Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, this week is Gender Equality Week. It is an opportunity to celebrate how far we have come and to acknowledge how far we still have to go. The full and equal participation of women is essential to building a strong Canada for all and to reaching our goal of becoming the strongest economy in the G7. Can the parliamentary secretary tell the House how our government intends to advance gender equality in Canada?

Mr. Speaker, this summer, I travelled across Terrebonne to meet with the people who are the backbone of our community. I visited businesses, discussed their issues and learned about their teams' area of expertise. I also attended a number of local events and met with organizations whose work is making a real difference in people's lives. I dedicated a large part of my travels to the Canada summer jobs program. In Terrebonne, 477 young people were able to get a job this summer. I met young people working in various fields like history, day camps, employability, youth services, education and even animal therapy. I want to congratulate them for their energy and commitment. I also want to thank everyone who opened their doors to me this summer and who are contributing to making Terrebonne a growing and vibrant city every day.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by saying that I will be sharing my time with the member for Bourassa. The global economy is going through a period of considerable uncertainty. New unwarranted tariffs imposed by the United States are creating uncertainty for Canadian workers, families and businesses. At the same time, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe continue to put pressure on global markets and drive up prices. Although we have no control over decisions made elsewhere in the world, we can control how we respond to them. As Canadians continue to face economic uncertainty and a rising cost of living, affordability remains a priority for families and businesses across the country. That is why our government continues to take action. I am therefore pleased to rise today to speak to Bill C-38, the Canadian fuel affordability act, which seeks to extend federal fuel excise tax relief with respect to gasoline, diesel fuel and aviation fuel. Earlier this year, the Government of Canada temporarily suspended this tax to help Canadians cope with the rising cost of living and fuel prices. The day the pause took effect, gas prices dropped 11¢ a litre, proving that the savings were quickly passed on to consumers. This measure actually benefits all Canadians, even those who do not drive. When global energy prices go up, the consequences go far beyond the cost of a tank of gas. Transportation costs go up, delivery costs go up, operating costs go up and, ultimately, consumers end up paying more for the goods and services they need every day. In light of this reality, our government decided to take action. The result is savings for millions of Canadians who drive to work, drive their kids to sports or otherwise have to get around on a daily basis. Another benefit is reducing transportation and operating costs for Canadian businesses. Extending this measure in the current context is a no-brainer. That is why we believe it is important to maintain that support. Bill C-38 therefore proposes to extend the suspension of the federal excise tax on fuel until January 31, 2027. Then, in the months of February and March, rates will be restored to only half of their usual level before a full return to the regular rate on April 1, 2027. Thanks to Bill C-38, Canadians will continue to benefit until January 31, 2027, from tax relief of up to 10¢ a litre on gas and four cents a litre on diesel. During February and March, the relief will continue at a rate of five cents a litre on gas and two cents a litre on diesel. This is a balanced, gradual and responsible approach. It provides greater predictability for families and businesses, while facilitating a gradual return to the usual rates. This bill is about affordability. Across the country, families are trying to make every dollar count. They have to pay their mortgage or rent, buy groceries, and cover the cost of daily commuting. In many parts of Canada, a car remains a necessity. For many Canadians, especially in rural areas and even in regions surrounding major urban centres, a car is not a luxury. It is a necessity. It is an essential tool for getting to work, accessing services and participating in the economy. Bill C-38 recognizes this reality and aims to provide additional relief to households that continue to feel the effects of the rising cost of living. However, as I explained earlier, its importance extends far beyond motorists. Think of the truck drivers who transport goods from one end of the country to the other. Think of the farmers who supply Canadians with food. Think of the entrepreneurs in the construction industry. Think of the school buses that take our children to school. When fuel costs rise, it has a ripple effect throughout the economy. It has an impact on the cost of food, building materials and consumer goods. Bill C-38 helps alleviate these pressures and supports the sectors that drive the Canadian economy. The government estimates that this extension will deliver approximately $2.9 billion in additional tax relief to Canadians, bringing the total relief to approximately $5.3 billion in the 2026-27 fiscal year. That is a significant investment, an investment in families, workers, Canadian businesses and the resilience of our economy. In a global climate of uncertainty, Canadians expect their government to act, they expect us to take concrete action to cut costs where it is warranted and they expect us to support the workers, families and businesses that drive our economy. That is exactly what Bill C‑38 does. It offers genuine relief for families, supports workers, supports businesses and helps make life more affordable in what remains a challenging situation. I know that this extension will give families in Terrebonne a bit of breathing room. For all these reasons, I encourage all members of the House to support Bill C‑38 and vote in favour of it.

Mr. Speaker, this kind of measure will help families, especially in Terrebonne. The riding I represent is outside the urban core, but it has ties to major centres. There is a lot of room for improvement in public transit, which is why every household has at least one car. Bringing gas prices down for those struggling with the cost of living will help a lot of families in my riding. That is relief they need right now.

Mr. Speaker, in practical terms, this is about reducing costs not only for households, but also for businesses. There are seven industrial parks in my riding, Terrebonne. Businesses move their goods in and out every day. I recently read an article about school buses, which are struggling because of the price of diesel. The point is that this measure to bring costs down will help all sectors of the economy.

Mr. Speaker, we have indeed done a great deal to address the cost of living. We cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. We invested in the national school food program and made it permanent, which is very important. In concrete terms, our approach is providing Canadians with stability. A gradual return to a normal rate also helps Canadians plan their spending during difficult times. Stability is what they need right now.

Mr. Speaker, Terrebonne, the most beautiful riding in Lanaudière, is full of organizations that carry out vital work for our community. I have had the privilege of marking several milestone anniversaries: the 10th anniversary of the Orchestre classique de Terrebonne, which enriches our cultural life; the 15th anniversary of the visual arts symposium of the Association des artistes en arts visuels de Terrebonne, which showcases our local talent; the 25th anniversary of Éducazoo, which delights and educates young and old alike; the 40th anniversary of A.B.C. des Manoirs, which makes education and literacy accessible and promotes personal empowerment; and the 40th anniversary of Habitat Lanaudière, a pillar of mental health for families in my riding. These organizations are the pride of Terrebonne. I wish them a happy anniversary, and I thank them for their exceptional commitment to Terrebonne and the entire Les Moulins region.

Mr. Speaker, Bill C-9 is coming back from the Senate today, and I want to take as much time as necessary to talk about what it really means for Black communities in Canada. I will focus more on the fine detail than on the broad strokes because this bill contains two elements that deserve to be understood for what they really are. The first element is a provision that has been central to the bill from the time it was introduced: a stand-alone hate crime offence. The second element is an amendment from the Senate: the explicit inclusion of the noose as a symbol used to promote hatred. These two elements do not do the same thing, but they reinforce each other. Together, they offer a serious and concrete response to anti-Black hatred in Canada. I want to start with the noose because it is the symbol that crystallizes something important about what this bill seeks to do. This symbol has a history—a long and specific history—that Canadians are less familiar with than they might think. For centuries in the United States, hanging was used as an instrument of mass terror against Black communities. There were thousands of documented lynchings between the end of the Civil War and the middle of the 20th century. These acts were not committed in secret; they were public. They were sometimes announced in advance. Entire families travelled to watch them. Photos were taken and sold as souvenirs. This was not run-of-the-mill violence. It was staged violence whose specific purpose was to send a message to all members of a community that they were not protected, that they had no recourse and that their lives did not matter. The noose, on its own, became the bearer of that message. No words were needed. It was enough. It was enough to instill terror. It was enough to remind people of what had been done to people like them and what could still be done. It was enough to make them believe they had no place in society. Unfortunately, this story did not stop at the border. It crossed over. It lives on in the memories of many Black families in Canada. Many of them come from communities that experienced this terror first-hand or inherited it over generations. The symbol continues to circulate. Nooses are left at workplaces. They are left in factory locker rooms, on construction sites and in police stations. They are found on doors, on desks and on social media. Black Canadians are showing up to work in the morning, doing their job and trying to live normal lives, but then they see one. When that happens, there can be no confusion about the message. It is not a blunder. It is not a joke in poor taste. It is a deliberate statement to tell them that they are not safe there. For too long, our criminal law did not have a clear response to this specific act. There was ambiguity. Could it fall under existing provisions? It might, depending on the context and the facts. Black communities do not have the luxury of navigating ambiguity. They are living with the real consequences of this symbol, and they deserve better than maybes. The Senate amendment fixes that. By explicitly naming the noose, the law states that this symbol, which is used to promote hate or to intimidate, is a clear violation of Canadian law, unambiguously and without room for doubt. For Black communities in Canada, this matters. The law does not erase history, but it does bear witness. When the law remains silent on something so specific, so loaded, that silence speaks for itself. It says it is not serious enough to call it by name. Our government refuses to send that message. Confronting anti-Black hate starts with naming it. It starts with recognizing the specific symbols it uses, including the oldest ones, the most documented ones, the ones most unequivocal in meaning. The noose is not the only symbol of anti-Black hate. The second aspect of this bill that I want to address is the stand-alone hate crime offence. It is the foundation of Bill C-9 and its importance is far from merely symbolic. Today, under the existing system, hate is considered an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes. Someone is convicted of assault, mischief or threats. Then, at sentencing, the court considers the fact that hate played a role and adjusts the sentence accordingly. Hate is recognized, but recognized late, like a footnote, like one item among many in a list of circumstances. That is out of line with what victims of hate crime go through. When someone is attacked because of who they are, because of the colour of their skin, their religion or their identity, that crime does not just target one individual. It targets an entire community. It sends a message to everyone who shares that identity and tells them that they are not safe there. The collective dimension of the crime, the intent to intimidate others besides the immediate victim, is exactly what distinguishes a hate crime from an ordinary crime. Our laws must reflect this from the get-go. It must not be just an afterthought. That is what the stand-alone offence does. It makes hatred the focus of the charge. It tells victims that we see what this was really about. We see the hate for what it is, not an afterthought but the very essence of what happened. This is particularly meaningful for Black communities. Anti-Black hatred takes many forms, including threats, physical violence and repeated acts of intimidation that are exhausting and take their toll. When taken individually, these actions may seem difficult to pin down legally, but they fit into a pattern that is easy to recognize for those who experience them. The stand-alone offence gives prosecutors, police and judges the tools they need to address the whole scope of this situation. It sends a message. The clarity of the legislation sends a message. When hate crimes are identified and prosecuted as a separate category of crime with distinct consequences, that speaks volumes about what we, as a society, refuse to tolerate. These two provisions are not going to solve racism. They are not going to erase centuries of history. No one here is claiming that, but they are doing what the law can and must do. They name, they acknowledge and they protect all Canadians. Black Canadians deserve to know that their government sees their reality, not in speeches, but in legislation, in practical tools available to the people responsible for protecting them, and in the proposed Bill C-9. That is why I urge all of my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, the systemic nature of racism is harder to demonstrate, because sometimes it is so deeply ingrained in what we have been doing for hundreds of years now. However, we can work on it. What is really great about this bill is that we are able to call out a source of frustration that continues to intimidate all Black communities. If we look at the Black members of the House, none of us are immune to this kind of thing, no matter where we are. I think what Canadians see in us and in this bill is a way to call things out and protect all Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, last May, I had the honour of marking the 10th anniversary of Jazz Teasdale. The residence organized a celebration under the leadership of Geneviève Wellens, executive director, and Malinda Campo, recreation coordinator, which took place in a festive atmosphere, enlivened and energized by jazz music. This event was an opportunity to see just how much Jazz Teasdale contributes to providing a humane, warm and respectful living environment for all those who built Quebec and helped build Canada—a legacy for which I am deeply grateful. Thanks to the attentive and deeply compassionate care they receive, residents can continue to enrich their daily lives and enjoy genuine quality of life. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire team that has made the Jazz Teasdale residence a wonderful place to live.

Mr. Speaker, we know that a strong and autonomous steel and aluminum industry is key to Canada's security and prosperity. However, our metal processing businesses in Quebec are facing unjustified tariffs imposed by our neighbours to the south. Our government recently announced $1.5 billion in regional tariff relief, which will help support manufacturers of metal products and invest in Canadian workers. Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry tell the House how our government is supporting manufacturers?

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise for the first time since the recent election to represent my constituents and to speak on their behalf. I would like to begin by saying that I will be sharing my time with the member for Taiaiako'n—Parkdale—High Park I am pleased to rise today to speak in support of a broadcasting system that continues to invest in Canadian workers, Canadian creativity and in Canada's economic growth. Despite the rhetoric we have heard, this debate is not really on a so-called online streaming tax. This is about whether global streaming giants that generate substantial revenue from our Canadian audiences should make a fair and reasonable contribution to the Canadian broadcasting and production ecosystem from which they benefit. This principle is neither radical nor new. For decades, companies participating in the Canadian broadcasting system have contributed financially to the creation and presentation of the Canadian programming on which they depend. These contributions have helped build one of the most respected production sectors in the world. Today, Canada is internationally recognized as a major centre for film, television, animation and documentary production, as well as digital and interactive media. Talented Canadians work on productions that are being watched all over the world. Our studios are full, we have world-class crews and our creators are winning international awards. This success did not happen by chance. It happened because successive governments and regulatory bodies understood that Canadian stories and Canadian production capacity matter just as much economically as they do culturally. The motion before the House fails to take this reality into account. It frames contributions to Canadian programming as though they were merely a burden or a penalty, but these contributions are investments in jobs, infrastructure, intellectual property, skills development and economic activity across the country. Furthermore, spending on Canadian programming is not a punishment. We are not asking companies to throw money down a bottomless pit. We are asking them to invest in some of the best programs in the world. We are asking them to continue making The Glass House, Shoresy, Heated Rivalry and North of North. They cannot claim that Canadian-produced programs are not worthy of their services. The film production sector supports hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Canada. These are not abstract jobs. These are good-paying, highly skilled jobs, filled by Canadians in every region of our country. They include camera operators, lighting specialists, sound engineers, visual effects artists, editors, costumers, set carpenters, studio managers, caterers, truck drivers, musicians, actors, writers, producers, translators, production specialists, and the list goes on. The economic impact extends far beyond the film set itself. When productions are shot in a community, people rent hotel rooms, eat at local restaurants, use transportation companies, rent facilities, hire local workers and generate interest in tourism and regional economic development. Entire local economies benefit from a strong production sector. In cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, the production industry has become a major economic driver, but production has also created opportunities in small rural communities across the country, including in the Atlantic provinces, the Prairies, northern Canada and indigenous communities. That is why the framework established under the Online Streaming Act is important. The world has changed dramatically since the first Broadcasting Act was drafted. Traditional broadcasters continue to contribute to Canadian content obligations while facing growing competition from major foreign content streaming services that now dominate audience share and subscription revenue. The problem the legislation set out to solve was simple: The regulatory system had not kept pace with technological change. Canadians are consuming more and more programs online rather than on legacy broadcasting platforms, but the contribution framework traditionally applied primarily to Canadian broadcasters. That imbalance was unsustainable. If Canadian broadcasters are required to contribute to Canadian programming while foreign streaming platforms generating significant Canadian revenue are exempt, the financial foundation supporting Canadian production will begin to erode. However, contributions to the broadcasting system are not new and they are not unique to Canada. Many countries around the world require streaming services to contribute to national production ecosystems. Governments across Europe have adopted similar frameworks to ensure the viability of local production sectors in the digital age. Despite these obligations, global streaming companies continue to heavily invest in these markets. Why? Companies invest where there is talent, stability, infrastructure and opportunities. Canada offers all those things. We have world-class teams. We have creative talent that is respected around the world. We have competitive production environments. We have advanced visual effects and post-production sectors. We have good schools that train qualified workers. Above all, we have a long-established production ecosystem built through decades of public and private investment. Ironically, many of the people who are now criticizing the contribution requirements celebrate the economic success of Canada's film and television industry without recognizing the policies that helped create it. We cannot separate the success of Canada's production industry from the public policy framework that supported its growth. What we do know, however, is that there is a real economic cost to not maintaining Canada's production capacity. When domestic production weakens, jobs disappear. Creative workers leave the industry or even the country. Investment in infrastructure slows down. Independent production companies burn out and Canada becomes increasingly dependent on foreign-produced content without maintaining its own creative industrial base. That is not a recipe for long-term economic resilience. This motion also raises concerns about trade relations with the United States as we approach the CUSMA review. Canada has always defended the principle that cultural policy holds a unique place in public policy. Successive governments from all political stripes have defended Canada's ability to promote Canadian voices, Canadian creators and Canadian cultural industries. There are good reasons for that. Canada shares a border with the world's largest cultural exporter. Without supports for domestic creation and discoverability, Canadian voices can easily be drowned out in an increasingly concentrated global market. Again, it is not just a cultural issue but also an economic one. Countries that invest in domestic production develop exportable industries. Canadian productions are making their mark on the world stage. Canadian creators are developing intellectual property that can be marketed worldwide. Canadian studios are attracting foreign investment. Canadian crews are gaining competitive expertise across the country, and Canada is consolidating its position in the rapidly growing audiovisual economy. Weakening our production ecosystem would not make Canada economically stronger. Rather, it would make us more economically dependent. I believe that Canadians understand what fairness means. They understand that when companies benefit from access to Canadian audiences, talent, infrastructure and markets, it is reasonable to expect them to contribute to the sustainability of the system they benefit from. They also understand that Canada's production industry is not just a fringe cultural undertaking disconnected from the economy. It is a major economic sector. It creates jobs, supports small businesses, boosts tourism, generates exports, develops a highly skilled workforce, strengthens regional economies and helps maintain Canada's competitiveness in one of the fastest-growing global sectors at a time when countries around the world are in an intense competition to attract production investment and creative talent. Now is not the time to weaken the foundations of our domestic industry. This means ensuring that the economic benefits generated by this broadcasting system continue to support Canadian jobs for Canadian production and Canadian stories. For these reasons, I urge all members of the House to reject this motion.

Mr. Speaker, that is a good question. My colleagues can rest assured that they have in me a strong advocate for Canadian culture, Quebec culture, and above all, French-language culture. All of this will be promoted through the CRTC's work. In my view, the motion before us seems unreasonable because we must continue to support Canadian production. I think my colleague will agree with me when I say that, as a Quebecker, I believe we must above all support all French-language productions that are exported, because French is not only a magnificent language for us, but also one that deserves to be exported around the world. This will happen thanks to the investments currently being made in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, Terrebonne is fortunate to have a very lively cultural sector. We have La nouvelle société, which is amazing at promoting content that is not only independent and made by young artists, but also unique to Quebec. I remember last year, when Terrebonne was treated to a fantastic stage adaptation of Les Boys. That is the kind of content we want to see. Les Boys is from a previous generation, but we want to see the new generation fall in love with purely Quebec and purely Canadian content. Those are the kinds of things we will be able to do.

Mr. Speaker, last week, the Prime Minister officially broke ground on Nouveau Monde Graphite's Matawinie mine in Saint-Michel-des-Saints, in the Lanaudière region of Quebec, just six months after the project was submitted to the Major Projects Office. Once completed, this mine will be the largest graphite mine in North America and the G7. Can the Minister of Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant inform the House as to how this project will strengthen our critical minerals supply chain and support our efforts to build a stronger, more independent and more resilient Canadian economy?

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to take the floor again today to ask an important question on behalf of the citizens of Terrebonne, whom I have the honour of representing. Quebec businesses are facing a situation that is far from normal. The trade environment has changed, and we must support our businesses while creating new opportunities. Can the industry minister inform the House of the measures the government is taking to protect workers and create jobs in Quebec?

Mr. Speaker, early Wednesday morning, the Outaouais community of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg was struck by a heartbreaking tragedy. The lives of two children, a 10-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy, were taken in a truly horrifying incident. These were two innocent people, rays of hope in their community, who wanted nothing more than to live. This tragedy gives us pause. This ordeal has deeply shaken the indigenous community of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and all of Canada. I offer my deepest condolences to the families affected and to all members of the community who are experiencing unspeakable pain at this time. We stand with them. They are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, February is Black History Month. It is an opportunity to pay tribute to Black Canadians who have helped build our country and shape our future. This year marks the 30th anniversary of its official recognition, and the theme is honouring Black brilliance across generations, from nation builders to tomorrow's visionaries. Can the minister explain to the House why it is important to celebrate Black History Month each year and how the government promotes it across the country?

Mr. Speaker, Black History Month is celebrating 30 years of recognition in Canada. For 30 years, we have been sharing, remembering and honouring the stories that had been sidelined for far too long. This year's theme is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations—From Nation Builders to Tomorrow's Visionaries”. As part of this theme, we are acknowledging those who helped build Canada. The workers who built strong communities, the leaders who stood up for justice, and the artists, educators, entrepreneurs and innovators who paved the way. We are reminded of the Black communities in Nova Scotia, whose courage paved the way for freedom, respect and dignity in Canada. We are also reminded of the members of the Haitian community, who fled from a dictatorship in the 1970s and settled in Quebec, caring for, training and educating generations of Quebeckers and Canadians. They also paved the way. This Black History Month, let us honour these builders and visionaries, whose legacy I have inherited.

Mr. Speaker, housing and infrastructure needs are particularly pressing in Quebec. Our government has taken action by implementing targeted investments to increase the supply of affordable housing and support municipalities in carrying out local essential infrastructure projects. Can the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure tell the House what practical measures have been put in place in Quebec and how they make housing more affordable and improve the quality of infrastructure for Quebec communities?

Mr. Speaker, the Coupe du monde de la viennoiserie is an international competition celebrating artisan bakers' excellence and know-how. At the 2025 world cup held in France in November, a Terrebonne resident performed remarkably well. Damien Agliata, a baker at La Shop à pain in Terrebonne, placed third in the world and won the best brioche award. He represented Canada proudly among the 14 competing countries. Accompanying Mr. Agliata at the prestigious competition were Guillaume Roy, owner of La Shop à pain and three advisors: his father, Laurent Agliata, of La Shop à pain; Philippe Bretignière, a baking instructor; and Roch Desjardins, a pastry instructor and team lead. I would like to congratulate Mr. Agliata for his award, his talent and his passion, which put Terrebonne on the international pastry map. I would also like to salute the leadership of La Shop à pain owner and baker Guillaume Roy.

Mr. Speaker, I want to express my gratitude to Corine Beltrami, president of Événements citoyens, who put her heart into organizing the seventh edition of the event Terrebonne en portrait. This magical and deeply compassionate event focuses on families that are struggling with various challenges. Through the hard work of more than 71 volunteers, countless photographers and costumed characters, a makeup artist and designer, and, of course, the Star Fairy, Santa Claus and his elf, 61 families had an amazing experience and left with portraits imbued with magic and community. I want to congratulate Ms. Beltrami and her dedicated team on the tremendous success of this seventh edition of the event Terrebonne en portrait. Their generosity and creativity shine a light on the community and remind us of the power of sharing.

Madam Speaker, before I begin, I want to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin nation. We have debated Bill C-241 on the national strategy for flood and drought prevention. I think it is essential to speak to the House about the fact that this bill deals with an issue that directly affects the safety, well-being and resilience of our communities. Extreme weather events are now part of everyday life in many regions. Every year, municipalities across the country see their infrastructure weakened, their roads submerged, their soil dried out and their homes flooded. I am thinking of my own riding of Terrebonne, where I have seen first-hand the very real effects of heavy rains. Sudden rainfall events, unexpected flooding, and erosion risks are not simply meteorological phenomena. They are part of our daily lives. When the Mascouche River or the Mille Îles River threaten to overflow, it is about more than just hydrological data. These are families who fear losing their homes, business owners who risk losing everything, and infrastructure that is being put to the test. That is precisely why Bill C-241 is essential. It proposes establishing a national strategy for flood and drought forecasting based on coordination and transparency. If this strategy is to be truly effective, we need high-quality, consistent data. Today, each province, territory and indigenous government collects its own hydrological information using different instruments, observation networks that vary from region to region, and analytical methods that are not always compatible. These differences create silos that limit our collective ability to effectively anticipate floods and droughts. To move forward together, we need to narrow these gaps and strengthen interoperability. Bill C-241 does not seek to centralize or remove these powers, but rather to bring together this knowledge and these tools around a shared objective, namely, to strengthen our capacity to anticipate and prevent hydrological disasters. Experts from across Canada, including UQAM, the University of Saskatchewan and across Quebec, are telling us how important good data coordination is. In this context, data sovereignty is essential if we are to have full control over our forecasting capabilities. Today, our country still relies on data provided by foreign agencies, such as NASA in the United States. While useful, this data has sometimes proven to be inaccurate or ill-suited to Canada's unique realities. Bill C-241 aims precisely to correct that dependence by strengthening our autonomy and ensuring that our decisions are based on data produced here for our own needs. It proposes a co-operative model where information collected by different jurisdictions can be interconnected and analyzed jointly. That will allow us to offer all municipalities, from coast to coast to coast, the means to respond faster, to plan smarter and to protect their residents. The costs of doing nothing are already immense. In 2024 alone, insured losses related to climate events in Canada reached $8.5 billion. Tropical storm Debby caused $2.7 billion in insured damages in Quebec, and thousands of residents had to be temporarily relocated. Bill C-241 provides a national framework for planning infrastructure, improving access to data, coordinating responses and, ultimately, saving lives. We need to choose prevention over reaction, coordination over isolation and resilience over vulnerability because so much more than property damage is at stake. At stake are people with faces, names and addresses, members of our communities. I invite my colleagues to support this bill so that we can work together on building a Canada that is better prepared to meet climate challenges.

Madam Speaker, NATO has long been a cornerstone of the rules-based international order that has ensured peace and stability since the Second World War. Our allies and partners will be meeting in Brussels next week to discuss the conflicts and challenges facing our alliance. Can the Minister of Foreign Affairs share with the House how she intends to represent Canada and work with our allies to advance our interests in the lead-up to this important meeting?

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is Economic Abuse Awareness Day, a Canadian initiative that is now observed worldwide. Economic abuse, such as restricting access to money, sabotaging employment or forcing debt, is a common form of gender-based violence. It robs people of their independence and limits their ability to build secure and fulfilling lives. I am proud to have voted for a budget that introduces measures to combat economic abuse. Could the Minister of Finance remind those who voted against the budget what they opposed?

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to take part in the debate on Bill C‑15, the 2025 budget implementation bill, and to highlight the significant investments in this budget that will help build Canada strong. As we know, advanced economies are feeling global economic challenges. Canada is no different. With the historic rise in tariffs posing significant challenges to the Canadian economy, Canadians are feeling the impact in their daily lives. To rise to the challenges of our time and seize new opportunities, we must make historic investments that protect and transform our industries, strengthen our economy and empower Canadians. Our generational investments in housing, infrastructure, defence, productivity and competitiveness will enable us to rise to the challenges. Canada's new government is building a single Canadian economy, powered by major projects of national interest that will connect our regions, diversify our markets and create hundreds of thousands of well-paying jobs ranging from skilled trades to cutting-edge technologies. We are investing by building homes for Canadians; we are investing $25 billion in building affordable housing at scale. Through the Build Canada Homes tax measures, incentives and programs, we are building the foundation of Canada's most ambitious housing plan in a generation. These investments are not only for building houses. Budget 2025 proposes a plan to invest $115 billion to build 21st-century infrastructure. Projects would be focused on trade and transport, along with supporting indigenous and municipal projects, all of which are key drivers of economic growth and support high-paying careers. To create the right conditions for businesses to invest and drive real, sustainable growth, budget 2025 outlines an ambitious plan to invest $110 billion to supercharge growth by increasing productivity and competitiveness through such areas as innovation support programs, investments in AI, and major tax credits and incentives. With Bill C‑5, our government is moving forward with projects that will build Canada and increase confidence in our security and resilience. Bill C-15's measures will build a Canada for today and for generations to come. That is how we will build Canada strong. Climate change is real. Fighting climate change is not only our economic duty, it is our moral duty. That is why budget 2025 lays out Canada's new climate competitiveness strategy. Budget 2025 includes clean economy investment tax credits that will attract investments and help drive Canada's economy toward net zero by 2050. The clean electricity investment tax credit reimburses up to 15% of the capital cost of eligible investments in equipment related to low-emission electricity generation, electricity storage, and electricity transmission between provinces and territories. Eligibility for this tax credit would be limited to taxable Canadian corporations and certain non-taxable corporations, such as provincial and territorial Crown corporations, corporations owned by municipalities or indigenous communities, and pension investment corporations. In addition to the implementation of the clean electricity investment tax credit, Bill C-15 proposes enhancements to the existing suite of ITCs to ensure that they remain competitive and effective in attracting projects and high-paying careers to Canada. These include the carbon capture, utilization and storage investment tax credit, which would maintain full credit rates for an additional five years up to 2035. The clean technology manufacturing investment tax credit would be broadened to include more critical minerals essential for clean-technology supply chains. As well, the critical mineral exploration tax credit would be expanded to cover 12 more critical minerals necessary for defence, semiconductors, energy and clean technologies. This generational budget is designed to bring about generational change. Generational challenges would include shifting trade relationships and supply chains, climate change and housing. Canada, like many countries, is facing a steep housing supply gap, one that threatens affordability, opportunity and the ability for Canadians to build a life and a future here at home. Canada is facing a steep housing supply gap, one that threatens affordability, opportunity and the ability for Canadians to build a life and a future here at home. Canadians demand immediate action, and we are delivering with the urgency that the moment requires, with bold actions to unlock supply and bring affordability back within reach. From eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers on homes under $1 million to launching Build Canada Homes, a new federal agency that will drive investment and public-private co-operation, we will build faster and smarter. With the passing of Bill C-15, Build Canada Homes would be supported by an investment of $13 billion to help double the number of affordable homes built over the next decade. That is not all we plan to build. Budget 2025 is about generational investment in our infrastructure and our future. That is why proposed legislative changes are included in Bill C-15 that would accelerate the development of the Alto high-speed rail project, a project that could create 51,000 jobs during construction and inject up to $35 billion into our GDP, with a target of 25 million tonnes in emissions savings. These amendments would enact a new act that would streamline approvals for the high-speed rail project, remove regulatory burden and eliminate duplication of effort, in order to reduce the cost and timeline to build the project. This measure would go beyond what is possible under the Building Canada Act by allowing the project to be advanced as separate segments under the Impact Assessment Act and by adding flexibilities to the expropriation process and reservation or priority sale of lands to reduce acquisition costs. Budget 2025 makes generational investments while maintaining Canada's strong fiscal advantage. This foundation allows us to invest ambitiously and responsibly and make the Canadian economy the strongest in the G7. We cannot control what other nations do, but we can control what we build. That is why Canada is transforming its economy from dependence to resilience. Now is the time to make generational investments. That is why I wish to encourage all members of the House to join me in supporting the passage of this crucial piece of legislation, which would help ensure that our workers and businesses will prosper by building Canada's strength at home and our economy for Canadians and by Canadians.

Madam Speaker, yes, we still have work ahead in the fight against climate change. However, this budget provides funds for the youth climate corps. We are also working on Canada's new climate competitiveness strategy. Our efforts to ensure that our environmental initiatives move forward also continue. We are going to work in collaboration with all of our colleagues in the House to make things better, because there is always room for improvement.

Madam Speaker, the major projects office will enable us to get several, very useful projects off the ground that will create good jobs in Quebec. I am thinking in particular of mines and the high-speed rail project, which will enable many people to travel across the country. This will allow Quebeckers to discover the country. It will create jobs and help us reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. That is just part of what this budget does for Quebeckers. There is even more.

Mr. Speaker, on November 18, 1803, during the Battle of Vertières, a people rose up, overthrew colonial rule, and affirmed racial and gender equality. On that day, Haiti wrote an important page in the universal history of freedom and human dignity. Fast forward to November 18, 2025, the Grenadiers, Haiti's national soccer team, qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which is being held here in Canada. This hard-working, proud, and resilient people have given us another victory, another reason to celebrate. Haiti's qualification paves the way for remarkable moments, not only for sport, but also for memory, hope, and the entire Haitian diaspora. Sincere congratulations to Monique André of the Haitian Football Federation, as well as to the entire Grenadiers team, both coaches and players, for this invaluable gift to the Haitian people. Toup pou yo.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a life-changing program for our children: the national school food program. Every day, this program provides healthy, free, nutritious meals to more than 711,000 children in 2,232 schools across the country. This is not just a social program. It is a real investment in academic success, health and equal opportunities. It is an investment in the future of our young people, because when young people eat well, they do better. I am proud of this program, which reflects our values of justice, dignity and inclusion. It helps build a society where every child can learn on a full stomach. I would like to commend the exceptional work of the schools, community organizations and volunteers who make this program possible, such as the Breakfast Club and La Tablée des chefs, which operate in Quebec. Through their commitment, we can collectively say that eating well at school is a right, not a privilege.

Mr. Speaker, we have industries, innovators and workers ready to deliver the advanced technologies that our armed forces and allies need, from aerospace to cyber systems. Can the Minister of Government Transformation explain to the House how buying Canadian will ensure that federal procurement supports the development of a strong Canadian defence and security industry, strengthens our supply chains and builds a more resilient and prosperous economy for all Canadians?

moved that Bill C-241, An Act to establish a national strategy respecting flood and drought forecasting, be read the second time and referred to a committee. Mr. Speaker, before I go any further, I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin nation. I would like to draw the attention of the House to a critical issue: protecting our country from natural disasters, especially floods and droughts. First of all, allow me to thank John Pomeroy, director of the Global Water Futures Program and a professor at the University of Saskatchewan, and the hon. member for Lac-Saint-Louis for their contributions to this bill. Extreme weather events are becoming more and more frequent and intense. Every year, they threaten the safety of Canadians, jeopardize our crops, damage our infrastructure and put our water resources to the test. This is no longer hypothetical; it is an ongoing and urgent reality that requires our immediate action. To combat these growing events, we need a coordinated national strategy. We need to get all the players involved if we are to properly manage and protect this vital resource that Canada is blessed to have so much of in its rivers, lakes, ice cover and soil. This bill is vital. It is a major tool for protecting Canada from the devastating effects of natural disasters and for limiting the costs involved. Let us talk about the costs of floods and droughts. They are expected to cause estimated GDP losses of more than $128 billion U.S. between now and about 2050. In 2024, hurricane Debby caused an estimated $2.7 billion in insured losses in Quebec. Ontario saw over $990 million in losses caused by flooding in the greater Toronto area. The Jasper wildfires cost about $1.1 billion, and these are just some of the costs incurred in the last year. According to available data, the 2013 and 2021 floods in Alberta and British Columbia resulted in estimated losses of between $5 billion and $9 billion. It is projected that droughts, floods and storms could cause an average total loss of 0.2% of our GDP. Passing Bill C‑241 will enable us to limit the repercussions and protect our livelihoods while strengthening the country's economic and social resilience in the face of extreme weather events. Thanks to the implementation of early warning systems and rapid response plans, we have the ability to save lives. This legislation is not just about managing natural disasters. It represents a long-term vision, a clear recognition that climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a very present reality that is already affecting our communities, ecosystems and economies. Whether we are talking about droughts or floods, there is always one common element at the heart of both: water. Water is the source of all life. It is a fundamental issue for our society, our environment and our future. That is why water should be regarded as a non-partisan issue, an issue that transcends political differences, because water belongs to no party and no ideology. It belongs to all Canadians. That said, water is also a vast and complex issue. It can be a source of life and prosperity, but when there is not enough or too much, it can be a source of destruction and suffering. That is precisely why this bill is so important. It aims to better understand, predict and manage this vital resource in order to protect both our citizens and our environment. I would like to emphasize that this bill in no way calls into question provincial jurisdiction over water. On the contrary, it aims to establish strong collaboration between the federal, provincial and territorial governments, indigenous peoples and experts in order to protect our water resources effectively. It is important to understand that water is central to the climate. We feel the effects of climate change through the medium of water, whether in the form of prolonged droughts or sudden flooding. It is essential to remember that floods are among the deadliest natural disasters our societies experience. According to some studies, more than nine million people have died in the last century as a result of floods. This means floods are a major hazard, second only to earthquakes and tsunamis. Flooding is not an isolated or distant phenomenon. It is a daily reality for many Canadian communities. In 2024, insured losses caused by climate events reached $8.5 billion Canadian, smashing previous records and highlighting the worsening climate risks that we face. These events have devastating consequences: Lives are lost, infrastructure is destroyed, and entire communities are displaced. Flooding in particular causes considerable economic losses. For example, the 2013 floods in Alberta caused damage estimated at $3.7 billion Canadian, making that year one of the costliest in terms of economic losses from natural disasters. Bill C‑241 is a proactive response to these challenges. It aims to establish a national strategy respecting flood and drought prevention, enabling effective coordination between governments and the affected communities. This collaborative approach is essential to anticipate risks, minimize impacts, and protect Canadians and ecosystems. The answer is simple: every year, in both urban and rural areas, thousands of people are affected by natural disasters. Lives are lost, families are displaced, and property is destroyed. Climate change is making these risks both more frequent and more severe. This bill is not only a preventive measure, but it also protects human life, as well as our planet and future generations. This bill could also reduce our reliance on foreign data. Here in Canada, we currently have all the expertise we need to prevent natural disasters. However, our compartmentalized approach prevents us from being leaders in this field. We rely on data collected by NASA, which has been sending spotty data to some organizations since October 2025. We do not know when these services will resume, but we cannot rely on others when researchers at universities such as UQAM and the University of Saskatchewan are internationally recognized leaders in the field. Even so, they cannot do all the work. It is up to us to step up and work together on a national strategy. In conclusion, this bill will enable effective coordination between the provinces and territories, indigenous peoples and experts. This is about creating a table where everyone can sit down and work together for the good of our country. This is not just a piece of legislation. These are concrete, urgent and necessary measures, something that can mean the difference between life and death, between destruction and resilience. That is why I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Together, we can protect our constituents, our country and our planet. Together, we can build a safer, more responsible and more sustainable future. Together, we can build a strong Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to congratulate my colleague on his election. The national strategy really aims to bring everyone to the table where decisions are being made. That will give us the opportunity to share expertise from across Canada, whether it be from Saskatchewan or Quebec. We want to enable all provinces to benefit from this expertise because if there is a problem on one side of Canada, it affects the environment and water, and it will eventually reach the rest of the country. We have a duty to act to protect all citizens.