“The economic plan does nothing to help the forestry industry. Sawmills in my region are closing down. The government should invest money to help these mills change what they make and keep people working.”

“Mr. Speaker, I spoke about Témiscamingue earlier. I will do so again because we did not get an answer in the economic statement about what is happening with the forestry industry, a key sector for Témiscamingue and for the Quebec and Canadian economy. There are no measures to help lumber mills retool. I am thinking in particular of the Béarn sawmill. In recent weeks, Chantiers Chibougamau announced that the mill was closing its doors. That hurts an economy like Témiscamingue’s. Once again, the federal government is nowhere to be found when it comes to transforming the economy and making investments. Why not convert this mill into a biochar plant? However, that would require major investments, and the government is not stepping up to help with wage subsidies or countervailing duties either. When will the government really help regional economies, especially Témiscamingue’s economy and forestry sector?”

“Seniors aged 65 to 74 need help, but the government treats them unfairly. Instead of handing out money to win votes, the government should help people in this age group. What does my colleague think about this?”

“Mr. Speaker, it is true that seniors are facing difficulties. We have been saying for many years that seniors aged 65 to 74 are being discriminated against by the government, and we expected that this situation would be rectified. Instead of offering a poisoned chalice in the form of election-time handouts, the government could have helped people in this age group. What are my colleague’s thoughts on that?”

“The government's budget fails to address housing and living conditions for First Nations. It missed a chance to let First Nations make their own housing decisions and manage their own housing funds. I want to know if my colleague is also disappointed by this.”

“Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleague from Vancouver East has two issues she is passionate about: the living conditions and housing conditions of first nations. In the budget statement, the government clearly fails to address two major concerns affecting many Canadians. In the current context, the government has missed an opportunity, particularly to implement initiatives such as the Yänonhchia’ initiative, which provided powers by and for first nations and empowered them to make decisions regarding housing. It also included an investment fund that would have made it possible to reinvest funds. Is my colleague disappointed by the government’s lack of solutions regarding indigenous housing and the increasingly urgent needs in this area?”