Eric St-Pierre

“The government announced a $2-billion program to help people buy heat pumps, which could save families $1,400 a year. I want the minister to explain how this makes life more affordable for Canadians.”

“Mr. Speaker, on October 8, the Prime Minister announced a $2-billion national heat pump program to help one million homeowners. Low-income households can obtain rebates of $10,000, allowing families to save $1,400 a year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 megatonnes. Could the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature explain why this program is a step in the right direction for making life more affordable for Canadians?”

“The government is spending two billion dollars to help people make their homes more energy-efficient and afford heat pumps. This cuts pollution and makes homes more comfortable. I want to know if the member agrees that this help is good for Canadians.”

“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member’s comments on affordability. About an hour ago, the Prime Minister made an announcement on energy efficiency in my home province of Quebec, announcing $2 billion to retrofit 820,000 homes, with low-income Canadians getting up to $10,000 for heat pumps. This is going to be a reduction in emissions of 25 megatonnes, and it is going to increase the comfort in homes. I am curious. Does the member for Edmonton Strathcona think heat pump subsidies are good for Canadians and good for her constituents in Edmonton?”

“Canada faces major economic and global challenges right now. People in my riding tell me they want our country to stay united, and working together is the best way to keep Canada strong.”

“Mr. Speaker, the world is facing major headwinds, geopolitical, economic and trade pressures, headwinds that Canada must face as united people. External threats pose a challenge for Canada. We know what we are doing here in Canada is the best way to respond because when we seek unity, Canada thrives. In a rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever that we stay united. I noticed that this summer in Rivière‑des‑Prairies—Pointe-aux-Trembles and in Anjou. My constituents have been very direct with me: We are stronger together. What I continue to hear from Canadians is an overwhelming desire for national unity. Let us keep Canada strong. Let us keep Canada united. Through partnership, we will all come out stronger together.”

“I want my colleague to explain how this bill will help the people in his riding.”

“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Madawaska—Restigouche, who is very involved in his community. How will the people of Madawaska—Restigouche benefit in concrete ways from Bill C-39, the building Canada strong act?”

“I want to thank the member for Yorkton—Melville for her nearly 11 years of service as she leaves Parliament. I hope she enjoys spending time with her 10 grandchildren.”

“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Yorkton—Melville for her nearly 11 years of service. Earlier today, I made a member statement where I acknowledged five departing members of Parliament. I learned shortly after about her departure. If I could, I would revise my member statement to include six departing members. I got to spend a brief moment of time with the member on the veterans affairs committee for a few months and really appreciated her insights. My understanding is that she has nine grandchildren— An hon. member: She has 10. Eric St-Pierre: Mr. Speaker, she has 10 grandchildren. I am hoping the member will spend a lot of time with her 10 grandchildren.”

“I want to thank five members of Parliament who are leaving federal politics. Together, they have served Canadians for over 50 years.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five colleagues who collectively have given more than 50 years of service to Canadians and are now moving on from federal politics. First, I recognize the member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie for his unmatched environmental and climate advocacy. I also commend the member for Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton for his work as an opposition member and, if I may, for his great taste in ties. I also want to thank the member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie for his work as an opposition member and for his impressive commitment to his riding. I also recognize the member for Beaches—East York for his thoughtful and powerful voice in this House. Finally, I recognize the member for North Vancouver—Capilano for his steadfast commitment to climate, natural resources and the environment. I thank them for their service to democracy.”

“One in four young Canadians faces online bullying, and it makes them much more likely to think about suicide. I want the government to explain what it is doing to protect children online.”

“Mr. Speaker, happy Friday. One in four young Canadians between 12 and 17 years of age has been the victim of cyberbullying. Not only that, youths who are victimized online are three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts. Stakeholders nationwide are sounding the alarm. Can the Secretary of State for Children and Youth tell the House what the government is doing to protect our children from the dangers they are exposed to online?”

“Our government supports seniors and has already raised pensions for people 75 and older because they face the highest costs. We want to help seniors, but we must also keep the pension system affordable so it lasts for future generations.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to talk about an issue that matters to Canadians in every region of our country, which is how we can better support seniors and ensure they can live and age with dignity, security and independence. Seniors have helped build the Canada that we know today. They have raised families, built businesses, contributed to their communities, volunteered their time and strengthened our economy through decades of hard work. For example, in my riding of Honoré-Mercier, Italian Canadians helped build Rivière des Prairies decades ago, and with their hard work, built a strong community. While I am here, I would also like to wish Italian seniors in my riding a happy Italian Heritage Month. Seniors deserve a retirement that is secure, dignified and supported by strong public programs. Over the past several years, the federal government has taken steps to strengthen Canada’s retirement income system and improve the financial security of older Canadians. We increased the old age security pension by 10% for seniors aged 75 and over, responding to data that showed that the older people get, the more expenses they have. We have also strengthened the Canada pension plan, helping future retirees receive higher pension benefits. In fact, in the recent spring economic update, our government signalled our plans to reduce Canada pension plan contributions to 9.5%. Additionally, recognizing the rising cost of living, we provided targeted support to Canadians. Measures such as pausing the federal fuel excise tax, cutting income tax for middle-class Canadians and investing in housing, infrastructure and the economy are helping Canadians across the country no matter their age. It is important to acknowledge the intent behind Bill C-261. All members of the House share the goal of improving the well-being of seniors. For example, I think of my colleague from Winnipeg North, who is probably one of the strongest advocates for seniors and inspires us all here today. We recognize that many seniors face financial pressures and that income security remains a critical issue. However, it is also important to ensure a balanced and sustainable approach to the Canadian pension system so that it continues to benefit generations to come. When our government increased old age security by 10% for seniors aged 75 and older, that decision was informed by evidence showing that older seniors generally face greater financial vulnerability. As Canadians age, they are more likely to experience declining health, increasing health care-related expenses and reduced opportunities to supplement their income through employment. They are also more likely to outlive their savings and other retirement resources. This is a sound decision supported by data. With respect to the proposal to increase the guaranteed income supplement earnings exemption, we recognize the value of helping seniors who choose to remain in the workforce. Many older Canadians continue to work part-time, whether to supplement their income, remain active or just maintain social connections. That is why in 2019, the federal government increased the GIS work exemption to $5,000, allowing seniors to keep receiving their full pensions without being penalized for taking up some time to supplement their income. Canada’s population is aging. The number of seniors is growing rapidly, including in my own riding, and expenditures on the retirement income program continue to increase. This reality requires thoughtful policy decisions that balance the importance of our public pension system with the current workforce, which supports it and expects it to be there for them when they retire. Our government knows that supporting seniors and investing in younger Canadians are not competing priorities. We can and must do both. That is why we have supported measures such as strengthening and protecting retirement benefits for seniors while also investing in housing, skills training, education and affordability measures that help younger Canadians build secure futures and grow the economy. Every member of the House wants seniors to live with dignity and financial security. We all share a commitment to ensuring that older Canadians receive the support they need. For the generations that built this country, that commitment remains unwavering.”

“I want to congratulate two seniors' residences in my riding on their anniversaries. La Seigneurie d'Anjou has been open for 25 years, and Fil de l'Eau has been open for 40 years. I thank the staff and residents for all they give to our community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to honour two residences that are a credit to Honoré‑Mercier: La Seigneurie d’Anjou, a residence celebrating its 25th year of operation, and Fil de l’Eau, a residence in Rivière‑des‑Prairies—Pointe‑aux‑Trembles that is celebrating its 40th year of operation. These anniversaries remind us that seniors are the beating heart of our neighbourhoods, the keepers of our memories and the builders of our collective history. Whether in Anjou or Rivière‑des‑Prairies—Pointe‑aux‑Trembles, their journey, diversity and resilience profoundly enrich our social fabric. I also want to commend the Filippin family and the team at La Seigneurie d’Anjou, as well as Salvatore Migliara and the team at Fil de l’Eau, for their outstanding dedication. To everyone who lives, works or contributes at these residences, I offer my thanks and congratulations on these momentous anniversaries.”