Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the people of Châteauguay—Lacolle for doing me this honour. I want the House to know that I will work very hard to be worthy of their faith in me.
My riding is between the St. Lawrence and the American border. Part rural and part urban, it is blessed with rich land in Les Jardins-de-Napierville. The people there are creative, they have a fascinating history, and their economic sights are set on the world.
My riding is well known as the largest vegetable producer in Quebec and as a model of environmental protection thanks to the Île Saint-Bernard wildlife refuge.
However, there is some confusion about the name Châteauguay–Lacolle. Lacolle is actually in the neighbouring riding. Rest assured that I am consulting with my fellow citizens as to a name that better represents our community, and I will be proposing a new name in due course to this House.