Caroline Desrochers
Trois-Rivières, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I do not know where my colleague is getting his information, but I would encourage him to refresh his search skills, because then he would see that we added 88,000 new jobs to the economy, that the cost of rent is starting to drop and that wages are on the rise.”
“Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 250th anniversary of the battle of Trois‑Rivières, a historic milestone that occurred on June 8, 1776, in my beautiful riding. At the time, the American colonies were trying to make Canada and Quebec their fourteenth colony. However, they suffered a crushing defeat at Trois‑Rivières and retreated.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am curious about something. If the Conservatives are so constructive, I would like the member to tell me, of the hundreds of hours the Conservatives spent speaking on this bill in committee, how many minutes, because, yes, we are talking in terms of minutes, were spent discussing the actual subject at hand.”
“[ Translation ] Two hundred and fifty years later, we are commemorating not only this historic event but also the rich heritage of Trois‑Rivières and the work of those who preserve our collective memory. I therefore invite everyone to come visit our region this summer and discover this important chapter in our history.”
“In Ontario, we partnered with the City of Ottawa to build up to 3,000 affordable homes for mixed-income households. To sum up, the number of agreements and projects that are shovel ready far exceeds the time I have to speak.”
“Bill C‑26 includes other measures, among them targeted tax relief, such as the elimination of the 5% GST on new rental housing. Here again, the goal is to reduce upfront costs and move projects forward.”
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“Mr. Speaker, those are excellent questions that should be addressed at committee, which is the next step for this bill. [ Translation ] I see no reason to continue down the path of division. I think that enough Canadians have come forward. We have seen people here. As a newly elected member, I was not here during the last Parliament, but I know that this bill has been under discussion for a very long time and that information has been shared and examined in committee. Now, I think that Canadians expect us to move our study of this bill forward.”
“It is a privilege that entails opportunity and gratitude, as well as a responsibility to stay true to the values that unite us. Citizenship is not simply a legal matter. It is a reflection of who we are and who we include. By passing Bill C‑3, we will be choosing connection over exclusion, equity over limitation. We will be telling Canadians around the world and their children that their connection to our country is important and that their stories, contributions and sense of belonging are part of what makes Canada strong.”
“It is a responsibility to engage, to contribute and to build on the values that make our country what it is. Citizenship is not just a destination. It is a journey and a commitment to community, justice and mutual respect. This is why, once Bill C‑3 is passed, Canadians born outside Canada who adopt children abroad will have to meet the same substantial connection requirement to have access to the direct grant of citizenship for adoptees as they would have to meet to pass on their citizenship if they had a child born abroad. These children, whether adopted abroad or born abroad, will also have to meet the substantial connection requirement to pass on their citizenship if they have or adopt children abroad in the future. In conclusion, obtaining Canadian citizenship is an important and emotional step.”
“In the future, children born abroad beyond the first generation will be eligible for citizenship if their Canadian parents can demonstrate a substantial connection to Canada. This is important. In the future, as long as the Canadian parent who was born abroad spends a cumulative total of three years in Canada before the birth of their child, their child will also be born a citizen. There is no need to be conducting security screening on babies. The objective and structure of the Citizenship Act have been that children adopted abroad by Canadians and children born abroad to Canadians are treated as similarly as possible, and this will continue to be the case after Bill C‑3 comes into force. The great privilege of Canadian citizenship comes with great responsibility.”
“That is why we have introduced Bill C-3 : to ensure that access to citizenship remains fair and transparent. At a time when disinformation and division, including division here in the House, can threaten confidence in public institutions, Canada must show that its commitment to fairness extends across borders. Providing thoughtful, inclusive pathways to citizenship beyond the first generation affirms that Canadian identity is shaped not only by place of birth, but also by connection, contribution and values. This bill aims to automatically remedy the status of individuals who would have been Canadians were it not for the first-generation limit. It also creates a forward-looking new framework for citizenship by descent.”
“The gratitude expressed by new citizens is profound. People often talk about the opportunities that Canada offers, especially when it comes to education, health care and peace. These pillars of Canadian life are the cornerstones of a better future, not only for new citizens themselves, but also for their children and future generations. Whether through volunteering, participating in local cultural events or simply getting to know their neighbours, new Canadians are actively involved in strengthening the fabric of our society. They embody Canada's spirit of generosity and contribute in many ways to the success of their communities. (1345) As a government, we must remain vigilant in ensuring that Canadian citizenship remains a beacon of and a commitment to inclusivity, fairness and security.”
“Becoming a Canadian citizen is the culmination of years of sacrifice, hard work and perseverance, not just for the person themselves, but often for their whole family. It is a moment that connects them to their community. It is also an opportunity to take part in something greater than themselves. Many MPs have had the honour of witnessing the emotional impact of that moment. Newcomers, often accompanied by their children, clutch their certificates tightly, knowing that their family's future is safer in our wonderful country. That feeling of pride goes beyond borders. People around the world hope to get the opportunity to make Canada their home. To those fleeing conflict, persecution and hardship, Canadian citizenship represents a fresh start, a second chance at life. It is a privilege that most do not take lightly.”
“Taking action to make sure that their children can share this identity, even if they were born or adopted abroad, is not simply a matter of fairness. It also makes our country more cohesive and influential on the world stage. Today, I want to share what new Canadians told us about why Canadian citizenship is important to them, how becoming a citizen affected them, and what we should do to continue to protect the rights, responsibilities and shared values of citizenship. The act of becoming a Canadian citizen is often described as a very proud moment. As my Conservative colleague mentioned, people are proud to make Canada their home and proud of the journey they took to get here.”
“In today's world, where migration and mobility are facts of life, Canada has a chance to lead by example. While some countries restrict access to citizenship, Canada is taking a more principled approach with this bill, an approach that encompasses diversity, cross-border families and the lasting ties that Canadians have with other countries. Many Canadians live and work abroad. There are Canadian expat communities in big cities all over the world. These expats work in a variety of fields, including international development, the arts, science, education, global trade and humanitarian work. These citizens have deep ties to Canada. They often move back here to raise children, take care of loved ones and build new communities.”
“Although they have lived in Canada for most of their lives and my ancestors settled in Batiscan, near Trois‑Rivières, in the 17th century, the law enacted by Stephen Harper's Conservative government could prevent my grandchildren from holding Canadian citizenship or require them to undergo security screening to ensure that they are entitled to citizenship should they decide to study or work in another country at some point in their lives. What the Conservative government did affects the choices of people who wish to study or work abroad because, if they do that, their children might not get Canadian citizenship. Citizenship is a legal status, but more than that, it is about belonging to a diverse, welcoming community bound by shared democratic values.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to start by saying that I will be sharing my time with the member for Spadina—Harbourfront . I acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin people. I am pleased to rise today to speak to Bill C‑3 and the transformative power of Canadian citizenship. Fundamentally, this bill is about people, real families, as well as their history, their sacrifices and their deep and lasting ties with Canada, regardless of where their careers or lives take them. I am an example of this myself. My two children were born in New York when I was completing my master's degree.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would just like my colleague to provide me with more information about the proposal to security screen Canadian citizens, because I am trying to understand what she is saying. For example, in my riding of Trois-Rivières, there is a Canadian citizen whose child was born prematurely while he was travelling abroad. This citizen came to Canada at the age of five to escape an oppressive regime. Should the security screening be done on the baby, who cannot receive medical care right now because he is not yet a Canadian citizen, or should it be done on the dad, who has been in Canada for 40 years?”
“Mr. Speaker, I heard my colleague talk about how we all need to work together to build a strong Canada. I think that is what I heard. The points he raised about affordability and housing are strong commitments that we made in our platform. It is because of these commitments that we were elected with a strong mandate. My question for my colleague is this. Does he think his party could stop repeating slogans here in the House and really start working with us? The moment is much bigger than any of us. Canadians expect us to work together. Does my colleague think that we can work together to push ahead with real measures for Canadians and Quebeckers?”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his excellent question. I am disappointed that people keep repeating the same slogans about the closure motion. Bill C-5 very clearly indicates that for all projects, there will be consultations with the provinces and indigenous peoples, that we will work together to build consensus and that it is projects of national interest that will be implemented. I think that Quebeckers and Canadians are looking forward to being proud of their country and seeing us move forward and develop projects. Quebeckers are not afraid of major projects. Just look at all the big dams they have built in the past few decades to be a leader in green energy and in contributing their efforts.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would really encourage my colleague to go back and read the project. Consensus is at the heart of the criteria that have been put forward. The premiers of all the provinces and territories have met. There has never been, in recent history, such collaboration among provinces and territories on this, and consensus on what needs to be put forward. The premiers are representing the citizens of their provinces and their territories, and consensus is at the heart of the project. My colleague can read the five criteria that are in the project: reinforcement of autonomy, resilience and security; clear economic advantages; ability to be executed; priority for indigenous people; and being in line with our commitments on climate neutrality.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his excellent question. Consensus is at the heart of the criteria being put forward in this bill. I could go over the criteria, but I do not want to take up all my time. The bill recognizes that meaningful partnership and consultation with indigenous peoples are essential to creating projects of national interest while maintaining strong environmental protections and advancing our climate goals.”
“We are a resilient people, unafraid of big projects. For proof, look anywhere in Canada, from Labrador to Nunavut to British Columbia. This is a time to be proud. The fact is, Quebeckers and Canadians have spoken, and they are ready. They are ready for Canada to take its rightful place. They are ready to take charge and achieve great things. Bill C-5 offers our generation a unique opportunity to transform 13 economies into a single Canadian economy and make Canada the strongest economy in the G7. I truly hope that we can put partisanship aside, put the sound bites aside and get down to the real work of passing this bill.”
“It will let us invest in critical trade-related infrastructure that makes it easier for goods and people to move within Canada. It will streamline regulatory processes to speed up project approvals and reduce duplication and costs. It will improve trade corridors to diversify and strengthen Canada's trade relationships. It will also support labour mobility so that skilled workers can go where they are needed the most. That is what creating one Canadian economy is all about. To grasp this opportunity, we need to use every tool at our disposal. Not only do we have everything the world needs, we have everything the world wants: Apart from our natural resources, the world needs Canadian values. These are not the values of a single party, but the values of Canadians and Quebeckers. These are the values at the core of Bill C‑5.”
“We need to support the highways, railways, ports and airports that will power our economy. We need to support our farmers and get our agricultural products to market. We need to facilitate the flow of people, lumber and other goods while catalyzing the housing industry and building more homes faster. We also need to support Canada's many key industries, including both clean and conventional energy, and connect them to global markets. We did not ask to withdraw from our partnership with the United States, but the world is changing rapidly in the face of shifting geopolitics. If we want to be at the forefront, we need to build faster, smarter and with greater certainty. By becoming our own best ally, we can strengthen our national sovereignty and build the strongest economy in the G7. Bill C-5 will let us seize the opportunity before us.”
“We need to be able to diversify our exports. Our entrepreneurs and businesses have been trying to do so for a long time, and they are finding it difficult. We all need to work together to help them out. The federal government's export diversification strategy already aims to expand Canada's reach by increasing overseas exports by 50% this year. (1825) With a total of 15 free trade agreements with 49 countries, 36 foreign investment promotion and protection agreements and many other negotiations under way around the world, we are well positioned to strengthen our trade alliances and partnerships and create new ones to usher in a new era of economic growth and prosperity for Canadians. Canada needs to build new critical infrastructure at a pace not seen in generations.”
“We also created the Canada public transit fund, which has an annual budget of $3 billion. These investments support the creation of transit-oriented communities to help attract investment, encourage housing construction near employment hubs and reduce traffic congestion. This can improve the flow of goods in and out of urban centres, particularly near ports, rail terminals and industrial areas. By supporting the development and modernization of public transit systems, this fund is helping to increase labour mobility and attract workers to urban centres, particularly to give them access to jobs in the logistics and service manufacturing sectors, promote trade, and contribute to economic growth. There has never been a better time to diversify Canada's trade. As we have seen, we need to be able to rely on trustworthy partners.”
“It will also help streamline regulatory processes and cut costs, which will leave more money in the pockets of hard‑working Canadian families, workers and communities. This is why we were elected: to make life more affordable. Investing in infrastructure that facilitates trade and supports the movement of people and goods across Canada is good economic policy. That is why we have already invested in the national trade corridors fund, a $2.3‑billion fund to support infrastructure projects that improve the flow of goods and people within Canada and to international markets. It has already funded 81 projects and supported trade-enabling infrastructure projects, including access roads, railways, airports and ports, to ease bottlenecks and create more efficient and fluid trade corridors.”
“Now is the time to move forward with projects of national interest that will drive economic transformation. We are ready to work with provincial, territorial, municipal and indigenous partners to eliminate delays and make responsible decisions. Bill C‑5 will help get projects built that will produce and transport energy, goods and services from coast to coast to coast. These projects will focus on infrastructure to facilitate trade and get goods and services to the people who need them. For example, by speeding up project approvals, the legislation would help Canadian farmers who have state‑of‑the‑art equipment to irrigate their fields but lack the access roads and infrastructure needed to get their agricultural products to market.”
“Maybe what that really means is that we have hit the sweet spot for getting projects of national interest off the ground while staying on track to meet our climate targets and fulfill our commitment and obligations to indigenous peoples. What is clear is that Canada must assert itself as a confident and independent nation that is capable of building, producing and trading on its own terms. The trade actions taken by our closest partner have made it clear that our economic prosperity cannot depend on another country's decisions. We are at a critical juncture that will determine the economic future of our children and grandchildren. Now is the time to harness the potential of Canada's rich natural resources, industrial innovation and internal trade, and to invest in the infrastructure that we need to move forward.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by saying that I will be sharing my time with my colleague from Beauport—Limoilou . I am a little confused today. I am a new MP, and I naively thought that the debates in the House were meant to advance better policies for all Quebeckers and Canadians. I have come to realize that, unfortunately, they are instead being used as an opportunity to doggedly criticize everything the government puts forward. Over here, we have Conservatives saying that the bill does not go far enough. They want carte blanche. Over there, we have Bloc members saying that we are going too far and that we, the Liberals, are the ones who want carte blanche.”
“Mr. Speaker, as my colleague said, we are truly at a crossroads. Canadians made their wishes clear, and they deserve better than the kind of debate that is going on here today, which is purely aimed at providing sound bites for social media. Canadians deserve a real conversation. I would like my colleague to tell me how the criteria in the bill ensure that consensus and the fulfillment of our environmental protection commitments are central to the bill. What are the criteria?”
“Yes, Mr. Speaker, on April 28, Canadians made it clear they want change. They are not just looking for a new direction. They elected this government. The change they want to see is all of us working together to make progress on the real issues. We are at a crossroads, a critical time for the Canadian economy, for economic health, for workers, for Canadians and Quebeckers. People expect us to work on those things together, hand in hand. We are implementing the recommendations the Auditor General made in 2024. We are getting to the bottom of this matter. We are taking GC Strategies to court. We are doing everything we can to resolve this issue.”
“Mr. Speaker, in her last report, the Auditor General noted that we had the right processes in place to ensure transparency and accountability in procurement processes. She did not make any additional recommendations for those processes beyond the recommendations that were made in 2024 and that we have already implemented.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians want us to move forward. They want this Parliament to get to work and deliver on our commitments. They made that very clear on April 28. That is what Canadians expect. As we have said repeatedly, we are grateful to the Auditor General for her report and the recommendations it contains. Legal action is also being taken against GC Strategies. We are doing everything in our power to see this matter through to the end.”
“Finally, let me be clear: This new government expects public servants and departments to operate with the highest standards and to always be mindful of optimizing the use of public resources for Canadians. We will learn from these reports and audits, and we will not hesitate to take bold, decisive action to ensure the best value for Canadian taxpayers in all government contracts.”
“Once again, I want to thank the Auditor General and her team for undertaking this review and for their findings and previous recommendations. This report affirms that we have the right policies and rules in place, but they need to be well understood and applied properly. In her report, the Auditor General found that federal procurement policies promote fairness, transparency and value for Canadians when they are followed. That is what the Auditor General said. The important thing is not to create more rules and red tape, but to ensure that all departments and agencies follow the rules that are in place. We will use evidence-based approaches to improve processes and ensure that the existing procurement rules are followed and properly documented each and every time.”
“A more recent measure that just came into effect this month is the implementation of part 18 of the Budget Implementation Act, 2005. This gives the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement exclusive authority over federal procurement. That is not the end. On the contrary, departments and agencies will continue to exercise the authority to conduct their own procurement. However, the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement can now revoke a department or agency's delegation if there is reason to believe that procurement rules are not being followed. More broadly, as circumstances dictate, the minister can mandate standard procurement processes across all federal departments and agencies.”
“The changes we have made predate the Auditor General's last report. In November 2023, following the revelation of the improper contract negotiations with GC Strategies, PSPC wrote to the government departments and agencies to inform them that it would be replacing all master-level user arrangements with client departments, agencies and Crown corporations. These arrangements set out conditions for access to select professional services methods of supply maintained by PSPC. As part of this process, PSPC and client departments have established new arrangements, which stipulate the use of new contract provisions to increase costing and subcontractor transparency. These new arrangements were circulated to the departments on January 31, 2024, and they are now in force.”
“In collaboration with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, the department has acted swiftly to implement several measures, including improving evaluation requirements to ensure resources are appropriately qualified for the job, requiring suppliers to be more transparent about the prices and subcontractors they use, improving our own documentation when awarding contracts and authorizing tasks, and better specifying and documenting what needs to be done, as well as which projects and tasks contractors are working on. (1315) This includes reducing risk in our buying processes, improving how we manage contracts and doing more to promote solution-based procurement approaches that would ensure we are always getting the best value for Canadians. The Auditor General had no additional recommendations for the government regarding this file.”
“The findings of this report are very much in line with previous reports from the Auditor General relating to similar matters. Previous reports provided the government with important recommendations to improve the oversight and integrity of federal procurement, particularly in professional services. We are taking these lessons, and I can assure the House that we are working hard to apply them. Over the past year, PSPC has taken concrete actions to strengthen oversight on all professional services contracts falling under its authority.”
“I can say that the government has already acted on past recommendations and continues to take strong steps in improving oversight and the management of federal procurement. Public Services and Procurement Canada and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat are working closely with government departments and agencies to address the gaps identified in previous audits. This includes improving data collection, increasing transparency in procurement decisions, clarifying roles and responsibilities and strengthening oversight and accountability in procurement activities. We are making these changes to strengthen the federal procurement process, improve the way the government does business with suppliers and achieve the best value for Canadian taxpayers.”
“We are well aware of the issues around the procurement of professional services, in particular, that were uncovered through previous audits and investigations and again in the latest report. The Auditor General made it clear that the right procurement rules are in place, but that federal organizations did not consistently follow procurement policies when awarding and managing contracts. We wholeheartedly agree that this is unacceptable. It is important to note that the Auditor General did not make any new recommendations to the government. However, the report reinforces the previously identified issues in procurement practices, underlining the importance of clearly understanding and correctly applying existing policies.”
“In the last Parliament, parliamentarians, the Auditor General, multiple parliamentary committees and others undertook extensive work to examine and hold to account those who were found to have acted inappropriately. With new safeguards in place and serious action being taken to hold GC Strategies accountable, it is time to turn the page on the political games of the last Parliament. Let me be clear. Our new government believes that misconduct of any kind is unacceptable. This is, in fact, a new government, with a new direction, a new leader and almost 40% new MPs. It received a strong mandate for change from Canadians. We will take a new approach to governing, one that includes a laser focus on fiscal discipline. We will also modernize procurement processes.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today, just a few hours before we will vote to implement measures to make life more affordable for Quebeckers and Canadians. The people of Trois-Rivières, along with people in the ridings of all my colleagues on both sides of the House, will be watching carefully to see what we do today. These measures will help put more money in Canadians' pockets. We hope that our opposition colleagues will vote with us. As we said all morning, the Government of Canada accepts the findings of the Auditor General of Canada's latest report on the procurement of professional services. We take this report and all subsequent recommendations seriously. We remain fully committed to the fairness, openness and transparency in federal procurement practices. Simply put, we are committed to protecting the integrity of procurement.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Trois-Rivières Lions for their historic victory on Saturday, when they defeated the Toledo Walleye to win the Kelly Cup in the East Coast Hockey League finals. The Trois-Rivières Lions are the only Canadian team in that professional hockey league, and this was the first time that the team participated in the Kelly Cup finals. It is safe to say that Trois-Rivières is at the top of their game these days. I want to congratulate all the Lions players and their head coach, Ron Choules. I also want to give a big shout-out to goalie Luke Cavallin, who was named series MVP, and to Alex Beaucage, a Trois-Rivières native and the pride of his hometown today. [ English ] I wish the same success to the Edmonton Oilers in their match this evening. Canada is behind them.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have committed to building the strongest economy of the G7. One of the first things that the Prime Minister did, earlier in March, was to cut the carbon tax for consumers. When the numbers came out last week, we saw that already inflation has been reduced to 1.7%. We have also tabled the main estimates. It is prudent fiscal management to make sure that we know exactly what we are tackling and how much it is going to cost. There was a meeting with the first ministers yesterday, which was really positive, with all of the provinces and territories. [ Translation ] We are building the economy of tomorrow.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to be a member of this Liberal caucus, which has not only 44 Quebec MPs to vigorously promote the French language but also francophone MPs from communities outside Quebec. Protecting the French language requires support for francophone communities outside Quebec. Quebec is not the only one that needs to promote the French language; all communities do. I am thinking of my colleagues from Guelph and southern Ontario. There are many francophone communities and we need to support them. That is why we have allocated funding for Radio-Canada for regions outside Quebec, to ensure that we support French across the country. That is how we will stay strong. That is how French will maintain its vitality.”
“Mr. Speaker, we presented a strong plan to build a strong Canada and a strong economy. We are committed to bringing in stricter measures for serious crime. That is what we are going to do. A throne speech does not need to be 30,000 words long to be effective. We know what we are doing. Our plan is clear and robust. That is why we are going to implement it.”
“We will build it by being focused, by holding firm to our convictions and by rolling up our sleeves and working together.”
“During the election campaign, I heard Canadians' concerns loud and clear, and I can say that they are pleased with our measure to lower taxes for the middle class. Around 22 million Canadians will benefit, including thousands of my constituents. Our commitment to continue investing and to redouble our efforts to address the housing crisis by building more social and affordable housing was greeted with relief by my constituents. This work must involve all levels of government. In closing, we are at a crossroads. The rules have changed, and we need to adapt our game plan. We are committed to building the strongest economy in the G7, and we have everything we need to succeed. We will do it by promoting local businesses, local materials and homegrown labour. That is how we will build a strong Canada.”
“The Mauricie region is ready to answer the call, with companies like Marmen, an industrial flagship that produces not only wind turbines, but also submarine parts and nuclear reactors. This company and many others in the region can play a leading role in defence and critical infrastructure projects. That is what it means to build a strong and sovereign Canada. Our Liberal government knows very well that to build a prosperous future, we must ensure that no one is left behind. Providing access to affordable housing, day care and dental care and tackling homelessness are essential for reducing inequality. Some opposition members are using old-fashioned scare tactics to call that communism. We have a plan to make life more affordable for Canadians. It is a plan for right now, not promises to be fulfilled in four years.”
“(1615) These institutions embody the spirit of collaboration between academia and industry. They are pillars of our ability to advance applied science, attract investment in leading-edge sectors and decarbonize our heavy industries. Canadians know that the commitment of our government and the Prime Minister to green and renewable energy is a priority, and we will not slow down our actions in this area. Canadians know that the Liberal Party is the party that has put in place meaningful measures to protect the environment and fight climate change, and that the energy transition will require innovation and ingenuity. At a time when our sovereignty is under threat, it is more important than ever that we invest in the defence sector to rebuild the Canadian Armed Forces, protect our vast land and bolster our military industry.”
“This collaborative, solutions-driven attitude is what keeps our city moving forward, supported by a vibrant and innovative ecosystem. In Trois‑Rivières, we are proud to have world-class research and technology transfer centres that are recognized in Canada and around the world as leaders in their field. Take, for example, the Quebec Metallurgy Center, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is a partner of choice to major companies such as Pratt & Whitney and Bombardier. I am also thinking of the Innergex Chair for the production of green hydrogen at the Université du Québec à Trois‑Rivières and the Centre Innofibre at the CEGEP in Trois‑Rivières, leading partners in the Vallée de la transition énergétique, an innovation zone set up by the Government of Quebec with which we work closely.”
“We are talking about major infrastructure but also about protecting our industries and our workers from the Trump administration's unfair tariffs. Trois‑Rivières is one of the most vulnerable Canadian cities in terms of the tariff war. Companies like Solucan and Germain & frère are directly affected by the tariffs and the uncertainty they are causing. Our government is committed to protecting jobs in sectors affected by the tariffs, such as the steel, aluminum and automotive sectors. Innovation et Développement économique Trois‑Rivières, or IDETR, a driver of local economic development, has set up an oversight committee to accurately measure the impact and ensure that businesses in the region know where to get the support they need. I am committed to supporting this initiative.”
“During the election campaign and in the Speech from the Throne, our government promised to invest in nation-building projects to grow the Canadian economy. For Trois-Rivières, that means a high-speed train that will generate significant economic benefits and increase labour mobility. It is a once-in-a-generation project that will bring Canada into the 21st century. I hope we can work hand in hand with all members who feel committed to this project. There is also talk of investments in the Port of Trois-Rivières, a mainstay for the region and a national and international logistics hub. Its expansion will continue to support small business growth and job creation for our workers. The Port of Trois-Rivières can play a role in diversifying our export markets and helping us to reduce our dependence on U.S. markets.”