Eric St-Pierre · TranslatePolitics.ca

Government Orders

Government Business No. 13—Proceedings on Bill C‑22

2026-06-17

“I'm filling time by praising someone's personal life instead of talking about the actual bill.”

Statements by Members

Departing Members of Parliament

2026-06-17

“Five people are quitting. I'm using nice words to say goodbye.”

Official Hansard

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.

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Oral Questions

Youth

2026-06-12

“I heard something about cyberbullying being bad for kids. It makes me sad. I want the government to protect the children and spend money to reduce cyberbullying. I'll ask a vague question hoping other people also feel bad and maybe someone does something.”

Private Members' Business

Old Age Security Act

2026-06-03

“I want to cheer for how much our party has done to help seniors. We've increased some pensions. We plan to lower some taxes. Our policies are based on sound data. I want to cheer for my colleague who really cares about seniors. The other party's bill has good intentions, but we need balanced and sustainable policies. I want to cheer for our party's balanced approach. Supporting seniors and investing in younger Canadians are not competing priorities. We can and must do both.”

Official Hansard

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.

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Statements by Members

Two Residences in Honoré‑Mercier

2026-05-29

“I'm filling time with kind words about some old folks' homes in my riding.”

Official Hansard

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.

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