Jason Groleau
Beauce, Quebec · Conservative · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, according to the CFIB, four in 10 businesses say that economic uncertainty, and especially political uncertainty, is discouraging investment in our country.”
“Mr. Speaker, according to the the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, or CFIB, Canadian SMEs and entrepreneurs are still being overlooked by the Liberal government. Businesses in Beauce do not need empty promises. They need a government that stands up for them. Liberal policies have been dragging us down for 10 years.”
“Mr. Speaker, last week, I mentioned that a company from back home, Garaga, had provided the government with overwhelming evidence that garage doors imported from China contained harmful toxic substances that are banned in Canada. Why, despite these warnings, has the Minister of Health not done anything about this yet?”
“That is insane. Why? What is on this land that is costing us $200 million? There is a 25-foot-by-35-foot concrete pad, two sea cans and a gravel road. I could build a dozen just like it with pleasure. I could do that, no problem. The time will come when the Liberals will have to explain themselves to taxpayers. This is insane.”
“His conclusion is that this is a “modest” contribution. The Liberals are spending $13 billion on a modest contribution; meanwhile, young families are unable to get on the property ladder and young people are desperately searching for affordable housing. Canadians do not want announcements; they want more homes. They want construction.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with my esteemed colleague from Richmond Hill South . I rise today not to engage in petty politics, but to talk about something very simple that everyone in our regions understands well, except the Liberals, of course: respect for hard‑earned money. Back home in Beauce, money does not grow on trees.”
The complete record
Every one of 197 lines we hold for Jason Groleau, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 4 of 4.
“Mr. Speaker, today I would like to salute a young woman who makes Beauce shine. On May 10, she was named athlete of the year at the 46th Beauce sports awards gala. Emmy Fecteau, a hockey player from Saint‑Odilon, is an exceptional athlete and person. On the ice, she led Team Canada to gold at the University Games. Emmy was named captain of the Concordia Stingers in the 2023-24 season, which ended in a victory at the national championship. Since 2024-25, she has been with the New York Sirens in the Professional Women's Hockey League. As a disciplined young woman, Emmy never put her education on hold. She combined high-performance sports and academic achievement with the same passion and discipline, obtaining her bachelor's degree in English education. Emmy is an inspiration to all our young people. She is a real ambassador for Beauce.”
“Madam Speaker, there are, in fact, many possible solutions to explore. Have the studies had enough of an impact and did they go as far as they should have? I would say no. To answer the question from my colleague from Montmorency—Charlevoix, there is still a lot of work to be done in this area.”
“Madam Speaker, it is not disinformation. Transporting a tractor to a woodlot requires a trailer. Not everyone has a garage on their woodlot. I have an electric truck, and I know it cannot tow a trailer for more than 100 kilometres. The member for Shefford is the one who is spreading disinformation. The reality is that EVs are simply not designed for towing. I am not against electric trucks, but it is important to understand what trucks are used for. People always forget to talk about that. They are not designed for our needs.”
“Madam Speaker, there is indeed an energy transition going on. We all know that. However, I will once again bring up the rural reality, which is different from that of the big cities. In my region, we have trucks, sugar shacks and farmers. Sugar shacks mean tractors. Tractors run on gas. Tractors have trailers, and trailers tend to go with quads. There are also chainsaws, which require gas. Our regions have to use gas. It is a necessity, but I agree that we need to improve our structures. I am well aware of that.”
“I have no problem with any of that, but it must not be done at the expense of Canadians and the regions. We need to give the market time to adapt. We need to listen to the needs on the ground. Most importantly, we need to show respect for workers in construction, agriculture and logistics. They are the ones who keep Quebec running, the real Quebec, not just a theoretical version of it. In Beauce, we are moving forward, but not blindly. We want to participate in the transition, but in a way that makes sense. I would invite all of my colleagues to think carefully and vote in favour of this common-sense Conservative motion.”
“Moreover, several provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan still rely on fossil fuels to generate their electricity. The grid will need to be modernized quickly or else the environmental gains will be negated. Lastly, EV batteries require critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, which create pollution during extraction and recycling and are often controlled by countries such as China. Canada has mineral resources, but its extraction and processing capacity lags far behind demand. Canada does not even have a clear national strategy or the large‑scale industrial infrastructure to recycle its batteries. I am asking the government to show some respect for the regions. Let me be clear today. I support the energy transition, innovation and electric vehicles.”
“and go to three job sites during the day all need a reliable vehicle that can handle whatever challenges the road throws at them. Telling them that they should give up their gas‑powered trucks without a credible alternative shows contempt for their reality. The Liberal government is being unrealistic. The Liberals have been unrealistic and inconsistent from the very start in their reasoning and in their timeline for this decree. First, the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture said that the government would no longer invest in new highways and local streets, but electric vehicles still need roads to travel on. Second, switching millions of vehicles to electric will result in a significant increase in energy demand. Is Canada's grid prepared to handle this massive volume of electricity?”
“It should invest in road infrastructure and support local garages so that they can maintain and repair electric vehicles, which cost a fortune. We have a shortage of mechanics. The government should offer realistic subsidies for vehicles that are adapted to the needs of the construction and agriculture industries, which are too often overlooked. Above all, the government should listen to the regions instead of telling them what to do once again. Beauce is an example of an economy on four wheels. Every truck, van and pickup in Beauce is a tool for economic development. Farmers get their produce to market. Contractors transport their materials from Sainte‑Marie to Saint‑Isidore. Construction workers who leave home at 5 a.m.”
“(1335) In many regions, the transition to electric can only be done once charging stations are installed, prices come down, electric trucks achieve a range comparable to that of gas-powered vehicles, and the infrastructure follows. In the meantime, cutting access to gas-powered vehicles penalizes our workers and holds back our entrepreneurs. A just transition is a customized transition. No one here is saying that we should fight progress. What I am saying is that a brutal transition should not be forced on the regions. Gas-powered trucks should continue to be allowed, available and supported. It is simply unreasonable to say that they will be banned in 10 years' time. If the government really wants to help the regions, it should invest in charging stations in rural areas, not just in major cities.”
“We cannot tell them to sell their truck and to buy and make do with a vehicle that costs twice as much but that does not do the job. That makes no sense. What we need here is for the government to be realistic and to listen. It is time for the Liberal government to listen to Canadians, including those in the regions. Once again, it is important to adapt to rural reality and stop copying the big urban centres. Let us talk a bit about the false promise of uniformity. What we are experiencing today is bureaucratic pressure to apply the same rules to Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal as to Saint‑Éphrem‑de‑Beauce. The government needs to give that some more thought. What works on the Island of Montreal does not work in rang 9 of Saint‑Gédéon‑de‑Beauce. That is not an opinion. It is a fact.”
“Has anyone here ever tried to hook up a trailer to an electric car? The range is 100 kilometres, and half that in the winter. That would not even get us out of the Beauce region. I will ask a simple question. How many construction sites have my colleagues seen that have a fast-charging station? The answer is zero. In Beauce, there are none. It is also a matter of freedom and dignity. Putting an end to gas-powered vehicles also means imposing an urban lifestyle on rural areas. It ignores the fact that for many people in Beauce, their truck is not a luxury but a work tool and an extension of their workshop. It is a small business on four wheels. People in the regions are not against the energy transition. They want to take part, but not to their own detriment and not by sacrificing their independence, performance and livelihoods.”
“People in Beauce use trucks for work. The Beauce region is full of entrepreneurs, SMEs, construction workers, farmers and transportation workers. People here deliver materials, transport bales of hay, install roofing and build houses. To do so, they need reliable heavy-duty trucks that can handle job sites, gravel roads and icy hills, and most importantly, these vehicles need to be long-range. In Beauce, electric vehicles do not really meet our needs. They are more expensive to buy, heavier and shorter-range. It is even worse in the winter, when it is impossible to do a hard day's work without recharging. The other day, tool boxes were mentioned in connection with Beauce. What the minister does not realize is that our tool boxes are not little hand-held ones. In Beauce, our tool boxes are enclosed trailers towed behind pickup trucks.”
“Yes, the goal should be to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; we all agree on that. However, the caveat is that regions like Beauce cannot be asked to make the leap without any infrastructure. There is no efficient public transit system in my region. There is no subway or streetcar. There is not even a bus system anywhere in the Beauce region. There are no fast-charging stations. I have heard plenty of people say that there are some here. In my area, they are not on every street corner. In many villages, the first charging station is 30 kilometres or even 40 kilometres away. In the winter, the range drops quickly when it is -30 degrees and there is a trailer hitched to the truck. Before thinking about forcing the transition, we need to ask ourselves a basic question: Is it feasible on the ground? In many regions, the answer is simply no.”
“Madam Speaker, I would like to inform you that I will be sharing my time with my colleague from Oshawa . I rise today to defend a very concrete reality that is often overlooked when political decisions are being made in Ottawa or Quebec City. I am talking about the reality of the regions, and my region in particular. Beauce is proud, hard-working, entrepreneurial rural region, where people get up early, work hard and do not wait on others when they need to get ahead in life. In Beauce, we continue to build our homes to produce results and keep our regional economy going. We need our gas-powered cars and trucks. Electric transportation is a good idea. However, it is not realistic in the regions. Yes, electrifying transportation is a noble goal; we agree with that.”
“Mr. Speaker, that is yet another question with no real answer. What would happen to a Canadian family if it spent 800 times its budget on housing and living expenses? It would go bankrupt. What would happen if a private company exceeded its budget by 800 times? An executive would be fired. Why is it acceptable for Ottawa to spend Canadians' money without any concrete results? Families in Beauce deserve much better. Will the Liberals vote in favour of our motion to strike GC Strategies from the list, yes or no?”
“Mr. Speaker, we are not asking for a seven-year suspension, but a lifetime suspension. The budget was $80,000. The actual cost was $64 million, paid to only two people. That is 800 times the planned budget. It makes no sense. The taxpayers of Beauce and Canada are the ones stuck with the bill. Why do the Liberals reward politicians instead of punishing them?”
“Mr. Speaker, this week, the Auditor General released a scathing report on ArriveCAN's main contractor, GC Strategies. This two-person company, which is now under investigation by the RCMP, received a staggering $64 million. The worst part is that we do not even know if it did any work. The Conservatives have introduced a motion to ban this company for life. Will all members of the House vote to ensure that Canadian taxpayers get their money back?”
“Mr. Speaker, we are not asking for a seven-year ban, but a lifetime ban. There are always scandals with this Liberal government. The Liberals ignore the rules; they allow their buddies to get rich. The taxpayers of Beauce and the rest of Canada are paying for it. The Prime Minister had the opportunity to change the situation by replacing the cabinet ministers responsible, but no, he gave them a cushy promotion instead. Why, under the Liberals, are politicians rewarded while Canadians foot the bill?”
“Mr. Speaker, in a report released on Tuesday, the Auditor General indicated that the Liberal government did not follow the rules regarding the contracts awarded to GC Strategies. A total of $64 million was given to this two-person company. Moreover, there is no evidence of any work being done. This morning, the Conservatives moved a motion to ban this company for life. Will the Liberal government vote with us and get that money back for Canadians?”
“Mr. Chair, I will help the minister answer. It takes six months to process applications, financing up to 95% is available and the maximum amortization period is 50 years. Furthermore, if owners raise their tenants' rent, then they get more funding under this program. Yes, it is an inflationary program.”
“Mr. Chair, I will be sharing my time with two of my colleagues. The Liberals caused the housing crisis in Beauce and across Canada. Many families can no longer afford a place to live. Over the past five years, rent has increased by over 50% in some cities. How many new homes need to be built per year to solve this crisis in Canada?”
“Mr. Speaker, I had a discussion this evening with a local business owner, a family man involved in the community who runs a business with about 100 employees and sales of about $100 million. That $100 million is now at risk. I asked him what questions he would like me to ask. He gave me a clear answer. What is the clear plan of action to get these tariffs removed? When will this plan be implemented to produce real results, and quickly?”
“Mr. Speaker, several businesses back home in Beauce, including steel manufacturers, are being hit hard by the Trump administration's new 50% tariffs. It is very trying. Business owners talk to me about it every day. The programs announced by the Liberal government are clearly insufficient. How much money has the federal government collected so far in countertariffs?”
“Mr. Speaker, today the Auditor General published another scathing report about the contract for the new F-35 jets for the Canadian Armed Forces. In her report, she sharply criticized the Liberal government's control throughout the process. She pointed out that the project is now 50% over budget and has reached a cost of $30 billion, not including the required weapons and infrastructure, which will cost at least an additional $5.5 billion. Finally, she pointed out the critical shortage of pilots to operate the F-35s once they are delivered. The people of Beauce want to know when this Liberal government will start managing their money responsibly. Maybe the Liberals should start by tabling a spring budget.”
“Madam Speaker, there is a housing crisis across the country. Rent prices have skyrocketed over the past 10 years under this Liberal government. Federal programs for multi-unit housing developments are too slow, too cumbersome, too expensive, too complicated and, above all, inflationary. The measures announced by this government are insufficient. Young people in Beauce deserve to buy their own homes. My question is very simple. When will this government present a budget?”
“Mr. Speaker, the consensus is clear. Calls to build pipelines and energy infrastructure are growing. The people of Quebec and Beauce want pipelines. The only obstacle is the Liberal government. Building energy projects reduces our dependence on the United States, strengthens the Canadian economy and creates wealth for Canadians. Anti-energy Bill C‑69 must be repealed. Why does the Liberal government want to continue impoverishing Canadians?”
“Mr. Speaker, the 50% tariffs that Donald Trump has imposed on steel are an unjustified attack on our economy and our Canadian workers. This morning, I talked to representatives from two steel-producing businesses in my region. The repercussions will be devastating. Ninety per cent of their sales are in the United States. That represents a loss of $200 million, and hundreds of jobs are at stake. After campaigning on a promise to stand up to President Trump, the Liberal government has done nothing. What does the Prime Minister have to say to the businesses and workers in Beauce who are worried?”
“Mr. Speaker, I think Mr. Harper was new when he first got here, at the very beginning. As I understand it, we have had the same government, the same ministers, the same people for the past 10 years. They are not anywhere close to tabling a budget. Let me give an example. It is like a restaurant. They say they are going to change the menu and everything else, but the only thing that changes is the sign and the name of the restaurant. Here, we have the same government and the same ministers. There is no budget. It is extremely disappointing.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Mirabel. I believe his region produces good maple syrup too. First, the government needs to be run like a business. What I have seen in the past two weeks here is that there is not even a budget. Every expenditure and purchase needs to be put in a budget. Right now, there is no budget. The government is flying blind. I am a bit disappointed about that. In answer to my colleague, I think that the Liberal government needs to table a budget in order to able to study the files.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform my colleague that Pierre Poilievre's message on the Quebec platform was very clear: Supply management is non-negotiable. As I said, there are more than 2,000 farms in Beauce. I will defend them tooth and nail. If negotiations are reopened with the Americans, we need to understand that the state of Wisconsin alone produces more milk than all of Canada does. This means that supply management must be protected at all costs. In my region, it is a priority.”
“That is why, throughout my term in office, I will stand up for the people of Beauce to protect our way of life, support our businesses and ensure a prosperous future for us all. Together, let us build a stronger, fairer and more vibrant Beauce and Canada.”
“The tax reduction measures that were announced to make life more affordable for Canadians are woefully inadequate. Canadians need much more. We must make our streets safer by fighting violence and keeping criminals behind bars. Affordable, prosperous and safe communities are essential to the well-being of all Canadians. We must put more energy and effort into making this a reality. Today, I am thinking of my two daughters. Every decision I make, every challenge I take on, I do it for them. I want them to grow up in a safe, economically stable, fair country where they can achieve their dreams and prosper. That is the kind of future I am fighting for, not just for my children, but for all our children. I am proud to say I am Canadian, and I am proud to say I am from Beauce.”
“It also means that we have to rely heavily on temporary foreign workers to fill jobs. These workers are essential to maintaining the productivity and competitiveness of our industries. The need for temporary foreign workers is very different in big cities from what it is in the regions. We need to set up a system tailored to each region in order to improve the situation and meet the growing demand for workers. Beauce and its businesses deserve better. It is time for the government to provide solutions that reflect the reality of our regions. I want to talk about the housing cost crisis in Canada. It is time for the government to genuinely tackle a problem that is making life harder for Canadians every day. This is critical for our seniors. Many are living on fixed incomes and are feeling the pressure of increased expenses.”
“A self-sufficient agricultural sector is crucial to Canada's long-term prosperity and security. The housing crisis is being felt across Canada. Beauce is particularly hard hit. Some municipalities in our region have a vacancy rate of less than 2%. As a result, rents have increased significantly, which is hurting families and slowing economic development. Since 2021, some parts of the region have seen rents rise by more than 50%. We urgently need to curb rent increases, accelerate housing starts, reduce red tape and roll out quicker, more affordable and more flexible federal programs. Economic immigration plays a crucial role in Beauce's continued growth and success. The unemployment rate in our region is extremely low, less than 3%. That is an indication of the strength of our local economy.”
“We need to take action to ensure that our businesses are not left behind. We must protect the industries that are essential to the future of the economies of Beauce and Canada by supporting the ones that are affected. The Liberal Party needs to act now. Our proud agricultural heritage has always been our region's strength. Agriculture remains a vital sector of our economy. Farmers across the country are working tirelessly to supply food to Canadians and contribute to our economy, but they are often left without the supports they need to succeed in a competitive global market. It is essential that we fully protect policies such as supply management, which I will defend vigorously. Supply management ensures affordable prices, stability and quality for consumers.”
“There are many other magnificent places to visit, of course. Whether at the plant, in the fields, on construction sites or behind the counter, the people of Beauce get up every morning and go to work with determination and dedication. I will staunchly defend that attitude every day. (1700) However, despite our entrepreneurial spirit, we are facing new challenges. Given our shared border with Maine, Beauce's economy is closely tied to the United States, one of our main partners. For decades, our trade in goods and services with our neighbours to the south has obviously been extensive. For many of our businesses, the United States accounts for 80% of their sales. The 25% tariff that has been imposed and the Trump administration's real threat of a 50% tariff on steel, for example, are having a major, severe impact on our businesses.”
“This summer, people can come visit our local farms: the Goulet blueberry farm in Saint‑Frédéric; Le Verger à Ti‑Paul in Saint‑Elzéar; the Marland blueberry farm in Sainte‑Marie; the Bourque strawberry farm and Les Roy de la pomme apple orchard in Saint‑Georges‑de‑Beauce; Verger L'Argousière in Saint‑Côme Linière; the Frampton Brasse microbrewery in Frampton, with a stunning view of the mountains; the Martin Bilodeau farm in Saint‑Éphrem‑de‑Beauce; La Pralinière chocolate factory; La Miellerie de Sophie in Notre‑Dame‑des‑Pins; La Pépite d'Or cheese factory, with locations in Saint‑Georges‑de‑Beauce and in Sainte‑Marie; Fromagerie Gilbert cheese factory in Saint‑Joseph‑de‑Beauce; and Ferme JN Morin farm in Saint‑Zacharie, which makes the best barbecue sauces, spices and vinaigrettes in the world, all delicious and all maple-based.”
“Vachon and the aviation museum in Sainte‑Marie; the Beauce historical village and the Marius Barbeau museum in Saint‑Joseph‑de‑Beauce; the Rapides‑du‑Diable park in Beauceville; the Sept-Chutes Regional Park and the Saint Georges church, which is a beautiful part of our religious heritage; and the Notre‑Dame‑des‑Pins covered bridge, to name a few.”
“All my colleagues here will agree that the 300 dairy farmers in Beauce produce exceptional milk. Of course, everyone will agree that we are also known for the best maple syrup in the world. I invite Canadians to find out for themselves just how exceptional our products are and what beautiful scenery we have. We also have a reputation for hospitality in Beauce, especially at our agri-tourism sites throughout the region. Beauce is a region rich in heritage with an entrepreneurial culture. People can come see us at tourist destinations like the Miller Zoo in Frampton, founded by Clifford Miller and Émilie Ferland. It is both a wildlife sanctuary and an animal rehabilitation centre that gives many wild animals a second chance. I also invite people to visit some of our local attractions, such as Domaine Taschereau, Maison J.‑A.”
“He has always been in close touch with the people, attentive to the concerns of farmers, families, entrepreneurs, seniors and youth. He has been a tireless worker, a man of honour, always available, listening, and deeply committed to his community. I thank Richard. His commitment has left its mark on the Beauce region. The people of Beauce are known throughout Quebec and Canada for their entrepreneurial spirit. They are proud, resilient, resourceful and, above all, supportive. Beauce is a region built by entrepreneurs, farmers, hard-working people and loving families who believe in creating their own opportunities. The proof is that Beauce has nearly 2,000 farms. Those farms produce a variety of foods, such as maple syrup, dairy, pork and poultry, as well as fruits, vegetables and grains.”
“I especially want to thank the love of my life, my wife Pascale, and our two daughters, Lily-Rose and Emma, for their love and support. It is for them that I embark on this great adventure, for the future of my daughters, for the future of our children. I would also like to take a moment to pay tribute to an exceptional man, a man of principle, a man of conviction with unwavering dedication. Richard Lehoux has devoted 25 years to public service, including six years here in Ottawa. He has worked with heart, discipline and humility in the service of his constituents, whether as mayor, reeve or member of Parliament. He has always been a good listener guided by great wisdom. His involvement has never been limited to politics.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege and an immense honour for me to represent the people of Beauce today in the House as the member for Beauce. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their extraordinary support. Beauce, the capital of entrepreneurship, has overwhelmingly chosen an entrepreneur to represent it. I am deeply humbled by their overwhelming support, and I want them to know that I will carry this responsibility with the respect, determination and pride it deserves. This work was not done alone. I would like to thank my incredible team of volunteers for their passion, hard work and considerable involvement over the past few months. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my father, my sisters Vicky and Wendy, and the entire Roy and Groleau family for their unconditional support.”
“Mr. Speaker, their programs are simply not enough. Many young Canadians have lost the dream of owning their own home. After 10 years in power, the Liberals have made rents, housing prices, down payments and mortgage payments double. People are suffocating. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the average house price rose 9.2% in the last year in Quebec. Does the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure believe that housing prices should come down in Quebec so that our young people can realize their dream, yes or no?”
“Mr. Speaker, on his first day in office, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure told Canadians that housing prices do not need to come down. He claims that the housing market is stable. However, in Beauce, the vacancy rate is less than 2% in a number of towns and cities. Rent for a new two-bedroom apartment has jumped by more than 50% just since 2021. The measures announced by the current government are not enough. Young Canadians deserve to buy their own homes. When will the government cut the red tape and come up with real solutions to the housing crisis?”
“Mr. Speaker, even as Canadians worry about their economic future, the Prime Minister continues to raise doubts about his own financial interests. His past ties to Brookfield, a company with a presence in several tax havens, raise serious questions. The people of Beauce and Canadians want to know if the Prime Minister still has financial interests hidden in tax havens. Will he be fully transparent and disclose his past and present assets and financial ties, yes or no?”
“Mr. Speaker, as a region that borders Maine, Beauce's economy is closely linked to the United States. Many businesses in my riding say more than 80% of their business comes from the United States. The U.S. tariffs on steel are hitting us hard. What help is the Liberal government offering to affected businesses in Beauce and Canada?”
“Mr. Speaker, the temporary foreign worker program is essential for the regions and incredibly important for the Beauce region. The Liberals were short on details in the throne speech. A number of cuts have already been made to the program in the past. What is the Bloc's position on the temporary foreign worker program?”