Élisabeth Brière
Sherbrooke, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Sophie Faucher, a highly talented actress and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful voices on Quebec's cultural scene.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the world in 2026 is much different from just a few years ago. The world has changed, and we must change with it. We must continue to ensure that Canada's democracy remains one of the strongest in the world.”
“Her recent moving portrayal of opera singer Maria Callas, as well as that of her idol Frida Kahlo in the play La Casa Azul , directed by her friend Robert Lepage, rank among the defining roles of her career.”
“Mr. Speaker, everyone can see that my colleague's economic knowledge serves him well. However, he said in his speech that the government was resurrecting an existing program. I think that is a good thing, so that companies that are truly in need receive help quickly. I would like to hear what my colleague has to say about that.”
“Mr. Speaker, I agree with the premise of today's Bloc motion to condemn the new tariffs. These tariffs affect a growing number of businesses. Could my colleague please talk about our response, which puts workers first? It is all about building a stronger economy at home.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Eastern Townships are mourning the loss of Claude Métras following his passing on April 16, 2026. As a prominent certified appraiser with Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton in Sherbrooke, Mr. Métras was known to all as a leader recognized for his generosity and profound love for our region.”
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“Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the world in 2026 is much different from just a few years ago. The world has changed, and we must change with it. We must continue to ensure that Canada's democracy remains one of the strongest in the world. I would like to hear from my colleague about how the bill would expand prohibition on undue foreign influence.”
“Bill C‑25 aims to strengthen and secure the electoral process, particularly by fighting foreign interference and other emerging threats. I would like my colleague to explain why it was so important to make these changes and follow through on this bill.”
“Her recent moving portrayal of opera singer Maria Callas, as well as that of her idol Frida Kahlo in the play La Casa Azul , directed by her friend Robert Lepage, rank among the defining roles of her career. Quebec has lost an exceptional artist, but her immense contribution to our culture will leave a lasting mark on our collective memory.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Sophie Faucher, a highly talented actress and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful voices on Quebec's cultural scene. Whether on stage, on screen or behind a microphone, Sophie Faucher left her mark on several generations, be it through her elegance, her passion and fire or her ability to light up a room. Throughout an exceptional career spanning nearly five decades, she brought to life memorable characters, including the incomparable Crystale Bouvier-Montgomery in Le cœur a ses raisons . Audiences will also remember her uniquely husky voice as she sat in heaven, dressed as an angel, bagel in hand, making us smile as she complained about messy crumbs.”
“Mr. Speaker, everyone can see that my colleague's economic knowledge serves him well. However, he said in his speech that the government was resurrecting an existing program. I think that is a good thing, so that companies that are truly in need receive help quickly. I would like to hear what my colleague has to say about that.”
“Mr. Speaker, I agree with the premise of today's Bloc motion to condemn the new tariffs. These tariffs affect a growing number of businesses. Could my colleague please talk about our response, which puts workers first? It is all about building a stronger economy at home.”
“This devoted family man, loving partner to his dear Marylin and avid tennis fan leaves behind an immense legacy. Everyone who knew him will carry the memory of his dedication and warmth with them forever. I want to thank Mr. Métras. It was a privilege to know him.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Eastern Townships are mourning the loss of Claude Métras following his passing on April 16, 2026. As a prominent certified appraiser with Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton in Sherbrooke, Mr. Métras was known to all as a leader recognized for his generosity and profound love for our region. He was a true community builder who chaired many boards of directors and events. He was also a great philanthropist who shone a spotlight on regional culture, particularly by organizing exhibitions at the offices of Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton to launch the careers of local artists. His outstanding commitment earned him a number of accolades, including the title “Grand Estrien”, the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal, the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec's gold medal and the Mérite Estrien award.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague painted a very rosy picture of all the measures we are putting in place to help Canadians in a volatile and complex context. We know that the price of fuel is very unpredictable because of all the supply chain disruptions in the Middle East. How will the measure announced today regarding the excise tax help trucking companies, particularly those in the food and agriculture sectors, save money?”
“Another is Lyne‑Marie Bilodeau, also from Sherbrooke. She was the youngest Canadian athlete at the Beijing Olympics and won three gold medals at the Canada Winter Games. Her journey proves that nothing is impossible. In celebrating these women, we celebrate all women. Their victories, their ambitions and their triumphs are, by extension, our own.”
“Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, we celebrated International Women's Day. In honour of the occasion, I celebrate women and all of our essential contributions to our country. Let us recognize the tremendous work of the women who came before us and ushered in the rights we enjoy today. Women have demonstrated remarkable perseverance and determination in so many domains. For a long time, they were discriminated against or excluded from domains such as sport. With the Olympic and Paralympic Games top of mind, I want to take this opportunity to celebrate the courageous female athletes who wear our colours. One of those women is Sherbrooke's Kim Boutin, a six-time Olympic medallist who is tied for most decorated Canadian female athlete in the history of the winter games. That is quite an accomplishment.”
“Mr. Speaker, Sherbrooke is home to a fine example of the use of public land for the construction of an apartment building, although I cannot recall the number of units. The fact is that Build Canada Homes has a clear mandate, which includes the effective use of public land, and I am confident that this mandate will be adequately fulfilled.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my esteemed colleague for this important question. When we travel elsewhere in the country, we see how important it is to work with the provinces, particularly in times of crisis. Everyone here today has mentioned how serious the housing crisis is and the many consequences it is having on the lives of Canadians. We must therefore work together with the provinces. This collaboration will really help speed up and facilitate housing starts. I would like to add that during my visit to Saint-Jean-Port-Joli on Thursday, the Coalition Avenir Québec representative highlighted this fact and even said that we should work together more often in order to achieve tangible results more quickly.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question. As I said in my speech, transforming this agency into a Crown corporation gives it all the independence it needs to speed up housing construction. We are already seeing real results. Just last Thursday, I was in Saint‑Jean‑Port‑Joli to announce the opening of a nine-unit building for women fleeing violence. Everyone was thrilled. The Coalition Avenir Québec member representing Minister Proulx was there. Everyone was of the opinion that the agreement signed with Quebec would make it easier to build housing faster in our communities.”
“Mr. Speaker, by transforming Build Canada Homes into a Crown corporation, we are creating a specialized organization focused exclusively on housing construction. We are also giving it the full financial and legal independence it needs to act quickly, enter complex agreements and use public lands effectively.”
“Every completed project contributes to the attractiveness of our region and the vitality of our neighbourhoods. Bill C‑20 is a bold and necessary change in the way we plan, fund and build housing. It gives Build Canada Homes the independence and means to act. It recognizes that governments, municipalities, community organizations, co-ops and private developers have to work together to succeed. It taps into the very real energy I see in Sherbrooke, that ability to turn ambitious ideas into tangible projects for the good of families, now and into the future. By passing Bill C‑20, we are sending a clear message: We take the housing crisis seriously, we trust our partners on the ground and we choose to act ambitiously for Sherbrooke, for Quebec and for all Canadians.”
“This will enable us to support more meaningful projects, such as housing for women fleeing violence, adapted housing for people with disabilities, cooperative projects led by community-based organizations and residential complexes for seniors who wish to remain in their community. We will do this with local workers and businesses. Our buy Canadian policy aims to mobilize public funds to strengthen our economic sovereignty. In an uncertain global context, investing in housing also means investing in our industrial capacity, our materials and our expertise. In Sherbrooke, this means supporting entrepreneurs, engineers, construction workers and the entire regional supply chain. Housing is a key economic policy. Every home built generates activity, jobs and tax revenue.”
“In just a few months, Build Canada Homes has launched its national portal, published its investment policy framework, issued requests for qualifications for thousands of units on federal lands and signed major memoranda of understanding. That is not theory. It is action. The developers I meet in Sherbrooke talk about clear needs: predictability, quick decision-making and financial flexibility. (1700) By becoming a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes will be able to hold assets, invest directly, enter into complex transactions and act with the agility required in a rapidly changing market.”
“In Sherbrooke, as elsewhere, we are seeing the emergence of a new generation of developers who understand that profitability and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive, but complementary. Bill C‑20 is creating the conditions needed to amplify that momentum. This is not about replacing the market, but about complementing it, structuring it and stimulating it where the needs are greatest. The CMHC will continue to play its key role. Build Canada Homes will focus on persistent gaps, non-market housing, the strategic use of public lands and the structural transformation of our capacity to build. We need a streamlined organization focused solely on delivering housing. We are already getting results.”
“A number of recent projects in Sherbrooke illustrate that creativity: mixed-income housing projects, which combine market-priced housing with affordable units; projects that incorporate community spaces and local services; initiatives that prioritize wood, energy efficiency and sustainable practices. That is exactly the spirit that Build Canada Homes wants to encourage. Thanks to its new Crown corporation structure, Build Canada Homes will be able to make better use of public lands, particularly by integrating federal expertise in real estate development; deploy flexible financial tools to support complex arrangements; encourage modern construction methods, including prefabricated housing; and support non-commercial and community housing where the market alone is not enough.”
“Other examples include the partnerships with non-profit organizations, housing co-ops and private developers that are ready to build. I would now like to talk about my riding of Sherbrooke. The housing crisis is very real in my community. Vacancy rates remain very low. Families, students and vulnerable people have serious needs. Then again, Sherbrooke is also a laboratory for innovation. It is a vibrant university town, driven by the Université de Sherbrooke and the Sherbrooke CEGEP, where population growth is accompanied by a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit. Our developers are not just builders. They are partners in social and economic development. They have been able to think up human-scale projects that are integrated into their neighbourhood, promoting diversity and architectural quality.”
“Backed by an initial investment of $13 billion announced in the 2025 budget, Build Canada Homes will have the tools it needs to build more housing that is more affordable, more quickly. A clear definition of affordable housing is housing that does not exceed 30% of a household's pre-tax income, based on regional realities. Beyond the structures and numbers, this bill is first and foremost a partnership project with the provinces and territories. Examples include the agreements reached between Quebec and Nova Scotia; the partnerships with indigenous communities, such as the agreement in principle signed between Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated; and the partnerships with municipalities. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has clearly welcomed this measure.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak today at second reading to Bill C-20 , an act respecting the establishment of Build Canada Homes. The housing crisis is hitting hard across the country. Too many families, too many young people, too many seniors are spending more than 30% of their income on housing. Too many people are priced out of the market. We have a collective responsibility to take ambitious, thorough and creative action. Bill C-20 is a strategic response. By making Build Canada Homes a Crown corporation, we are giving it operational independence, the ability to take calculated risks and the governance necessary to achieve large-scale results, while remaining fully accountable to Parliament and Canadians.”
“I sincerely congratulate its entire team for putting a spotlight on Sherbrooke and helping us strengthen security and innovation in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, with only days remaining before the new defence industrial strategy is unveiled, I would like to highlight a remarkable achievement by one of our own companies, DARIT Technologies. In a national challenge held in Ottawa as part of the Department of National Defence's IDEaS program, DARIT Technologies took first prize, worth $1 million. After rigorous testing by defence experts, the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP and a number of partners, DARIT Technologies' urban drone detection solution won the day. It consists of surveillance equipment based on a unique acoustic detection technology. Sherbrooke has reason to be proud. This award is a testament not only to the technological excellence of DARIT Technologies, but also to the vitality of our innovation ecosystem.”
“Go for gold, have fun, push yourselves and, most importantly, know that the whole country is cheering you on. Go Canada! Go Sherbrooke!”
“Mr. Speaker, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina officially open tomorrow, and more than 3,000 passionate athletes from around the world will compete in the sports they have mastered to get there. More than 200 athletes will wear Canada's colours with heart and courage, and for the first time, there will be more women than men. Sherbrooke will be proudly represented by Kim Boutin, Félix Roussel, and Jordan Pierre-Gilles in short track speed skating; Antoine Gélinas-Beaulieu in long track speed skating; and Marion Thénault in freestyle skiing. Nutritionist Martin Fréchette will keep our athletes in top shape. To our Olympians, I hope that this event will be an opportunity for you to go above and beyond and live your passion to the fullest.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his speech. He did a great job of outlining some issues that I hope will be considered in the agreement. However, coming from a very agricultural riding, I am a bit surprised. I do not think my colleague has spoken much on that matter before. Furthermore, 45% of manufacturing companies in his riding export products outside Quebec. Can my colleague tell me how this agreement will help businesses in his riding?”
“Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the Minister of International Trade for this bill. I would also like to commend all the work being done by the Prime Minister and his entire team to develop new partnerships such as this one. In my riding of Sherbrooke, businesses and entrepreneurs understand full well the importance of diversifying markets, particularly in the current context, and they are ready. I would like the minister to tell us what tools we are giving them to enable them to take full advantage of partnerships such as the one we are discussing this afternoon.”
“Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents in Sherbrooke and the Eastern Townships more broadly, I am pleased to present a petition that deals with an important environmental issue and that complements Motion No. 15, which was moved by my colleague from Brome—Missisquoi . Canada is already protecting a large portion of its ecologically sensitive land through the natural heritage conservation program and land trusts in particular. This petition calls on the Government of Canada to extend the natural heritage conservation program, to invest to help land trusts and to create an endowment fund to care for natural spaces in perpetuity.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to answer my hon. colleague's question. This budget contains several significant and essential investments for Quebec. With its 44 members from Quebec, the Liberal caucus proudly defends the interests of Quebeckers. These investments will enable large-scale projects to take shape. To strengthen Canada's economy, we must help Canadian businesses become more productive and competitive, and that is exactly what we are doing with the measures that we are proposing in the budget.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question, and I congratulate her for asking it in French. In fact, 7.5 million seniors receive Canada's old age security pension. We have increased funding for the New Horizons for Seniors program, which supports projects that promote social participation among seniors and help them remain active in their communities. The tax cut for 22 million middle-class Canadians will also benefit seniors.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for pointing out the quality of the work done at the Université de Sherbrooke's Quantum Institute. I fully support our local media. I believe in the importance of local journalism. I had the opportunity to speak to Jasmin, a TVA reporter in my riding, and obviously, I understand the repercussions of this decision, particularly just a few weeks before Christmas. However, the budget sets out major, historic investments to support various cultural and media sectors. Yes, we announced a $1-million investment earlier to support local journalism, We need to do more and we will be there to help this industry.”
“Finally, it will lead to sustainable prosperity rooted in cutting-edge technologies and a resilient economy. In Sherbrooke, we have good reason to be optimistic. These investments are more than just a promise. They are laying the foundation for a brighter, more innovative and more prosperous future.”
“Our complete ecosystem, with its technologically advanced infrastructure, is where innovative companies come together to collaborate. It is the envy of the world. In summary, the November 4 federal budget will create exciting opportunities for Sherbrooke. These include more affordable housing and modernized infrastructure, as well as shorter permit processing times to encourage affordable housing projects. It also includes $1 billion to provide transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness. Jobs will be created through our investments, particularly in defence, and many businesses in the region will be able to participate in terms of products and supply chains. The budget includes a boost for artificial intelligence and quantum, strengthening our local innovation ecosystem.”
“This will help us attract researchers, support the development of start-ups, and build public-private partnerships. The budget earmarks substantial funding for the quantum ecosystem as part of the defence industrial strategy. For my riding, this means that Sherbrooke will remain a quantum centre of excellence, as it is already home to the Université de Sherbrooke's Quantum Institute, university laboratories, technology start-ups and defence sector partnerships. These investments will create highly specialized jobs and position our region as a strategic player in the technology economy of the 21st century. With businesses such as Nord Quantique, which is working on developing an error-correcting quantum computer, Sherbrooke is a major player in global innovation. When it comes to quantum, all roads lead to Sherbrooke.”
“The budget also invests $925.6 million over five years in developing a sovereign public AI infrastructure. A portion of this funding will be used to create a sovereign Canadian cloud that would give researchers and businesses access to secure, national resources. The government is going to implement TechStat, or the artificial intelligence and technology measurement program, which will measure the adoption of AI and its impact on the Canadian economy. At the same time, the government's office of digital transformation will work with industry to identify and support AI projects of national interest. With the Université de Sherbrooke and our research centres, Sherbrooke is already an innovation hub, and this funding will strengthen our capacity to execute ambitious AI projects.”
“In addition, strengthening our national security infrastructure contributes to stability and builds local pride. (1055) A number of economic players in Sherbrooke already contribute to this industry, such as Royer, which manufactures boots for the Canadian Armed Forces, and there are many others that look forward to playing a role. More broadly, in terms of industrial prosperity, to build Canada strong, we must focus on what we can control. For example, we can control who we buy from. That is why we are adopting the new buy Canadian policy. It will apply to all federal agencies and corporations, but with the renewed sense of unity that is sweeping the country, many individuals and businesses have already embraced this approach and started buying local.”
“When I was first elected in 2019, I worked to secure a commitment from our government to rehabilitate our two armouries, namely the William Street and Colonel Gaëtan Côté armouries, to give our five reserve units facilities that are tailored to their needs. This major project is perfectly consistent with our whole-of-government approach to building sovereign defence capacity. Other funding amounts have been earmarked for modernizing our digital cybersecurity infrastructure, communications and technologies. The budget also launches the defence industrial strategy to drive innovation within the Canadian defence industry. For Sherbrooke, these investments represent economic opportunities, well-paying jobs, contracts for our local businesses, and participation in defence supply chains.”
“Furthermore, many Canadians do not receive the federal benefits they are entitled to, because they believe they do not owe any tax, because they do not need to file a tax return, or because they do not have access to a tax filing service or simply to the Internet. Introducing automatic federal benefits will enable millions of people in Canada, including thousands of people in Sherbrooke, to receive the support they are entitled to. The budget allocates more than $82 billion to defence and security. Substantial funding will go toward upgrading and sustaining Canadian Armed Forces capabilities, including training infrastructure.”
“This will make our city stronger and more resilient. Thanks to this support from the federal government, a number of fantastic projects can now be built. One example that comes to mind is the Coopérative d'habitation des Cantons de l'Est's Quartier du Cap project with 121 affordable housing units. This budget is channelling significant investments into housing to make housing more accessible for our young families. We are also offering measures that make a real difference in Canadians' lives, such as cutting taxes for 22 million middle-class Canadians and renewing programs like the Canada child benefit, which has lifted 400,000 children in Canada out of poverty, the Canadian dental care plan and the national school food program. The Canadian dental care plan is helping more than 30,000 people in Sherbrooke.”
“These major investments will strengthen our economy, create jobs and improve our quality of life in Sherbrooke and across Canada. I had a host of interesting topics to choose from, but I decided to speak specifically on four topics: housing and infrastructure; affordability; defence and security; and artificial intelligence and quantum. The budget includes billions of dollars for housing, which is a critical issue in my riding, and for infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, water, transportation and hospitals. The government wants to stimulate construction by cutting red tape and empowering industry to be more productive. For Sherbrooke, the budget provides opportunities to build and renovate more affordable housing faster, invest in more efficient public transit, and improve local infrastructure.”
“Mr. Speaker, allow me to begin by thanking and congratulating our colleague, the Secretary of State for Nature , for her strength and courage, as well as her statement on violence against women. Too many women are losing their lives here in Canada and around the world, which is why this call to end violence and promote equality is so important and why we are marking the 16 days of activism starting today. I rise in the House today to call attention to the tangible benefits of the federal budget tabled on November 4, particularly for my riding of Sherbrooke. The government is presenting a budget to build a strong Canada, a budget that capitalizes on significant, strategic investments to support and stimulate key sectors.”
“Still today, Canada remains a leader in research advances because we have the talent and the opportunities. Our government believes in science and supports our researchers, which makes a real difference. I am proud to highlight Charles's struggle and, more importantly, the wonderful man that he is.”
“Mr. Speaker, November 14 was World Diabetes Day, and I would like to take this opportunity to talk about my son's experience and the situation of all those who are living with type 1 diabetes. Despite the daily challenges he faces because of his diabetes, Charles is an example of discipline and determination. Every day, he shows that anything is possible with courage and perseverance. As a physical education teacher, he is a true role model for his students and shows them that obstacles can become opportunities for growth. His commitment extends beyond his own situation. As chair of the board of Diabète Estrie, Charles actively contributes to advancing the cause and supporting the community. A century ago, the discovery of insulin in Canada changed the world.”
“Madam Speaker, my colleague from Bourassa has reminded us of the measures we are taking to invest in Canada and Canadians. We are making major investments, such as the sports centre in Montreal North, in the member's riding. We are proving that we are taking action for our country and to build a strong Canada. I would like to hear my colleague's thoughts on why it is so important to invest and build in the current context.”
“If my colleagues find themselves in Sherbrooke, I invite them to stop by Whiting Alley to see for themselves the nuance of her striking works. October is coming to an end, but the impact of women endures.”
“Mr. Speaker, as part of Women's History Month, I would like to pay tribute to an ally of women past and present: artist Adèle Blais. From activist Thérèse Casgrain to civil rights figure Claudette Colvin and writer Gabrielle Roy, Ms. Blais chooses to use her art to celebrate iconic figures and give a voice to women who have been forgotten for too long. She tells the stories of all these great women, but her own story is just as inspiring. Despite having a difficult time at school, she persevered, earned her diploma and taught herself to read after being functionally illiterate until the age of 25. Today, the Sherbrooke native is charming the world with exhibitions in London, Hong Kong, and Stockholm. Her unique approach inspires the artists of tomorrow to use art to convey powerful messages.”
“Canada will be hosting the world road championships next September, and our celebrated Sherbrooke champion will be on hand to defend her title, with the whole country there to cheer her on. Congratulations Magdeleine, and happy Women's History Month to everyone.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate women's history, I want to call attention to the outstanding achievement of a young woman from Sherbrooke who made history on September 27. At the tender age of 24, Magdeleine Vallières-Mill, made it the top of the podium, winning gold in the road world championships in Rwanda. After racing over 160 kilometres and making a decisive push at the end, she crossed the finish line with a solid lead. Never before has Canada won this title, that is, until Magdeleine came along. The young champion from Sherbrooke is living a dream right now and taking us along for the ride. Her victory has left her team, Sherbrooke and the entire country bursting with pride, with a story to tell and re-tell for years to come.”