Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, as the parliamentary session begins, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and all my colleagues well, along with the many parliamentary employees who make our work here in the House possible, day in and day out. I am very pleased to see everyone again after a great summer in my riding of Beauport—Limoilou. Over the past few months, I have met with over 50 organizations and businesses in my riding and participated in various activities and festivities in my community. Before I speak to Bill C-39, the building Canada strong act, I want to take a moment to tell you about an experience I had this summer in my riding. It shines a light on the importance of our work as MPs, whether here, in Ottawa, or through programs that directly affect our communities, like the Canada summer jobs program. I met with more than 30 organizations this summer that participate in this program. I can guarantee one thing: The program is making a real difference on the ground. People from one of the organizations I visited told me that they had been asking for two student job positions for a number of years but, unfortunately, they always received only one. This year, we made sure that they got two. I would like to repeat what the people at this organization told me. They told me that the second position would let them give their volunteers some time off—

Mr. Speaker, my story is almost finished. My colleague will be able to put it to good use and I will get back to Bill C-39 very soon. What the people at that organization told me is worth remembering. The second student job position really helped get volunteers some time off, time for their first-ever vacation. Let that sink in for a second. Having one extra person made it possible for volunteers to take some vacation time. What we do here has a real impact in our communities. I wanted to highlight that at the start of my speech today. Now, I would like to get back to Bill C-39, the building Canada strong act, under discussion today. I want to begin by referring to a book published in 2025, which I am sure will call to mind Bill C-39 for my colleagues. In the book Abundance, by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, one of the questions the authors ask is why a country as rich and technologically advanced as our southern neighbour currently struggles to build enough housing, infrastructure, energy and other essential goods. To some degree, I think we all see some similarity to the challenges facing Canada today. The authors argue that part of the problem is the rules, procedures and institutions that, over time, have made delivering major projects much slower and much more difficult. They therefore advocate for placing greater emphasis on our ability to produce, build and deliver. In short, this means shifting from a policy focused primarily on distributing resources to one that also seeks to increase supply, ramp up our production capacity and boost our ability to build. At this point, I think it is fair to draw a parallel between that analysis and what we are proposing in Bill C‑39 to build Canada strong. I am sure all of my colleagues have heard the old saying about doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. We need to do things differently. We need to think differently. Anyone who believes we can keep doing exactly the same things and suddenly achieve different results is sticking their head in the sand. That is choosing inaction. That is choosing the status quo, and the status quo is a choice. Changing nothing is a choice. Leaving things the way they are is a choice. We must move away from this mindset and regain our ability to build. We are capable of building more, with greater ambition, and more quickly. Let us take an example from our history: the St. Lawrence Seaway. Major construction work began in 1954, and the Seaway was officially opened to navigation in 1959. It took five years to build the Montreal-Lake Ontario section, which spans approximately 300 kilometres of waterways. It was not just a matter of digging a canal. It required building locks, constructing canals, erecting dams, carrying out major dredging work, modifying bridges and relocating infrastructure. Continuing westward, Montreal is about 600 kilometres from Lake Erie by waterway via Lake Ontario and the Welland Canal. The entire waterway network connecting the St. Lawrence to the heart of the Great Lakes stretches over 2,000 kilometres. Just think about that for a moment. In the 1950s, in just a few years, we were able to carry out one of the greatest infrastructure projects of our time, and we did a significant portion of the work right here at home in Canada. We built, we thought big, and we transformed our economy. The question we need to ask ourselves today is simple. Can we still build with that same ambition? I believe that Bill C‑39 invites us to reflect on this question and, above all, to regain the ability to complete major projects for future generations of Canadians. What does that mean in concrete terms? First, it means making our approval processes for major projects more predictable. These days, when a business, community or proponent wants to build a major project, they often have to navigate multiple processes and steps that might overlap and make the work more complex. It can take longer to get results. Bill C-39 proposes to better coordinate these processes so that decisions on projects requiring a federal permit can be made within one year. Let me be clear. We do not have to choose between upholding Canada's strong environmental protections and streamlining the project review process. We can and must do both. We can be ambitious and rigorous at the same time. I cannot help but immediately think of my region, the Quebec City region, and specifically the Port of Québec, which plays an important role in our regional economy and our trade with the rest of the world. Bill C‑39 proposes to modernize the governance of Canadian ports, reduce certain administrative burdens and facilitate the digitization of trade. The bill also designates strategic trade corridors and establishes a transportation project office to better coordinate federal permits and advance priority projects. A product manufactured in Quebec does not only create value when it leaves the factory. It must then be efficiently transported to a port, a railway or the border and on to new markets. An efficient supply chain is essential to enabling our businesses to grow and innovate. At a time when Canada is looking to diversify its trade and reduce its dependence on certain markets, this capability becomes even more important. We have signed 20 trade agreements over the past year. We must now honour our commitments. This is what building Canada strong means in practical terms. It means enabling a business to carry out a project. It means enabling a port to operate more efficiently. It means enabling our products to reach new markets. It means providing future generations with the infrastructure, jobs and opportunities they will need. Canada has the resources, the talent, the workers, the businesses and the communities capable of achieving great things. Our challenge is not knowing whether we have the capacity to build. Our challenge is equipping ourselves with the means to do just that, the means to realize our ambitions. We need to simplify where we can simplify, coordinate where we can coordinate better, protect what we need to protect. Above all, we need to rediscover our collective ability to build Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, that is an excellent question. We were fortunate to be able to make that extraordinary announcement this summer after years and years of working with Davie, a real gem in our community. I worked in the Quebec City area as the president of the chamber of commerce. The Davie shipyard is located on the other side of the river, in Lévis. Most of its suppliers are from the Quebec City area. The rest of them are from the surrounding areas. I reviewed the list of all of the suppliers and they are from all over Quebec. An announcement like this has a direct impact on a community like Lévis. We are talking about 5,000 workers, 5,000 good jobs. That gives those families predictability because these are long-term contracts. It provides predictability for Davie over the very long term. It will enable business owners to invest in their companies to supply Davie. This is the kind of thing that the government wants to do and that people need.

Mr. Speaker, I talked about something very important in my speech: the status quo. I have talked about it throughout my career, and I will keep talking about it. People often keep doing the same things while hoping to achieve different results. We introduced a bill. We want to do things differently. We want to speed up projects and provide predictability for investors. Doing things faster does not mean being less rigorous. We must always be rigorous. We can walk and chew gum at the same time, as they say. That is what the government is going to do. This will provide predictability for businesses and contractors, who will be able to pursue projects. The process used to take up to eight years, which is way too long, but it will go much faster now. We are doing the right thing. We are taking action, and that is what Canadians want.

Madam Speaker, taking a closer look at the bill, clearly the goal is to fast-track projects. My colleague talked about bureaucracy. What we want is to make it easier to get projects done. We want to make everything more predictable over time. We want to speed things up. That is exactly what Canadians are asking us to do. We have signed more than 20 trade agreements. Now we need to allow businesses to export their products. A delay of six or eight years is far too long. What we are saying now is that we will do this in less than a year, which will help accelerate projects. We are thinking about supply chains. I mentioned the Port of Québec earlier. Officials there want to invest, and we are giving them a chance to do so. We are providing predictability for investors.

Mr. Speaker, I am glad to be back in Ottawa after a busy summer in my riding of Beauport—Limoilou. I spent the past few months visiting businesses, attending events and meeting with organizations. Most importantly, I took time to listen to everyone's concerns, needs and ideas. Whether in the beautiful parks of Beauport or on the bustling streets of Limoilou, each of these encounters reminded me how privileged I am to represent my community. What can I say about summer in Beauport—Limoilou? From the Cigale festival on the beach at Beauport Bay to the Limoilou market on 3rd Avenue, our community once again showcased its energy and vitality. I am very pleased to see you again, Mr. Speaker, and to be reunited with all my colleagues in the House. I thank the people of Beauport—Limoilou for a great summer.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his excellent speech. We spent many hours together at the Standing Committee on Finance. I would like to hear his opinion, because things move very quickly here and sometimes we do not have time to discuss things. I would like to know how he felt during all those hours when we were unable to move the bill forward, when we could not make any progress because of the opposition's filibusters. We know what families and seniors are going through right now, and that is why we want to move forward. That is why people elected us. What was my colleague feeling during all that time?

Mr. Speaker, as this is the last time I will be speaking in the House before the summer, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to those we typically see less of, and without whom our work here would quite simply be impossible. Every day, behind each of our speeches, debates, votes and committee proceedings, there are hundreds of dedicated professionals who ensure that this institution runs smoothly. I am thinking of the clerks, analysts, interpreters, translators, pages, security personnel, technicians, IT staff, administrative support teams and employees in catering, maintenance, transport and communications, as well as all the staff of the House of Commons Administration. I am also thinking of all the civil servants and employees in the various departments and agencies who work diligently, with professionalism and impartiality in the service of the Canadian people. Their work is often behind the scenes, but it has an immense impact. Thanks to their expertise, patience and commitment, we are able to fulfill our mandate of representing our citizens and making progress on the issues that matter to Canadians. On behalf of all MPs, I would like to express our deep gratitude. Their dedication contributes to the vitality of our democracy and the strength of our institutions every single day. I would also like to highlight the exceptional work of our constituency and parliamentary office employees. They are the ones who answer calls, greet constituents, help people navigate their dealings with government departments, organize our meetings, prepare our files and enable us to be present both in our ridings and in Ottawa. They are often the first to hear constituents' concerns and the last to leave the office when an urgent matter needs to be resolved. Their dedication, compassion and professionalism improve the lives of thousands of Canadians in very real ways. Although our debates sometimes pit us against one another, we all share the good fortune of being supported by competent and committed people who work behind the scenes to move things forward. I would like to sincerely thank all of the women and men who serve our democracy with discretion, integrity and dedication. In particular, I want to thank Nancy, Souraya, Nicholas, Aboubacar and Myriam. I am proud to work with them. I rise today to speak to the economic update from a perspective that hits home for me, especially as a father and grandfather, and that issue is youth. Current and future generations are the ones building our country's future amid an uncertain, unprecedented and constantly changing environment. Young Canadians embody what is best about Canada: its openness, vibrancy, curiosity, diversity and ambition. They have ideas, opinions and talents and are unafraid of challenges. They want to contribute, build, create and innovate. They want a country that gives them a real chance at success. More than anything, they want to contribute and do their part. Well, this spring, the government reaffirmed the need to invest in them and to ensure that no young person in this country feels abandoned by the government when it comes to rising to the challenges of current, potential or future issues. This is exactly what this economic update is proposing through a host of important measures. First, let us talk about the team Canada strong initiative, an ambitious plan to recruit, train and hire up to 100,000 young skilled tradespeople by 2030. One of the best ways to support the younger generation while ensuring Canada's prosperity and resilience today and for years to come is to invest in jobs. Team Canada strong provides Canadian workers with paid work placements that lead directly to essential jobs building homes, modernizing infrastructure and strengthening our security. With paid internships, up to $10,000 in grants per apprentice and a $5,000 bonus upon Red Seal certification, we are equipping young people to specialize in an exciting trade while building the Canada of tomorrow. Then there is education. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Canada has the most educated population in the world. That is an immense asset, but it is meaningless if even one young person is left behind. No one in Canada should go without an education because they cannot afford it. That is why we are extending the increase in scholarships and interest-free student loans. More than 570,000 students will receive increased support, and more than 420,000 will have access to subsidized loans. That is a direct investment in young people, allowing them to reach their full potential and contribute to our country's growth and economic development. I am also thinking of young families who have been facing significant increases in the cost of living in recent years due to international upheaval and conflicts beyond our control. The economic update accelerates the construction of rental housing and reduces construction costs. It also includes a national school food program that will provide 400,000 children with access to healthy meals and save parents nearly $800 a year. In addition, it provides for an increase in the Canada child benefit and the Canadian dental care plan, as well as a reduction in child care costs. This economic update is not just a financial plan. It is a commitment to Canada's youth and a message of hope, confidence and responsibility. We cannot predict Canada's future. We must build it with our young people. Earlier, I spoke about the Red Seal. The Red Seal represents Canadian excellence in many trades. It certifies that a worker has met the highest standards of skill recognized across the country. Whether they are an electrician, welder, industrial mechanic, carpenter or work in one of the many other eligible trades, Red Seal holders can practise their profession from coast to coast to coast, knowing that their qualifications are recognized everywhere. This certification allows workers to seize opportunities wherever they arise and gives employers access to recognized expertise, no matter where in the country they are located. The Red Seal is more than just a certification. It is a symbol. It serves as a reminder that excellence is not limited to boardrooms and research labs. It can also be found in our workshops, on our construction sites and in our factories. In my riding, Beauport—Limoilou, and throughout Quebec and Canada, many business owners are talking about how hard it is to recruit skilled workers, who are essential to our economy. They are essential to our ability to build faster, produce more and innovate. That is why we continue to promote skilled trades among young people, individuals in the process of changing careers and newcomers who want to contribute to our economy. Lastly, Canada has what the world wants. We are a true energy superpower, in both clean energy and conventional energy. We also have immense reserves of the critical minerals that are essential to the global energy transition and the technologies of tomorrow. We enjoy privileged access to international markets through free trade agreements with countries that represent more than 1.5 billion consumers. We are already beginning to see the results. In just 12 months, Canada has developed more than 20 new economic and defence partnerships with international partners. These efforts have helped to bring in nearly $97 billion in foreign investment to our economy. This is just the beginning. In September, our government will be hosting the first-ever Canada investment summit. This event will bring together investors, businesses, institutional partners and decision-makers to showcase the unique opportunities that Canada has to offer. We have the resources, the talent, the institutions and the economic and political stability that investors around the world are looking for. Now, we also have a clear plan to turn this advantage into growth, into well-paying jobs and into lasting prosperity for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I will start with the first part of his question. He mentioned la-la land. What I find funny is that I get the impression he was talking to himself. Here is what I took from the Bloc Québécois after watching them during the debate on Bill C-30: They spent all their time complaining, but made no proposals. The Bloc Québécois did not table any amendments during consideration of Bill C-30. It did not table any amendments, yet spent all its time voting against the measures. It voted in favour of some measures and against others, but it voted against the final outcome. It did not put forward any proposals. We, on the other hand, are in the real world. We have put forward proposals. We have even tabled amendments which the opposition voted for.

Mr. Speaker, when I entered into politics, I wanted to do the same thing I did in the private sector. I wanted the money to be spent here at home. I am from Quebec City. Beauport—Limoilou is in Quebec City. The important thing is that the spending happens here. Now I work at the federal level. The money needs to come back here and be spent here. I am pleased to see the government investing here, in our infrastructure, for the future of our children. We need to plan for short-, medium-, and long-term investments. That is what we are doing. There are announcements regarding the long term. There are announcements regarding the medium term. There are announcements regarding the shorter term. I am thinking of the Quebec City tramway. That is $2.75 billion invested right here at home, which will also lead to billions of dollars in housing investment. In fact, $2 billion have already been earmarked. Government investments attract private investment, and that is how we build Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark an important anniversary in my riding of Beauport—Limoilou: the 60th anniversary of the Beauport Dojo. Founded in 1965, the Beauport Dojo is now recognized as one of the largest Japanese martial arts dojos in Quebec city. For six decades, it has held a very special place in our community. Aside from teaching sports, the Beauport Dojo teaches important life values like respect, discipline, perseverance, confidence and personal achievement. Generations of young people, families and athletes have learned these values thanks to the work of passionate coaches, dedicated volunteers and supportive parents. I want to commend the entire team at the Beauport Dojo for their 60 years of commitment, mentoring and influence.

Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak today. When I read the motion today, I could not help but think of a story my father told me when I was a kid. The story had to do with Optimist clubs. There are Optimist clubs in Quebec and in just about every province in Canada, and they are really essential to the community. They work hard. I am thinking in particular of the clubs in Beauport—Limoilou that sell hot dogs at baseball tournaments and donate the proceeds to young people. Everyone knows about the Optimist clubs in their community. When I was young, my father told me a little story to make me think. Given the success of the Optimist clubs, he told me a story about two guys. The first one tells the other that since Optimist clubs seem to work so well, they should start a “pessimist club”. The second replies that he does not think it will work. When I read the motion, it reminded me a bit of that story, and I will explain why. I think it is important to put some facts back into the debate today. Yes, the global economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty. Yes, the challenges are real. However, presenting Canada as an economic failure is more pessimism than a serious analysis. The fact of the matter is that Canada is still in a great economic position today compared to many of its G7 partners. Canada is expected to have the second-fastest growth in the G7 this year and next. Our banking system, in which I worked for more than 20 years, is recognized as one of the strongest in the world. Our unemployment rate remains historically low despite global economic turbulence. Millions of jobs have been created since the pandemic, and Canada continues to attract major investments in growth sectors such as critical minerals, artificial intelligence, batteries, aerospace and clean technology. Let us not forget the fundamental fact that Canada and the United States share the world's longest international border. This proximity gives us privileged access to the world's largest economy. Billions of dollars' worth of goods and services cross that border every day, supporting millions of jobs on both sides. Few G7 countries enjoy such a significant advantage in terms of geography and trade. However, this advantage also comes with its share of challenges. When the American economy slows down, when trade tensions emerge or when political decisions are made in Washington, the effects are felt here in Canada right away. Our level of economic integration with the United States leaves us more exposed than many other countries to the ups and downs of the U.S. economy and the uncertainties of its trade policies. That is precisely why we must look at our economic performance in context and with a positive outlook. Despite the economic upheaval in recent years, the supply chain disruptions, the rising global inflation and the uncertainty when it comes to our main trading partner, Canada remains one of the most stable and resilient economies in the G7. That is why we need to assess Canada's economic performance rigorously and honestly. What do the numbers tell us? They tell us that Canada's economy is stronger and more resilient that many people expected. The May labour force survey results show that our plan is working. While several analysts had predicted that only 10,000 jobs would be created, we actually created 88,000 jobs in one month. That is unbelievable. That is not a small difference. It is almost nine times what the market expected. The unemployment rate also dropped to 6.6% from a high of 7.1% last August. These numbers demonstrate one very simple thing: Despite headwinds, global uncertainty and trade tensions with our main economic partner, Canada's labour market remains resilient. What is more, over the past 12 months, Canada has created 147,000 jobs. Since December 2024, Canada has added more jobs per capita than the United States. Canada has created 2.8 jobs for every 1,000 residents, nearly double the rate seen among our neighbours to the south. These are results we can be proud of. It is not just the number of jobs that matters. The quality of the jobs matters too. The recent gains have mainly come from full-time jobs, particularly in the construction industry. Why is that so important? It is because it shows that the investments we are making are in infrastructure, housing and major economic projects that deliver real results. That is good news for the people and the riding of Beauport—Limoilou. It also shows that our decision to align our public investments more closely with the construction season is paying off. Meanwhile, wages continue to rise faster than inflation. For over three years now, workers' incomes have been outpacing price increases. That means more money in the pockets of Canadian families. That is the reality for millions of workers across the country. Of course, there are still some challenges. I am thinking in particular about youth employment. Although youth unemployment is down by 0.9%, marking the first drop since January, we know that many young Canadians are still having a hard time entering the labour market. That is why our government is taking action. In the spring economic update, we announced over $6 billion in investments in our team Canada strong initiative. This initiative will mobilize Canada's skilled trades workforce and meet the growing needs of our economy. Thanks to these investments, we expect to create more than 100,000 new, well‑paying jobs in the skilled trades by 2030. We are making it easier to access apprenticeships. We are supporting training. We are helping young people find stable, well‑paying jobs that are in demand across the country. We are continuing to protect essential programs like Canada summer jobs and the youth climate corps. The opposition is asking us today to conclude that the Canadian economy is failing. The facts tell a very different story. They show us an economy that continues to add jobs despite global uncertainty. They show us wages rising faster than inflation. They show us investments that are boosting construction and strengthening our productive capacity. They show us a country that remains one of the strongest economies in the G20 despite global challenges. Our government remains focused on a clear priority: building the strongest economy in the G7. That is the goal of budget 2025. That is the goal of the spring economic update. That is the goal of every measure we are implementing to support workers, attract investment, and strengthen Canada's competitiveness. Canadians are asking us not to give in to pessimism. They want us to build the future. That is exactly what we are doing. Our free trade agreements with Europe and the Indo‑Pacific region have made Canada one of the best-positioned countries in the world for international trade. The real question is this: Are we in a better position to weather this storm than most of our international partners? The answer is yes, because we have strong institutions, strategic natural resources that are in demand all over the world, and access to over 1.5 billion consumers through our trade agreements and, most of all, because we can count on Canadians' talent, innovation and resilience. Rather than giving into pessimism, we have to acknowledge the challenges yet trust in the incredible strengths of our economy and the immense potential of Canadians. That is exactly what our government is focused on doing: investing in productivity, infrastructure, housing, trade and the workers building our collective prosperity. I, for one, am siding with the optimists.

Madam Speaker, I see that my colleague is part of the optimists' club too. I am glad about that, and I am sure we will make something good out of it. Canada is truly a superpower when it comes to clean and conventional energy. We have vast deposits of critical minerals, so we are well equipped. I see this because I am a member of the Standing Committee on International Trade. I have seen the agreements we are signing all over the world. As I mentioned earlier, that is nearly 1.5 billion consumers worldwide we can do business with. There is no doubt that by diversifying our economy and continuing to attract investment here, we are truly laying the groundwork for the future, and people know it. People know we are going through some rough times right now, but they still believe in us, and we really feel that.

Madam Speaker, I am not sure that question was actually directed at me, but I will take the time to answer it. During my speech, I recounted a story my father used to tell me when I was young, a story about optimists and pessimists. The whole idea is that if we want to build a strong Canada, if we want to look to the future, we have to be part of the optimists' club. If we are pessimists, we will get nowhere together, and the word “together” will cease to exist. That is what we are building, and it saddens me to see members of the opposition parties saying one thing in the House and then doing another. I am talking about voting against measures that help, such as the Canadian dental care plan and the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. I would like to see them join us on the optimistic side.

Madam Speaker, I enjoy working with my colleague on the Standing Committee on Finance. I also know that he loves generating sound bites and I think what he just said will make a great one. I am definitely a member of the optimists' club, and I also believe in saying “and” instead of “or”. I believe that, in order to build a strong economy, we should not simply decide whether to do this thing or that thing. We must believe in saying “and”, that is, we need to build. We need to move forward, and Canadians want us to say “and”, not “or.” Canadians do not want to see us choose between a project in the west or a project in the east. They want both. That is the new strategy. In other words, we are going to grow our investments and build our projects so we can get Canada through these challenging global times by diversifying our economy, helping our businesses do things differently and doubling exports. That is what we are doing. We are working with the mindset of “and”, not “or”.

Mr. Speaker, I find my colleague's alarmist rhetoric a bit sad. I want to congratulate him. He is about to become a grandfather for the first time. I am a grandfather myself, twice over. However, for my part, I can look forward to a bright future for my grandchildren thanks to the decisions being made by the government. Just think of the Lévis region, where the Davie shipyard has started construction and will be providing jobs for people from Beauce. So I would like to know if he really sees this as alarmist rhetoric or if he will side with the government for the sake of his grandchildren's future.

Mr. Speaker, last week I had the opportunity to hold a round table with many businesses in my riding of Beauport—Limoilou to discuss current trade issues and the upcoming CUSMA review. These businesses emphasized the importance of maintaining strong trade relations with the United States, while ensuring greater stability and predictability. Can the Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade give us an update on the the ongoing discussions with our American partners and explain how our government is defending the interests of Canadian businesses and workers as part of the CUSMA review?

Mr. Chair, Canada was built by hard-working people, men and women who get up early, give back to their communities, pay their taxes, raise their families here and choose Canada every day. First, I want to thank the minister for coming to my riding of Beauport—Limoilou on January 21 to meet with the representatives of organizations that play a vital role in the integration of immigrants. It was a very productive meeting. This is particularly relevant right now, as we are striving to strike a balance between economic needs, our communities' intake capacity and the quality of life of our fellow Canadians. Immigrants do not integrate on their own. They are helped by dedicated organizations and individuals who work every day to build bridges between cultures and support newcomers on their immigration journey. Today, I want to acknowledge the outstanding work of many organizations and community leaders in Beauport—Limoilou. I am thinking first and foremost of Théodore Bienvenu Leuwat Ngogang, the founder of Métissage Québec, an organization that promotes the inclusion and well-being of vulnerable families, particularly immigrant families. Through its help, support and programs, Métissage Québec makes a real difference in the lives of families and children. It creates a sense of belonging and helps make the integration process smoother for immigrants. I also want to acknowledge the work of Florent Tchatchoua, founder and executive director of Diaspo Interaction, a webcasting platform that helps develop a multicultural collective identity. His organization gives a voice to cultural communities and promotes dialogue, visibility and connection among Canadians of all backgrounds. Another example is Robinson Ngametche, founder and director of the Découvrir ma cité project. Through guided tours, cultural tours and discovery activities, this organization helps newcomers gain a better understanding of their community, discover their neighbourhood and fully participate in Quebec's economic and social life. Lastly, I want to acknowledge the work of Richard Sah and the organization Amis Solidaires de Québec. This organization plays a key role in advocating for the interests of communities of African descent and promoting living in harmony, inclusion and diversity in our society. These organizations remind us of a fundamental truth: The integration and participation of immigrants in our communities does not depend entirely on public policies. It also hinges on the community's willingness to welcome, support and lend a hand. When we talk about essential workers, we are also talking about very real situations right here in Beauport—Limoilou, because behind every statistic there are real people and families who simply want a chance to build their future here. I am thinking in particular of the workers who are already contributing to the functioning of our local economy in the neighbourhoods of Beauport, Limoilou, Maizerets and Vieux-Moulin. These are people who contribute to our economic vitality, who shop at our businesses, who enrol their children in our schools, and who are full-fledged members of our community. Canada must remain a welcoming country, with a fair, rigorous, and trustworthy immigration system. In Beauport—Limoilou, as across the country, we see every day that when we provide a warm welcome, proper planning and support, our entire community benefits. In closing, I would like to ask the minister a few questions. Canada has always played an important role on the international stage when it comes to welcoming vulnerable people caught up in humanitarian crises. As I mentioned, in our communities, this welcome often becomes a source of human, cultural and economic enrichment when the conditions for integration are in place. This winter, I had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Alliance des Ukrainiens de Québec, an organization in my riding, Beauport—Limoilou, that supports Ukrainian families and helps them integrate into our community. This meeting reminded me just how vital local organizations are in helping newcomers rebuild their lives here and participate fully in our society. Can you explain how your government intends to uphold Canada's humanitarian commitments in a more unstable global context marked by increasingly large-scale population displacements?

Madam Chair, I rise today to speak to Bill C-30, the spring economic update 2026 implementation act. I will also address a fundamental issue for our country, our regions and the people we represent, which is to build a strong, more resilient and more accessible Canada for all. We are currently at a hinge moment. The world we live in is undergoing profound change. It is more uncertain, more fragmented and marked by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and increased pressure on the cost of living. For many families, these realities are not just theoretical. They are felt every day, when shopping for groceries, searching for a place to live, or managing a household budget. In my riding of Beauport—Limoilou and across the country, people are under immense pressure. Groceries cost more, affordable housing is harder to find, and every dollar counts. When an organization like Patro Roc-Amadour in Limoilou sees an increase in requests for food assistance, that is not just a statistic. That is a human reality. In this context, our responsibility as parliamentarians is clear. We must act ambitiously, effectively and with discipline. We must focus on those factors that we can control, such as the strength of our economy, our country's ability to invest and, most of all, Canadians' quality of life. The spring economic update is closely aligned with those principles. It offers a structured, coherent and future-oriented approach. It strikes a crucial balance between building more, strengthening our economy and easing pressure on the cost of living. Canada leads the G7 in per capita foreign direct investment inflows. To be specific, that is $1,231 per person in the first three quarters of 2025 alone, which is almost twice as much as what the United States took in. Considerable progress has been made over the past year. Major projects have been launched, drawing significant investment and creating tens of thousands of jobs. In my riding, Beauport—Limoilou, these issues are very real. We are smack dab in the middle of a strategic region for trade, transportation and logistics. Our proximity to the St. Lawrence, our infrastructure and our geographic location make us a key player in Canadian supply chains. Every investment in commercial infrastructure, every initiative to improve the flow of trade and every strategic project has a direct impact on us. That means jobs, contracts for our businesses and a more dynamic and resilient local economy. In addition to infrastructure, the strength of our economy and our environment is another important pillar. Yes, they can both appear in the same sentence. Those who know me know how much these two societal issues matter to me. They are inextricably linked to my values: economic development and the environment. All too often, people portray the economy and the environment as being incompatible, as if we had to choose between prosperity and protection, between growth and responsibility. However, when Leger was conducting a survey in June 2023, while I was president of the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Québec, I insisted that one last simple but fundamental question be included: Should we always put economic development ahead of environmental issues or, conversely, should we always put environmental issues ahead of economic development, or alternatively, should both carry relatively equal weight in our decisions? The answer was clear: 66% of respondents, or two out of three people, said that economic development and environmental issues should have relatively equal weight in decision-making. People are done with choosing between options. They want to move forward by having both. They want us to be ambitious enough to accomplish both. Since that day, this idea has become more than just a thought exercise to me. It has become my mantra. Canada is in a position of strength. Our country is fortunate enough to have a highly skilled workforce, privileged access to international markets and rich deposits of strategic resources. We are one of the few countries to possess such a vast network of trade agreements that we have access to a significant portion of the global economy. This puts us in a good position despite the international uncertainty. We have to keep diversifying our markets, supporting our businesses and investing in strategic sectors to ensure our long-term growth. Once again, this has a direct impact on my riding of Beauport—Limoilou. Our businesses, our workers and our young people are benefiting from all these opportunities. Let me be clear. Despite the progress, people's main concern remains the cost of living. For families in my riding, as for all families across the country, the reality is simple. Everyone wants to be able to afford groceries, put a roof over their heads and plan for the future with a modicum of security. That is why measures to improve affordability are essential. For a family in Beauport—Limoilou, this means real and tangible benefits. It means having a little more breathing room at the end of the month. It means being able to handle unexpected expenses. It simply means a little more stability. Measures aimed at accelerating housing construction, supporting innovation in the construction sector and making home ownership more attainable are essential. Every housing project and every initiative aimed at increasing supply directly contributes to improving the situation. In Beauport—Limoilou, these measures are not abstract. They address real needs expressed by our constituents. We live in a world where the rules of the game are changing rapidly. Supply chains are being redefined, economic alliances are shifting and international tensions are directly influencing the market and costs. As I said earlier, the cost of living remains the top priority for our constituents. Numerous concrete measures to help with that have been or will be put in place. I will give a few examples. There will be a Canada groceries and essentials benefit of up to $1,890 for a family of four this year. More than 12 million Canadians will receive this support. A tax cut for the middle class is planned, providing savings of up to $840 for a dual-income family. The consumer carbon tax, amounting to around 18¢ per litre of gas, will be eliminated. There will be a temporary suspension of the excise tax, delivering savings of up to 10¢ per litre of gas. For a family in Beauport—Limoilou, these savings make a difference. They help pay for some of the grocery bill, reduce travel costs and create a little breathing room in a tight budget. This means a family can do their grocery shopping with a little less stress; a worker can count on a stable, well-paid job; a business can invest and grow; and a young person can picture a future here at home. This is exactly what we must continue to build: a Canada firmly rooted in its regions, a Canada that invests in its future, a Canada that supports its citizens, a strong Canada. I now have a few questions for the Minister of Finance. In my riding, Beauport—Limoilou, and across the country, housing remains a major concern, particularly for young families and workers. The 2026 spring economic update proposes several measures to accelerate residential construction, including low-cost loans, support for prefabricated housing, and investments in skilled trades. These measures complement initiatives the government has already implemented, such as the launch of Build Canada Homes, measures to reduce and eliminate the GST for first-time buyers of new homes, efforts to expedite major projects, and investments aimed at increasing the country's construction capacity. Could you explain how these measures work together to form a comprehensive economic capacity strategy, not only to build more housing, but also to develop the expertise and workforce needed to complete these projects more quickly and at a lower cost?

Madam Chair, I have another question for the Minister of Finance. The current global context of geopolitical and trade uncertainty has been mentioned a lot lately. Because of this context, the economic update emphasizes the importance of building a more resilient Canadian economy that is more focused on long-term investment. As a former president of the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Québec, I know how important predictability and stability are to our investors and entrepreneurs. These days, those are the words that come up most often when I meet with business leaders in my riding. In this context, can the minister explain how the measures we have announced, particularly the Canada Strong fund, the Major Projects Office and new trade partnerships, are helping to build a long-term economic strategy and create lasting benefits for our businesses?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge an important anniversary in my riding of Beauport—Limoilou. This year, the Cercle de fermières de Courville is celebrating its 50th anniversary. For half a century, this group has served as much more than a place to pass on textile and craft-related know-how. It is a true pillar of community life, a place of gathering, solidarity and engagement. Over the years, members of the Cercle de fermières de Courville have preserved its precious traditions while allowing them to evolve, by sharing them with new generations and by adapting them to the present day. I want to thank the founders, current members and the members who will someday take over the reins, and offer them my congratulations on 50 years of history and collective pride.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked a historic moment. For the first time, two international trade bills received royal assent on the same day. These two agreements with Indonesia and the United Kingdom provide for the gradual reduction of numerous tariffs in order to improve market access and the competitiveness of our businesses. As the member for Beauport—Limoilou, I know that diversification is essential for SMEs and workers in Quebec City. Can the Quebec lieutenant explain how these agreements will help SMEs in Quebec City and across the country grow, export more and create good jobs here at home?

Mr. Speaker, today I want to highlight the success of the CEGEP Limoilou Titans, a women's hockey team from my riding of Beauport—Limoilou. Last week, after dominating the playoffs from beginning to end, the Titans won the provincial college championship for the third year in a row. This victory is the result of strong teamwork, supported by the inspiring leadership of captain Rosalie Breton, who received the honour of being the playoff MVP. Aside from their great win, the Titans bring prestige to Limoilou and remind us of the importance of supporting and promoting women's sport, which plays a key role in the development of our young people. I want to congratulate the players, coaches and staff on an exceptional season. Congratulations to the girls. Go, Titans, go!

Mr. Speaker, I first want to mention that I will be sharing my time with the member for Sydney—Glace Bay. I am pleased to rise today in support of Bill C-28, which represents a significant step forward for Canada's economic and strategic future. To begin, I would like to point out that I was elected a year ago today. I want to thank the people of Beauport—Limoilou for putting their trust in me, and I hope that they have been proud of the work that I have accomplished for them in this first year. I also want to take a moment to wish all of my colleagues a happy first anniversary. I would also like to thank the people who work every day, with diligence and dedication, to serve the people of Beauport—Limoilou. I thank Souraya, who welcomes all visitors to the office with warmth, empathy, and professionalism. I thank her for her daily commitment and her reassuring presence. I thank Aboubacar, who assists newcomers and residents who need help with the Canada Revenue Agency. I thank him for his attentiveness, patience and kindness. I thank Nicholas, who builds valuable relationships with organizations in the riding and accompanies me to community events. I thank him for his unwavering commitment to the residents and his professionalism. I would like to thank Myriam, who supports me every day here in Ottawa and who works tirelessly to ensure that everything runs smoothly. I thank her for her support, her dedication and her efficiency. Finally, I would like to thank Nancy, who manages the constituency office remarkably well, with a masterful touch. I thank her once again for her invaluable support in this wonderful and crazy adventure. Serving the constituents is a team effort, and I am fortunate to be surrounded by exceptional people. I thank them all. Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to thank my partner and my children for their support. Without Mélanie, I would not be here today. She has been by my side since I first started thinking about this, right from the very beginning of this journey. She told me she would always be there for me, and she is, every single day. Without her, none of this would be possible. This work is demanding. It requires a great deal of time, energy and sacrifice. Without the support of our families, it is very difficult to succeed and stay the course. I thank her for being that pillar of strength, that quiet strength and that indispensable presence in my life. Last week, the day after Bill C-28 was tabled in the House, we marked Earth Day. It is a day that reminds us that we share the same planet, with shared responsibilities. Often, when we take a step back and look a little further afield, this reality becomes even more clear. We got a glimpse of this recently with the Artemis II mission. The images of earth captured during the mission and broadcast by NASA were striking. Seen from space, our planet appears both vast and fragile, without borders or divisions. Even though we have had images of earth for over 60 years, we never tire of them; they are still as magnificent as ever, as if we were seeing them for the first time. Millions of people around the world watched that mission with fascination. For a moment, borders became blurred. Differences gave way to a shared sense of pride, curiosity and wonder. Space exploration has this unique power. It reminds us that, when we work together, when we rely on knowledge, innovation and collaboration, there is virtually no limit to what we can accomplish. It also reminds us that, even in a world that is undergoing rapid and often complex and uncertain changes, we still have the ability to come together around promising and ambitious projects for the good of humanity. Canada must not be a mere observer on the sidelines of this great adventure. In fact, Canada has always been at the forefront of the great advancements in space. We were one of the first countries to send a satellite into orbit. We developed technologies that are recognized around the world. In 1962, Canada became the third country in the world, after the U.S. and Soviet superpowers, to design and build its own satellite. That is a testament to the historic leadership and ambition that have always driven Canada's space program. Even now, Canadians are still directly involved in the most ambitious missions of our time. These achievements are a reflection of exceptional expertise, a steadfast commitment to innovation and a forward‑looking vision. Above all, they remind us of one essential thing: potential; the potential of Canada, the potential of our businesses, the potential of our researchers and engineers, and the potential of the younger generations who look to these accomplishments and see endless possibilities. Behind every mission, behind every technological breakthrough, there are young people with dreams, young people who choose to pursue careers in science, engineering, aeronautics and space exploration, because they know these fields hold the promise of a bright future. That is why we have a responsibility to create the conditions necessary for this potential to be fully realized here. Today, despite our recognized expertise and our long‑standing contributions, Canada remains the only G7 country without a sovereign space launch capability. As we can see, several other countries have already achieved this. Take the United Kingdom for example, which established its space sector in 2018 and has since developed a $35‑billion industry employing more than 50,000 people. In practical terms, this means that our companies, our institutions, and even our government must rely on other countries to launch their satellites into orbit. This dependence results in costly delays, diverts investment that could be made right here in Canada and exposes our critical infrastructure to decisions beyond our control. Nearly 20% of the Canadian economy relies on satellite connectivity, whether for telecommunications, agriculture, marine navigation, supply chain information, mining projects in remote areas, science, government operations or Canadian defence. This dependence is only going to increase. The global space industry is booming, with projections exceeding $1.5 trillion by 2032. Bill C-28 reflects that reality. This bill enables us to transform our expertise into a genuine driver of economic growth. It represents a concrete opportunity to create wealth, support our businesses and secure Canada's place in the global economy of tomorrow. It aims to provide Canada with the necessary framework to develop a sovereign space launch capability right here, on our own soil. It will also help attract investment, create high-quality jobs and position Canada as a key player in the space economy of the future. By passing this bill, we have an opportunity to take this industry to a whole new level, with the potential to generate up to $40 billion in total revenue in Canada. Behind those numbers lie very real benefits for Canadians. For example, a spaceport project in Nova Scotia could create up to 16,000 jobs and boost the economy of an entire region, while adding $300 million to Canada's GDP. Most importantly, this bill allows us to move from merely recognizing our potential to taking concrete steps to realize it. By developing space launch capabilities in Canada, we are strengthening both our sovereignty and our competitiveness in an industry poised for tremendous growth. Since the new government took office, it has made a number of decisions with this sovereignty in mind, including on economic diversification, investments in our infrastructure and yesterday's announcement regarding the sovereign wealth fund that Canada is setting up. If the past few weeks have taught us anything, it is this: When we look beyond the immediate, when we work together and when we believe in our abilities, we can achieve great things, and Canada is no exception.

Mr. Speaker, with this bill, we are providing certainty and predictability. We want investments to be made here in Canada. These are investments for future generations. During my speech, I talked about the young people who watched Artemis II. I am well aware that some things are expenditures and others are investments. In this case, we are talking about long-term investments. We need to pass this bill now to bring those investments here. This is a sector that is growing rapidly and exponentially. Decisions need to be made now and quickly. That is what Canadians expect from us. They expect us to make decisions and ensure that Canada is ready for the future.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his excellent question. Yes, in the past, we were not quick enough to invest in certain sectors. Our decisions did not come fast enough. Now is the right time to make this kind of decision. The whole world is watching us, and Canada is the only G7 country that is not autonomous. Twenty per cent of Canada's economy relies on satellites, yet we have no autonomous launch capabilities. We have been talking a lot about sovereignty over the past year. People see what is going on with the global uncertainty. This is highly relevant to the government's actions. There are short-, medium- and long-term actions.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his remarks and I would like to ask him a question. I know it takes time to prepare a speech. What I am hearing is a lot of frustration. What I have also been hearing from the start is a lack of long-term vision for our country. During his 10‑minute speech, I heard him say that people are not happy and that we are doing nothing. However, what I have been hearing from people in my riding, which is next to my colleague's, is that they are happy with what the government is doing right now. People have never been this happy to see their government taking action, moving forward and making progress. That is what people want us to do. I am hearing the opposite from my colleague. Today we are talking about Bill C‑28. I would like to know if my colleague is for or against this bill. Is he for or against the fact that we are investing in our future for our younger generations?

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to call attention to the 45th anniversary of La Boussole, a vital organization active in the Beauport—Limoilou riding. For 45 years, La Boussole has provided support to people living with mental health disorders and their loved ones. It offers a wide range of services, including a crisis line available in the Quebec City area 7 days a week to anyone who needs it. All of these services are provided free of charge so that everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, can obtain personalized, accessible and essential support. Every year, the centre supports over 3,000 people of all ages. La Boussole literally helps save lives by listening and by being there. I applaud the outstanding work done by La Boussole and thank its entire team for 45 years of dedication to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to some important news that went largely unnoticed last week. In Quebec, the regulations governing boxing matches have just been strengthened following some investigative journalism into the tragic death of Mexican boxer Jeanette Guadalupe Zacarias Zapata. At the heart of this heightened awareness is the rigorous, impartial and essential work of a coroner. There are 101 coroners in Quebec, men and women who are dedicated to making our lives safer. In this case, the coroner helped not only to bring the truth to light, but also, and more importantly, to better protect the lives of all boxers in Quebec. This individual is a physician by profession who has dedicated his life to caring for patients here and around the world. He has always been driven by a single goal, and that is to preserve human life. Today, I want to acknowledge the work of someone who is often unassuming but whose impact is immense, namely the member for La Prairie—Atateken, who is my colleague and friend.

Mr. Speaker, my colleague is wondering why we are not accepting their plan, yet I could ask him the same question. Why is he not voting in favour of affordability for our families? We need only consider dental care and how important it is in our regions. I see the number of people who registered in my riding. We even organized sign-up sessions. That is something practical. I went into politics to do practical things. Now, we have a real opportunity to do that. Talking and proposing things are all well and good, but when it comes time to vote for practical action, the opposition, unfortunately, is not on board. Does my colleague intend to join us in the future and vote for measures that help people in practical ways?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my constituents in Beauport—Limoilou. Marc Bergeron is a psychoeducator who coordinates the “1, 2, 3 Go! Limoilou” initiative. For the past 20 years, Mr. Bergeron has been driving around Limoilou in his little bus filled with activities, stopping at every park. Above all, he spreads happiness and pure joy. He gets lots of attention everywhere he goes, making people smile, making people laugh and bringing people together. He simply creates beautiful, happy moments for people of all ages. Over the years, his bus has become a true gathering place and a landmark for many families. His dedication reminds us that it is the small, everyday acts that make our neighbourhoods more welcoming and more vibrant. As he prepares to begin his well-deserved retirement, I want to acknowledge his significant contribution to our community. I want to thank Mr. Bergeron.

Mr. Speaker, this year, Autisme Québec is celebrating 50 years of service to people with autism and their families in the greater Quebec City area. In 1976, parents seeking better specialized services for people with autism launched this initiative, which is now recognized as a essential pillar of the community. Autisme Québec is part of the Fédération québécoise de l'autisme. It brings together parents, loved ones and allies who share the same mission, which is to provide better support, information and guidance. The organization works actively to promote and defend the rights of people with autism and their families. For 50 years, Autisme Québec has been helping to build a more inclusive, more respectful and more compassionate society. I want to wish a happy 50th anniversary to Autisme Québec and its members and thank them for their commitment.

Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with my colleague from Kings—Hants. I am speaking today at the third reading of Bill C-13, which aims to implement the United Kingdom's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP. Before I start talking about international trade, I would like to say a few words about my riding, Beauport—Limoilou, because the decisions made here in Ottawa have a very real impact on our community. My riding occupies a strategic position in the Quebec City region and for Canada. It is located at the junction of several major transportation routes that connect the national capital to all of eastern Quebec and then extend to Europe. Every day, goods pass through our region on their way to the north shore, Sept-Îles, Fermont, all the way to Labrador. Trucks take Highway 40, then Route 138 and continue along the St. Lawrence River to supply the industrial and mining regions of eastern Canada. In concrete terms, this means that our region is part of a bustling economic corridor. In Beauport, for example, proximity to these highways means that many service companies have been set up. Beauport is home to hotels, restaurants and transportation and logistics companies that, every week, do business with workers from all over: truck drivers, engineers, entrepreneurs and workers in the mining, forestry and even energy sectors. A truck transporting industrial parts to the mines on the north shore can very easily stop overnight in Beauport. A contractor coming to supervise a work site in Sept‑Îles can go through Quebec City to meet with partners. That is the economic reality in my riding. Limoilou is even more of a hub due to its proximity to the Port of Québec. It is home to companies that deal with handling, warehousing, marine logistics and intermodal transportation. When shipments come in by ship or by train, whether containing minerals, forestry products or even wheat for European markets, they go through this network of companies and workers. These are real jobs for people in my riding. This reality is a reminder of something important: International trade is a necessary step for every nation that wants to prosper, and sometimes for those just trying to survive. Across the country, the economy is built on a network of local businesses, such as small family businesses that often go back generations, and firms in construction, transportation, manufacturing, professional services or processing. Some sell only locally, while many have the potential to sell elsewhere. For example, take Quebec's softwood lumber producers, aluminum companies in the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region, agri-food businesses that export pork, maple syrup or processed foods, and Canadian technology companies that are developing digital and industrial solutions. When these businesses find new markets, they grow, and when they grow, they hire. We are currently in an international environment marked by a great deal of uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions are on the rise, and supply chains are changing, as are global trade rules. This means that Canada must act strategically. Allow me to make a simple comparison that I am particularly fond of and that I used in my last speech. Sometimes, international economic relations are a lot like chess. Chess players never think only about the next move; they think three, four or even five moves ahead. Each move is meant to strengthen their position, and every piece that is played opens up a new opportunity. Most of all, good players avoid relying on a single strategy. They come up with a variety of options instead. For a country like Canada, trade diversification works exactly the same way. We cannot depend on one market. We need to have many partners, many avenues and many possibilities, because in an uncertain world, having options becomes a strategic force. That is exactly what the expansion of the CPTPP represents. Since the agreement came into effect, trade between Canada and its partner countries has grown significantly. Why? It is because free-trade agreements create enough predictability that companies can invest while mitigating their risk. Companies that want to invest large sums of money to retrofit a plant, carry out research and development or ship their merchandise over long distances need the support of banks for their financing. Having been a banker for close to 20 years, I know that the first aspect bankers examine, one of the most important factors they consider before investing, is the viability of a business. The predictability provided by this type of agreement reassures both businesses and banks in terms of investment. These agreements lower tariffs, eliminate a lot of red tape and allow businesses to invest while knowing exactly what the rules are. Here is a real-life example. When a Canadian agri-food producer wants to sell their products in other countries, tariffs can be as high as 20%, 30% or more. Trade agreements can do away with those barriers, instantly making that Canadian business more competitive. That can be the difference between winning and losing a contract. The United Kingdom's accession to the CPTPP strengthens that dynamic. The U.K. is one of the largest economies in the world with some 70 million consumers. It is also a partner that shares many of our economic values: the rule of law, trade transparency and predictable rules. To apply the chess analogy, bringing the U.K. into the agreement strengthens our position on the global chessboard. It expands the economic space in which Canadian businesses can grow, and it opens new doors to our exporters. We have learned an important lesson in the last few years. Depending too heavily on a limited number of markets can make an economy vulnerable. When trade tensions arise, the fallout can be swift. That is why trade diversification is essential. It reduces risk, opens up new markets and creates new opportunities for Canadian businesses. Now, at third reading stage, our responsibility is simple: We have to ask ourselves whether this bill contributes to Canadians' prosperity. The people of Beauport—Limoilou, like people in the rest of the country, are calling on us to act, protect and build. They want stable jobs, competitive businesses and a future filled with opportunities for their children. If our trade agreements allow our businesses to innovate, export and grow right here in Canada, then they are fulfilling their role correctly. However, this openness must always be paired with vigilance. We have to pay careful attention to sector-specific impacts, protect sensitive sectors and actively support and stand by our businesses so they that can take full advantage of these new opportunities. The CPTPP expansion is more than a technical measure. It is a strategic decision to choose openness in an uncertain world, to choose diversification over dependency, and more than anything, to choose to create meaningful benefits for the workers, business people and communities that we represent. Like in chess, what counts is not just the next move; it is the position we are setting up for the years to come. Today, this bill gives us the opportunity to strengthen Canada's position on the global trade chessboard. That is why I urge all members of the House to support Bill C‑13, which seeks to implement the accession of the United Kingdom to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership for a more diverse, resilient and prosperous economy. In the great global economic game that is now under way, Canada is not merely defending its position, it is playing to win.

Mr. Speaker, the CPTPP market is an incredible market for consumers. Between 2018 and 2024, beef alone saw an increase from $338 million to $750 million. This is a market that is evolving and moving quickly. There is potential to diversify markets for all sectors. We are zeroing in on a single sector, but if we consider all Canadian sectors, which is our role here, it is an incredible market. About 70 million additional consumers will be entering the CPTPP. This is good news for Canada and especially for market diversification, which is so important.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his question, which I really appreciate. I am not sure I fully understood the question. I think it contained quite a few elements and was very complex. Today we are talking about Canada and the United Kingdom, two reliable partners. The word “reliable” has come up a lot in recent months and years. It is important for our companies to do business with reliable partners. That makes a big difference. I talked about predictability earlier. That is a huge issue for our businesses these days. Look at wheat. Farmers have to plant it. They have to rotate their crops and plan what they are going to plant or not plant. That is why they need to know what is going to happen and what they will be able to sell six months down the line. By bringing reliable countries like the United Kingdom into agreements like the one we are debating today, we increase predictability for the Canadian market.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, whom I hold in high regard. We are talking about a market that is 99% tariff-free. When we talk about tariffs, people know exactly what we are talking about. The potential is enormous. Take, for example, Japan, one of the member countries. In 2023, we saw 60% growth in this market. In Vietnam, over the same period, growth was 110%. These are growing markets with nearly 600 million consumers in the CPTPP zone. For our Canadian companies, having agreements and adding countries to them helps diversify markets. As a government, we are helping these companies do business over there and guiding them to these markets.

Mr. Speaker, Sunday was International Women's Day, and I would like to talk about a courageous and determined woman of faith, my aunt Rose-Emma Lavoie. She was a nun by profession and she ran a school for young girls in Haiti for over 20 years. In often extremely difficult conditions, she taught them much more than the curriculum. She taught them to believe in themselves, to take their place in life and to hope for a better future. Despite overwhelming obstacles, poverty and challenges, her courage and hope never wavered. Near the end of her life, she came back to Canada. She wanted to tell her story, bear witness to what she had seen and done, and share her hopes for these young women she loved so much. Rose-Emma remains one the greatest women my wife and I have ever known. Today, our daughter Emma-Rose is named after her, and she is very proud of that.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about Bill C‑18 and diversifying Canada's trade. I would like to take a few minutes to talk about the economy of my riding, Beauport—Limoilou. I will start with some examples of businesses in my riding that do business internationally. Maple 3 is located on 5th Street in Limoilou. I had an opportunity to visit the company last year and meet its amazing team. What I saw really helped me understand our riding's economic reality. Maple 3 transforms a homegrown product, maple sap, into a natural beverage that is now sold internationally. The company sells its products in places like Singapore and Hong Kong and is expanding its presence in other Asian markets. Driving those exports is a small team of entrepreneurs and employees busy innovating, developing products and building an international presence from a neighbourhood in Limoilou. On Jérémie Fortin Street in Limoilou, the Primatech lab designs and manufactures specialized tools for hardwood floor installation. The company's trademark Québécois manufacturing know-how is now in foreign markets thanks to its export development activity. Products designed right in my riding are being used by professionals elsewhere in the world. There is also a company in Beauport that is involved in opening up markets. The smokehouse La Fée des grèves processes seafood products and is part of an agri-food chain that gets Quebec products into the hands of consumers outside our domestic market. This translates into local jobs in processing, quality control, packaging and logistics. I would like to give one last example. In Beauport, Groupe Sio helps businesses structure their import-export activities, identify foreign partners and navigate international markets. When we look at all these examples together, it is clear that Beauport—Limoilou's economy is made up of innovative SMEs, specialized manufacturers and processing companies that are succeeding in carving out a place for themselves in international markets. That is the economic reality of Beauport—Limoilou. These companies are rooted in their communities, creating value here while also creating opportunities abroad. I want to continue with a simple but telling image to illustrate my point today. It is an image that I like. International economic relations are often like a big chess game. Each country is a player. Each trade decision is an agreement, a strategic move. Each agreement sets the stage for future positions. In games like this, it is never just about the next move. Players always think in the short, medium and long terms. They protect what they have achieved. They develop alliances. Above all, they prepare for the future. All countries in the world have this framework in mind when they develop a national strategy. In all great strategies, there are decisive moments, moments when a player must decide whether to simply defend what they have achieved or to advance their pieces. That is exactly the position Canada is in today. The global economy is changing. Supply chains are being redrawn. Geopolitical balances are shifting. In this great global economic chess game, Canada is not a spectator. Canada is a player, a player that must think in the short, medium and long terms. That is exactly what Bill C‑18 does. The bill is more than a trade agreement; it is a strategic move. It is a piece that is being moved with intention, a position set up with the future in mind. It forms part of an ambitious trade diversification plan. The plan is clear: to open new markets, to reduce dependence, and to create opportunities for Canadian businesses, including those in the greater Quebec City area. In any game of chess, the short term is about openings, those first moves that set up a position. In the short term, the agreement with Indonesia immediately enhances access to a market of nearly 300 million people, the largest economy in ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and an Indo-Pacific global powerhouse. The elimination of tariffs on more than 95% of Canadian exports will make our products more competitive in one of the world's most dynamic markets. This is a tangible gain. It is an immediate gain. It is a strategic gain. For Quebec and the Quebec City region, this means more exports for our manufacturers, new technology partnerships, and more investments that create quality jobs. A national strategy cannot be limited to the opening moves. In the medium term, a game of chess involves controlling the centre of the board, creating solid positions, and connecting the pieces. That is exactly what this agreement will do. It establishes predictable and stable trade rules. It strengthens the supply chain. It paves the way for lasting partnerships between Canadian and Indonesian companies. For Quebec's key sectors, namely aerospace, clean technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy, this means a real strategic advantage in a growing market. What we are doing today is consolidating a position that will enable our companies to grow tomorrow. Great nations, like great chess players, always think long term. By 2050, Indonesia is expected to become one of the world's five largest economies. For Canada, establishing strong trade relations with this rapidly growing partner now is a strategic move. For too long now, our economy has relied heavily on a major trading partner. Diversifying our trade is about reducing risk, building resilience and positioning Canada for future prosperity. It is about giving our businesses predictability. That is the word business people used the most at the Standing Committee on International Trade. They want predictability. That is why our government is working to double non-U.S. exports over the next decade. This is not some slogan; this is a national strategy, and the agreement with Indonesia is a key component of that strategy. Canada's first bilateral agreement with an ASEAN nation, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, clearly signals our engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. In the global game currently unfolding, some countries are choosing retreat; Canada is choosing to engage. Some are choosing protectionism; Canada is choosing partnership. Some are reacting; Canada is making strategic advances. This bill projects leadership in a world grappling with economic and geopolitical uncertainty. It asserts that Canada will remain a major player in international trade. It affirms that Quebec will continue to export innovation. It signals that our businesses will have access to growing markets. A good chess strategy is based on three principles: anticipate, diversify, build. Anticipate risks, diversify options and build a winning position. That is exactly what Bill C-18 does. It prepares our economy for the realities of the 21st century. It connects Canadian ingenuity with global demand. It creates opportunities for Quebec businesses. It strengthens the prosperity of communities across the country. Canada is playing this game with confidence, clarity and determination. I therefore invite all members of the House to support Bill C-18 for a more diversified, resilient and prosperous economy. In the big global economic game that is being played, Canada is not just defending its position, it is playing to win.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague. I really appreciate his participation at the Standing Committee on International Trade. He is a proud representative of Beauce. We were talking about chess matches and the short, medium and long terms. We do need to look at the short term. As of tomorrow morning, we will have access to a market of almost 300 million people, and 95% of tariffs will be removed. As my colleague just said, U.S. tariffs are hurting our businesses. They are hurting businesses in Beauce. We are talking about almost 97% of goods being tariff-free. We are also looking at the long term because we want to double exports in the next decade. That part of the world is the fourth-largest economy in the world, and it is growing fast. Canada must position itself now. We cannot wait until that part of the world is at its peak. We are doing it now, and that is good for the future.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. I really appreciate it. I will start at the end. To be very clear, Canada has always considered any amount of worker exploitation unacceptable. Canada has always asked that such clauses be included in its agreements. As for businesses in my riding that already do business abroad, I named some earlier, including one that helps businesses import and export abroad. Yes, I talked a lot about Beauport—Limoilou because I am proud of it. However, we can look at the reactions of stakeholders. Cereals Canada, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, the Wheat Growers Association, the Canadian Meat Council and the Canadian Pork Council have all responded positively to this agreement and the forthcoming agreement.

Mr. Speaker, we exported $2.3-billion worth of goods in 2024. We are talking about a country with the fourth largest population in the world. As I said earlier, this country is ascendant. Now is the time to position ourselves, because we can exponentially increase that $2.3 billion. We are working on positioning ourselves. We have seen the investments that are going to be made in our infrastructure. Wheat is exported to Europe from my riding of Beauport—Limoilou. We need to invest in infrastructure today if we want to double exports within 10 years, so this is excellent news for the Canadian economy.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his speech. I greatly admire him and he knows it. I have an observation to make. Some people might associate the words “unreliable”, “troublesome” or “lack of infrastructure” with EVs today. However, that is actually how the gas-powered car was described in the early 20th century. It was said to be unreliable. It was said that there was no infrastructure and that it would never replace horses. Still, people believed in it, and look where that led us. EVs are now at the same stage of development. They need infrastructure and investment to succeed to the same extent that the gas-powered car did. I want to know whether my colleague is looking to the future or to the past.

Mr. Speaker, Pierrette Roy, an artist who made a significant contribution to Quebec's musical heritage, passed away on January 24. Ms. Roy is known for being the voice behind Carnaval, Mardi gras, Carnaval, the iconic theme song for a cherished symbol of our culture, the Quebec Winter Carnival. She also made history as the first artist in Quebec to record a Beatles song in French, which showed how much influence she had on the francophone entertainment scene. Through her talent, her commitment and her contribution to promoting Quebec and francophone popular culture, Pierrette Roy has left an lasting mark that will continue to resonate far beyond her generation. On behalf of the House, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Pierrette Roy's family, her loved ones and all those who have been moved by her music.

Mr. Speaker, I have read Bill C-15 and I am familiar with it. The idea is not to eliminate laws or regulations, but to speed up projects. Think about the major maritime corridors and how long it took to build them. Today, we are talking about a project that the government wants to build in four years instead of eight. Just look at the Quebec City tramway. In 2007, it was valued at $750 million. Now it is $13 billion. That is 18 times the original cost, and taxpayers are footing the bill. Between 2018 and 2026 alone, the cost quadrupled. What we want is to reduce costs. We are talking about an eight-year timeline that we would like to shorten to four years, while respecting the provinces and their regulations.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from the riding next to mine. I am a bit disappointed to know that he just learned that the cost is going to be $13 billion, because it made headlines. As we know, the tramway is sacred in Quebec City. It is going to cost $13 billion, but the longer we wait, the more expensive it will be. We are here today to debate a motion on the high-speed rail line. Having a fast, reliable and effective project is important to our future. The people of Quebec City want to be connected to places like Montreal and Toronto. Business people will be able to do business in Montreal and Toronto more easily and bring investments to Quebec City, which will benefit my riding and my colleague's riding. That is what is important today, along with making sure that there are no cost overruns and that the price tag is reasonable for the public.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. I make this trip every week. As members may know, it takes four and a half hours by car during the summer. In the winter, it takes six and a half hours. Right now, on the train, we know what time we leave, but we never know what time we will arrive. The high-speed rail line will represent a major change for Canadians. This also applies to me and my family, because I have to leave early because of the long drive and come back late, again because of the long drive. I have grandchildren. I said in my speech that this is important for grandparents. I know, I am a grandparent myself, and I see how important it is. In terms of public input, public consultations are announced on Alto's site, where Canadians can also provide their feedback. I would encourage Canadians to visit that site and share their opinions. That is important. We want to hear from Canadians.