi…
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Mr. Speaker, the excellence of our businesses and entrepreneurs in Laval never ceases to amaze, and I am very proud to congratulate the five businesses in Alfred-Pellan that received Dunamis Awards from the Laval chamber of commerce and industry. Recognizing commitment and contributions to the business community, the Dunamis Awards are bestowed on local businesses. Les Champimignons, an ingenious …
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Mr. Speaker, last week, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada held the fourth edition of the Canada-Italy Business Forum on AI. This year's theme was cybersecurity. The forum brought together leading experts in the field to discuss both challenges and solutions. Protecting and safeguarding critical infrastructure, such as energy, transportation, aerospace, defence, manufacturing, finance and h…
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Mr. Speaker, budget 2022 proposes to provide $100 million over three years to support harm reduction, treatment and prevention at the community level. People have different reasons for using substances, but one thing is certain: No one chooses to become addicted. Although National Addictions Awareness Week came to an end this past weekend, we must continue our daily efforts to minimize these devas…
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Mr. Speaker, the price of gas takes up a lot of room in most Canadians' budgets, but gasoline also generates significant greenhouse gas emissions. That is why we are making the purchase and charging of electric vehicles simpler and less costly, namely by contributing to the extension of the Canada-wide network of charging stations where Canadians live, work and play. This brings me to the opening …
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Mr. Speaker, in this month of October, 2022, Canada is celebrating the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations with Italy. Both countries have common positions on important regional and international issues. We share common values of democracy, liberty, human rights and a rules-based international order. More than 1.5 million Canadians are of Italian descent. They are part of a dynamic community t…
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Mr. Speaker, October 1 marked National Seniors Day, and I had the pleasure of celebrating with a group of people whose heads are far greyer than mine. Supporting our seniors has always been at the forefront of our priorities. That is why we increased old age security for seniors aged 75 and over by 10%; increased funding for the new horizons for seniors program by $20 million; made dental care fre…
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Mr. Speaker, last weekend, hurricane Fiona hit eastern Canada hard. It also slammed into the Magdalen Islands, causing considerable damage. I happen to know that the Minister of National Revenue is working very hard to ensure that people in the Magdalen Islands receive the help they need. Can the minister give us an update on the situation in the Magdalen Islands?
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Mr. Speaker, I had a busy summer reconnecting with the constituents, businesses and organizations in my riding, listening to their needs and drawing on their infectious enthusiasm to recharge my batteries. Our Liberal team tuned in to people across the country, and we used what we learned about Canadians' needs to redefine our priorities as we head back to work. Business people, community groups a…
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Mr. Speaker, this parliamentary session is coming to a close, and I want to take this opportunity to highlight all the progress made for my constituents in Alfred-Pellan. In addition to business here in the House, including 165 interventions, 136 votes and eight bills passed, I am pleased with the concrete results we have achieved in Alfred-Pellan, in the form of dozens of thousands of dollars for…
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Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030. Farmers are on the front lines of climate change and their efforts are essential to achieve Canada's climate goals. Could the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food inform the House of the most recent initiatives that will make a real difference in helping farmers reduce their GHG emiss…
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Madam Speaker, maintaining good jobs in the Quebec region is a key part of sound economic development. Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue give us an update on the new tax centre in Shawinigan and the good it will do for the region?
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Mr. Speaker, with summer just around the corner, people around the world are starting to plan their summer vacation. As we know, measures at the borders are being eased and Canada is getting ready to welcome the world. Can the Prime Minister tell us what the government is doing to promote Canada on the world stage so as to encourage people to come enjoy our country from coast to coast to coast?
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Madam Speaker, over 3,300 young athletes from across the province will be participating in the 55th Quebec Games in Laval from July 22 to July 30. The Quebec Games are more than just a competition. They are an excellent opportunity to celebrate sports and sportsmanship. This event enables young people from everywhere in Quebec to show off their talent in their favourite sport and to build relation…
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Mr. Speaker, number 10 streaks down the ice, fast as lightning, blond hair flying. Unleashing all his speed, skill and strength, he closes in on the net. Goal! Celebrations break out all over the street, the neighbourhood, the city, the province. Those are the kinds of vivid memories we have of the “blond demon” whose passing has left all of Quebec in mourning. I once had the honour of meeting Guy…
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Mr. Speaker, Muslims all over the world celebrated the start of the holy month of Ramadan this weekend. Ramadan is a time of spiritual contemplation with an emphasis on devotion, during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset as a way to get closer to God. To the 20,000 Muslims living in Laval and to all Muslims across Canada and around the world, I wish you a blessed month. May this month of re…
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Madam Speaker, this bill will ensure that broadcasters and streaming platforms contribute to the direct support of creators from francophone, racialized, indigenous, LGBTQ2 and disability communities. Could my colleague elaborate a bit more on this aspect?
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Madam Speaker, I agree with my colleague on the importance of protecting Canadians' free speech. However, I would like to know whether he understands that the bill does not affect the content that social media users create. The bill targets the platforms and the web giants. Does my colleague not think it is good for these major companies to promote Canadian content, as the bill would require?
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Mr. Speaker, the pandemic created some unprecedented challenges for the Canadian health care system, and our system is in dire need of support. Although Canada's vaccination rates are high, COVID‑19 continues to threaten our health and our social and economic well-being. One of the impacts that the pandemic has had on the health care system is the cancellation of elective surgeries. My constituent…
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Madam Speaker, on March 26, we will be celebrating Purple Day to raise awareness for epilepsy. I invite all Canadians to wear purple to raise awareness of this disorder, which affects more than 250,000 people in Canada. It is an opportunity to better understand how we can make a difference in the lives of people with epilepsy. I would like this statement to honour the memory of Ryan Anthony Perrot…
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Mr. Speaker, from March 20 to 27, we celebrate meals on wheels, which provides support to those who need it by preparing and delivering healthy meals to their homes. This is an essential part of aging in place that provides some respite for family caregivers. The last two years have been particularly difficult, but meals on wheels organizations, which rely heavily on volunteers, have continued to …
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Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question. There is no question that our government supports Quebec's important place in our Confederation and in the House of Commons. However, we do not need extreme measures to do that. I want to come back to—
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Madam Speaker, as a member from Quebec, it is my duty to participate in today's discussion on my Bloc Québécois colleague's motion. I want to tell him that the current formula has a very interesting history and is the result of many amendments and historical considerations in which Quebec plays an important role. As my mother always said, you must know where you are coming from to know where you a…
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Madam Speaker, Quebec's place in the House is and must remain strong and stable, like its place in our Confederation. I also have to say that electoral reform would most certainly have an impact on the representation of the parties and the regional distribution across Canada. However, it will not change anything about the basic issue of Quebec's representation. Even with a new voting system, we wo…
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Madam Speaker, I am the son of immigrants, and I am very proud to have been born in Quebec. I understand the notion of culture very well. I live out my Italian and Quebec cultures at home for my son Gabriel. I must say that this is the most beautiful thing I have done, because culture is an asset that determines where we want to go. As I was saying earlier, my mother used to tell me that you have …
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Madam Speaker, although any scenario that would cause Quebec to lose a seat is unfair in my eyes, the Bloc Québécois's proposed fix goes too far in denying equity and will only trigger an endless constitutional debate that will ultimately benefit no one. The government is advocating for a sound, fair approach. We have heard Quebeckers' concerns on this subject clearly. We will work with all parlia…
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Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague opposite for his speech. Before 2019, the quotas were approximately 50,000 immigrants per year. In recent years, that number has dropped to 40,000 immigrants per year in Quebec. I am wondering, however, why my colleague does not show as much passion for this issue when the Premier of Quebec, Mr. Legault, seems to be cutting the immigration quotas and reducing Qu…
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Mr. Speaker, last week the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion announced the construction of 1,458 social and affordable housing units under the second Canada-Quebec rapid housing initiative agreement. I am pleased that one of the initiative's 79 projects will be carried out in my riding of Alfred-Pellan. A total of $11.39 million has been allocated to Laval's municipal housing bureau …
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Mr. Speaker, Canada is closing out the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in 4th place among the countries with the most medals, with a total of 26 medals. Throughout the past two weeks, team Canada's athletes presented extraordinary performances, making our country shine internationally. What an amazing team. We can be especially proud of our Quebec athletes, who excelled and are bringing home 13 medals. …
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Mr. Speaker, on February 5, the Alberta government addressed an official request to the federal government requesting federal assistance in dealing with border protests invoking a necessity to intervene. It stated, “this complex and dynamic situation continues to impede the free and safe movement of not only Albertans, but also of critical goods and services vital to both the Canadian and American…
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Madam Speaker, can my colleague from Lakeland, who seems to be so appalled by the Emergencies Act measures, explain to Canadians if the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act of Premier Kenney, which suppresses almost any demonstration with the highest penalties in Canada, appalls her as much?
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Madam Speaker, yesterday, the Premier of Alberta announced that he would be challenging the use of the Emergencies Act in court. However, on February 5, his own government implored the federal government to intervene and send help. Can my colleague tell me why the Conservatives keep talking out of both sides of their mouths?
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Mr. Speaker, my colleagues in the Bloc Québécois claim to be the voice of Quebeckers in the House of Commons. However, the surveys published this morning show that 67% of Quebeckers support the Emergencies Act, as do 55% of Bloc supporters. Has my colleague forgotten the voice of the people he is representing in the House?
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Mr. Speaker, when indigenous people blocked the railways in 2020, my colleagues opposite demanded strong action from the government to put an end to the blockades, which they were quick to call illegal. However, now they think it is a good idea to take selfies with the protesters who are occupying Parliament Hill and who have been paralyzing the nation's capital for three weeks. The member has one…
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Madam Speaker, first of all, I want to thank my colleague for his speech, which clearly explained the balance between freedoms and social order. However, he criticizes the government for not having acted quickly enough. Could my colleague tell me what he would say to those who believe that the actions of the last few days constitute a crackdown and a denial of the right to protest?
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Madam Speaker, during Hooked on School Days, let us take the time to recognize and encourage the efforts of our young people, who remain eager to learn, despite the difficulties of the past two years. Teachers, support staff, stakeholders and social workers have also demonstrated perseverance and are making tremendous efforts to help our young people succeed. The work of community organizations si…
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Mr. Speaker, 40 years ago, one of my high school teachers organized a field trip to visit Parliament in Ottawa. Little did she know what a profound influence this visit would have on my life. This visit sparked my passion for politics, and it put me on the right track to proudly represent the people of Alfred–Pellan today. My admiration for the teaching profession knows no bounds. I tip my hat to …
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Mr. Speaker, over the past two weeks, we have stepped up the fight against COVID-19. As Canadians continue to receive their third dose of vaccine, we are starting to see delays in appointments for booster doses. Could the Minister of Health please give the House an update on the progress that has been made with respect to booster doses and the additional measures the government is taking to ensure…
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Mr. Speaker, the holiday season is upon us and while some Canadians are preparing to celebrate, it is important to remember that, for some families, the need is even greater during this time. Almost 200 families in my riding rely on food banks. This year, I am again bringing together the people from Jeunes Youth Laval to help me with the Alfred-Pellan food drive, which will brighten the holidays f…
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Mr. Chair, it is a privilege to rise today to participate in this committee of the whole. I want to start by thanking the hon. ministers for being here this evening, and for outlining some of steps that our government has taken to protect the health and safety of Canadians as well as to support our critical industries. My questions this evening will be for the Minister of Tourism and Associate Min…
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Mr. Chair, today I am pleased to talk about the supplementary estimates (B) for 2021-22. I want to start by saying that I am a big believer in the principle of transparency. Canadians and the parliamentarians who represent them have the right to know how the government intends to spend public funds and to hold the government accountable for its actions. Our government takes that responsibility ver…
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Mr. Chair, every year on November 8 we pay tribute to indigenous veterans who served in missions across Canada and around the world, in times of war, conflict and peace. I would like to ask the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations what measures are in place to commemorate their sacrifices. How does this government ensure that indigenous veterans have access to culturally appropriate support?
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Mr. Chair, the CEWS has supported hundreds of businesses in my riding and in many others. I heard the Minister of Health referring to vaccines. These are of such critical importance to ending the pandemic and allowing the tourism sector to get back to work. I am double vaccinated and I am proud of it. Today, at five o'clock, my eight-year-old son received his first vaccine shot. Hello Gabriel. I c…
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate you on your re-election. It is so nice to be back in the House, surrounded by the dark green of our workplace, after so long in virtual mode. For my first statement in the House during this 44th Parliament, I want to say thank you 24,516 times to the people of Alfred‑Pellan. The confidence they have placed in me for a third time fills me with pride, humili…
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