Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, my colleague is well aware that the national food security strategy will lower the cost of groceries. More specifically, we will invest $1 billion to boost food processing here in Canada. Right now, we are sending our agricultural products abroad for processing. Now, we will invest in this sector. That will give Canadians more choice, put more Canadian foods on grocery stores shelves …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, I have some good news for my colleague. Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced Canada's national food security strategy. This strategy is built on four key pillars: investing in our regional food infrastructure to increase choice and competition, processing more food here in Canada, increasing year-round production of fruits and vegetables, and cutting red tape. That is how we will p…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to travel all over Quebec last summer and to meet with farmers in my colleague's region. I can say one thing. Farmers are very happy with the national food security strategy. One way to make food more affordable for Canadian families is to do more processing here in Canada. We are investing $3.2 billion in the food supply chain in Quebec and across Canada.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, stakeholders across Canada are saying that this $3.2-billion strategy on food security will make food affordable for Canadians. There will be four key strategies. We will build local, regional infrastructure so that we have more options and more affordability. We will produce more. We will transform more of our own food here in Canada. We will create more jobs, and we will grow, all y…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, talking about seriousness, Canadians know we are in the middle of a global economic disruption. Our Prime Minister is a serious person. He is working hard. He already cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. He also launched the national school food program, which helps families with affordability. In addition, he proposed to launch very soon a national food security strategy, which will r…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, the Mercosur agreement represents 300 million people and a $2.5-trillion economy. It is one of the largest markets in the world. However, we listened to our ranchers. We listened to our producers. We are listening to their concerns about the trade agreement. In fact, the study is going on at committee. We will continue to be there for our farmers because they work hard to put food on …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, as we know, economic turmoil is making life more expensive for Canadians and Quebeckers. In the economic update, we are investing to develop a very important manufacturing sector in Canada. I am talking about the agri-food system. Following the superdeductions we announced in the last budget, we are now announcing a strategic Canada Strong fund that will allow us to invest in our ag…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, economic turmoil is making life more expensive for Canadians. That is why we can count on a Prime Minister who understands the gravity of the situation and is taking decisive action. In my constituency, as in my colleague's, many children go to school on an empty stomach. However, thanks to our school food program, school children in my riding and in my colleague's riding will be able…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, it is very important to state first of all that our farmers across the country are doing great work for Canada's food security, food autonomy and food sovereignty. Yes, reducing the price of gas will really help farmers, but we are not stopping there. We are there to support their innovation with a tax credit, a superdeduction that will help them modernize their facilities. We need to…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, it is very important. Across Canada, we heard farmers, and they want reduced red tape. I have good news for my colleague. We are doing that. The all-government effort is to reduce red tape, including in agri-food and in agriculture. In committee, we just worked on a report that has several recommendations for our government, and we will be acting upon it.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, I will start by saying that our canola growers grow the best canola in the world. They are doing tremendous work. Yes, we have a great partnership, a renewed strategic partnership, with China to export canola. In fact, we know that Chinese importers have already secured 650,000 metric tons of Canadian canola, which is 25% of China's total import last year. The door is wide open now, a…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, we are talking about housing. I have met with the mayors in my riding. They are eagerly awaiting the historic investments in municipal infrastructure that we need to build more homes in Quebec. I urge my colleague to vote in favour of the budget implementation bill so we can distribute the funds that our municipalities need to build housing in Quebec.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, I want to reassure my colleague that the new partnership the government has secured with China is being implemented. We have orders, and in fact, orders have been placed. Commerce is resuming right now with China, so it is good news. I invite my colleague to come to us if he wants more detail, but commerce is resuming with China.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, I just answered and reassured my colleague that trade is resuming with China. I also want to highlight that the agriculture minister will be in Mexico next week opening even more of the market. We secured a market for meat, and now we want to expand these opportunities. We are not stopping there, because we have the best food in the world. The world wants our food, and we will make th…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, in this tragic week for our country, my heart is also with the people of Kitigan Zibi. The community is grieving the unimaginable loss of two of its children, a loss that every parent, every family and every member of this strong and deeply caring community feels today. To the people of Kitigan Zibi, I want to say this: They are not alone. We stand with them. We are mourning with them…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, the sudden loss of Franco Nuovo has shaken Quebec as a whole. Like many francophone listeners across Canada, I could count on his voice, his personality and his insights to set the tone for my Sunday mornings. He knew how to create unique moments by making radio a meeting place, a space for dialogue and exploration, but above all, for culture. His passing is an incredible loss for Que…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for raising this important point in the context of the debate this evening. In my view, we do not talk about agriculture very often and yet agriculture is central to our economy, Canadians' lives and food security, as my colleague referred to. A country that does not feed its people is a country with few options, as our Prime Minister said so well. I would…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, we recognize the importance of a farmer's privilege, which my colleague referred to, to save and replant seeds. The proposed regulatory amendment would help clarify this concept, and that is what we will do. The proposed changes do not alter the right to save and reuse seeds, such as grains and legumes, which is a long-standing practice. Farmers' privilege would not apply to crops suc…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, this new government is committed to reducing red tape across government, especially with our agencies, such as CFIA and PMRA. In committee, we just finished a study on how to effectively reduce red tape across the sector to support our producers and farmers to increase their productivity. On this side of the House, we work with our farmers and our agencies to find concrete solutions t…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, our farmers are at the front line of something very difficult and very challenging. They are fighting against tariff disruption of trade and also extreme weather events. That report clearly said that increasingly violent and unpredictable weather patterns are disrupting agricultural production, creating supply challenges and continuing to influence food prices across Canada. The solut…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, the rise in food prices is difficult for families, which is why we are helping lower grocery bills through, for example, the national school food program. However, Professor Sylvain Charlebois, the lead author of the recent study that my colleague just quoted, said that obviously what comes back every year is the impact of climate change on prices, and he noted in particular the effec…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, I fully understand that fertilizer use is very important for our producers to supply the country and the world with really healthy food. We are working with the farmers and the industry to find solutions to a fertilizer made in Canada, because in Canada we grow the best food in the world. We will continue to work with our farmers to ensure their long-term competitiveness and to help p…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, today, during this week of remembrance and action on violence against women, I would like to congratulate and express my full support for L'EntourElle, an essential organization in my riding. I would like to thank Gisèle, Ashley, Christie, Ollisha, Cassey and Chantal, and everyone who works with and supports their vital work. They are making a difference in the riding through their co…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, I want my colleague to know that we are working with all provinces and all sectors. We have a mission. Our government was elected to build a strong economy, a sustainable economy and a future for our children. The proof that our approach is working is that we learned today that our productivity is increasing. That is very good news. Our policies are working. I urge my colleagues to …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, we need our forestry workers in rural areas. We need our Canadian softwood lumber, which is a source of pride in Canada. In my riding, I have proud forestry companies. This week, we announced important measures to support the industry. We know that things are not easy, but when times get tough, we support each other. That is exactly what we are doing in the forestry industry. We wil…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, we are looking for solutions to lower the price of food. Real solutions are based on real facts. Last week, the vice-president of Costco appeared before the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. He said that climate change is the cause of food inflation. When the harvest is good, prices are lower. When the harvest is not good because of climate change, food gets expensive. …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, we all want the best solution to drive down the price of food, and that is why we are working on real facts. My colleague mentioned the agriculture committee. Let me quote the VP of Costco and other grocers, who said, when asked what drives the price of food, that the first item is the commodity itself. With a bad crop, the price goes up; with a good crop, the price goes down. It has …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, every Canadian deserves an affordable life and opportunities. Costco's CEO was at the agriculture committee yesterday with other grocers. On the cost of food and the factors that influence the cost of food, guess what they said. They all agreed that the main factor was weather conditions, like the droughts we have experienced recently, as well as commodity conditions and currency. To …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, this government is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all modes of transportation. We are also investing heavily in all of our transportation infrastructure. We are there to ensure the safety of infrastructure and transportation. One thing is clear: Transportation in Canada is not only safe, but among the safest in the world.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, every motor vehicle accident is a shock to families. Our hearts go out to the victims of these accidents. That is why we are working with agencies, authorities and the provinces to ensure that these kinds of tragic events stop happening. We are strengthening our transportation and safety rules, and we are working collaboratively with all stakeholders in this sector.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Private Basil Alias Odjick of Maniwaki, son of William Odjick and Catherine Riel. He served with courage and dignity during the Second World War, giving his life in service to Canada on August 28, 1944, during the Battle of Normandy. His name is commemorated in the Second World War Book of Remembrance, alongside that of his brother, Private Robert Simon Odjick…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, canola farmers produce the best canola in the world. We know China has imposed unfair tariffs on canola. We are working on it. The Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture are currently in Asia diversifying our trade, but also resolving disputes, and Pakistan has now opened its doors to our canola. In the meantime, we will be there for our farmers with programs to support them d…
Read full speech →Oral questions
Mr. Speaker, one thing we can be proud of is our canola producers, because they produce the best canola in the world. China is imposing completely unjustified tariffs on our producers. Yes, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food are in Asia right now. They are there to explore new markets for our producers. They will also try to resolve this trade dispute. That is not all…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this Women's History Month, I would like to recognize the outstanding contribution of Rosaleen Dickson, a trailblazer in Pontiac—Kitigan Zibi. In 1942, together with her husband, David, she acquired The Equity, the community newspaper of Shawville, which has long served as the voice of our community. Rosaleen went on to serve as its editor-in-chief for more than 30 years. A passionate…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, my colleague referred to law enforcement officers. I would remind him that just steps away from this very chamber stands a memorial honouring RCMP officers who gave their lives to protect Canadians. What does my colleague think of the shameful comments made by his leader about the very officers who gave their lives for this country?
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, canola is one of the best products in the world. China's tariffs are completely unfair. As we are resolving this trade dispute, we are there to support our farmers with programs. We have announced $370 million in support, and we have changed the regulations to allow more biofuel in this country, which will use the product from our canola producers.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is taking a balanced approach after having consulted more than 100 value chain stakeholders for over four years. Following the release of its report this summer, called “What we heard”, the CFIA is currently engaging with stakeholders to modernize the regulation system in Canada with all of the input from stakeholders.
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for reminding us once again about the importance of agriculture. I completely agree with him. The agricultural sector is a pillar of our economy that feeds not only our country, but much of the planet as well. It is an economic driver, as my colleague said, and not just with respect to jobs, although it accounts for one in nine jobs in Canada. It also accounts for…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, we also met at committee this week with the pea producers, and the situation is really dire there as well. The tariffs China has imposed on the sector are really difficult. These farmers will also be able to benefit from the support of the strategic response funds of $5 billion to affected sectors. It is not only canola. It is the pea sector as well. I would add that China also has un…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, as I rise in the House today, I want to convey just how important the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is to me and to my identity as a Quebecker and a Canadian. I will also explain why it must be protected. Like so many women before me, my mother and my grandmother fought for equality before the law. To give a little background, my grandmother owned several newsstands in Mon…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question, because it gives me a chance to reiterate how important this is. I am a Quebecker, I am proud to live in a province that supports women's rights, but I have some concerns. I see what is happening in the United States, and I want to ensure that our rights and freedoms, which are set out in the Constitution, in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms,…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, we agree that Canadians are more united than ever in facing up to the impact of Donald Trump's tariffs on our economy. We have seen their enthusiasm for buying Canadian, their support for our businesses and organizations and their support for the Prime Minister. It is very important that we stand united behind him, because we are facing historic economic challenges. As Simone de Bea…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to hear my colleague reaffirm that the situation is worrisome. Again, as Simone de Beauvoir said, we must always remain vigilant. We must never take our rights for granted. Right now, our rights are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It is important not to create a back door that could be used to circumvent the protections and guarantees provided …
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I agree. The Attorney General's factum and intervention are intended to support the Supreme Court in interpreting the notwithstanding clause with a view to regulating its use and ensuring that, as I said earlier, our rights and freedoms are not eroded to the point where we no longer recognize them and they all but disappear in the long term.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I am very proud to live in a country that is united in its diversity. This government has always been there to protect our Charter of Rights. It is so dear to us, and as I said, generations of Canadians have fought to have it. By protecting the charter, we are protecting our unity. This is more important than ever as we live in a global and changing world. In other parts of the worl…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois is currently claiming that all governments—whether federal, provincial or territorial—can invoke the notwithstanding clause at any time and limit any of the rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. If a new federal government decided to invoke the notwithstanding clause to limit one of the rights protected by the Charter, including women's ri…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, only women can truly understand the insecurity they feel and the importance of ensuring that their rights and freedoms are guaranteed by the Canadian charter.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. It is important for the Attorney General to intervene. Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more legislatures invoking the notwithstanding clause to limit our fundamental rights and freedoms. Perhaps it is justified, but it is up to the court to decide. The Attorney General's intervention will prevent a serious breach of our rights, prevent th…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, my colleague still has not answered my question. Would she agree that a federal government could use the notwithstanding clause to limit the rights of women without restraint and without judicial review?
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I like the quotation my colleague referenced: “The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.” I am listening carefully. That is precisely why I am rising to ask him a question. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects a number of rights, including women's rights. We are in the Parliament of Canada. If a future Canadian government were to decide to limit these rights by invoki…
Read full speech →