Parliamentary Speeches
680 speeches by Claude DeBellefeuille — Page 13 of 14
Government Orders
Madam Speaker, the Bloc Québécois's House leader is a tough act to follow. It is hard to improve on his use of metaphor and imagery to get his point across. Nevertheless, I will try to lighten things up and make members laugh. First, though, I would like to thank the people of Salaberry—Suroît for re-electing me to serve a fourth term. I was fortunate to be a member of Parliament from 2006 to 2011…
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Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. It gives me an opportunity to clarify what I was saying. I do not know his profession, but I do not think he is a scientist. I am not a scientist, but what I do know is that I received instructions, a directive from the Sergeant-at-Arms, who issued a policy and directives here that said that Ontario Public Health deemed it safe for the 338 MPs …
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Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. Yes, we are aware that being at home, being in our ridings, voting remotely, being able to deliver a speech and then leave 10 minutes later to go vote gives us plenty of freedom, more so than if we came to work in the House. I agree with him that this freedom is perhaps more appreciated by the government party, whose gamble to win a majority go…
Read full speech →Speech from the Throne
Mr. Speaker, I would like to share certain points that we believe must be considered with regard to the question of privilege raised by the chief opposition whip. I would first like to say that the decision made by the Board of Internal Economy concerning vaccination of people on Parliament Hill was necessary and vital given the COVID-19 pandemic. As the administrative body of the House of Commons…
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with you a major concern that my Bloc Québécois colleagues and I share regarding the health and safety of members of the House and parliamentary staff. This concern is a direct result of the Conservative Party's lukewarm position on whether it is effective and necessary for its members to be vaccinated against COVID‑19. Since the Board of Internal Economy made it…
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Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Prime Minister appealed to opposition parties to be progressive and pass his bills. The opposition has enabled the passage of nine bills since June 1, including Bill C‑10, which would have died without the Bloc Québécois. Now it is the government's turn. Sick people often need up to 50 weeks of special EI benefits. That is what our Bill C‑265 provides for. In order for i…
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Mr. Speaker, at the end of her life, Émilie Sansfaçon was fighting two battles, one for her life, against cancer, and one so that sick people could have up to 50 weeks of EI sickness benefits. The Prime Minister met Émilie. He knows very well what she went through. Émilie lost her first battle. Today, the Prime Minister could make it so she wins the second one. I appeal to the Prime Minister's com…
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Mr. Speaker, people who are suffering from illnesses like cancer do not have the energy to worry about their finances. However, that is exactly what happens when the EI system fails people who are suffering in the middle of their treatment. Benefits are sometimes needed for up to 50 weeks, which is why the Bloc Québécois introduced Bill C-265. All parties, including the Liberals, supported it in c…
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Mr. Speaker, the government is offering half of what sick people need. Not everyone needs 50 weeks of benefits to recover from an illness, but limiting benefits to 15 or even 26 weeks means leaving those who are suffering the most out in the cold, and the government knows it. That goes against the values of every member of the House. I am appealing to the government's sense of compassion. Will it …
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Madam Speaker, at this very moment, seriously ill people are facing unacceptable financial worries. They are wondering whether they will be able to provide for their families while they are recovering. They are caught in this dilemma because employment insurance is failing them in the middle of their recovery, when what they need is 50 weeks of special sickness benefits. Bill C‑265 received unanim…
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Mr. Speaker, it brings a tear to my eye to join my Bloc Québécois colleagues in the House of Commons in recognizing Deputy Clerk André Gagnon for his excellent work. By “colleagues”, I mean all MPs, past and present, and every Bloc Québécois staffer over the years. Mr. Gagnon chose to step down a little sooner than we might have liked. It was only just in 2019 that we made a vigorous comeback. All…
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Madam Speaker, as whip of the Bloc Québécois, I would like to inform the Chair that we are going to reject the amendment proposed by the member.
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Mr. Speaker, 50 years later, the federal government is finally recognizing French as the official language of Quebec. The government is only half a century late. Maybe next week it will recommend a great new television show called Symphorien. Seriously, though, this flash of inspiration must have made the government realize that Quebec's official language legislation designates French as the langu…
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Mr. Speaker, the federal government will therefore recognize that French is the official language of Quebec. What does that mean, official language? When Canada defined its two official languages in its Constitution, it stated that English and French have “equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and government of Canada”. Since the minister recognizes Fren…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague. I agree with many of the points he raised. There is one point in particular that I would like to discuss with him. I know that committee work is important to him, and the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities will soon begin studying my bill, Bill C-265, which seeks to extend special EI …
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address my counterparts, the members of the student parliament at La Traversée alternative school. Esteemed colleagues and community representatives, my visit with you showed me an inspiring model of civic engagement. Your gender-balanced parliament sets an excellent example, considering that we still have a long way to go here in the House of Commons. Perhaps one day …
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Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Indigenous Services said that it was unacceptable that the Indian Act has not yet been abolished. Surprise, surprise. I would remind him that he is the minister and his government has been in power for six years. He is right, this needs to happen in partnership with indigenous peoples, Quebec and the provinces, but in six years, there has been no discussion that has le…
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Mr. Speaker, we were all shocked by the discovery of the remains of 215 children buried at the former residential school in Kamloops. The Indian Act created two classes of human beings and treated this second class inhumanely. Today, we must ensure that we identify all the children who disappeared and were buried at indigenous residential schools. Will the minister pledge to fund this research so …
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Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that I will be sharing my time with my esteemed colleague from Abitibi—Témiscamingue. I rise today to participate in the debate at third reading of Bill C-6, an act to amend the Criminal Code regarding conversion therapy. What is conversion therapy? Conversion therapy is a practice, service or treatment that is essentially designed to change a person's sexual orien…
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Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, I do not agree with his last question because we all know that all mental health care, health care and social services fall under provincial jurisdiction, and so under Quebec's jurisdiction, and that Quebec already provides quality services to support everyone who needs help.
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Madam Speaker, I have two questions for my colleague First, I heard her make a connection between mental health and the problems that someone who is homosexual can experience. I would like her to clarify. Does she think there is a connection between homosexuality and having a mental health issue? Second, she mentioned all of the legislation on conversion therapy, so I wanted to ask her whether she…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. I know that he is passionate about this issue. We heard him speak at length in the House and at committee. I would just like to remind him that, from a medical perspective, conversion therapy is pseudoscience. Not only is it dangerous and degrading for the patient, but many studies have also proven that it does not work. We heard from many witnes…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank the minister for her question. I think my comment will serve as an answer to her question. Since 1977, Quebec's Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms has recognized sexual orientation as prohibited grounds for discrimination. In 2002, Quebec's National Assembly made the civil union of two people of the same sex legal. In answer to her question, yes, it is time we passed this bi…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I would like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of John Gomery, who passed away last week at the age of 88. He was originally from Montreal but had been living in Havelock, which is in my riding, for the past few years. Simplicity, humanity and sincerity were his hallmarks, but history will remember him most for heading the commission of…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the House of Commons passed the Bloc Québécois's bill to increase special EI sickness benefits to 50 weeks. The bill is named after Émilie Sansfaçon, a young mother who was let down by EI while fighting cancer. She has since passed away, but the government has the power to ensure that her nightmare never happens to anyone else. Will it give the royal recommendation to the Ém…
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Mr. Speaker, what the government is proposing represents barely half of what some people need in order to heal in peace and with dignity. Sometimes it takes 50 weeks of employment insurance for people with a serious illness such as cancer. No one should have to worry about their financial situation when they are fighting for their health or their life. Yesterday, every party called on the governme…
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With regard to the one-time tax-free payment to seniors as part of the COVID-19 pandemic: how many eligible seniors (i) in Canada, (ii) in Quebec, were unable to access their benefit because their Guaranteed Income Supplement applications were processed by the Canada Revenue Agency after September 11, 2020?
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 43(2)(a), I would like to indicate that all of the Bloc Québécois's speaking slots for today's debate on the opposition motion will be divided in two.
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Mr. Speaker, I am proud to present a petition to the Minister of Transport in the House of Commons today. It was initiated by Daniel Pinsonneault, a constituent in my riding. This petition calls for the modernization of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation's website to improve the culture of communication between the St. Lawrence Seaway and its users, whether they be motorists, cyclists …
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Mr. Speaker, it was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Paul Viau, the mayor of the Township of Hemmingford, on May 11. I always had a great deal of respect and affection for Paul. He was a dedicated mayor and a committed prefect, particularly when it came to social development. Paul was a visionary, a frank, colourful man who was easy to work with. I was saddened to learn of his s…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Madam Speaker, my speech will wrap up the debate on the Émilie Sansfaçon bill. I remind the House that the purpose of Bill C-265 is to extend EI sickness benefits from 15 weeks to 50 weeks. It is a short bill that could really benefit all the most vulnerable workers, who are left with no income while sick, often while fighting for their lives. It is a bill that would allow workers to recover with …
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Madam Speaker, I request a recorded division.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, before I begin my speech on Bill C-30, budget implementation act, 2021, no. 1, I would like to take a moment to extend my sincere condolences to the friends and family of Serge Bouchard. He was Quebec's favourite anthropologist, and a wonderful communicator and speaker. He was an exceptional man. We learned of his death today. I wanted to express my deepest condolences to his family a…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. Vaccine distribution is Ottawa's responsibility. It was delayed, and that has delayed mass vaccination in Quebec. Now that Quebec has received the vaccines, it has become a leader, like Saskatchewan. All seniors living in long-term care homes in Quebec have received their first and second doses, and those living in seniors' residences have begun …
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. People who are 75 and will receive the old age security increase are quite pleased, because they need it and it is a good thing. I have heard from many seniors who are 65. It is important for people to understand that someone who has worked all their life as a server in a restaurant, for example, is exhausted by the time they reach the age of 65.…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. I know that the housing issue is very important to him. It is to me too. I have to say that the current situation is crazy. It took four years to come up with a national housing agreement between Quebec and Ottawa, and still Quebec's expectations are far from being met because the needs are so great. The problem is that the money for affordable h…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, it is my turn to thank Diane on behalf of the Bloc Québécois. I will use her first name, just like my Conservative colleague did. I had the opportunity in December to tell her how much I admire her great career. The House is losing a woman today, which is sad news. However, I know that her retirement is well deserved, and I hope she enjoys the time with her family and loved ones. She …
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Madam Speaker, my question is for my Conservative colleague. We just started debating Bill C-19, and the government has allocated just three hours and 38 minutes for debate. We can only assume that the government's poor management of its legislative agenda is at fault here. What does my colleague think is the true reason we are debating time allocation on Bill C-19 today, with the connivance of th…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
With regard to the disposal of lands along the St. Lawrence Seaway that began in 2013, particularly in the Municipality of Beauharnois (Melocheville sector), and the appraisal of these lands by the Canada Lands Company: (a) what is the timeframe that the Department of Transport has set for the Canada Lands Company to complete this appraisal; and (b) what are the next steps, as well as the timeline…
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Mr. Speaker, the St. Lawrence Seaway is an asset that runs through my riding, Salaberry—Suroît. When boating season begins, traffic disruptions at the Larocque Bridge and Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague Bridge are part of daily life for local residents and business owners. Motorists, cyclists and recreational boaters deserve a modernized St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation website that presents an …
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Mr. Speaker, I feel like I am having a conversation with the English-to-French interpreter. She is telling us that the sound is poor. Could someone speak with the interpreters, because we are hearing the conversation through our headsets?
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, we cannot accept an answer from a minister for which there is no interpretation. I suggest that you ask the parliamentary secretary to answer, as he may have the proper equipment.
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
moved that Bill C-265, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (illness, injury or quarantine), be read the second time and referred to a committee. Mr. Speaker, this is it. We made it. It is finally time to debate a very compassionate, common-sense bill that seeks to extend special employment insurance sickness benefits from 15 weeks to 50 weeks. I am very honoured to sponsor this bill on be…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his excellent question and the opportunity to clarify. My bill provides for up to 50 weeks of benefits, but we know that, on average, people need 41 weeks. That is an average, which means that some people who are sick need less than 50 weeks but quite a bit more than 26 weeks. That is well documented and proven. In 41% of cases, workers need more than 26 weeks…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. He is quite right. As I stated in my speech, nobody decides to be sick. None of us can predict when we will get sick, and often we cannot predict when we will get better, either. Today, highly effective treatments are available that may affect a person's ability to return to work, but it is the doctor who makes these decisions. The sick worker ca…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his excellent question. Quite frankly, I do not understand why the Liberals refuse to propose or give royal recommendation to this bill. We have known for 10 years now that 15 weeks of benefits are not enough. We knew that long before the 15 weeks were granted. The Liberals are hiding behind their proposal to increase benefits to 26 weeks, which has been …
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, “Volunteering, So Chic” is the theme of National Volunteer Week, which is taking place from April 18 to 24. Sports and cultural events, services provided by community organizations, recreation activities and community engagement activities would not be possible without our countless volunteers. Their ability to adapt to all manner of new realities and to create great social innovation…
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Mr. Speaker, a year ago, the House adopted the Bloc motion to extend employment insurance sickness benefits from 15 weeks to 50 weeks. Also roughly a year ago, the Prime Minister met with Marie-Hélène Dubé and Émilie Sansfaçon, who fought until the very end for this idea. My thoughts are with them today. On Thursday, in response to a question from my colleague from Thérèse-De Blainville about the …
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Mr. Speaker, I am not really surprised that the government is using today's budget as a convenient excuse to avoid the question. However, we can do something tangible without passing the budget. I introduced Bill C-265, which would extend employment insurance sickness benefits from 15 weeks to 50 weeks. Mr. Speaker, you found that Bill C-265 required a royal recommendation to pass third reading. M…
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Mr. Speaker, the interpreter is telling us that the minister's equipment does not seem to be working properly.
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