Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his speech. He did a great job of outlining some issues that I hope will be considered in the agreement. However, coming from a very agricultural riding, I am a bit surprised. I do not think my colleague has spoken much on that matter before. Furthermore, 45% of manufacturing companies in his riding export products outside Quebec. Can my colleague tell me how …
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the Minister of International Trade for this bill. I would also like to commend all the work being done by the Prime Minister and his entire team to develop new partnerships such as this one. In my riding of Sherbrooke, businesses and entrepreneurs understand full well the importance of diversifying markets, particularly in the current context, and they are rea…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents in Sherbrooke and the Eastern Townships more broadly, I am pleased to present a petition that deals with an important environmental issue and that complements Motion No. 15, which was moved by my colleague from Brome—Missisquoi. Canada is already protecting a large portion of its ecologically sensitive land through the natural heritage conservation program…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, as part of Women's History Month, I would like to pay tribute to an ally of women past and present: artist Adèle Blais. From activist Thérèse Casgrain to civil rights figure Claudette Colvin and writer Gabrielle Roy, Ms. Blais chooses to use her art to celebrate iconic figures and give a voice to women who have been forgotten for too long. She tells the stories of all these great wome…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate women's history, I want to call attention to the outstanding achievement of a young woman from Sherbrooke who made history on September 27. At the tender age of 24, Magdeleine Vallières-Mill, made it the top of the podium, winning gold in the road world championships in Rwanda. After racing over 160 kilometres and making a decisive push at the end, she crossed the fini…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her speech. I also want to thank Madam Arbour for her report, of which approximately 20 recommendations have already been implemented. The face of the Canadian Armed Forces has changed over the decades. Obviously, more women are joining today and that is a good thing. Does my colleague believe that Bill C‑11 must also be accompanied by a cultural change within…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I want to welcome back my lovely colleagues. We are returning from our ridings after a busy summer, no doubt more motivated than ever to take part in this new parliamentary session. I have returned with such pride in Sherbrooke that I cannot keep it to myself. Today marks the 10th anniversary of Sherbrooke's Quantum Institute, which is accomplishing great things in a very competitive …
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I listened carefully to my colleague's speech. He knows very well that Canada is made up of several provinces and territories. In his opinion, are there any limits when it comes to the provinces using the notwithstanding clause?
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago, on June 20, 1975, the legendary Gilles Vigneault performed his song, Gens du pays, for the very first time on Mount Royal in Montreal. On stage, three Quebec music greats, Gilles Vigneault, Louise Forestier, and Yvon Deschamps, sang the now-famous lyrics that ring out during our national holiday celebrations as well on as birthdays. Gens du pays is one of the greatest gi…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, today, in my riding, Fondation Rock Guertin is distributing Christmas hampers. I would like to thank all of the volunteers and the executive director, Solange, for the work that they do. When I meet with them, they always remind me of how important the Canada child benefit is for the families they serve. This benefit can provide up to $7,800 per child. The Conservatives would do away …
Read full speech →Orders of the Day
Madam Speaker, the Conservative member cites a number of studies. I have one that was released today. It comes from two economists at the University of Calgary, Trevor Tombe and Jennifer Winter. These two economists found that the price on pollution has had a minimal impact on inflation since 2019. Most price increases are the result of global factors. This is a far cry from the nuclear winter tha…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, through budget 2021, the Government of Canada is investing more than $27 billion over five years (2021-22 through 2025-26) to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care, ELCC, system with provinces and territories, PTs. When combined with other investments, including in indigenous early learning and child care, IELCC, up to $30 billion will be invested in support of ELCC over t…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Madam Speaker, candles, roses, beams of light, masculinism, harassment, violence, hate; it has been 35 years today. Thirty-five years ago, 14 women full of promise and ambition lost their lives at the hands of a man in a tragic act of anti-feminism. There is no hiding what was behind this act. These leaders of tomorrow were ripped from their future, but their memory pushes us to action. That is wh…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, on July 24, Sherbrooke lost one of its bright lights with the passing of a beloved resident at the age of 94. Lilianne Poulin was extremely active on Sherbrooke's political scene. As a seasoned volunteer, Ms. Poulin followed wherever her convictions and deep faith in democracy led her. She cared about the well-being of her community and worked tirelessly to convince people to get invo…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, Employment and Social Development Canada, ESDC, does not use a benchmark as there is currently no officially recognized benchmark for the minimum cost of raising a child in Canada. Most analytical approaches that examine the cost of raising children focus on direct or out-of-pocket costs. A 2023 study from Statistics Canada examined pooled data from the survey of household spending, S…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, we know that we are going through expensive times. This is exactly why we have made investments like the Canada child benefit. This means that we send parents over $7,000 per year to help with the cost of raising kids. When the Conservative leader talks about cuts, he is saying that he will cut these cheques and make families worse off. Is this what families need? No, I do not think…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, we are there for Canadian families with programs like $10-a-day child care, the Canada child benefit and the Canadian dental care plan. These are all programs that allow families to keep more money in their pockets, so they can cope with things being a little tougher right now, put food on the table and be there to provide for their children.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, November 14 is World Diabetes Day. It is an opportunity to raise public awareness about a disease that affects one in 10 adults around the world. In Canada, more than 300,000 people live with type 1 diabetes. Today I met two young girls with diabetes who are visiting Parliament. They told me their story and talked to me about what it is like to live with this disease on a daily basis.…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, the overdose crisis is one of the most significant and complex public health threats that Canada has faced in decades. There is no simple solution. The factors driving the crisis are complex and interrelated. They include the contamination of illegal drugs with potent synthetic opioids, underlying socio-economic disadvantages, and challenges in connecting people with the appropriate…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, we understand and take all the concerns expressed by the hon. member very seriously. The RCMP also takes all complaints it receives seriously, and all the decisions made reflect the rigour, diligence, and independence of its actions. The RCMP is assessing available information, including the Auditor General's performance audit report, and will take appropriate action. Allegations ha…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to respond to my colleague's concerns about the ArriveCAN app. As he knows, the Canada Border Services Agency launched an internal investigation as soon as it became aware of allegations of inappropriate contracting practices. The matter was also referred to the RCMP for investigation. Contracts with three companies involved, including GC Strateg…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I know my colleague knows that I will not be able to answer his question. The costs of climate change are clear. Canadians want to be part of the solution. Businesses are also rising to the occasion. Innovative businesses of all sizes are meeting consumer demand for low-carbon products and investing heavily to adapt their production practices accordingly. The member opposite should …
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, yes, I am aware of this file. People use substances for a variety of reasons, including for medical purposes and to cope with stress, trauma or pain. We need to consider the wide range of individual needs and remember that everyone deserves access to supports that work for them. That is why reducing stigma remains a priority for our government, to ensure that all Canadians have acce…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I said that because it is true and because all economists are saying the same thing. Canadians across the country are raising the alarm on climate change. They can see it with their own eyes: longer, fiercer wildfire seasons; the hottest summers in history; and floods in urban and rural areas across the country over the last few years. I could go on. Experts tell us that from 2015 t…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, Canada's approach to addressing the toxic drug and overdose crisis and substance use-related harms is comprehensive, equitable, collaborative and compassionate. It is guided by the Canadian drugs and substances strategy. This federal strategy outlines a continuum of care, including prevention and education, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. Our government supports an evidence-ba…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, the toxic drug and overdose crisis continues to have an impact on Canadians from coast to coast. People are losing their lives to the ever-changing illegal toxic drug supply. Many are dying because of it, but these are preventable deaths. We need to use everything at our disposal to save lives. This crisis is complex, and we need to work with all orders of government, partners and sta…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for this opportunity to defend our government's responsible economic plan, which has left Canada in an enviable fiscal position. Let me begin by stating some facts. Canada's net debt-to-GDP ratio is well below that of our G7 peers, and we are one of only two G7 countries rated AAA by at least two of the three major global rating agencies. This has been achieved …
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, as I said, we are committed to addressing substance use and addiction as a public health issue, while protecting public safety. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. We must keep working together to save lives, reduce harms and help people access the health care services they need, when and where they need them. We will continue working with provinces, territories, municipalities,…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I am happy to rise in this House tonight to speak about our good economic financial plan. From universal public health care to employment insurance to strong, stable, funded pensions like the Canada pension plan, there has always been an agreement that we will take care of our neighbours when they have the need. It gives our workers stability and our businesses confidence that the r…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Courtenay—Alberni for his strong advocacy on the matter. The overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada's recent history. It is driven by the increasingly toxic and ever-changing illegal drug supply. We are committed to examining all tools at our disposal, and evidence, to respond to the tragic increase in over…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, last week we marked the sixth annual Military Family Appreciation Day. This year, the day held special meaning for my family. My husband, who was an honorary colonel in the Sherbrooke Hussars, and I are very proud of our son, who is currently on a mission in Latvia. Along with many other Canadian military personnel, he is taking part in Operation Reassurance, our contribution to NATO'…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, we understand that children are the ones suffering from food insecurity in these tough times, and that is why we introduced the school food program. This program will help feed 400,000 more children than are currently being fed. We are working with the provinces and territories to implement this program, which will really help children.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, since the question is not directed at us, I will take the opportunity on this Military Family Appreciation Day to recognize the sacrifices and the service of the families of the Canadian Armed Forces members who keep us safe here in Canada and around the world. I know that many Canadian Forces members are currently deployed to Latvia and that they are proudly and bravely participati…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, the Canada child benefit is making a real difference in the lives of more than four million Canadian families. They can receive up to $7,787 per child under six and $6,570 per child aged six through 17. This tax-free benefit increased in July to help families keep up with the cost of raising kids. This represents up to $350 more than last year. The payments went out today, but the C…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives claim to defend freedom, but when they amended the Citizenship Act, they deprived many Canadians of their rights and their identity as Canadians. I think that my colleague will agree with me that this is hardly surprising, coming from the Conservatives, and that Bill C-71 is a good way to correct such flaws, as he mentioned in his speech.
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. However, the announcement indicated that the question would be about ways to help families. I will therefore focus on the topic that was announced. Supporting families and improving their quality of life is one of the government's key priorities. We have made significant investments to make life more affordable, because we believe every Canadia…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to hear my colleague say that the carbon tax does not apply in Quebec. Quebec has its own system. I think that we can help families with programs like the ones I listed, while fighting climate change and protecting the environment. It is the eleventh hour, and I think that, with a Liberal government in Canada, we are much better equipped to give Canadians the best of bo…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, comprehensive information on applications received by the government to run supervised consumption sites since 2015, including details such as province or territory, city and location, approval and expiration dates, and authorized services, is available at the Supervised consumption sites: Status of applications website at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, as to the request by the City of Vancouver, the final submission was made on May 28, 2021, by the city manager. The proposed model would decriminalize personal possession of small amounts of controlled substances for adults over 18 within city limits. Specific thresholds were proposed for common drugs. Personal possession of other drugs was proposed as a three-day supply, as determine…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, Health Canada does not operate prescribed alternatives programs or make decisions about what prescription drugs are prescribed to clients by these programs. The choice of medication is a decision between the practitioner and their patient, and licensed companies do not play a role in this decision. With regard to questions (a) and (b), all prescription drugs containing controlled subs…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to hear that my colleague opposite understands math better than the Conservatives do. It is odd that the Conservatives are saying that doing away with the carbon tax, or rather the price on pollution, will put more money in Canadians' pockets when, on the contrary, many economists and experts of all kinds are saying that the carbon tax is putting more money in Canadians…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, the opposition party is there to propose cuts. This is a critical time in the fight against climate change. I think that the measures we are implementing year after year show Quebeckers and Canadians that this important issue is a priority for us. We are helping municipalities, indigenous communities and developers to undertake innovative projects to make the energy transition and tur…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, what I can confirm is that we will always be there for Canadians and Quebeckers. We will ensure that they have clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. Thanks to our price on pollution, eight out of 10 families in Canada are getting more money back than they spend. Once again, I think it is a good system, one that is also recognized across the world.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, we can be confident because we are seeing results. We are here to fight climate change, unlike the official opposition, which has no plan. We are here to protect the environment and to fight climate change. Climate change is becoming increasingly costly. We really need to take action. That is what we have been doing since we have been in office.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Pickering—Uxbridge. I would like to start by setting the record straight. Pollution pricing is a key tool for fighting climate change and supporting Canadians. Canadians know climate change is a real and serious threat to all of us. They have asked governments across the country to take action and to do our part to reduce the carbon pollut…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, the opposite is true. It is entertaining to watch the official opposition do everything in its power to undermine the policies we are putting in place, which are actually allowing us to achieve our objectives. With all the measures we have taken and implemented since 2015, we are firmly on track to achieve a one-third reduction in Canada's emissions by 2030. Without carbon pricing, we…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I imagine that my colleague opposite is pleased, since he got his video clip, but I would like to set the record straight. The overdose crisis is one of the worst public health crises Canada has ever faced. There is no easy solution. The crisis is fed by a supply of illegal drugs that are becoming more toxic, unpredictable and deadly by the day. It is also driven by underlying socio…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, the thing we need to remember is that every person who uses drugs needs to have access to the help that best works for them. By offering a wide range of options, we increase the chances that they will find the one that best meets their needs. Stigmatization may be a barrier to accessing these services. That is why the fight against stigmatization is also a priority for the governmen…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, the impacts of suicide extend far beyond the individual. Each life lost sends ripples of pain through family, friends, and communities. The new national suicide prevention action plan is our comprehensive, evergreen plan to address suicide in Canada. Preventing suicide requires collaboration across all levels of government, partners and society as a whole. Working together, we will en…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, unfortunately, my colleague opposite is confusing decriminalization with legalization. From the outset, both during the tour of the Standing Committee on Health and in its meetings, we have heard that, in order to help people who use drugs, we need to offer them a range of services and support measures. These people did not choose to become drug users. Nobody wakes up one morning an…
Read full speech →