MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Simard consistently advocates for more federal money and attention for Quebec, especially for industries and programs in his own riding. He frequently accuses the government of neglecting Quebec's interests in favor of oil and gas. He often argues Quebec should be left alone to handle things without federal interference or strings attached.
Government Orders
“I'm attacking the government for failing to solve a tariff dispute. I say their promise to fix it was very important. I say the forestry sector is doing very bad. I demand the government spend more money on a program. The government is not listening to Quebec enough.”
“You have to propose solutions, not just criticize. Softwood lumber needs help. I want the government to buy back tariffs from the U.S.”
Oral Questions
“Don't look at our record. A Liberal environmental caucus talked a big game but hasn't done anything! They're useless.”
“A politician from another party is quitting because he says his party isn't green enough. I don't think their party is green at all. I want voters who care about the environment to vote for my party instead.”
Government Orders
“The government shouldn't subsidize oil and gas. We should stop funding oil and gas. That would have less debt and help people with inflation. Today's motion is bad for French-Canadians. We need funding to preserve French-Canadian culture.”
“I want the government to support Quebec's culture. Quebec's culture is important and needs to be protected. I don't like that the Conservatives called us a trade irritant. I want more francophone MPs to stand up and support this motion. It would be bad if any francophone MP supports the Conservative motion.”
“The Conservatives' motion insults Quebec and French speakers. It calls us an irritant to international trade. English Canada and America have the same culture. They watch the same movies and listen to the same music. French Canada is different. We suffer from US tariffs on aluminum and lumber. The Conservatives should be ashamed to call our culture an irritant.”
Private Members' Business
“I talk about a book to appear smart. I think supporting oil is an ideological mindset. I notice my colleague supports pipelines. I want to protect my favorite industry. I'm upset the government wants to invest in a different industry than mines. I think any bill that helps oil is absurd. Companies should pay for their own pipelines. Oil companies are greedy. They cut jobs and don't build pipelines. I don't want to remove environmental rules to make it easier for oil companies. I respect one member, but not his party.”
“I want taxpayers to pay for it all so big oil companies can use the pipeline you want without having to pay for it themselves.”
Government Orders
“I agree! The oil companies are very bad. They got tax cuts and kept the money. They gave the money to Americans. I think the government should stop letting businesses keep their money. That's indecent!”
“Gas taxes are good. We can't just cut them! Government needs to "manage" prices directly. Refineries are greedy and we can't trust them. Our price-fixing idea might be better than yours.”
Private Members' Business
“I think this bill has good intentions. It tries to help people get drugs that aren't available in Canada. The Bloc will support it. But I'm worried it won't work well with provincial systems. Quebec has its own program. I want the provinces to be consulted. I have questions about the advisory committee and drug costs. I'll wait for the committee to decide what to do next.”
“I don't actually care about this bill. I'm bringing up provincial jurisdiction because it's my job to mention Quebec. Make the provinces feel included. That's my only real complaint.”
Government Orders
“I want to grumble about how the government doesn't listen to us enough. They have a majority so they can pass what they want without us.”
“Now that the Liberals are in power, they don't listen to anyone else. They think they can do whatever they want. It's not right. Democracy means listening to the other parties too. Even if you win you can't just tell everyone else to shut up. The opposition still has good ideas. The government should listen.”
Oral Questions
“The Liberals weren't clear yesterday. Let me say this again: 50% plus one is what counts for everything. Attacking that is attacking Quebec's right to decide things for itself. Quebec's law says 50% plus one. That has stood up in court. The Liberals need to respect democracy. I want the Liberals to stop sliding toward controlling everything.”
“I'm accusing the government of being anti-democratic. The people should decide if they want to separate! I don't like Ottawa controlling the question or the majority. The people alone, not the Liberal Party, should get to decide separation!”
Oral Questions
“The Liberals are ignoring their own climate law. Now they're scrapping pipeline rules to build faster. The Liberals set a 2050 net zero target but they will fail. It's their own fault.”
Statements by Members
“I want to cheer for a local politician I like. He did a lot for my area. He keeps working even though he is sick.”
Government Orders
“I want Quebec voters to think that I'm the only one who really cares about them. The other parties only care about oil and cars, so those parties can't represent Quebec. If the government cared, they would have already given money to the forestry and aluminum sectors.”
