Richard Martel

[Canadian Heritage, May 11th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, the heritage minister himself confirmed that government regulations could apply to social media accounts with a large following. He even said that the CRTC, not the government, would be in charge of the regulation. I cannot believe that the content of Canadians who have a lot of followers and who have found success online will be subject to regulation. The Conservatives are proud of Canadian culture and talent.

Why are the Liberals trying to regulate those things?

[National Defence, May 7th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is supposed to be responsible for his cabinet. It is up to him to oversee what happens in government, and it is the job of ministers and the Prime Minister's Office to keep him informed of major events.

I find it hard to understand how something as despicable as allegations of sexual assault could be ignored on his watch.

Are we really supposed to believe that the Prime Minister knew nothing about this, when everyone around him did?

[National Defence, May 7th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, our Prime Minister clearly does not value the brave women who serve in our armed forces because he did not defend them. On the contrary, his government did nothing and allowed them to suffer.

These women make so many sacrifices for us, but he is not prepared to sacrifice his image to protect them. When will he apologize to them?

[National Defence, May 7th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government's attitude towards the women who serve our country is, quite simply, shameful.

We saw it with the member for Vancouver Granville and the SNC-Lavalin scandal, and we can see it now with the cover-up over the allegations of sexual assault against General Vance. These are not isolated incidents. They show a pattern of behaviour and a culture that our so-called feminist Prime Minister allowed to fester.

What is his excuse for letting Canadian women down this time?

[Quebec at UNESCO, May 7th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, 15 years ago, Quebec took a historic step that was celebrated this week by the National Assembly of Quebec, which voted to recognize the 15th anniversary of Quebec obtaining a seat at UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Led by Stephen Harper in 2006, this project was and continues to be a major victory for Quebec. That should come as no surprise, as Conservatives have always taken this approach of openness towards Quebec. It is a recognition of our history, our culture and our people.

We are a proud nation in a united Canada, and this accomplishment underscores our importance and our contributions not only in Canada, but also around the world.

I am proud to be a Quebecker, and I feel that pride in my riding of Chicoutimi—Le Fjord and throughout our beautiful province. The recognition given to Quebec 15 years ago is a historic milestone and another reminder of what makes our province and our country so great.

[National Defence, May 6th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, the government has no regard for the well-being of women in the Canadian Armed Forces. Not only did General Vance continue to serve for three years after allegations were made against him, but his replacement is also facing allegations of sexual misconduct.

In the meantime, the women who suffered because of these men will have to live with the ramifications of these experiences for many years to come. What is the Minister of National Defence's excuse this time for abandoning the brave women serving in our armed forces?

[The Budget, May 6th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, not only did the government take far too long to put out a budget, but it is also overestimating how much this budget will stimulate our economy. Its growth projections were twice as high as those independently calculated by the Parliamentary Budget Officer. Some of its employment projections were even eight times higher.

As usual, the Liberals are posturing. What are they hiding from Canadians? Why are they artificially boosting their numbers?

[National Defence, May 4th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Armed Forces are a world leader in terms of the proportion of women in service. The Liberal Party claims to be the party of feminism and diversity, but it continues to sweep scandals under the rug to protect its old boys' club.

The Minister of National Defence failed to protect our women in service. There is a code of silence in this government. No one talks to each other.

How long is the Prime Minister going to keep trying to make us believe that he was not aware?

[National Defence, May 4th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's chief of staff is supposed to be the Prime Minister's right hand, the person who works behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly. She is the one taking the helm in a storm. That person works closely with the Prime Minister.

The ombudsman confirmed that the chief of staff, Ms. Telford, was aware of the allegations against Mr. Vance.

Either the Prime Minister knew that or there is no communication at that office.

Which is it?

[National Defence, April 30th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, we do not expect much from the Liberal government, but we did expect it to deal with the important issue of sexual assault in the army.

With yesterday's announcement, the Prime Minister was not trying to protect women in the army, he was try to protect his chief of staff. This situation is shameful and disgraceful.

Will he let Katie Telford testify at the defence committee?