Watchorn presses for military procurement reform, turning the Defence Investment Agency into a Crown corporation, raising Canadian content in defence spending, and keeping sexual offence cases out of military courts. He often fills time with thanks and tributes, as in “my colleague has an excellent grasp of the issues we are discussing.” He also defends defence and housing spending with dollar figures from his riding.Written by AI from their statements. Updated .
Average grade
A–
The average grade of 28 analysed statements. 8 more were analysed but were too short to grade.
85 / 100 over 28 statements
Signal82 / 100
Relevance82 / 100
Respect100 / 100
Clarity88 / 100
Averaged over the 28 of 38 statements graded so far.
“Our current defence agency has done a good job buying vehicles, submarines, and rifles quickly. How will creating a new Crown corporation get our military the gear it needs any faster?”
“Madam Speaker, I believe that the Defence Investment Agency has truly demonstrated over the past year that a dedicated organization is needed to manage military procurement. I am thinking in particular of the 190 armoured vehicles we purchased over the past year, the accelerated submarine procurement process and the assault rifles purchased this year. Could my colleague explain how this new Crown corporation would be better positioned than the Defence Investment Agency, operating under the Department of Public Services and Procurement, to deliver the equipment our military personnel need more quickly?”
Official Hansard
Madam Speaker, I believe that the Defence Investment Agency has truly demonstrated over the past year that a dedicated organization is needed to manage military procurement. I am thinking in particular of the 190 armoured vehicles we purchased over the past year, the accelerated submarine procurement process and the assault rifles purchased this year. Could my colleague explain how this new Crown corporation would be better positioned than the Defence Investment Agency, operating under the Department of Public Services and Procurement, to deliver the equipment our military personnel need more quickly?
“New scales on trucks helped businesses carry more gravel while protecting roads from overweight trucks. How will this bill improve productivity and protect our infrastructure?”
“Mr. Speaker, I am a civil engineer, not a chemical engineer, but over the last 20 years, we went through a revolution in scales on trucks. There are now on-board scales for trucks and loaders, as opposed to fixed scales, which we had before. This accomplished two things: one, productivity was raised because we were able to maximize the amount of gravel we can get into a truck; and two, our roads were protected from overloaded trucks. I would like to know from our colleague how the bill would better productivity and protect our infrastructure.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, I am a civil engineer, not a chemical engineer, but over the last 20 years, we went through a revolution in scales on trucks. There are now on-board scales for trucks and loaders, as opposed to fixed scales, which we had before. This accomplished two things: one, productivity was raised because we were able to maximize the amount of gravel we can get into a truck; and two, our roads were protected from overloaded trucks. I would like to know from our colleague how the bill would better productivity and protect our infrastructure.
“I want to honour Saint-Colomban firefighters Marco Doucet and Cyrille Ranger. During a house fire, they acted quickly to save the life of another firefighter who fell through a collapsed floor.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the heroes of the Service de sécurité incendie de Saint‑Colomban. On July 27, a major fire broke out in a local home. During the response, the building floor collapsed and firefighter Éric Parent was left hanging in the air. With no second thought, the fire chief, Marco Doucet, rushed into the flames to hold his struggling firefighter back and basically save his life. Not to be outdone, his fellow firefighter Cyrille Ranger provided first aid professionally and efficiently within minutes. Their quick and coordinated response saved firefighter Parent’s life and limited the severity of his injuries. Firefighters and first responders protect us and save Canadian lives every day. They are all heroes, but on July 27, Marco Doucet and Cyrille Ranger proved that by their actions. For this, the people of Les Pays-d’en-Haut, Saint‑Colomban and, more specifically, Éric Parent and his family thank them.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the heroes of the Service de sécurité incendie de Saint‑Colomban. On July 27, a major fire broke out in a local home. During the response, the building floor collapsed and firefighter Éric Parent was left hanging in the air. With no second thought, the fire chief, Marco Doucet, rushed into the flames to hold his struggling firefighter back and basically save his life. Not to be outdone, his fellow firefighter Cyrille Ranger provided first aid professionally and efficiently within minutes. Their quick and coordinated response saved firefighter Parent’s life and limited the severity of his injuries. Firefighters and first responders protect us and save Canadian lives every day. They are all heroes, but on July 27, Marco Doucet and Cyrille Ranger proved that by their actions. For this, the people of Les Pays-d’en-Haut, Saint‑Colomban and, more specifically, Éric Parent and his family thank them.
“We must keep spending money on defence in the north. Our investments there are already helping communities and protecting our most important border.”
“Mr. Speaker, we had the chance this summer to go to Inuvik to see how investments are already making a difference at the airport so that we are able to have our CC-330s land in the north and protect our north. We met with all the mayors and the regional first nations communities. We are also benefiting from all the money being spent up north. We will continue to invest in the north, because it is our most important border at this time.”
Mr. Speaker, we had the chance this summer to go to Inuvik to see how investments are already making a difference at the airport so that we are able to have our CC-330s land in the north and protect our north. We met with all the mayors and the regional first nations communities. We are also benefiting from all the money being spent up north. We will continue to invest in the north, because it is our most important border at this time.
“We always planned to turn our temporary defence agency into a Crown corporation. Countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, Turkey, and Sweden already do this successfully. Our military needs modern tools quickly because technology changes fast. A Crown corporation will get our troops what they need.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Defence Investment Agency was always intended to be a temporary measure. The goal was always to create a Crown corporation. That is what we are doing now. The benefits have been clearly demonstrated in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Turkey and Sweden. They have models very similar to what our government is proposing today. The rationale has always been this: It is absolutely essential to provide our military personnel with the capabilities they need as soon as possible, given the technological changes we are seeing on a daily basis. A Crown corporation will do exactly that.”
Mr. Speaker, the Defence Investment Agency was always intended to be a temporary measure. The goal was always to create a Crown corporation. That is what we are doing now. The benefits have been clearly demonstrated in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Turkey and Sweden. They have models very similar to what our government is proposing today. The rationale has always been this: It is absolutely essential to provide our military personnel with the capabilities they need as soon as possible, given the technological changes we are seeing on a daily basis. A Crown corporation will do exactly that.
“Defence spending is already helping our economy. A company in Mirabel got a $1.5-billion plane maintenance contract, and a new defence innovation centre is opening there. These projects give good jobs to local aerospace workers.”
“Mr. Speaker, we do not need to wait for the spinoffs, because they are already here. A $1.5-billion maintenance contract was awarded to L3Harris in Mirabel, in the Laurentians, for the CC-330 Husky refuelling aircraft. It has already been determined that the DISH, the defence innovation secure hub, will be established near Mirabel. Every person who lives in the Laurentians and has a good job in the aerospace sector will be able to benefit from these contracts and many more in the future, including Bombardier’s contract for the Global 6500 jets.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, we do not need to wait for the spinoffs, because they are already here. A $1.5-billion maintenance contract was awarded to L3Harris in Mirabel, in the Laurentians, for the CC-330 Husky refuelling aircraft. It has already been determined that the DISH, the defence innovation secure hub, will be established near Mirabel. Every person who lives in the Laurentians and has a good job in the aerospace sector will be able to benefit from these contracts and many more in the future, including Bombardier’s contract for the Global 6500 jets.
“We want to make sure Canadian companies build as much of our defence equipment as possible. We are committed to raising Canadian content in our defence spending from 30% to 70%.”
“Mr. Speaker, in our defence industrial strategy, we have three pillars: build, partner and buy. We have to make sure that Canadian companies are involved in the building of the maximum possible quantity of defence equipment and defence supplies. That is the reason we have to make sure that Canadian companies are always at the head of the line when it comes to defence procurement. We have made the commitment to go from 30% to 70% Canadian content in our defence spending. That is something we will definitely adhere to.”
Mr. Speaker, in our defence industrial strategy, we have three pillars: build, partner and buy. We have to make sure that Canadian companies are involved in the building of the maximum possible quantity of defence equipment and defence supplies. That is the reason we have to make sure that Canadian companies are always at the head of the line when it comes to defence procurement. We have made the commitment to go from 30% to 70% Canadian content in our defence spending. That is something we will definitely adhere to.
“I support this bill. It creates a new Crown corporation and updates our defence laws so the military and security agencies can buy equipment and services faster. This will help our armed forces face new threats and keep pace with our allies.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by offering my deepest condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives at CFB Wainwright this past weekend. Our thoughts are with their families and the families of the injured. Transforming the Defence Investment Agency into a Crown corporation would ensure that Canada is better prepared to meet defence and security challenges now and in the future. The agency will have the tools, flexibility and expertise to make strategic investments and respond more quickly to the needs of our armed forces and Coast Guard. This transformation is central to Bill C‑40, the strengthening Canada’s defence sector act. However, I would also like to draw the attention of the House to the significant amendments this bill would make to the Defence Production Act. These changes will better prepare Canada for an increasingly complex security environment. They are essential to strengthening our industrial base and ensuring that our defence procurement system can provide the armed forces and our national security partners with the capabilities that they need when they need them. The Defence Production Act has been a cornerstone of Canada’s defence procurement framework since the Korean War. Over time, as the security environment and the nature of national defence have evolved, the act has been amended a number of times. As the world continues to change rapidly, the legislation needs to adapt as well. In recent years, we have witnessed growing instability and unpredictability around the world. New threats have emerged, supply chains have become more vulnerable, and the importance of economic security has become impossible to ignore. At the same time, our allies have invested heavily in their defence industrial capacity so they can produce critical equipment and technologies quickly and at scale. Canada must keep pace with its allies. For many years, this act has guided our defence procurement and industrial strategy policies. However, it was designed for a very different era. Bill C‑40 modernizes this legislative framework to reflect today’s security realities and the increasingly close ties between defence, security, technology and economic resilience. Historically, the act focused primarily on defence equipment and infrastructure exclusively for national defence purposes. Bill C‑40 expands its scope to include national security and services related to both national defence and national security. This broader scope recognizes that contemporary threats rarely fit neatly within traditional categories. Protecting critical infrastructure, advanced technology, intelligence capabilities and supply chain security all play a role in protecting Canadians. Another important amendment seeks to clarify and expand procurement authorities. Under the Canadian corporation for defence investment act, the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant would have exclusive authority to acquire supplies and services related to defence and security, not only for the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence, but also for other federal departments, boards and agencies in the area of national security. After all, national security is a government-wide responsibility. Whether supporting border security, the protection of critical infrastructure, emergency preparedness or intelligence operations, federal departments and agencies are increasingly dependent on specialized equipment and services that contribute to our security objectives. It is important to recognize that maintaining national security is not limited to the procurement of goods and services. That is why Bill C‑40 allows the new associate minister of national defence for procurement to perform financial assistance operations related to production or investment in respect of defence or national security. These new powers will allow the government to play a more active role in strengthening Canada’s defence and national security industrial base. We are fostering innovation that supports strategic capabilities and ensuring that critical technologies and manufacturing capabilities remain available to Canada and our allies. This represents a real shift in perspective. Rather than viewing defence procurement as merely a purchasing exercise, this measure recognizes that it is part of a broader industrial and economic strategy. Investing in our industrial capabilities helps strengthen our sovereignty, reduces our vulnerabilities and supports good jobs across Canada. The proposed amendments to the Defence Production Act are only one part of a broader, comprehensive package of reforms set out in Bill C-40. These reforms include the creation of a Crown corporation responsible for carrying out production, procurement and investment activities in respect of national defence for the benefit of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence. It should be mentioned that the minister of public works and procurement would remain responsible for the Defence Production Act. As we modernize Canada’s defence production and procurement framework, accountability remains key. Bill C-40 strikes a balance between agility and accountability. It seeks to remove unnecessary barriers that can delay the delivery of essential capabilities to the armed forces, while maintaining government oversight of important decisions. Bill C-40 delivers on both. At the end of the day, our goal is not just to spend more or move faster. These changes are meant to create an efficient, transparent and accountable defence procurement and production system that delivers results for our armed forces while maintaining the trust of Canadians. At its core, this bill is about preparedness. It is about ensuring that Canada has the legislative tools it needs to build key capabilities, strengthen its domestic industrial capacity, support innovation, secure its supply chains and respond decisively to emerging threats. This bill reflects the reality that national defence and national security are increasingly closely tied to economic resilience, advanced technologies and industrial policy. Our government is proposing substantial yet necessary amendments to the Defence Production Act. These amendments broaden the scope of the act, strengthen procurement authorities, introduce new investment tools and establish updated procurement rules that are appropriate for the current security environment. Taken together, these measures aim to create a framework that is more agile and responsive and focused on Canada’s strategic defence and security priorities. This bill represents one of the most significant updates to Canada’s defence production and procurement framework in decades. It reflects a clear recognition that security challenges are evolving and that Canadian institutions must evolve with them. That is what Bill C‑40 is all about. That is how our government is making sure Canada remains safe, secure and sovereign. I look forward to taking questions from my colleagues about my speech.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by offering my deepest condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives at CFB Wainwright this past weekend. Our thoughts are with their families and the families of the injured. Transforming the Defence Investment Agency into a Crown corporation would ensure that Canada is better prepared to meet defence and security challenges now and in the future. The agency will have the tools, flexibility and expertise to make strategic investments and respond more quickly to the needs of our armed forces and Coast Guard. This transformation is central to Bill C‑40, the strengthening Canada’s defence sector act. However, I would also like to draw the attention of the House to the significant amendments this bill would make to the Defence Production Act. These changes will better prepare Canada for an increasingly complex security environment. They are essential to strengthening our industrial base and ensuring that our defence procurement system can provide the armed forces and our national security partners with the capabilities that they need when they need them. The Defence Production Act has been a cornerstone of Canada’s defence procurement framework since the Korean War. Over time, as the security environment and the nature of national defence have evolved, the act has been amended a number of times. As the world continues to change rapidly, the legislation needs to adapt as well. In recent years, we have witnessed growing instability and unpredictability around the world. New threats have emerged, supply chains have become more vulnerable, and the importance of economic security has become impossible to ignore. At the same time, our allies have invested heavily in their defence industrial capacity so they can produce critical equipment and technologies quickly and at scale. Canada must keep pace with its allies. For many years, this act has guided our defence procurement and industrial strategy policies. However, it was designed for a very different era. Bill C‑40 modernizes this legislative framework to reflect today’s security realities and the increasingly close ties between defence, security, technology and economic resilience. Historically, the act focused primarily on defence equipment and infrastructure exclusively for national defence purposes. Bill C‑40 expands its scope to include national security and services related to both national defence and national security. This broader scope recognizes that contemporary threats rarely fit neatly within traditional categories. Protecting critical infrastructure, advanced technology, intelligence capabilities and supply chain security all play a role in protecting Canadians. Another important amendment seeks to clarify and expand procurement authorities. Under the Canadian corporation for defence investment act, the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant would have exclusive authority to acquire supplies and services related to defence and security, not only for the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence, but also for other federal departments, boards and agencies in the area of national security. After all, national security is a government-wide responsibility. Whether supporting border security, the protection of critical infrastructure, emergency preparedness or intelligence operations, federal departments and agencies are increasingly dependent on specialized equipment and services that contribute to our security objectives. It is important to recognize that maintaining national security is not limited to the procurement of goods and services. That is why Bill C‑40 allows the new associate minister of national defence for procurement to perform financial assistance operations related to production or investment in respect of defence or national security. These new powers will allow the government to play a more active role in strengthening Canada’s defence and national security industrial base. We are fostering innovation that supports strategic capabilities and ensuring that critical technologies and manufacturing capabilities remain available to Canada and our allies. This represents a real shift in perspective. Rather than viewing defence procurement as merely a purchasing exercise, this measure recognizes that it is part of a broader industrial and economic strategy. Investing in our industrial capabilities helps strengthen our sovereignty, reduces our vulnerabilities and supports good jobs across Canada. The proposed amendments to the Defence Production Act are only one part of a broader, comprehensive package of reforms set out in Bill C-40. These reforms include the creation of a Crown corporation responsible for carrying out production, procurement and investment activities in respect of national defence for the benefit of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence. It should be mentioned that the minister of public works and procurement would remain responsible for the Defence Production Act. As we modernize Canada’s defence production and procurement framework, accountability remains key. Bill C-40 strikes a balance between agility and accountability. It seeks to remove unnecessary barriers that can delay the delivery of essential capabilities to the armed forces, while maintaining government oversight of important decisions. Bill C-40 delivers on both. At the end of the day, our goal is not just to spend more or move faster. These changes are meant to create an efficient, transparent and accountable defence procurement and production system that delivers results for our armed forces while maintaining the trust of Canadians. At its core, this bill is about preparedness. It is about ensuring that Canada has the legislative tools it needs to build key capabilities, strengthen its domestic industrial capacity, support innovation, secure its supply chains and respond decisively to emerging threats. This bill reflects the reality that national defence and national security are increasingly closely tied to economic resilience, advanced technologies and industrial policy. Our government is proposing substantial yet necessary amendments to the Defence Production Act. These amendments broaden the scope of the act, strengthen procurement authorities, introduce new investment tools and establish updated procurement rules that are appropriate for the current security environment. Taken together, these measures aim to create a framework that is more agile and responsive and focused on Canada’s strategic defence and security priorities. This bill represents one of the most significant updates to Canada’s defence production and procurement framework in decades. It reflects a clear recognition that security challenges are evolving and that Canadian institutions must evolve with them. That is what Bill C‑40 is all about. That is how our government is making sure Canada remains safe, secure and sovereign. I look forward to taking questions from my colleagues about my speech.
“Members of the armed forces and Coast Guard told our committee that they appreciate our new defence spending and their pay raises. This is not creative accounting. NATO decides who meets the 2% defence target, and Canada has reached it. I want to know if the member supports these pay raises. I also want to know if he supports moving the Coast Guard into the Department of National Defence.”
“Madam Speaker, my colleague is a new member of the Standing Committee on National Defence, and we thank him for his work on that committee. I listened carefully to his speech, and I think he should offer his talents to screenwriter Fabienne Larouche to write fictional scripts for phone calls. I think that is very interesting. On a more serious note, my colleague talked about creative accounting. We had the opportunity to welcome members of the Coast Guard and armed forces to the Standing Committee on National Defence. They told us how much they appreciated the new investments in defence and the pay raises. First, I would like to know if my colleague agrees with the pay raises. Second, I would like to know if he agrees that it would be beneficial to integrate the Coast Guard into the Department of National Defence itself. I think it is important to mention that this is not creative accounting. It is NATO that determines who reaches the 2% target and who does not, and Canada has clearly reached 2%.”
Official Hansard
Madam Speaker, my colleague is a new member of the Standing Committee on National Defence, and we thank him for his work on that committee. I listened carefully to his speech, and I think he should offer his talents to screenwriter Fabienne Larouche to write fictional scripts for phone calls. I think that is very interesting. On a more serious note, my colleague talked about creative accounting. We had the opportunity to welcome members of the Coast Guard and armed forces to the Standing Committee on National Defence. They told us how much they appreciated the new investments in defence and the pay raises. First, I would like to know if my colleague agrees with the pay raises. Second, I would like to know if he agrees that it would be beneficial to integrate the Coast Guard into the Department of National Defence itself. I think it is important to mention that this is not creative accounting. It is NATO that determines who reaches the 2% target and who does not, and Canada has clearly reached 2%.
“Towns already struggle to find trained workers to run water and wastewater systems. I want the member to explain how this bill will help train more workers in First Nations communities so they can run their own systems.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague has an excellent grasp of the issues we are discussing. I would like him to talk a bit more about workforce development. When it comes to drinking water and waste water in municipalities, they are already struggling to find enough skilled staff to manage these systems. I would like him to talk about how Bill C-37 will help increase the workforce in first nations communities so they can manage their own drinking water and waste water systems.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, my colleague has an excellent grasp of the issues we are discussing. I would like him to talk a bit more about workforce development. When it comes to drinking water and waste water in municipalities, they are already struggling to find enough skilled staff to manage these systems. I would like him to talk about how Bill C-37 will help increase the workforce in first nations communities so they can manage their own drinking water and waste water systems.
“This bill invests $4.6 billion over five years to help First Nations get clean drinking water. I used to manage water and sewage plants, so I know how this works. I want to ask the member how he thinks this money should be spent to end these long boil-water advisories.”
“Madam Speaker, my colleague opposite gave a very heartfelt speech. It is obvious that he really cares about this issue. In my previous life, I had the opportunity to manage drinking water plants and sewage treatment plants for the towns of Saint-Adèle and Saint-Sauveur, so I am very familiar with the mechanisms for boil water advisories and safe drinking water practices. What I see in Bill C-37 is a major investment of $4.6 billion over five years to help first nations achieve the drinking water quality and standards that everyone should have. I would like to hear my colleague’s thoughts on how this money should be invested properly in these communities in order to lift the boil water advisories that have been in place for far too long.”
Official Hansard
Madam Speaker, my colleague opposite gave a very heartfelt speech. It is obvious that he really cares about this issue. In my previous life, I had the opportunity to manage drinking water plants and sewage treatment plants for the towns of Saint-Adèle and Saint-Sauveur, so I am very familiar with the mechanisms for boil water advisories and safe drinking water practices. What I see in Bill C-37 is a major investment of $4.6 billion over five years to help first nations achieve the drinking water quality and standards that everyone should have. I would like to hear my colleague’s thoughts on how this money should be invested properly in these communities in order to lift the boil water advisories that have been in place for far too long.
“Prices are high because of foreign wars and trade fights with the United States. We can only control what happens here. We voted today to move big projects forward. I want the member to explain how these big projects will create jobs and help Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, everybody knows that prices are high because of the war in Iran and the trade war we have with the U.S. We are going to control what we can control. We voted today on Bill C-39, which would advance major projects. I would like the member to explain to us how getting major projects done in Canada is going to work in a great way and get Canadians to work.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, everybody knows that prices are high because of the war in Iran and the trade war we have with the U.S. We are going to control what we can control. We voted today on Bill C-39, which would advance major projects. I would like the member to explain to us how getting major projects done in Canada is going to work in a great way and get Canadians to work.
“People in my riding trust the Prime Minister and our stand against the United States. Our plans are clear, and we must protect our country. We just announced $2 billion to save energy and help families save money. This will save $1 billion every year. Does my colleague agree this is a good investment?”
“Mr. Speaker, when I went door-knocking this summer, everyone I talked to told me how much confidence they have in the Prime Minister and how much they appreciate our stance vis-à-vis the United States. My colleague says that we have not explained things, but I think everything is clear. We need to protect our sovereignty. Just today, we announced $2 billion for energy efficiency and to help households and young people save money. That $2 billion will generate $1 billion in savings every year. Does my colleague think that is a good investment?”
Mr. Speaker, when I went door-knocking this summer, everyone I talked to told me how much confidence they have in the Prime Minister and how much they appreciate our stance vis-à-vis the United States. My colleague says that we have not explained things, but I think everything is clear. We need to protect our sovereignty. Just today, we announced $2 billion for energy efficiency and to help households and young people save money. That $2 billion will generate $1 billion in savings every year. Does my colleague think that is a good investment?
“Many people in my area drive to work in heavy traffic. They would save money on gas under this bill. Can my colleague explain more about how this bill helps them save?”
“Mr. Speaker, as usual, my hon. colleague gave a very eloquent speech. As I was saying earlier when I asked the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands a question, many of my constituents who have to sit in traffic will be able to benefit from Bill C‑38 by saving money on gas. Many of my constituents work in my colleague’s riding. Can my colleague expand on how these people will be able to benefit from Bill C‑38 by saving money on gas?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, as usual, my hon. colleague gave a very eloquent speech. As I was saying earlier when I asked the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands a question, many of my constituents who have to sit in traffic will be able to benefit from Bill C‑38 by saving money on gas. Many of my constituents work in my colleague’s riding. Can my colleague expand on how these people will be able to benefit from Bill C‑38 by saving money on gas?
“People in my riding spend a lot of time stuck in traffic driving to work. This bill helps them pay less for gas now, but it still saves money to pay for better public transit later. I am asking the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands what she thinks of this balanced plan.”
“Mr. Speaker, I always like working with my hon. colleague, the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands. We always have great conversations. What I am hearing in my riding when I go door to door is that people have confidence in what our Prime Minister is doing, what measures we are putting in place and how they help people in my riding. I live north of Montreal. A lot of people work in Montreal but live in my riding, so they spend a lot of time sitting in traffic on Autoroute 15, which is one of the most congested places in Quebec. This measure would give them a certain amount of relief. I find this measure very balanced. We would be giving relief to people at the gas pumps now but maintaining revenue in the future to make sure we can invest in public transit because public transit is definitely a problem. I would like to know from my hon. colleague how she finds this balanced approach a good measure.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, I always like working with my hon. colleague, the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands. We always have great conversations. What I am hearing in my riding when I go door to door is that people have confidence in what our Prime Minister is doing, what measures we are putting in place and how they help people in my riding. I live north of Montreal. A lot of people work in Montreal but live in my riding, so they spend a lot of time sitting in traffic on Autoroute 15, which is one of the most congested places in Quebec. This measure would give them a certain amount of relief. I find this measure very balanced. We would be giving relief to people at the gas pumps now but maintaining revenue in the future to make sure we can invest in public transit because public transit is definitely a problem. I would like to know from my hon. colleague how she finds this balanced approach a good measure.
“I want to wish Penny Rose a happy 80th birthday. She has helped run music and theatre events in Morin-Heights for 60 years.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the heart and soul of music and theatre in Morin-Heights, and that heart is named Penny Rose. Penny came to us in the sixties and opened Rose’s Cantina, one of the first live music venues in our community, where people would come from near and far to be entertained. Over the years, music has become a way of life in our town, and Penny has always been leading the way. Be it the Joyful Noise Choir, Theatre Morin Heights or now our famous SuperFolk festival, Penny volunteered for it all. Morin-Heights’ music scene is best known for the Commons Bar and Le Studio, where bands such as Rush, The Police, and Bryan Adams recorded some of their best music. However, for the last 60 years, it has been Penny’s work that has deeply left its mark. On July 2, Penny Rose will be 80 years old. She is still going strong and will host the biggest live music party that our town has seen in a long time. From all of us here in the House of Commons, I wish the one and only Penny Rose a very happy birthday.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the heart and soul of music and theatre in Morin-Heights, and that heart is named Penny Rose. Penny came to us in the sixties and opened Rose’s Cantina, one of the first live music venues in our community, where people would come from near and far to be entertained. Over the years, music has become a way of life in our town, and Penny has always been leading the way. Be it the Joyful Noise Choir, Theatre Morin Heights or now our famous SuperFolk festival, Penny volunteered for it all. Morin-Heights’ music scene is best known for the Commons Bar and Le Studio, where bands such as Rush, The Police, and Bryan Adams recorded some of their best music. However, for the last 60 years, it has been Penny’s work that has deeply left its mark. On July 2, Penny Rose will be 80 years old. She is still going strong and will host the biggest live music party that our town has seen in a long time. From all of us here in the House of Commons, I wish the one and only Penny Rose a very happy birthday.
“There are good things happening in my area, like the opening of a major new graphite mine. I want to know what the member thinks about our investments in mining and critical minerals.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have been in the House for about one year, and all I hear from the other side is doom and gloom. I would like to talk about some positive stuff that is happening in our area. I too have a forestry sector in my riding. Forestry is a challenge. However, I was lucky enough to go to the opening of a graphite mine that will be the biggest in the G7. There are a lot of mining opportunities in B.C. and in Quebec. I would like to know what the member opposite thinks of all these mining investments and our focus on critical minerals.”
Mr. Speaker, I have been in the House for about one year, and all I hear from the other side is doom and gloom. I would like to talk about some positive stuff that is happening in our area. I too have a forestry sector in my riding. Forestry is a challenge. However, I was lucky enough to go to the opening of a graphite mine that will be the biggest in the G7. There are a lot of mining opportunities in B.C. and in Quebec. I would like to know what the member opposite thinks of all these mining investments and our focus on critical minerals.
“I want to congratulate Éliane Blais, a 16-year-old mountain biker from my riding. She has overcome a serious injury to win national and international medals. She is an inspiration, and athletes like her are why our government is investing $755 million in young athletes.”
“Madam Speaker, on a more positive note, I am honoured to rise today to commend the perseverance of Éliane Blais, a young athlete from my riding, Les Pays-d’en-Haut. At just 16 years old, she is already a four-time Canadian U17 mountain bike champion, all while continuing her studies. After a serious accident, surgery and rehabilitation, she joined the U19 junior category last fall and won two medals at the Canada Games. On May 2, she finished ninth in the Olympic Junior series in the Czech Republic, and on May 31, in Sherbrooke, she won a bronze medal at the Canada Cup. Éliane Blais is a true source of inspiration for all young people in Canada. She has big ambitions. Although she is the youngest rider on the circuit, she is aiming for a spot in the top eight in the junior downhill category at the Mountain Bike World Championships in Italy this summer. That kind of passion is exactly why we are investing $755 million in our young athletes. I would like to congratulate Éliane and thank her for representing Les Pays-d’en-Haut and Canada so well on the international stage.”
Official Hansard
Madam Speaker, on a more positive note, I am honoured to rise today to commend the perseverance of Éliane Blais, a young athlete from my riding, Les Pays-d’en-Haut. At just 16 years old, she is already a four-time Canadian U17 mountain bike champion, all while continuing her studies. After a serious accident, surgery and rehabilitation, she joined the U19 junior category last fall and won two medals at the Canada Games. On May 2, she finished ninth in the Olympic Junior series in the Czech Republic, and on May 31, in Sherbrooke, she won a bronze medal at the Canada Cup. Éliane Blais is a true source of inspiration for all young people in Canada. She has big ambitions. Although she is the youngest rider on the circuit, she is aiming for a spot in the top eight in the junior downhill category at the Mountain Bike World Championships in Italy this summer. That kind of passion is exactly why we are investing $755 million in our young athletes. I would like to congratulate Éliane and thank her for representing Les Pays-d’en-Haut and Canada so well on the international stage.
“We made a deal with Quebec to build 865 homes quickly. Working together like this is how we fix the housing crisis, and this bill is the best way to do it.”
“Madam Speaker, I think the best example of that is the deal we signed with Quebec for 865 new homes that are going to be happening rapidly. We were able to coordinate with the provincial government to make sure that its priorities became our priorities. That is what we need in these times to get stuff built as quickly as possible because we have to get out of this housing crisis. The best way to do it is through Build Canada Homes.”
Official Hansard
Madam Speaker, I think the best example of that is the deal we signed with Quebec for 865 new homes that are going to be happening rapidly. We were able to coordinate with the provincial government to make sure that its priorities became our priorities. That is what we need in these times to get stuff built as quickly as possible because we have to get out of this housing crisis. The best way to do it is through Build Canada Homes.
“We need this bill to build homes quickly. The new corporation will answer to the minister, and I am not worried about how it will be run.”
“Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for the question, and I love having wonderful conversations with her in the House every day. I think Build Canada Homes is the necessary tool at this time to get things done. Accountability to the minister is going to be super important, but I am not worried that there are going to be any problems on that front. Again, the flexibility that Build Canada Homes has, and the quickness with which we can get stuff built, is the most important factor right now.”
Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for the question, and I love having wonderful conversations with her in the House every day. I think Build Canada Homes is the necessary tool at this time to get things done. Accountability to the minister is going to be super important, but I am not worried that there are going to be any problems on that front. Again, the flexibility that Build Canada Homes has, and the quickness with which we can get stuff built, is the most important factor right now.
