MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

Hon. Mona Fortier

Liberal Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs 10 statements translated

Fortier frequently fills her speaking time with positive platitudes, announcements of government spending in her riding, and dodges of pointed questions by reiterating existing policies. She rarely says anything that could be pinned down later or commits to any new, specific actions.

Statements by Members

Shawarma Fest

2026-06-18

“I went to a food festival. It was big and popular. A restaurant made a big shawarma sandwich. People were fed. I tasted many sandwiches. One was the best. Thanks to the organizers. Events like this are good for the city.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I am sure you are one who appreciates a great shawarma. On June 7, the second edition of the shawarma festival was held in my riding in the Byward Market. More than 20,000 people attended. It was a massive success and a very tasty one. A major highlight was the successful attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest shawarma wrap in the world, which reached an impressive length of 373.53 metres. Imagine that. This remarkable effort resulted in a total of 2,451 sandwiches that were donated to the Shepherds of Good Hope. What is more, I had the privilege of serving as a judge to crown the best shawarma in Ottawa. After tasting nine shawarmas, Boustan took first prize, with 3 Brothers and Shawarma Palace coming in second and third, respectively. I want to thank Moe Mosalam and the Giza Entertainment team for hosting an incredible event. This is proof that when our community comes together, we do not just break records. We build a stronger, more caring city for everyone.

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Oral Questions

Foreign Affairs

2026-06-12

“I don't have to answer your demand about trade. Instead I'll announce Canada is spending $2 million on a peace fund with other countries. I'm saying this to look like we're taking action without taking the trade action you demanded.”

Oral Questions

International Trade

2026-06-12

“We passed a law about forced labour in 2024. It makes companies tell us if they find forced labour risks. That's supposed to make us look good.”

“Canada and the U.S. both want to keep out goods made with forced labour. We have strong protections and we will make them stronger with new laws. We will keep working with others to have high standards and fair trade.”

Statements by Members

Oral Health Care

2026-06-12

“I'm saying good news because a college got money. The money pays for mobile dentists. Students work there too. It's more spending, but I want people to think the government is helping.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I have some good news for the national capital region and eastern Ontario. Collège La Cité has received an investment of over $1.6 million to improve access to oral health care. This funding will be used to establish a mobile dental clinic providing services directly in our communities, including services for seniors and children, to reduce barriers to care. Each outreach visit will be staffed with two dental technologists and two to four students, for whom this initiative will provide a valuable, hands-on internship experience. The Collège La Cité clinic will also get a treatment room adapted for neurodivergent young people or those with other special needs. Through this initiative, families will be able to get care close to home in a welcoming, inclusive environment adapted to their needs. The investment shows the engagement of the Government of Canada to make health care more accessible and equitable for all. That is how we are building Canada strong.

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Oral Questions

International Trade

2026-06-11

“We already have strong protections against forced labor. We will make them stronger through new legislation. We will continue working with our partners to uphold high labor standards and ensure fair trade.”

“I want to talk about how our government plans to spend a lot of money hiring new officers. I hope mentioning a big number makes us look good.”

“That's a tough question. I don't want to answer it directly.”

Statements by Members

Francophone Distance Education

2026-05-07

“I want more money and rules for French distance education. I cheer for a group that wants the same thing. They have ideas to get it. I like their ideas.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the tabling of a white paper by the Réseau d'enseignement francophone à distance, or REFAD, on inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in distance education. This document is the product of a collective effort. It highlights concrete issues facing francophone learners and institutions, especially in a minority context. In today's digital age, we have to ensure that no one is left behind. This white paper contains practical recommendations for building a more inclusive, equitable and accessible education system for all of Canada's francophones. I congratulate REFAD, its partners and the working group for their efforts and contributions to this analysis of a topic of vital importance to Canada's francophonie. Through these initiatives and the Government of Canada's commitment to official languages and accessibility, we are building a more inclusive Canada where everyone has full access to learning opportunities, regardless of their circumstances or background.

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Statements by Members

Gérard Lévesque

2026-04-29

“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to pay tribute to Gérard Lévesque, who passed away recently. He was a committed Franco-Ontarian and active member of the community in my riding of Etobicoke—Lakeshore. Gérard dedicated his life to defending and promoting Ontario's francophone community. As a seasoned lawyer, he was a strong advocate for access to justice in French and for French-language education in Ontario. We owe him a debt of gratitude. Gérard was a man of courage and conviction who never hesitated to take decisive action to advance language rights. His commitment has had a real and lasting impact on our community. I had the privilege of working with him, and he really believed in advancing the cause of the francophonie. Beyond his career, Gérard also was a brilliant writer whose words inspired reflection and dialogue. Today, we deeply feel his absence, but his legacy remains very much alive. It will continue to inspire future generations. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, his friends and the entire community. We thank Gérard for everything he did.

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