Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for his important question. As a Quebecker and a former employee of Quebec's environment ministry, I am very pleased to answer it today. Our proposal is simply about speeding up the response. Quebec's environment ministry wanted to review its own environmental laws and its environmental impact assessment legislation. It has the same goal, specifically, one year. That is all we are doing. Laws and regulations are not being repealed. When we grant ourselves powers, conditions will be attached. We will be rigorous and—

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise in the House today. I will be speaking in the context of this debate on Bill C‑39. I am going to focus on the part that deals with environmental protection. Between the fall of 2015 and the spring of 2025, I had the honour of serving as director general of Quebec's ministry of environment and climate change. During those 10 years, I learned about, discovered and explored all sorts of areas of environmental protection, including industry, transportation and infrastructure. I also worked with committed and dedicated professionals who understand very well the importance of enforcing environmental laws and regulations. That is the lens through which I would like us to discuss the bill before us today. In Quebec, there was a proposal in 2015 to review the Environment Quality Act. One of the major challenges was the issue of predictability and transparency in issuing authorizations. Quebec committed to fast-tracking and reviewing its processes in that respect. Interestingly enough, that is the very topic that the Government of Canada is focusing on in this bill, because it is absolutely essential if we are to be able to carry out projects quickly. Since our colleagues in the House are constantly raising the issue of the speed of our decision-making, it is absolutely essential that we give ourselves the means to make decisions efficiently and quickly, so that developers can build our country and public institutions can swiftly carry out the projects that are essential to the establishment and development of our economic autonomy. I just want to remind my colleagues of Quebec's objectives, which are public. The Declaration of services to citizens and businesses states that a permit should be issued within 75 days for any project with moderate environmental impact. In Quebec, the target for the revised Impact Assessment Act is nine months. We are hoping that decisions will be reached within a one-year timeline. That is essentially the process being considered here, not the rigour with which regulations are enforced, and certainly not an encroachment on provincial decisions. We want to be able to move quickly and provide all developers with accurate information so they can help build Quebec. Since the beginning of their history, Canadians have built Canada. Previous generations have undertaken projects that have transformed the country. The national railway, which connected communities, helped establish Canada as a continental country. The Trans-Canada Highway is a great example of a project that connected our regions and strengthened economic ties from coast to coast to coast. Then there is the St. Lawrence Seaway. We have some great examples of projects that have been completed and have helped build our country. That is what we need to do today. We need to do this if we want to become an energy powerhouse. We are going to do this with projects that use fossil fuels, but we are going to transform them with projects that reduce their carbon footprint. We are going to reduce methane emissions. On top of that, we will be able to implement clean electricity projects. The Churchill Falls project is not isolated only to Quebec. This project will enable us to produce energy that can be delivered to Canadians in the Maritimes and Ontario and that we could even sell to our economic partners. This is important if we want to be able to meet our net-zero targets. To be able to carry out projects effectively and efficiently, we need to have the means to respond quickly so that we can meet these commitments. That is why we are making these decisions. We are streamlining processes and consolidating permit applications that stem from various initiatives. In addition, we are finding a way to incorporate them in the same decision. This will have no impact on provincial regulatory frameworks. The regulatory frameworks of the provinces involved in a project must and will apply. I have some examples. In 2024, Bombardier wanted to relocate its warehouse and found a very interesting piece of land in Saint-Philippe. That project needed to be built quickly given Bombardier's various challenges and deadlines. Rosefellow, which was Bombardier's developer, succeeded and we managed to incorporate the entire analysis under the Species at Risk Act within 75 days. We got involved early in the project and found solutions. Without the ability to incorporate feedback from colleagues and make decisions quickly, Bombardier would not have set up operations in the Montérégie region, and the project, which was announced this summer and is now up and running, not long after it was conceived, would not have come to fruition. When we read the impact assessment for the port of Contrecoeur, we see everything that was done to ensure alignment and connection with Quebec's laws and regulations. The agreement to protect the copper redhorse was made in agreement with Quebec. We are not substituting or erasing Quebec's constitutional rights. We are proactively working with Quebec so that authorizations are efficient and so that proponents can move forward. Another example involves the Quebec Central Railway, which connects Lévis and Thetford Mines. It was a project to rehabilitate a rail line, but it ran into some problems. Some of the land on which the rail line was built contained asbestos tailings, which fall under Quebec's legislation. Although this was a federal project, Quebec's laws were applied, and Quebec authorizations were used. There is therefore a way to work in a fast, predictable and clear context. This will allow us to proceed much more efficiently. People have been calling for this. We are introducing this today because there is a tariff crisis, but there are also other crises. We need to take back control of our economy and boost our productivity. The whole issue of environmental approvals means that we need to be able to do this properly. I would be remiss if I did not emphasize how central our partnership with indigenous peoples remains to these efforts. Indigenous communities must play a key role in shaping projects that affect their lands, their rights and their future. We can coordinate projects based on clear processes, and we will be able to secure a strong commitment that provides a great deal of certainty to all parties involved. Let me conclude with this final point. These proposals have been shaped by a deep commitment. Over the past few months, our government has listened to indigenous peoples, provincial and territorial governments, workers, businesses, industry representatives and Canadians across the country. Canadians emphasized the importance of improving the efficiency of federal processes while maintaining environmental safeguards and respecting indigenous rights. Stakeholders highlighted the need for greater certainty, clear timelines, strong supply chains and modern frameworks that can support future growth. That made sense to us, which is why the bill before Parliament reflects what we learned from those conversations and seeks to seize the opportunities before us and address the challenges facing our country. Urgent action is required, and that is why we are introducing this bill. We are confident that Canada can make decisions in a timely manner and provide reliable infrastructure. This is not just about improving processes. It is about preparing our country for the future. Let us build a competitive economy, create more opportunities for workers and communities, strengthen our ties at home and abroad and ensure that Canada remains a country where we can achieve great things together.

Mr. Speaker, I am surprised to hear my colleague say that our government is dragging its feet. I have not been a member of Parliament for very long, but in the few months since we took office, there has already been some acknowledgement of our government's ability to introduce laws and regulations for Canadians. It is important to create the right conditions. That is Parliament's role. My role is not to pick up a shovel and start digging to build a railway track or a power transmission corridor. My role is to create the proper conditions so that developers who want help build Canada can do so. That is what we are doing here today.

Mr. Speaker, if we read the content of Bills C-5 and C-39 carefully, we can see that they work on the assumption that projects can be developed in keeping with legal requirements while allowing sufficient time for determining the conditions surrounding their implementation. This approach, which resembles what in Quebec is known as the pre-tabling of authorizations, is quite common in countries that take a strict and streamlined approach to environmental approvals. We are familiar with the projects, and we do not want to expose them to legal challenges; we simply want to create the conditions necessary to meet environmental requirements.

Mr. Speaker, we have not said much about it, but almost half if not more of the projects discussed at the 2026 Canada Investment Summit that elicited considerable interest are projects focused on renewable energy. However, to get these renewable energy projects built quickly and efficiently, and for Canadians to reap the full benefits, it is essential that proponents be given the tools they need to take effective action. As a reminder, these timelines and this integrated work approach are already part of the philosophy espoused by Quebec's environment ministry.

Mr. Speaker, the research chair in taxation and public finance said today that Canada is still resilient in spite of everything. It is true that Quebec has been deeply affected by the trade war with the United States, but we have managed to pivot. We have succeeded in redirecting exports that used to go to the United States towards European countries, and the same is true for Quebec. Our businesses have taken matters into their own hands; they have seized the opportunities we have given them and they are growing. That is good news.

Mr. Speaker, my colleague raises an important issue. Lakes and rivers are indeed a valuable resource for Canadians. That is precisely why we have invested in the nature strategy, which aims to protect 30% of our land and waterways. However, it is also important to safeguard the right to navigate on lakes. This is an issue of concern to us, and one on which we are continuing to engage with the relevant municipal and provincial authorities.

Mr. Speaker, my colleague's question gives me the opportunity to discuss an announcement made last week. We are going to invest $1 billion in food infrastructure to make food terminals and hubs more accessible to Canadians. We are also going to improve competition. We are going to do this because it matters. Canadians need support. We are providing that support, and they support us because they, too, want to rebuild our country in a self-sustaining and responsible manner.

Mr. Speaker, climate change is a reality. We are fully cognizant of that, and we are working on it. With Canada's 2030 nature strategy, we plan to protect 30% of our lands and waters, which will help us fight climate change. My colleague mentioned strengthening methane regulations and all the things we are going to do for renewable electricity, renewable energy. These things will help us fight climate change. That is how we will make progress and become economically self-sufficient.

Mr. Speaker, an extremely interesting question is being raised today. This means of public transportation will allow everyone to travel more easily between our provinces. It is an important structural element of our economy that will boost trade and economic exchanges between Quebec and Ontario. What is more, it will be sustainable transportation and represents a positive step towards achieving net zero. This project will have a major positive impact on several fronts. We are taking a collective approach. We can get it right. It would be great if we could work together.

Mr. Speaker, with respect to the challenges Canadians are currently facing, the Canada groceries and essentials benefit payments were sent out on Friday. We are fully aware of the current situation. However, if we really want to turn things around, we need to invest and give ourselves a way to do things differently, and that is exactly what we are doing. We are helping Canadians put food on the table, and they are seeing the results, but we are also helping Canadians in the long term.

Mr. Speaker, my colleague is asking us a really important question. I commend all the activists who, like us, are fighting for clean air and clean water. However, it is also fundamental for us to be an autonomous economic power. That is why we are working on several fronts at once. We will work to meet our 2050 climate commitments. The methane regulations, the electrification strategy and the nature action plan are all strategies to get there. What we are going to do is produce cleaner and cleaner energy.

Mr. Speaker, I am very surprised by my kind colleague's question. I will share my humble experience as Secretary of State for Nature. I was not yelled at. I did not have to make a big scene. We worked, consulted and talked. I have plenty of colleagues here who worked with me, since this is all very new to me. We are able to work together, debate and move forward, and we are doing this to protect nature and develop our country within a united Canada.

Mr. Speaker, we stand by every position we take because we know that, under the current circumstances, these are the best choices we can make to ensure our economic independence as well as the survival of our planet. Our nature plan will have a significant impact on biodiversity, but also on climate change. The methane regulations will have a major impact on reducing pollution from the fossil fuel industry. The EV strategy and the electrification strategy are a set of measures that ensure Canadians—

Mr. Speaker, yes, it is working. It is working so well that, when I meet with people in my riding, they know that we are working hard to tackle the extremely difficult circumstances faced by my esteemed colleague's constituents. They know that the Canada groceries and essentials benefit is a decision we have made and that it is working for them. It is a decision that the Conservatives did not support. When we support the economy through investment, the Conservatives are nowhere to be seen. They vote against it. Our constituents know that our approach is serious and that it will work.

Mr. Speaker, “it is not working”. We hear that every day: “It is not working”. However, in La Presse a few weeks ago, journalist Marie‑Eve Fournier quoted a research chair who said that it is working. The Canada groceries and essentials benefit is working. Food Banks Canada says that it is working. We are working to help Canadians in their everyday lives. We are working to create jobs. That is true in my hon. colleague's riding. We are attracting investors. It is working. Just because other members say that it is not working does not mean that, in reality, Canadians are not behind us. They are there, and they support us.

Mr. Speaker, I am a woman of strong principles, and I know the member knows that. We work very well together. One thing that is important to me is protecting nature, of course, and I am privileged to have been appointed Secretary of State for Nature. However, the fight against climate change is also important. I am a mother of four. I hope to be a grandmother like my colleague one day. I know this is important. We will continue our efforts. We are going to do it differently. We will do so in the context we find ourselves in today. We already have methane regulations, we have the nature strategy, and we will continue to achieve—

Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud to be part of this team. Despite the comments made by my opposition colleague, I know that we will achieve net zero by 2050. I know that we will protect 30% of Canada's land and water by 2030. I know that we will work with Canadians to find a strategy that will enable us to achieve our goals—not a strategy that divides us, but one that unites us. We will get there, and that is how we will build Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I would first like to paraphrase our Prime Minister. He said that we live in the world as it is, not as we would like it to be. What matters to us is that we all work together, with all the provinces and across Canada, to improve our economic competitiveness, but also to meet our climate targets. We have not given up on meeting the 2050 net-zero target. Personally, I am working very hard on the nature strategy, a strategy that has drawn unanimous support across Canada.

Mr. Speaker, we will continue to take steps to improve affordability. We have already cut the gas tax by 10¢. That has an impact on Canadians. We need to keep implementing a range of measures, not just a single measure. That is important. We have been working on this, and people will soon receive their cheques for the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, if they have not already. That is what helping Canadians is all about. We need to work on multiple fronts, and that is exactly what we are doing, in addition to working to grow our economy and protect the environment.

Mr. Speaker, that is an important question. The word “illusions” has been used a number of times now. It is not an illusion that Canadians in my riding are benefiting from multiple programs. It is a reality. The Canada groceries and essentials benefit is not an illusion. It provides $1,890 per year for a family of four. Canadians will be receiving it in a few days. They will see that it is concrete and that it is helping them. That is what we are doing right now: helping Canadians in the short term and investing for the long term.

Mr. Speaker, in that case, I will continue to talk about what is not an illusion for Canadians. The child benefit provides $8,000 per child per year. It is important. It is useful. Canadians are seeing the results, because we are going through a tough time. I just talked about groceries. With the Canadian dental care plan, nearly 18,500 people are saving $800 a year. That is the reality. That does not even include everything we are doing with major projects because we have to invest for the long term.

Mr. Speaker, we are already working to streamline the government's structure, simplify relations between Quebec and Ottawa and reduce the number of regulations. We are moving forward and we will get it done. In addition, we are working on issues that affect Canadians. The Canada groceries and essentials benefit, the various programs we have for seniors and children—all of these are designed to support Canadians in these difficult times. That is what we are doing and we hope our colleagues will join us in this effort.

Mr. Speaker, supporting our families, supporting our young people and supporting our seniors is what we are doing. When we increase the deficit, it is not to spend for the sake of spending. We are making investments. The idea is to invest here, today, in our young people, our families, our seniors, but also to invest so that in 10 years, 20 years, 50 years, we will still be a strong nation. That is what it means to build Canada. That is what we are doing.

Mr. Speaker, what we are doing right now is taking care of Canadians while growing our economy. Taking care of Canadians means that seniors are getting a groceries benefit. That means seniors will get money directly in their pockets to help them with the rising cost of groceries. Good oral health is important for overall health, and we are helping seniors with the Canadian dental care plan. We have implemented a number of measures and we are directly supporting seniors. None of these measures would have been possible otherwise. We are there for seniors.

Mr. Speaker, I am very curious about the opposition that today's economic update has triggered given that, every day in question period, people talk about the massive barriers to housing and property ownership that all Canadians, especially young people, encounter. As stated in the budget and the economic update, the government wants to build and create a build communities strong fund. The government will use this $51‑billion fund to support projects for communities and infrastructure development. Will you support this measure? It is important and it will be good for the whole country.

Mr. Speaker, I am deeply honoured to rise to ask my colleague a question. It is a lesson in politics and a lesson in speed reading. At the same time, I am a bit sad, because some items that were in the budget and are now in the update that aim to support Canada were among the issues raised. For example, there was the measure to provide $5 billion in support to forestry workers. There were also items in the build communities strong fund that are very important to Quebeckers. Earlier on I spoke about it with the Leader of the Opposition. My constituents and the mayors in the riding I represent are extremely satisfied with these items. I feel a bit sad, and I would like my colleague to tell me about the positive signs he sees in the budget for Quebeckers, because there are some. Examples include the build communities strong fund and research and development for businesses.

Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, we understand that Canadians are facing all sorts of challenges that are affecting their ability to cope with the cost of living and meet their various obligations. However, this side of the House has solutions that return purchasing power directly back to Canadians and, at the same time, promote job creation so that we are not just reacting in the short term, but making sure we can build Canada over the long term. That is what we are doing, and we would like our colleagues to work with us on that.

Mr. Speaker, the climate crisis, like the global crisis, is real and we are aware of that. The only way we are going to be able to deal with it is by working together. As far as Alberta is concerned, I had a great discussion with our Albertan colleagues last week about the rollout of the “Force of Nature” strategy. The dialogue is open. We will work together, we will learn. I believe that, by working together, we will build a clean Canada.

Mr. Speaker, we have been celebrating Earth Day for 56 years. It is an important day for us. All Canadians love nature. All Canadians recognize just how important the earth is. It is our little spaceship that will take us far. We have launched a strategy to protect nature. It is a powerful strategy that will enable us to conserve 30% of our land and water by 2030. We are working in many other ways; we will get there, and that is how we will build Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, we are working on several fronts. We find ourselves in a particularly different global context, and we are acutely aware that environmental issues are facing headwinds all over the world. That is why we are trying to adopt new strategies to achieve our goals. Canada's strategy to protect nature is one example. The auto strategy is another. We continue to work with young people today. We were on Parliament Hill. We want to equip young people and develop their capacity to work. These young people are committed to the environment, and we will build Canada on that foundation, but alongside nature.

Mr. Speaker, we need to be able to work on multiple fronts. As part of Canada's strategy to protect nature, we will work to keep nature natural. That is important. Our government has done tremendous work in that respect. We will continue to work with indigenous peoples as well. They are there to help us ensure our sovereignty, but they are also there to help us steward nature, and we are not going to succeed in the long run without them. We will also build things right. Our thinking on how to build major projects must include nature conservation, and we are going to do that. That is how we are going to build our country.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Les Pays-d'en-Haut for asking this question on Earth Day. I would also like to thank him for all the work he does for nature in Les Pays‑d'en‑Haut with his colleague from a riding a little further south. All Canadians from coast to coast to coast appreciate nature. It is our number one value. It brings all of us together, and it is something members of all stripes agree on. That is why I am very proud today to talk about the “Force of Nature” strategy. We are going to better protect nature. We are going to build Canada strong, and on top of that, we are going to make sure that we mobilize capital for nature.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to be able to walk while chewing gum, answering a cellphone or doing other things. We need to be able to work on all fronts. We are working on the gas tax. We are working on essential needs. We are also working hard to give Canadians more purchasing power over the long term. We are working on the Canadian economy, we are creating jobs, we are bringing trade home and we are becoming independent. That is what needs to be done. Walking while chewing gum and working for Canadians: That is what we do.

Mr. Speaker, I think we are working for all Canadians. When we work for children, when we work for seniors and when we work on groceries and essentials, we are working for all Canadians. That is what is important for all Canadians. That is what we are doing and what we do here every day. Unfortunately, the opposition often blocks the strategies that would help grow the economy, restore our independence, and boost our long-term capacity.

Mr. Speaker, I am quite surprised at the turn my kind colleague's question is taking when he says that we never talk about it. However, in my little booklet, I see Canada's national school food program. That is food for Canadians. We proposed that, and the Conservatives voted against it. Then there is the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. That is to help pay for groceries, which are more expensive. We have also committed to helping with gas. We are doing that, but the Conservatives are voting against half of the measures that are helping to restore Canadians' purchasing power.

Mr. Speaker, we are working to boost Canadians' purchasing power in every way we can. We are not just doing one thing; we are doing many things. We can walk, chew gum, talk to friends on the phone—we can do lots of things at the same time. We are working on the economy. Today's employment data shows that our economic growth is being recognized. We have reduced the gas tax. We also have a host of programs that will help Canadians get through this difficult crisis.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the member for Brome—Missisquoi, for his question and for his commitment to nature. It is important and precious to Canadians. That is why our government remains committed to protecting 30% of our lands and waters by 2030. Our new initiative, “A Force of Nature: Canada's Strategy to Protect Nature”, will protect nature more effectively and at a lower cost, specifically by mobilizing private capital. Canadians love nature, and so do we. It needs to be protected, and that is exactly what we will do.

Mr. Speaker, we are providing assistance to Canadians right now. In my hon. colleague's riding, the Canada child benefit can provide up to $8,000 per year per child. The Canada groceries and essentials benefit can provide up to $1,890 per year. The Canadian dental care plan benefits 19,755 people, resulting in an average savings of $800. We are taking measures to help Canadians during this particularly difficult time, but he is voting against them.

Mr. Speaker, we did not wait to help Canadians. Since we have been here, the government has been taking action. A family of four in my colleague's riding will save up to $21,924 thanks to all the cuts and benefits that have been introduced in the past year. That is what taking action for Canadians means. That is why we chose this solution. However, every time these solutions were proposed, my esteemed colleague voted against them. I think he needs to look at things from a broader perspective, with a systematic solution for Canadians—

Mr. Speaker, I was not expecting to participate in this debate today, but I think it is essential. In my life, I have been a victim of hatred because of unchecked speech. I have been subjected to rape, I have been subjected to physical harm, I have been subjected to all sorts of things. Freedom of speech does not mean anyone can say whatever they want. It is important that we establish standards and set boundaries. This has nothing to do with faith. I would really like to understand what my colleague would do in a situation like mine. We need measures in place to protect Canadians. I am an example, and there may be women among the Conservatives who have gone through this.

Mr. Speaker, the tariff war with the United States is extremely challenging, but we have a plan and that plan is working. Our country is attracting more investment than any other country right now. We are seeing it. The industrial defence strategy is working and the automotive strategy is producing results. These things do not happen overnight, but we are making progress and Canadians have faith in us. They continue to support us. We will succeed in rebuilding Canada. That is our plan and we are going to see it through.

Mr. Speaker, I disagree that our score is zero. All we have been doing since we were elected is giving purchasing power to Canadians, especially seniors. I will say it again. The Canada child benefit, although not for seniors, still represents a significant boost in purchasing power. The recent Canada groceries and essentials benefit is giving people back some purchasing power to cope with the current global situation. Everyone knows that.

Mr. Speaker, we are discussing a very important situation today. The Leader of the Opposition is talking about the threat to Canadians and how serious the risk of domestic terrorism is. I am a new member here, but I have been told about an important security clearance, which is an official clearance granted by the Canadian government that allows access to classified information that is necessary to be a strategic participant in these matters. However, I gather that, to date, the Leader of the Opposition does not have that information, does not have access to it and is not willing to seek it out himself. I would like to know whether he thinks he can seek out the security clearance himself and get involved, with all the information on these issues at his disposal.

Mr. Speaker, with a heart already heavy from the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge, I rise in the House today to offer my sincerest condolences to the family members and loved ones of the two young Anishinabe victims from Kitigan Zibi. I do not have the words to explain such a tragedy, coming on the heels of an already sombre week. How anyone can weaponize children as a means to cause harm is incomprehensible. My heart goes out to the community of Kitigan Zibi, to all those who will be called upon to support this family, to my colleague and fellow member and to everyone involved in providing assistance to this family and their loved ones, including first responders and health care workers. What happened defies comprehension. I want to join with my colleagues in offering our thoughts to all of these people. I hope they stay strong.

Mr. Speaker, I think Canadians want us to move quickly. This is not a time to dilly-dally. If we work together as a society and as a community, we are capable of conducting proper, meaningful and respectful consultations where we listen to each other. We are capable of defining how we want to carry out this project and obtaining reparations if necessary to find solutions. Even though this project is very technologically complex and will require a lot of land, I think it is a good thing. Four years is not too long. We have been waiting for this for 30 years.

Mr. Speaker, it is not up to me to determine how the vote will go next week. However, all throughout the debate, in everything that we have seen in the House, and in discussions outside the House and on social media, the Bloc members are implying that we are an irresponsible government and that this project is trampling over everyone and disregards the rights of farmers, when that is absolutely not the case. That is why we have been hearing my Liberal colleagues trying all day to set the record straight: This is a good project for Quebeckers and for Canadians, and we need to work together to make it happen.

Mr. Speaker, I am a new member of the House and I have not experienced closure. However, I was here when it was very hot. I would like to know the date of the closure. There is another thing I would like to know. There is a lot of talk about Bill C-5. I listened to my lovely colleague's speech until the end. I did not hear that this project was included in Bill C-5. I would therefore like my colleague to enlighten me, because he is saying things that are not true, and what worries me is precisely the disinformation that is being spread here.