Eric St-Pierre

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Madawaska—Restigouche, who is very involved in his community. How will the people of Madawaska—Restigouche benefit in concrete ways from Bill C-39, the building Canada strong act?

Mr. Speaker, the world is facing major headwinds, geopolitical, economic and trade pressures, headwinds that Canada must face as united people. External threats pose a challenge for Canada. We know what we are doing here in Canada is the best way to respond because when we seek unity, Canada thrives. In a rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever that we stay united. I noticed that this summer in Rivière‑des‑Prairies—Pointe-aux-Trembles and in Anjou. My constituents have been very direct with me: We are stronger together. What I continue to hear from Canadians is an overwhelming desire for national unity. Let us keep Canada strong. Let us keep Canada united. Through partnership, we will all come out stronger together.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition brought forth by Emilie Grenier and Efficiency Canada, which was signed by over 2,400 Canadians, that calls upon our government to designate energy efficiency as a nation-building priority. First, the petitioners would like to bring to the attention of the House their desire to double the pace of Canada's energy productivity. Second, they also wish to bring to the attention of the House the importance of eliminating energy poverty in Canada while progressing toward net zero. The timing of this petition coincides with national energy efficiency day, which we celebrate on October 1.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five colleagues who collectively have given more than 50 years of service to Canadians and are now moving on from federal politics. First, I recognize the member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie for his unmatched environmental and climate advocacy. I also commend the member for Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton for his work as an opposition member and, if I may, for his great taste in ties. I also want to thank the member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie for his work as an opposition member and for his impressive commitment to his riding. I also recognize the member for Beaches—East York for his thoughtful and powerful voice in this House. Finally, I recognize the member for North Vancouver—Capilano for his steadfast commitment to climate, natural resources and the environment. I thank them for their service to democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Yorkton—Melville for her nearly 11 years of service. Earlier today, I made a member statement where I acknowledged five departing members of Parliament. I learned shortly after about her departure. If I could, I would revise my member statement to include six departing members. I got to spend a brief moment of time with the member on the veterans affairs committee for a few months and really appreciated her insights. My understanding is that she has nine grandchildren—

Mr. Speaker, happy Friday. One in four young Canadians between 12 and 17 years of age has been the victim of cyberbullying. Not only that, youths who are victimized online are three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts. Stakeholders nationwide are sounding the alarm. Can the Secretary of State for Children and Youth tell the House what the government is doing to protect our children from the dangers they are exposed to online?

Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to talk about an issue that matters to Canadians in every region of our country, which is how we can better support seniors and ensure they can live and age with dignity, security and independence. Seniors have helped build the Canada that we know today. They have raised families, built businesses, contributed to their communities, volunteered their time and strengthened our economy through decades of hard work. For example, in my riding of Honoré-Mercier, Italian Canadians helped build Rivière des Prairies decades ago, and with their hard work, built a strong community. While I am here, I would also like to wish Italian seniors in my riding a happy Italian Heritage Month. Seniors deserve a retirement that is secure, dignified and supported by strong public programs. Over the past several years, the federal government has taken steps to strengthen Canada's retirement income system and improve the financial security of older Canadians. We increased the old age security pension by 10% for seniors aged 75 and over, responding to data that showed that the older people get, the more expenses they have. We have also strengthened the Canada pension plan, helping future retirees receive higher pension benefits. In fact, in the recent spring economic update, our government signalled our plans to reduce Canada pension plan contributions to 9.5%. Additionally, recognizing the rising cost of living, we provided targeted support to Canadians. Measures such as pausing the federal fuel excise tax, cutting income tax for middle-class Canadians and investing in housing, infrastructure and the economy are helping Canadians across the country no matter their age. It is important to acknowledge the intent behind Bill C-261. All members of the House share the goal of improving the well-being of seniors. For example, I think of my colleague from Winnipeg North, who is probably one of the strongest advocates for seniors and inspires us all here today. We recognize that many seniors face financial pressures and that income security remains a critical issue. However, it is also important to ensure a balanced and sustainable approach to the Canadian pension system so that it continues to benefit generations to come. When our government increased old age security by 10% for seniors aged 75 and older, that decision was informed by evidence showing that older seniors generally face greater financial vulnerability. As Canadians age, they are more likely to experience declining health, increasing health care-related expenses and reduced opportunities to supplement their income through employment. They are also more likely to outlive their savings and other retirement resources. This is a sound decision supported by data. With respect to the proposal to increase the guaranteed income supplement earnings exemption, we recognize the value of helping seniors who choose to remain in the workforce. Many older Canadians continue to work part-time, whether to supplement their income, remain active or just maintain social connections. That is why in 2019, the federal government increased the GIS work exemption to $5,000, allowing seniors to keep receiving their full pensions without being penalized for taking up some time to supplement their income. Canada's population is aging. The number of seniors is growing rapidly, including in my own riding, and expenditures on the retirement income program continue to increase. This reality requires thoughtful policy decisions that balance the importance of our public pension system with the current workforce, which supports it and expects it to be there for them when they retire. Our government knows that supporting seniors and investing in younger Canadians are not competing priorities. We can and must do both. That is why we have supported measures such as strengthening and protecting retirement benefits for seniors while also investing in housing, skills training, education and affordability measures that help younger Canadians build secure futures and grow the economy. Every member of the House wants seniors to live with dignity and financial security. We all share a commitment to ensuring that older Canadians receive the support they need. For the generations that built this country, that commitment remains unwavering.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to honour two residences that are a credit to Honoré‑Mercier: La Seigneurie d'Anjou, a residence celebrating its 25th year of operation, and Fil de l'Eau, a residence in Rivière‑des‑Prairies—Pointe‑aux‑Trembles that is celebrating its 40th year of operation. These anniversaries remind us that seniors are the beating heart of our neighbourhoods, the keepers of our memories and the builders of our collective history. Whether in Anjou or Rivière‑des‑Prairies—Pointe‑aux‑Trembles, their journey, diversity and resilience profoundly enrich our social fabric. I also want to commend the Filippin family and the team at La Seigneurie d'Anjou, as well as Salvatore Migliara and the team at Fil de l'Eau, for their outstanding dedication. To everyone who lives, works or contributes at these residences, I offer my thanks and congratulations on these momentous anniversaries.

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the sixth report of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development entitled, “Main Estimates 2026-27: Votes 1 and 5 under Canada Water Agency, Votes 1, 5 and 10 under Department of the Environment, Votes 1 and 5 under Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and Votes 1, 5 and 10 under Parks Canada Agency”.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition brought forth by many residents of Saskatchewan, as well as across the country, with the purpose of seeking the enforcement of the federal government's coal phase-out regulations in Saskatchewan. The petitioners would like to bring to the attention of the House that they have submitted a request to have the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature take the necessary measures within federal jurisdiction to prevent the continued operation of coal-fired electricity generation. They seek clarity on the specific steps being undertaken to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the environment and climate change caucus and as a member of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development, I want to wish everyone a very good Earth Day. I want to commend the remarkable work of businesses, environmental organizations, financial institutions, our young people, our seniors and indigenous groups who are working tirelessly to protect our climate and biodiversity. Our government has taken meaningful action to protect the environment: a new strategy to protect nature, a strategy for a clean and competitive automobile industry and regulations to reduce methane emissions, while strengthening industrial carbon pricing. Building a greener Canada also means building a stronger Canada. I wish everyone happy Earth Day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in support of Bill C‑234, the living donor recognition medal act. This bill recognizes the courage, generosity and profound humanity of Canadians who choose to donate an organ during their lifetime. It is truly the gift of life. I would like to begin by thanking the member for Edmonton Manning for his bill. Among other things, it is an important example of MPs working together across party lines. It shows that, when we set partisanship aside, we can work together to honour the best of Canada. I was particularly touched by this bill on a personal level. It reminds us that behind every donation lies a human story; a decision marked by courage, altruism and a deep commitment to others. Every year, thousands of Canadians who are dealing with a potentially life-threatening illness are waiting for an organ transplant. Too many of them will not get one in time. The preamble of Bill C‑234 clearly describes this reality. It says that “thousands of Canadians are currently awaiting life-saving organ transplants” and that living donors make these transplants possible. Organ and tissue donation is one of the most selfless acts a person can undertake. It is not compelled, does not offer material reward and often carries medical risk. Living donors step forward not for recognition, not for reward, but because they believe in the value of another human life. As the bill notes, they often do so at personal risk and with no expectation of reward. Their actions save lives and strengthen our communities by reminding us of the compassion and solidarity that define Canada at its best. These are not small virtues, but the very qualities that strengthen our social fabric. When a Canadian chooses to donate an organ, they are saving a life. They are also helping families stay whole. They remind us and communities across the country of what is possible when people act with extraordinary kindness. Their actions really inspire us. They set an example for all of us in this House and for all Canadians. Canadians are rightly proud of those who perform these acts of extraordinary generosity. To better demonstrate this pride, Bill C-234 proposes a formal mechanism, a national honour, to ensure their contributions are publicly recognized and celebrated. This is a thoughtful and meaningful initiative. I want to thank the sponsor for bringing forward a bill that shines a light on the silent heroes among us. Medals play an important role in our society. They are not merely symbolic objects. They represent incredible stories, sacrifices and contributions. They unite people by creating a shared sense of recognition and pride. They also shine a spotlight on actions that often take place in the shadows. By publicly honouring these contributions, they promote a sense of collective belonging. They inspire other Canadians to get involved, showing that every action, no matter how humble, can have a profound and lasting impact. The King Charles III Coronation Medal was worn with pride by many Canadians. I even received a King Charles III Coronation Medal. It served not only as a recognition of service but also as a unifying symbol, bringing together individuals from different regions, backgrounds and professions under a shared sense of national appreciation. These honours create a shared moment of pride, not just for recipients but also for their families, their communities and the country as a whole. They reinforce a collective identity grounded in generosity, service and compassion, and they remind us that acts of selflessness are not only worthy of recognition but are also foundational to who we are as a society. I support the objectives of this bill, and I am pleased with the amendments that were drafted in collaboration with the bill's sponsor and adopted by the Standing Committee on Health. The bill uses a very broad definition of “organ”. This definition explicitly includes all human tissue and encourages us to think more broadly about the spectrum of donation in Canada. Today, living donors provide not only organs, but also blood and bone marrow. That is why I am pleased that this committee review has also expanded the pool of eligible recipients for this medal to include bone marrow donors as well as blood donors who have demonstrated a significant and long-standing commitment to blood donation. Consider bone marrow donation for a Canadian diagnosed with leukemia or other blood cancer. I must give a shout-out to my old best friend from undergrad, who passed away from leukemia at the young age of 25 and should have been in the House of Commons. We were studying political science together. This speech goes out to Damon Hartung and to all other victims of leukemia. Finding a match is often extraordinarily difficult. Canadians who step forward are volunteering to help a stranger survive. Those donors also give the gift of life, yet awareness remains very low. Many Canadians do not realize how pressing the need for bone marrow donors truly is, nor do they realize how straightforward the process of registering as a potential donor can be. Similarly, blood donation, especially regular, repeat donation, is essential to the health of Canadians. We think of the Canadian Blood Services, which recognizes the selfless act of donation through the donor recognition medal, which is offered upon request and highlights the generosity and sacrifice of donors while also creating an opportunity to celebrate life-saving contributions. The Canadian Blood Services also acknowledges this altruistic commitment. However, the bill would go further by making this recognition official at the national level, affirming that these acts are not only appreciated but are also essential to our society. These donors are also unsung heroes. Their contributions may be quieter, occurring many times over many years. Some people choose to donate plasma or platelets on a schedule that requires ongoing commitment and sacrifice. While blood donors do not face the same medical risks as organ donors, the cumulative impact on regular blood and plasma donors is immeasurable. I recognize the non-partisan spirit that animates the sponsor of Bill C‑234, and I am glad that we were able to make the bill stronger together. It is kicking off a national conversation on how to honour the many donors who are saving lives. It will raise public awareness, support donor recruitment efforts and ultimately increase the number of Canadians who decide to donate organs. This bill is a tribute to the people who voluntarily make organ donations to help others when they need help the most. It shows that Parliament and all Canadians value the contributions of living donors. Through non-partisan collaboration, we can ensure that this bill passes and that the important role of so many Canadians who choose to make organ donations gets recognition. In conclusion, I support the objectives of Bill C‑234, and I encourage all members of the House to do the same. Let us honour the people who show up when times are tough, who represent the best of what we are and who remind us that compassion is one of this country's greatest strengths for good. The time has come to honour the people who give the gift of life.

Mr. Speaker, with less than two months to go before the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup kicks off, Canadians from coast to coast to coast are feeling the excitement. Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State for Sport tell the House how our government is helping communities across the country take part in this historic moment?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present my first petition as a member of Parliament on behalf of the residents of Honoré-Mercier. The petitioners would like to draw to the attention of the House the urgent need for safe, reliable, accessible and efficient public transit in Montreal's east end, where persistent gaps are creating significant barriers in how residents get to school and are hindering employment opportunities for people in the region. This petition, which is signed by 1,270 people, calls on the government to allocate additional funding to strengthen public transit services in Montreal's east end, including in Rivière‑des‑Prairies and Anjou. The petitioners are also calling for transitional measures to be put in place in collaboration with the provincial and municipal governments, such as the expansion of the bus rapid transit service, among other things. I also want to thank Darlene Jean Jacques for her leadership in presenting this petition and for helping ensure that the voices of the residents of Honoré‑Mercier and all of Montreal's east end are heard here in the House.

Mr. Speaker, Bill C-22 is being debated again in the House today. This is a vital bill that will help combat serious crimes such as extortion and that will move police investigations forward. Law enforcement agencies across the country are calling for this measure, as is the member for Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner. Can the Minister of Justice explain to the House why Bill C-22 is important for the safety of all Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, today it gives me great pleasure to welcome to the Hill some incredible organizations from Honoré-Mercier, including SARA d'Anjou, 1,2,3 GO! Rivière‑des‑Prairies, the Rivière‑des‑Prairies youth employment centre, the Anjou—Saint‑Justin youth employment centre, Aîné‑es J'écoute en actions, the Pointe‑de‑l'île de Montréal chapter of the AQDR, La Maison des jeunes de Rivière‑des‑Prairies, the CFHI, Regroupement Jeunesse en Action, the CDC de RDP, Le Phare, SAC Anjou, the RDP soccer club, ASEC Montréal, AIEM and the Anjou women's centre, along with members of several seniors' clubs, including Il Faro, Parc Cipriani, Le Fiamme d'Oro, the Rivière‑des‑Prairies Abruzzese folklore group, Résidence la Seigueurie d'Anjou, Résidence Au Fil de l'Eau and the A.I.A.P.A. I also want to acknowledge the presence of Gerlando Guarraggi and wish our colleague Samiha a happy birthday.

Mr. Speaker, Canadians elected a new government with a mandate to build Canada strong, keep our country safe and expand our international partnerships. In a rapidly changing world, our government is focused on what we can control. Can the Minister of National Defence tell the House about the progress we are making in our defence partnerships around the world?

Mr. Speaker, I also have good news today. Bill C-14, the bail and sentencing reform act, after months of Conservative obstruction, is finally making its way through. Premiers, mayors and law enforcement from across the country have called on Parliament to quickly pass the bill so it could soon become the law of the land. Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice please share with Canadians the progress made on the bail and sentencing reform act?

Mr. Speaker, recent aggression by major powers toward the Arctic region have underlined the importance of Greenland's and Denmark's sovereignty. This rhetoric is not happening in a vacuum. Indeed, if left unchecked, it threatens our NATO alliance and Canada's own Arctic sovereignty. Can the Minister of Foreign Affairs share with the House how the government is working with our allies to protect the territorial integrity of Greenland and defend Canada's sovereignty?