Parliamentary Speeches

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, a tidal wave of sorrow has swept over our country this week, including Kitigan Zibi, as the member for Pontiac—Kitigan Zibi so eloquently described earlier today. Two young lives have been extinguished far too soon, leaving their loved ones and their entire community to grieve. Can the Secretary of State for Nature share her thoughts and reflections on the tragic incident that has tak…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, I would first like to correct the premise of my hon. colleague's question. What exists right now is a proposal to identify the general corridors. Part of the project involves consulting the communities to identify where things will broadly go. Following the consultations, it is possible that by some time next fall Alto may have identified a specific location or route. From there, we w…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, I would like to reassure my dear colleague from Quebec that there is a great deal of enthusiasm for this project. It is not because the project will pass directly through Hull—Aylmer. Unfortunately, it will not, as much as we would like that. In our community, we are preparing a proposal for a tramway in Gatineau. What is more, this tramway is a project that I have been working on sin…

Routine Proceedings

Mr. Speaker, this is the first time in the 45th Parliament that I have risen to present a petition. I am presenting petition e-6685, signed by nearly 600 Canadians. This petition stems from the efforts of a great Canadian, a veteran, retired captain Jocelyn Démétré. I know I am not supposed to recognize any individual in the gallery, so I will not recognize the former captain in the gallery. Howev…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, my mother-in-law has Alzheimer's. I know how devastating this disease can be. She is far from alone. Every day, 300 Canadians are diagnosed with dementia. Although there is no cure, we know that community initiatives can make a big difference for people with dementia and their families, friends and caregivers. Could the Minister of Health tell us what steps the government is taking to…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, December 6 marks 36 years since the murder of 14 women at École Polytechnique in Montreal. This was a horrific event that shook the entire country. We have a collective duty to fight gender-based violence. Can the parliamentary secretary tell the House what measures have been taken to honour the memory of these young students and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again in Canad…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, last week Canadians watched in horror as hurricane Melissa, which was the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean's history, tore through the region, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. Hundreds of thousands of people were affected, lives were lost, homes and infrastructure were damaged and destroyed, and families were affected by the flooding and landslides. As the people of Jam…

Routine Proceedings

Madam Speaker, it is always a pleasure to see you in the chair and to take part in these debates. I listened very carefully to my friend from the Bloc Québécois, a very experienced member. All through his speech, however, I asked myself one question. What could have changed in a process that was previously considered perfectly acceptable until the day this new Prime Minister arrived? Is anything s…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, I am deeply grateful for the support of my colleague from Laurentides—Labelle. She listed the reasons why these sexual offence complaints need to be handled by civilian courts. She talked about the importance of implementing policies that support military members and veterans who intend to file complaints. Would she be able to elaborate on the type of policy she would like to see prop…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his speech and for his service in the Canadian Armed Forces. I am very grateful to him. I am also very pleased to know that he and his colleagues are going to support this bill. He asked a very sincere question. I have a question for him too. Does he believe that the current military court system serves the interests of Canadian Armed Forces members who are vi…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, there are many elements to the premise of that question that I have some difficulty with, but there are two things that should give the hon. member some confidence. First of all, this legislation reflects directly the recommendations by former Supreme Court justices Louise Arbour and Morris Fish. Second, the member can take confidence in the fact that the person responsible for making…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for sharing his personal testimony on this bill. I would like to confirm whether I understand correctly that the official opposition intends to support this bill at second reading so that it can be sent to committee for study. I would also like him to explain what he expects from this study in committee. Can he tell us about one or two amendments that he would lik…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today to debate a bill that is very important for the military community and for Canadians, that is, Bill C‑11, the military justice system modernization act. This bill will have a significant impact on members of the Canadian Armed Forces as well as veterans. Indeed, Bill C‑11 address the concerns that victims and survivors within Canada's military c…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, this is a very important point the member for Winnipeg North raises in the House. Because the system has been in place and there has been action already on some of the reports that have been brought forward, which understand the scope and severity of the situation, these things have been acted on. Now we are codifying this. Now we are making sure that the resources are put in place. N…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, I have come to know my hon. colleague very well, and I know he takes these issues very seriously. It is not a guarantee that the culture will change, but it is clear that we must take every step possible. One of the first things to do is assure victims of sexual harassment or misbehaviour that the system is not stacked against them. The way to do that, as we saw in the report by Madam…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Shefford for her very informed speech. She is always very well prepared for all the debates she takes part in. I am pleased that she mentioned in her speech that the Bloc Québécois supports this bill in principle. As I said, my colleague always backs up what she says in her speeches with facts and figures. Beyond supporting this bill in principle, does my col…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, for many years, Canada has opened the doors for women to be part of the Canadian Armed Forces, but unfortunately, they have not had justice when they faced sexual discrimination or sexual misconduct. Bill C-11 offers an opportunity to take these particular issues out of the military justice system and into the civilian courts. Can the member talk about why that is an important develop…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his speech. We work together in committee, and because he is a lawyer, I greatly appreciate his thoughts on this bill. I am very pleased to learn that the Bloc Québécois will support this bill so that we can pass it quickly. I think that is very important. Toward the end of his speech, my colleague talked about the importance of giving military personnel,…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleague to tell us about the importance of supporting our soldiers overseas on missions outside Canada and, more importantly, of ensuring that our female soldiers can have confidence in the system that determines when there has been a breach of the rules against sexual misconduct in the CAF.

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, every October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Canada. This initiative aims to educate us all about the importance of good cybersecurity practices. Can the parliamentary secretary tell us about the steps our government has taken to strengthen the cybersecurity of individuals and businesses in the face of increasingly sophisticated threats?

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise in the House to take part in this debate. Let me begin by saying that I will be sharing my time with my hon. colleague from Mount Royal. In this debate, it is very important to remember how we got here. We are here to discuss a motion presented by my hon. colleagues from the Bloc Québécois. There are three parts to this motion, the first of which “calls on th…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to see that the official opposition has, for once, asked a question relevant to the debate that we are having today and not backing it on other issues. I thank the hon. member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan for asking this question. It goes right back to my speech, which said that the use of the notwithstanding clause is legitimate. The adoption of various laws …

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, I thank my Bloc colleague for his question. I do not want to raise the temperature on this any further, so I will just answer his question. I do not think that the premise of his question is valid. The Canadian government firmly believes that the Government of Quebec has the right and the responsibility, as does the federal government, to protect the French language. However, when we …

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question, but I cannot provide a specific answer. I can say that, in theory, the pre-emptive use and constant re-invocation of the notwithstanding clause raises a problem: It basically denies the fundamental rights of people who need them. We cannot do that, because that would permanently infringe on rights, which amounts to a constitutional amendment thro…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, as a Quebecker, I found it very interesting to listen to my colleague. I am a very proud Quebecker, and I listened carefully to his speech. I would like to ask him a question that relates to the debate we are having, but it is a little more theoretical. Is it important to ensure that rights remain rights, not only in Quebec but across Canada?

Government Orders

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my hon. colleague for his speech. I am glad that he came to Canada and exercised his Canadian citizenship rights. However, I think it is very important that we avoid creating a bogeyman or criticizing something that is not true. I am going to share a little story. I am hoping my colleague can give me some advice about one of my constituents, born to Canadian de…

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, this week, we are celebrating National Public Service Week. This is a perfect opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding work of those who keep our country running smoothly every day. The public service of 2025 needs to take advantage of new technologies and AI, which can help us build a more agile and efficient public service. Our government will give public servants the tools they n…

Government Orders

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Humber River—Black Creek, not only for her very interesting speech, but also for her perspective. In her long career here in Parliament, I imagine she has seen trends evolve. Could she tell the House about the current trend toward electric vehicles? Can she tell us about the opportunity Canada has to become a leader not only in electric car pr…

Government Orders

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleague on the quality of his French. There is a strong trend around the world right now. Will the future lead to electric vehicles or not? If we know that the trend is going in that direction, would it not be better for the Canadian economy to have policies in place that can support this transition?

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, Guelph is certainly one of the most renowned locations for agricultural product research. Does my colleague think that removing interprovincial trade barriers will not only facilitate research, but also encourage commercial applications for research across Canada?

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, my question has to do with removing interprovincial barriers and obstacles for businesses and any other entrepreneur or worker. Does the member believe that removing these barriers is going to benefit his riding, as well as businesses and entrepreneurs in Squamish and across his riding in British Columbia?

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, my colleague mentioned that we are a government of action. I would like to know how he sees the tax cut, the program to help children get food in their school and the reduction in the cost of child care. How is all of this going to help Canadians deal with the challenges they are facing today?

Statements By Members

Mr. Speaker, last night, the National Holocaust Monument was vandalized. Are there no limits? The monument commemorates not only the six million murdered Jewish women, men and children but the millions of other victims of Nazism and its collaborators during the Second World War. More than that, the National Holocaust Monument is a statement for today. It is an ever-living declaration by right-mind…

Oral Questions

Madam Speaker, Canadian workers and businesses are already taking action to build a clean and competitive economy. However, at a time when our largest trading partner is threatening to impose new tariffs, it is crucial that we expand our trade with other countries. Can the Minister of Environment and Climate Change tell us how Canada's industrial carbon pricing system supports clean growth and hel…

Government Orders

Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. minister for his presentation today. I know that people in Hull—Aylmer and across Quebec are truly worried about this trade war and the unjustified tariffs that have put our aluminum and steel industries under added strain. I would like my colleague to tell us how this tax cut will help all Canadians, especially Quebeckers, who are concerned about this tariff war.

Speech from the Throne

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate you on your appointment to the position of Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons. I know you have been interested in the position for a long time, so it is nice to see you in the chair. Before I begin, I would like to point out that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people, who have lived here since time immemorial, to s…

Emergency Debate

Mr. Speaker, it is really quite unfortunate that my colleague from Saanich—Gulf Islands could not give her speech at the beginning of this emergency debate, since it was full of wisdom and facts. I have also read Mr. Vaillant's book and found the points she raised very interesting. Unlike my Conservative colleague who asked the previous question, I wanted to ask my hon. colleague about any common …

Emergency Debate

Mr. Speaker, I found it very interesting that my colleague pointed out the significant impact climate change has on mental health in the aftermath of these forest fires. I would like to ask my colleague if he could elaborate on his thoughts and tell us what options Canadians have when considering climate change-related issues. These certainly cause anxiety, but it seems to me that some people may …

Speech from the Throne

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the member for Shefford on her re-election. It has been a pleasure working with her for three terms now. I have complete confidence in the work of Elections Canada. In a previous life, I was the national director of the Liberal Party. I worked very closely with Elections Canada. I have full confidence in their system. With regard to ballots that include only a f…

Speech from the Throne

Mr. Speaker, I have long admired my colleague from Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk, but, as he well knows because he lives in Hull—Aylmer and is therefore a very reasonable man, preparing a budget takes a lot of time and consultations, and there are many things to consider. I am confident that this government will table a budget as soon as possible, probably early in the fall. I look forward to p…

Speech from the Throne

Mr. Speaker, I would first like to thank my colleague from Madawaska—Restigouche. I was totally impressed yesterday when he asked his question with passion and clarity. I congratulate him on his election to the House of Commons. The dental care plan is very important for affordability. Helping first-time homebuyers is very important. Outside Quebec, it is the national child care program that is ve…

Speech from the Throne

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to congratulate you once again on being elected to the chair. I have full confidence in your abilities. I listened with great interest and enthusiasm to the speech by my colleague from Winnipeg North. He did not have enough time to finish his thought about immigration in the Speech from the Throne. I would like to give him the opportunity to share his though…

First Session—45th Parliament

Mr. Chair, I recognize that we are gathered on the unceded traditional territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin people. Since time immemorial, indigenous nations have gathered here to exchange ideas, share and work together. That is what Canadians expect of us here in the House of Commons. Today, a similar spirit brings us together. Some of us are here for the first time, while others have been here …

Mr. Chair, thank you. Colleagues, today, like all days, we pay our respects to the Anishinabe Algonquin people on whose unceded land we stand. Regardless of what part of the country we come from, what political party we belong to or what our political ideas are, the fact is that each of us, every one of us in this chamber, frankly, has a lot more in common than we often care to admit. We all remem…

Routine Proceedings

Madam Speaker, it is my duty to table a petition on behalf of Canadians, particularly post-doctoral researchers and graduate students. The petitioners are calling upon the Government of Canada to do the following: increase the value of tri-agency graduate scholarships and post-doctoral fellowships by 50%; increase the number of tri-agency graduate student scholarships by 50%; increase the number o…

Statements by Members

Madam Speaker, September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Tomorrow, we will gather on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation to commemorate the immense significance of this day, as we come together to remember, to reflect and to take collective action. To be clear, this is not a one-day conversation. It is a call to become lifelong learners, constantly strivin…

Government Orders

Madam Speaker, I enjoyed the speech by my colleague from Mégantic—L'Érable. I would like to ask him a question. I think that his speech, as valid as it was, did not identify the problem properly. Let us think back on the history of innovation in the House of Commons, like when microphones were brought in in 1957, or television cameras in 1977, and then simultaneous interpretation. Why does my coll…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, as I just said, Canada is forecast to have the strongest economic growth among G7 countries this year and next. One thing my hon. colleague did not mention is the fact that just today, almost 900,000 more Canadians have recovered the jobs they lost during the pandemic. There are 128% more jobs than there were before the pandemic. Canadians can be confident about their future.

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, I invite my hon. colleague to have a look at the budget. He can look directly at the budget to see very clearly that the deficit will continue to decline every year for the next five years, despite the headwinds we face. The Conservative Party's reckless austerity measures would be very problematic. Our government has the lowest deficit in the G7. We have the lowest debt and the lowes…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, after peaking at 8.1% last year, the inflation rate now stands at 4.4%, and the Bank of Canada expects that to drop to less than 3% by the end of the fall. Canada delivered the strongest economic growth last year. The OECD predicts that Canada will once again have the strongest economic growth this year and next. Canadians can and should have confidence in the resilience of our econom…