Jacques Ramsay

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition signed by people from La Prairie—Atateken and across the country who are concerned about the impact that social media is having on our children. This petition is part of a national initiative, AgeStandard, that has collected over 17,600 signatures online from parents, some of whom work in the tech industry themselves. This petition reminds us of the documented effects that social media is having on the mental health of our children, whose rates of anxiety and depression have doubled since the creation of these platforms. I would like to remind the House that these platforms filter and tailor their content using algorithmic recommendations and promote violent and sensationalistic content. Users' feeds are constantly being adjusted based on their interactions and set to autoplay to encourage endless scrolling. The petition therefore calls on the government to pass legislation that would prevent children under the age of 16 from creating social media accounts. The petitioners want users to have to do more than simply check a box. They want certified third parties that are independent from the platforms to be responsible for verifying users' age based on a common technical standard that respects privacy. In the spring, our government introduced its own response to this issue. However, I believe that AgeStandard's proposal is in keeping with that discussion and should inform our debates on Bill C-34.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Repentigny for his speech, which has made it very clear where the Bloc Québécois stands on the environmental aspects of Bill C-39. However, I would now like to ask him to speak to us about another area, namely labour relations and the right to strike, and more specifically the use of section 107. This type of recourse has always been exceptional and should remain that way even more so under Bill C-39. This bill introduces the concept of national interest, which, in my view, makes perfect sense. I would just like to hear the MP's opinion and perhaps get his response on how this criterion of national interest should be defined.

Mr. Speaker, after listening to the Conservatives, the perception is that this government has been slow to react. I would like to remind my friend on the other side of the aisle that the Iranian war started on February 28 and by April, this government came up with the fuel tax suspension. It is not adequate to say that we have been slow to react. I think we have actually been quite quick to react. The Conservatives would like to make this measure permanent. If they want us to make this permanent, then I must assume the Conservatives feel they can confidently predict oil prices over the next six to 12 months. I certainly have not heard any expert saying that, so I am curious to know how they can.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to speak to the debate on the Canadian fuel affordability act. This measure is truly helping the people of my riding, La Prairie—Atateken, who sometimes have to travel long distances to get to work or as part of their job. Our government is well aware of the pressures associated with the cost of living in Canada, specifically the rising cost of fuel as the world faces serious geopolitical tensions. Across the country, we have seen gas prices skyrocket. This is causing difficulties for many Canadians, so much so that filling up at the gas station has become a source of anxiety for many people. Our government understands this situation well. That is why we have decided to extend a concrete measure that gives consumers a break. One day, all Canadians will have electric vehicles and will no longer be at the mercy of international events, such as closures of the Strait of Hormuz. However, that day has yet to arrive. That is why the Prime Minister announced in April that the government would suspend the federal excise tax on gasoline and diesel until Labour Day, September 7. Still, our approach has always been flexible. It became clear over the summer that geopolitical tensions were still elevated, which was keeping prices at the pump high. That is why the Minister of Finance announced this month that the full suspension would be extended until January 31, 2027, followed by a 50% reduction until March. In my opinion, this decision demonstrates that our government is truly listening to Canadians, studying the facts and developing tangible measures to support Canadian families and businesses. With this announcement, we are suspending the federal excise tax of 10¢ per litre of gasoline and four cents per litre of diesel. We estimate that this suspension of the excise tax is saving Canadian consumers about $5.75 on filling a 50-litre tank using regular gasoline. This suspension comes on the heels of the cancellation of the federal consumer fuel charge that was enacted on April 1, 2025, which was already delivering direct savings to Canadians at the pump. That measure helped reduce overall inflation and lower costs for all Canadians. The suspension of the federal excise tax is a step in the same direction. This is just one way our government is working to make life more affordable for all Canadians. I want to mention the tax cut to lower the tax burden on Canadians, which came into effect on July 1, 2025. Canadians are paying less tax because our government lowered the first marginal personal income tax rate from 15% to 14%. Thanks to this change, 22 million Canadians now benefit from tax relief of up to $840 per year for a two-income family. The government also cut the GST for first-time homebuyers of new homes valued up to $1 million and reduced it for new homes valued between $1 million and $1.5 million. This represents savings of up to $50,000. Furthermore, we are helping 12 million low- and moderate-income Canadians pay for essential goods with the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit. Since the spring, we have been making regular, increased payments to the families and individuals who are eligible for this benefit. The amount has been increased by 25% for five years, starting in July 2026. These payments, made at the start of each quarter, will provide quick access to funds to help families cover their day-to-day expenses. In total, these measures mean that a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year thanks to the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit. They will then receive $1,400 per year for the next four years. A single person, meanwhile, will receive $950 this year and $700 a year after that. Our government also made the national school food program permanent. I am especially proud of this measure, which provides school meals to nearly 400,000 children every year, saving participating families with two children in school roughly $800 a year in grocery bills. Another equally fundamental but less publicized measure is our roll-out of automatic federal benefits. By the 2028 tax year, 5.5 million low-income Canadians will automatically get the benefits they are entitled to, including the Canada groceries and essentials benefit and the Canada child benefit. Automatic income tax filing for these Canadians ensures that they receive the benefits they are eligible for without having to apply. Finally, I will close by also mentioning the ambitious measures we have implemented to foster competition in the telecommunications and financial services sectors in order to lower prices, allowing Canadians to change providers more easily and pay less in banking and service fees. At a time when disruptions in global supply chains and geopolitical tensions are pushing prices up, our government is taking action. Our government wants to build a stronger economy to create more job opportunities and higher wages. Simultaneously, we will lower costs to make life more affordable across the country. That's how we can ensure more certainty, security and prosperity for more Canadians, now and in the future. I hope this bill will provide Canadian consumers with some much-needed relief when it comes to gasoline and diesel.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to understand the timing of the tax suspension. Our Conservative friends will tell us they have been advocating for this measure for years. However, a measure is only effective when it is implemented at the right time. Right now, we are experiencing geopolitical tensions due to the war in Ukraine and especially to the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A measure is only effective when it is implemented for a specific reason, and we will be able to cancel it once this risk disappears, which I hope will be as soon as possible.

Mr. Speaker, my colleague is glossing over the fact that this measure is temporary, whereas he is proposing a measure that will be permanent and may not be appropriate. That said, his concerns are valid. I think we do need to monitor the situation. I have no indications and have not heard anything to suggest that the tax suspension has benefited the oil companies. Obviously, the cost of gas has continued to rise, but I think that can mostly be attributed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. I think that, without the tax suspension, the price at the pumps would be even higher today, probably above $2 per litre.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Brome—Missisquoi for that excellent question. As we know, affordability means economic security, income, employment, food security, and healthy food to eat. These are all key determinants of health that enable Canadians to be productive and enjoy life. This is what I saw every day in my office. Our job is not just to heal all ills. We must also advocate for quality of life, and that starts by looking at the key determinants of health, economic security being probably the most fundamental one. I am very pleased to say that my government is constantly thinking about this issue.

Mr. Speaker, in 2015 Canada committed to supporting the sustainable development goals, including improving the health and well-being of everyone around the world. As I look back on how far we have come, I am reminded of the progress Canada has supported, being most notably a long-standing leader in global health. During those years, we have committed essential funding through a 10-year commitment to global health and rights and have supported organizations like The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This Global Goals Week serves as a crucial reminder that Canada's global health leadership is more important than ever, as we inch closer to the end of this decade and try to make this world a healthier place for all of us. Now, more than ever, Canada must remain a leader in defending the right to health care. There is still work to be done.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for his question. The government has taken all necessary measures. We are taking this situation very seriously. We have reviewed 18,000 Iranian visas. All men of military age have been screened and scrutinized. We subsequently carried out 280 investigations and concluded that 30 Iranian residents may have to return to their country.

Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Constable Pinizzotto, as well as officers of the Toronto Police Service. Constable Pinizzotto was killed while participating in an investigation relating to multiple shootings in Toronto, including the shooting of the U.S. consulate. Updates will be provided as more information is available. We will know more in the next day as the investigation progresses. We will make this information—

Mr. Speaker, I was heartbroken to learn about Toronto Police Constable Marc Pinizzotto, who was killed in the line of duty yesterday. My heart is with his family and loved ones. With an 18-year stellar record, Marc was known as someone who was courageous and respected, and a man who put others before himself. His death comes only days after OPP Constable Tarun Bali was also killed in the line of duty. Mr. Bali was known as someone who just wanted to help others. To all our frontline officers, we thank for them work they do each and every day to keep all Canadians safe. We appreciate their service.

Mr. Speaker, the government is aware of the challenges facing SMEs, particularly the issue of hiring well-trained employees. With the team Canada strong initiative, we want to address these challenges by offering grants to apprentices in Red Seal skilled trades and to the SMEs that hire them. That could include the bakery Le Duo Choc in Candiac, owned by two dynamic individuals, Katryne Deguire and Florent Lehmann, where apprentices would learn from the best, and for good reason. Florent and his employee, Félix Jeandot, were recently recognized at the Bakery Cup of Canada, winning the categories of best croissant and best baguette. Félix also won the award for outstanding assistant. I want to congratulate these two artisans. I wish Le Duo Choc bakery every success, as it will be proudly representing Canada at the Mondial du Pain championship to be held next year in France.

Mr. Speaker, I found it interesting that the hon. member raised that subject, since the government, within one year, has done more than any government before it: Bill C-8 on cyberthreat, Bill C-9 on heinous crimes, Bill C-12 on border security, Bill C-14 on bail reform and more severe sentences, Bill C-16 on protecting victims and accelerating justice, and now Bill C-22 on legal access. I hope that this time the Conservatives will vote with us.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the House that the government has made massive investments to strengthen the services provided by the RCMP and the CBSA. We are taking action to crack down on gang-related violence and hate crimes. Bill C-14 will soon come into force to reform—

Mr. Speaker, it is always an honour to rise in the House on behalf of my constituents in La Prairie, Candiac, Sainte‑Catherine, Saint‑Constant, Delson, Saint‑Philippe, Saint‑Mathieu and Kahnawake. This is especially true today as I rise to illustrate what the spring economic update means in concrete terms for the families of La Prairie—Atateken, for our jobs, and for the future of our community. Let me be blunt: This government is working for the people of La Prairie—Atateken, and the measures announced in the recent economic statement are proof of that. The world has changed. Trade tensions with our neighbour, geopolitical turmoil such as the war in Iran, and disruptions in supply chains are creating real uncertainty. For the past year, we have been navigating an increasingly fragmented, rapidly changing world. However, what I can say is that, while other countries are retreating as they wait for better days to return, Canada is acting with conviction and resolve, without hesitation. The spring economic update confirms Canada's fiscal strength, while investing in Canadians where it truly matters. The results speak for themselves. With an $11.5‑billion reduction in the projected deficit, our fiscal position is much stronger than expected. We are managing things well—all spending items have been reviewed—we are spending wisely, and we are focusing on long-term prosperity. Let us recall that, by 2028-29, the deficit will consist only of capital investment. The operating deficit, meanwhile, will have been eliminated. That is what is known as long-term vision. Let me begin by addressing something that has an immediate bearing on the day-to-day finances of my constituents. The Canada groceries and essentials benefit will support more than 30,000 residents of La Prairie—Atateken so they can buy groceries and essential goods. Payments will go out starting June 5. This support will go directly into the bank accounts of many of my constituents. It is not a promise. It is a cheque. We also made the national school food program permanent. This means that, year after year, Quebec will now receive its share to ensure that our schools can feed our children. Full bellies help children learn better. My colleague says that Quebec is handling that, but the federal government is also providing funds. Another measure has to do with bank fees. The government is now capping overdraft fees at $10, thereby strengthening consumer protection. It is these small, cumulative measures that make a real difference in a tight family budget. We have also simplified the application process for the disability tax credit for people with certain long-term medical conditions. For families who have been battling bureaucracy for years, this simplification is a tangible victory. I used to be a family doctor, so I can attest to this. The government is also extending assistance to people experiencing homelessness and working to ensure that victims of gender-based violence have access to safe housing. Of course, as is the case across the country, there is a shortage of public housing and transitional housing, but we are committed to supporting projects that address this need. Significant budgets are allocated for this purpose through Build Canada Homes, because a strong government is one that leaves no one behind. I said this during the election campaign, and I will say it again: Housing is a key priority for the government, particularly for La Prairie—Atateken. This economic update clearly demonstrates that. One of the things the government is doing is reducing development charges. The government is also providing GST relief for first-time homebuyers, as well as simplifying rules and modernizing building codes to facilitate the construction of prefabricated and modular housing. In fact, $7 billion in low-cost financing is being fast-tracked to CMHC so builders can get projects built sooner and get more rental units to market faster. Over the past year, there has been a significant increase in the supply of affordable housing in my region. Given that young families are looking to settle down and that property prices have skyrocketed in recent years, these measures are a lifeline that will help our children find housing close to home, not three hours away. Our constituency is made up of working people—people who build houses, work in factories and keep the south shore economy going. This economic update recognizes them. For example, I would like to mention the reduced CPP contribution rate, which will fall from 9.9% to 9.5% on January 1. This represents an annual saving of about $133 for an employee earning $70,000 a year, and equivalent savings for the employer. This is no small matter. For a couple where both partners work, that is nearly $270 more in their pockets each year. Parents hope that their children will be able to build a stable career on the south shore. For our young people who are about to enter the job market and who are being hit hard by current unemployment rates, the government is launching a national initiative aimed at recruiting, training and hiring between 80,000 and 100,000 new skilled trades workers by 2030-31. These are more than 50 in-demand trades with solid wages, such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters and welders. Now there is a national program to access these trades, and it is going to be funded to the tune of $2 billion over five years. The spring economic update also offers a long-term vision for Canada's economy, and our region will benefit from it directly. The Major Projects Office will oversee 21 initiatives of national interest that will interconnect, diversify and power our economy. These initiatives will support the creation of 60,000 jobs during construction and generate over $125 billion in new investments. These infrastructure, road, trade corridor and energy projects will have a direct impact on our region, at the centre of Quebec's economic corridor. Consider, for example, Canada's defence industrial strategy and the proximity of the Saint-Jean military base. Consider, for example, the expansion of the Port of Montreal at Contrecoeur, which is expected to generate $140 million in spinoffs every year, including in my riding. Finally, consider the Saint-Hubert metropolitan airport, launched this week by Minister MacKinnon, which will soon welcome four million travellers a year—

Mr. Speaker, consider the Saint-Hubert metropolitan airport, which was inaugurated this week by the Minister of Transport and will soon welcome four million travellers a year, with major implications for the tourism industry, to name just one. Canada is buzzing with excitement. That is why the country has attracted more than $100 billion in foreign investment over the past year, a level not seen in nearly two decades. It also explains why we have established some 20 new economic and defence partnerships across four continents. Canada has also increased its exports to markets outside the United States by $33 billion this year. That means jobs are being created here in Canada, including on the south shore. Some might say we are spending too much, but let us hear what the experts have to say. Canada is on track for long-term prosperity, according to estimates from the International Monetary Fund, which ranks Canada second among G7 nations this year in terms of projected growth. We are investing in what matters, and we are doing so responsibly. As the member for La Prairie—Atateken, I want to tell my constituents that this economic update demonstrates that the government is working for them with lower taxes, greater affordability, more help with groceries, more accessible housing, jobs for our young people and a clear vision for Canada's economic future, a future that is diverse and focused on buying local. That is what we are delivering. La Prairie—Atateken is growing, and the government will be there to support its development.

Mr. Speaker, in response to my colleague, I would say that, on the contrary, our government is currently doing a great deal to develop the economy of the western provinces, and I would refer him to the statements made by Danielle Smith, who has welcomed the projects we are launching with Alberta. That said, there is no conflict here. I think that Canada, as a responsible country, must be concerned about the environment, certainly more than some of the countries my colleague mentioned. I believe we can do better than some of the countries he mentioned. There is no contradiction between building a strong economy and doing so efficiently and in an environmentally friendly way. I believe Canadians understand this and support the plan we are proposing.

Mr. Speaker, I am not sure that I properly understood the question. I understand that it had to do with buying local. I think the government has made its intentions clear on that subject. It took a tremendous amount of work to validate that. It was highly complex. The government buys a lot. There are a lot of contracts. However, our intention is very clear. We intend to deliver something that will stimulate our local industry and Canadian industry, not only in terms of materials, but also in terms of hours worked here, domestically. I also believe that provisions covering this should be included in the contracts. That is my position. I hope that my government will support it.

Mr. Speaker, training the workforce of tomorrow is the cornerstone of this government's economic development. It is fundamental, essential. We have projects, resources and a well-trained workforce. We have to be able to promise those workers jobs. That begins with this training, which takes place not only in the classroom but also on the job, in the actual workplace.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take this occasion to thank the members of the public safety committee for the important work they are currently doing. The bill is an essential piece of our government plan to ensure that communities are safe. The bill is all about victims. By making sure that law enforcement has the tools it needs to combat crime, it intends to make sure we catch the bad guys before they make more victims. It is time that law enforcement had an updated Canadian solution to counter all criminals, most of all the ones who exploit children.