Nathalie Provost
Châteauguay—Les Jardins-de-Napierville, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, the research chair in taxation and public finance said today that Canada is still resilient in spite of everything. It is true that Quebec has been deeply affected by the trade war with the United States, but we have managed to pivot.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague raises an important issue. Lakes and rivers are indeed a valuable resource for Canadians. That is precisely why we have invested in the nature strategy, which aims to protect 30% of our land and waterways. However, it is also important to safeguard the right to navigate on lakes.”
“Mr. Speaker, climate change is a reality. We are fully cognizant of that, and we are working on it. With Canada's 2030 nature strategy, we plan to protect 30% of our lands and waters, which will help us fight climate change.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague's question gives me the opportunity to discuss an announcement made last week. We are going to invest $1 billion in food infrastructure to make food terminals and hubs more accessible to Canadians. We are also going to improve competition. We are going to do this because it matters. Canadians need support.”
“Mr. Speaker, on Friday, June 5, Canadians received the first instalment of the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. Millions of Canadians have received help with their grocery bills. We are very aware of the challenges Canadians are facing.”
“Mr. Speaker, an extremely interesting question is being raised today. This means of public transportation will allow everyone to travel more easily between our provinces. It is an important structural element of our economy that will boost trade and economic exchanges between Quebec and Ontario.”
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“The Bloc Québécois claims that the high-speed rail corridor, which is 60 meters wide, will cause the same historical injustices suffered by the citizens of Mirabel. That is not true. That is not fair either. The footprint of this project represents less than 1% of the area covered by the Mirabel airport. The project will include a rigorous consultation process and, as I mentioned earlier, environmental assessments that are only possible with the passage of the high-speed rail network act. Contrary to the Bloc's assertions, this bill therefore requires that the impact assessment process apply to all segments of the project. This includes extensive consultations in Mirabel and along the entire route, including in the riding where I was born, Berthier—Maskinongé. This process complements the consultations that were just launched by Alto.”
“It is an organized, structured process based on fundamental values in which market value, eligible costs, and guarantees that the affected parties are treated fairly and consistently are respected. They have the right to negotiate. They even have the right to go to federal court if they are not satisfied with the settlements. We are no longer in the same place. When applying the procedure, the government exercises caution and due diligence. As the member for Châteauguay—Les Jardins-de-Napierville, I believe that things will be done, and done well. However, I also want to ensure that our colleagues understand that we will preserve the fundamental protections that safeguard property owners' rights by ensuring a fair, consistent, and respectful process for all involved.”
“It is important to provide our constituents with accurate information, and today, I do not believe that we have the full picture of what the Alto project will look like and how it will unfold. Just this afternoon, I heard a Bloc Québécois colleague say that because the Alto project was included in Bill C-5 , there would be no consultation and it would be exempt from the various regulations. I would like to state that this is simply not true. There is a real consultation process under way and a real impact assessment process that will take place. There are consultations to build social licence. The motion, which I have here in front of me, refers to the importance of not undertaking expropriations again without public consultation, social licence and appropriate compensation. That is precisely what we are putting in place.”
“However, today, we are in a different place, and we believe that the community, the Government of Canada and our institutions have learned that this is not how things are done today. I would therefore like to assure the House that these considerations are taken very seriously and that the expropriation regime has undergone major changes over the past 57 years. However, what concerns me today and what has prompted me to speak is the fact that our Bloc Québécois colleagues have been tight-lipped about their support for the high-speed rail project and that their action could prevent it from moving forward. There is also a lot of disinformation, and disinformation is plaguing our organizations, our teams and our communities.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is truly a privilege for me to rise in the House of Commons today to speak to the important motion moved by the member for Mirabel . From what I understand, the Government of Canada fully recognizes that Canadians have concerns about expropriation. There is a reason why we have been talking about this all day. We also recognize the harm caused to the many families whose farms were expropriated in 1969 to build the Montreal-Mirabel International Airport. Such action should never have been taken and must never happen again. I was born in the riding of Berthier—Maskinongé. I heard about this when I was very young, and I am very aware of the hurt it caused in the community.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is important to consider the needs of our constituents. The strategy we are adopting is based on restoring purchasing power to Canadians. That is essentially what we are focusing on. I know you said you are going to vote for in favour. That is important to us. This approach also includes strategies for food, and the budget includes strategies for job creation. We need co-operation, not obstruction, from our colleagues on this, as well.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is essential that Canadians have a choice in their spending. We believe in this very strongly, and so we are working with the Conservatives to get the Canada groceries and essentials benefit passed. At the same time, we are also rebuilding our economy to deal with a tariff war that nobody on that side ever talks about. We are addressing this system so we can give Canadians back their purchasing power. We must do this together.”
“Mr. Speaker, this afternoon we will be voting at third reading on the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. I am very pleased about that. We are going to work together for Canadians by passing this measure and putting $1,800 back in the pockets of families with four children. That is what it means to give purchasing power and control back to families, not to manufacturers, grocery stores or the system, but to families who will make their own decisions. That is what Canadians want. They want to make their own choices, and we are going to let them. We thank the Conservatives for their support.”
“Mr. Speaker, the first-time homebuyers' tax credit is a real solution for young people who want to become homeowners, and it is one of the practical measures that we are taking today to give them access to home ownership. My colleague also mentioned the challenges facing the construction industry. In fact, what we are hearing from the construction industry is that it needs measures like the ones we are taking to revive the market. Jobs will be created in construction. Jobs will be created to renew our industries. We are creating a more efficient industry. This means more jobs and more purchasing power for Canadians. We will get there. To do so, we need to work as a team.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have to work to get results, and that is what we are doing. My children are familiar with the issue raised by my colleagues opposite. I have four children. They want to own their own homes, and we are going to find solutions. That is why we have committed to Build Canada Homes. We are already taking action. We also made an announcement with the Government of Quebec in support of infrastructure, because we need more than just houses. We also need water and electricity. We also need roads and schools. We are committed to this. My colleague and his team are hard at work. We want homes for our children. That is what we are doing.”
“Mr. Speaker, yes, nature is important and that means we have to fight climate change. That is why we cannot eliminate every tax on carbon. It has been demonstrated that the climate has the greatest impact on consumer price increases. In the meantime, we are giving Canadians the means to have greater purchasing power. There needs to be less filibustering. We need to use common sense to be able to help Canadians. That is what we are doing.”
“Mr. Speaker, given the current situation, it is essential for Canadians to regain their purchasing power, and that is what we are working on. We are working toward that goal by creating jobs, rebuilding our businesses and providing Canadians with a host of measures. In my Conservative colleague's riding alone, the Canada child benefit will have an impact of about $8,000 per year per child. That is significant. That is giving back. It is no different with the special grocery benefit—”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians made a choice in April. They elected the Liberals to come up with solutions to the situation we are facing today. This suite of solutions has transformed into tax breaks for the middle class and the affordability measures that were announced this week, as well as the universal implementation of the school food program, for example. We have implemented a number of measures, and that is what Canadians voted for. We are working for Canadians, but we need the support of our colleagues so that Canadians can see a difference.”
“Mr. Speaker, the measure we announced this week will do just that—put money back in the pockets of Canadians. To be precise, that means $1,800 for a family of four this year and about $900 for a single person. That is significant, and it means money in their pockets. Adding up all the benefits for families, including the Canada child benefit, families will get $8,000 in their pockets. We are doing things for Canadians, but we need our colleagues to support these measures to help Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question, which address an issue that is important to Quebeckers and to all Canadians. Let us not forget that Canadians want this program to work well and they want to get assault-style weapons off our streets. What does it mean to partner with Quebec? It means that Quebec is making the Sûreté du Québec available to participate in this program. I would like to thank the hunters and gun owners across Canada who are already registering in large numbers to get these guns off our streets.”
“Mr. Speaker, we cannot control every price and every detail, and we realize Canadians are facing major challenges. As the mayor of Quebec City said, when times are tough, it is important to give choices back to people. What we are doing right now is giving purchasing power back to Canadians so they can make choices. This will affect 12 million Canadians. Couples will get $1,890 back this year and $1,400 for the next four years. Individuals will get $950 back this year and $700 for the next few years. That is what it means to give that choice back to people. We are giving power back to Canadians—”
“Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise in the House. I wish everyone a happy new year. This is already a good year for Canadians. Today, more than 12 million Canadians will see an increase in their purchasing power. More purchasing power is what they need to deal with what we are seeing in grocery stores, and that is the goal. I hope our colleagues will support us in this endeavour.”
“Mr. Speaker, I do not see this as a betrayal. The strategy is changing, but the objectives remain the same. Our country will be able to meet the targets, but we have to deal with a different reality. We are changing our strategies, but we are sticking to the same vision. That is what building Canada is all about.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think what we are doing right now, as Christmas approaches, is giving Canadians back some of their purchasing power. On the one hand, we have a series of programs that will bring them relief on a daily basis, with $10 child care, the Canada child benefit, and a host of other measures. On the other hand, we are working hard on the economic front to ensure that Canadians can have good jobs, particularly in the member's riding. We will get there. I wish everyone a merry Christmas.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am not sure we can call it betrayal. Our government is developing a new strategy to achieve important goals. My Prime Minister , the 44 MPs representing Quebec and I all share environmental values. We may need to do a better job of explaining, but we are going to adopt strategies to achieve our goals. We must be able to that, and this agreement provides us with important tools to get there. In addition, Alberta will be working with us and will help contribute. This is a step forward.”
“Madam Speaker, we used to have one province that was reluctant to join us in our fight to achieve net-zero emissions. Today, that same province has just agreed to increase the price on carbon. More importantly, it has just agreed to reduce its methane emissions by 75%. For the project to go ahead, there has to be an agreement with British Columbia. There has to be an agreement with the first nations. There has to be money. That is what it means to move forward, even nature—”
“Madam Speaker, it is not complicated. Everything we do is for Canadians. Bringing up ethics is an attempt to distract certain people from the real work we are doing. The budget includes a package of measures for Quebec that will benefit our economy and our workers: ports, roads, work being done with Hydro-Québec to boost its production, mines and jobs. That is what building Canada is all about. Let us stop creating distractions and start working with us on the real issues.”
“They are things we can do right here and right now. I hope this message will be heard over the next 16 days, and every day that follows. I think that we, as the elected members of Parliament, must work together to make Canada a great place to live, a great place for all women to live. As we know and as we have discussed, the rise in social isolation, the rise of masculinism, the fragmentation and polarization of ideas are all trends that primarily and seriously impact the health and safety of women, and the health and safety of people in general, especially those who are marginalized. Most of all, these trends are going to impact our collective well-being and our prosperity. If we truly wish to build Canada strong, we must build it with everyone, including women, by working to end violence against women.”
“This is part of an overall budget investment of $660.5 million over five years to further advance gender equality, support women's groups, and assist groups that support the 2SLGBTQI+ community. We are doing even more to make bail more difficult to obtain in cases of sexual offences. Bill C‑14 was introduced to strengthen protections for victims and uphold their right to safety and justice. Lastly, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Indigenous Services Canada have committed funds for the construction and operation of 38 emergency shelters and 39 transitional housing units across the country as part of the indigenous shelter and transitional housing initiative. The federal government has proposed an investment of $1 billion in transitional and supportive housing through Build Canada Homes. These are all concrete measures.”
“I do not have any statistics on racialized women with me, but I have no doubt it is worse for them than for women who, like me, are non-indigenous and white. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed, and I really hope to draw our collective attention to all the marginalized women out there. Today, we are not here just to review the facts with respect to our government's measures. We are here to take action and change the conditions that enable this violence. [ English ] Actions speak louder than words. [ Translation ] Budget 2025 invests $223.4 million over five years, with $44.7 million ongoing, to strengthen our action in response to gender-based violence, support women's organizations, and advance the vision of a Canada that is free from violence.”
“2SLGBTQI+ people often face higher rates of violence. Obviously, we must also turn our attention to indigenous girls and women. They are six times more likely to be murdered than non-indigenous women. They experience higher rates of sexual violence and exploitation. They disappear, and their homicide cases go cold. That is unacceptable. It is unacceptable that, despite reconciliation being at the heart of our values, Canada has still not managed to bring these numbers down. This should not be about numbers. These are human beings, women who deserve our full attention, women who deserve to live their lives, and like my sisters, they have every right to chase their dreams. They face particularly difficult challenges.”
“One in three women in Canada will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. I am an extremely privileged woman. However, I look back to the story of my mother, the story of my maternal grandmother, and the experiences I have heard about from children and adolescents. I know that this reality concerns us all because men are also our allies. They are our fathers, our brothers, our friends, our companions, and our partners. All of us know someone who has experienced violence against women, and yet, less than 10% of sexual assaults are reported to the police. Violence against women and gender-based violence goes far beyond headlines. (1005) [ English ] They affect every region of the country and every social sphere. [ Translation ] Rates of violence against trans women and non-binary people are above the national average.”
“[ English ] In 1999, the United Nations officially declared it the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, with a universal message: Violence against women is a violation of human rights. [ Translation ] In 1991, Canada established December 6 as a national day in memory of my colleagues, the 14 women who were murdered at Polytechnique. The violence I experienced in 1989 was undeniably an act of violence against women and an unmistakable case of femicide that stood out for its unprecedented scale. The fact is that in Canada and around the world today, a woman or girl is killed every 48 hours. It is a much too common occurrence, so we have an important duty to remember. Femicide is a societal problem that concerns us all and cuts across part lines.”
“I survived the Polytechnique femicide on December 6, 1989, the day 14 of my sisters lost their lives simply because they were women and they just wanted to fulfill all of their dreams. I rise today to speak as a woman, and obviously as a survivor, but also as a federal member and as someone who has witnessed the consequences of violent sexism. I am rising here in the House on behalf of those who can no longer speak and those who are still waiting to be protected. Today's date, November 25, is significant; it was selected to honour the memory of the Mirabal sisters, activists from the Dominican Republic who were murdered on November 25, 1960. They died for standing up to dictatorship and patriarchy.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an honour and a privilege to address the House as the member for Châteauguay—Les Jardins‑de‑Napierville. My journey since December 6, 1989, has led me to live a range of experiences, and today I draw the attention of the House to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This is an extremely important day for me. It is a day that is recognized around the world, marking the beginning of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. [ English ] It is a day to say clearly that this is not a private matter. It is a social issue, a human rights issue and a matter of public safety. [ Translation ] My name is Nathalie Provost.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is true that Canadians are having a hard time, but the important thing is to give them back their purchasing power. We are doing that in so many different ways, such as by supporting families, the school food program, dental care and pharmacare. These are all ways we are giving purchasing power back to Canadians. I have not even touched on all the investments that will create good, well-paying jobs. That is what it means to build Canada and address the current crisis.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am surprised to hear my colleague criticizing this budget. I want to approach this budget from a woman's perspective. I am a woman, and I have had all kinds of experiences as a woman. Whenever the other side talks about women, they often talk about them as victims: victims of violence in their private lives or victims because they have trouble paying for groceries. This budget will enable women to regain their purchasing power through social programs. It will give women the ability to get good jobs through economic diversification. It also supports—”
“Mr. Speaker, this budget is a budget that invests in our children. It takes money to invest so that we can create jobs and give all Canadians back their purchasing power. That is what matters. That is what we are doing. That is what Canadians are hoping for, and I hope that our colleagues will support this budget that will give power back to all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am a bit surprised by my colleague opposite's reaction. In this budget, there are jobs at Davie. There are jobs in La Pocatière thanks to the action we are taking. My riding of Châteauguay—Les Jardins-de-Napierville is home to one of Quebec's longest borders, a feature we share with the ridings of several of my colleagues. In this budget, there is $1.7 billion to strengthen security at our borders. That is what we are getting with this budget. If my constituents need it, I am sure that people in other places need it too.”
“Mr. Speaker, my mother understands the difference between an investment and an expenditure and so do my children. This budget is an investment in our young people and in our resources so that we are able to get through the current crisis. Canadians elected us to do that. They have confidence in us and that is what we are going to do.”
“Mr. Speaker, this is not the first time I have risen in the House, because the issue of femicide victims affects us all in Canada. I am well aware of that. The important thing is to have a broad and integrated approach. We have already introduced bills that will allow us to take action. We think it is better to support the overall structure. That is how we are going to support the Canadian system, which will prevent violence against women.”
“Mr. Speaker, I survived the Polytechnique femicide where 14 women lost their lives. In 1990, the largest paper petition was tabled here in the House of Commons. It asked for the removal of assault-style firearms from our streets. This was in 1990 and, even today, more than 70% of Canadians, including rural Canadians, are in favour. This is not about going after hunters or farmers. It is about firearms that are meant to kill. We made a promise and we will keep it. It will get done.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians want to live in a world that is safe. For 35 years, they have known that assault-style weapons can lead to mass shootings in Canada. It happened to me and it happened to other Canadians in Portapique. It has happened in places across Canada. What we are going to do today, starting in Cape Breton, is take assault-style weapons off our streets to make our country safer. I thank the team in Cape Breton that is launching this pilot program.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is important for us to complete this initiative. Canadians are waiting for this. It is important to uphold our commitments, and this program will allow us to do that. I think all Quebeckers and all Canadians are waiting for this. It is not the only thing that needs to be done to fight crime, but it is a part of the whole package. It is one measure we will implement to ensure success.”
“Mr. Speaker, lying in my hospital bed 35 years ago, I did not understand what was happening. I could not understand how such a thing could happen to me in a country like Canada. In January 1990, I attended the first press conference surrounded by the families of the École Polytechnique students, who were calling for a ban on assault-style weapons. I will continue to be an advocate. However, the most important thing is what we are doing and what Canadians want, what they voted for. We will see this through to the end. Hunters will continue to hunt and shooters will continue to shoot.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for her question in French. As we all know, and as the member is aware, the Polytechnique tragedy started a movement among Canadians to get assault-style firearms off our streets. This is so important in Quebec that we are continuing to register long guns, and my colleague voted for that. What we are doing today will not affect hunters who use reasonable weapons for hunting. It will not affect sport shooters. Only guns intended to kill will be collected.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will try this in English. Maybe the member will understand it a bit more. This program is to remove from the hands of Canadians firearms designed to kill people, not for hunting. It is not a waste of money, because Canadians want those firearms off the streets. They voted for us. We said we would do that. We will do that.”
“Mr. Speaker, allow me to start by setting the record straight. The program announced at midday today is intended to collect assault-style weapons. It has no impact on hunting. I repeat, this program has no impact on hunting. No reasonable hunter uses assault-style weapons for hunting, and those are the weapons that will be collected. That is what was announced today. This is a program that all Canadians have been waiting for. It started in 1989 after the femicide, and it is still true to this day. We are going to get hits done.”
“Mr. Speaker, I was deeply moved as I listened to what my colleague went through. These situations scare all Canadians, but unfortunately, they do exist. However, I would like to truly understand to what extent today's motion would improve victims' rights or respond to this issue. I do not understand this at all. Unfortunately, we know that this measure has not worked in the past. I would really like to hear my colleague speak about victims' rights and the link with today's motion.”
“Mr. Speaker, unfortunately I am not aware of the specific facts provided by my colleague. However, I understand the spirit of her intervention. As I was saying to my colleague from Beauharnois—Salaberry—Soulanges—Huntingdon , I have no doubt that these concerns can be considered by the team at the Department of Justice and by the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her very interesting question. I am convinced there would be value in discussing the context in which the Jordan decision applies to women who are victims of violence or of certain other types of crime, and who deserve special attention, and, in this context, the Jordan decision simply penalizes the victims. I am certain that my government would agree to examine solutions along those lines. I invite my colleague to expand on those thoughts with the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.”
“Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleague is okay with me responding in French. The question today is not on gun control measures. The heart of today's discussion is the importance of effectively dealing with crime in our society and the rise in violence. The work we are doing on gun control is part of that work, work that should have a lasting impact. As a gun control advocate, I have always known that this was only one element among a host of measures that needed to be put in place.”
“People in Canada deserve to see every level of government working together, not only on bail reform laws, but also with respect to monitoring, law enforcement and effective prevention. I hope that my colleagues will support us and reflect on the legislative measures we have proposed for adjusting our system. Unfortunately, the system being proposed by my colleague from Battle River—Crowfoot does not work. Let us work together. We will get there.”
“I could go on at length about that. That is why prevention must be the core of any long-term strategy. Prevention means investing in youth and supporting programs that keep young people out of gangs while offering them meaningful alternatives through education, employment or mental health supports. It means empowering local leaders, faith groups, community organizations and families to be part of the solution. That is why we are going to continue to work with the provinces and municipalities to put in place wraparound services that are focused on providing solutions to reduce crime and reoffending. We also recognize that a modern, effective system needs to be data-driven and transparent.”
“The federal government is also planning to recruit 1,000 more RCMP officers to combat drug trafficking, human trafficking, foreign interference, cybercrime, and organized crime gangs that steal cars. The federal government also plans to train 1,000 new CBSA officers to combat drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl and its precursors, as well as illegal firearms, and to prevent gangs from stealing cars and smuggling them out of the country. Lastly, the federal government is working to add scanners, drones and detector dog teams to better target suspicious shipments. As we know, crime is not just a matter of statistics. It also has a profound impact on people. Communities affected by gun violence and organized crime deal with trauma that can take generations to heal. Individuals also suffer in the same way.”