Marie-France Lalonde

Mr. Speaker, today, September 25, is Franco-Ontarian Day. As a proud Franco-Ontarian, I want to pay tribute to those who keep our language and culture alive in Ontario and beyond. As the member for Orléans, I am also very proud to represent a dynamic, bilingual community where French is at the heart of our identity. With its 20 French-language schools, including the newest one, Marie-Soleil, and strong organizations such as the Mouvement d'implication francophone d'Orléans and the Centre des métiers Minto, Orléans is a major driving force behind the vitality and future of Ontario's Francophone community. Our Francophone community is enriched by its many accents, stories, and voices. It is this diversity that makes our language so beautiful and powerful. It is also wonderful to see so many francophiles joining us in celebrating this important day. Let us celebrate our heritage and the future of Ontario's francophone community. I wish everyone a happy Franco-Ontarian Day.

Mr. Speaker, recently Canada was selected to host the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank following negotiations among allied countries. This decision reflects the confidence of our allies and will lead to the creation of a defence-funding institution, providing affordable loans and facilitating strategic investments. As Canada's national capital region, Ottawa-Gatineau is uniquely positioned to host the DSRB. Home to more than 130 missions, it is a recognized defence and security innovation hub with world-class research institutions, cutting-edge laboratories and a rare ecosystem where government, industry, academia and the security sector work together. Ottawa and Gatineau have the largest pool of specialized defence talent in the country, supported by a highly bilingual workforce. I join my NCR colleagues and the mayors of Ottawa and Gatineau in strongly supporting Ottawa-Gatineau as the ideal home for the DSRB.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the following reports of the Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie, or APF. The first report concerns its participation in the electoral observation mission in Chisinău, Moldova, from September 22 to 30, 2025. The second report concerns its participation in the Bureau meeting of the APF and the Working Group on Reforming the APF Constitution held in Podgorica, Montenegro, from January 27 to February 1, 2026. The third report concerns its participation in the meeting of the APF Young Parliamentarians Network held in Monaco from March 1 to 3, 2026. The fourth report concerns its participation in the meeting of the APF Parliamentary Affairs Committee held in Port Louis, Mauritius, from April 8 to 10, 2026. The fifth report concerns its participation in the meeting of the APF Network of Women Parliamentarians held in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, from April 22 to 24, 2026.

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the seventh report of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, entitled “Removing Barriers to Entrepreneurship Among Veterans”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report. While I am on my feet, I move: That the House do now proceed to orders of the day.

Madam Speaker, from June 17 to 25, exactly 1,871 students from eight high schools in Orléans will be celebrating their graduation, one of the most important milestones in their academic journey. This journey is marked by perseverance, growth and success. They have acquired the tools they need for the next stage of their lives. It is always quite inspiring to personally sign each of their certificates. I want to congratulate each of them. They did it. I want to congratulate all of them on their success. Additionally, I would like to recognize Orléans resident Sara Siddiqi, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Ottawa and recipient of the 2026 Learner Changemaker Award from the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada. Through her leadership, she has advanced student support, equity and inclusion and strong clinical care across Canada. I congratulate Sara and thank her for inspiring us all.

Mr. Speaker, from May 17 to May 23, we mark Paramedic Services Week, a time to honour the dedicated professionals who respond with compassion during Canadians' most difficult moments. In Orléans and across Ottawa, paramedics serve our community every day with courage, professionalism and care. To all those who answer the calls, I thank them. It was very important for me to recognize their work and fully support the project to build a national paramedic monument in Ottawa. This monument will be a lasting symbol of our gratitude and will pay tribute to paramedics' dedication and sacrifice. I also want to acknowledge the leadership of Norm Robillard, a retired paramedic from Ottawa, and the vital work that has been done by the Canadian Paramedic Memorial Foundation. Paramedics deserve recognition equal to their dedication. Their service inspires unity and gratitude in communities across Canada.

Mr. Speaker, Orléans is a community with a vibrant cultural scene. I would like to congratulate the Mouvement d'implication francophone d'Orléans, which has launched its 2026-27 artistic program, featuring shows, comedy, theatre and, new for this year, a youth component, all of which will help promote francophone culture. Orleans is also home to a vibrant local economy, where we see new small businesses choosing Orleans to thrive. I was pleased to join two owners, Kanwar Hazrah and Chris Lanthier, for the ribbon cutting of their new A&W location on Trim Road. This location is their second in Orleans and the fifth across our national capital region. What was most fun was to meet their iconic mascot, Rooty, or the Great Root Bear, as we celebrated this milestone. I send them my congratulations.

Mr. Speaker, Canada's mission in Afghanistan was the largest deployment of Canadian troops since World War II. From 2001 to 2014, more than 40,000 Canadians served with courage and sacrifice. We honour the memory of the 158 service members and seven civilians who lost their lives. We must make sure this legacy lives on. Can the Minister of Veterans Affairs explain why today's groundbreaking ceremony for the national monument to Canada's mission in Afghanistan is important, and what she hopes this day will mean to CAF members, veterans, families and Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fourth report of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs entitled “Suicide Prevention Among Canadian Veterans”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fifth report of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, which relates to the motion adopted on April 20, 2026, regarding the creation of an independent Canadian military honours review board.

Mr. Speaker, as chair of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs and the MP proudly representing Orléans, I often hear about the need to strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces to meet the challenges ahead. Our new government has embarked on an ambitious plan to rebuild, reinvest in and re-equip our armed forces. Can the Minister of National Defence provide an update on this important plan?

Mr. Speaker, on March 19, I had the privilege of attending Rideau Hall, where two Orléans residents received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. Eileen McCauhey was honoured for her remarkable work with Busy Fingers, a group of 120 women who crochet thousands of items for organizations in the region. Fourteen-year-old Hana Fatima was also recognized for her exceptional leadership, becoming the youngest person in Canada to receive the Meritorious Service Medal. Orleans is also proud of Roy Allen. He celebrated his 100th birthday on April 5, but that is not all. He will be running in the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 5K on May 23, showing that age is no barrier. Additionally, he will become the first Canadian to complete an official five-kilometre race at age 100 or more. Congratulations, Mr. Allen.

Mr. Speaker, on March 20, we celebrated the International Day of La Francophonie, a perfect opportunity to highlight the vitality and impact of the French language and the richness of our linguistic duality, which strengthens our identity and unites us. All month long, francophone communities have been actively celebrating our heritage. The theme of the 28th Rendez-vous de la Francophonie was “Activate your Francophonie”, and there were plenty of exciting things on the agenda. I had the privilege of attending several events, including the FrancoFun party at École secondaire catholique Béatrice‑Desloges, Ottawa's 2026 Gala de la francophonie plurielle and the reception on Parliament Hill. To close out the month, I will be attending the mayor's 19th annual Francophone RendezVous tomorrow morning. This month highlights the presence and contributions of members of the francophone community in the national capital region and beyond. I wish everyone an enjoyable Francophonie Month.

Mr. Speaker, Ontario is home to a vibrant francophone community. Now more than ever, I am proud to rise in the House to celebrate the wealth of the French language. The International Day of La Francophonie is an important time to strengthen the francophone presence and attract and retain francophone talent in Ontario and across Canada. Can the Minister of Immigration tell us what our government is doing to better support francophone communities across the country?

Mr. Speaker, March 8 was International Women's Day. This day gives us an opportunity to highlight the progress made in advancing women's rights, while also recognizing the work that remains to be done. On March 6, I had the honour of hosting my 12th annual International Women's Day breakfast, followed by the Orléans Leading Women and Girls Recognition Awards, celebrating outstanding women and girls. At that event, 31 inspiring women and girls were honoured for their remarkable contributions to the vitality of our community, as well as their resilience, leadership and ability to inspire others. It was especially inspiring that the youngest recipient was just 10 years old. Julianna Labelle delivered a rendition of O Canada that received a standing ovation. This reminds us that generation after generation, remarkable women and girls continue to inspire, lead and make a lasting difference.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the following reports of the Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie, or APF. The first report concerns its participation in the 40th session of the APF America Regional Assembly, held in Quebec City, Canada, from September 9 to 11, 2025. The second report concerns its participation in the eighth Leadership Workshop for Parliamentarians Women of the APF, held in Paris, France, from November 3 to 7, 2025.

Mr. Speaker, the new defence industrial strategy is a testament to our confidence in Canada's industrial capabilities and our strength on the international stage. We are allocating $81 billion to rebuild, rearm and reinvest in our Canadian Armed Forces. The government has taken meaningful action, including a $900-million investment in innovative dual-use technologies. Can the Minister of Industry explain how the defence industrial strategy will increase Canada's presence on the world stage and support our industries?

Mr. Speaker, last week, from February 16 to 22, we celebrated scouting week 2026 with the theme “Proud and United in Scouting”. In Canada, the francophone scouting movement brings together some 10,000 youths and 3,700 volunteers in an active community that brings adventure to life. In my riding, the 24th Orléans scout troop includes 104 outstanding youths who are known for their bravery, team spirit and exemplary commitment. I want to thank everyone who is keeping this francophone movement alive. I cannot close without applauding the Canadian athletes who proudly represented us in Milan and Cortina, Italy, from February 6 to 22. I congratulate our national capital region athletes, especially Ivanie Blondin, the pride of Orléans, who took home two speed skating medals. As our Prime Minister personally shared with Ivanie, we are so proud of her victory.