Lyne Bessette

[Public Services and Procurement, March 10th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives wasted no time criticizing a vaccine procurement strategy that is working. They are simply refusing to accept good news when they hear it.

We understand it is their job to ask questions about how many doses will be delivered and when, but it is not their job to intentionally muddy the waters and potentially mislead Canadians. That is irresponsible and does a disservice to Canadians.

Would the Prime Minister please set the record straight and give us the vaccine facts we are entitled to?

[Lawrence Cotton, March 9th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to pay tribute to Lawrence Cotton, a pillar of my community of Brome—Missisquoi.

After a long and distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces, Lawrence became a volunteer for his local chapter of the Knights of Columbus. He later became its grand knight through his tireless work in the community.

Lawrence's colleagues greatly admire him. They describe him as a man with an indomitable spirit who is not afraid to roll up his sleeves to help the people in our community.

For example, every year, Lawrence recruits volunteers and distributes Christmas hampers to those in need. Lawrence is also involved in politics in my region and campaigns tirelessly for the rights of our veterans.

I sincerely thank this man who makes a real difference in the lives of residents of Brome—Missisquoi, particularly during the pandemic.

From everybody in our community and from the bottom of my heart, we thank Lawrence for his hard work and sacrifice.

[Official Languages, February 22nd, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, the official languages reform document is an important milestone for French in Canada.

For the first time, the government will strengthen French across the country, including in Quebec, and will add new rights with respect to language of work and service in federally regulated businesses.

Would the Minister of Official Languages tell us more about our government's plan to protect and promote the French language?

[Public Safety, February 19th, 2021]

Madam Speaker, I would like to refer to something that was said recently by Jan Reimer, former mayor and current executive director of a provincial council of women's shelters.

According to her, the proposed legislation is a step in the right direction. She said that we see women being threatened with a gun and that is one of the major, if not the major, causes of death for women in domestic violence relationships. She believes that better control does not take anybody’s rights away, but it does protect women’s rights to safety.

Here in Quebec, people have seen brutal acts of violence against women—

[Brome—Missisquoi Youth Council, February 16th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, last week, my Brome—Missisquoi youth council held its first meeting of the year. I would like to thank my colleague from Louis-Hébert for joining us and contributing to the discussion.

It was a wonderful opportunity for me to talk with many local young people and hear what was on their minds during the pandemic. The environment and mental health were at the top of the list of topics we discussed, and those two issues are top priorities for me too. I think it is important for young people to take an interest in politics and have a space where they can share their point of view.

I would like to thank the incredible team of young people participating in the council's work this year. I am very much looking forward to working with them and to our conversations about changes our government can make in 2021.

[Health, February 2nd, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, ever since the pandemic hit, our government has worked tirelessly to protect the health and safety of Canadians.

Our government has put measures in place to address COVID-19 concerns. International travellers are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine, and passengers must provide a negative PCR test result before boarding their flight for Canada.

Would the Minister of Transport tell the House about new measures to better protect the health and safety of our communities?

[Violence Against Women, January 26th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, people have to stay home because of the pandemic, but home is not a safe place for everyone. The pandemic is only making things worse for thousands of victims of conjugal and family violence.

Last week, I had the opportunity to welcome my colleague, the Minister for Women and Gender Equality, to my riding of Brome—Missisquoi to talk about this new reality. We met with many local stakeholders so we could hear from them, talk about everyday challenges and discuss how the government can do even more to support them.

I also want to acknowledge the presence of Cathie Sombret from the Horizon pour Elle shelter and her contribution to the discussion. Her organization makes an invaluable contribution to our region. The work that is being done by our shelters and halfway houses is now more essential than ever.

I want to thank all of the women's organizations in Brome—Missisquoi for their hard work.

[Canadian Heritage, January 25th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, communities across Canada are extremely concerned about the rise of Islamophobia, online hate speech and other forms of prejudice that have only intensified throughout the pandemic. We have all seen that words can lead to violence.

As parliamentarians, we recognize that we all have a duty to lead by example. We must engage in respectful dialogue and remain open to debating ideas to hear the views of Canadians in order to work towards a society where everyone is free to thrive with dignity.

Could the Minister of Canadian Heritage tell the House what our government is doing to combat the promotion of hatred and violence online?

[Christian Barthomeuf, December 8th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, on November 27, 114 Canadians were invested into the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honours.

I especially want to congratulate one of them, Christian Barthomeuf, a resident of Brome—Missisquoi and the owner of Clos Saragnat in Frelighsburg. Throughout his career, Mr. Barthomeuf has contributed to the world of viticulture by creating new ways to cultivate that are adapted to Quebec's climate.

Mr. Barthomeuf has had a remarkable journey and is known above all as the inventor of the famous ice cider, a product for which he has won many international awards. He has helped promote Quebec agricultural products abroad and garner worldwide recognition for Quebec. Even after 40 years, the man who has been called the “rebel farmer” continues to innovate and to enrich our region's food products.

In closing, I congratulate this winemaker and entrepreneur who has made the region of Brome—Missisquoi very proud.

[Agriculture and Agri-Food, December 1st, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, dairy, egg and poultry farmers breathe life and strength into rural regions across the country, including my riding of Brome—Missisquoi.

The Fromagerie des Cantons in Farnham, an artisanal cheesemaker that has won numerous awards for its cheese made from Jersey cow's milk, stands to benefit.

After signing trade agreements with the trans-Pacific nations and Europe, our government committed to providing full and fair compensation to our supply-managed farmers.

Could the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food give the House more details about this compensation?