Marie-Hélène Gaudreau · TranslatePolitics.ca

Statements by Members

P'tit Train du Nord

2026-06-16

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

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the Laurentians were developed thanks to the P'tit Train du Nord, the cherished dream of Father Labelle. It was a railway line that made it possible to open up the territory and build our communities. For the past 30 years, this iconic route has sustained another mode of transportation. Today, cyclists, trekkers, runners and cross-country skiers can enjoy this long trail winding like a ribbon through our mountains, along our lakes and rivers and between our villages. Stretching over more than 230 kilometres, the P'tit Train du Nord linear park has become a key piece of tourism infrastructure for the Laurentians. It raises our region's profile, supports local businesses and encourages active transportation and a healthy lifestyle. The P'tit Train du Nord has been part of our regional identity since the late 19th century. It is a tribute to our ability to transform our heritage into a collective resource and look ahead to a bright future. This summer, I encourage everyone to come visit the Laurentians.

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Oral Questions

Climate Change

2026-06-15

“I want the government to stop building pipelines because it might cause more wildfires.”

Government Orders

Strong and Free Elections Act

2026-06-11

“I want the bill changed. It could be better. I won't say how. I just want it to do more.”

“I'm tired of sitting here voting so late. I'm going to bring up Quebec to make a point about party fundraising. Quebec limits donations to $100. Why didn't the committee make federal limits that low? I'm bothered that people can give $1500 to meet the Prime Minister.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I think we are all starting to feel a little worse for wear—sitting here until midnight, constantly voting and dealing with closure motions. In short, we are all in the same boat, and we are all telling ourselves that we need to be strong, that we will get through this. I am going to ask my colleague a very simple question. How is it that, when the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs had the opportunity to consider this issue, it did not give more thought to or examine political party financing more closely? My colleague knows very well that Quebec National Assembly settled this issue long ago. During an election year, a member may make two contributions of $100. However, there have been reports in the media about fundraising events where people are invited to meet the Prime Minister in exchange for a contribution of $1,500. How is it that this limit has not been lowered?

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Government Orders

2026-06-11

“If I talk about a topic from a long time ago, it will make me look smart. I want to say foreign money is bad.”

Government Orders

Strong and Free Elections Act

2026-06-11

“You missed a real problem. Quebec's cybersecurity lead warned that our digital systems have risks and we don't control most of the infrastructure. I think foreign interference in our elections is still a threat.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, my question is very simple. I would like to know if my colleague opposite, the government leader, has seen or read the remarks by the National Assembly's cybersecurity lead, Stéphane Le Bouyonnec, and if he noticed any red flags. In committee, Mr. Le Bouyonnec talked about the risks associated with insufficient digital sovereignty. In the case before us, the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs held 70 meetings before finally securing an independent public inquiry that confirmed there has been interference in our elections. If Quebec says it is not sufficiently equipped, how can we think we have nothing to worry about here when 85% of the infrastructure is owned by south-of-the-border interests?

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Government Orders

Protecting Victims Act

2026-06-09

“I think the other parties are voting based on their party loyalty. I want the Conservatives to vote for this bill even though it doesn't do everything they want. This bill does some good. It helps some victims now. Conservatives should ignore their party and vote based on their conscience.”

“You're annoying me. I'm going to annoy you back. I want attention and money for my cause.”

“I want to pressure you to spend more money.”

“You criticized a deal. I want to shame you for saying that out loud.”

“I don't like political games. We should work together on serious issues. Put people first.”

“Ten women murdered is terrible. I want to stop men from controlling women. This bill will help a bit. Pets are protected now too. Conservatives tried to slow it down but we got it done anyway. It has some gaps, but I still want it to pass. I watched a lot of porn for my job. I worry someone might take pictures of me. That would be bad. We have to do something.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, in the last four months of 2026, Quebec has mourned 10 victims of femicide. This number rivals the annual average for the past decade. That is horrific. I hope that my colleague on the other side of the House is aware of that, because these are tragedies. This is really an unacceptable number of domestic tragedies. I find the increase extremely alarming, perhaps more so than my colleague across the way. Advocacy and civil society groups are reacting the same way, because at this rate, 2026 could exceed the record 16 femicides committed in 2021. We do not want that. Words matter here: “Femicide” is not a trivial matter; it is a serious societal issue. Bill C-16, an act to amend certain acts in relation to criminal and correctional matters with regard to child protection, gender-based violence, delays and other measures, has reached third reading. As my colleague mentioned earlier, this bill amends the Criminal Code to create a new offence that prohibits engaging in a pattern of coercive or controlling conduct toward an intimate partner. It also provides that murder known as femicide when committed against a female person is first degree murder in any of the following circumstances: the murder is committed against an intimate partner in the context of a pattern of controlling or coercive behaviour; the murder is committed in the context of domestic violence; the murder is committed in the context of human trafficking; or the murder is motivated by hatred. Now is the time to say enough is enough: no more femicide. The Bloc Québécois will continue to support the bill. Obviously, we do have some reservations. I still think that Bill C-16 represents a very significant step forward in protecting people from intimate partner violence and sexual offences. The Bloc Québécois strongly supports the changes regarding court delays, specifically the issue of mistrials. We support the new Criminal Code offence of recruiting a young person to commit a crime, the introduction of a safety valve for minimum sentences, and the strengthening of the Criminal Code provisions regarding harassment and sexual violence, which primarily affect women. As I said earlier, the committee study of Bill C‑16 took place despite the deliberate attempts by our Conservative colleagues to do what they think is their duty. Unfortunately, partisanship is leading to attempts to obstruct our work. By introducing a litany of amendments that are clearly beyond the scope of the bill, our colleagues in the official opposition engaged in a series of delay tactics. Some were posted on social media for purely partisan purposes, effectively turning the committee's work into an election platform. What else can we expect from them? Sometimes I wonder if they even care about being constructive. Despite it all, the work got done and that was in large part thanks to my colleagues from Rivière-du-Nord and Shefford. Protection for the loved ones of victims of coercive control has been expanded to even include pets. That is a good thing. It is good news. An aggravated sentence was also created for the non-consensual distribution of intimate images when the image was produced in the context of aggravated sexual assault. Two decisions made at committee leave gaps that warrant attention because they make the bill less coherent and could jeopardize the safety of the very people that Bill C‑16 seeks to protect. Let me come back to the non-consensual distribution of intimate images when the image was produced in the context of aggravated sexual assault. During the 43rd Parliament, I served as the vice‑chair of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics. We conducted a study on the online pornography giant Pornhub. I watched hundreds of hours of pornographic content depicting women being filmed against their will while engaging in sexual acts, whether consensual or not. These women did not even know they were being filmed, let alone that the footage would end up online. As a mother of two young adults, I cannot tolerate the fact that there are brutes, people with no sense of decency, who seriously film videos of these women, and men too, without their consent during sexual acts. Imagine how that can destroy a person's life, career, family and self-confidence at an age when people are still developing as human beings, when they are building their self-confidence. Let me be clear: Committing such an act against people aged 37, 45 or 75 is just as reprehensible and must be deemed both criminally and ethically unacceptable. Our society is changing, our mores are changing and our means of communication are changing. I am terrified that this could happen to any of us these days, and with complete impunity. We must act now, through other means that can address certain shortcomings. Let us take care of ourselves, and let us ensure that justice is done.

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“I want to agree with my colleague. I want to criticize government for getting in the way of organizations that help abused women. I want to know if there are concrete steps the government can take to be more consistent with Quebec.”

“Why didn't you vote for our amendment? It was good. It would have improved legal support.”

“Those Conservative obstructionists wasted everyone's time in committee. Look at me supporting the bill and being reasonable. Why won't the Conservatives stop playing games and get on board?”

Government Orders

Build Canada Homes Act

2026-06-09

“I want the federal government to stop interfering. Quebec knows best. Just send us the money and we'll handle the rest.”

Oral Questions

Prime Minister of Canada

2026-05-29

“The Prime Minister did many things I don't like in two weeks. He is anti-democratic and too pro-oil. I want the Liberals to answer for this.”

Statements by Members

Claude Lemieux

2026-05-29

“I'm sad a famous hockey player died. He was good at hockey. He was from Quebec. I think Quebec is strong and proud. His death makes me sad.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, he touched our hearts on Monday night as he carried the torch ahead of the Canadiens game. Then our hearts were broken by the news of his sudden death. Claude Lemieux, the most formidable playoff performer in history, passed away at just 60 years old. He was a four-time Stanley Cup champion, including in 1986 with Montreal. Claude Lemieux was the playoff MVP with New Jersey and a symbol of the 1990s rivalry between Colorado and Detroit. He embodied the spirit of Quebec. He was proud, he was a fighter, and he refused to give up. When the chips were down, he could be counted on to deliver. His 80 playoff goals rank him ninth all-time in hockey history. On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I offer our deepest condolences to his wife, Deborah, and his children, Brendan, Claudia, Michael and Christopher. We are proud of Claude Lemieux in Mont-Laurier, where he grew up. I am also thinking of Mr. and Mrs. Lemieux and Jocelyn. My heart goes out to them.

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Government Orders

Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act

2026-05-25

“The government is buying votes with handouts instead of helping seniors.”

“I think the government should spend more money on Canadian businesses. I don't like our trade agreements. I want to tell the deputy ministers what to do.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, earlier I dared to speak my mind loud and clear, and I will say it again: One day the government will have to get its house in order and become experts on the “Buy Canadian” policy, among other things. I digress, but it will soon be clear why, as that is my question for my colleague. How is it that government investments have a direct impact when we have free trade agreements, and how is it that the government is saying to buy Canadian when the goods will be manufactured abroad, in Europe, for example? This is somehow allowed under these agreements. Can we have a clear framework? The deputy ministers will be appearing before the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates, and we expect them to be clear, straightforward and precise.

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