Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I rise today to present a petition signed by residents of the Eastern Townships, other parts of Quebec and even other parts of Canada regarding cellular connectivity in rural areas. The petitioners point out that, despite the efforts of municipalities, regional elected officials and many citizens, cellular service is still poor in many rural areas, inclu…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today after my colleagues, and after speaking last month in the House, to conclude debate at second reading on Bill C‑268. I thank all my colleagues who spoke. I am pleased to see that this is not a partisan issue. I want to thank the members for Tobique—Mactaquac, Joliette—Manawan, Egmont, Portage—Lisgar, London—Fanshawe, Brome—Missisquoi, Drummond, Avalon, Ri…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill C-268 be read the second time and referred to a committee.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I really appreciated my colleague's speech, particularly her comments on how things went at committee. I think she gave a very good description of the situation. It is an urgent problem, one that we are taking seriously. Given the seriousness with which this matter must be addressed, what does she think is most important in the short term?
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from Shefford for her work with people experiencing homelessness, female victims of violence, seniors and vulnerable individuals in the region where both of our ridings are located. I would like my colleague to explain which solutions for fighting coercive control are most effective in her riding, including community-led initiatives. What is working well i…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, today is June 1, World Milk Day. It is an opportunity to recognize the work of dairy farmers who feed our families and sustain our regions. In the Eastern Townships and across Canada, the dairy industry is at the heart of the regional economy. Behind every glass of milk, there are families who work seven days a week, innovate and contribute to our food security. Our dairy producers al…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Madam Speaker, I would like to begin by pointing out that we are at a pivotal moment for the Canadian economy. All over the world, trade rules are changing very rapidly. Supply chains are much more fragile, and economic and geopolitical tensions are having serious consequences here at home for the workers, businesses and communities that depend on stable, well-paying jobs. In this context, the gov…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my colleague from Kings—Hants discussing agriculture and how much it matters to him. Of course, I share his concerns. He spent much of his speech talking about the clean fuel regulations. Can he explain what that consists of and how farmers in both of our regions will be able to take advantage of the benefits of this regulation?
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I find this very interesting. My colleague is a Conservative MP from an urban area. I would like to hear her views on the impact of potentially repealing the clean fuel regulations, which have generated significant revenue for farmers, including those on the Prairies, particularly canola growers. This involves processing that happens in Canada. Why would we want to take this revenue a…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Chair, I am speaking today on the subject of the spring economic update. We are living through a period of major economic and geopolitical upheaval. The global context is becoming more challenging, supply chains are fragile, protectionism is on the rise and trade tensions are having a direct impact on our workers, our businesses and our regions. In this context, there are two ways to respond. …
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Chair, I want to thank the minister for his answer and for his support on this matter. The base cabinets and kitchen cabinets issue is important to the Eastern Townships. I worked on that with my colleague from Brome—Missisquoi, who has also done outstanding work. His support was exceptional. I would like to ask the Minister of Finance to elaborate a little on the importance of local media and…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I want to pick up on a question asked by my colleague across the aisle regarding relations with the United States. I would like my colleague to talk about what our country can do to set a good example in terms of health care systems. What kind of example can we set for the United States?
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I felt compelled to speak when my colleague from Mirabel mentioned South Shore Furniture, a company in my riding. I salute its employees, who unfortunately lost their jobs recently. I have worked very closely with the Laflamme family on the challenge that they are currently facing. This company has borne the consequences of Chinese dumping in recent years. Together with the Canadian W…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I listened carefully to my colleague from Kings—Hants. I note that we have relatively similar ridings in terms of wood, steel and aluminum manufacturing processing. We share another similarity, and that is agricultural products. My colleague provided a good outline of what we are doing for the primary sectors he mentioned. Can he also explain how we are supporting the agricultural sec…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
moved that Bill C-268, An Act respecting the Spectrum Policy Framework for Canada, be read the second time and referred to a committee. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sense of pride that I rise today in the House for the second reading of Bill C-268, the spectrum policy framework for Canada act. This is an important step in the parliamentary process regarding an issue that is truly significant, not onl…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, my colleague and I have had conversations about this. The people of Saint-Nicolas live in an urban area. They certainly do not live in a rural area, yet they have cell service issues. The bill aims to map out this situation. We will see that there is clearly an issue in this area. Then, we will be able to roll out services where there are none right now, mainly in remote and isolated …
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I have been working with my colleague, who is chair of the rural caucus. He is a member who is really engaged on this issue. We have been talking a lot about it, and not only talking but taking action as well. We met with Bell and Rogers to talk about how they are helping with this, what their challenges are and where they want to go with it. I thank the member for his involvement and…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, it is true that there is spectrum that is not being used. The problem is that companies are honouring the agreements they have signed with the government. The way the contracts were drawn up requires, for example, connecting 50% of the population across a very large area within a relatively short period of time. As a result, there are places that are not connected. I would say that th…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the representatives from municipalities, communities and the business sector who have travelled to Ottawa from our regions. These include the mayor of East Hereford, the president of the Union des producteurs agricoles de l'Estrie and managers from Maison Séjour. They came to share their concerns about cellular connectivity in the regions. Whether it is for…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I was listening to my colleague respond to his riding neighbour about measures that are not helping the people in his riding. I would like to know whether the people in his riding have benefited from or will benefit from the Canada groceries and essentials benefit or the Canadian dental care plan. These are immediate affordability measures. Have his constituents spoken to him about th…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, today, on April 28, 2026, one year to the day after I was elected, I sincerely thank the people of Compton—Stanstead for putting their trust in me. Representing them in Ottawa is an honour that I carry out with humility and conviction, the conviction that regions like mine have a place at the decision-making table. I want to thank our Prime Minister, who shares these same beliefs. One…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today as we come to the end of the debate on an important motion that I hope will make a real difference for veterans across the country, people who have served Canada with courage and commitment. Motion No. 16, which was introduced by my colleague, the member for Cumberland—Colchester, seeks to instruct the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimate…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Bill S‑211, an act respecting a national framework on sports betting advertising. This bill responds to very real concerns that have become apparent since sports betting became legalized. My colleagues will agree that sport has a unique ability to bring people together. As a Quebecker, I grew up with the fierce rivalries and historic victories of the Montrea…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to rise and speak to private member's Bill C‑231, which would amend the Youth Criminal Justice Act. For brevity's sake, I will refer to the act by its acronym, the YCJA. I would like to salute the work of my colleague from Mégantic—L'Érable—Lotbinière, whose riding neighbours mine. Tragic circumstances led him to work on this incredibly important b…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, agriculture and food are at the heart of my region's identity. Committed men and women are showcasing our farm-to-table expertise. One example is Karine Vachon and Jean‑François Bolduc of JF Bolduc farm. For 25 years, they have innovated, improved their practices and contributed to more sustainable agriculture. Their work was recently recognized by the Réseau des fermes durables de l'…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
moved for leave to introduce Bill C‑268, an act respecting the spectrum policy framework for Canada. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a bill to improve cellular connectivity in rural areas and on numbered roads. For me, connecting rural areas is a matter of public safety, economic development and fairness, quite simply. Contrary to what some official maps might say, many areas in Canada still n…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I am really proud of the many women in the Eastern Townships who are making a difference in many areas of their community. In honour of International Women's Day, I would like to share some of their contributions. The first person who comes to mind is Annie Faucher, a city councillor in Sherbrooke. Annie is an accomplished entrepreneur who became an elected municipal official and cont…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, agriculture is a highly strategic sector in Canada. It feeds our communities, supports the economy and helps Canada feed the world. Now more than ever, we need to see the agriculture and agri-food industry as a pillar of our national security. Our farms are among the most productive in the world, despite the fact that we have a harsh climate and a shorter growing season. Since today i…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, we know that the cost of food is a heavy strain on the budgets of Canadian families, including families in my riding. Our government has put forward concrete measures to ease that strain. This year, the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit will put up to $1,890 back in the pockets of families of four. I also want to acknowledge the outstanding work of organizations in my riding…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his speech and for his outstanding collaboration on issues that we are working on together. He is a tremendous partner. As members know, I come from a region of Quebec. In the regions, we rely a lot on natural resources. We also rely a lot on energy. I would like my colleague to tell us more about ways that the regions are key partners in our government's ne…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I am always really happy to hear about food and food prices, including talking about farmers. There are many farmers in my riding. We think it is really important to have transparency. Just briefly, what is the need for food transparency? The member was alluding to the fact that Quebec already has some regulations. Could he also elaborate on the regulations we have in Quebec?
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I certainly have. Not only do police associations support this bill, but so do victims' rights organizations, as well as the provinces and territories. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities also applauded this bill. Yes, police forces across the country welcome the bill. We have a bill that has achieved consensus across all spheres. I really hope that my colleagues on the other si…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Hamilton Mountain. Today's debate on Bill C-16 brings us to a topic that is both difficult and essential, a simple and fundamental question: Do our laws really protect women and children who are victims of violence as much as they should? One of the Canadian values that is close to my heart is how we protect the most vulnerable. That is wh…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for his very pertinent question. It is completely unacceptable for women and children to end up in violent situations. As I said, it leaves lasting marks and scars that can stay with them throughout their lives. Are we doing enough? I would say that we can never do enough. We are taking a really meaningful step here to support these women, to reassur…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I think we need to take this bill for what it is: a bill that will support victims, that respects the legal framework and that will not be challenged before the Supreme Court. I think what we are doing is extremely important. I am speaking in the strongest possible terms. My colleague and I have worked very well together. I think we share the same concerns about women, children and vi…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister announced earlier this week that Canada is going to present a bid to host the Sommet de la Francophonie in 2028. That is great news. This major event, which brings together the world's francophone countries, will have significant cultural and economic benefits. I wonder if the Minister of Foreign Affairs could tell us what this bid might mean for Canada if we are se…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, last week, despite obstruction and the stalling efforts of Conservatives, we successfully referred Bill C-12 back to the House. This legislation is critical to securing our borders, strengthening our immigration system and keeping Canadians safe. Can the Minister of Public Safety tell Canadians why this legislation is essential to ensuring their safety and protection?
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to rise today to speak to budget initiatives that will have a positive effect on my constituents, the people of Compton—Stanstead in the Eastern Townships. Compton—Stanstead is a wonderful region that extends from Lake Memphremagog to Mont‑Mégantic. It shares a border with the United States and includes a good part of the city of Sherbrooke. It is a very diverse re…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Madawaska—Restigouche for being so actively involved in our caucus and for presenting so many good ideas to help take the regions of Quebec, New Brunswick and all of Canada to the next level. He asked an excellent question about temporary foreign workers, who have a major impact on rural areas. People are concerned that some of these workers might go, leaving…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that my colleague is talking about housing because affordable housing is one of the sectors where we are investing the most. I am very proud of that, because the initiatives we are rolling out will make it easy for the regions to access these measures. Build Canada Homes will allow us to cut red tape and make the criteria broad enough so that regions like mine and sm…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his excellent question. Trade between Canada and the U.S. is highly integrated. We are currently experiencing instability due to our relations with the U.S. Canadian businesses, including businesses in my region, are looking for new markets. The Government of Canada will award them contracts through its buy Canadian strategy, through the investments it will ma…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, in regions like mine, the Eastern Townships, we have local media and cultural organizations, both anglophone and francophone, that play an essential role in keeping us informed and keeping our culture alive. Today, with the rise of digital technology and globalization, the ways we stay informed and consume culture are evolving. I would like to ask the Minister of Canadian Identity and…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, the independence of the RCMP is a fundamental principle of our democracy, and it is a principle that all responsible leaders should uphold, not undermine. Last week, the leader of the Conservative Party chose to attack the RCMP, accusing it of covering up scandals and engaging in political manoeuvring. These remarks are irresponsible and cast doubt on an institution that is responsibl…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this being Women's History Month, I would like to pay tribute to a trail-blazing woman in municipal politics: Françoise Bouchard, the outgoing mayor of Dixville. Originally from the Eastern Townships, Ms. Bouchard was the first female city manager, the first female municipal councillor and the first female mayor of her town. She made local history with her fierce commitment, her indom…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, the government recently announced measures to mitigate the financial crisis at Canada Post, which is losing $10 million a day. Those measures include lifting the moratorium on rural post offices. I want to remind members of the critical role that these post offices play in rural communities by maintaining services and social ties. In my riding, municipalities like Compton, Stanstead, …
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Bishop's University in my riding of Compton—Stanstead, the alma mater of two esteemed colleagues, the members for Victoria and for Etobicoke—Lakeshore. Despite the school's small size, with fewer than 3,000 students, the Gaiters brought home five championship titles last year. The men's and women's golf teams successfully competed at the…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I agree with my colleague. One of the major challenges facing the agricultural sector is ensuring that the provinces, the federal government and the territories agree on implementing programs that are important for Canada as a whole. I believe that everyone must come to an agreement so that the programs are tailored to the reality of each region.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, one of the major causes of food inflation is climate change. My colleagues across the way seem unwilling to admit that. Climate change is having an incredibly significant impact on agriculture. I am anxious for my colleagues across the House to recognize that and to support our efforts to help farmers become increasingly resilient.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, like my colleague, I have a keen interest in agriculture. I have had the privilege of going with him to meet with farmers in his constituency, one of those visits being after hurricane Fiona struck Nova Scotia in 2022. I would like my colleague to tell us more about the impact climate change is having on farmers, the measures our government is taking and the effect this is having on f…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak in today's debate. I will be sharing my time with the member for Pickering—Brooklin. My colleagues across the aisle and I share the same concern about the cost of living. This is something I hear about regularly in my riding of Compton—Stanstead. During the election campaign and over the summer, I visited all 36 municipalities in my riding. I…
Read full speech →