Controlled Drugs and Substances Act  Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for her speech on this important bill. The government is taking the necessary steps to respond to the fentanyl overdose crisis across the country. I think my colleague would agree that our government bases its decisions on facts, science, and sound evidence.

Laval Centre for Social Integration and Cohesion  Mr. Speaker, the Centre lavallois pour l'intégration et la cohésion sociale will be holding a conference on February 25 to mark the first anniversary of the arrival of Syrian refugees. I am very pleased to be attending this event, which will allow stakeholders and citizens to assess and analyze the work accomplished.

Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, I am trying to understand the NDP's position, which is fairly unclear. Why are they against an agreement that will allow free trade with the European Union? Does the NDP not want Canadian businesses to be able to boost their sales and create jobs?

Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, I am trying to understand the NDP's position, which is not terribly clear. In the past, the NDP has opposed most free trade agreements, with a few exceptions, including the agreement with Jordan, for instance. Why would anyone oppose an agreement that will allow trade with the European Union, the world's second largest economy?

Housing  Mr. Speaker, the minister was in Laval on January 16 for a major joint announcement with the Province of Quebec about a $400-million investment in social housing. Would the minister tell the House how this investment in social housing will help vulnerable people across Quebec, including children living in poverty, seniors, and victims of domestic violence, while stimulating the economy?

Budget Implementation Act, 2016, No. 2  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. Bill C-29 implements certain measures of budget 2016, a budget that marks a turning point after 10 years, during which the only objective was to avoid a deficit—but at what cost? Seniors, children, women, veterans, low-income Canadians, and basically anyone who is vulnerable, all paid the price.

Budget Implementation Act, 2016, No. 2  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his very insightful and very important question for the seniors in my riding and across Canada. As we know, ageing has its downsides. Unfortunately, loss of autonomy and illness are in store for many seniors. These conditions sometimes mean, for instance, that a spouse has to stay at a long-term care facility or an assisted-living facility.

Budget Implementation Act, 2016, No. 2  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak to Bill C-29, which implements certain provisions of the budget tabled in March. I am pleased to speak today because I am very proud to see that our government is keeping its promises and commitments to Canadians, the middle class, families, seniors, students, workers, retirees, and veterans.

Universal Children's Day  Mr. Speaker, on November 20, to mark Universal Children's Day, I met with students from Alfred-Pellan as part of the UNICEF Canada initiative “Bring Your MP to School Day”. During this event, I talked with young people about issues that are important to them. By listening to them, Parliament will be more inclusive and we will develop more effective policies to help guarantee respect for their rights.

Santina Semadar Panetta  Mr. Speaker, on this International Artists Day I would like to pay tribute to our Canadian artists, especially to Alfred Pellan, after whom my riding is named. I would also like to recognize a Canadian artist from Laval, who has received international acclaim for her extraordinarily unique style.

Monteuil Athletic Association  Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin with a special thought for my mother, because today would have been her 89th birthday. [Member spoke in Italian as follows:] Buon compleanno mamma! [English] On another happy note, this year, one of Laval's largest athletic organizations is celebrating 50 years of service.

Brain Tumour Walk  Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, June 8, is World Brain Tumour Day. There are more than 120 types of brain tumours. They are all unique and require individualized treatment, making research complex and critical. For more than 15 years, my mother, Providenza, battled a brain tumour with courage and dignity.

International Day of Families  Madam Speaker, yesterday, May 15, was International Day of Families, and this year's theme was “Families, healthy lives and sustainable future”. Our government made families the focus of its budget, and it has adopted such measures as the Canada child benefit, which will lift 300,000 children out of poverty.