Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada’s approach to substance use harms, including the overdose crisis, has been guided by the Canadian drugs and substances strategy, or CDSS. This strategy takes a comprehensive, collaborative and compassionate public health-focused approach, covers all substances and lays out our framework for evidence-based actions to reduce the harms associated with substance u…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his speech. He has demonstrated why it is important to examine this issue. We will soon begin a comprehensive review of the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act with the support of experts. We want to ensure that the act effectively protects public servants. We also want to strengthen Canadians' confidence in the integrity of our public institution…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, once again this fall, Sherbrooke Innopole has ranked among the top 20 economic development agencies in Canada, according to Site Selection magazine. I would like to acknowledge the leadership of Sylvain Durocher and his entire team. It is thanks to organizations like Sherbrooke Innopole that our community is enjoying strong growth in private sector investment. Our government has suppo…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this week, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the life and outstanding work of an inspired and inspiring woman from Sherbrooke. Magaly Brodeur was named one of Canada's 100 Black women to watch in 2022 by Canada International Black Women Excellence. That is on top of the many awards she has already won, and it is obvious why that is so. She has bachelor's degrees …
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Chair, I thank my colleague for Cariboo—Prince George for his moving speech and for his strong advocacy. Also, I congratulate him on his new function as the mental health critic, and I will be glad to work with him. As the member said, mental health is health, and it is a complex issue. Does he think that a diversified approach is required to answer the needs of those suffering with mental h…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Chair, I thank my colleague for his speech. I am working with mental health organizations in Quebec and I, too, am willing to acknowledge Quebec's leadership in this area. That is why it was recognized in the federal-provincial bilateral agreement and the action plan my colleague was talking about. A total of $11 million was announced in the 2017-18 economic and fiscal update, and that amoun…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Chair, I thank my colleague for his speech. We know that having access to mental health services at the right time, when we need it, is important. During COVID‑19, we saw with Wellness Together Canada that there were more than two million visits to the portal we put in place. Does my colleague think that working on accessibility to mental health services puts us on the right track to moving …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question. Suicide is a very important issue for us. We are taking action to make a difference. Our thoughts are with families who have lost a loved one recently. It is important for Canadians to have timely access to the right services. We are working on establishing a three-digit national crisis line as well as a pan-Canadian suicide prevention service.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this week is Mental Illness Awareness Week. The last two years have been hard on Canadians, exacerbating existing health inequalities and gaps both in Sherbrooke and across the country. However, the pandemic has also facilitated open, authentic conversations about mental health and substance abuse. It is incumbent upon all of us to keep those conversations going and to make sure that …
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Mr. Speaker, the rising cost of living is hitting Canadians hard. With our plan to make life more affordable, we are seeking to limit the effects of global inflation. Our support also includes continued funding for community organizations, which are essential to the well-being of Sherbrooke residents and the development of the social economy. This is true of Moisson Estrie, which distributes food …
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I would like to ask my colleague if indigenous communities are embracing this piece of legislation and if she is comfortable that it is a good way to advance reconciliation.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question. I was pleased yesterday to be able to answer his question with more details during the adjournment debate. We are well aware of the complexity of the current crisis and the importance of taking action. That is why we remain committed to investing this $4.5 billion over five years by way of the new transfer. This is in addition to the historic inv…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this week communities across Canada are joining together to recognize National Coaches Week. The goal of the week is to celebrate the tremendous responsibility coaches have in creating a positive impact on our athletes and communities. During this week, thousands of coaches will be tagged with the hashtag #ThanksCoach and invited to participate in many activities, including online cli…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I understand my colleague's question. I agree with him that the crisis has cost lives and that we have to take action to adequately meet the mental health needs of Canadians. As we have often said, mental health is an integral part of health. Our government is making it a priority. Since 2015, we have invested several historic amounts, including $5 billion for access to mental health …
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for Courtenay—Alberni for his advocacy and for the opportunity to address the House on what we are doing to support the mental health needs of Canadians. We know that this pandemic has had a toll on the mental health of Canadians, due in part to the increased isolation, stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness that so many faced during the pandemic. Additiona…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, a lethal dose can vary from person to person. The composition and purity of the illegal drug supply varies, including strong opioids such as fentanyl. In particular, the illegal drug supply remains contaminated by potent drugs like fentanyl and its analogues and has the potential to pose harm to people who use drugs. Health Canada recognizes that fentanyl is a dangerous drug due to it…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, PHAC publishes updated observed national surveillance data, i.e., reports on opioid- and stimulant-related deaths, hospitalizations and emergency medical services responses, which are released every three months: March, June, September and December. Modelling releases happen every six months jointly with the June and December national surveillance data releases. The latest projections…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, today I am happy to mark the start of the summer season for the Sherbrooke Station Market. Located on the shores of Lac des Nations, this public market is steeped in history and showcases Sherbrooke's natural and built heritage. Five permanent merchants occupy the interior space year round and, with the beginning of the summer this weekend, many market gardeners and artisans have set …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for that important question. People are dying every day. Putting an end to this crisis calls for a multi-faceted plan that includes diverting drug users away from the criminal justice system. We approved British Columbia's plan to decriminalize personal possession of small amounts of drugs. It is based on a comprehensive implementation plan, along with a broad r…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for her important question. This allows me to reaffirm that good mental health will always be a priority to our government. This funding will not only help enhance resilience in communities across Canada but also support those whose mental health has been most affected by the pandemic. Yesterday, I was pleased to announce that our government will provide $10 mil…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, I know that mental health organizations are essential to helping the people of Sherbrooke get through tough times. Today I want to talk about Secours-Amitié Estrie, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Secours-Amitié Estrie is a local organization dedicated to the mental health of the people of Sherbrook…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this is Canadian Environment Week, so it is a great time to highlight the historic investments our government has made to position our country and the Sherbrooke community on the path to a clean, strong and competitive economy in a low-carbon world. I am proud of our government for investing more than $3.8 million in the Société de transport de Sherbrooke so it can operate a fleet of …
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to respond to my esteemed colleague this evening and to talk about what our government is doing to support mental health care across Canada. We have made historic investments in mental health, including $5 billion to the provinces and territories through ongoing bilateral agreements. Budget 2022 proposes to provide $227.6 million over two ye…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, the government has made a firm commitment to Canadians that it will develop, fund and implement this new permanent mental health transfer. To do that, we must work collaboratively with the provinces and territories. I know that my colleague understands without a doubt that mental health is sharply declining across the country. We have to be able to provide promising and innovative p…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Madam Speaker, the opioid and toxic drug supply crisis is heartbreaking and has taken a tragic toll on the families, loved ones and communities of those we have lost across Canada. I would like to thank the member for Courtenay—Alberni for his advocacy on this critical issue and for prompting this important debate in the House of Commons. The Government of Canada recognizes that the overdose crisi…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, our government recognizes that problematic substance use is a health issue, and we are working to divert people who use drugs away from the criminal justice system and toward supportive and trusted relationships in health and social services. With the budget 2022 investment of an additional $100 million, we have now committed over $800 million to support community-led harm reduction…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, although alcohol consumption is legal and socially acceptable in Canada, it can have significant health and safety implications for Canadians and can exacerbate a number of social problems, such as homelessness. That is why our government is committed to supporting researchers in Sherbrooke and all across the country who are leading the way when it comes to addictions prevention and t…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for his question. We are conducting a thorough process. The CRTC has reviewed the comments received during recent consultations and it is working to ensure that every call is routed efficiently. This will require significant changes to the Canadian telecommunications system, including converting telephone switching stations across the country. We hav…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, our government is working to implement this crisis line as quickly and as effectively as possible. While the CRTC is completing its process, PHAC is working concurrently to ensure there will be capacity for the new line to connect people to the most appropriate support in the most appropriate way. We are also working closely with U.S. Admiral Levine, Dr. Delphin-Rittmon and their team…
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Mr. Speaker, our government has made historic investments in mental health, including $5 billion to the provinces and territories through ongoing bilateral agreements. We are also engaging with provinces and territories to inform the development of a new mental health transfer, building on the principles of the Canada Health Act, and sharing data on indicators and outcomes. We remain fully committ…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Salaberry—Suroît for her speech. I agree with many of the things she said in her speech, in particular the fact that the two official languages do not have equal status and that French is in decline in Quebec. However, we need to concern ourselves with minority languages across Canada and not just in Quebec. I would like her to clarify a few p…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to discuss Bill C-238 on the French language, sponsored by the hon. member for Salaberry—Suroît. This bill is similar to bills tabled in previous sittings of Parliament. In the 43rd Parliament, we had Bill C-223, which would have required that immigrants living in Quebec have an adequate knowledge of Quebec, as well as Bill C-254, which sought to apply Que…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Madam Speaker, May 7 is National Child and Youth Mental Health Day, which is all about building caring connections between young people and the caring adults in their lives. That is why we are investing $39 million to promote the mental well-being of children, youth and others likely to experience inequities, and giving $7.5 million to Kids Help Phone to provide crisis services to children and you…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance tabled a budget yesterday that will invest in the backbone of a strong and growing country: our people. Sherbrooke is experiencing a serious housing crisis. The measures set out in the budget to increase the number of housing units and speed up housing construction and repairs will help families, workers and seniors find a safe and aff…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Madam Speaker, as Autism Month begins, I would like to share the story of Emmanuel and his parents. Emmanuel will soon be 20 years old. His autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, has always been challenging for his parents and the people who love him. When he was three, nobody knew if he would ever learn to talk. Through weekly adaptive intervention sessions, he learned to interact with others and beco…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I would first like to thank the member for Courtenay—Alberni for his efforts, his commitment and his determination to end the opioid overdose and toxic drug supply crisis in Canada, and for raising this important issue in the House this evening. I would like to reiterate that our hearts go out to all the families and communities of those we have lost to opioid overdoses. Our governmen…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, our government obviously understands the urgency of the situation and is moving forward with an evidence-based approach to ending this crisis. Overcoming the stigma associated with substance use is also essential in addressing this whole-of-society problem and turning the tide on this crisis. That includes the investment of more than $13 million to help change attitudes towards and pe…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question and for the opportunity to provide an update on the measures our government is taking at our borders to protect Canadians from COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, the government has used available data and scientific evidence to inform its decisions regarding border measures. The health and safety of Canadians will continue to be our top priority, …
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, border measures continue to be an important part of Canada's response to the COVID‑19 pandemic. COVID‑19 numbers continue to rise here in Canada and around the world. We will therefore continue to use the latest scientific data and evidence to guide us as we adjust our border measures. We will continue to work with our provincial and territorial colleagues, our indigenous partners and…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Madam Speaker, I sincerely thank my colleague from Courtenay—Alberni for his speech. Clearly, this crisis has already taken too many lives. We understand that action is urgently needed, and that is why we made it a priority. I would like to ask the member this. Does he agree that moving in this direction requires addressing fundamental issues, including working with partners to establish appropria…
Read full speech →Orders of the Day
Madam Speaker, these are obviously extraordinary measures that are allowed under the legislation and give financial institutions the power to conduct investigations, in collaboration with the RCMP. At this time, 76 personal or business accounts have been blocked. Clearly, the act is being applied within a very limited scope. The most worrisome accounts are being targeted. It is disturbing to know …
Read full speech →Orders of the Day
Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with my hon. colleague from Newmarket—Aurora. The right to protest is a fundamental right in this country. It has been used repeatedly in Canada for causes that have helped us grow as a society. Think of women's suffrage, the end of racial segregation, the rights of LGBTQ2+ people, and the process of reconciliation with first nations, Métis and Inuit people. …
Read full speech →Orders of the Day
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for asking that question in French, and I congratulate him for it. Canada is a big country, and the situations are different from one place to another. The Emergencies Act contains a rigorous implementation process, as I was saying in my speech, including consultations, which took place. Another benefit of the act is that it applies on demand, based on need. Som…
Read full speech →Orders of the Day
Madam Speaker, we have heard that question a number of times in the last few hours of debate. What I know is that there were attempts. There were meetings, calls and discussions. All kinds of efforts were made to try to make progress. Demands were made, and we responded to those demands. Additional police officers were deployed on three occasions before it got to this point. I think this is an exc…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, our hearts go out to all the families and loved ones of those we have lost to suicide and to those who struggle with suicidal thoughts. It is essential for Canadians to have timely access to suicide prevention, and in addition to working to fully fund a national three-digit mental health crisis and suicide prevention hotline, we are developing a pan-Canadian suicide prevention servi…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to present a petition today that was signed by my constituents in Sherbrooke. They are calling on the House of Commons to change the name of the old age security program to use respectful language that better reflects the values of our government, such as “seniors' pension” or “seniors' pension program”. Being 65 years old is no longer associated with the term “old age”.…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Chair, since 2017, supervised consumption sites have had 2.9 million visits with no on-site deaths recorded to date, over 120,000 referrals to health services and 27,000 reversed overdoses. Given these metrics, does the member agree that our decision to approve 37 consumption sites since coming into office was good and that we should continue this way?
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Chair, the supply changes so quickly people do not know what they get. There are also signs the street supply of fentanyl is being laced with far more potent opioids. I would like to hear my colleague's comments on how important supporting safe supply is, as it is such an essential component of turning the tide on the alarming rise in opioid deaths from the toxic drug supply.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Chair, I thank my colleague for his speech, particularly for speaking about indigenous Canadians in his province. It is true that the opioid crisis continues to have a disproportionate impact on the health and well-being of indigenous people. We are investing $425 million annually for community-based services to address the mental wellness needs of first nations and Inuit. Would my colleague a…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Chair, the member mentioned that a lot of money has been put in the justice system. We introduced legislation that, among other measures, would require police and prosecutors to consider non-criminal responses to some drug-related offences. I would ask my colleague if he agrees that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for simple possession offences.
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