Pablo Rodriguez

[Labour, April 26th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, the government would always rather see a negotiated solution. We want both parties to continue to negotiate and discuss. It is important to understand that the Port of Montreal plays an essential role in the economy, not only of Montreal, but of all of Quebec and even of Canada.

There was the initial strike, plus COVID-19, the economic crisis and the railway blockade. These all have major consequences. For once, the Bloc Québécois can do something. Instead of standing up here to criticize and pick a fight, it could stand up and push for consensus in Quebec.

[Labour, April 26th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, let us tell it like it is. For once, the Bloc Québécois has the opportunity to make a real difference.

There is a consensus in Quebec. The Government of Quebec and the various sectors of the economy are calling for it. Montrealers and Quebeckers are suffering economically, and the Port of Montreal plays a key role. Rather than talking non-stop and asking questions, will the Bloc Québécois stand with us in supporting Quebec's economy?

[Labour, April 26th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, the Port of Montreal is essential to the economy not only of Montreal, but also of Quebec and Canada. This issue is affecting industries that have been suffering as a result of COVID-19, the first strike and the rail blockade. Many jobs are extremely fragile. The port has suffered tremendously.

There is a clear consensus in Quebec, Ontario and elsewhere that operations at the port cannot be interrupted. We need the Port of Montreal. The Government of Quebec, businesses and workers all agree. We need to deal with this issue. The NDP could help.

[The Budget, April 26th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, we see that once again the Bloc is picking a fight.

Quebec is a pioneer of child care, so much so that we are using Quebec as a model for the rest of Canada because the Quebec model works.

The Prime Minister was very clear yesterday on Tout le monde en parle: the government will not tell Quebec what to do and will discuss all the details with Quebec.

There is no dispute between the government in Ottawa and the Government of Quebec, no matter how much the Bloc Québécois would like to manufacture one to boost its poll numbers.

We are collaborating with Quebec, it is working, and we will keep it up.

[Labour, April 26th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, we have been there from the start of the negotiations. I am fine with listening to my Conservative colleague lecture the government and the entire planet, but he has a chance to do something.

He can complain and criticize everyone else, but this is a minority government, and we need the support of an opposition party. Will my colleague continue to complain, or will he stand up for Quebec and support the government?

[Labour, April 26th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, we have been there from the very beginning, more than two and a half years ago, to help the parties negotiate. In the past 100 days, we provided a federal mediator.

There is a consensus in Quebec that we need to intervene to get the port running again. The Government of Quebec is asking for this, as are all of the stakeholders, because thousands of jobs and the supply chain are at risk, as are the Port of Montreal's credibility and reputation. I would like my colleague to tell me whether the Conservatives will support us.

[Labour, April 26th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, for once, the Bloc Québécois has the opportunity to act, but it is refusing to do so.

The Bloc Québécois is very good at talking, but when it comes to taking action, supporting the government and making a difference for all Quebeckers, just like that, it starts twiddling its thumbs.

What does he think about what Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister Jean Boulet, Michel Leblanc, François Vincent and Stéphane Paquet are saying? Whether they are from the Quebec government or from industry, all stakeholders are telling us that we need to resolve this problem.

The Bloc Québécois has the opportunity to stand up for Quebec. Will it do so?

[Labour, April 26th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois likes to say that it will defend Quebec. The Bloc does not have to be all talk, because it can take action now.

Quebec is suffering greatly as a result of the closure of the Port of Montreal, and the city is not alone in that suffering. Quebec families are worried about their jobs and their futures.

Will Quebec be able to count on the Bloc Québécois to support the resumption of operations at the port? Will the Bloc turn its back on Quebec or will it join us in moving forward together?

[Child Care, April 23rd, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois just missed out on a great opportunity to applaud the budget. This budget addresses Quebec's expectations, including things like aerospace, high-frequency rail in the Quebec City-Toronto corridor, culture and seniors.

As for the child care system, we are taking inspiration from Quebec because Quebec is a pioneer. It has a model that works extremely well, one that we want to export. This is a great way to showcase Quebec's expertise across Canada. This is all very positive, and the Bloc should be pleased.

[Business of the House, April 22nd, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, this afternoon, we will continue the debate on the budget presented on Monday by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

Tomorrow, we will debate Bill C-21, the firearms act, at second reading.

When we return on Monday, we will have the fourth and final day of debate on the budget.

On Tuesday, we will resume the second reading debate of Bill C-12, an act respecting transparency and accountability in Canada's efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050.

On Wednesday of next week, we will continue with the second reading debate of Bill C-19, an act to amend the Canada Elections Act (COVID-19 response).

On Thursday, we will have the first of eight opposition days in the current supply cycle.

Finally, on Friday morning, we will start with a debate on Bill C-22, an act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, followed in the afternoon by a debate on Bill S-3, an act to amend the Offshore Health and Safety Act.

That is all.