Sophie Chatel
Pontiac—Kitigan Zibi, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I have some good news for my colleague. Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced Canada's national food security strategy. This strategy is built on four key pillars: investing in our regional food infrastructure to increase choice and competition, processing more food here in Canada, increasing year-round production of fruits…”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague is well aware that the national food security strategy will lower the cost of groceries. More specifically, we will invest $1 billion to boost food processing here in Canada. Right now, we are sending our agricultural products abroad for processing. Now, we will invest in this sector.”
“Mr. Speaker, stakeholders across Canada are saying that this $3.2-billion strategy on food security will make food affordable for Canadians. There will be four key strategies. We will build local, regional infrastructure so that we have more options and more affordability. We will produce more.”
“Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to travel all over Quebec last summer and to meet with farmers in my colleague's region. I can say one thing. Farmers are very happy with the national food security strategy. One way to make food more affordable for Canadian families is to do more processing here in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, talking about seriousness, Canadians know we are in the middle of a global economic disruption. Our Prime Minister is a serious person. He is working hard. He already cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. He also launched the national school food program, which helps families with affordability.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Mercosur agreement represents 300 million people and a $2.5-trillion economy. It is one of the largest markets in the world. However, we listened to our ranchers. We listened to our producers. We are listening to their concerns about the trade agreement. In fact, the study is going on at committee.”
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“Mr. Speaker, stakeholders across Canada are saying that this $3.2-billion strategy on food security will make food affordable for Canadians. There will be four key strategies. We will build local, regional infrastructure so that we have more options and more affordability. We will produce more. We will transform more of our own food here in Canada. We will create more jobs, and we will grow, all year long, fruits and vegetables.”
“Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to travel all over Quebec last summer and to meet with farmers in my colleague's region. I can say one thing. Farmers are very happy with the national food security strategy. One way to make food more affordable for Canadian families is to do more processing here in Canada. We are investing $3.2 billion in the food supply chain in Quebec and across Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague is well aware that the national food security strategy will lower the cost of groceries. More specifically, we will invest $1 billion to boost food processing here in Canada. Right now, we are sending our agricultural products abroad for processing. Now, we will invest in this sector. That will give Canadians more choice, put more Canadian foods on grocery stores shelves and make groceries a lot more affordable for Canadian families.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have some good news for my colleague. Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced Canada's national food security strategy. This strategy is built on four key pillars: investing in our regional food infrastructure to increase choice and competition, processing more food here in Canada, increasing year-round production of fruits and vegetables, and cutting red tape. That is how we will put more Canadian food on the table and bring down the cost of groceries.”
“Mr. Speaker, talking about seriousness, Canadians know we are in the middle of a global economic disruption. Our Prime Minister is a serious person. He is working hard. He already cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. He also launched the national school food program, which helps families with affordability. In addition, he proposed to launch very soon a national food security strategy, which will really help families during this time of crisis.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Mercosur agreement represents 300 million people and a $2.5-trillion economy. It is one of the largest markets in the world. However, we listened to our ranchers. We listened to our producers. We are listening to their concerns about the trade agreement. In fact, the study is going on at committee. We will continue to be there for our farmers because they work hard to put food on our tables.”
“Madam Speaker, as we know, economic turmoil is making life more expensive for Canadians and Quebeckers. In the economic update, we are investing to develop a very important manufacturing sector in Canada. I am talking about the agri-food system. Following the superdeductions we announced in the last budget, we are now announcing a strategic Canada Strong fund that will allow us to invest in our agri-food system to produce more goods here in Canada and lower grocery prices. That is what building Canada is about.”
“Mr. Speaker, economic turmoil is making life more expensive for Canadians. That is why we can count on a Prime Minister who understands the gravity of the situation and is taking decisive action. In my constituency, as in my colleague's, many children go to school on an empty stomach. However, thanks to our school food program, school children in my riding and in my colleague's riding will be able to have a lunch. That is how we build a strong Canada, with both our heads and our hearts.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is very important. Across Canada, we heard farmers, and they want reduced red tape. I have good news for my colleague. We are doing that. The all-government effort is to reduce red tape, including in agri-food and in agriculture. In committee, we just worked on a report that has several recommendations for our government, and we will be acting upon it.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is very important to state first of all that our farmers across the country are doing great work for Canada's food security, food autonomy and food sovereignty. Yes, reducing the price of gas will really help farmers, but we are not stopping there. We are there to support their innovation with a tax credit, a superdeduction that will help them modernize their facilities. We need to do a lot more here in Canada to process more and grow the sector, and we are there with farmers.”
“Mr. Speaker, I just answered and reassured my colleague that trade is resuming with China. I also want to highlight that the agriculture minister will be in Mexico next week opening even more of the market. We secured a market for meat, and now we want to expand these opportunities. We are not stopping there, because we have the best food in the world. The world wants our food, and we will make that possible.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to reassure my colleague that the new partnership the government has secured with China is being implemented. We have orders, and in fact, orders have been placed. Commerce is resuming right now with China, so it is good news. I invite my colleague to come to us if he wants more detail, but commerce is resuming with China.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will start by saying that our canola growers grow the best canola in the world. They are doing tremendous work. Yes, we have a great partnership, a renewed strategic partnership, with China to export canola. In fact, we know that Chinese importers have already secured 650,000 metric tons of Canadian canola, which is 25% of China's total import last year. The door is wide open now, and we will continue to engage in reaching a strong—”
“Mr. Speaker, we are talking about housing. I have met with the mayors in my riding. They are eagerly awaiting the historic investments in municipal infrastructure that we need to build more homes in Quebec. I urge my colleague to vote in favour of the budget implementation bill so we can distribute the funds that our municipalities need to build housing in Quebec.”
“Mr. Speaker, in this tragic week for our country, my heart is also with the people of Kitigan Zibi. The community is grieving the unimaginable loss of two of its children, a loss that every parent, every family and every member of this strong and deeply caring community feels today. To the people of Kitigan Zibi, I want to say this: They are not alone. We stand with them. We are mourning with them. (1415) [ Translation ] I want to tell the victims' family and loved ones that our thoughts and prayers are with them as they start down this path of mourning, but also of healing. We walk with them. Meegwetch .”
“Mr. Speaker, the sudden loss of Franco Nuovo has shaken Quebec as a whole. Like many francophone listeners across Canada, I could count on his voice, his personality and his insights to set the tone for my Sunday mornings. He knew how to create unique moments by making radio a meeting place, a space for dialogue and exploration, but above all, for culture. His passing is an incredible loss for Quebec, which has lost not only one of its warmest voices, but also an extraordinary host, journalist, columnist and, most importantly, a passionate advocate for culture, engagement and the francophone community. For more than five decades, Franco informed, inspired and brought us together. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones, as well as to all those who loved him and listened to him faithfully. We share their grief.”
“Mr. Speaker, we recognize the importance of a farmer's privilege, which my colleague referred to, to save and replant seeds. The proposed regulatory amendment would help clarify this concept, and that is what we will do. [ Translation ] The proposed changes do not alter the right to save and reuse seeds, such as grains and legumes, which is a long-standing practice. [ English ] Farmers' privilege would not apply to crops such as hybrids, fruits, vegetables or ornamentals, which in many cases are propagated, or copied, through vegetative reproduction. [ Translation ] Indeed, it would be unfair for an orchard owner to grow hundreds of trees from cuttings taken from a single apple tree without compensating the breeder for the years they devoted to developing a new variety, which often takes 15 to 25 years.”
“The report showed that 90% of the feedback received supported those amendments. [ Translation ] The most recent consultation period is coming to an end, and we are now reviewing the new comments we have received, including those presented here by my colleague. This will be completed in the coming weeks. That said, I thank my hon. colleague for his question. We remain fully available to all Canadians who may have concerns about this issue. Consultations are still ongoing.”
“We want to help protect plant breeders' rights in the same way we are protecting other inventors and their creations. [ Translation ] We know that our hard-working farmers face serious threats from increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather events, as well as other dangers that threaten crops and orchards. Our goal is to support them by reducing crop losses and improving innovation and productivity. We can achieve this by encouraging breeders to develop varieties that are resilient to climate change. [ English ] That will help Canadian farmers adapt to the effects of climate change, offering options to fight drought, heat and disease, and I have a lot more I want to say. Last year, the CFIA held consultations and then published a “what we heard” report that indicated strong support.”
“I also want to talk about the ongoing consultations with farmers, which my colleague spoke about earlier. [ English ] The government remains steadfast in its support of our vibrant agricultural sector, which benefits Canadian farmers and our wider agri-food industry. A direct way we can support this sector is by modernizing our regulations, and the sector all across Canada is asking for that. The proposed amendments are designed to foster innovation in plant breeding and address key challenges such as climate resilience, crop yield and sustainable production. Plant breeders' rights are a vital form of intellectual property protection. They provide an incentive to plant breeders to invest time and money into creating new resilient plants, which we need.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for raising this important point in the context of the debate this evening. In my view, we do not talk about agriculture very often and yet agriculture is central to our economy, Canadians' lives and food security, as my colleague referred to. A country that does not feed its people is a country with few options, as our Prime Minister said so well. I would add that, today, the issue of food security is more important than ever. I am pleased to rise in the House and have the opportunity to speak to the proposed amendments to the plant breeders' rights regulations. I want to talk about the importance of plant breeders' rights in Canada and how they relate to the long-standing practice of saving seed for replanting.”
“Mr. Speaker, this new government is committed to reducing red tape across government, especially with our agencies, such as CFIA and PMRA. In committee, we just finished a study on how to effectively reduce red tape across the sector to support our producers and farmers to increase their productivity. On this side of the House, we work with our farmers and our agencies to find concrete solutions to help productivity.”
“Mr. Speaker, I fully understand that fertilizer use is very important for our producers to supply the country and the world with really healthy food. We are working with the farmers and the industry to find solutions to a fertilizer made in Canada, because in Canada we grow the best food in the world. We will continue to work with our farmers to ensure their long-term competitiveness and to help protect the environment.”
“Mr. Speaker, our farmers are at the front line of something very difficult and very challenging. They are fighting against tariff disruption of trade and also extreme weather events. That report clearly said that increasingly violent and unpredictable weather patterns are disrupting agricultural production, creating supply challenges and continuing to influence food prices across Canada. The solution is to stand with our farmers.”
“Mr. Speaker, the rise in food prices is difficult for families, which is why we are helping lower grocery bills through, for example, the national school food program. However, Professor Sylvain Charlebois, the lead author of the recent study that my colleague just quoted, said that obviously what comes back every year is the impact of climate change on prices, and he noted in particular the effect of drought on the price of beef. If the Conservatives want real solutions, they have to start to look at real facts.”
“Mr. Speaker, today, during this week of remembrance and action on violence against women, I would like to congratulate and express my full support for L'EntourElle, an essential organization in my riding. I would like to thank Gisèle, Ashley, Christie, Ollisha, Cassey and Chantal, and everyone who works with and supports their vital work. They are making a difference in the riding through their courage, determination and professionalism. They provide hope to all women survivors and victims of domestic violence. Today, we honour them and support everything they do. We stand with these dedicated women; they have my thanks.”
“Madam Speaker, we need our forestry workers in rural areas. We need our Canadian softwood lumber, which is a source of pride in Canada. In my riding, I have proud forestry companies. This week, we announced important measures to support the industry. We know that things are not easy, but when times get tough, we support each other. That is exactly what we are doing in the forestry industry. We will resolve the dispute with the United States, but in the meantime, we are pulling together.”
“Madam Speaker, I want my colleague to know that we are working with all provinces and all sectors. We have a mission. Our government was elected to build a strong economy, a sustainable economy and a future for our children. The proof that our approach is working is that we learned today that our productivity is increasing. That is very good news. Our policies are working. I urge my colleagues to join us and vote in favour of our measures.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are looking for solutions to lower the price of food. Real solutions are based on real facts. Last week, the vice-president of Costco appeared before the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. He said that climate change is the cause of food inflation. When the harvest is good, prices are lower. When the harvest is not good because of climate change, food gets expensive. Our government is working on real solutions.”
“Mr. Speaker, we all want the best solution to drive down the price of food, and that is why we are working on real facts. My colleague mentioned the agriculture committee. Let me quote the VP of Costco and other grocers, who said, when asked what drives the price of food, that the first item is the commodity itself. With a bad crop, the price goes up; with a good crop, the price goes down. It has nothing to do with any policy. We want solutions. To drive down the price of food, we have to support our farmers with climate resilience.”
“Mr. Speaker, every Canadian deserves an affordable life and opportunities. Costco's CEO was at the agriculture committee yesterday with other grocers. On the cost of food and the factors that influence the cost of food, guess what they said. They all agreed that the main factor was weather conditions, like the droughts we have experienced recently, as well as commodity conditions and currency. To be a responsible government—”
“Mr. Speaker, every motor vehicle accident is a shock to families. Our hearts go out to the victims of these accidents. That is why we are working with agencies, authorities and the provinces to ensure that these kinds of tragic events stop happening. We are strengthening our transportation and safety rules, and we are working collaboratively with all stakeholders in this sector.”
“Mr. Speaker, this government is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all modes of transportation. We are also investing heavily in all of our transportation infrastructure. We are there to ensure the safety of infrastructure and transportation. One thing is clear: Transportation in Canada is not only safe, but among the safest in the world.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Private Basil Alias Odjick of Maniwaki, son of William Odjick and Catherine Riel. He served with courage and dignity during the Second World War, giving his life in service to Canada on August 28, 1944, during the Battle of Normandy. His name is commemorated in the Second World War Book of Remembrance, alongside that of his brother, Private Robert Simon Odjick, who also made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the Royal Regiment of Canada. Today, let us honour the sacrifice and bravery of the Odjick family and of all soldiers from Pontiac—Kitigan Zibi who served and who continue to serve for peace and freedom.”
“Mr. Speaker, canola farmers produce the best canola in the world. We know China has imposed unfair tariffs on canola. We are working on it. The Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture are currently in Asia diversifying our trade, but also resolving disputes, and Pakistan has now opened its doors to our canola. In the meantime, we will be there for our farmers with programs to support them during this difficult time.”
“Mr. Speaker, one thing we can be proud of is our canola producers, because they produce the best canola in the world. China is imposing completely unjustified tariffs on our producers. Yes, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food are in Asia right now. They are there to explore new markets for our producers. They will also try to resolve this trade dispute. That is not all. In the meantime, we are here to support our producers by developing a Canadian biofuel market. We are also supporting them by—”
“Mr. Speaker, this Women's History Month, I would like to recognize the outstanding contribution of Rosaleen Dickson, a trailblazer in Pontiac—Kitigan Zibi. [ English ] In 1942, together with her husband, David, she acquired The Equity, the community newspaper of Shawville, which has long served as the voice of our community. Rosaleen went on to serve as its editor-in-chief for more than 30 years. A passionate, dedicated journalist, Rosaleen gave a voice to those who had none but whose stories deserved to be told. [ Translation ] Rosaleen Dickson embodies the strength, independence and passion that characterize the women who built our country, just like the women of Pontiac who continue to inspire us with their strength and leadership. [ English ] I thank Rosaleen.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague referred to law enforcement officers. I would remind him that just steps away from this very chamber stands a memorial honouring RCMP officers who gave their lives to protect Canadians. What does my colleague think of the shameful comments made by his leader about the very officers who gave their lives for this country?”
“Mr. Speaker, canola is one of the best products in the world. China's tariffs are completely unfair. As we are resolving this trade dispute, we are there to support our farmers with programs. We have announced $370 million in support, and we have changed the regulations to allow more biofuel in this country, which will use the product from our canola producers.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is taking a balanced approach after having consulted more than 100 value chain stakeholders for over four years. Following the release of its report this summer, called “What we heard”, the CFIA is currently engaging with stakeholders to modernize the regulation system in Canada with all of the input from stakeholders.”
“Mr. Speaker, we also met at committee this week with the pea producers, and the situation is really dire there as well. The tariffs China has imposed on the sector are really difficult. These farmers will also be able to benefit from the support of the strategic response funds of $5 billion to affected sectors. It is not only canola. It is the pea sector as well. I would add that China also has unjustified tariffs on the pork industry. Of course, we want the resolution of China withdrawing those tariffs. There is a diplomatic effort at all levels. When the conditions are right, the Prime Minister will meet his counterpart. We need to have a diplomatic solution and free those tariffs from the sector.”
“Taken together, these efforts will support Canadian farmers through increased demand for feedstock used to produce these renewable fuels, such as canola. We heard at committee some of the sectors saying that it is indeed growing the domestic market economy for canola producers, and that is really welcome. The Prime Minister also announced new funding of $75 million over five years to the AgriMarketing program to support the diversification of agricultural exports into new high-growth markets such as Africa, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific. With this change, we are standing up to support our canola farmers. Of course, we will continue to negotiate with China so that it withdraws its unfair tariffs on our sector.”
“I would like to remind the member that canola producers were front and centre in the Prime Minister 's recent announcement of measures to help them with the impact of tariffs. Those measures include an increase to the interest-free limit for canola advance payments, under the advance payment program, to half a million dollars for the year 2025-26. This change is expected to provide an additional interest savings of up to $35 million to more than 6,000 producers of canola. In response to the canola sector's call for a domestic market, the Prime Minister also announced more than $370 million to support the stability and resilience of Canadian producers of biofuel and renewable diesel. As part of this announcement, the Prime Minister also made a commitment to make targeted amendments to the clean fuel regulations.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for reminding us once again about the importance of agriculture. I completely agree with him. The agricultural sector is a pillar of our economy that feeds not only our country, but much of the planet as well. It is an economic driver, as my colleague said, and not just with respect to jobs, although it accounts for one in nine jobs in Canada. It also accounts for a significant portion of our gross domestic product. I want to join him in thanking all our producers, including canola producers. [ English ] Canola producers are facing the unfair tariff that China has imposed on canola products. Canola in Canada is one of the best in the world, and we should be very proud of that. We are responding to support the sector. I want to mention a few things.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague still has not answered my question. Would she agree that a federal government could use the notwithstanding clause to limit the rights of women without restraint and without judicial review?”
“Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois is currently claiming that all governments—whether federal, provincial or territorial—can invoke the notwithstanding clause at any time and limit any of the rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. If a new federal government decided to invoke the notwithstanding clause to limit one of the rights protected by the Charter, including women's right to equality, would my colleague 100% agree that there should be no limits and no judicial review?”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague and I are two of 44 proud Liberal MPs representing Quebec, which is twice as many as the Bloc Québécois. We are very proud to stand in the House during this very important debate. Earlier, my colleague mentioned the importance of our citizens asking us, their MPs, to protect them against the erosion of their fundamental rights and freedoms. How will our government's intervention before the Supreme Court succeed in fulfilling this very clear mandate to protect the rights of all Canadians, including Quebeckers?”
“Mr. Speaker, I like the quotation my colleague referenced: “The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.” I am listening carefully. That is precisely why I am rising to ask him a question. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects a number of rights, including women's rights. We are in the Parliament of Canada. If a future Canadian government were to decide to limit these rights by invoking the notwithstanding clause, does my colleague think that there would be circumstances in which the judiciary might review this and set limits on these rights?”
“Mr. Speaker, I have a question for my colleague. There has been a lot of talk about the rights enshrined in the Charter and the importance of protecting them. In order to protect them, is it necessary to determine that, when a legislature invokes the notwithstanding clause, it must do so only under exceptional circumstances and in compliance with certain guidelines? Is it necessary to have a judicial review on this important matter? Otherwise, do we not run the risk of having the exception become the rule? In other words, the legislatures may no longer be required to comply with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleague a question. Like him, I live in Quebec. We are proud Quebeckers. Many of my constituents are concerned about the erosion of women's rights around the world. If we allowed the provinces, or any Parliament, to make invoking the notwithstanding clause the rule rather than the exception, would this put our rights in jeopardy?”