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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“It amplifies what is already working. It integrates our closest European partner into a peaceful framework that represents nearly 500 million consumers and more than 15% of global GDP. For Quebec exporters in the aerospace, agri-food, manufacturing or digital services industries, this prospect will lead to increased growth, security and opportunities. Historically, Quebec has always been creative, resilient and open to the world. From our artists and innovators to our farmers and engineers, Quebeckers have proven time and time again that they can compete with the best, not by lowering standards, but by raising them ever higher. This spirit guides our approach to trade. We are committed to negotiating agreements that defend human rights, protect the environment, and promote transparency, values that are dear to Quebec.”
“Quebeckers can be proud that their province and their country are not content to simply participate in global markets, they are actively shaping them. They are setting the standards for human-centred innovation, sustainability and growth. When Quebec businesses succeed abroad, they also export our values, like respect for hard work, the environment, diversity and quality. The positive impacts of this approach can be felt everywhere. They support rural regions and urban centres alike. They stabilize our supply chains, attract investment, and strengthen Canada's overall competitiveness. They also strengthen our ties with countries that share our democratic values and our commitment to fairness. That is why this agreement is so important for Quebec and Canada and why the U.K.'s accession is such a positive development.”
“Expanding the reach of Quebec's exports also means more opportunities for workers, for engineers in Longueuil, for machinists in Saguenay, for farmers in the Lower St. Lawrence, for software developers in Montreal, and for innovators at our universities and research centres. When Quebec exports increase, all our communities prosper. More global trade means more investment here at home, more training, and more sustainable, skilled jobs for Quebeckers. (1020) As we look ahead to the next decade, Quebec will be central to Canada's success in diversifying trade. Our industries stand ready. Our entrepreneurs are motivated. Our citizens understand the value of engaging with the world. With an agreement like this one, and now, with the United Kingdom joining us, we can ensure an open, predictable and level playing field.”
“This agreement, which is now being expanded to include the U.K., provides Quebec businesses with more tools to connect with clients that value quality, sustainability and reliability, all the hallmarks of Quebec products. There is a broader vision at work here. Our government has set a clear and ambitious goal: to double Canada's non-U.S. exports in the next decade. This goal cannot be met without Quebec. With its leadership in the clean energy, next-generation manufacturing, technology, agriculture and culture, Quebec's contribution will be vital. The province's export sectors already account for a significant portion of Canada's trade outside North America, and they are ready to grow even more as we strengthen our partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.”
“Members will recall that Quebec is home to many industries that define Canada's reputation on the global stage, including aircraft manufacturing in Mirabel and Saint‑Laurent, aluminum refining in Saguenay, forestry products and clean energy innovations developed in our research institutions. All of these exports rely on fair and reliable access to foreign markets. Every trade agreement we sign and every barrier we break down supports real jobs here in Quebec and empowers our workers to compete based on skill, rather than political barriers. Quebec's economy prospers when it can go head-to-head with global competitors. It is driven by innovation, the ingenuity of its people, and a profound commitment to excellence. That is why trade diversification is so important.”
“It is a long-standing ally and a reliable trade partner that shares Canadian values on labour rights, environmental protection and the rule of law. Its accession will expand one of the world's most robust trade agreements, give it more purchasing power and make it more dynamic. For Quebec's exporters, this means more opportunities to access new markets under one consistent framework. It means more integrated global supply chains in areas in which Quebec excels, such as aerospace, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and processed agri-food products. It means more certainty and more options in an increasingly unpredictable world.”
“A recent Nanos poll on Canada's international trade approach found that Quebeckers were some of the strongest advocates for expanding free trade beyond North America. They view trade diversification not as a risk, but as a gateway to security and resilience. In a world where global supply chains are transforming and protectionism is gaining ground, Quebeckers recognize that putting all our economic eggs in one basket, be it a single country or a single region, exposes us to greater risk. Diversification is not just an economic strategy. It is a strategy for sovereignty, stability and sustainable growth. The bill before the House to ratify the United Kingdom's accession reflects that mindset. The U.K. is a G7 economy.”
“Lawrence River to today's high-tech exports and green innovations, Quebeckers have always understood that prosperity comes from engaging with the world. We are not strangers to trade. It is part of who we are. It is part of our history, our geography and our entrepreneurial culture. Our ports, railways and research hubs, not to mention our skilled workforce, all reflect this deep connection to global trade. Montreal, Quebec City and our regional centres have long served as gateways to Canadian trade, connecting North America to Europe and, increasingly, to the Indo-Pacific region. (1015) Quebec's exporters embody that spirit of openness. They are backed by an economy that is recognized for its creativity, precision and excellence. Quebeckers understand why labour is essential.”
“Small or medium-sized businesses, from Sherbrooke to Chicoutimi and from Trois-Rivières to Gaspé, are finding new international clients interested in their know-know, products and creativity. Whether it comes to maple products from the Lower St. Lawrence, aircraft components manufactured in Mirabel, fine cheeses and products from Lanaudière or advanced manufacturing equipment produced in the Eastern Townships, this agreement makes it easier for Quebec businesses to compete on the world stage under clear and enforceable trade rules. These are some examples of ambition and excellence that define Quebec's modern economy, an economy that combines tradition with innovation and local pride with openness to the world. Quebec has always looked outward. From our first experiences with transatlantic trade along the St.”
“Many of Quebec's key sectors, including aerospace, agri-food, advanced manufacturing, aluminum, forestry and value-added wood products, as well as clean technology, are already benefiting from reduced tariffs and clearer and more predictable market access thanks to this agreement. For businesses throughout Quebec, this agreement represents an opportunity for innovation, competition and the forming of new partnerships across the Pacific and beyond. Quebec exporters are now better positioned to grow in markets such as those in Japan, Vietnam and Malaysia, countries where trade barriers used to be high but are now in the process of being lifted. It is not just the large multinationals.”
“It eliminates or significantly reduces tariffs, improves access to government contracts and investments, and strengthens the protection of services, labour and intellectual property. It is important to note that the agreement includes a structured accession process that enables other economies, such as the United Kingdom, to join it provided that they meet the high standards of the agreement and engage in bilateral negotiations with each member. For Quebec, this agreement is not an abstract measure. It is a tangible gateway to high-growth markets of strategic importance that can transform our province's economic future.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to the bill to enable the accession of the United Kingdom to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. This is an important step in advancing Canada's trade diversification strategy and in strengthening one of the most ambitious trade agreements in the world. Before I get into the details of what this means for Quebec and my riding of Beauport—Limoilou, I would like to take a moment to talk about what this agreement represents and how the accession process works. This modern trade agreement is based on clear rules between Canada and 10 other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Women's History Month, I want to pay tribute to the outstanding and often unnoticed contribution of one exceptional woman. Born during World War II, she raised seven children while working alongside her husband day after day on the family farm in the Lower St. Lawrence. Despite her demanding and exhausting days, she found the strength and courage to sit as a board member for a major insurance company for over 26 years, from 1986 to 2012. I need not remind the House that, back then, the number of women sitting on the boards of major corporations could be counted on one hand. Only recently did her children fully realize that their mother, with remarkable discretion and unwavering determination, had helped blaze new trails for women on the path to a more egalitarian society. Her name was Huguette Veilleux.”
“The Quebec City area stands out as a gateway to America, an economic engine, a hub of innovation and a true source of national pride. I welcome them to Ottawa and thank them for promoting Quebec City on the Canadian and international stage.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I would like to welcome to Ottawa a delegation of entrepreneurs and economic leaders from the greater Quebec City area, led by Québec International and its president and CEO, Carl Viel. In these times of economic uncertainty, these women and men brilliantly embody the drive, creativity and expertise that form the backbone of our regional economy. Their presence here today demonstrates a strong commitment to building bridges, sharing their expertise and exploring new ways of collaborating with the federal government. I join my colleagues, the Minister of Government Transformation and the MP for Québec Centre , in recognizing their outstanding contribution to innovation, job creation and the sustainable prosperity of our communities.”
“I urge everyone to give what they can to Patro Roc‑Amadour so that it can reopen and continue to feed, support and bring together our community.”
“Mr. Speaker, on September 23, a fire ravaged Patro Roc‑Amadour, in the heart of Limoilou. A true pillar of our community, this organization supports hundreds of families, children, seniors, and people living with disabilities every week. The losses are staggering. Over $100,000 in food has been destroyed, and essential services, such as meals on wheels, have been disrupted. The community rallied immediately. In Beauport—Limoilou, solidarity is not just a word, it is a way of life. Locals, volunteers and organizations have already come together to support Patro and help it get back up and running. This outpouring of generosity shows how strong our community is. When adversity strikes, we answer the call.”
“They are showing us that, together, it is possible to build a future where access to healthy food is possible everywhere and for all generations.”
“Mr. Speaker, food self-sufficiency is becoming an important solution for our families and communities. That is exactly what Urbainculteurs, a Quebec City organization, is doing: changing the way we think about urban agriculture. From rooftop gardens to the greening of schools and neighbourhoods, Urbainculteurs's innovative projects are giving people back the power to grow some of their own food while beautifying our communities. Its mission is clear and inspiring: to democratize agriculture, encourage food self-sufficiency and bring people together. This organization is not just cultivating vegetables, it is cultivating solidarity, resilience and hope for a greener and more inclusive city. I want to sincerely thank the entire Urbainculteurs team for their tremendous commitment.”
“Beyond official gestures, it is the human connections and local initiatives, like those brought forward by the Alliance, that give true meaning to our solidarity. I want to reiterate that our government and I will remain an ally to this cause.”
“Mr. Speaker, this summer, I had the privilege of meeting, in my riding, representatives from Alliance des Ukrainiens de Québec, an organization that plays a key role for its members and for our entire community. This meeting was an opportunity to listen to their reality, their needs and their aspirations, but especially to see once again the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian community here in Quebec. As the member for Beauport—Limoilou, I feel very strongly that Canada has the moral and political responsibility to support the Ukrainian people, internationally and here at home. My government has already taken tangible measures to welcome the displaced families, strengthen the cultural partnerships and ensure ongoing humanitarian and military aid.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are not trying to create a crisis. Quite the opposite, in fact. We are not trying to create controversy, as I said earlier. The people who elected us with a clear mandate want us to protect them. That is what we are doing right now. We are stepping up and standing up to defend our constituents from coast to coast to coast, right across the country. Yes, I am a Quebecker, but I am also a proud Canadian, just like my colleagues from Ontario and the Yukon, who are also standing up to protect the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. That is why I am here today.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to clarify a few points for my colleague. The Bloc Québécois is trying to bring the debate back to Bill 21 and religious freedoms. When I was a child, we went to church every Sunday. I was raised in the church. I have aunts who are nuns. Now, I am before the House to talk about protecting the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Bloc Québécois would love to reopen the debate on Bill 21 and stir up more controversy on this issue. I am a Quebecker, like my colleague. Do not forget that there are twice as many Liberal MPs from Quebec as there are Bloc Québécois MPs. Everyone knows that Quebeckers are tired of controversy. They have no use for it. They want a responsible government that will protect their laws.”
“Mr. Speaker, as everyone knows, I am a proud Quebecker. I come from a family in the Lower St. Lawrence and was raised by proud parents on a dairy farm, but that does not make me any less Canadian. Today, we are talking about prejudice that could cause harm in the future. I come from the world of finance, and I can tell members that the past is no indication of the future. The actions we are taking today have an impact on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which has been protecting us for 43 years. No one can predict what will happen in 10, 15 or 20 years. What we are seeing south of the border reminds us how important it is that we continue to safeguard the charter, which has protected us for 43 years, for all future generations.”
“Here are a few examples of what we have done in the past: We imposed a head tax on Chinese immigrants, forced generations of indigenous children into residential schools and, in 1939, turned away Jewish refugees fleeing Germany aboard the MS Saint Louis . There may be some people who still believe that all of those decisions were right, but in general, as a nation, we have come to regret them and apologize for them. The discipline that the charter imposes on the government during the decision-making and legislative process helps prevent such tragedies from happening again in Canada.”
“This is what should worry us if section 33 becomes commonplace in Canada. Instead of thoughtful, reasoned, logical, evidence-based laws that limit rights and freedoms and are subject to robust checks and balances in the form of judicial oversight in the courts, section 33 eliminates this disciplined approach to law-making. The use of section 33 may amount to a crude assertion of power over the rights and freedoms of individuals in Canada that stands in direct opposition to the way federal governance has functioned for over 40 years. Although Canada is one of the best countries in the world to live in, we are far from perfect. We have made serious mistakes in the past. Prejudice and blind spots are an inherent part of being human, and they also exist in the institutions we create and operate.”
“We must ask these questions and evaluate their answers throughout the policy development process, from the initial departmental discussion about ways to solve a problem, to cabinet consideration of the options, to the drafting of a bill and, ultimately, to the most important stage, debate and passage of a bill by Parliament. Feeble answers to any of the questions should sound the alarm and lead to more in-depth study and consideration of alternatives. When we get good answers to the questions that the charter forces us all to ask ourselves, we can adopt more thoughtful policies and better laws for Canadians. If we do not get good answers, and if the arguments and evidence in support of poorly crafted legislation are weak, the government should be held accountable for its choices.”
“That is the ultimate cost-benefit analysis, and it must be objective. This aspect of the section 1 standard prevents enacting legislation that has marginal benefits and real impacts on the rights and freedoms of Canadians. It does not tolerate legislation that disregards the rights and freedoms of individuals who may be unpopular, such as people charged with or punished for a crime, or laws that disregard the negative impacts on members of a minority group who have limited political power and little or fleeting public sympathy. I think we can all agree that the questions the charter requires us to ask when considering new legislation are good, appropriate questions.”
“If we are honest with ourselves, evidence-based solutions to certain problems are counterintuitive, and governing with respect for charter rights and freedoms helps us to recognize this and propose better and more effective approaches. The third question is whether there is another effective means of achieving the important objectives, while lessening the harm to rights or freedoms. Meeting this standard requires assessing the various options available to advance an objective and choosing the most reasonable one that does the least amount of harm to Canada's fundamental values and to the Canadians whose rights and freedoms will be restricted. The final question is whether the benefits of the legislation proposed to achieve an important objective outweigh the harms to the exercise or enjoyment of the right or freedom.”
“(1320) Let us look at the first question: Is the government's objective in introducing legislation important enough to warrant limiting a right or freedom? This can prevent governments from introducing trivial or merely symbolic legislation that would limit rights and freedoms. The second question is whether the proposed means of achieving the government's objective is rational or, in other words, whether it is the right tool for the job. This prevents relying, for example, on “common sense” that may be unfounded or simply uninformed. Saying that public safety will be enhanced by doing a particular thing does not make it so, especially if the weight of evidence shows that such is not the case.”
“Finally, if the answer to each of these questions is yes, is the overall harm to the exercise or enjoyment of the right worth it when weighed against the benefits of the rights-limiting measure? If so, then in Canada we consider such a limit to be reasonable, and, assuming that a government is well armed with supporting evidence, logic and reason, demonstrably justifiable as well. When potential impacts on charter rights and freedoms are identified in the policy development process, governments need to carefully evaluate whether any limits on rights and freedoms are reasonable and can be demonstrably justified in Canada's free and democratic society. As I just mentioned, this requires asking a series of questions that relate to the reasonableness of what is being considered.”
“Section 1 of the charter specifically sets out limits, which is very important, and guarantees rights and freedoms, subject to “reasonable limits” prescribed by the rule of law that can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society. What are these reasonable limits that can be imposed on the rights and freedoms of Canadians? In essence, the standard boils down to a deceptively simple set of questions. Is the government's objective sufficiently important to justify limiting a right? Is the limit a rational way to achieve that objective? In trying to achieve that objective, does the law use the option that causes the least harm to the right being limited?”
“The charter is part of the Constitution and the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. That means that every law and every move the government makes must be charter-compliant. As a country founded on principles that include the rule of law, governments must be committed to ensuring that the measures they take and the laws they pass comply with the charter. Prior to 1982, there is no doubt that governments recognized the fundamental value of a free and democratic Canada, a value that ultimately needed to be enshrined in the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the charter. After 1982, upholding these values became a constitutional imperative. To be clear, respecting rights and freedoms does not mean never limiting them. Charter rights and freedoms are not absolute.”
“The Supreme Court must determine what it means for the federal Parliament or a provincial Parliament to use section 33 of the charter. Section 33 of the charter, known as the notwithstanding clause, has never been used at the federal level. Today, I would like to talk more about some of the less understood ways in which the government promotes good governance and the improvement of policies and laws under the charter. I do so to highlight well-thought-out practices that could be at risk if the use of section 33 were allowed to become more common and less taboo. The point I want to make today is that the charter imposes a necessary discipline on government policy and law-making. This discipline would be lost if the use of section 33 became normalized. I will explain. Let me explain.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Les Pays-d'en-Haut . I rise today in response to a motion calling on the government to fully withdraw from legal challenges on Bill 21. The motion would have the House agree that the Government of Canada, the government of all Canadians from coast to coast to coast, should not participate in one of the most important constitutional appeals to the Supreme Court in recent memory. This case directly concerns Quebec legislation, of course, but the legal issues that it raises and that the Attorney General of Canada has addressed are of prime interest and deal with the role and importance of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in our modern governance system.”
“The market promotes buying local, helping others and respecting the environment while creating a unique gathering place for local residents and producers. She has a record of leadership guided by listening, action and vision. Through her tireless efforts, she has breathed new life into Beauport. Today, she continues to be a model of determination, generosity and perseverance. Many thanks to Marie‑Hélène.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I want to talk about an inspiring woman who is having an extremely positive impact on her community. Marie‑Hélène Ross has devoted her energy to the social, cultural and economic development of Beauport for many years. A lawyer by profession, she has always combined her expertise with a sincere desire to build a stronger and more supportive community. Through her involvement as the president of the Maison des jeunes de Beauport and TRIP Jeunesse Beauport, she has helped generations of young people by offering them a space for personal development and civic engagement. In the same unifying spirit, she championed the idea of a public market in Old Beauport, which has now become a vibrant non-profit organization.”
“Madam Speaker, I listened to my colleague talk about cash transactions. As we know, cash facilitates money laundering and anonymity. Canadian banks abide by the Basel accords, which is why Canada's banking system is one of the best in the world. Does my colleague want us to continue letting people use cash, which increases the number of crimes committed by the very criminals we want to lock up by strengthening our laws, while the current government seeks to prevent rather than cure? What is her stance? Does she think Canada should allow money laundering to continue, or does she think it should abide by the Basel accords and ask Canadian banks to do their job?”
“Would she rather be part of this evolution and propel Canada into the future, or would she rather sit idly by and do nothing?”
“Mr. Speaker, I listened carefully to my colleague's speech. I would like to read a few words from a document I have before me. It talks about something “expensive, unreliable and limited in its performance”. I was sure it was talking about electric vehicles but no, that is not it. It is talking about the internal combustion engine, when it made its debut on the market. It was expensive, unreliable and limited in its performance. However, through research and the development of suitable infrastructure, like roads and service stations, the combustion engine became what it represents today in the car world. We are currently entering a new era. Electric cars are undergoing the same change. We are right in the middle of this change. I have a question for my colleague.”
“Mr. Speaker, what stands out for me in Bill C‑5 is two numbers. I used to be an accountant and a banker, so I really speak numbers. We are looking at a 7% increase in productivity. I have been in business for over 25 years, and there has always been a productivity problem. By making decisions right here in our own country, with our provinces and with indigenous peoples, we can do things better. We can cut $200 billion in costs and increase our productivity free from the influence of other countries. We are taking charge of our own fate. That is the main takeaway here.”
“Mr. Speaker, what our Prime Minister promised during the election campaign was to make fast decisions and act quickly. That is what people expect. There is a time for talk, and a time for action. We need to be able to get past this crisis with the Americans and provide businesses with predictability. The difficulty facing businesses right now is that nothing is predictable when it comes to investments. The Canadian government is saying that not only is it going to invest, but that businesses can invest too. It is showing them the way forward. This is what business people and businesses need, and the government is showing them the way.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his excellent question. I worked in banking for over 20 years and at the chamber of commerce for four years. Business people often asked us why the government would pit projects against each other. Why are environmental projects and economic development projects being pitted against each other? Why not combine them? Surveys have been conducted over the years and have found that people want projects to be carried out collaboratively. That is what the Prime Minister is proposing today with respect to the sustainable economy. It is for Canada and for Canada's economic future. Let us stop pitting our projects against one another and let us combine them instead.”
“The government does not want to waste any time, but that does not mean it is willing to forego co-operation with the provinces and first peoples. Together, we will build the Canada of tomorrow. Together, we will build a stronger Canada.”
“As I said earlier, by encouraging interprovincial trade, this bill is a key tool for fighting the President's tariffs, as well as creating a stronger and more resilient economy. This bill is at the heart of what our Prime Minister promised Canadians during the election. We are walking the talk, as they say. We promised to find the opportunities hidden in the current crisis, and with this bill, the Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy is giving us the tools to find the gold nuggets hidden in the mud of the trade war with the U.S. Those nuggets will make our economy stronger for future generations. I also want to take this opportunity to highlight the exceptional work the Prime Minister is currently doing with provincial premiers and indigenous leaders.”
“That is what the bill's second part, which is inseparable from building major projects, is going to address. It deals with removing trade barriers between provinces. Reducing interprovincial trade barriers and creating one economy out of 13 will have a significant impact on something that experts and economists are deeply concerned about: Canadian productivity. (1835) That is why I will be supporting this bill. In 2022, Canadians produced 71% of what Americans did per hour. That productivity gap has widening for decades. It was an issue before the pandemic and Donald Trump's return. Now, I think it is a genuine national emergency. I will support this bill because it is a step in the right direction to address our major productivity problem. By removing interprovincial trade barriers, the bill will increase Canadian productivity by 7%.”
“This is exactly the kind of major project that Bill C‑5 seeks to encourage. In response to Trump's threats, we will create economic activity by investing in projects like the St. Lawrence Seaway. We will create infrastructure that requires such significant investment that government commitment is virtually essential to its construction. What is more, this infrastructure will provide future generations with a stronger and more resilient economy. The list of projects may be short, but the projects in question will be anything but minor. These will be projects that have the potential to truly redefine our nation's economic future in a lasting way. A trade war is a major threat to any economy but, on top of that, the current tariffs are hitting us at a time when the Canadian economy is fragile.”
“In Canada, we can no longer afford to be overly cautious in the face of Trump's threats. I am proud that our government is taking action by proposing such a paradigm shift. This is a shift in mindset that goes far beyond partisan lines. More than 60 years ago, we built the St. Lawrence Seaway in just a few years. It was a huge public infrastructure project that required an investment that only the Government of Canada could make. The St. Lawrence Seaway was not an expense; it was an investment. To this day, dozens of ships bound for or departing from the Great Lakes, Chicago, Detroit, Toronto or Montreal pass my riding every week. Over the decades, they have created so much wealth that the initial cost of the St. Lawrence Seaway now seems like a pittance in comparison.”
“Over the decades, we have come to believe that we have to make choices when it comes to our economic development and major projects. We could build well or build quickly. Over time, we have unfortunately sacrificed our efficiency and our boldness. It is important not to place all the blame on the current crisis or on the policies of our neighbour to the south. Canada built great things in the past, but it seems as though we have forgotten how to do so in recent decades. In the United States, thinker Ezra Klein has just published Abundance , a book that is making waves and that offers solutions to help nations learn how to build effectively again. Across much of the western world, projects that took a few months to put together some decades ago are now taking years to get off the ground.”
“The bill before us lays the foundation for our government's strategy, not only to address the threats posed by our neighbour to the south, but also to lead the way in building the Canadian economy of the future. That is why I will be supporting this bill. No one in Canada wanted a trade war with the Americans, but that is where we are right now. Fortunately, with this bill, our government is demonstrating that it can turn this crisis into an opportunity. The people of Beauport—Limoilou and people across Canada expect their government to take swift and ambitious action to address the threats we are facing. No one has ever won a war, trade or otherwise, by improvising. What this bill proposes is a return to boldness.”