Martin Champoux

“Mr. Speaker, when I was first elected to the House of Commons in 2019, I came with a deep sense of gratitude toward the people of Saint‑Hyacinthe—Bagot, who had placed their trust in me. That was the name of my riding at the time. I also arrived with a conviction that has been with me for many years, that Quebec is a nation and that this nation must be able to freely choose its future. I became a member of the Bloc Québécois and the Parti Québécois when I was 16 years old. Since then, my involvement has taken many forms. Activism, studying, research, teaching, writing and, ultimately, political representation. These different steps were always guided by the same desire to understand the world that we live in and to contribute in a small way to the advancement of Quebec. Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of representing our region in this House. I have risen in this place to defend the interests of our workers, our businesses, our agriculture and our communities. I have brought Quebec’s voice into debates on international trade, the economy, defence and the choices shaping our collective future. I have also learned how battles are fought here, what crisis management is about, and the importance of dialogue despite differences. Often, behind the sometimes heated debates that pit us against each other, are women and men sincerely devoted to the common good. For that, I want to thank my colleagues from every party, along with House staff members and everyone who contributes on a daily basis to keeping our institutions running. However, my time here has also strengthened some of my convictions. I have witnessed the full scope of the talent, resources and creativity that Quebec possesses and that it will need to rise to the future challenges that await it. I have also seen the limits it confronts when it tries to pursue its national priorities within a political entity whose interests sometimes diverge from its own. This observation has not discouraged me, on the contrary. It has strengthened my faith in Quebec’s capabilities. It has strengthened my conviction that our nation must continue building its institutions, its economy, its culture and its capacity to act. Throughout our history, Quebeckers have often made the most progress when they chose boldness over resignation. We have built institutions. We have developed an economy. We have asserted our culture. Generation after generation, we have demonstrated that we can accomplish great things when we have confidence in ourselves. That confidence is what inspires me today. Public service remains one of the greatest privileges a person can have. No matter where we are called to serve, our duty remains the same, and that is to work with integrity, diligence and loyalty. Once again, I thank the people of Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton for the honour they have bestowed upon us. I would like to thank my family, my friends, my associates and everyone who has supported me on this journey. I thank all the staffers who have worked in my constituency office over the years. One of them has been with us from the very beginning, and that is Amélie, my wonderful constituency assistant. I would like to thank all the party supporters who led us to three victories, with an increasing number of votes every time. I would like to thank my predecessors, Yvan Loubier and Ève-Mary Thaï Thi Lac, who have always been very supportive. I thank them for their invaluable advice. I cannot leave the House without expressing my heartfelt gratitude to my Bloc Québécois colleagues. Over the years, I have had the privilege of belonging to a political party made up of people who care deeply about Quebec and about advocating for Quebec. My colleagues are competent, generous and dedicated, and their friendship and support have meant so much to me in the political arena and beyond. I am also especially grateful to our leader. I call him our leader because, even though I am listed as independent, I am still a Bloc Québécois member and activist and will remain so until we achieve independence. His leadership, political acumen and confidence have enabled me to grow as a parliamentarian and as a representative of our fellow citizens. I have learned so much working alongside him. The Bloc Québécois will continue to play an essential role in advocating for Quebec. I am now taking on a new challenge, or rather, I have decided to fight this battle elsewhere, but I am still motivated by the sense of hope I felt at age 16 when I first joined the party. My hope is for a Quebec that makes its own choices, that has faith in its capabilities and that is resolutely focused on the future. I will continue to devote myself entirely to this cause until Quebec becomes a country.”