Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, next week, Canada will write a new chapter in our space history with the Artemis II mission. For the first time in over 50 years, humans will leave the earth's orbit and head for the moon. This is an important moment, not only for science, but for Canadians and all of humanity. For Canada, Artemis II represents the next great chapter in Canadian space exploration. Following in the foo…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, we know that artificial intelligence may be central to the economy of the future. Everything from health care to transportation has the potential to be revolutionized by AI. Canadians want to be confident that Canada is staying at the cutting edge of AI innovations. Can the Minister of Artificial Intelligence tell the House how our government is supporting Canada's AI ecosystem and en…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, for 158 years, Canadians have elected members of Parliament. They have travelled to Ottawa to take their seats in these chairs and make decisions that have helped build the greatest country in the world. Today it was an honour to turn that work over, if only temporarily, to bright and inspiring grade 6 students from Forest Hill Elementary in Saint-Lazare. Under the guidance of Princip…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the sixth report of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, entitled “State of Airline Competition in Canada”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to the report.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible work of the Pure Art Foundation and the group of 39 Canadian volunteers who recently returned from their annual humanitarian trip to Pucallpa, Peru. Led by Robert and Brigitte McKinnon of Hudson, this team built a new home for a family of 10 in the Manantay district. Through the foundation's CAST program, they worked alongside local tradespeopl…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to present a petition on behalf of animal rights activists and cat lovers across the country. Those who signed the petition from across the country have done so in hopes that the Government of Canada will take action to stem the tide of homelessness among the over four million homeless cats across the country and help support them. They are calling upon the Government of…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to acknowledge the 40th anniversary of the Centre de femmes La Moisson, a women's centre in my riding that provides invaluable support to women in our community, regardless of their age or circumstances. For the past four decades, and through the efforts of its outstanding team, the centre has been providing more than just a welcoming place. It is a place for …
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, Saint‑Lazare is celebrating its 150th anniversary. This is an amazing milestone for our community. From its humble beginnings as a small agricultural village, Saint‑Lazare has grown into a vibrant city renowned for its natural beauty, equestrian traditions and community spirit. To mark this historical occasion, over the past nine months, Saint-Lazarians have been treated to parades, c…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, my hon. colleague chose to spend his time talking about the health care system, and it is the hon. member's right to do so. He shared a story about his mother. I appreciate that, because I too have a story, with my mother recently being in the hospital for emergency surgery. My mother and I actually had a similar conversation about the state of our health care system, and I shared w…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the following four reports of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities: the second report, entitled “The Erie Lake Connector: A Project in the Best Interest of the Public?”; the third report, entitled “Towards Accessible Air Transportation in Canada”; the fourth report, entitled “The Role of McKinsey …
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 21st report of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, entitled “Towards Accessible Air Transportation in Canada”. If I have a bit of time, I would like to thank the members of the committee for extraordinary work and the analysts, who also did extraordinary work. I would like to highlight, also…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary individual from my community of Vaudreuil—Soulanges: Daniel Bissonnette. Mr. Bissonnette has been a key figure at the Musée régional de Vaudreuil-Soulanges since 1981, including a remarkable 38 years as executive director. Under his visionary leadership, the museum has grown not only in size, but also in reputation, to become one of Queb…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 20th report of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, entitled “The Role of McKinsey & Company in the Creation and the Beginnings of the Canada Infrastructure Bank”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the invaluable work and achievements of the Montérégie West Community Network and to congratulate it and its team as they celebrate 25 years. Founded in 1999 as the Chateauguay Focus Group and changed to MWCN in 2016, the organization has been steadfast in organizing and supporting services to the anglophone community in Quebec. Whether it is bringing people …
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Vaudreuil-Soulanges chamber of commerce and industry, the CCIVS, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. For three decades, this vital organization has been an important resource for our business community. It helps foster economic growth, innovation and collaboration in our region. From connecting entrepreneurs to stimulating local development, the CCI…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate and honour the life of Mathieu Miljours, a man who touched the hearts of everyone who knew him. As the former president and CEO of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges chamber of commerce and industry, Mathieu worked tirelessly to support local businesses and foster growth, collaboration and opportunity. His warmth and sincerity made people feel seen and appreciated, in…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 18th report of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities entitled “Issues and Opportunities: High Frequency Rail in the Toronto to Quebec City Corridor”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, after a decade of chronic underfunding by the Conservatives, our government has made historic investments in housing and infrastructure for communities from coast to coast to coast. Earlier this week, our government concluded a $2.8-billion agreement with Quebec that will help the municipalities revitalize critical infrastructure and support housing projects through the Canada communi…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, any list of great Canadians should include the late Harold Thomas Herbert. Born in England in 1922, Hal served at the Royal Canadian Air Force as a fighter pilot during the Second World War, service that earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross. In 1948, he moved to Canada and settled in the town of Hudson with the love of his life, Madeleine Lemieux-Herbert. He ran in the federal el…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to speak about Hudson's St. James Anglican Church in my community of Vaudreuil—Soulanges. The venerable institution, which has stood proudly since 1842, was struck by a heart-wrenching tragedy on April 14, when a fierce fire devastated the historic structure. For over 180 years, St. James Anglican Church has served proudly as a place of worship, a venue for music and art…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, Canada's skilled workers and entrepreneurs are our greatest resource. Capitalizing on their ideas, innovations and hard work is an essential way to keep our place at the forefront of the world's advanced economies. Can the Prime Minister tell the House about the new measures announced in the budget that will support not only our workers, but the Canadian economy as well?
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this past week, my family and I celebrated my 12th year in remission from cancer. I am immensely grateful for the continued time we have together. Today, I am privileged to rise in this House to extend a heartfelt thanks to the team at the Canadian Cancer Society for the role it played in seeing me through my own experience and the support it has provided to countless more each and ev…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, it is almost that time of year once again, and thanks to an army of volunteers led by Jay de la Durantaye, Rob Dumas, Ken Bell, Mark Noonan and Eileen McAleese, and the entire team at the Soulanges Irish Society, our community of Vaudreuil—Soulanges will become Irish for a day at the 13th annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Hudson. This year, our grand marshal, renowned Canadian musici…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, with the cold and snow of winter all around us, the warm weather seems a long way off. However, I have it on good authority that spring is on the way, which means it will soon be time for that delicious symbol of warmth and joy, Quebec-made maple syrup. Yes, the time has come once again for families, friends and visitors to gather for the maple harvest, a ritual as sweet as the syrup …
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 16th report of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities in relation to BillC-33, An Act to amend the Customs Act, the Railway Safety Act, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992, the Marine Transportation Security Act, the Canada Transportation Act and the Canada Marine Act and to make a c…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sincere gratitude to the dedicated individuals and organizations that support the Vaudreuil—Soulanges food banks. I want to thank them for their outstanding service to our community, especially during this holiday season. The holidays are a time of joy and celebration for many, but they can also be challenging for those experiencing economic hardship. It is …
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 15th report of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities entitled “Building a More Climate Resilient Canada”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report. I want to thank our clerk, our analysts, the interpreters and the c…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the steadfast and dedicated team at Creek 53, a conservancy trust based in my community of Vaudreuil—Soulanges. Made up of landowners, trustees, academics and environmental stewards, the team at Creek 53 is working toward the environmental preservation of the Hudson escarpment and the creek 53 watershed, an area rich in biodiversity that is located in Hudson.…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I extend my congratulations to you once again. When conversations are held in my community of Vaudreuil—Soulanges and in every corner of our beautiful country about the giants of Canadian rock, April Wine's unmistakable rhythm and sound reverberate powerfully. April Wine has woven itself into the fabric of our identity, capturing hearts across generations, with unforgettable tracks su…
Read full speech →Mr. Chair, right hon. Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, leader of the Bloc Québécois, leader of the NDP, leader of the Green Party, hon. colleagues, hon. candidates, dear friends, it is a privilege for me to rise in the House today as an official candidate for Speaker of the House of Commons. Colleagues, I am running for this position because I want to follow in the footsteps of the extrao…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, for anyone interested in enjoying the colours of fall, Rigaud is the place to be. Next October 7, 8 and 9, the Festival des couleurs de Rigaud is celebrating its 25th anniversary with more music, more activities and more fun than ever. All residents of Vaudreuil-Soulanges are invited to come and enjoy this outstanding event, made possible through the fantastic work of Christiane Léves…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and congratulate the Hudson Village Theatre on its 30th anniversary. Created by Heather Markgraf, a Hudson resident and theatre educator, in the summer of 1993, the Hudson Village Theatre has grown to become a staple in our community and the largest off-island English theatre in Quebec. In 2000, the community came together in support of the theatre and raised…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 14th report of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities entitled “Addressing Port Infrastructure Expansion in Canada”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this is a message to all the dads who are celebrating their first Father's Day or their 50th, to the new dads who gaze at their infant son's face and know that their priorities will never be the same, to the dads who work overtime so their kids can go to summer camp for the first time, to the dads who rushed home after a long day to tell their children bedtime stories. To the dads who…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Oyez, oyez, Mr. Speaker! Lords, ladies, nobles and the good folk of Vaudreuil-Dorion will gather again on June 8, 9, 10 and 11 for the 2023 edition of the Seigneuriales. At this festival honouring the history of New France, they will eat, drink, play and sing as they celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our community, Vaudreuil-Soulanges. In partnership with the City of Vaudreuil-Dorion and the…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, once again, I thank my colleague, the member for Repentigny, for her exceptional work on the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. I was fortunate to work with her. We worked well together and collaborated closely with the community and environmental groups that came to share their ideas. I think that all of the parties and the Government of Canada did a gre…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my hon. colleague for his advocacy. I know he works very hard on environmental protection. The one thing I would say, and I think my hon. colleague knows this very well, is that the reason those references were removed for those specific activities is that they were already captured under subsection 46(1) as activities that may contribute to pollution. The real…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I know my hon. colleague is a strong advocate, and I very much enjoy working with him and having discussions about how we can improve environmental protection in Canada. I would be honest to say that I would like to have seen more robust inclusion of a right to a healthy environment in this piece of legislation. I would be lying if I said anything different, but this is a huge impro…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to speak in favour of Bill S-5, one of the most important pieces of environmental legislation to come before the House of Commons. The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, or CEPA, is a vital piece of legislation that regulates the products we use every day in Canada. From food packaging to the personal care products we put on our bodies to ou…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the memory of the Hon. Marc Lalonde, a distinguished Canadian statesman, lawyer, dedicated politician and Order of Canada recipient, who passed away on Saturday in Notre‑Dame‑de‑l'Île‑Perrot, with his wife, Claire, by his side. Born in Île‑Perrot in 1929, Marc was a lifelong learner, earning degrees from the Université de Montréal, Oxford University and the Univ…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 12th report of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, entitled “Main Estimates 2023-24”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I know this is an issue that is extremely important to my colleague. It is one that is important to me. I spent 10 years in the environmental field prior to entering politics. For me, the proof is in the pudding. We have been fighting for record investments in transitioning towards a green economy. This budget alone commits $88 billion to make that happen. It means more charging sta…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, as always, it is a privilege to rise in the House on behalf of my constituents in Vaudreuil—Soulanges to speak to budget 2023, “A Made-in-Canada Plan”, tabled by the hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. This budget reflects the global challenges we are facing as Canadians. It is a prudent, responsible and considered budget. We must invest in the future of this incredibl…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 11th report of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, entitled “Reducing the Impact of Commercial Shipping on Shoreline Erosion in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Corridor”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to announce to the House and to my constituents in Vaudreuil—Soulanges that I will be giving them the opportunity to ask a few questions. I will be holding a town hall with my constituents in the coming weeks here in Ottawa, virtually and in my community. I look forward to answering their questions in person and explaining how the 2023 budget will help them and their fa…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, one thing I will say is that we differ on the definition of affordability. On this side of the House, we like to provide more support for Canadians when they need it the most. On that side of the House, they like to vote against all the measures we are putting in place, including the Canada child benefit and child care. In the budget, we put money toward helping Canadians pay for gr…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my hon. colleague for his commitment and dedication to the environment even prior to entering politics. I would say that this budget continues along our promise to reduce our subsidies to the fossil fuel sector by 2025. It is a commitment that we made. It is one that I will be pushing for continuously behind the scenes, with many members of our caucus, to ensur…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, after dozens of games and practices, and after more than one return trip home because someone forgot something, the end of another incredible hockey season for our kids in Vaudreuil—Soulanges is upon us. As the Hawks, Riverains, Prédateurs, Vikings, Gladiateurs and my son Andy's team, the Titans, hang up their skates for the season, I want to pay tribute to those who made it all possi…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this week, as I celebrate 11 years of remission from cancer, I had the honour of being chosen as the honorary president of the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life, being held in Pincourt on June 10. That night, I will be walking for Tarik, a young, bright man who went to Westwood High School and completed his first year at John Abbott College. He was passionate about history and po…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the ninth report of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities entitled “Addressing Labour Shortages in the Canadian Transportation Sector”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report. I want to thank all of my hon. colleagues…
Read full speech →