Jacques Ramsay · TranslatePolitics.ca

Oral Questions

Public Safety

2026-06-12

“I want to cheer for police officers and look sad about their sacrifice. I want to fill time with kind words.”

“I want to look sad about a police death on the news. We're still investigating. We'll say more later when we know more.”

“We're doing stuff. We looked at visas. We took this very seriously. I want you to think we are keeping you safe.”

Statements by Members

Bakery Cup of Canada

2026-06-02

“I'm filling time by talking about a popular local bakery. I want the government to seem to care about small businesses and skilled trades.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the government is aware of the challenges facing SMEs, particularly the issue of hiring well-trained employees. With the team Canada strong initiative, we want to address these challenges by offering grants to apprentices in Red Seal skilled trades and to the SMEs that hire them. That could include the bakery Le Duo Choc in Candiac, owned by two dynamic individuals, Katryne Deguire and Florent Lehmann, where apprentices would learn from the best, and for good reason. Florent and his employee, Félix Jeandot, were recently recognized at the Bakery Cup of Canada, winning the categories of best croissant and best baguette. Félix also won the award for outstanding assistant. I want to congratulate these two artisans. I wish Le Duo Choc bakery every success, as it will be proudly representing Canada at the Mondial du Pain championship to be held next year in France.

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Oral Questions

Public Safety

2026-05-29

“We spent money. We did something. I'm changing the subject.”

“We passed many bills with big names. Conservatives should vote for our new bill too.”

Government Orders

Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act

2026-05-25

“I want to spend more of your tax dollars on training programs. It's essential to make people think this looks productive. You wouldn't want untrained workers, would you?”

“I want the government to spend more money on Canadian businesses. I think contracts should say that. I hope my government agrees with me.”

“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later. Look over here at this other thing we're doing instead. I don't want to answer the real question about our double standard. We're better than those other countries I think.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, in response to my colleague, I would say that, on the contrary, our government is currently doing a great deal to develop the economy of the western provinces, and I would refer him to the statements made by Danielle Smith, who has welcomed the projects we are launching with Alberta. That said, there is no conflict here. I think that Canada, as a responsible country, must be concerned about the environment, certainly more than some of the countries my colleague mentioned. I believe we can do better than some of the countries he mentioned. There is no contradiction between building a strong economy and doing so efficiently and in an environmentally friendly way. I believe Canadians understand this and support the plan we are proposing.

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“I'm filling time by listing good-news numbers for an airport in my riding. The real point is I want taxpayers to spend more on programs I like there. And I want my constituents to think I made all good things happen.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, consider the Saint-Hubert metropolitan airport, which was inaugurated this week by the Minister of Transport and will soon welcome four million travellers a year, with major implications for the tourism industry, to name just one. Canada is buzzing with excitement. That is why the country has attracted more than $100 billion in foreign investment over the past year, a level not seen in nearly two decades. It also explains why we have established some 20 new economic and defence partnerships across four continents. Canada has also increased its exports to markets outside the United States by $33 billion this year. That means jobs are being created here in Canada, including on the south shore. Some might say we are spending too much, but let us hear what the experts have to say. Canada is on track for long-term prosperity, according to estimates from the International Monetary Fund, which ranks Canada second among G7 nations this year in terms of projected growth. We are investing in what matters, and we are doing so responsibly. As the member for La Prairie—Atateken, I want to tell my constituents that this economic update demonstrates that the government is working for them with lower taxes, greater affordability, more help with groceries, more accessible housing, jobs for our young people and a clear vision for Canada's economic future, a future that is diverse and focused on buying local. That is what we are delivering. La Prairie—Atateken is growing, and the government will be there to support its development.

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“I want my constituents to think the government is working hard for them. The spring economic update includes many measures that put money directly into people's pockets. I will list them all to create the impression of the government doing a lot. The government is spending billions on housing and infrastructure projects that will benefit my riding and make me look good.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, it is always an honour to rise in the House on behalf of my constituents in La Prairie, Candiac, Sainte‑Catherine, Saint‑Constant, Delson, Saint‑Philippe, Saint‑Mathieu and Kahnawake. This is especially true today as I rise to illustrate what the spring economic update means in concrete terms for the families of La Prairie—Atateken, for our jobs, and for the future of our community. Let me be blunt: This government is working for the people of La Prairie—Atateken, and the measures announced in the recent economic statement are proof of that. The world has changed. Trade tensions with our neighbour, geopolitical turmoil such as the war in Iran, and disruptions in supply chains are creating real uncertainty. For the past year, we have been navigating an increasingly fragmented, rapidly changing world. However, what I can say is that, while other countries are retreating as they wait for better days to return, Canada is acting with conviction and resolve, without hesitation. The spring economic update confirms Canada's fiscal strength, while investing in Canadians where it truly matters. The results speak for themselves. With an $11.5‑billion reduction in the projected deficit, our fiscal position is much stronger than expected. We are managing things well—all spending items have been reviewed—we are spending wisely, and we are focusing on long-term prosperity. Let us recall that, by 2028-29, the deficit will consist only of capital investment. The operating deficit, meanwhile, will have been eliminated. That is what is known as long-term vision. Let me begin by addressing something that has an immediate bearing on the day-to-day finances of my constituents. The Canada groceries and essentials benefit will support more than 30,000 residents of La Prairie—Atateken so they can buy groceries and essential goods. Payments will go out starting June 5. This support will go directly into the bank accounts of many of my constituents. It is not a promise. It is a cheque. We also made the national school food program permanent. This means that, year after year, Quebec will now receive its share to ensure that our schools can feed our children. Full bellies help children learn better. My colleague says that Quebec is handling that, but the federal government is also providing funds. Another measure has to do with bank fees. The government is now capping overdraft fees at $10, thereby strengthening consumer protection. It is these small, cumulative measures that make a real difference in a tight family budget. We have also simplified the application process for the disability tax credit for people with certain long-term medical conditions. For families who have been battling bureaucracy for years, this simplification is a tangible victory. I used to be a family doctor, so I can attest to this. The government is also extending assistance to people experiencing homelessness and working to ensure that victims of gender-based violence have access to safe housing. Of course, as is the case across the country, there is a shortage of public housing and transitional housing, but we are committed to supporting projects that address this need. Significant budgets are allocated for this purpose through Build Canada Homes, because a strong government is one that leaves no one behind. I said this during the election campaign, and I will say it again: Housing is a key priority for the government, particularly for La Prairie—Atateken. This economic update clearly demonstrates that. One of the things the government is doing is reducing development charges. The government is also providing GST relief for first-time homebuyers, as well as simplifying rules and modernizing building codes to facilitate the construction of prefabricated and modular housing. In fact, $7 billion in low-cost financing is being fast-tracked to CMHC so builders can get projects built sooner and get more rental units to market faster. Over the past year, there has been a significant increase in the supply of affordable housing in my region. Given that young families are looking to settle down and that property prices have skyrocketed in recent years, these measures are a lifeline that will help our children find housing close to home, not three hours away. Our constituency is made up of working people—people who build houses, work in factories and keep the south shore economy going. This economic update recognizes them. For example, I would like to mention the reduced CPP contribution rate, which will fall from 9.9% to 9.5% on January 1. This represents an annual saving of about $133 for an employee earning $70,000 a year, and equivalent savings for the employer. This is no small matter. For a couple where both partners work, that is nearly $270 more in their pockets each year. Parents hope that their children will be able to build a stable career on the south shore. For our young people who are about to enter the job market and who are being hit hard by current unemployment rates, the government is launching a national initiative aimed at recruiting, training and hiring between 80,000 and 100,000 new skilled trades workers by 2030-31. These are more than 50 in-demand trades with solid wages, such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters and welders. Now there is a national program to access these trades, and it is going to be funded to the tune of $2 billion over five years. The spring economic update also offers a long-term vision for Canada's economy, and our region will benefit from it directly. The Major Projects Office will oversee 21 initiatives of national interest that will interconnect, diversify and power our economy. These initiatives will support the creation of 60,000 jobs during construction and generate over $125 billion in new investments. These infrastructure, road, trade corridor and energy projects will have a direct impact on our region, at the centre of Quebec's economic corridor. Consider, for example, Canada's defence industrial strategy and the proximity of the Saint-Jean military base. Consider, for example, the expansion of the Port of Montreal at Contrecoeur, which is expected to generate $140 million in spinoffs every year, including in my riding. Finally, consider the Saint-Hubert metropolitan airport, launched this week by Minister MacKinnon, which will soon welcome four million travellers a year—

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Private Members' Business

Food and Drugs Act

2026-05-08

“I want my colleague's bill to pass. More laws are good. I trust my colleague to make laws about drugs. I don't care what drug companies think.”

Oral Questions

Public Safety

2026-05-08

“I want people to think we are tough on crime and that this bill will keep them safe. I'm hoping if I talk about victims and bad guys it will make our plan sound good.”

Statements by Members

Students from École Jean XXIII

2026-05-06

“I'm filling time by saying nice things about children. I hope that if I talk about how much my preferred programs will help them, it will make me look good. I want to assocate myself with these curious children to make it seem like I am doing a good job. I want these programs to continue so that I can claim I helped students when I'm campaigning for re-election.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, today I want to welcome to Parliament the grade six students from the École Jean XXIII in La Prairie. I have seen their eyes light up. They are curious. They want to learn. They are interested in democracy and want to contribute to making Canada a sovereign country. We chatted about the work we do here in Parliament, about the bills that have had or will have positive effects on their lives. We talked about programs like the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, through which families will receive $1,900 this year. We also talked about the national school food program, which ensures that children have a full belly so they can learn, and the support for skilled trades programs, which will help them find a good job when they are older. Let us have faith in the future. One day, a young person, like the students from École Jean XXIII, will sit in my seat and take up the torch so that Canada remains a fair and inclusive country.

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Oral Questions

Public Safety

2026-04-24

“I'm glad everyone came to our event. Police groups want more power. We should pass our bill to give them the tools they asked for.”