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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Every one of 71 lines we hold for Élisabeth Brière, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 2.
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her speech. I also want to thank Madam Arbour for her report, of which approximately 20 recommendations have already been implemented. The face of the Canadian Armed Forces has changed over the decades. Obviously, more women are joining today and that is a good thing. Does my colleague believe that Bill C‑11 must also be accompanied by a cultural change within the armed forces, so that women are better supported, better heard, and their needs are properly addressed?”
“With over $230 million in research, 100 scientific articles per year in the most prestigious journals or international partnerships with France and Australia, the institute puts the Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke and Canada on the map and establishes itself as a world leader.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to welcome back my lovely colleagues. We are returning from our ridings after a busy summer, no doubt more motivated than ever to take part in this new parliamentary session. I have returned with such pride in Sherbrooke that I cannot keep it to myself. Today marks the 10th anniversary of Sherbrooke's Quantum Institute, which is accomplishing great things in a very competitive field. Created under Canada first, with the smallest grant awarded that year, the institute managed to turn its ambition into concrete results with the creation of companies such as Qubic, Nord Quantique and SB Quantum. These companies, born from student projects, are living proof of Sherbrooke's success.”
“Madam Speaker, I listened carefully to my colleague's speech. He knows very well that Canada is made up of several provinces and territories. In his opinion, are there any limits when it comes to the provinces using the notwithstanding clause?”
“Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago, on June 20, 1975, the legendary Gilles Vigneault performed his song, Gens du pays , for the very first time on Mount Royal in Montreal. On stage, three Quebec music greats, Gilles Vigneault, Louise Forestier, and Yvon Deschamps, sang the now-famous lyrics that ring out during our national holiday celebrations as well on as birthdays. Gens du pays is one of the greatest gifts to francophone song. It is a classic, an anthem for Quebeckers. It is a testimony to our collective memory. This year, our national holiday will give us an opportunity to pay tribute to this iconic song. The singer from Natashquan will be proud to hear his words, which unite us and bring us together, being sung throughout Quebec. I would like to thank Mr. Vigneault for leaving such a lasting impression on our culture.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate my colleague on her speech and on her return to the House. Over the past few years, she has been there for us, day in and day out. Now, she will be able to focus on her constituents once again. I congratulate her. In her speech, she mentioned the importance of fighting for women's rights. We see what has happened in the U.S. since Roe v. Wade was struck down. We also see how hard it is for the Conservatives to pick a side. They did everything they could to prevent one of their own from testifying before the Standing Committee on Justice. I would like my colleague to reiterate the importance of supporting women's rights in all spheres of life.”
“Mr. Speaker, I congratulate my colleague on his great speech. I also want to thank his predecessor, René Arseneault, who I had the privilege of working with. I also commend him for his passion for protecting and promoting French. On that note, I would like to know what he thinks we can do to protect CBC/Radio‑Canada, especially in the regions.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and congratulate him on his re-election. I will always be a staunch defender of new technologies in my region. As I mentioned in my speech, the Quantum Institute and all new technologies are very important, not to mention economic drivers. Canada is a leader on this and must continue to be there, to support them so that we can continue to have good jobs in these sectors.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question and congratulate her on her election and her first question in the House. Our Eastern Townships caucus is incredible. There are three of us, one re-elected member and two new ones with big shoes to fill. There is no shortage of projects in our region. We also have great strengths. I talked about the Quantum Institute and the C2MI in Bromont. All these people and all businesses can count on us to continue supporting their projects and being their strong voice here in Ottawa.”
“Mr. Speaker, I too congratulate my colleague on his re-election. As I mentioned in my speech, we need to focus on the strengths, the leadership and expertise hubs in Canada and Quebec. The three sectors that the member mentioned are obviously pillars of the Quebec economy and the national economy. That is why the government is always there to support these sectors, especially in the current context of the tariff crisis with the United States.”
“Mr. Speaker, the fact is, this is a choice we have to make today and in the few weeks remaining before this session ends. We have already announced tax cuts and the elimination or reduction of the GST based on a new home's value. We have measures to put more money back in people's pockets. People have told us that the cost of living is an important issue for them, and that is what we are addressing.”
“Canadians are rallying with renewed national pride. This is an opportunity to think big. This is an opportunity to work together to achieve great things. Let us put aside empty slogans and fruitless debates. The Prime Minister talks about leadership in action. That is what we are putting into practice. It is time to take action.”
“With the establishment of a major federal project office, projects will be completed more quickly. In the wake of these major changes, we are taking a series of measures to help double the rate of home building while creating a housing industry that will use Canadian technology, our skilled workers and our lumber, all while meeting our climate challenges. With the “build Canada homes” program, we will accelerate the development of new affordable housing, invest in the prefabricated and modular housing industry and provide significant financing to affordable home builders. In fact, we have already begun work utilizing the programs put in place during our previous mandate, and projects such as La Grande Vie in Sherbrooke have been completed. The desire to build a better and stronger Canada is at the heart of the government's agenda.”
“Tax measures, duplication, when it comes to inspections for example, and issues related to transportation and logistics are the primary barriers. Eliminating interprovincial barriers by harmonizing regulations will help increase GDP, inject $200 billion into the national economy and reduce the impact of U.S. tariffs. Seizing this historic opportunity to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers, the government started by abolishing 20 of the 39 federal exemptions. The provinces and territories are obviously invited to follow suit and take similar measures. Some already have, in fact. This is a fitting time to implement an industrial strategy. Now is the time for major projects that will strengthen our national economy and create well-paying jobs.”
“We will take steps to build trust in our immigration system and restore balance. We will also remove barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility. In times of crisis, such as the one we are experiencing with the United States, we need to be open to changing our approach. Change can be destabilizing, but it also presents opportunities. Working together with the provinces, territories and indigenous peoples, the government will create a nationwide free trade system by Canada Day. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the CFIB, strengthening strategic ties and reducing trade barriers could benefit hundreds of thousands of SMEs. Currently, juggling the different rules and standards that exist from one province to the next adds costs and hinders internal trade in practically every sector.”
“C2MI in Bromont continues to expand by focusing on manufacturing superconducting quantum microchips to ensure that Quebec companies are at the forefront of this booming industry. These are two examples from the Eastern Townships, but there are many other centres of expertise and leadership across Canada that need our support in order to maintain our position as a leader. (1245) Let us talk about labour. Faced with the aging workforce and the labour shortage, business owners are turning to foreign workers. I hear about that a lot. Sherbrooke's business community is mobilizing and looking for solutions, particularly when it comes to temporary foreign workers. The government is listening. It continues to monitor labour market conditions and provides employers with training programs to improve the skills of their current workers.”
“[ English ] They are ready to diversify their markets, innovate and pursue a green transition. [ Translation ] We must offer them a clearer, longer-term vision. We must provide them with the tools they need to continue to grow and remain competitive. I will address three points in that regard. First, we need to leverage our strengths and skills. In Canada and in Quebec, we have outstanding expertise in clean technologies, like Hydro-Québec, as well as substantial natural resources and unique digital technologies, including quantum computing and artificial intelligence. With its Quantum Institute and the scientific ecosystem surrounding it, Sherbrooke is a world leader in quantum science and technology. The Quantum Institute works with internationally renowned partners such as IBM and Pasqal.”
“[ Translation ] At a time when the entire planet is facing unprecedented challenges relating to global peace and stability, the economic situation and climate change, we are proud to look to our communities, which have all the know-how and determination needed to find solutions. In this context, the government's role will be to act as a facilitator to attract new investment and create wealth. It must create the conditions that will enable our entrepreneurs to use their energy and ideas to drive economic growth. Our business people have shown great resilience in the face of tariffs, both actual and potential. When I visit businesses in Sherbrooke, I am always impressed by their ability to adapt and the fact that they are constantly looking for solutions.”
“To provide them with a little more relief, we are keeping programs such as the child care program and the Canadian dental care plan, which now covers even more Canadians. These programs are having a real impact on people's lives. Second, we are eliminating the GST on homes at or under $1 million for first-time homebuyers and lowering the GST on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. Third, we are getting rid of consumer carbon pricing. Carbon pricing for large industrial polluters continues to apply. It is part of our emissions reduction plan, which seeks to flatten the curve and meet Canada's greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for 2030. [ English ] Canadians have called for change, for a concrete plan to deal with the rising cost of living. The government is answering that call.”
“Earning their trust for a third term is a great privilege, and I can assure them that I will always represent them with the same commitment, attentiveness and tenacity. After an election campaign in which all voices were heard, Canadians gave us a mandate that comes with certain obligations and expectations, as always, and that is demanding and deeply realistic. To fulfill this mandate, we must now present an ambitious plan. [ English ] The first part of the vast transformation we are undertaking for our economy consists of three measures. [ Translation ] First, we are cutting taxes for nearly 22 million Canadians, saving two-income families up to $840 a year. This middle-class tax cut will promote economic growth and help families feel financially secure.”
“Mr. Speaker, first off, I want to congratulate you on your new role as Deputy Speaker. I also want to congratulate the Speaker of the House. Bad habits are hard to break. Given the respect that all members have for you, I am confident that you will be able to maintain order and decorum in the House. [ English ] I will be sharing my time with the member for Don Valley West . [ Translation ] I would also like to congratulate all re-elected and new members, especially the members for Compton—Stanstead and Brome—Missisquoi . We form a strong Eastern Townships caucus focused on the needs of our beautiful region. I would also like to take a moment to thank the voters in my riding of Sherbrooke.”