Steeve Lavoie
Beauport—Limoilou, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“It is a commitment to Canada's youth and a message of hope, confidence and responsibility. We cannot predict Canada's future. We must build it with our young people. Earlier, I spoke about the Red Seal. The Red Seal represents Canadian excellence in many trades.”
“Well, this spring, the government reaffirmed the need to invest in them and to ensure that no young person in this country feels abandoned by the government when it comes to rising to the challenges of current, potential or future issues. This is exactly what this economic update is proposing through a host of important measures.”
“We also have immense reserves of the critical minerals that are essential to the global energy transition and the technologies of tomorrow. We enjoy privileged access to international markets through free trade agreements with countries that represent more than 1.5 billion consumers. We are already beginning to see the results.”
“That is a direct investment in young people, allowing them to reach their full potential and contribute to our country's growth and economic development.”
“They are the ones who answer calls, greet constituents, help people navigate their dealings with government departments, organize our meetings, prepare our files and enable us to be present both in our ridings and in Ottawa.”
“In particular, I want to thank Nancy, Souraya, Nicholas, Aboubacar and Myriam. I am proud to work with them. I rise today to speak to the economic update from a perspective that hits home for me, especially as a father and grandfather, and that issue is youth.”
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“What is more, the government has also removed the requirement for provinces and territories to impose a carbon tax on consumers. Here again, we are doing what we said we would do. We are walking the talk, as they say. However, let me be very clear. Pollution pricing for large emitters remains in place, and that is key. It is one of the pillars in our plan to build a strong, modern and sustainable economy. These industrial pricing systems are designed to minimize costs, protect the competitiveness of our industries and encourage investment in clean technologies. These investments will reduce emissions and create the green jobs of tomorrow. Our government has been clear, and I want to reiterate that today. Large emitters must continue to pay their fair share.”
“It is smart public policy. All of this is combined with the acceleration of housing construction in Canada. Our government knows that we need to build more housing more quickly in this country. (1530) Third, the bill permanently repeals the consumer carbon pricing law, which, I would remind members, was already repealed last April. As many will recall, the government ended the federal fuel charge through regulatory action. Some may wonder why a bill is being introduced now if the levy is no longer in effect. The answer is simple. We must finish the job. By repealing the legislative provision, we are sending a clear and unambiguous message to consumers and businesses: Carbon pricing for consumers will not return. This provides stability, predictability and certainty.”
“Second, we are eliminating the GST on the purchase of a first home. In my riding of Beauport—Limoilou, I have met many young people who are working hard and saving money, but their dream of home ownership was slipping away because costs are too high. Bill C-4 completely eliminates the GST on the purchase of a first new home worth up to $1 million. This could mean as much as $50,000 in savings. The average house price in Beauport—Limoilou is about $450,000, so this will mean $22,500 in savings. That is huge. Everyone knows that that is huge for a young couple. This measure applies to houses, condos, duplexes, mobile homes and co-op housing. It will encourage the construction of new housing. It will increase supply, including in my riding of Beauport—Limoilou. This measure acts on both sides of the problem, meaning both supply and demand.”
“Middle-class taxpayers will benefit the most. About 85% of these amounts will go to taxpayers in the two lowest tax brackets. Almost half will go to those in the lowest tax bracket, made up of people with a taxable income of $57,375 or less in 2025. After just five months, people are already seeing the difference directly on their paycheques. Of course, no one has called me to complain. Instead, people are calling to thank us for that decision. For many people in Beauport—Limoilou, that means up to $420 a year, and $840 for a two-income household. That $420 can pay for groceries for a week or for part of the rent. It means a parent can enrol a child in a sporting activity. Above all, it is a clear choice to reduce the tax burden on the middle class. This is not symbolic. It is concrete and immediate.”
“First, there is the middle class tax cut. Bill C-4 will reduce the tax rate for the first income bracket from 15% to 14%. That means nearly 22 million Canadians will end up with more money in their pockets. That represents more than 50,000 people in Beauport—Limoilou with more money in their pockets. In Beauport—Limoilou, people in the 25- to 64-year age group make up 58% of the population. The measures we are talking about today affect them directly. The average and moderate incomes in a riding like mine, Beauport—Limoilou, remind us of the importance of social support and affordability measures, whether in terms of housing, transportation or services. This tax cut has been in effect since July 1, 2025. Across Canada, it will put more than $27 billion over five years back into the pockets of Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak to Bill C‑4, the making life more affordable for Canadians act. I am pleased to rise today to proudly represent the people of Beauport—Limoilou. It is the proudest and most beautiful riding in Canada. Representing it is the greatest honour I have ever been given. Beauport—Limoilou is made up of young families, workers and seniors who believe that we need strong leadership to build, protect and empower our country. What we are doing here is not theoretical. It is not a discussion among financial experts. This bill directly affects what goes in the fridges and gas tanks of families in my riding of Beauport—Limoilou, as well as the rents and mortgages they pay. I want to be clear from the outset: This bill is good for us. It is good for families, workers, students and seniors. It is good for all Canadians.”
“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada, we extend our sincerest condolences to his family, his friends, and to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His human and political legacy will live on in the collective memory of the people of Beauce.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I wish to pay tribute to Normand Lapointe, a federal Liberal member for Beauce from 1980 to 1984, who passed away in Saint-Georges on October 22. A man of conviction with deep ties to his community, Mr. Lapointe left his mark on regional politics through his sense of duty, his connection with residents, and his sincere commitment to serving the common good. A true mentor to many local elected officials and stakeholders, he inspired many of us with his attentiveness, his humility and his dedication. Until the very end, he championed a vision of a just and unified Beauce that is proud of its roots. His kindness, his simplicity and his ability to listen reflected a genuine attachment to Beauce and the people who shape it day by day.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government has passed an ambitious budget that includes transformative investments in our transportation system. The Minister of Transport visited both the port and the airport in Quebec City to discuss these initiatives. Prior to that, he visited the Magdalen Islands. Could the minister provide more details on the important announcement he made and what it means for the community?”
“Mr. Speaker, last week, the Government of Canada announced its second tranche of major projects to build Canada strong. A number of critical mineral projects have been referred to the Major Projects Office to accelerate their development. Critical minerals are key to Canada's economic development and national security. Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources tell us more about one of these projects, the Nouveau Monde Graphite project in Quebec?”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his very important question. The difference between an expense and an investment seems clear-cut. Some of our colleagues find this strange and say that these are not investment expenses. For a family in Beauport—Limoilou, the difference is important. It means choosing to buy a less expensive car or a used car in order to set aside enough money to fix the roof and prevent damage. It means contributing to their children's RESP or investing in RRSPs for the future. Every day, families choose between spending money and investing in their children's future. Every family in Beauport—Limoilou clearly understands this distinction. Sadly, some people are scoffing at the term “investment expense”. They say that these are just expenses, not not investment expenses.”
“Mr. Speaker, I myself am originally from the Lower St. Lawrence region. This budget sets out significant investments to help businesses modernize and retain their workers, and to enable workers to retrain if necessary. My colleague is making a heartfelt appeal, but I am certain that there are people from the Magdalen Islands who would have liked their MP to vote in favour of the budget in order to move forward with work on their airport. This is something they have been asking for for a long time. It is important to be consistent. Yes, we will be there for workers, but we must also be there for businesses so that they can retain their employees in the long term and offer good long-term jobs.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would invite my colleague to take a look at the budget. It does talk about seniors and young people. For young people, there is the GST rebate for first-time homebuyers. That helps our young families. For seniors, there is the Canadian dental care plan. Both my parents needed that money to replace their dentures. I am sorry to mention that here in the House, but this measure really helped them. They were talking about it for six months because it was such a big deal. That is what we are doing for our young people and seniors. The Breakfast Club is also receiving funding. This is a generational budget that prepares for our children's future because we are investing. As I said at the beginning of my speech, there are expenses, and then there are investments.”
“Rather, it is an opportunity to build something better. In Beauport—Limoilou, as in other parts of Canada, these measures will result in jobs, opportunities and a better quality of life. This is a confidence-building budget that represents real progress. It plans for the Canada of tomorrow while responding to today's needs. We are choosing to take action, which means accepting reality, anticipating change and charting new paths to growth. The generational budget that was passed here in the House serves the interests of all Canadians. I look forward to taking part in its implementation, because I am confident in the future and I believe that this budget will make Canada stronger and more sovereign.”
“The world has changed, and since yesterday's world no longer exists, the current budget reflects the new reality. For Beauport—Limoilou, this means that families are looking for housing they can afford, young people want exciting opportunities for the future, businesses need a more competitive environment, people want to reconcile economic development and quality of life, and the community wants a representative who is present, willing to listen and engaged. A leader's role is to guide the way towards a stronger economy, more efficient public services and a more stable future. We can no longer govern the way we used to. The world is changing, and the role of a member of Parliament is to help their constituents navigate the labyrinth of life with confidence, vision and honesty. Change is not a threat.”
“Political leadership in a riding like Beauport—Limoilou means supporting economic innovation, modernizing infrastructure, defending ambitious policies, representing the community in challenging times and reaching out to citizens rather than waiting for problems to erupt. Deciding to act even when there is uncertainty is what paves the way for success and achievement. Political leadership means inspiring people not to be afraid of change. In politics, fear of change sometimes hinders the modernization of public policies, working methods and approaches to issues such as housing, mobility, the economy and security. Modern leadership means acknowledging that change is real, but that we will tackle it together with clarity and ambition.”
“The maze symbolizes our environment, our laws, our institutions, economic challenges, the expectations of our constituents, unforeseen crises and rapidly changing realities. Like the characters in the book, constituents and decision-makers have to deal with an environment where yesterday's certainties no longer hold. In politics, expectations change because of family priorities, demographic structures, the global economy, the labour market, the climate reality, the cost of housing, mobility and various other factors. In Beauport—Limoilou, this translates into constant, growing pressure on housing, a desire to better balance mobility, the environment and economic development, sustained demand for more accessible public services and a need to modernize infrastructure. True leadership means anticipating what is coming and foreseeing change.”
“We are doing it because the world has changed, because yesterday's world is gone. In my last speech, I alluded to a great bestselling book that was translated into 40 languages and sold 30 million copies. Spencer Johnson's Who Moved My Cheese is a simple little book, 100 pages long, that aptly illustrates what our economy is going through today. For years, we knew where our cheese was, thanks to economic stability, secure jobs, reliable supply chains and what seemed like lasting prosperity. A few pages in, we realize that the cheese represents what we are all looking for: security, stability, opportunities and quality of life. In politics, this cheese takes the form of accessible housing, a reasonable cost of living, modern infrastructure, a healthy environment and sound economic development.”
“Our investments will help our local industries, from manufacturers to service companies, innovate, train up and stay competitive. Faced with the challenges of our time, Canadians are not prepared to simply go along with whatever the future holds; they want to build the future themselves. This budget gives them the means to do just that. We are building the infrastructure, the housing and the industries of tomorrow. We are protecting our communities, our environment and our way of life. We are empowering people in Beauport—Limoilou and across the country with stronger skills and more opportunities. Yes, we are making generational investments for a strong Canada, a Canada that moves forward ambitiously, confidently and with determination. Why are we making all these investments?”
“Empowering means offering our young people more opportunities for employment, internships and training. It means supporting organizations such as Patro Roc-Amadour, work readiness programs such as the Premières-Seigneuries CFER, Urbainculteurs, La Tomate Joyeuse and many others that teach our young people useful skills, help them gain independence and send them on to solid careers. Empowering also means improving the lives of families, whether through access to housing, reliable public services or a more affordable cost of living. Thanks to this budget, more families in Limoilou and Beauport will have access to meaningful support. (1035) Empowering also means equipping workers and businesses in the riding to adapt and thrive in a changing economy.”
“Protecting means including measures in the budget that will help municipalities and local organizations better prepare and protect their infrastructure and respond appropriately when needed. Protecting also means keeping our neighbourhoods safe and improving our residents' quality of life. Federal investments in public safety and border services help maintain a safe environment for families, workers and local businesses. Finally, protecting means preserving our way of life, whether it be the vitality of Vieux-Limoilou, the tranquility of the Beauport neighbourhoods or the easy access to the natural, communal spaces that make my riding unique. Empowering means creating the conditions for success. In Beauport—Limoilou, the needs and ambitions are clear.”
“Building also means addressing the housing challenge in neighbourhoods such as Limoilou, Maizerets, Giffard and Beauport-Ouest. Our investments will make it possible to build more affordable housing, accelerate the construction of new projects and support municipalities that want to increase the housing supply for families and workers. Building also means supporting our businesses, from small and medium-sized manufacturers in Beauport to innovative businesses in Limoilou, to help them modernize their equipment, increase their productivity and create good jobs right here at home. This budget provides concrete fiscal tools to encourage investment, innovation and growth. We also need to protect our communities. This is essential in Beauport—Limoilou, where we have dense urban areas, industrial zones and stunning natural heritage.”
“This budget is very forward-thinking. It prepares for the future of our children, our families and our communities. It is based on three essential pillars: building, protecting and empowering. These national priorities have a direct and concrete impact on Beauport—Limoilou, which is a dynamic, industrial and community-oriented riding that is firmly focused on the future. In Beauport—Limoilou, building is not an abstract idea. It is a daily reality. Building means supporting infrastructure projects that bolster our regional economy in a riding where the movement of goods, the creation of industrial jobs and urban development are woven into our economic fabric. The budget supports the modernization of our critical infrastructure.”
“Although this spending is essential, it does not build anything for the future. It just gets us through the week. Investments help us prepare for the future. Investments include fixing the roof to avoid damage, insulating the house to lower the electricity bills, putting money aside for the children's education or putting money in a registered retirement savings plan to prepare for retirement. It may cost money today, but it protects us, it helps us grow and, above all, it will pay off tomorrow. What does this mean for Beauport—Limoilou? It means modernizing our infrastructure, building more housing for our families, supporting our local businesses and protecting our communities. In other words, we are not just painting the walls. We are strengthening the foundations of Canada and of Beauport—Limoilou.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Yukon . I am pleased to rise today to proudly represent the people of Beauport—Limoilou. It is the proudest and most beautiful riding in Canada. Representing it is the greatest honour I have ever been given. The people of Beauport—Limoilou are young families, workers and seniors who believe that we need strong leadership to build, protect and strengthen our country. The budget we put forward is a true investment budget. It is a generational budget. I want to make a real connection between investments and expenses in a way that relates to Canadians' everyday life. Managing Canada's economy is a bit like managing a household. Expenses are the immediate needs, like groceries, clothing for the children and gas.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know that as soon as he gets a chance, my colleague will travel around in his riding and speak with his constituents. I have a two-part question. First, what are people saying about all the programs he talked about? Second, in his view, what does the Leader of the Opposition think about the measures that we want to bring in for Canadians?”
“Mr. Speaker, I recently went to visit the commemorative plaque at the Saint-Charles-de-Limoilou church, which was placed in memory of the soldiers from our community who fell in the First World War. These men, who were our neighbours, our family members, our schoolmates, left Limoilou to go and fight for freedom thousands of kilometres from home. Their courage, their sense of duty, and their faith in a better future continue to be a source of profound inspiration for us all. This plaque, etched in bronze and in the memory of our community, reminds us that behind each name is a story, a dream interrupted, a family forever changed. Whenever we view it and reflect upon it, we not only remember; we renew an important link between the past and the present.”
“Mr. Speaker, those numbers are encouraging. There are more good things to come. There is the whole issue of retraining workers, which we are investing in because things are changing quickly. The job market is changing quickly, and needs are changing quickly. We will invest to help people retrain for these new, high-paying jobs.”
“Mr. Speaker, these are major, historic investments in defence. My colleague is talking about upcoming targeted investments. Right now, we are meeting targets that were planned for much later. I know first-hand how important our soldiers are. My son is a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and will be deploying to Latvia in the coming year. I understand the investments, I understand the needs of our military and I also understand veterans. Our government is doing something that has never been done before in the history of our country. We are investing in defence. We are investing in our military personnel, in the people who serve us day after day, in those who will serve us in the future and who will be there to protect us.”
“Mr. Speaker, I was the head of the chamber of commerce for four years, but I worked in the banking sector for 20 years. The superdeduction for the purchase of capital assets is a major measure. It will enable businesses to automate, introduce robotics and get a tax deduction. I can say that bankers are already calling businesses to help them finance their investment in order to modernize and be more productive. They know that they will also be eligible for a tax deduction that will make Canadian businesses the least taxed in the world, which is a real advantage in terms of global competitiveness. My phone has been ringing off the hook since Tuesday. Business owners in Quebec are calling me to tell me how happy they are to finally have real help to modernize and increase their productivity.”
“Mr. Speaker, this is a generational budget. It is an ambitious budget. It is a budget for our businesses, our families. It is a budget that benefits every segment of society. These are major investments. Just think about the maritime corridor. Our corridor is mature, but it needs investment. Think about the corridor that the Arctic needs. We are a global energy force. We are investing in every sector.”
“In Beauport—Limoilou and across Canada, these measures translate into jobs, opportunities and a better quality of life. This budget is about confidence and progress. It prepares Canada for tomorrow while meeting the needs of today. As mentioned earlier, we are choosing to take action. That means accepting reality, anticipating change and charting new pathways toward growth.”
“The budget introduces a $4.6‑billion, five-year defence industrial strategy to strengthen our national capacity in security, innovation and strategic technologies. This strategy will support our businesses and researchers in the development of dual-use technologies, critical minerals, space capabilities and next-generation defence solutions. At the same time, the buy Canadian policy affirms a clear principle: public money must prioritize supporting Canadian businesses and goods. Nearly $200 million will be invested to modernize federal procurement rules and encourage Canadian small and medium-sized businesses to participate in the public economy. Budget 2025 lays out a coherent and forward-looking approach. It invests in infrastructure, supports families, encourages innovation and affirms our sovereignty.”
“The budget also enhances the scientific research and experimental development program and invests $925 million to create a public AI infrastructure, including a sovereign Canadian cloud. Building Beauport—Limoilou strong also means making it easier to buy a first home. The government is taking action to make home ownership more affordable, especially for young families in my riding. As part of Bill C-4 , the budget would completely eliminate the GST on the purchase of a first new home valued at up to $1 million. This measure, combined with the $13‑billion, five-year Build Canada Homes program, supports the construction of affordable housing and restores hope to those who dream of becoming homeowners. Building Beauport—Limoilou strong means finally asserting our sovereignty and supporting the pride of our businesses.”
“Building Beauport—Limoilou strong also means stimulating productivity and investment in our businesses. To help our businesses grow, innovate and create good jobs, the government is implementing a productivity superdeduction, a set of enhanced tax incentives that support new capital investments. Thanks to this measure, businesses will be able to immediately write off a larger share of the cost of their new investments, whether they are for modern equipment, digital technologies, clean energy equipment, research and innovation assets or zero-emission vehicles. By making investments fiscally more advantageous, this initiative stimulates productivity, accelerates business growth and makes Canada more competitive on the world stage. It is an ambitious policy that makes Canada a country of innovation, investment and shared prosperity.”
“I like to say that we are going to build Beauport—Limoilou strong. Starting in 2026-27, the Government of Canada is going to implement a provincial and territorial stream that will provide $17.2 billion over 10 years to support infrastructure projects that improve the daily lives of the citizens in my riding. These investments will target housing by funding roads and water systems to improve access to our neighbourhoods, and they will also target health care by modernizing hospitals and essential infrastructure. In return, provinces and territories will be required to match federal investments, reduce development charges, and not levy other fees that hinder the housing supply. This is a meaningful and responsible partnership to build a stronger and more accessible Canada.”
“That model has changed. Yesterday's benchmarks are no longer a guarantee of future security. Faced with this transformation, we have two choices: We wait or we take action. Waiting means hoping that the cheese will reappear in its usual place. Taking action means accepting reality, anticipating change and charting new pathways toward growth. The current economic emergency demands courage, agility and innovation. Whether we are talking about the energy transition, food sovereignty or industrial modernization, we need to forge ahead unafraid through the maze of a changing world, because one thing is certain: The cheese has moved and we have to move with it. That was the first part of my speech. (1300) These priorities are being translated into concrete action on the ground, right here in my riding of Beauport—Limoilou.”
“I would like to mention a highly successful book that has been translated into 40 languages and sold over 30 million copies. It is only 100 pages long. Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson illustrates this transformation well. It tells the story of two mice and two little men living in a maze. Every day, they go out in search of their cheese, which symbolizes comfort, success and stability. One day, the cheese disappears. Some of them refuse to admit that it is gone, while others adapt and move on. This simple fable teaches a fundamental truth: Change is inevitable, and our survival depends on our ability to adapt. Today, our economy is going through something similar. We have known for years where to find our “cheese”: economic stability, secure jobs, a reliable supply chain and what seemed like sustainable prosperity.”
“This means rethinking our business models, diversifying our markets and focusing more on local processing and value-added production. We need to strengthen our supply chains, encourage innovation and support the strategic sectors that make us self-sufficient, whether in energy, agri-food, technology or advanced manufacturing. We are also going to restore confidence among our entrepreneurs and communities, who are the true builders of our real economy. Moving forward means refusing to give up. It means choosing creativity, collaboration and long-term vision. It means understanding that tomorrow's stability will no longer be based on repeating the past, but on our ability to leverage today's challenges into sustainable growth.”
“interventionism, that logic is crumbling. A new global economic order is emerging, one marked by uncertainty, rapid change and the constant redefinition of benchmarks. When I worked in banking, we often reminded our teams that the only constant was change. We always had to innovate, adapt and be agile, but we did so by choice. The predictability we once enjoyed no longer exists. Unpredictability has become the norm. However, we continue to move forward. Retreating or simply waiting are not an option. In a context where the economic rules are being redefined at breakneck speed, our collective responsibility is to adapt in order to protect the foundations of our prosperity: our workers, our families, our businesses and our regions.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Davenport . I am pleased to rise today to proudly represent the people of Beauport—Limoilou. It is the proudest and most beautiful riding in Canada, and representing it is the greatest honour I have ever been given. Today, I will be giving my speech in two parts. First, I want to talk about the new economic reality. For over 20 years, I worked in the banking sector, where stability and certainty were the very foundation of any business' success. Everything was built on trust, trends, certainty and continuity. Later, while serving as president and CEO of the Quebec City chamber of commerce and industry, I noticed the same instinct at work, the instinct to strive for balance, to anticipate cycles and to build on a strong, lasting foundation. These days, however, thanks to U.S.”
“I am deeply grateful to VITAM's researchers and its whole team for their essential contribution to Canadians' health and to the advancement of scientific knowledge in Quebec and Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I would like to draw the House's attention to an absolute scientific treasure located in the riding of Beauport—Limoilou: the VITAM research centre, a sustainable health centre of excellence. VITAM's vision is both simple and inspiring: Healthy minds and bodies living in healthy environments on a healthy planet. Under the leadership of professor and researcher Jean‑Pierre Després, VITAM is expanding the boundaries of our understanding of health by integrating human, social and environmental dimensions. VITAM represents the best of what Beauport—Limoilou has to offer: a community dedicated to innovation, compassion and knowledge, where science truly serves the people.”
“Madam Speaker, we know that we can no longer count on the market predictability that we once had. Businesses need this predictability to be able to invest, but we no longer have it. We have two choices. We either sit back and wait for it to return, or we go out and find new markets. There is actually a good book on this subject that I often recommend called Who Moved my Cheese? . We are going to open up the market for our Canadian businesses. That is exactly what our Prime Minister is doing.”
“Madam Speaker, I am pleased to hear that my colleague supports this agreement, that he supports its evolution and that he welcomes the United Kingdom's accession to it. It is good for Canadians and good for our businesses. I want to emphasize that the new government did not wait before taking action. We have only been in power for six months, and we have already rolled up our sleeves to get to work serving Canadians. Our Prime Minister is already engaged in negotiations aimed at expanding Canadian markets. I thank the Conservatives for supporting us.”
“Madam Speaker, a trade agreement like this one is not the right framework for negotiating those kinds of things. Right now, people need diversified markets because of what is going on south of the border. That is what we intend to focus on.”
“Madam Speaker, during the last election, Quebeckers and Canadians were clear: They want action from us and they are tired of waiting. From its first days in office, this government has shown that it has heard their plea. We have rolled up our sleeves, put on our work boots and already started making agreements. That is what Canadians expect from us. That is what businesses expect from us. With everything happening right now with our neighbours to the south, Canadians need us to diversify our markets and open up new ones. They do not need us to pass endless laws that only delay this new business. The new government is currently helping businesses by opening up new markets. Diversification is part of the solution.”
“Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague. I hold him in high regard and I enjoy serving with him on the Standing Committee on International Trade. We recognize the concerns of the beef and pork industries. We are committed to working with them to get rid of certain barriers. It is a fact that, currently, nearly one in five companies in the market does business abroad and relies on exports for its livelihood. We have always taken our workers and their families into account, and we will continue to do so. The United Kingdom will enable us to continue and expand this export and growth.”
“Madam Speaker, I had the opportunity to work at banks for over 20 years, in business for over 10 years and at the Quebec City chamber of commerce and industry for four years. To ensure the growth of our businesses, we need to open up the global market. We know this, and we have seen it. We need reliable partners, and we must diversify our markets. As I said earlier, putting all our eggs in one basket is not the best economic solution. Today, we have the opportunity to open a market for all Canadian businesses.”
“In conclusion, let us reaffirm our commitment to the workers, exporters and communities that depend on open, fair and principled trade. Let us continue to build a diversified and forward-looking trade strategy that will lead Canada and Quebec to a more prosperous and secure future. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership has already delivered results. Now that the United Kingdom is joining it, it will be even more successful. As the government pursues its objective of doubling Canada's non-U.S. exports over the next decade, Quebec will be at the forefront, confident in its strengths, proud of its people and ready to seize every opportunity that the global economy has to offer.”