Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to speak about an issue that demands not only our highest attention but also our sustained and collective action: violence against women and girls, and the protection of victims and survivors across Canada. Violence against women is not abstract. It is not rare. It is not confined to headlines or statistics. It is happening in our communities, in our neighbourhoods and too often behind closed doors. It affects women of all ages, backgrounds and regions, including in my riding of of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland. This is why the protecting victims act would represent one of the most significant and necessary updates to Canada's criminal justice system in generations. While broad in scope, the legislation can be clearly understood through four core pillars: first, tackling gender-based and intimate partner violence; second, protecting children from predators; third, strengthening victims' rights; and fourth, addressing court delays and strengthening system integrity. Together, these reforms would modernize the Criminal Code to respond to contemporary threats, intervene earlier to prevent violence and ensure that the justice system works faster, more fairly and more compassionately for victims and survivors. Gender-based violence is rarely an isolated act. It is more of a cycle of control, fear and intimidation. This bill recognizes coercive and controlling behaviour, strengthens offences related to criminal harassment and modernizes the offence of non-consensual distribution of an intimate image to reflect the real harm caused by online sexual violence. It also recognizes the most tragic outcome of this violence by classifying femicide as first-degree murder, sending a clear message. Hate crimes and gender-based crimes will face the full extent of the law. Children face growing risks in a digital world where predators increasingly use technology to exploit and harm. Police-reported child sexual abuse and exploitation offences are now more than 12 times higher than in 2008. This legislation would strengthen protections by expanding child luring offences and sextortion offences, addressing youth recruitment and restoring mandatory minimum penalties for the most serious child sexual offences, with a safety valve to ensure just and constitutional sentences. It would send a clear message: Crimes against children will always be treated with the utmost seriousness. Justice is not just about convictions. It is also about how victims are treated at every step of the process. Too many survivors feel invisible, experience delays and are retraumatized by complex procedures. This bill strengthens the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights by building a trauma-informed, victim-centred justice system. It affirms victims' rights to respect and fairness, ensures the proactive disclosure of information, expands access to testimonial aids and clarifies victims' right to submit impact statements throughout the sentencing, parole and correctional system stages. It also improves information sharing so that victims are not left in the dark about decisions that affect their safety. Delays in the justice system have serious consequences. Too often, cases involving sexual assault and violent crime collapse before they are ever heard. The protecting victims act would respond directly by requiring that courts consider alternatives before dismissing cases for delay, modernizing how unreasonable delay is assessed and streamlining procedures in sexual offence trials. It would also expand the use of alternative and restorative measures where appropriate and where public safety is not at risk, ensuring accountability while preserving fairness. The urgency of this legislation cannot be overstated. In 2024 alone, 187 women were violently killed in Canada, which is nearly one woman every two days. Behind every number is a life lost, a family devastated and a community forever changed. Victims continue to face barriers, retraumatization, a lack of information, procedural complexity and delays that erode confidence in the justice system. National inquiries, provincial inquests and the national action plan to end gender-based violence have all called for stronger protections, earlier interventions and a more reliable justice process. This legislation would answer those calls. Laws are important, but what happens on the ground is just as important. In my riding, Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, organizations like Maison Interlude show us what concrete, effective support looks like. For over 40 years, Maison Interlude has placed women who are victims of domestic violence and their children at the heart of its mission. Thanks to the leadership of pioneering feminists and the dedication of its staff, Maison Interlude has become a true lifeline for families fleeing violence. That is why, last November, I was proud to announce, on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, more than $17 million in federal funding through the affordable housing fund to support the construction of 35 safe housing units in Embrun. This second-stage housing project will provide women and children fleeing violence with a safe, stable, and supportive living environment, an essential bridge between emergency shelter and long-term self-sufficiency. Each resident will receive personalized support to rebuild her life, regain her independence, and plan for a safer future. We will not only provide these women with a roof over their heads; we will offer them the stability and dignity they deserve. This is how policies come to life. This is how justice becomes tangible. The protecting victims act is about accountability. It is about prevention, and above all, it is about dignity. It builds on earlier reforms and represents the next major step in strengthening safety and justice for Canadians. It reflects a clear commitment to protecting women, children and all victims of violence, in law, in practice and in our communities. As we work to build Canada strong, we must ensure that strength is measured not only by economic independence, but also by how we protect the most vulnerable among us. I urge all members of the House to support this legislation and to stand with victims and survivors across Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I will be honest. So much more has to be done to protect women and children from violence and from domestic violence and abuse. There is no question that more needs to be done. This bill is bringing forward and would essentially be providing a generational approach to reforming the Criminal Code to do, as much as possible, more than has been done in the past generation to support these issues. It never stops. We have to continue addressing the issues as they evolve, as technology evolves, as the judicial systems evolve and as instances of violence evolve. We have to keep going, but I do see in this legislation that the most we could do would be done, and that does not stop today.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is built on four fundamental pillars to support victims: combatting gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, protecting children from predators, strengthening victims' rights and reducing court delays. Together, these reforms modernize the Criminal Code to address contemporary threats, intervene earlier to prevent violence and ensure that the justice system operates more quickly and more fairly for victims and survivors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of the food banks in Prescott—Russell—Cumberland and to thank the dedicated volunteers who, day after day, support our constituents with dignity and compassion. Food banks are essential to our region's food security. From the beginning of my mandate, I have been committed to working closely with these organizations. Over the past year, I visited food banks in Hawkesbury, Vankleek Hill and Clarence-Rockland. Everywhere I went, I saw dedicated teams facing growing demand with often limited resources. I want to sincerely thank the food bank volunteers and staff. Their commitment is the backbone of our community. I am committed to keep working alongside them and to be a strong voice for the people of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, who are counting on us.

Mr. Speaker, in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape where partnerships matter more than ever, Canada must work closely with allies, while also building new relationships with like-minded countries. Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs update the House on how Canada is expanding its presence on the global stage, including through new forums and partnerships, to strengthen alliances, attract investment and support economic growth for Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the growing importance of Canada's plant-based industry for our economy, our farmers and our future. Across the country, producers are diversifying into plant-based proteins, creating new markets, strengthening supply chains and adding value to Canadian crops. This sector is driving innovation, supporting rural communities and positioning Canada as a leader in sustainable agriculture. I believe this growth must be built in partnership with producers that have practical, market-driven policies grounded in the realities of those who feed our communities. Finally, I am delighted to acknowledge a distinguished delegation from Denmark, along with members of World Animal Protection Canada, who are visiting Ottawa this week and whose insights are advancing this important conversation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Bill C-16, the protecting victims act, which would strengthen the Criminal Code to better protect victims of violence and abuse. When I was elected as the member of Parliament for Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, I committed to protecting those experiencing violence and abuse. Today, I reaffirm that commitment. More must be done to address the rise in toxic and harassing behaviour, particularly online. Like many Canadians, I have received persistent, abusive communications. It is harassment and it is unacceptable. All Canadians, including every elected official in this House of Commons, have the right to a harassment-free home and work environment. Together, we must empower a public culture of respect, safety and dignity for all.

Mr. Speaker, our government is focused on making housing more affordable and helping more Canadians find homes in communities across the country. We are working with partners at every level to strengthen housing supply and support the delivery of more affordable housing from coast to coast to coast. Can the Minister of Housing share how the Build Canada Homes approach will help us continue to increase the supply of affordable housing across the country and deliver more results for Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, in the face of economic upheaval, Canadians are doing what they have always done: adapting, helping one another and continuing to grow. More and more Canadians are choosing to discover and celebrate what makes our country unique. As more and more Canadians choose Okanagan wines over those from California or local breweries, such as the well-known Beau’s Brewing in my riding of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, could the Minister of Finance tell us how we are supporting this proudly Canadian industry?

Mr. Speaker, I have good news. Following almost unprecedented levels of collaboration, Bill C-19 has received royal assent. As a result, over 12 million Canadians will now receive vital support to help pay for groceries and other essentials. Canadians are expecting us to, once again, put partisanship aside and pass the budget implementation act. Can the parliamentary secretary update the House on how swift passage of the BIA would help unlock generational investments and build the strongest economy in the G7?

Madam Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to recognize the hard work and dedication of Canada's outstanding dairy farmers. Dairy farmers from across the country are in Ottawa this week for their annual dairy policy conference. Every day, on thousands of farms across Canada, including many in my riding of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, farmers work tirelessly to provide Canadians with safe, nutritious and high-quality milk. This work is about a lot more than just feeding our families. Canada's dairy sector strengthens Canada, our economy, the vitality of our rural regions and our food sovereignty. Today, I want to sincerely thank Canada's dairy farmers for their commitment to their farms, their communities and our wonderful country.

Mr. Speaker, we know that the global context has put the Canadian economy, businesses and workers under a cloud of uncertainty. Our government has already taken significant steps to help Canadian families and workers improve their financial situation by cutting taxes for 22 million middle-class Canadians and eliminating the GST for first-time home buyers. Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance inform the House of Commons of the new measures that will make groceries and other essentials more affordable for Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, as we move into the holiday season, I rise today to honour one of the greatest women I know: my mother, Leslie Jean Anderson. Jean gave birth to and raised seven children. She made every meal from scratch and built our home on a foundation of devotion and generosity. Like so many women across the country, she is one of our country's unsung heroes. Women take care of their families without pay, often without rest. They invest almost everything—their time, their energy and their hearts—in their families and their communities. This holiday season, let us recognize these extraordinary women, our mothers, for what they truly are: nation builders. I wish everyone, especially mothers, in Prescott—Russell—Cumberland and across Canada a very happy holiday season. Happy holidays, everyone.

Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Surrey Newton. I am proud to rise today on behalf of the people of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland to share my thoughts on the new budget tabled this week. Prescott—Russell—Cumberland is a predominantly francophone rural riding that is woven tightly into the economic and social fabric of Canada's national capital region. The region is home to families of farmers, entrepreneurs, teachers and community workers. It is a region where people believe in the values of hard work, solidarity and kindness. Budget 2025 provides a generational investment to make Canada and Prescott—Russell—Cumberland stronger, more sustainable and more resilient. This budget sets out $1 billion in investments over the next five years. I have been working hard to bring that investment to my riding and my community. During my election campaign, I made sure the people of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland knew my priorities, including fighting against tariffs, supporting agriculture, SMES, industry and the francophonie, and treating people with dignity and inclusion. Starting with tariffs, the effective U.S. tariff rate is now the highest it has been since the Great Depression in the 1930s. These tariffs are being applied to all countries and nearly all goods. I am proud to share that Canada has the best deal of any U.S. trading partner, with 85% of our trade being tariff-free. While some sectors remain deeply impacted, overall, Canadian exporters benefit from the lowest average U.S. tariff of any country, at 5.4%. I am proud of the build communities strong fund, which will invest $51 billion over 10 years, followed by $3 billion per year ongoing, to revitalize local infrastructure, including hospitals, universities and colleges, and build the new roads and bridges we need to move our goods. We will also use these funds to build water and transit systems that sustain our towns, municipalities and communities. Given the urgency of the moment, the government has also announced a series of new measures to protect workers and businesses in sectors most impacted by U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions. During this time of uncertainty, our government is supporting Canadian auto workers, agricultural producers, manufacturers and other workers who have felt the effects of trade tensions. Over $25 billion has been announced in supports for workers and businesses. The government also expects $4.4 billion in tariff revenue. These measures will help give industries and workers the tools they need to build a more resilient Canadian economy. On agriculture, over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to meet passionate farmers like Michel Dignard and Jeannette Mongeon, who have a farm together in Embrun, and families from the Gillette farm, which is also located in Embrun. These families have worked their land for generations. On my visits to these farms, they talked to me about sustainability, market access and the need to support the next generation of farmers. This budget recognizes these realities. This budget invests over $639 million over five years to strengthen agriculture, including with increased compensation for producers through AgriStability, enhanced marketing supports and temporary increases to the advance payments program. These measures will help our farmers cope with rising costs, adapt to global market shifts and continue to feed our communities and our world. These investments mean that farms like the Dignard-Mongeon family farm and the Gillette farm will be able to keep innovating, diversifying their products and passing on their knowledge to the next generation. Supporting our local industries and small and medium-sized businesses, which are the backbone of our rural economy, is also at the heart of our plan. We can think of businesses like Dunrobin Distilleries in Vankleek Hill, Nonna's Gelato in Plantagenet or the Homestead Pub in Embrun, all of which I had the pleasure to visit this summer. They keep our small towns alive, fun and thriving. That is why I welcome the new federal initiatives like the Strategic Response Fund, a $5-billion investment to help Canadian companies adapt, diversify, and grow. This includes $1 billion in the strategic innovation fund to support the steel industry's transition toward new lines of business and strengthening domestic supply chains. In Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, I have been fighting for our steelworkers at Ivaco Rolling Mills in L'Orignal, which helps protect hundreds of local jobs. I have met with them regularly since the spring. I have also had the pleasure of meeting with IMI Manufacturing, also in L'Orignal, which produces metal structures, generator shelters and base tanks. It is a company that strives to be a leader in safety and quality. In Hawkesbury, Tulmar Safety Systems is helping Canada reach our 5% NATO goals. With over 30 years of innovation, Tulmar designs, manufactures and services advanced safety solutions for land, air and sea applications, serving the defence, aviation and civil safety industries worldwide. It is companies like Tulmar Safety Systems that will deliver against the budget's investments into the Canadian Armed Forces. The budget proposes $81.8 billion over five years, on a cash basis, starting in 2025, to rebuild, rearm and reinvest in the people who defend our country and keep us all safe. This includes over $9 billion in 2025 that was announced by the Prime Minister in June. Canada's new government is on a mission to build Canada strong through major infrastructure projects, a modern defence industry and millions more homes. Through the new buy Canadian policy, we are making government a force for nation-building, becoming our own best customer, protecting Canadian businesses and empowering our workers with high-paying careers that build prosperity here at home. The new buy Canadian policy is so important because it moves us from our best efforts to a real obligation to buy Canadian, ensuring that our public dollars support local jobs and local businesses right here at home. This budget is about building resilience, not dependence, and about giving our companies the tools they need to compete and succeed in a changing world. The francophonie is another key pillar in my riding. This week, I had the privilege of attending the welcoming francophone community of Hawkesbury's community forum to mark National Francophone Immigration Week. I met inspiring newcomers and families who have chosen to live, work, and raise their children in French. They enrich our communities and strengthen the social fabric of Canada and, most importantly, of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland. Today, I am also thinking of our francophone community organizations, such as the Prescott and Russell chapter of the Association canadienne-française de l'Ontario, which works tirelessly to provide services, promote culture and support integration. That is why I am delighted that this budget supports our francophone institutions and invests in programs like Canadian Heritage's building communities through arts and heritage program, which provides support for festivals, cultural projects and the vitality of our regions. Last week, I also met with passionate members of the Fédération des aînés francophones du Canada, which champions the rights and interests of seniors in minority situations to help them thrive in their own language and culture. Of course, protecting CBC/Radio-Canada is part of that vision, with a $150‑million investment to modernize our public broadcaster and ensure that it provides high-quality programming in French and English. I also want to acknowledge the outstanding work of our local newspapers in Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, which are essential to democracy and to the vitality of our regions: Le Carillon, The Review, Vision, Tribune-Express, Reflet-News, Le Régional, TVC22 and others. I am very proud of this budget's $38.4 million over three years, starting in 2026, to Canadian Heritage for the special measures for journalism component of the Canada periodical fund to help small and community news outlets continue producing quality Canadian editorial and journalistic content.

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, Prescott—Russell—Cumberland is the only riding in the province of Ontario that is predominantly francophone. It is very important for our community and our local organizations to receive funding and support for official languages from the federal government. In fact, 60% of our population is francophone, and 40% is anglophone. It is very important to continue to support funding and projects that will promote official languages in our region.

Mr. Speaker, the government is doing a lot to support affordable housing, including the Build Canada Homes fund, which is providing billions of dollars in funding to build sustainable homes, especially for the most vulnerable in society. I would invite the hon. member to consult the Build Canada Homes fund to explore all the great ways that Canadians, especially youth, are being supported by the initiative.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for this excellent question. I am very proud that new funds are being allocated to support National Acadian Day. I think it is very important for all communities across Canada to have access to funds to promote our francophone communities in every corner of this beautiful country. When we promote francophone festivals and culture, the effect is twofold, because we are also promoting official languages, which enrich our country.

Mr. Speaker, the world faces unprecedented uncertainty as the norms and institutions that underpinned global security and prosperity over the last half-century have been tossed aside as a new era of protectionism has begun. I will be blunt: voters in my riding of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland are anxious about what this new world order means for Canada. Can the secretary of state for financial institutions and the CRA let those people know how budget 2025 will meet this unique and historical moment?

Mr. Speaker, this October marks the 20th anniversary of Global Dignity, a non-religious, non-political non-profit that celebrates the inherent dignity of every person. Every year, more than one million young people in 80 countries participate in Global Dignity Day, reaching more than eight million people around the world every year. On October 15, young people across Canada will be celebrating this day by participating in workshops, projects and activities that promote kindness, respect and inclusion. I would like to recognize Inuit artists and youth such as Tony Eetak, Krish Agrawal, Eva Suluk and Jamie Bell, with the Art Borups Corners collective, who will join with partners in Norway and the United States to share 20 dignity-themed short stories with the world. I invite all members of the House to join me in congratulating Global Dignity on 20 years of tremendous impact. Together, let us celebrate the voices of Canada's youth, who remind us that dignity is the foundation of a just and compassionate society.

Mr. Speaker, small businesses in my riding of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland are the heart and soul of my community and the key to building the strongest economy in the G7, but with the current trade situation with the United States, small businesses are facing unique challenges. Can the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business share what our government is doing to support small businesses?

Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate Franco-Ontarian Day. This year is extra special since we are marking the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag. It remains a living symbol of pride and unity for the francophone community in Ontario. This week, people in Prescott—Russell—Cumberland paid tribute to this historic day with flag raising and other ceremonies in Casselman, Clarence‑Rockland, Hawkesbury, Saint‑Albert, Embrun and Alfred. Of course, many other celebrations were held in all the communities in the region, each contributing to promoting the francophonie. To this magnificent community, I say thank you for enriching the national capital region. To Ontario and the rest of Canada, I say happy Franco-Ontarian flag day and happy Franco-Ontarian Day.

Mr. Speaker, our national aerospace industry is a great example of Canadian entrepreneurship. With the unjustified tariffs creating so much uncertainty for our businesses, it is more important than ever to support this sector. Could the minister of industry, science and innovation tell us about her visit to the international air and space show at Le Bourget, where she represented Canada's aerospace industry?

Mr. Speaker, this week, the Prime Minister announced that Canada's new government is rebuilding, rearming and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces, and with the increase in defence investment, Canada will achieve NATO's 2% target. Canada will lead with values the world respects, the resources the world wants and an economy that leads the G7. Can the President of the Treasury Board share with the House why these investments are so important?

Madam Speaker, I am deeply troubled by President Trump's new threats to impose additional tariffs on our Canadian steel and aluminum industries. The aluminum and steel industries in Canada and the United States are highly integrated. We all prosper when we build together. I had the privilege of visiting Ivaco Rolling Mills in L'Orignal back in April, and I was able to speak directly with workers and management about the challenges facing our steel industries in Prescott—Russell—Cumberland. This week, I met again with Ivaco's president, Stéphane Oehrli, to address growing concerns over President Trump's latest threats of a 50% tariff on Canadian steel. I, along with the government, am standing firmly with Ivaco and with all steel and aluminum workers in Prescott—Russell—Cumberland and across Canada. Our government is fighting for the steel and aluminum industries to ensure fair trade, protect good jobs and defend these vital industries from unjust foreign pressures—

Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Taiaiako'n—Parkdale—High Park. Since this is my first time speaking in the House of Commons, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your election to the Chair. I would also like to congratulate all my colleagues here in the House of Commons on being elected. I am proud to join them as a member of Parliament in the 45th Parliament. Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that the Parliament buildings are located on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people. My riding of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland is on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, or “People of the Longhouse”. I have the privilege of rising here today thanks to the trust of more than 39,000 voters in Prescott—Russell—Cumberland. I am deeply grateful to them. I want to assure the House that I will represent all the people in my riding, which covers 3,000 square kilometres, to the best of my ability. I would to thank my husband, Brandon Lee; my family, including my mother, Jean Anderson; my father, Angelo Mingarelli; my brothers and sisters; my many relatives; volunteers; and campaign team, including the former members of Parliament for Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, Francis Drouin and the Hon. Don Boudria, who have supported me throughout this journey. I am proud to have made history this election by being the first woman ever elected in federal history in Prescott—Russell—Cumberland in the 75 years of the riding's history. I would like to acknowledge the late Marlene Catterall, a Governor General's award-winning women's rights activist and former member of Parliament for Ottawa West—Nepean. Marlene brought me into politics on Parliament Hill when I was in my teens, as a co-op student. She taught me the importance of always treating people with dignity, respect and kindness. Marlene passed away last year, and the final conversation we had before she died was that I would be running to be the candidate in Prescott—Russell—Cumberland. She was very proud. Since my time on the Hill, I have had the honour of working with members of Parliament from all stripes on multipartisan issues relating to women's and youth political, economic and social empowerment. For example, I have been very active in the global kindness movement. Canada is consistently ranked as one of the kindest countries in the world. We are in fact the only country to recognize Kindness Week, which is the third week of February, and that is something I think we can all unite around. With that said, I am delighted to contribute to the debate of this week's throne speech. I must acknowledge what an honour it was to be present during the royal visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla and the reading of the throne speech in the Senate chamber by the King. I would like to speak to the importance of the sovereignty message the King brought to Canadians this week in the throne speech. It could not have been timelier, given the challenges our country is facing in a world that is more divided and dangerous than any point since the Second World War. The King reminded Canadians that his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, opened a new Canadian Parliament in 1957 at a time when the Second World War was still dominant in people's minds and the Cold War was intensifying. Freedom and democracy were under threat then as they are now. Democracy, the rule of law and freedom are values Canadians hold dear and are values our government is determined to protect through these challenging times. These are persistent themes throughout our government's throne speech. The speech specifically cites the work under way between our Prime Minister and the President of the United States in defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the U.S., one that is “rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations.” It is a powerful message from the King and one that Canadians welcome in these difficult times. This message is particularly important for farmers, for steel workers and for the many businesses and families in my riding, Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, that depend on the close economic ties between our two countries to make a living. Our government is determined to maintain supply management, a system that ensures our country's food security. This is great news for dairy farmers like the Patenaude family and their 450 Holstein cows at the Gillette farm in Embrun, as well as thousands of other dairy and poultry farmers in my riding and across Canada. Then there are the hundreds of steelworkers at Ivaco Rolling Mills in L'Orignal. Almost 70% of its steel is sold to the United States. People are legitimately concerned about the unfair steel tariffs imposed by the United States. These tariffs have already done a lot of damage to the company, which announced that it is laying off 104 workers. Its employees' livelihood is in jeopardy. Our government will vigorously defend workers and Canadian steel. We are getting rid of internal trade barriers to create a single Canadian economy out of our 13 provinces and territories. This will make it easier to sell steel and countless other products within Canada. These barriers to trade and labour mobility cost the country up to $200 billion a year. A bill will be introduced to eliminate all federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility by Canada Day. Our government is working closely with the provinces, territories and indigenous peoples to develop projects of national importance that will unite the country, strengthen our ties with the world and create well-paying jobs for generations to come. In the throne speech, the government committed to building a more affordable Canada, because the economy is only truly strong when it serves everyone. The average income in Prescott—Russell—Cumberland is approximately $56,000. Like many Canadians, my constituents are struggling to get ahead. That is why the government is responding by reducing middle-class taxes, which would save two-income families up to $840 a year. It would cut the GST on homes sold at or under $1 million, for first-time homebuyers, delivering savings of up to $50,000. It would lower the GST on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million and provide significant financing to builders of affordable homes. The government will also protect the programs that are already saving families thousands of dollars every year, such as child care and pharmacare. In addition to these programs, the government has recently expanded the Canadian dental care plan to cover about eight million Canadians, saving the average person more than $800 per year. As a trilingual Ontarian who speaks English, French and Italian, I am honoured to represent the beautiful riding of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, which has a proud and diverse cultural heritage. I would like to point out that 60% of my constituents speak French as their mother tongue. In fact, it is the only riding with a francophone majority in the entire province of Ontario. Protecting our cultural heritage begins with our public institutions and ensuring adequate services in both official languages. I am proud to be part of a government that understands and respects this reality. That is why our government will support CBC/Radio-Canada with an annual increase in funding and will encourage the use of Canada's two official languages by investing in Canada's cultural and creative industries. It is essential for Franco-Ontarians, and for all francophones outside Quebec, to preserve their language and their cultural heritage. The throne speech presents a vision for Canada that renews a sense of national pride, unity and hope while recognizing our historical foundations as we continue to work towards truth and reconciliation as a country. I look forward to working with all my colleagues in the House. We will not always agree, but, as our new Speaker said during his speech to the House, it is possible to skilfully and convincingly refute an argument without resorting to personal invective or intimidation. We must work to find the balance between respect and order on the one hand and vigorous debate that clarifies issues on the other. I personally commit to treating every member of the House with dignity, respect and kindness. Again, I have striven my entire professional career to work across party lines to achieve results. I commit to continuing that work and to doing whatever is required in our shared goal, together, to improve the lives of all Canadians, including every resident of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland.

Mr. Speaker, indeed, supply management is very important, especially to the farming community in Prescott—Russell—Cumberland. We have dairy farmers, poultry farmers, egg farmers, etc. They are deeply concerned about supply management because it directly affects their ability to sell their products across Canada. The Prime Minister has been clear that supply management is off the table in any future negotiations with the United States. In fact, it is such a high priority for me that my first act of business as a member of Parliament, after my swearing-in last Friday, was to visit a dairy farm and meet with all the farmers who supported me in Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, along with our Minister of Agriculture, Minister Heath MacDonald. The farmers were very happy about that. It was a further demonstration of how seriously our government is taking supply management.