Pablo Rodriguez

[Ethics, June 10th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, that is a bit rich coming from a member who does not respect the work of Parliament. We are meeting here today to discuss a very important bill, and what did this member and his friends on the other side do? They tried to shut down Parliament.

They said they were finished working for the day and were going home. That is unacceptable. We need to keep Parliament open to debate important bills such as Bill C-6, Bill C-12 and Bill C-30. We have to do that for Canadians.

[Ethics, June 10th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, we respect the work of committees. We also respect the role of the independent officers of Parliament, who do their work independently and free from partisan political consideration.

While the Conservatives remain focused on the WE Charity, our focus remains on delivering important bills for Canadians, including those bills we were to discuss today. However, what did the Conservatives try to do? They tried to shut down Parliament. They said that it was over. They did not want to work anymore. If they do not want to work, they should get out of here and let us work for Canadians.

[Ethics, June 10th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, the commissioner investigated the matter and his report cleared the Prime Minister of all allegations.

Let me quote directly from the report, at page 3, which states the Prime Minister “did not contravene subsection 6(1), section 7 or section 21 of the Act.” Further on page 3, the commissioner writes, “there is no evidence of impropriety in relation to [the Prime Minister's] decision making in relation to [this matter]”. The commissioner continues on page 40 with, “I cannot conclude that a contravention has occurred.” That is it.

[Business of the House, June 3rd, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my colleagues in congratulating you and thanking you for all that you have done. The fact that you have been there for so long attests to your sense of ethics, professionalism and collegiality, among other things. Thank you once again, and congratulations for all that you have done.

In response to my esteemed colleague's question, this afternoon, we will continue the debate on the NDP's opposition motion. This evening, at the expiry of the time provided for Private Members' Business, we will have a series of speeches and then proceed to the passage of Bill C-8, an act to amend the Citizenship Act regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's call to action number 94, at third reading.

Tomorrow morning, we will begin with the second reading of Bill C-21, an act to amend certain acts and to make certain consequential amendments regarding firearms, and then, in the afternoon, we will move on to third reading of Bill C-6, an act to amend the Criminal Code regarding conversion therapy.

As for next week, on Monday, we will resume second reading of Bill C-21. Tuesday will be an allotted day. Wednesday, we will proceed with Bill C-30, an act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on April 19, 2021 and other measures. Debate on that bill will continue on Thursday and Friday.

Congratulations once again, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my colleague for her question.

[Residential Schools, June 1st, 2021]

moved:

That this committee take note of the discovery of the remains of 215 children at a former residential school in British Columbia.

[Official Languages, June 1st, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, this is not at all about overriding Quebec. On the contrary, we are working with Quebec. That is probably why the Bloc Québécois is so upset. That is probably why it is trying to pick a fight where there is no fight to pick. Quebec determined that French is in decline, and so did the Government of Canada. Now, much to the Bloc Québécois's chagrin, both levels of government are working together to strengthen and promote this language we cherish and love so much.

[Justice, May 31st, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, my colleague is having technical difficulties at the moment.

In answer to my Bloc Québécois colleague's question, there is no doubt the process is completely independent and done in accordance with the rules. My colleague is well aware of that.

[Official Languages, May 31st, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, I have more bad news for the Bloc Québécois. We are currently working very well with the Quebec government to strengthen French throughout Quebec, as well as with the other provinces to strengthen it elsewhere in Canada.

I know the Bloc Québécois does not like it when there is no bickering and everything is running smoothly. However, we are currently working hand in hand to ensure that the French language, which we cherish and love dearly, is much stronger and more resilient, and that it will be there for generations to come.

[Official Languages, May 31st, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, from the start, we have all been saying that French is in decline in Quebec and that more needs to be done for French. Not only have we been saying it, but we have been walking the talk through the minister's actions.

We are doing something extremely important. We are taking real action to strengthen French throughout Quebec and across Canada. It seems to me that the Bloc Québécois should be happy about that, rather than trying to pick fights.

[Points of Order, May 28th, 2021]

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Things have been clarified.