Parliamentary Speeches

moved for leave to introduce Bill S-215, An Act respecting National Immigration Month. Mr. Speaker, I am honoured today to introduce Bill S-215, an act respecting national immigration month. This bill that I am sponsoring seeks to designate the month of November as national immigration month. Its goal is simple: to recognize and celebrate the tremendous contribution that immigration has made to Canada. Our country was built by men and women who came from all over the world. Through their hard work, courage and talent, immigrants help to advance our economy, culture and society every day. Bill S-215 gives us an opportunity to thank them and to remember that Canada is an open, inclusive and welcoming country. (Motion deemed adopted and bill read the first time)

Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Winnipeg South Centre. I rise to speak to Bill C‑9, the combatting hate act, at a time when Canadians are looking to us for clear, serious and determined action to better protect them from hate and intimidation. I will begin by clearly describing the context we are currently in. Across Canada, Black, Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQ, indigenous and other communities are feeling extremely vulnerable. The rise of hate is far from theoretical. It is a palpable, painful and disturbing reality that we are seeing in schools, on the street and even in places of worship. I cannot give this speech without mentioning the events that recently took place in Montreal. We live in a country of rights and freedoms. What we are experiencing right now illustrates the whole reason for this bill. It may be a combination of circumstances or an unfortunate coincidence, but this happened here, in Canada. We have to discuss it and address the problem immediately. It is not okay for people in positions of authority—regardless of their discretionary power—to incite any kind of targeted intent toward a particular community. In Canada, diversity is our strength. In Canada, our differences unite us. As an elected official, I cannot believe that a member of Parliament would say something with such serious implications. I am referring to the member for York—Durham. He said things that are hard to imagine, things that are beyond the pale. People may assert their parliamentary privilege, but they cannot say whatever they want just because they have that privilege. Growing up, I was always taught that not every truth should be uttered. Yesterday, an elected official said something unacceptable. He outright dismissed the pain and stress that the mere thought of a noose can cause my community. He argued that we are importing an American problem into Canada. That is shocking. In Canada, particularly in Nova Scotia, where the first Black communities were established, this symbol evokes a past marred by racism and intimidation toward Black people. In the North American context, the noose remains one of the most powerful and universally recognized symbols of racial hatred directed at Black communities. Today, that member will have an opportunity to retract his remarks, now that he has had a chance to sleep on it. Hopefully he woke up this morning, drank his water and his coffee, and came to realize the implications of what he said. Hopefully he recognizes the importance of exercising his parliamentary privilege responsibly and of not simply saying whatever comes to mind while fulfilling the duties of this fine office. We must respect the House of Commons. It is the House of Canadians from all backgrounds, from east to west. The noose has long been recognized as a symbol of virulent hatred directed at Black communities. It is deeply rooted in the history of anti‑Black racism. The violence associated with the noose is not merely a historical phenomenon; it is a symbol that forms part of the hatred and violence to which Black Canadians are regularly subjected and which are rooted in a white supremacist ideology. This ideology is associated with the noose. Now is the moment we have been waiting for. Canadians across the country have made it clear that they want to be able to live openly, safely and freely as themselves, regardless of their background, faith, ethnicity, gender, identity or community. We all share the same goal: to protect Canadians from all forms of violence, particularly those that target the most fundamental aspects of being human. Canadians asked us to take action and keep them safe, and that is exactly what this bill does. Bill C-9 has been carefully examined by both chambers. It is now time for Canadians to get the protection they deserve from the government and the elected officials they have chosen. For the first time, the Criminal Code will include a definition of hatred, which will describe the conduct that falls under the new stand-alone hate crime offence. This is an extremely important change that must not be overlooked. This new offence and the new definition of hatred will address the particularly reprehensible nature of this crime, which undermines the very foundations of the Canadian values of equality and respect for our citizens. By passing this bill swiftly, we will not just be strengthening the Criminal Code; we will also be sending a clear message to Canadians that their safety matters, their dignity matters, and their right to fully and freely belong in this country will be defended. I urge all members of the House to support this bill and ensure that Canada continues to be a country where no one, and I mean no one, is made to feel unsafe simply because they are Canadian and have chosen to live in accordance with their identity while respecting their culture and heritage.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to return to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which gives Canadians the freedom to express themselves, to move about the country and to do as they please, provided that they do so in accordance with the law and, above all, with respect for the freedoms of each and every one of us. Bill C-9 provides clear protection for Canadians. It defines hatred so that those found guilty can be properly punished in accordance with the law.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the presence on Parliament Hill of a man whose courage commands respect: Dr. Denis Mukwege. He is an internationally renowned gynecologist who has dedicated his life to treating survivors of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where such atrocities are all too often used as a weapon of war. As the founder of Panzi Hospital, he and his team have treated tens of thousands of women, helping them reclaim their health and dignity. His extraordinary dedication earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018. Dubbed “the man who mends women”, he has become a leading voice for human rights and justice. His presence among us today reminds us of our shared, collective duty to uphold and defend human dignity. I invite my colleagues here today to join me in thanking him for his amazing work.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to highlight the impact of Zero‑C, a company based in Mont-Saint-Bruno—L'Acadie. Zero‑C recently won the award of excellence in the manufacturing business category at the south shore chamber of commerce and industry gala, a testimony to its innovation and leadership. Zero‑C stands out for its commitment to sustainable, forward-thinking solutions. It perfectly embodies Quebec's expertise and the ability of our companies to innovate while contributing to a more responsible and high-performing economy. This success is the result of the hard work of a passionate team that is a source of pride for our region. Congratulations to this company on this well-deserved recognition. I wish it every success in the future.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak to the Government of Canada's Build Canada Homes act, especially the important role of Build Canada Homes in supporting Canada's economy and the federal government's buy Canadian policy. Since September 2025, Build Canada Homes has functioned as a special operating agency of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada. Its fast and effective work has allowed this new federal agency to make considerable strides already in increasing the amount of affordable housing available to Canadians. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada homes will have the flexibility and operational autonomy needed to fulfill its mandate. It will follow a clear framework of accountability to the government. That is what makes the Build Canada Homes act a decisive legislative measure. The Government of Canada must strengthen its ability to address the housing crisis and speed up innovation in residential construction. Too many Canadians are having a hard time finding housing that they can afford. Housing costs are rising, supply is not keeping up with demand and productivity in the construction sector is weak. Traditional construction and financing approaches alone are not enough to deliver at the scale or speed that Canadians require. Build Canada Homes consolidates functions that were previously spread out across multiple departments, agencies and programs, which limited the federal government's ability to maximize its impact. It will act as a developer, a funder, a unifying force and a catalyst for innovation to help create a more productive housing construction sector. Canadians need more housing, and the Build Canada Homes act will enable us to build faster, more efficiently and on the scale required. The global trade environment is changing rapidly. In response, we are building a stronger, more resilient and more independent Canadian economy. At the heart of this strategy lies an ambitious plan to deliver nation-building projects, more affordable housing and stronger local infrastructure. We are strengthening relationships among all levels of government—municipal, territorial and provincial—and with our indigenous partners. We are making strategic investments to build a stronger, more sustainable and more resilient economy. We are working to cut red tape, remove international trade barriers and secure new agreements that will stimulate the local economy. This will require a skilled workforce in the trades. That is why, on April 29, as part of the spring economic update, the Prime Minister announced the team Canada strong initiative. This new $6-billion pan-Canadian initiative aims to recruit, train, and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new workers in Red Seal trades over the next five years. The team Canada strong initiative will transform the skilled trades sector and attract more apprentices to the workforce. It will ensure that young Canadians are ready to build the housing and infrastructure we need. It will create new jobs, provide access to good jobs, and strengthen Canada's workforce of tomorrow. The Government of Canada is taking decisive action now to transform our country and make it more resilient, so that it can move from dependence to resilience. The goal is to make Canada one of the fastest-growing and most competitive economies in the world and to usher in a new era of economic security and prosperity for Canadians. The Government of Canada is achieving this by building on the solid foundation of Canada's strong industries. We are investing in our future and fostering economic growth through Build Canada Homes and the implementation of the buy Canadian policy. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes will be funded by the initial $13-billion allocation announced in budget 2025. Build Canada Homes was created to consolidate federal support for affordable housing in one place by working in collaboration with other government departments and agencies. It is going to move swiftly, use federal lands, support innovative building approaches and establish partnerships in all sectors to build affordable homes. Build Canada Homes is a key part of Canada's new industrial strategy, and it will contribute to a more productive residential construction sector. Build Canada Homes will prioritize projects that use Canadian-made materials, such as mass timber, softwood lumber, steel and aluminum. It will promote modern construction methods such as modular and prefabricated housing to reduce construction times, material waste and environmental impact. The federal government is leveraging the key relationships it has with private developers, businesses, community organizations and non-profits, and with other government and indigenous partners. By working together, we are creating job opportunities here at home and supporting the Canadian workforce. Together, we are building stronger communities and a stronger Canada. The Government of Canada launched a new strategic framework for the buy Canadian policy, which took effect on December 16, 2025. This policy leverages federal investments by prioritizing Canadian suppliers, content and materials to make the Canadian economy stronger, more resilient to global shocks and better placed to support Canadian businesses and workers. The policy is comprehensive and covers not only direct procurement but also all federal investment. It is enforced by federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations. Build Canada Homes embraces the buy Canadian policy of the Government of Canada. It will do this by prioritizing projects that use Canadian materials, strengthen domestic supply chains and create good jobs. Every new home will lead to increased demand for Canadian steel, wood and aluminum, helping workers and businesses thrive. The buy Canadian policy also provides some flexibility and a road map for provinces and municipalities to implement similar standards in their own procurement processes based on regional realities and priorities. These changes to the procurement rules will create a strong Canadian supply chain and help Canadian industries be more self-reliant and resilient in the face of fluctuations in the global economy. The buy Canadian policy supports strategic sectors like Canada's construction and defence industries. It applies to projects such as buildings, bridges, aircraft parts and much more. It requires major federal construction and defence procurement projects to use steel, aluminum and wood products made in Canada. In closing, Build Canada Homes is one of a number of strategic efforts by the federal government to invest in our country, protect Canadian interests and make our economy one of the strongest in the G7. Making Build Canada Homes a Crown corporation puts the Government of Canada in a better position to make Canada stronger and more resilient.

Madam Speaker, the only power we have is the power that comes to us from the people of Canada, who elected us to carry out these important mandates in light of the current housing crisis. We are therefore taking action on behalf of Canadians. We are taking action because the housing market is in a deep crisis. That is why we are creating Build Canada Homes: to immediately respond to the current crisis.

Madam Speaker, the advantage I have is that I served at the local government level before being elected to the federal Parliament. I saw how local authorities went to great lengths to push funding projects through, because dealing with CMHC involved a lot of red tape. Build Canada Homes brings everything together in one place. People submit an application and all the answers are in one place. It is flexible, efficient and it meets our needs.

Mr. Speaker, our aerospace sector is an economic driver that supports thousands of skilled, well-paid jobs, particularly in Quebec. Earlier this month, Airbus and AirAsia announced the largest order in history for aircraft designed and manufactured in Canada. This is concrete proof that our strategy to diversify trade with international partners is bearing fruit. Can the Minister of Industry inform the House of the measures the government is taking to attract investment, support innovation and continue to build a stronger economy?

Mr. Speaker, over the past few weeks, I had the pleasure of seeing young people from Mont-Saint-Bruno—L'Acadie, where I visited several schools. I spoke with students and staff at École de Monseigneur-Gilles-Gervais and École Albert-Schweitzer. I was moved by their curiosity, their motivation and their interest in the future. I also had the pleasure of welcoming students on Parliament Hill from Heritage Regional High School. They came to see how our democracy works. Their questions were clear and thoughtful. These meetings are important. They show that we need to help our schools. They also show the need to help young people participate in civic life. I thank the principals, teachers and, above all, the students for their hospitality and energy.

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to highlight a remarkable victory that is breathing new life into our community. In Terrebonne, Tatiana Auguste has distinguished herself, proving that talent, determination and hard work lead to great results. Through her dedication and perseverance, she has become a source of inspiration. This success is not hers alone. It also belongs to a proud, dynamic, and supportive community. It also reminds us that behind every success lies tireless effort and a deep commitment to excellence. In a world full of challenges, stories like this remind us of the importance of believing in our abilities and pursuing our dreams with confidence. On behalf of the House, I would like to offer her my heartfelt congratulations and wish her every success.

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today in support of Bill C-25, the strong and free elections act. This bill represents a critical step in protecting the integrity of our free and fair elections, elections that guarantee that the voice of Canadians is heard, respected and reflected in the direction and governance of our country. Canada is setting a strong example by protecting and securing our elections. The Canada Elections Act, which governs all aspects of federal elections, is known around the world for its electoral safeguards, its strict political financing rules, its spending limits and its stringent reporting requirements. Much of the Canada Elections Act's success can be directly attributed to Parliament's tradition of regularly updating it in response to recommendations from experts and new election-related challenges. However, despite our global leadership, the threats facing democracies around the world are becoming increasingly sophisticated and continue to change quickly. As a result, we have the responsibility to be proactive and decisive in strengthening our electoral safeguards. That is exactly what Bill C-25 does. Bill C-25 is based on recommendations from independent experts, including the Chief Electoral Officer and the Commissioner of Canada Elections, as well as on the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions, and it addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing our electoral system. I would like to highlight the key electoral safeguards included in this important bill. To begin with, Bill C-25 extends essential electoral safeguards beyond the election campaign period. Currently, certain protections apply only once an election has been called. These include the rules prohibiting foreign individuals or organizations from unduly influencing a person’s vote, the prohibition on offering or accepting a bribe to influence a person’s vote and the prohibition on misleading publications falsely claiming to come from trusted electoral actors. However, we know that our elections can be threatened at any time, whether or not we are in an election period. Bill C-25 therefore ensures that Canadians are protected from undue foreign influence and misleading publications at all times, not just after election writs are issued. This will not only protect our elections year-round, but it will also strengthen Canadians' confidence in the democratic process by sending a clear message that attempts at interference or misinformation are not tolerated here. Just as importantly, the bill extends the application of key protection measures beyond Canada's borders. In today's digital and interconnected world, malicious actors can target our elections using cyber-attacks or disinformation campaigns originating from outside the country. Bill C‑25 also ensures that individuals outside Canada who seek to interfere in our elections can still be held accountable in this country. This includes prohibitions on undue influence by foreigners, offering or accepting bribes, impersonating persons such as candidates or the Chief Electoral Officer and using a computer to interfere with the conduct of an election. By applying these robust electoral safeguards to offences originating abroad, Canada is sending a message that interference in our elections will not be tolerated under any circumstances, no matter where it the world it comes from. In this digital age, the spread of disinformation has become one of the greatest threats to our democratic processes. Bill C‑25 includes significant measures to combat disinformation that threatens to undermine, disrupt or influence elections and mislead voters. Under this bill, it would now be illegal to knowingly spread false or misleading information about election activities or the voting process for the purpose of disrupting or influencing an election. This includes making false statements about who can vote, how to vote, where to vote, or even the results of an election. These measures are essential to ensure that Canadians receive accurate information when they go to the polls. It is also important to note that this measure does not restrict debate or limit opinions. The goal here is not to restrict free speech or punish honest mistakes, but rather to stop those with the deliberate intent to mislead Canadians, cause confusion or influence the outcome of our elections. Canadian democracy thrives on informed participation, and Bill C‑25 protects the clarity and reliability of information that our voters receive, ensuring that disinformation has no place in our elections. Another alarming and significant threat to electoral integrity stems from the deliberate and abusive use of advanced technologies. Whether we are talking about hacking or someone using realistic deepfakes of election officials in order to deceive voters, technology has opened new avenues for electoral interference. Bill C-25 directly addresses the dangers posed by the misuse of rapidly evolving and increasingly user-friendly technology. Consequently, the bill ensures that the existing offence under the Canada Elections Act involving the impersonation of election officials, such as the Chief Electoral Officer or candidates, includes realistic deepfakes created to deceive, whether through voice or image. However, the existing exceptions for parody and satire remain. Bill C-25 also strengthens protections against the misuse of computers. It will be illegal to tamper or interfere with computer systems to disrupt the electoral process, including through hacking or deleting information. By taking this ever-evolving risk into account, this bill strengthens our ability to protect the technological infrastructure that lies at the heart of our electoral system. Another safeguard in Bill C‑25 addresses a more practical challenge: the risk of overly long ballots. Long ballots can create barriers to accessible voting and disrupt election administration, causing unnecessary delays and confusion for voters and election workers, particularly those with disabilities. Specifically, once royal assent is granted, voters will be allowed to sign only one nomination paper per election, and each candidate must have their own official agent. These measures and others included in Bill C‑25 will prevent the creation of long, cumbersome ballots that complicate the voting process and the administration of elections in general. These measures also ensure that candidates run to represent voters. Furthermore, the bill ensures that election day will be as efficient as it is secure. In conclusion, Canada's democracy is one of the strongest and most respected in the world. However, maintaining a fair and resilient electoral system requires constant vigilance and adaptation. By supporting Bill C‑25, we are strengthening the foundations of our democracy and taking necessary and proactive steps to protect our elections and our rights.

Mr. Speaker, that is a very good question. However, as I pointed out in my speech, as far as funding is concerned, this bill responds to the findings of the independent investigations conducted by the commissioner and Elections Canada. We are therefore responding to a specific request with targeted measures based on reliable and verifiable data. If changes need to be made, then we are open to that.

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier in my speech, this bill is truly in step with the technology, which is evolving rapidly. We do not want to be left behind; rather, we want to stay ahead of the curve to ensure that technological advances are regulated, particularly when it comes to deepfakes. I would say to my colleague that this is what the bill is designed to address. We will counter any type of technological or AI intrusion.

Mr. Speaker, our government has stepped up its efforts to make life more affordable for Canadians because we need to take action and get moving. The current global environment is evolving rapidly, and there is a lot of uncertainty around the global economy. Canada is no exception, and Canadians and Canadian businesses are seeing this every day. Our government is focusing on what it can control: building a stronger economy and making life more affordable for Canadians. We have introduced a number of measures to lower the cost of living and enable Canadians to keep more of their hard-earned money. Let us talk about the excise tax announcement. It is great that the Leader of the Opposition made sure to mention gas prices in the motion. The military conflicts going on around the world are affecting refinery capacity and oil and gas transport networks. The government is mindful of the fact that while these conflicts may be happening in distant lands, consumers have been forced to pay higher prices at the pump here in Canada. We know that this is creating uncertainty, causing stress and putting pressure on families trying to make ends meet. As the Prime Minister indicated earlier today, our government will provide significant relief for the cost of fuel by suspending the federal excise tax on gasoline and diesel starting on Monday, April 20, and until Labour Day on September 7. Currently, the federal excise tax is 10¢ per litre for gasoline and four cents per litre for diesel. The suspension of this tax is expected to save Canadians about $5.75 on a full 50-litre tank of regular gasoline and up to $2.30 on a full tank of diesel. This represents total relief of more than $2.3 billion. The price of gas, among many things, reflects current circumstances abroad that have an impact on Canada, which requires targeted intervention from the government to help Canadian families. By reducing the cost of gas and diesel directly at the pump, we are taking a clear step to support families as they face the current hardships. The measure will cost a little more than $2 billion, so it will not jeopardize government finances or our other efforts to build the strongest economy in the G7. The provinces also have their own gas and diesel taxes and, if they want, they can implement their own measures too. What we are doing is using the federal fiscal situation, which is better due in part to higher oil prices, to provide targeted support to households and businesses. Note that this support is in addition to other measures already in place. We know that too many families are struggling to make ends meet at the end of the month. People do not need abstract promises. They need real, immediate and lasting support. That is exactly what our government is providing. That is why we launched the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit, which replaces and improves upon the old GST credit. It will provide more support to more than 12 million low- and modest-income Canadians. In real terms, starting this spring, a one-time payment equivalent to a 50% increase in the annual value of the GST credit for 2025 and 2026 will be paid out. That amounts to $3.1 billion of immediate relief in the pockets of families. In addition, as of July of this year, the value of the benefit will increase by 25% for five years, adding another $8.6 billion in additional support. In total, a family of four will receive $1,890 this year and around $1,400 per year over the next four years. A single person will receive up to $950 this year and about $700 in subsequent years. This is real support to pay for groceries, bills and everyday expenses. That is also why we eliminated the federal consumer fuel charge, a measure that has been in place for a year now and was formalized with the passage of Bill C‑4. Under that same bill, we also lowered taxes for nearly 22 million Canadian families by reducing the rate of the first personal income tax bracket from 15% to 14% in 2026. That is a savings of $420 per person and $840 for a two-income family. Under Bill C‑4, we also eliminated the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes valued at $1 million or less, while reducing the GST for homes valued between $1 million and $1.5 million. We have also reached an agreement with the Government of Ontario to further reduce taxes for homebuyers. The government has also taken concrete measures to make the banking system fairer and more affordable for Canadians. Since March, consumers can no longer be charged more than $10 in fees when there are insufficient funds in their personal chequing account to cover a payment. Banks can no longer charge this fee more than once over a two-business-day period for the same account. Most importantly, no NSF fees can be charged when the overdraft is less than $10. This is another way our government is helping Canadians where it really counts. The government's measures to promote affordability, including the one announced today, clearly demonstrate how the government is helping Canadian families. As the Prime Minister said today, we cannot control what other nations do, but we can control what we build for ourselves. What we are doing here is building a strong and affordable Canada, so that our country has the strongest economy in the G7.

Mr. Speaker, as a government, we make responsible decisions based on the budget that was announced. Our government made a decision while taking care not to compromise the budget in progress or create a deficit that could not be paid down. We therefore took targeted action, effective until September 7, to see how the situation would evolve. Our government is pragmatic. If things change, we can come back here and improve on our decisions, as needed.

Mr. Speaker, we always make decisions based on the available data. The future price of oil, for which data has not yet been released and remains unknown, cannot serve as the basis for a decision. Our government decided today to lower the price of fuel because the data is known and has been published and we have the budget to do it. That is why we will always be a pragmatic, flexible and responsive government that helps Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the leader of the official opposition a question. Decisions are made gradually. One cannot make a decision unilaterally without weighing the consequences. That is why we always say that we can control what we do here at home. Today, the Prime Minister decided on a measured approach to reducing the cost of gasoline in order to bring costs under control so that people's finances are not overly affected. People should not assume that a unilateral decision leads to orderly, structured action.

Mr. Speaker, I am a little surprised that my colleagues opposite would ask such questions and level such criticisms given that the Minister of Immigration recently made significant updates. I would like to invite my colleague to once again explain to my colleagues opposite that we have made a lot of major changes with respect to immigration. We have reduced the number of immigrants because we want things to be even across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise this morning to mark Irish Heritage Month. For many years, men and women from Ireland have been coming here to build a better life. They have made a significant contribution to Canada. Many of these families have lived in my riding of Mont-Saint-Bruno—L'Acadie for a long time. They have helped to build the social, economic and community fabric of our region. Yesterday we celebrated St. Patrick's Day. I had the pleasure of attending the parade in Montreal. It was very moving to walk down the street with people who are so proud of their roots. As the month comes to a close, I invite everyone to continue celebrating Irish culture and history and the contributions of Irish Canadians here and everywhere.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise this morning to mark scouting week, which took place last week in my riding. I want to pay tribute to the thousands of young people across the country who are keeping this great movement alive. The francophone scouting movement is the largest youth movement in Canada. It brings together nearly 10,000 young people and 3,000 dedicated volunteers. Scouting is not just about outdoor activities. It is a community that helps young people gain confidence, become independent and help others. I also want to acknowledge the incredible work of scouting groups in my riding of Mont-Saint-Bruno—L'Acadie, which have over 75 young members. I invite all of my colleagues in the House to join me in wishing our young people a very happy scouting week.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, at the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, our government again tried to move a motion to study the national school food program, after hearing credible witnesses talk about its positive impact on children and their families. However, the Conservative members spent the meeting filibustering and denying that food security is linked to affordability, climate impacts and the idea that families should not have to worry about whether their children remembered to bring their lunch, whether they ate enough, or whether they had full bellies. Can the Secretary of State for Children and Youth tell the House how this program helps children eat well and families worry less?

Madam Speaker, I heard my colleague listing the treaties earlier. However, she forgot to mention that we are the first government to establish a national day of remembrance for first nations. That is a powerful gesture that we made to start reconciliation off on the right foot. We wanted to establish a day on which to think about how we can move forward together. What does she think about this day that we established as a government?

Madam Speaker, I listened to my colleague's remarks. All he did was praise the accomplishments of his former government, the government of Mr. Harper, whom we can name here and whom he mentioned in passing. I did not hear him offer any solutions. All he said was that this bill would create bureaucracy, that it would create many issues. I would like to know what solutions he proposes so that first nations can have a concrete tool for implementing their declaration while limiting the creation of new administrative structures.

Mr. Speaker, February is Black History Month. It is an important time to recognize Black people's contributions to Canada's history, culture and development. From labourers to artists, from entrepreneurs to community leaders, Black people have helped build Canada from east to west, including in my riding, Mont-Saint-Bruno—L'Acadie. This month is also special to me personally. For me, this moment is meaningful. It is a moment of pride, gratitude and responsibility. After living here in Canada for 15 years, rising to speak in the House of Commons during Black History Month is a huge achievement for me. This month invites us to reflect and reminds us of the importance of fighting racism and continuing to work toward equity, inclusion and justice. Together, we must keep moving forward toward equity, justice and dignity for all. Together, let us continue to build Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, today, I am very honoured to announce the creation of the Canada-DR Congo Interparliamentary Friendship Group. This group will provide a dynamic platform to promote dialogue, encourage meetings and deepen our collaboration in key areas such as education, the Francophonie, the energy transition and student mobility. With a population of nearly 100 million people, the Democratic Republic of Congo is now the largest francophone nation in the world and a key partner in the Francophonie. I would like to thank my fellow parliamentarians who have already expressed an interest in this initiative, and I invite all those who wish to join us to do so. Together, we can build strong bridges between our nations for a stable future for the Francophonie.

Mr. Speaker, today we are delighted to welcome to Ottawa a young athlete who is raising Canada's profile around the world: Victoria Mboko. At just 19 years of age, Victoria has established herself as one of the rising stars of world tennis. By winning her first WTA 1000-level title right here in Canada at the National Bank Open in Montreal, Victoria has demonstrated surprising talent, remarkable determination and a maturity worthy of the greatest champions. I had the privilege of attending the semifinals and finals in Montreal, after which I presented her with a member of Parliament certificate of recognition. Her journey is a testament to to the power of hard work, discipline and resilience, and she is already inspiring thousands of young people across the country. On behalf of my colleagues in the House, I thank Victoria for making Canada proud. I congratulate her and wish her continued success in inspiring an entire generation.

Madam Speaker, can my colleague remind the House how this investment budget truly supports families, businesses and the regions of Quebec and Canada, particularly at a time when some parties would rather engage in fearmongering and sensationalism? The Conservatives voted against the budget, as did the Bloc Québécois members, who are always saying that what is good for Quebec is good for them. Could you explain why, contrary to what they are saying, this budget represents a responsible, ambitious and future-oriented approach, far removed from the alarmist rhetoric that we have been hearing so much of from our colleagues opposite?

Madam Speaker, I believe that our government is the only one that has made additional investments to promote French both inside and outside Quebec. I have visited francophone communities outside Quebec on two occasions. Today, we can say that French outside Quebec is growing and that it will soon exceed the 4% target. We have invested more than $7 billion to promote French both inside and outside Quebec. I think that this budget meets the needs of francophones both inside and outside Quebec.

Madam Speaker, I recently spent two days in Fredericton for National Acadian Day. What I found there was a united people, a tight-knit community that is proud to speak French, proud to know that we stand beside them. They knew that we would heed their call. Today, we have done just that and increased the budget. This morning, we are proud to say that National Acadian Day will continue to be part of Canada's culture and that it will bring together francophones from across the country.

Madam Speaker, I am really disappointed to hear my colleague talking about investments without understanding what is being said. When a person invests in a home, they pay for it. They have a mortgage. I take care of my home. I mow the lawn. I make repairs. I can even change the way it looks from the outside. I invest in my home to increase its value. We have introduced a budget that includes investments to reduce the deficit. Members across the way voted against this budget. How can my colleague rise today to say that this budget does not include any investments?