Linda Lapointe · TranslatePolitics.ca

Oral Questions

Gender-Based Violence

2026-06-18

“I'm pointing out a sad problem. I want the government to do something. I'm going to get the minister to say nice things about his own plans.”

Government Orders

Government Business No. 11—Proceedings on Bill C‑26

2026-06-16

“I want you to agree with our bill. Say that our bill to spend money will be good for housing.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my hon. colleague, the member for Mirabel, a riding to the north of my riding. I really enjoy his sense of humour and quick wit. I like that in my colleagues. My colleague just told me a short while ago that he is leaning slightly in favour of Bill C‑26, an act to authorize certain payments to be made out of the consolidated revenue fund for the purpose of improving housing supply. It would indeed allow housing construction to move forward as quickly as possible. I would like to know what my colleague thinks about that, considering that this is federal legislation. We are in a federation. What are his thoughts on this matter, since we will be able to build housing faster in the provinces, the territories and his riding, Mirabel?

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Statements by Members

Lower Laurentians

2026-06-16

“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later. I want people to spend money in my riding.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, now that summer is here, I would like to invite everyone to come discover the wonders of the Lower Laurentians. Our region offers a unique one-day agri-tourism experience that gives visitors an opportunity to meet local producers, sample local flavours and support our local businesses. The Vieux-Saint-Eustache farmers' market is a must-visit destination for fresh produce, a friendly atmosphere and our artisans' expertise. It is open every Saturday morning through the end of September. I also encourage everyone to visit Vieux-Saint-Eustache. Known for its rich history, heritage and culture, it is the perfect place for a stroll with family or friends. This summer, I urge everyone, including all my colleagues, to come enjoy our delightful region, support our local businesses and experience the beauty of the Lower Laurentians. I wish everyone a wonderful summer.

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Government Orders

Build Canada Homes Act

2026-06-09

“I want this bill to pass. The Conservatives didn't do enough. We'll do better.”

“We're making a new program called Build Canada Homes. I want my colleague to vote for Bill C-20 to create it. It will get social housing built faster. Just be patient and support the bill.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his excellent question. Yes, we are transitioning from CMHC to Build Canada Homes. This new structure will be more flexible. The funds can be used in collaboration with organizations. As I said earlier, whether in the public or the private sector, we will be able to get these projects up and running faster. This transition will provide increased operational autonomy, the ability to take on risks and an appropriate governance structure that includes a board of directors and executive leadership appointed by the government. A bit of patience will be required, but we are going to wrap up the session. What I am asking my colleague specifically is that he support Bill C‑20, so we can move on to the next stage.

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“I want to cheer for a program that spends money in my riding. That makes me happy.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for her excellent question. My riding is home to Deux-Montagnes, Saint‑Eustache, Boisbriand and Rosemère. People may not remember, but in 2017, we had once-in-a-century floods. Homes in Deux‑Montagnes were demolished. We are waiting for approval from the Montreal metropolitan area to reuse that land. Thanks to the federal government, there is a fund dedicated to the effects of climate change. That land is now inside a dike. Housing can be built there quickly. That is what is going on in Deux‑Montagnes. In Saint‑Eustache, there are already community projects. They will be ready for implementation as soon as the government moves forward. The other two cities, Boisbriand and Rosemère, also have projects. I encourage members to come and visit Rosemère. We are going to find a way to build apartment buildings.

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“I want this bill to pass so the government can claim it is helping families.”

“I want taxpayers to spend a lot of money building houses through a government program. I say this will help people. I say all governments should work together on this.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to rise today to speak in support of the Build Canada Homes act. This landmark legislation will establish Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation tasked with building and expanding affordable housing for Canadians. Canada is in the midst of a housing crisis. To date, federal efforts have been spread across multiple departments, agencies and provinces, limiting the government's ability to have maximum impact. Traditional approaches to construction and financing do not provide the scale and capacity that Canadians need. That is why we are taking a new approach. Every Canadian deserves an affordable place to call home. Housing is a basic need, and the growing demand for housing across the country requires urgent action. Build Canada Homes was created to act quickly and effectively. This legislation will give Build Canada Homes the flexibility and operational autonomy it needs to carry out its mandate. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes will maintain a clear framework of accountability with respect to the government. That will strengthen its ability to develop partnerships across the housing ecosystem and provide affordable housing at the scale and speed that Canadians need. Build Canada Homes will streamline federal housing efforts by acting as a developer, a funder, a unifying force and a catalyst for innovation in the housing sector. It will play a central role in building strong partnerships with all levels of government and indigenous communities. It will also work with non-profit organizations and other key stakeholders in the housing sector to stimulate the construction of affordable housing across Canada. This includes private developers and community organizations. As members know, people in Rivière‑des‑Mille‑Îles are already engaging with organizations interested in working with Build Canada Homes. We already have community housing, built with community organizations, in Saint‑Eustache, Boisbriand, Deux‑Montagnes and Rosemère. Obviously, we all want to build affordable housing. Build Canada Homes cannot act alone. The success of its initiatives depends on partnerships. Greater collaboration among all levels of government, whether municipal, federal or provincial, and with key partners, is needed to address the housing challenges we face across the country. Build Canada Homes will streamline and accelerate the delivery of large-scale affordable housing projects. The agency will attract public, private and philanthropic investment, maximizing its impact. The Build Canada Homes act will foster partnerships across the housing ecosystem to connect the right funding to the right projects. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes will consolidate access to federal lands, development expertise and flexible financial tools through a single entity. It will speed up the delivery of affordable housing by working with non-profit organizations, indigenous organizations and all levels of government. This approach will limit risk, eliminate barriers and guide projects throughout the development process. Build Canada Homes will also work in close collaboration with developers, investors and manufacturers on securing funding and building homes. It will work directly with builders and housing providers that are focused on long-term affordability. That includes non-profit organizations, co-operatives, community housing providers and organizations that promote different housing options for Canadians. These strategic partnerships will make it possible to create affordable housing for a wide range of households, regardless of their income. We are working with stakeholders in Rivière-des-Mille-Îles to fast-track the construction of affordable housing across the riding. Build Canada Homes will have the authority to work under agreements with all levels of government and community partners on financial support, joint ventures and joint development initiatives. The agency will seek to establish close collaboration and coordination with the provinces and territories, which will help advance priority projects. This could include making land available, expediting approval processes and waiving applicable fees. I will now turn to partnerships with indigenous communities. Indigenous peoples face unique housing challenges. Build Canada Homes will collaborate with first nations, Inuit and Métis governments, indigenous housing providers and urban indigenous organizations on proposals that will deliver consistent housing outcomes. Build Canada Homes will work collaboratively to address the housing needs of indigenous communities. The Government of Canada respects indigenous sovereignty and supports self-determined housing solutions that apply an indigenous lens to design and implementation. Our indigenous partners know how to integrate culture and adopt housing solutions that enable their communities to thrive. Build Canada Homes is committed to fostering close collaboration with indigenous peoples and advancing indigenous housing priorities. I would now like to talk about provincial partnerships. Since its launch, Build Canada Homes has moved quickly to initiate housing projects. The Government of Canada has identified public lands that can be converted for housing. We have partnered with local governments to cut red tape and speed up approvals. In April 2026, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec announced an initial partnership to support the construction of about 865 new affordable housing units across the province. The total investment in affordable housing, supportive housing and transitional housing in the province amounts to $200 million. Build Canada Homes is providing approximately $100 million, and Quebec is contributing $100 million. Supportive and transitional housing is very important for people experiencing domestic violence. Addressing domestic violence is one of the priorities of the Liberal women's caucus. This new housing is a direct result of the memorandum of understanding setting out the principles of collaboration for the rollout of Build Canada Homes in Quebec. Signed in January 2026, this memorandum of understanding will guide future collaboration and ensure the coordinated rollout of Build Canada Homes projects across Quebec. Through their collaboration, the federal and Quebec governments will speed up the approval process and identify additional housing projects. The combined investments will help build more affordable housing in the communities that need it most. In March 2026, the Government of Canada, through Build Canada Homes, and New Brunswick partnered to build affordable housing. This partnership is accelerating the delivery of up to 1,200 shovel‑ready homes, with the potential to scale to 1,500. At least half of the homes will be for low-income Canadians, and at least 160 will be supportive or transitional housing. Approximately 30% of the homes, representing up to 450 units, will be built in smaller rural communities. I have been a member of the rural caucus for several years, and one of the comments that I often hear is that we must ensure that affordable housing is built in rural communities as well. In conclusion, developing and strengthening partnerships is vital to building homes for Canadians. By pooling resources and finding innovative solutions with its partners, Build Canada Homes is laying a foundation for sustainable solutions. The Build Canada Homes act will make Build Canada Homes a Crown corporation with its own mandate, governance structure and clear powers. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes will have the operational independence, governance and flexibility needed to deliver affordable housing at scale. This legislation will allow Build Canada Homes to operate at arm's length from the government, manage its assets, deploy innovative financial tools and make long-term investment decisions more effectively. That is the true strength of partnership: implementing transformative changes. We are working together to develop a strong, more unified approach to housing across the country.

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“You said things I like. I think you are smart. Our government wants to build many houses fast. I want people to have houses they can pay for. Please tell me how this will help where you were elected.”

Statements by Members

785 St-Eustache Kiwanis Squadron

2026-06-09

“I want to cheer for a group in my riding that won a contest. They work hard and help each other. That makes me look good.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the excellence, discipline, and determination of the 785 St‑Eustache Kiwanis squadron. On June 6, during the 2026 provincial military drill competition organized by the eastern division of the Regional Cadet Support Unit, 785 Squadron took first place in the triumph category, earning the title of best squad in its category. This victory is the result of remarkable hard work, strong team spirit and exemplary dedication on the part of our young cadets. I would like to congratulate the cadets, their instructors, the volunteers, the families and everyone who supports them on their journey. They proudly represent St‑Eustache and the entire Rivière-des-Mille-Îles riding. Congratulations to the 785 St‑Eustache Kiwanis squadron on this tremendous achievement.

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Oral Questions

The Economy

2026-06-08

“I want to cheer for a new program. I want the taxpayers to spend money on groceries for some families.”

Government Orders

Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2

2026-06-01

“When you say 'women' my mind goes straight to their grocery bills. See, my dad owned grocery stores. I'm here to help them buy groceries while avoiding your question.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, that certainly is a friendly question. When we talk about women, we are talking about more than half of Canada's population. On this side of the House, we are particularly mindful of that. Together, we are working very hard to advance the women's agenda alongside our male allies and ensure that women are considered in all decisions. We have a plan to invest money in housing to ensure that women can escape unsafe homes where gender-based violence occurs. We are making sure that women are included everywhere. When we talk about the cost of groceries, women are generally the ones who handle the food budget. I used to be a grocer. My dad and I used to have a few grocery stores. It is mainly women who do the grocery shopping, and they are the ones who are affected first. Senior women often live longer than men, and they end up alone and facing more difficulties. The help we will be giving to pay for groceries will help these people, especially those living alone.

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“I want to cheer for a program that spends money in my riding. Taxpayers should spend money because it helps families. Women are important. I want to cheer for my programs.”

Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Regina—Lewvan. I am pleased to rise today to speak to the spring 2026 economic update. At a time when many families are still feeling the strain of the cost of living, it is essential that our government continue to act in a responsible, practical and compassionate manner. In Rosemère, Boisbriand, Saint-Eustache and Deux-Montagnes, the people I represent are very clear about their concerns. They talk to us about grocery prices. They talk to us about housing. They tell us about their children. They also tell us about their aging parents. They tell us about their small businesses, their jobs, their retirement and their ability to make ends meet. These concerns are real, and they must guide our work here in the House of Commons. The spring economic update proposes measures designed specifically to address these realities. It proposes measures to make life more affordable, support housing construction, help workers and strengthen our economy. It also recognizes the importance of investing in communities, families, seniors, women and young people. I do not believe that an economic update should just be a series of numbers. Behind every policy, there are people. A family in Boisbriand is looking for a bigger home. A young couple in Deux-Montagnes wants to buy their first home. A senior in Rosemère wants to continue living with dignity in their community, and a business owner in Saint-Eustache wants to keep their employees and grow their business. These are the people we all need to work for. I want to begin by talking about the cost of living. Families across the country are facing tough choices. Prices have gone up, budgets are tight and people want to know that their government is there for them. Support measures for groceries and essentials are important because they provide direct support to the people who need it most. This support may appear modest to some, but for a family that has to watch every penny, for a single person, a single mother or a senior on a fixed income, it can make all the difference. Affordability must remain a top priority. Housing is a major issue. My riding is home to some beautiful communities. As I said earlier, Rosemère, Boisbriand, Saint-Eustache and Deux-Montagnes are places where people want to live, work, raise their children and age in place near their loved ones. For that to remain possible, we need more housing. We need housing that is accessible to everyone: young families, seniors and single people. We also need to work with the Government of Quebec, the municipalities, organizations and the private sector. The federal government cannot do it all on its own. It is by working with the municipalities, provinces and territories that we can build a stronger Canada. However, the federal government has an important role to play in speeding up construction, supporting partners and contributing to practical solutions. We must build more housing, but we have to be smart about it and build it close to services and public transit. Take, for example, the two stations located at either end of the Réseau express métropolitain, or REM. It is important that we build housing near this transit system. I believe it is open in Montreal's west end as well. We need to build housing while respecting the quality of life in our neighbourhoods. We need to build housing that meets current and future needs. I also want to highlight the importance of supporting workers and businesses. SMEs play a vital role in Rivière‑des‑Mille‑Îles. They create jobs, support families, contribute to our cities' vitality, sponsor our local events and bring our commercial streets to life. However, they also face challenges: Operating costs are high, labour can sometimes be hard to find and investments are expensive. Entrepreneurs need stability and predictability. As my colleague for Lévis—Lotbinière would say, predictability in financial matters is important. Entrepreneurs also need measures that allow them to keep moving forward. The economic update supports growth, productivity, training and investments. These are important priorities for Canada and for our local businesses. When a business in Boisbriand invests in new equipment, it is good for the local economy. When an SME in Saint-Eustache hires a young worker, it is good for the future. When a business in Rosemère makes it through a tough time, the entire community benefits. I also want to talk about Quebec. Quebec has a strong, diversified and innovative economy. We have dynamic SMEs and qualified workers. We have strategic sectors, including clean technology, critical minerals, energy, construction and aerospace. They are found mainly in the Lower Laurentians, but also throughout the metropolitan area. The agri-food and agri-food processing industries are strongly represented in my riding, and the same is true of the AI industry in the Montreal area. The economic update recognizes the importance of supporting major projects, training and supply chains. That represents significant opportunities for Quebec. However, economic development must always be carried out responsibly. We must respect communities and the environment. We must include indigenous people and create sustainable, high-quality jobs. That is how we will build an economy that is both strong and fair. As chair of the women's caucus, where we have achieved 41% gender parity, I would also like to point out that economic decisions have very real impacts on women. When we talk about the cost of living, we are talking about women. When we talk about housing, we are talking about women. When we talk about food security, we are talking about women. When we talk about violence, health, safe sport, community services and support for families, we are also talking about women. Women are at the heart of our economy. They are workers, entrepreneurs, caregivers, heads of households, students and volunteers. They are leaders in our communities. We must therefore ensure that our economic policies reflect their reality. A single mother looking for affordable housing, an elderly woman living alone, an entrepreneur wanting to grow her business, a young girl wanting to play sports in a safe environment, or a woman leaving a violent situation who needs a safe place: all these realities must be taken into account. It is a collective responsibility. As members know, I am proud to represent Rivière-des-Mille-Îles. I am proud to represent Rosemère, Boisbriand, Saint-Eustache and Deux-Montagnes in the House of Commons. These are strong, close-knit, and deeply compassionate communities with families that are community oriented, seniors who built our towns, young people eager to contribute, extraordinary community organizations, volunteers willing to give their time freely, and entrepreneurs creating jobs and local wealth. These people deserve a government that listens to them. They deserve a government that takes things seriously. They deserve a government that understands that the economy is not just about growth. The economy is about dignity, security, the ability to find housing, feed one's family, and have access to a good job. It is also about aging in good health and within one's community. It is the hope of building something better for our children. I would like to add a point about international trade. I also have the pleasure of serving on the Standing Committee on International Trade. Recently, we visited Brazil and Argentina. Even there, our Prime Minister's leadership resonates. People are still talking about his speech in Davos: “If you're not at the table, you're on the menu.” Just imagine, people in Latin America are still talking about it. Now I will be happy to answer my colleagues' friendly questions.

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“You say you have a plan. Well our budget spends money on things you like. It spends on the military. It uses tax rules to make companies do what we want. It even puts a cap on regular spending. You should vote for our budget. Don't you want these things? Don't you want to support jobs in Canada?”

Oral Questions

Sport

2026-05-27

“I want the government to spend money on the Olympics because cheering for team Canada makes me happy.”

Statements by Members

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

2026-05-05

“I want to look good by saying personal attacks are bad. I want to cheer for a bill that spends money to fix sad things. I don't mention tradeoffs or details. I want women in our group to get credit.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, getting into politics means choosing to serve and advance our democracy. Personal attacks, intimidation and hatred have no place in our institutions or our society. It is up to every one of us to foster an environment in which all people can contribute to public discourse with dignity and kindness. As we mark the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, we must continue to promote a society based on listening, respect and safety for all. As chair of the women's caucus, I also want to emphasize women's significant contribution to public and political life in our country and our support for Bill C‑16. A strong democracy is one in which everyone is encouraged to participate and get involved.

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