House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2025, with 34% of the vote.
Health September 30th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, when it comes to health transfers, the government is giving us the same line we have been hearing about the Canada emergency business account, support for people with disabilities, and other measures. They say that they are going to take action, but when? What is the Prime Minister waiting for? When will he act with the provinces in a spirit of co-operation instead of confrontation?
Health September 30th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, this government only has two speeds: turbo and park. It used turbo speed with Bill C-4 to offer a uniform approach that will unfortunately leave many businesses and Canadians behind. When it comes to health transfers, however, it is in park. Quebeckers do not want the government in park, they want it in turbo mode. We support stable, predictable transfers with no strings attached.
When is the government going to start taking action?
Forestry Industry September 29th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, the United States has appealed the World Trade Organization's decision in favour of Canada on Canadian softwood lumber. We are talking about $3 billion unfairly being held at the border. American protectionism is and will continue to be an issue, regardless of whether the Democrats or the Republicans are in charge.
When will the government implement policies that support the interests of forestry workers in Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean, the Lower St. Lawrence, Mauricie, Abitibi and Baie-Comeau?
COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Matters August 12th, 2020
Mr. Chair, this business of tariffs, retaliatory tariffs and programs to help the industry feels a bit like Groundhog Day. Meanwhile, there is no accountability.
I sat down with the government to propose concrete, long-term solutions to protect the industry. These solutions did not come out of thin air; they came out of consultations I had with industry stakeholders. Everyone was in favour of creating a low-carbon procurement policy. Everyone agreed to put more money into research and development, to promote a circular economy with recycled aluminum and to foster a competitive tax and regulatory environment.
Why does the government not want to sit down with us to find long-term solutions that would protect the aluminum industry?
COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Matters August 12th, 2020
Mr. Chair, we know that the United States imposed a 10% tariff on Canadian aluminum. We knew it. We all saw this coming. We called it, but the government did nothing.
Sure, we can retaliate with tariffs of our own, but we faced this same problem in 2018. The aluminum industry is still wondering what happened to the money that was supposed to be given to them.
Why should we trust this government when it says that the money will be redistributed so as to benefit the aluminum industry?
Natural Resources March 11th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, GNL Québec wants to get started on the Énergie Saguenay project, which would produce 84% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than all its competitors worldwide thanks to our hydroelectricity back home. Investors no longer want to invest in Canada, which is putting billions of dollars in investments and thousands of jobs in jeopardy.
How will the Prime Minister explain to the people of Chicoutimi—Le Fjord and across Canada that they are missing out on major projects because of the climate of uncertainty he has created and his lack of leadership?
Natural Resources March 10th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, the demand for liquefied natural gas is steadily increasing around the world. In fact, it is expected to double by 2040. Our allies in Europe are looking to move away from coal and want to be independent from Russia. The GNL Québec project is the perfect way to meet their goals. It is a visionary, green project that brings investment, jobs, taxes and economic diversification.
What does the government plan to do to create favourable conditions for the project to be completed in Quebec and across Canada?
Natural Resources March 9th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, GNL Québec is yet another project the Government of Canada sabotaged, even though it is a green project that fits right into the global energy transition. The project could produce $807 million in economic spinoffs annually, $110 million in tax revenue and 1,100 direct and indirect jobs.
What does the Prime Minister have to say to the people of Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean and elsewhere, the majority of whom support this project?
Natural Resources March 9th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, we learned that Berkshire Hathaway, a company that was strongly considering investing $4 billion in the GNL Québec project, had decided to pull out. The company had chosen GNL Québec from among 100 liquefied natural gas projects around the world. It made its exit at a time when the Prime Minister is creating a climate of uncertainty never before seen in Canada.
What is the Prime Minister going to do to win back the roughly $200 billion in lost or delayed investments in natural resource projects?
Henri Richard March 9th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, hockey legend Henri Richard, the immortal number 16, is no more.
He was a hockey original, a winner. He took home the Stanley Cup 11 times, a record that will probably never be matched or beaten. He was the kind of leader who leads by example, who makes sacrifices and who always takes care of his teammates.
His singular determination enabled him to fulfill his dream of playing alongside his big brother at age 19. Throughout his 20-year career, he was always driven by a hunger to win. He was a mentor and role model for more than one generation. He proved that by staying true to oneself and putting in the maximum effort, anything is possible.
The National Hockey League and the Montreal Canadiens have lost a great man. His memory will live on forever in the annals of Quebec and Canadian sports history.
My colleagues and I wish to offer our deepest condolences to his entire family.
Henri Richard, thank you for all the incredible hockey moments you gave to the families watching you on TV on a Saturday night.