Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, this week we are celebrating Gender Equality Week. Today, 71 women sit as members of the Liberal caucus—the largest women's caucus in the history of Canada's Parliament—where they exercise strong leadership. Women also play a crucial role in our cultural sector, an area that means a great deal to me. They represent 54% of Canada's artists. That number, however, conceals a glass ceiling affecting artistic leadership: 23% of male artists hold executive and production positions, compared to only 12% of female artists. I want to take this opportunity to call attention to the strong female leadership that is alive and well in the cultural sector of my riding, Thérèse-De Blainville. Recently, Claudia Dupont took over from Chantal Lamoureux as Odyscène's executive and artistic director, backed by a predominantly female team that actively contributes to showcasing our culture on a daily basis. They are a great example to follow. This week, let us celebrate them as we continue to work toward achieving gender equality in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, one of the things that I really like about adjournment proceedings is that it does allow us the chance to publicly correct the record. Conservatives were very quick to say that Canada was in a technical recession. We now know that is not the case. In August, Statistics Canada confirmed that the Canadian economy grew at an annualized rate of 3.3% in the second quarter, and also revised its Q1 figures to show that the economy grew in those months as well. It would be nice if the Conservative Party were as quick to celebrate these achievements as they are to tell us that Canada is broken. However, sticking to the facts does not make for good social media clips or help with fundraising emails. The world is changing rapidly. The U.S. is imposing new tariffs on Canada that are designed to hurt and divide us. At the same time, conflicts in Europe and the Middle East are driving up prices the world over. Despite these challenges, however, Canada continues to show resilience. While the new U.S. tariffs are creating headwinds, the Canadian economy is holding to a position of relative strength. We certainly recognize that some workers, families and small businesses continue to be under pressure. That is why it is important to look at the facts, as well as the Canadian economy's overall performance. Canada's economic strength is recognized internationally. The International Monetary Fund predicts that Canada will be one of the fastest-growing economies in the G7 this year and next. Economic growth rebounded strongly in the second quarter, with real gross domestic product up 3.3%, as I mentioned. Canada had the strongest quarterly growth in the G7 and posted a second consecutive increase in real gross domestic product per capita. In addition, our net debt-to-GDP ratio sits at just 10.2%, far below the G7 average of 101.8%. In fact, Canada's net debt burden is far lower than any other G7 nation. These facts show that Canada's economy is built to withstand global uncertainty and to continue to grow. This resilience is a direct result of the targeted measures our government has taken to support Canadians, such as making fuel more affordable for Canadians. That is why the government introduced Bill C-38, which extends the temporary suspension of the federal excise tax on gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel until January 31, 2027, after which 50% of the usual excise tax rate will apply from February 1 to March 31, 2027. By reducing fuel and transportation costs, this measure will provide targeted relief to workers, families, farmers and businesses across the country, including in sectors that rely heavily on transportation and construction. The government is also taking broader steps to make life more affordable, including through the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, income tax cuts for 22 million Canadians, the cancellation of the consumer carbon tax, and the GST relief for first-time homebuyers of new homes. Taken together, these measures will allow Canadians to keep more of their hard-earned money. Each one reflects a consistent principle that our government upholds, specifically that federal support must be timely, targeted and fiscally sustainable.

Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is that our government is delivering timely, tangible and fiscally sustainable relief for Canadians at a time when they need it, and we are doing so from a position of economic strength, not decline. In a more uncertain world, the government is focused on what it can control, advancing nation-building projects, removing barriers to growth, unlocking private capital and making investments to build the strongest economy in the G7. That is how we will ensure that Canada not only avoids the worst-case scenarios predicted by many at the outset of the U.S. trade actions last year but also emerges stronger, with a boost today and a bridge to a better tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, the global economy is undergoing a rupture. Geopolitical threats are mounting, and countries around the world are grappling with severe trade disruptions and significant economic risks. This includes the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which continues to disrupt global energy supplies, drive up energy prices and increase uncertainty worldwide. Canada, as we all know, is not immune to this turbulence. That is why we tabled Bill C-38 to extend the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax. As members of the House will remember, last spring our government temporarily reduced federal fuel excise tax rates to zero cents per litre. While that measure was set to expire on Labour Day, Bill C-38 proposes to extend it until January 31, 2027. Fifty per cent of the regular excise tax rate would then apply from February 1 to March 31, 2027. This means that Canadians would continue to benefit from lower taxes, saving 10¢ per litre on gasoline and four cents per litre on diesel, helping households and businesses manage transportation and operating costs. For many small businesses, transportation and fuel costs remain a significant expense. Extending this relief measure will help businesses manage their costs while continuing to invest and create jobs. However, supporting Canadians through the current challenges is not just about providing immediate relief. It is also about ensuring that our economy remains strong, competitive and resilient in an uncertain world. While new U.S. tariffs add uncertainty for Canadian businesses and workers, Canada is starting from a position of strength. With a robust economy and a clear growth strategy focused on driving investment, increasing productivity, strengthening domestic industries and expanding access to global markets, Canada is well placed to respond to external pressures. Domestic activity has remained strong and our continental supply chains have been more resilient than expected, thanks to the adaptability of Canadian businesses and the fact that CUSMA protections shielded approximately 85% of Canadian merchandise exports from recent U.S. actions. The business climate in Canada has recovered, and companies are diversifying both their suppliers and their markets. The figures show that Canada has what the world is looking for. Canada leads the G7 in terms of per capita foreign direct investment inflows. Overall, real GDP grew by 1.9% in 2025, despite persistent global uncertainty. The outlook for the future remains encouraging. A Statistics Canada survey shows that businesses plan to increase their capital expenditures this year, while the International Monetary Fund forecasts that Canada will post the second-fastest growth in the G7 in 2026 and 2027. Since the start of 2025, Canada has created more than twice as many jobs per capita as the United States, with the majority of these jobs in the private sector. Things have really taken off since the start of 2025. At the same time, inflation averaged 2.1% in 2025, while wages have risen faster than prices over the last five years. Overall, these results show that the Canadian economy continues to grow, attract investment and create jobs despite a highly uncertain global environment. These results are no accident. They are truly the result of work that enables us to strengthen the economy and prioritize affordability—

Mr. Speaker, Canada's economy has demonstrated considerable resilience during one of the most challenging periods in recent history, and our SMEs know that our government is there to help them with all our programs to make a difference for them. Therefore, despite ongoing geopolitical instability, trade disruption and economic uncertainties, Canadians continue to benefit from a strong economy, rising wages, moderating inflation and a resilient labour market. We will continue to do whatever it takes to build an even stronger and more competitive economy for the future, and our SMEs in Canada know that we are there for them.

Madam Speaker, I am rather surprised by the member's comments and by the fact that he is proposing to delay the passage of this bill by failing to abide by our rules. The member gave a good description of the process in committee, where there are five‑minute speeches and then time for questions. That said, we also have the opportunity to hear from experts who present briefs, so we take all the time we need to really benefit from the informed perspectives provided by experts. There is no challenge when it comes to decision-making, and we need to act now. Can we move forward with this bill now?

Madam Speaker, unlike the Bloc Québécois, members on this side of the House have zero doubts that culture is important, and we are ready to invest in it. We did so in the budget, yet they were against it. With the $600 million that we are investing in the industry and the $95 million that we are investing in exporting our industry, giving access to 120 international markets, we are fostering its development, because our culture is extremely important. We, the 44 Liberal MPs from Quebec in this place, are constantly fighting to defend, protect and promote culture.

Madam Speaker, I have a great deal of respect for my colleague, but today he seems to be all doom and gloom. Today, thanks to the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, we are providing $543 to a single person as a GST credit and $1,086 to a family of four. These are concrete measures that people on this side of the House are working on to help families and the most vulnerable. When will the Conservatives understand this and stop criticizing us? We are building a strong Canada.

Mr. Speaker, last Sunday, I had the opportunity to attend the ceremonial parade of the 806 Sainte-Thérèse Air Cadet Squadron, which brought together more than 90 young cadets. What a great organization that teaches leadership, civic responsibility and teamwork. I would like to congratulate all the cadets for their participation and commitment, as well as Blainville's own Raphaëlle Chicoine for an exceptional honour. At just 17 years old, she received the Lord Strathcona Medal for her leadership and dedication, the highest honour awarded to a cadet. She has been flying planes and actively participating in our community for more than two years. Through her determination and passion, Raphaëlle is a true source of inspiration for her peers and a shining example of what our young people can accomplish. Attending this event served as a reminder that young people are not just the future, but also the present. It is crucial to recognize young people like Raphaëlle. With their active contributions, we are building Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, as we saw during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Canadian athletes show us what is possible when talent, hard work and opportunity come together. Today, we have the privilege of recognizing and thanking these extraordinary athletes here in Ottawa. Last winter, team Canada brought home 21 medals, finishing eighth in the overall standings, and at the Paralympic Winter Games, Canadian athletes proudly added 15 medals. Every athlete competed with heart, perseverance and excellence. With podium finishes and many personal bests, they demonstrated the talent, character and determination that define Canadian sport. To all our athletes, we want to say that we are proud to have seen them wear the maple leaf and represent Canada on the world stage. I would also like to thank the coaches, families, volunteers, support staff, officials, and the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee for their dedication to our athletes. On behalf of all Canadians, I thank them for inspiring the next generation of Canadian sporting heroes.

Mr. Speaker, as my colleague explained, Build Canada Homes is there for affordable housing. We are welcoming athletes to Ottawa today and making sport affordable through a $755-million investment to make sport accessible to all. We are developing projects and programs for our society on so many issues, including tax cuts. On this side of the House, we are taking swift action to help the people in our ridings. In my riding of Thérèse‑De Blainville, I can say that organizations are thanking us for everything we are doing for our constituents.

Mr. Speaker, it is clear that, on this side of the House, we are working hard for jobs. That is why, this week, the Prime Minister met with people from Enertec, a company that is facing difficulties because of the unjustified U.S. tariffs. The company's CEO, Julie Desrosiers, thanked the Prime Minister for promoting the buy Canadian movement in Canada and for all the innovation they will be able to carry out. They are confident that they can build and have jobs for the next year for Enertec employees.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague the member for Les Pays-d'en-Haut for that excellent question. An investment of $755 million is great news for sport. Why do we need to invest in sport? First, it is to support our athletes. Second, it is to keep our young people off the streets and help them benefit from and find joy in playing together. Third, it is to help our seniors break their isolation and be active for life. Fourth, it is to ensure that we are there to build Canada strong together. Let us celebrate this investment in sport.

Mr. Speaker, I am always surprised to see how the opposition focuses on the negative when there is good news. Sports are the cornerstone of our nation. Thanks to the spring economic update, we are making a generational investment of $750 million. This is the largest investment in 20 years. The people of Thérèse-De Blainville and that MP's constituents must be pleased to have this investment for their villages, towns, and communities. We are building Canada strong by working together and investing in our sports and in our youth.

Mr. Speaker, every job lost in the auto and trucking industries, particularly because of tariffs, is a loss for Canada. We are working hard to help auto and trucking companies pivot and adapt to new trade realities through the $5-billion strategic innovation fund. My departmental colleagues and I are in regular contact with Paccar and Unifor executives and the Government of Quebec to maintain production and protect well-paying jobs in Sainte‑Thérèse. Retooling a Canadian company's production line takes effective negotiation with all stakeholders and patience to give the company's American headquarters time to determine the required investments and agreements. At the same time, we are also working to encourage our cities and provinces to buy Canadian. To date, we have helped over 100 businesses in Quebec pivot and adapt to this new reality, and we are working hard to do the same for Paccar.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my athletic hon. colleague for his question. The year 2026 is Canada's year of sport, and we are bringing the excitement of the World Cup to communities across the country. Through the “Canada Celebrates” tour, communities from coast to coast to coast will share in this moment of national pride. Our government is also investing to support the host cities and deliver a safe and welcoming World Cup. Go, Canada, go. This summer, let us celebrate sport in every city and encourage our young people to get active.

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to pay tribute to a man who had a profound impact on the riding of Thérèse-De Blainville: Roland Dagenais, the founder of La Popote à Roland. Mr. Dagenais was ordained as a priest in 1954, and he soon became a fixture in his community of Blainville. In 1977, he was very concerned to see that too many seniors were living in isolation, and so he and members of the parish launched a simple initiative that involved offering a warm meal and an opportunity for people to get together every week. Thus began La Popote à Roland. One Wednesday at lunchtime, I had a opportunity to drop in for a visit myself. It is easy to see why this organization is so important to local residents. Seniors gather there every week, and it obviously does them good. Roland Dagenais was also an avid traveller. He travelled around the world, from Asia to South America, but he left one of his greatest legacies at home in Thérèse-De Blainville. For nearly 50 years, hundreds of seniors have been gathering there every week to share a lot more than just a meal. Today, we simply want to say thank you to him.

Mr. Speaker, my riding of Thérèse-De Blainville was honoured to host the 60th Quebec Games from February 27 to March 7. For 10 days, our region was abuzz with excitement over sports, youth and personal achievement. Close to 3,000 athletes from across Quebec gathered together to push their limits and experience something unforgettable. Behind every competition and every medal, the solid support of an entire community was on full display. Today, I want to applaud the outstanding work of the 2,500 or so volunteers who welcomed the athletes, supported the teams and made sure that the competitions ran smoothly. I also want to give my heartfelt thanks to Mayor Liza Poulin, François Rioux and his organizing committee for overseeing the event with professionalism and dedication. Their commitment made these games much more than a sports competition. They were a time of pride and fellowship for our entire region and for our Quebec. I was there. It was a wonderful sight to behold.

Mr. Speaker, some people in Thérèse‑De Blainville really know how to go above and beyond. Today, I would like to pay tribute to Serge Paquette, who has devoted more than a quarter of a century to serving the Town of Blainville. Throughout all those years, Serge has been much more than an elected official. He has been a supportive neighbour, a beacon in the community and a source of support for everyone. He could be found at community events, working with organizations and on the ground, where real life happens on a daily basis. His commitment has guided the town's evolution and strengthened the human fabric of our community. I would also like to acknowledge the role that his wife, Eliane Boisvert Paquette, has played. Well known and respected in Blainville, she brings warmth and humanity to local life. Her presence and involvement are an integral part of the legacy they have built together. Their journey encapsulates the true meaning of public service: a daily commitment based on human relationships and a sincere desire to see one's community thrive. On behalf of the people of Thérèse-De Blainville, I would like to thank Serge Paquette for his remarkable career and pay tribute to Ms. Boisvert Paquette.

Mr. Speaker, we agree that it is important to have affordable homes and housing. We are at 100 days of Build Canada Homes and it is producing results: We have an agreement with the provinces, including Quebec, to take action; six construction projects on federal property; and thousands of new housing units, 7,500 to be precise, including in Longueuil, Quebec, in Nova Scotia and in Ontario. The budget has to be adopted so that we can have affordable housing.

Madam Speaker, I want to sincerely thank my colleague from Terrebonne for her question and her leadership within our government. Our athletes are true ambassadors, and as the single largest investor in Canada's amateur sport system, our government is proud to support the Canadian athletes now leading 41 million Canadians in a celebration of unity and pride. That was the reason we increased our athletes' monthly allowance by about 23%. Since then, our athletes have been under a lot of pressure, which is why we invested an additional $3.11 million in health services. Let us all join together in supporting our athletes.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to acknowledge that the expropriations in Mirabel are part of our history. We need to understand what it means to have lives disrupted, families displaced and communities torn apart. I was born on a farm, so I am familiar with the agricultural community. I do know what it means to have a farm. That being said, the laws have changed. Public consultations are held. It is a legal requirement. Social licence is required, and yes, the process will be respectful. I met with the mayor of Mirabel. I met with farmers. I met with citizens. Yes, we will do the right thing. The Bloc needs to stop obstructing a major project for our region. Bloc members must realize that the region wants to take an innovative approach to transportation. The high-speed train is a perfect example of this. With that in mind, I wonder whether our Bloc friends will stop obstructing this project and show up to support it.

Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, we are sensitive to people's concerns, and we are taking action. I just want to mention that, with regard to Paccar, we have been taking action since October. We are working with the management team. Our Minister of Industry and her office are working on this. I am working on this. We did not need the Bloc Québécois to tell us that we needed to start working on this. We have been taking action since October, and solutions are in sight. In that context, we know how to manage the House. One does not write to the Minister of Finance when they should be writing to the Minister of Industry. Furthermore, we do not base our work on social media. We work with people on the ground. We listen to them and take action with them.

Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Laurier—Sainte‑Marie. I rise today with great respect, because we are talking about a chapter that has had a profound impact on thousands of Quebeckers. The Mirabel expropriations are part of history. Lives were turned upside down, families were displaced, communities were torn apart and people had to leave their homes, their neighbours, sometimes their jobs and give up part of their identity. Yes, there is collective trauma. Yes, there is pain that takes time to heal. Even though former transportation minister Garneau apologized, we still need to be able to talk about the situation with dignity today. I also want to explain why this issue is personal to me. I was born on a farm on Patriotes Road in Saint-Ours. Farming plays a central role in my life. In 1958, my grandparents, the Poitevin-Bourgeois family, were awarded the title of Quebec's farm family of the year. Their successors, the Préfontaine-Bourgeois family, who I am also related to, received the same award in 2018. Mine is a story of family, succession and landowners. I have a deep understanding of the value of a farm. I understand that a piece of land is not just an asset. There is a history there, a legacy. That land represents the work of several generations. I also understand that our farmers are already facing serious challenges related to climate change, technological and digital innovation, food security, workforce and family succession. The last thing our farmers need is another source of uncertainty, so we need to be responsible in how we conduct this debate. There is a difference between recognizing a historical injustice and using that injustice to fearmonger today. There is a difference between learning from the past and remaining stuck in the past. We cannot change what happened in Mirabel in 1969, but we have a collective responsibility to learn from it and ensure that it does not happen again. That is precisely why Canada's framework for expropriation and major projects has been completely overhauled. At the time, land was seized without warning, without consultation, without the possibility of appeal. That would no longer happen today. The current system is based on clear and modern principles: public consultation, mandatory notices, the possibility of appeal, and fair compensation. These principles are enshrined in law and they align with the systems in Quebec and Ontario. The very reason they exist is to prevent situations like the one in Mirabel from happening again. The heart of today's debate is not to determine whether these principles exist. It is to recognize that they are already at the heart of our modern legal framework and that they must be rigorously applied. That is part of the motion. Public consultation, social licence and appropriate compensation are not political slogans. They are legal requirements designed to protect citizens, municipalities, farmers, and affected communities. First, meaningful public consultation is a legal requirement. It is not optional. It involves mandatory notices, structured consultations held early in the process, with accessible information and meaningful opportunities for citizens, municipalities and the agricultural community to voice their concerns. That is what we are doing right now with the high-speed train project. Second, social licence is recognized as a condition for success, not an obstacle to get around. Any project that goes ahead against the will of a community will fail, resulting in delays, costs and loss of trust. The current framework is designed to prevent that. Third, protecting farmland is an integral part of project assessments. Farmland is an asset that benefits society as a whole. The current rules require consideration of farmland's economic, social and strategic value. I would add that, nowadays, we all recognize how very important farmland is to our sovereignty. Fourth, compensation mechanisms are set out in the act: independent appraisals, the right to object and compensation based on fair market value. Every piece of farmland represents a life, and these mechanisms exist to ensure justice, transparency and dignity. I also want to be very clear: Liberal members from the northern suburbs are in touch with the City of Mirabel and with Mayor Roxane Thérien and her teams. The mayor and I had a great conversation about Alto and the consultation process last week. We are committed to keeping this dialogue going and to talking about what we need to do together to ensure that this project meets the needs of her region, her city and, of course, the regional county municipality or RCM. We are listening to members of the public and working with municipalities to come up with practical solutions. This approach is already being used in our region. After extensive consultations with Connexion Laurentides and the seven RCMs, the Laurentides region has been working since last December to position itself as an experimentation and innovation hub for transportation and a community with everything to offer. The Minister of Transport came to our region to speak directly with elected officials, economic stakeholders and local partners. This approach, which involves consultation, collaboration and building with the region, is exactly what people expect from us. Our role as members of Parliament is to listen, consult and take prompt action to address people's concerns and to seize economic development opportunities. I am ready to work with every member from the region and the member for Mirabel to make that happen. I will conclude by saying that, yes, Mirabel is part of our collective memory, and yes, what happened was a historical injustice. However, respect does not mean exploiting trauma to play politics. Respect means protecting Canadians today and building the future for tomorrow. We have made our choice: We will build the future with clear rules, with people and for future generations. The good news is that we are already on the ground. I encourage the member for Mirabel and other members from the region to come work with us to find solutions. I am asking a clear question: When will my Bloc Québécois colleagues stop using the trauma of what happened in Mirabel as a political tool and choose to work with us to support the economic interests of Quebec and the development of the Lower Laurentians and other regions, with respect for the people, farmers and communities?

Mr. Speaker, clearly, the best way to apologize is to take action and to work with people on the ground. It is about building trust and working together. We acknowledge the pain caused by things that were done in the past. Of course, we must not repeat them. The laws have changed, and it is 2026. We are ready to listen to the people once again, to be on the ground, to have the discussions that are necessary to ensure that this is a project with a future for them, for the region, for our beautiful Quebec and for the rest of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I want to sincerely thank my colleague for the question. We are still working on the ground, meeting with our mayors in the region. When I say that, I am not just talking about myself, but about Liberal members from across the region who are active on the ground. It is about meeting with businesses and farmers to listen to what should not be done, to ensure that Alto respects the process and that people are really being listened to. We are working hard to report back on these issues, and we are doing so on an ongoing basis. The high-speed rail is there to innovate transportation in the region, and we want to work to ensure that our local businesses benefit from it.

Mr. Speaker, what I want to say at this stage is I recognize the pain and the stories from the past. The motion will be put to a vote next week, so we will be able to make the decision collectively. In the meantime, obviously we can use the scars of the past that have caused so much suffering, but the Bloc Québécois must also bring a strong voice to the table to say that this project is important for the region and for people, that the government is prepared to engage in a consultation process, and that the Bloc Québécois is prepared to work with it to ensure that this project is flawless and can offer many benefits while respecting people's dignity.

Mr. Speaker, clearly, as I mentioned in my speech, what happened is not acceptable. However, this has evolved through regulation, which has changed. We have a process now that ensures that the voices of citizens and the voices of municipalities are heard. No decision has been made up until now, and we need to listen and consult. More importantly, we are already on the ground, talking to all the stakeholders to make sure we will have a process and a project that will build our region and build Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his remarks. There is no doubt that we, the members on this side of the House, are actively working with cabinet to always find solutions to address every aspect of this project. I want to point out that it is entirely appropriate to listen to Canadians and to their questions. What will the repercussions be? What are the steps involved? What has been confirmed? What has not been confirmed? What mechanisms will be put in place? These are normal questions, and we want to hear them. However, when people come to us, our duty as members of Parliament is not to tell them that they are right to be afraid. It is to inform them that we have a process in place and that we need to proceed with confidence. If the Bloc Québécois claims to support high-speed rail, why did your party vote against funding it?

Madam Speaker, I just want to thank our colleague who has just summarized so well the challenge posed by this terrible situation in our ridings. These are exactly the same realities we are experiencing throughout Quebec, and the concerns she raised are also the same in my own riding. I also thank her for her collaboration in committee, because we need to work together to advance legislation like Bill C-16. We must prevent and reduce the risks. In that line of thought, could she reiterate how best to enhance prevention and reduce the risks in order to improve what we should be doing with regard to Bill C-16?

Madam Speaker, I am a bit shocked by my colleague's comments. My constituents, like his I am sure, say that online predation, manipulation, cyberstalking, the distribution of intimate images and even the use of AI, including deepfakes, are very real threats and that our laws need to reflect today's realities. Why are the Conservatives dragging their feet when it is time to support this bill? I would like to ask my colleague whether he will try to persuade his party to work with us to get this bill passed in February.

Mr. Speaker, budget 2025 is a concrete, ambitious budget that is deeply focused on the needs of families on the north shore. In an unstable international context where our supply chains and businesses are facing strong pressures, our government is choosing to make significant investments to reduce the cost of living, modernize our infrastructure and strengthen our economy. In Thérèse‑De Blainville, that means directly investing in our roads, municipal networks and community centres, providing real support for housing, creating more jobs for our young people and expressing clear support for our small and medium-sized manufacturers, which are the economic heart of the region. I know that local mayors are thrilled with this budget and are ready to work with us to capitalize on it. In terms of infrastructure, the budget allocates $115 billion to accelerate infrastructure projects. These are unprecedented investments: $57 billion for public transit and green infrastructure, $22 billion for community infrastructure and $16 billion for energy efficiency. In Thérèse-De Blainville, this means that Sainte-Thérèse, Blainville, Lorraine, Bois-des-Filion and Terrebonne will finally be able to implement long-awaited projects, such as upgrading roads and water systems, adding bike paths and building community, cultural and sports centres. The projects are there, and we want our beautiful region to reap the benefits. These investments will support thousands of skilled jobs in our region and improve the quality of life for our families. Families on the north shore are feeling the pressure of the cost of living. That is the truth. Budget 2025 provides direct answers. There is a tax cut for 22 million Canadians, representing up to $420 per person and $840 for a couple. Automatic payment of federal benefits will help up to 5.5 million people receive the amounts they are entitled to. Canada's national school food program will provide 400,000 additional meals to children, saving a family with two children approximately $800 per year. For our young families, this is immediate and essential relief. There are wonderful organizations and tremendous leaders in Thérèse-De Blainville, where everyone works together to take care of one another. The leaders of these organizations took the time to tell me how important the budget is to them in terms of providing solutions. Once again, they are ready to work with us to improve quality of life in our riding. Now I want to talk about housing. In a rapidly growing region like Thérèse-De Blainville, housing is a top priority. The budget invests $25 billion over five years to accelerate residential construction. This includes $9 billion for Build Canada Homes; eliminating the GST on the purchase of new homes up to $1 million, which could mean a savings of up to $50,000; and more than $573 million per year in loans for affordable rental buildings. Thanks to these measures, our regional developers will be able to build faster and our municipalities will be able to densify around transit stations to meet mobility needs. There is so much potential for growth in the region. Of course, public transit must go hand in hand with housing, since traffic congestion is an issue in our region. We need to find solutions for public transit while developing affordable housing. That is why we have funding set aside for infrastructure. It is why we will work with cities to find solutions while investing in affordable housing for our seniors, our young people and our families. Let us talk about our SMEs and the local economy. What a wonderful topic. Our SMEs are the economic engine of Thérèse-de-Blainville. The 2025 budget offers them robust support with $10 billion in loans for businesses affected by U.S. tariffs, a superdeduction of up to 125% for automation and $40 billion in additional cash flow through tax payment deferral. Companies like Enertec Rail Equipment, Miratech and Novatech will be able to modernize their facilities, invest in productivity and protect quality jobs. This is direct support for more than 3,500 jobs in our region. Even as we derive economic strength from our SMEs and make investments in major projects across Canada, we must also promote the francophonie and enable SMEs to connect with the francophone network across Canada. We have to leverage the strength of the francophonie and Canada's two official languages as incredible assets for attracting investment. Budget 2025 delivers the goods for youth, who are so important: 100,000 jobs under the Canada summer jobs program, 20,000 youth receiving support through the youth employment and skills strategy and an additional 55,000 work placements. That is significant. In Thérèse-de-Blainville, where so many students are looking for their first job experience, these programs are opening doors in a real and lasting way. I am well aware of the challenges confronting our young people, who are currently grappling with a digital transformation that is affecting the types of jobs available, not to mention the uncertainty caused by the United States in recent months that has kept businesses from investing. Our budget is completely responsible. It sends a strong message to our SMEs that the time has come to invest in productivity and competitiveness again and to grow our place in the world. Seniors are very important in my riding. Protecting our seniors is essential. Budget 2025 creates the first national anti-fraud strategy, which includes a mandatory code of conduct for banks and a new agency to combat financial crimes that will be operational in 2026. In a region where our seniors are too often targeted, this strengthened framework will allow us to take effective action against financial exploitation. Seniors are also asking us to provide them with opportunities for physical exercise. We talk about the importance of mental health in ending social isolation. We need to invest in infrastructure, and that is what we have done for seniors. I am already working with people in towns and cities to find the best infrastructure for seniors, including for their quality of life. Culture is the heart and soul of our cities. Budget 2025 invests $770 million to support local festivals, major events, local media and, of course, the CBC/Radio-Canada. For Thérèse-de-Blainville, where libraries, broadcasters and festivals play an essential role, these investments are a breath of fresh air and will provide concrete support for the cultural vitality of the north shore. We have a golden opportunity right now to put our Canadian pride on full display. I am a proud Quebecker and a proud Canadian. Culture is important, and I am very proud that our government has chosen to invest in culture in this budget, which is so strategic for our constituents. The budget supports workers with $3.7 billion in income assistance for those affected by trade tensions, as well as a national online training platform. This means more tools for workers, more retraining, and a stronger partnership with regional unions such as the FTQ, the CSN, and Unifor. In Thérèse-de-Blainville, people tell me they are tired of parties that criticize everything but offer nothing. Budget 2025 provides more assistance for families, more housing, more infrastructure, more jobs for young people, and more support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Mr. Speaker, I can look my constituents and my children and grandchildren in the eye. This is not a credit card budget, as the Conservatives like to call it. It is a budget that offers ways to find money to improve the quality of life of Canadians, while making investments in the future. When I put money in my children's TFSA and in programs, I know I am investing in their future. That is exactly what we are doing. We are investing in everyone's future.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for her many questions. My colleague may be right about using the words “our seniors”, but I am so fond of the seniors in my riding, and I care about them as though they were part of our extended family. Seniors have my utmost respect. I have had some very good discussions with seniors, who ask me loads of questions. They understand very well that our budget includes measures to improve their quality of life, to help them with the cost of living and to put infrastructure in place to support them. They also know very well that they are not a homogeneous group. Some people are more vulnerable than others, and seniors agree that we should invest in programs that help the most vulnerable members of our society.

Mr. Speaker, infrastructure is critically important. Members of Parliament and our cabinet have demonstrated the importance of investing in this infrastructure. We listen to our constituents, our mayors, and our city councilors. They told us that we need to address the infrastructure issue. Infrastructure supports the quality of life of our constituents and creates jobs in the regions, which are so important to them.

Mr. Speaker, Canada and Quebec have lost a visionary and a pioneer. The late René Dallaire was a man of courage, energy and optimism. An elite skier at 19, he became a quadriplegic after a brutal fall. With remarkable perseverance, he went on to earn his MBA, worked for 20 years as a chief financial officer and became the first Quebecker to use a head-controlled wheelchair. He was also active in several organizations that advocate for people with physical disabilities. In 1994, he founded the Association québécoise de voile adaptée and created the Coupe du Québec regatta, an event for sailors with physical disabilities. René Dallaire inspired us to push our limits, whatever they may be. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all those who had the great privilege of knowing him.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and consistent with the policy on the tabling of reports in Parliament, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, Canada's combined second and third reports on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities dated November 7, 2022, including the 2025 concluding observations of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Mr. Speaker, obviously, it is important to maintain the industrial carbon tax to protect our climate and so forth. That said, the cost of living is the number one priority for our constituents, and we are working on that. This is a responsible budget that enables us to do so. When will the official opposition understand that we need to look at the factors that contribute to Canadians' success? We are counting on the official opposition to support the budget.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the House that our debt-to-GDP ratio is the lowest in the G7, which gives us room for sound management and for investment. Is my colleague in favour of the “productivity superdeduction,” a set of enhanced tax incentives covering all new capital investment that allows businesses to write off a larger share of the cost of these investments right away so they can contribute to a strong economy?

Mr. Speaker, I am a little surprised that my colleague failed to understand, from the budget, that we did everything right to lower the cost of living: We cut taxes for 22 million middle-class Canadians, cancelled the consumer carbon tax, made the national school food program permanent, made federal benefits automatic, increased competition and reduced telecommunications costs. There are many other cost-of-living measures I could name. All the families in Thérèse-De Blainville clearly understood that and said that it matters to them. Is my colleague going to promote that in his riding?

Madam Speaker, as Women's History Month draws to a close, I want to honour an outstanding Canadian trailblazer: Elizabeth Muriel Gregory MacGill, commonly known as Elsie. In 1927, Elsie became the first woman in Canada to earn an electrical engineering degree from the University of Toronto. Two years later she became the first woman in North America to receive a master's degree in aeronautical engineering. She was the first woman to take the lead in aircraft design, including the design of the Maple Leaf Trainer II and the Hawker Hurricane, a vital fighter aircraft of the Second World War. As a feminist, she contributed to the historic Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada report in 1970. Elsie grew up surrounded by strong women. Her grandmother, Emma, was a women's rights activist, and her mother, Helen, became British Columbia's first female judge. From one generation to the next, strong women are building a strong Canada. As Elsie once eloquently said, as soon as we see a need for change, we find a way to make it happen.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to Bill C‑245, which seeks to exempt Quebec from the application of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. I want to begin by saying that I have the deepest respect for my Bloc Québécois colleagues and that I personally share our profound attachment, as Quebeckers, to our language, our culture and our identity. That being said, I consider this bill a mistake, both for Quebec and for Canada. Today's debate concerns more than a mere legal issue. It concerns how we choose to live together in this country—with respect, openness and solidarity. It concerns whether our differences should keep us apart or bring us closer together. We can start by clearly reminding everyone that Quebec is a nation. The House recognized this fact almost 20 years ago, and it was not mere token recognition. Quebec's distinct identity, French language, history, secularism and civic values are an integral part of Canada's character. Furthermore, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act already recognizes that reality. Section 3 states that implementation of multiculturalism must be consistent with Canada's official languages and must enhance the development of French-speaking and English-speaking communities. In other words, multiculturalism does not ignore Quebec's distinctiveness; it includes it. Multiculturalism and bilingualism are not mutually exclusive, but complementary. Bilingualism protects our two official languages and multiculturalism guarantees that whatever their background, Canadians can fully contribute to the shared society we are building together. The Canadian Multiculturalism Act was never meant to erase or replace one culture. Its purpose has always been to ensure that no individual has to renounce who they are to feel at home in Canada. Multiculturalism is not a threat in a country that has welcomed immigrants, refugees and newcomers for generations, a country founded on indigenous lands and enriched through people from all over the world. It is what brings us together. It is not an ideology that divides us, but a principle that brings people together. Multiculturalism affirms that it is possible to be proudly Quebecker and proudly Muslim, Haitian, Japanese, Jewish or Sikh and that identity is not a zero-sum game. The goal was never to create a patchwork of solitudes, but rather, a community that is based on equality and respect. It is true that my native province of Quebec has developed its own model of integration that it calls interculturalism. The model emphasizes the French language as the civic language and encourages participation in a shared public culture. The model is credible, commendable and fully aligned with Canadian multiculturalism. There is nothing in the federal bill that would prevent that. In fact, the Canada–Québec Accord relating to Immigration and Temporary Admission of Aliens already gives Quebec expanded powers over the selection and integration of newcomers. The real question today then is not whether Quebec should promote French or determine its own course with regard to integration—it is already doing that. The question is whether Quebeckers should be denied federal recognition of diversity, the very principle that allows Quebec to thrive within Canada. This bill would do just that. It would tell the whole world that diversity is a Canadian value, except for those of us who live in Quebec. This message does not do anyone any good. It weakens the voice of Quebec and tarnishes Canada's image as an inclusive and democratic society. The Bloc Québécois is framing this debate as a choice: multiculturalism or Quebec's survival. I completely reject this false dichotomy. Yes, the French language in Quebec is fragile and must be protected. However, its future does not depend on whether or not the Canadian Multiculturalism Act applies in Quebec. It depends on demographic vitality, economic choices, linguistic habits, and the strength of our francophone institutions. Exempting Quebec from the Canadian Multiculturalism Act will not result in French being spoken more widely. It will not strengthen language laws, will not improve education in French, will not support the promotion of Quebec culture, and will not guarantee greater francophone immigration. What it will do is send a signal that Quebec stands apart, that it rejects a principle that has helped make Canada one of the most respected countries in the world. Cultural confidence is not built by putting up legislative walls. It is built through pride, education, and the active promotion of the language and culture that unite us. We must remember that Canadian multiculturalism arose out of a very specific challenge: reconciling diversity in a vast country comprising two official languages, indigenous peoples, and successive waves of immigration. The 1988 act is the continuation of a policy put in place in 1971 by Pierre Elliott Trudeau. It recognized that Canada was not a cultural monolith, but rather a common home for many peoples. Far from erasing French, it made it one of the pillars of our national identity. The Canadian Multiculturalism Act was passed under Brian Mulroney, a prime minister from Quebec. Mr. Mulroney was a Conservative from Baie‑Comeau who, like me, understood full well the importance of Quebec's role within Canada. This is a good reminder for us that this question goes beyond partisan divisions. It goes to the heart of who we are as a nation. Canadian multiculturalism has enabled us to fight against racism, exclusion and discrimination. It has opened the doors to generations of Canadians who would otherwise have felt marginalized. It has also inspired other countries to follow our example of inclusion. Nothing is ever perfect, but this model remains one of our greatest collective strengths. We must defend it and apply it to ensure the successful integration of newcomers and a good quality of life for all Canadians who have forged our multiculturalism. If this bill were to pass, it would cause confusion and fragmentation. Citizens of the same federation would be subject to two different recognition frameworks: one where diversity is protected by laws and the other where it is not. In practical terms, this would create two classes of citizenship: multicultural citizenship for the rest of the country and citizenship without that recognition for Quebec. What would be the result? Quebec already has all the tools it needs to manage immigration and promote French. It has its own ministry, its own integration programs and its own charter of values. This bill would not make any real difference aside from creating more division and misunderstandings. I stand here as a proud Quebecker. I am also the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages. The Bloc Québécois says that it wants to protect Quebec's identity, and I am also here to do that. However, I also want to protect something just as precious: our shared Canadian identity, which is based on respect, openness and solidarity. Multiculturalism is not some abstract political ideology. It reflects Canadian reality. My colleague gave some wonderful examples, such as La Bolduc and Boucar Diouf. Simply walk down Saint-Laurent Boulevard in Montreal, or make your way through Toronto's Portuguese neighbourhood, Chinatown in Vancouver and the Filipino communities in Winnipeg, or visit the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia in Halifax. These places are not separate worlds. They are threads woven together, creating the fabric that is Canada. Quebec's francophone culture is not just another frayed thread that is part of this fabric. It is a building block. It roots us in our history, our creativity and our beautiful language. Excluding Quebec from the Canadian Multiculturalism Act would be tantamount to saying that recognizing diversity is incompatible with its identity. I certainly do not believe that. I know some amazing artists, teachers and community leaders in Quebec that prove exactly the opposite every day. They show that we can be proudly francophone and deeply rooted in that Quebec pride while remaining open to the world. Our country has always progressed through dialogue, compromise, and respect. We have rightly recognized Quebec as a nation within a united Canada. We have recognized the rights of indigenous peoples and the contributions of newcomers. We have proven that our two official languages and our diverse cultures can coexist not despite their differences, but because of them. Bill C‑245 would set us back. It would replace co-operation with confrontation, pride with resentment, and openness with isolation. If we truly believe that Quebec is a nation within Canada, then we must also believe that Quebeckers are entitled to the same principles of equality, inclusion, and diversity as all Canadians. Let us oppose this bill, not out of disrespect for Quebec, but out of respect for what we have built together. Let us reaffirm that Quebec's culture, language, and identity flourish best not by distancing themselves from Canada, but by participating fully in it. It is a distinct and essential voice in a country that celebrates all voices.

Mr. Speaker, we know that sport can transform lives, build confidence, create bonds and bring joy. Everyone deserves to experience that. Across Canada, thousands of athletes benefit from programs supported by passionate Special Olympics Canada volunteers and coaches who promote strength, pride, honour, courage and friendship, values that inspire us all. Today, let us join in celebrating the vibrant spirit of Canada's Special Olympics athletes from coast to coast to coast.

Mr. Speaker, I want to reassure Canadians that they are absolutely right to trust our Liberal government to protect their rights. Bill C‑11 modernized the Broadcasting Act to ensure that digital platforms, which play such an important role in how Canadians get their music and stories online, contribute fairly to supporting Canadian content. This bill in no way gave the government control over YouTube algorithms. In fact, our government asked the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, or CRTC, not to impose regulatory requirements on online broadcasters for content by social media creators, including podcasts. Even though my colleague does not see the connection with Bill C‑11 and Bill C‑18, I will explain them. Bill C‑11 also requires the CRTC to regulate the broadcasting system in a manner consistent with the freedom of expression enjoyed by users of social media services. It is the same concern with freedom of expression that motivates Bill C-18's requirement that tech giants that act as gatekeepers of online news must negotiate fairly with the new businesses that inform Canadians. News outlets play a vital role in maintaining a healthy democracy. The Online News Act was passed in December 2023 to support Canada's news sector and ensure that Canadians have access to reliable news and journalism. It aims to ensure that dominant platforms like Google and Facebook compensate new organizations when their content is made available on their services. Google actively participated in the regulatory process and agreed to make an annual financial contribution of $100 million, indexed to inflation, to support the Canadian information ecosystem. To date, more than $48 million was paid out to 231 news publishers, including small local and independent media outlets. Unfortunately, even if OECD members have engaged with these platforms, they are still not accountable or transparent regarding how harmful content is managed, and that is the point. We know that social media platforms are being used to threaten, intimidate, bully and harass people. They are being used to promote racist, anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, misogynist and homophobic views that target communities, put people's safety at risk and undermine Canada's social cohesion and our democracy. Social media platforms are also used by predators and offenders to exploit children. Conservatives like to pretend that any attempt at addressing online harms is an affront to freedom, yet we know for a fact that four in 10 Canadians are exposed to online hate on a monthly or weekly basis. Conservative politicians need to stop hiding behind false outrage and join us in ensuring that Canadians feel safe in their communities. Our Liberal government campaigned on a clear commitment to introduce legislation to protect children from horrific crimes, including online sexploitation and extortion, and give law enforcement and prosecutors the tools to stop these crimes and bring predators to justice. Canadians elected us to deliver on that. Our Minister of Justice recently introduced the bill to combat hate, a legislative measure aimed at combatting the rise of hate by strengthening measures against hate crimes, intimidation, and obstruction. We will never compromise Canadians' ability to express themselves online.

Mr. Speaker, censoring Canadians is obviously a non-starter since our government is in the business of upholding their rights. Bill C‑11 and Bill C‑18 were designed to restore a level playing field between the dominant digital platforms and Canadian producers and distributors of cultural and news content, respectively. These legislative measures do not tell Canadians what cultural products to consume or restrict their access to a wide variety of Canadian and international media content. Right now, platforms are neither accountable nor transparent in how they manage harmful content, especially content that has a serious impact on children. Our government strongly defends freedom of expression and freedom of press, two essential pillars of our democracy. Our government does not censor. We protect. We defend freedom of expression, advocate for and support Canadian media, and keep our children safe online.

Mr. Speaker, in a world where Canadians, such as the people of Thérèse-De Blainville, believe that our Canadian institutions are robust and that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is protected, the question is whether we need to do more to protect ourselves against cyberthreats. Is my colleague willing to work with the government to find the best solution to protect Canadians from cyberthreats? The charter is fully protected by our laws.