House of Commons photo

Crucial Fact

  • His favourite word was quebec.

Last in Parliament March 2011, as Bloc MP for Repentigny (Québec)

Lost his last election, in 2011, with 31% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Petitions March 25th, 2011

Madam Speaker, as the representative for the riding of Repentigny, I am please to be presenting a petition asking the Government of Canada to transfer funds for low-income housing in Quebec.

Post-Secondary Education March 24th, 2011

Mr. Speaker, for years everyone in Quebec has been asking for an $800 million-plus increase to post-secondary education transfers in order to restore them to 1994-95 indexed levels. Instead of continuing to encroach on Quebec's jurisdiction by announcing new research chairs in its budget, the government should transfer the long-awaited $800 million.

Does the Minister of Finance understand that it is his government's indifference towards Quebec and its post-secondary education system that could trigger an election?

Citizenship and Immigration March 11th, 2011

Mr. Speaker, he seems to be confused about Quebec. Chambly is nowhere near Repentigny.

The government must stop trivializing the use of government resources for partisan purposes. Last year, the minister's budget went $500,000 over the Treasury Board's directives.

How is it acceptable for a minister to disregard Treasury Board rules? It must be because the Prime Minister himself is authorizing the diversion of public funds for Conservative Party purposes.

Citizenship and Immigration March 11th, 2011

Mr. Speaker, we have learned that the Minister of Immigration used government resources for partisan purposes. Conservative Party fundraising letters, certificates of excellence with a nice logo and an election communications plan targeting ethnic communities were sent from his office. And now, lo and behold, we find out that his political office budget has increased 35% over three years.

Will the government admit that the increased spending of the Minister of Immigration can be explained by the increase in partisan activities being carried out by his office?

Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act March 11th, 2011

Mr. Speaker, my colleague raised a very interesting point. The Conservatives are always at the ready for photo ops with the military and to say that they defend the military and that it is a priority for them. Now we see that veterans who return to Canada unfortunately are not a priority for the Conservatives. We must defend the veterans. The Conservatives are willing to spend almost $30 million to purchase F-35 fighter jets, but nothing on veterans.

I would like to know how my colleague feels about this hypocrisy.The Conservatives are willing to have their photos taken with the military, and they say they are pro-military and prepared to defend soldiers, but when the time comes to help them after they return home, they do nothing.

International Co-operation March 4th, 2011

Mr. Speaker, the government has just cancelled the tendering process to build a police academy in Haiti that the Conservatives had been promising for four years. What is worse, CIDA has said that it is not certain that a new process will be launched.

Are we to understand that, as in the case of KAIROS, the Minister of International Cooperation has unilaterally decided to cut funding to this project, which everyone believes to be a crucial part of Haiti's development?

Contraband Tobacco February 11th, 2011

Mr. Speaker, anti-tobacco organizations are concerned because contraband cigarettes are sold at reduced prices to get people addicted. Contraband is not only an issue of security but also one of public health.

When will this government follow the Bloc Québécois's plan to end the scourge of contraband tobacco?

Contraband Tobacco February 11th, 2011

Mr. Speaker, moving the border crossing from Akwesasne to Cornwall in June 2009 shifted tobacco smuggling to Quebec. According to the RCMP, cigarette smuggling has increased by 400% since the border crossing was moved. In two weeks, the police in Valleyfield seized 15 tons of tobacco and several vehicles.

Is the federal government going to fulfill its responsibilities and strengthen the police presence along the St. Lawrence in order to put a stop to smuggling?

National Youth Centre Day in Quebec October 5th, 2010

Mr. Speaker, last Saturday marked the 13th annual Journée nationale des maisons de jeunes du Québec. The event was set up in 1997 at the initiative of young people between the ages of 12 and 18 who wanted to raise awareness of youth centres, where they get together.

On the first Saturday of October each year, thousands of young people get busy promoting the way they see society today. Across Quebec, 175 youth centres opened their doors to the community to demystify urban legends about them. Visitors could see for themselves that these places are important to many young people, because they bring them out of isolation, help integrate them into society and promote their independence. In short, the centres make young people responsible citizens.

I myself attended open houses at several youth centres in my riding. I hope that in my own way, I helped people see our youth in a new light, as active, engaged individuals.

Business of Supply June 17th, 2010

Madam Speaker, I would like to ask my colleague a question along the same lines. As usual, he delivered an extraordinary speech. He even managed to remind us—it may not have been necessary because we already know how he feels—of his faith in sovereignty.

As I was saying, my question is along the same lines. With regard to the economy, the government told us that it had to prorogue Parliament so that it could recalibrate its economic recovery plan. However, prorogation delayed passage of the budget. Every bill that could have helped employees and employers, businesses or the unemployed died on the order paper. We had to start the entire legislative process all over again.

I would like to know what my colleague thinks about the Conservatives' argument that prorogation was for the good of economic recovery.