Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend my colleague who is celebrating her eight anniversary as a member of Parliament here in the House of Commons today. I wish her a happy anniversary and to the rest of us too. In answer to the specific question that my colleague asked, I would answer that I only spoke about the environment and that I am very proud of that. I am a bit surprised to hear my colleagu…
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Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased and proud to take part in this debate since it is an essential debate for the future of Canada and, let us be honest, for the future of the planet. We are talking here about the vision, the perspective we have when it comes to Canada's natural resources given the challenges we are facing with climate change, which is real. First, let us begin by defining what is at s…
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Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to explain to the minister how the first Liberal carbon tax is impacting Quebec. The things we buy from outside Quebec, from the rest of Canada, have been impacted by the Liberal carbon tax. I would also like to point out to him that public transit is not as widely available in La Tuque as it is in downtown Montreal. The reality is that the people of La Tuque, and pe…
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Mr. Speaker, after eight years of a Liberal government, everything is more expensive in Canada. These Liberals, with the support, assistance and enthusiasm of the Bloc, are implementing and creating a new tax, the second Liberal carbon tax. That is why it is costly to vote for the Bloc Québécois. The department acknowledges that it has not assessed the regional impact of the second carbon tax. New…
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Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate you on your election. All across the country, requests for food assistance are skyrocketing. People who were donating food just a short time ago are now being forced to ask for help in turn. Thankfully, community organizations continue to stand strong and are working miracles to help families in Quebec City and, more specifically, in my riding. I am thinking abo…
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Mr. Speaker, that is precisely the problem. This time last year, they said they were going to eliminate the deficit. That is not true at all. That is why we are very skeptical when they announce such things. Anxiety is a growing reality among young Canadians. Today's Journal de Québec and Journal de Montréal report that 61% of young people fear they will never be homeowners. Claude Pinard, the hea…
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Mr. Speaker, after years of irresponsible Liberal governance, inflation rates are rising, and so are mortgage rates. However, let us remember that almost a year ago today, the Minister of Finance very proudly said that her government would balance the budget in 2028. Six months ago, when the budget was tabled, that promise was scrapped. It was just not kept. Just last week, the Parliamentary Budge…
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Madam Speaker, the point is that in the last weeks, in the last months, and we can even say in the last years, governments applied some policies that did not work. Those policies are not working. This is the reality. This is why we need to have a more common sense plan to address this difficult and touchy issue. The point is that in the last years, those policies did not work.
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Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for the quality of his question, because the last time he asked me a question, his tone was a little different. That being said, it is rather curious to note that his party's policy is to dig deep into Quebeckers' wallets, since the Bloc agrees with the second Liberal carbon tax. They had two opportunities to vote against it, but they voted in favo…
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Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate my colleague from Winnipeg North for the victory of his daughter, who was elected two weeks ago in the provincial election. Speaking of winning elections, let me remind him that he won in 2015. At the heart of his commitment in 2015 was a zero deficit by 2019. I know the member, and he knows this story very well. I am quite sure he is not very proud to be part…
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Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to rise today to participate in this official opposition day debate on the cost of living, which is having a major impact on all Canadians. First of all, let me pay my respects to my new colleague from Oxford, who delivered a very great and powerful speech, as everybody does here on this side of the House. When we talk about inflation, that is a topic that, unfortu…
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Mr. Speaker, after eight years of this Liberal government, what has Canada witnessed? Chronic deficits and out-of-control inflationary spending. The result is a direct impact on inflation and interest rates, which are currently climbing. According to the Institut national de la recherche scientifique, one in five Quebeckers are having a hard time repaying their debt and are at risk of losing their…
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the parliamentary secretary for answering my question in French. I congratulate him on the quality of his French. However, the thanks end there, because what he said does not reflect the reality. Prices are going up. Yesterday, the minister was so proud to say that prices would come down this weekend, but that is not true. Some announcement…
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Mr. Speaker, after eight years under this Liberal government, everything in Canada costs more. Thanksgiving is just two days away, but Canadians do not feel like celebrating. Unfortunately, the Prime Minister led them down the garden path once again. Three weeks ago, the Prime Minister said that Canadians would see prices come down in time for Thanksgiving. Once again, that did not happen. What co…
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Mr. Speaker, what the minister said is very interesting. I thank him for that. The problem is that the story never changes. Whenever the government is caught red-handed, it starts taking action. However, it was slow to act when alarm bells went off a long time ago. Now, the government says that it will have to demand accountability and ensure sound management. Does the government have confidence i…
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Mr. Speaker, after eight years of Liberal governance, it is clear that mismanagement is their hallmark, to say the least. Unfortunately, it is rubbing off. Radio-Canada journalist Daniel Leblanc informed us a few days ago that Sustainable Development Technology Canada's green fund has spent nearly $40 million without scrutiny. Unfortunately, it is not surprising. Why not? Because the example comes…
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Mr. Speaker, the housing crisis is hurting hundreds of thousands of families across Canada. TVA recently reported the heartbreaking story of one Lanaudière family: a single mother and her three children who had to leave their home and move into a garage. We are a G7 country. This is outrageous. It is small wonder that the woman said she was living through “hell” at the moment. Now the government i…
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Madam Speaker, during Statements by Members, I did not properly observe the code of conduct in the House. Accordingly, I wish to offer my heartfelt and unreserved apologies to the hon. member for Hull—Aylmer, who made a very fine statement. Well done.
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Madam Speaker, after eight years of this Liberal government, Quebeckers are struggling to get by. Yesterday, the Journal de Montréal reported on the findings of a survey indicating that 51% of young Quebeckers are living paycheque to paycheque. No one wants to see this happen because when young people are traumatized, the very future of Canada and Quebec hangs in the balance. Quebec's young people…
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Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister dragged out the Nazi scandal around the world for five long days. For five days, the Prime Minister hid and let Canada's international reputation become more and more tarnished. When a country, any country, is humiliated, it is the head of government's ultimate duty to take action to protect that country's reputation. What did the Liberal Prime Minister do? He wen…
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Madam Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition, who we hope will be the next prime minister of Canada, gave a speech in Quebec City on September 8. He stated very clearly that we plan to move forward with concrete action, and that certainly will not involve taxing and lecturing, which is what the Liberal Party has been doing for the past eight years. We want to offer tax incentives for investments in…
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Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I see that the leader of the Bloc Québécois, the most polluting environment minister in Quebec's history, is starting to rub off on his colleagues. It is very disappointing, but what can we do? The example comes from the top. That is how they acted. I just want to remind the member that in Quebec, which he loves so much, just as I do—because it is not t…
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Madam Speaker, during the famous and historic Quebec speech, the hon. leader of the Conservative Party of Canada said the following clearly: We have to face up to the real impact of climate change. We have to face up to this with a realistic and constructive attitude, not with taxation. This is where we stand. This is where Canadians stand. They need action. They are sick and tired of hearing the …
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Madam Speaker, climate change is real and is having a major impact across Canada and around the world. We have to face that fact. We have two options. We can either impose taxes, like this government is doing, or we can take real action with concrete, effective measures. On September 8, in Quebec City, the Leader of the Opposition, member for Carleton and leader of the Conservatives gave an import…
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Mr. Speaker, Canada's reputation is sullied. Our country is the topic of disparaging comments around the world. Worse, Putin's Russia is using our situation as an opportunity to spread disinformation. It is shameful for us. Far worse, it is revolting for millions of people, starting with Ukrainians themselves who are fighting the Russian monster, the Jewish community both here and around the world…
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Madam Speaker, I would just like to remind members that our government faced the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Our country, under the leadership of the Right Hon. Stephen Harper, was the first in the G7 to get back on its feet during that major crisis. We are very proud of the way we managed Canada under Stephen Harper. Let us wait and see what we do with the MP for Carleton. I…
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Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Drummond, whom I respect and hold in high esteem. I think it is reciprocal. Perhaps he could pass the message on to others. I want to say two things. First of all, not all office buildings can be converted into apartment buildings. I have spoken with some leading experts who told me that it is not easy to do. That is why our common-sense plan …
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Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to answer the question of the parliamentary secretary of my counterpart on climate change and environmental issues. We have the pleasure of working together at the environment committee. If I were the parliamentary secretary who just spoke, I would be very embarrassed to judge our proposals so harshly when his party has been in power for eight years. What have the …
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Madam Speaker, I am always very happy to rise in the House. It is always a privilege. I will say one thing, though. Speaking right after the leader of the official opposition is quite a challenge for me. Before going into the bill we have to address today, I just want to warn the leader when he talks about hockey, because he made an analogy with a hockey team in the NHL and he talked about the Tor…
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Mr. Speaker, what happened on Friday is unacceptable. We gave a standing ovation to a member of the Waffen-SS. Canada's reputation has been tarnished across the world. Yesterday, believe it or not, the government ratcheted its mediocrity up a notch by asking to have the facts, the truth and history erased from the record. What cowardice. Those who erase history are doomed to repeat it. The respons…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, now more than ever, the Leader of the Opposition is proving that he is the common-sense leader that all of Canada needs. On September 1, during his speech in Quebec City, he rightly said that taxing people more, as the Liberals are doing, or drastically increasing taxes, as the Bloc Québécois wants to do, is not going to reduce pollution. Rather, it will take concrete, effective, real…
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Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance has a short memory, to say the least. She does not remember that, a mere two months ago, she said her plan was working. Today, it is clear that it is not. I happen to have a quick question for her. Does she remember who said that deficits “pour fuel on the fire of inflation”? Does anyone know who said that? It was the Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minist…
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Mr. Speaker, Canadians faced another blow this morning with the news that inflation in Canada increased to 4%. This has a direct impact on all Canadian families. However, as recently as July, just two months ago, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance said, “Canada’s plan to bring down inflation is working”. No, minister, it is not working. After eight years of this Liberal government, …
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
With regard to Canada Post: (a) is Canada Post planning on restricting the use of polybags in any way, and, if so, how and what is the timeline for any future action; (b) since 2016, has Canada Post received any correspondence from any minister, exempt staff, or government official related to polybags, and, if so, what are the details of each, including the (i) date, (ii) sender, (iii) recipient, …
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Mr. Speaker, the Hon. Monique Bégin figures among the Canadian women who had a positive impact on the course of our country's history. Not only was she a positive force in politics, but she also had a brilliant academic career and was a dedicated activist. She was born in Rome, but her family emigrated to Canada after the Second World War. A bright student, she earned a master's degree in sociolog…
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Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to see you and all my colleagues in the House again, especially the hon. member for Rivière-du-Nord. I greatly appreciate his contribution to the public debate based on his experience as a lawyer and parliamentarian for nearly eight years. We will soon be celebrating this anniversary. My colleague spoke at length about the official opposition, and so I would like to s…
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Madam Speaker, we are talking about taxation, the budget, the management of public funds and, most importantly, how we are going to manage the money that Canadians give us through their taxes. Just seven months ago, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance tabled an economic update and gave the following warning. She said that we needed to control spending and avoid deficits because defic…
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Madam Speaker, it is totally unacceptable what is happening right now in this debate. We were in the middle of a debate on an essential bill, Bill C‑18, with arguments in favour and arguments against. The member for Drummond, who has been working hard on this for months, if not years, was in the process of delivering a very interesting and important speech in this debate. Then, in the middle of hi…
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Mr. Speaker, climate change is real and we need to take action. As we know, there were nearly 15 questions today about Canada's performance on climate change. I ask for the consent of the House to table the 2023 UN report released at COP27, which finds that after eight years of this government, Canada ranks 58th out of 63 countries in the fight against climate change.
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Mr. Speaker, four years after the appalling SNC‑Lavalin scandal, when the Prime Minister of Canada fired minister Jody Wilson‑Raybould because she refused to politically meddle in a legal matter, this dreadful business is now back in the news. Will the Prime Minister rise in the House today and confirm whether he or any member of his cabinet has met with or is currently under investigation by the …
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, it is always a pleasure to speak in the House, especially on a subject is important as the environment and our vision for the future of the planet and our country for our children and grandchildren. The bill introduced by our NDP colleague deserves our attention. First of all, we feel that the key element of this bill is that it ensures that people can live in a healthy environment. I…
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Mr. Speaker, with all due respect for my colleague, the reality is that if he says that to people who are on the verge of losing their homes, they will laugh in his face or ask him whether he is prepared to take their keys because they can no longer pay for their home. That is the reality facing Canadian families. If the member wants to quote studies, I could point out that the International Monet…
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Mr. Speaker, let us talk about the reality currently facing all Canadians. After eight years of Liberal governance, with chronic deficits and out-of-control spending, this is the reality. Uncontrolled deficits lead to higher inflation. Higher inflation leads to higher interest rates. What happens when interest rates go up? People run the risk of losing their homes. This is the reality facing Canad…
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Madam Speaker, I enjoyed listening to my colleague. Like him, we recognize that climate change is real and that action is needed. Humans played a role in creating climate change, and so we have a role to play in turning the situation around. Everyone agrees that we need to reduce pollution. The path that these people are taking is different from ours. I respect it, but it is different. The governm…
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Mr. Speaker, yesterday evening, hundreds of thousands of families in Quebec and Canada had a very difficult conversation at the supper table. The question was this: Will we be able to keep our house? The Bank of Canada increased the policy rate for the ninth time in just under a year, which means that interest rates will rise. The government rightly pointed out that mortgage payments are going to …
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Mr. Speaker, my colleague has a selective memory. The Conservative leader clearly said that there are two things the government must do. First, it should not create new taxes and, more importantly, it should have a plan to reduce spending and get to a balanced budget. Why have a balanced budget? That would honour the word of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance who said that deficits …
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, here is some very good news for Canada: The Memorial Cup is staying in the country because the Remparts de Québec won and captured the trophy of junior hockey supremacy. What a dream season. Out of 90 games, the Remparts won 76. They are the Quebec league champions, the playoffs champions and the Memorial Cup champions. We want to thank the people of Kamloops for their great organizat…
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Mr. Speaker, what I find shameful and embarrassing for the Liberal Party is to watch the Minister of Industry prevent the Minister of Finance from answering a question that is 100% under her responsibility. We can understand that there may be some bickering at play here, because both of them want to become Prime Minister. That is not going to happen any time soon. Maybe the Deputy Prime Minister h…
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