Mr. Speaker, budget 2025 is a concrete, ambitious budget that is deeply focused on the needs of families on the north shore. In an unstable international context where our supply chains and businesses are facing strong pressures, our government is choosing to make significant investments to reduce the cost of living, modernize our infrastructure and strengthen our economy.
In Thérèse‑De Blainville, that means directly investing in our roads, municipal networks and community centres, providing real support for housing, creating more jobs for our young people and expressing clear support for our small and medium-sized manufacturers, which are the economic heart of the region. I know that local mayors are thrilled with this budget and are ready to work with us to capitalize on it.
In terms of infrastructure, the budget allocates $115 billion to accelerate infrastructure projects. These are unprecedented investments: $57 billion for public transit and green infrastructure, $22 billion for community infrastructure and $16 billion for energy efficiency. In Thérèse-De Blainville, this means that Sainte-Thérèse, Blainville, Lorraine, Bois-des-Filion and Terrebonne will finally be able to implement long-awaited projects, such as upgrading roads and water systems, adding bike paths and building community, cultural and sports centres. The projects are there, and we want our beautiful region to reap the benefits. These investments will support thousands of skilled jobs in our region and improve the quality of life for our families.
Families on the north shore are feeling the pressure of the cost of living. That is the truth. Budget 2025 provides direct answers. There is a tax cut for 22 million Canadians, representing up to $420 per person and $840 for a couple. Automatic payment of federal benefits will help up to 5.5 million people receive the amounts they are entitled to. Canada's national school food program will provide 400,000 additional meals to children, saving a family with two children approximately $800 per year. For our young families, this is immediate and essential relief.
There are wonderful organizations and tremendous leaders in Thérèse-De Blainville, where everyone works together to take care of one another. The leaders of these organizations took the time to tell me how important the budget is to them in terms of providing solutions. Once again, they are ready to work with us to improve quality of life in our riding.
Now I want to talk about housing. In a rapidly growing region like Thérèse-De Blainville, housing is a top priority. The budget invests $25 billion over five years to accelerate residential construction. This includes $9 billion for Build Canada Homes; eliminating the GST on the purchase of new homes up to $1 million, which could mean a savings of up to $50,000; and more than $573 million per year in loans for affordable rental buildings. Thanks to these measures, our regional developers will be able to build faster and our municipalities will be able to densify around transit stations to meet mobility needs.
There is so much potential for growth in the region. Of course, public transit must go hand in hand with housing, since traffic congestion is an issue in our region. We need to find solutions for public transit while developing affordable housing. That is why we have funding set aside for infrastructure. It is why we will work with cities to find solutions while investing in affordable housing for our seniors, our young people and our families.
Let us talk about our SMEs and the local economy. What a wonderful topic. Our SMEs are the economic engine of Thérèse-de-Blainville. The 2025 budget offers them robust support with $10 billion in loans for businesses affected by U.S. tariffs, a superdeduction of up to 125% for automation and $40 billion in additional cash flow through tax payment deferral. Companies like Enertec Rail Equipment, Miratech and Novatech will be able to modernize their facilities, invest in productivity and protect quality jobs. This is direct support for more than 3,500 jobs in our region. Even as we derive economic strength from our SMEs and make investments in major projects across Canada, we must also promote the francophonie and enable SMEs to connect with the francophone network across Canada. We have to leverage the strength of the francophonie and Canada's two official languages as incredible assets for attracting investment.
Budget 2025 delivers the goods for youth, who are so important: 100,000 jobs under the Canada summer jobs program, 20,000 youth receiving support through the youth employment and skills strategy and an additional 55,000 work placements. That is significant. In Thérèse-de-Blainville, where so many students are looking for their first job experience, these programs are opening doors in a real and lasting way. I am well aware of the challenges confronting our young people, who are currently grappling with a digital transformation that is affecting the types of jobs available, not to mention the uncertainty caused by the United States in recent months that has kept businesses from investing. Our budget is completely responsible. It sends a strong message to our SMEs that the time has come to invest in productivity and competitiveness again and to grow our place in the world.
Seniors are very important in my riding. Protecting our seniors is essential. Budget 2025 creates the first national anti-fraud strategy, which includes a mandatory code of conduct for banks and a new agency to combat financial crimes that will be operational in 2026. In a region where our seniors are too often targeted, this strengthened framework will allow us to take effective action against financial exploitation. Seniors are also asking us to provide them with opportunities for physical exercise. We talk about the importance of mental health in ending social isolation. We need to invest in infrastructure, and that is what we have done for seniors. I am already working with people in towns and cities to find the best infrastructure for seniors, including for their quality of life.
Culture is the heart and soul of our cities. Budget 2025 invests $770 million to support local festivals, major events, local media and, of course, the CBC/Radio-Canada. For Thérèse-de-Blainville, where libraries, broadcasters and festivals play an essential role, these investments are a breath of fresh air and will provide concrete support for the cultural vitality of the north shore. We have a golden opportunity right now to put our Canadian pride on full display. I am a proud Quebecker and a proud Canadian. Culture is important, and I am very proud that our government has chosen to invest in culture in this budget, which is so strategic for our constituents.
The budget supports workers with $3.7 billion in income assistance for those affected by trade tensions, as well as a national online training platform. This means more tools for workers, more retraining, and a stronger partnership with regional unions such as the FTQ, the CSN, and Unifor. In Thérèse-de-Blainville, people tell me they are tired of parties that criticize everything but offer nothing. Budget 2025 provides more assistance for families, more housing, more infrastructure, more jobs for young people, and more support for small and medium-sized enterprises.