44th Parl. 1st Sess.
November 22, 2023 02:00PM
- Nov/22/23 2:16:15 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister announced more than $20 billion in new inflationary spending that will keep inflation and interest rates at levels Canadians cannot afford.
The people of Beauce are once again disappointed by this government's inability to control spending. None of the Conservatives' common-sense demands have been met, one of them being the cancellation of any further increase in the carbon tax.
After eight years, it is clear that the Prime Minister is not worth the cost. Who else is not worth the cost? I would say it is the Bloc Québécois, which continues to prop up the Liberal government by supporting drastic carbon tax hikes.
I am amazed that the Bloc claims to care about Quebeckers, yet supports a second carbon tax that will raise the price of gasoline by up to 20¢ a litre. The party has been asking only for additional health transfers. Does it realize that next year, the government will spend more on servicing the debt than on health transfers?
Despite it all, the Bloc-Liberal coalition continues. Neither of these parties is worth it. It is time for them to get out of the way so common-sense Conservatives can get our country back on track.
218 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Nov/22/23 2:19:50 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, in Quebec, the dreary November days are chased away by a colourful celebration that speaks to all of us. November, in Quebec, is Social Economy Month. It is an opportunity to celebrate all these businesses that make up our economic fabric.
Quebeckers all have their favourite not-for-profit organization. Virtually everyone is a member of a co‑op. We all know a mutual. We all have confidence in these local businesses that give meaning to the economy, either for its workers, its artisans or its consumers, and for good reason.
The social economy is having a business sense and knowing how to share one's success by not leaving anyone behind. Back home, the social economy is Valspec, Jardins de la Résistance, Cré‑Actions, Coop CSUR and its eco-local market. It is also Coup de pouce des moissons and the Lac‑Saint‑François national wildlife area.
To the Bloc Québécois, the social economy is above all a source of pride.
I wish everyone a good Social Economy Month.
185 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Nov/22/23 2:32:26 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague. We are also very concerned about the situation at the border, and we will be monitoring it very closely.
With regard to yesterday's fall economic statement, it is very clear that we are going to continue our partnership with the Government of Quebec, which is going to match the $900 million that we have allocated to housing. The green economy tax credits will also include biomass, which is very important for Quebec.
Yesterday's economic statement is good for Quebeckers and Canadians. It is good for everyone.
96 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
Mr. Speaker, I absolutely do not believe the Liberals intend to implement this bill in 18 months' time. They want to get through the next election and let the debate die down on its own. That is the reality.
How can I be sure about that? I see it when I look at the contracts that have been signed but that we have not seen, the contracts that will allow for a third of the employees hired at Stellantis to come from overseas. If anyone does not believe me, if people and the NDP are not worried, I for one am very concerned about what is happening.
Let us consider the criteria in the job postings that have been published. Candidates applying for the position of general affairs specialist will have to be fluent in Korean. The company is looking for an electrode quality engineer. These are well-paid jobs. The job posting says that bilingualism in English and Korean is preferred. The plant down there is not even asking for a little bit of French.
What about the plant that will be built in the riding of the leader of the Bloc Québécois? Does the leader of the Bloc Québécois want to know whether the spinoffs of the plant that will be built in his riding will provide jobs to his constituents?
Is anyone making sure that the union jobs created through the contract the federal government has signed with these multinationals will go to Quebeckers?
Will there be the same requirement for knowledge of French for these jobs, or is the company going to demand knowledge of Swedish? Is it going to ask for knowledge of German for the other plant, over in Ontario? It is very worrying.
This is why it is absolutely necessary that we get to see these contracts. We cannot take the Prime Minister's word for it. He underestimated the cost of this project by several billion dollars before the shovels even hit the ground. He said the project would break even in five years. We now know that it will take 20 years.
As for this government's plans to implement Bill C‑58 in 18 months, I will believe it when I see it. In my opinion, what worries Canadians now is whether the money that Canadian families are giving the government is being used to fund good union jobs for Canadian workers.
412 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Nov/22/23 5:03:31 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, I have the interests of all Quebeckers at heart, particularly those of voters in the riding of Beloeil—Chambly.
Let me quote the Bloc Québécois leader, who said Northvolt's involvement in his riding “could help Vallée-du-Richelieu develop a whole innovative, high added-value supply chain”.
I would like the government to show us, in the contract, the guarantees it secured regarding workers. Will the workers be Quebeckers? Will francophone Quebec workers be able to participate and be hired? What about the natural resources? Will the company be able to get them from Abitibi? What about processing? I was mayor of a mining town, and I saw our materials get processed all over the world, without a cent staying in this country.
These are valid questions, and I am very proud to tell Quebeckers I am here to defend their interests.
154 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
