Marianne Dandurand
Compton—Stanstead, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“The mayor of Martinville, Michel‑Henri Goyette, was the one who reminded me that this issue goes beyond cellphone call quality. He also reminded me that we should not settle for mediocrity. That is why, as my colleague said, I have tackled this issue head-on. That is why I am bringing it before the House.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I rise today to present a petition signed by residents of the Eastern Townships, other parts of Quebec and even other parts of Canada regarding cellular connectivity in rural areas.”
“[ English ] Bill C‑268 proposes two practical measures. First, it would require a process to verify the accuracy of wireless coverage data. If we want to fix connectivity gaps, we need an accurate picture of where those gaps actually exist.”
“Members of Parliament from every region of the country and every party have described exactly the same reality: roads with no signal, underserved communities, and citizens who cannot rely on their phones when they need them. That is also my personal experience, as I just mentioned.”
“He gave the following example: No one would agree to buy a car that stops working as soon as they turn onto a certain road. In too many rural regions, people are paying full price for cell service that disappears once they reach a certain road or a certain village.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today after my colleagues, and after speaking last month in the House, to conclude debate at second reading on Bill C‑268 . I thank all my colleagues who spoke. I am pleased to see that this is not a partisan issue.”
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“I want to highlight the work of Moisson Haut-Saint-François, the Cuisines collectives du Haut-Saint-François, Terre libre, the Maison des jeunes de Coaticook and the Maison des jeunes de Stanstead, as well as the Sunnyside elementary school, which operate projects under this program that received $20 million in renewed investments.”
“Mr. Speaker, we know that the cost of food is a heavy strain on the budgets of Canadian families, including families in my riding. Our government has put forward concrete measures to ease that strain. This year, the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit will put up to $1,890 back in the pockets of families of four. I also want to acknowledge the outstanding work of organizations in my riding that support food security, with assistance from the local food infrastructure fund, for one, which supports food banks, community kitchens, community gardens and more, and provides families back home with practical help.”
“Mr. Speaker, I certainly have. Not only do police associations support this bill, but so do victims' rights organizations, as well as the provinces and territories. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities also applauded this bill. Yes, police forces across the country welcome the bill. We have a bill that has achieved consensus across all spheres. I really hope that my colleagues on the other side of the House will support it because there is a consensus across this country.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think we need to take this bill for what it is: a bill that will support victims, that respects the legal framework and that will not be challenged before the Supreme Court. I think what we are doing is extremely important. I am speaking in the strongest possible terms. My colleague and I have worked very well together. I think we share the same concerns about women, children and victims of violence. I truly believe we have some good solutions.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for his very pertinent question. It is completely unacceptable for women and children to end up in violent situations. As I said, it leaves lasting marks and scars that can stay with them throughout their lives. Are we doing enough? I would say that we can never do enough. We are taking a really meaningful step here to support these women, to reassure them, to better help them. We must continue to do more. I would like to thank the organizations in my riding, which I mentioned earlier, that support these women on a daily basis. They are doing an exceptional job. As I said, it is never enough, and we must continue to help these organizations and support women. However, I think that we are taking meaningful steps to support them.”
“They show what we are willing to tolerate and where we draw a red line. When survivors come forward, they are not seeking compassion only. They want a system that understands the reality of the situation and acts before it is too late, as we are doing with Bill C-16.”
“It restricts access to therapeutic records and simplifies sexual history procedures to reduce delays, avoid duplicate hearings and ensure that decisions are based on facts rather than myths or stereotypes. Taken together, these changes mark a turning point in how Canada understands and addresses gender-based violence. Although the scars left behind by coercive control are not always visible, they are deep. Digital violence knows no borders and when the system is slow to act, the consequences can be irreversible. Bill C‑16 responds to these realities by improving the recognition of this violence, increasing protection, providing real support for survivors and clearly recognizing the seriousness of femicide. No law alone will end violence against women. However, laws shape culture.”
“Rather than requiring proof that the victim actually feared for their safety, it will now suffice to demonstrate that a reasonable person in the same circumstances would also have feared for their physical or psychological safety. This change will allow for earlier intervention, before violence escalates. The bill would also amend the Firearms Act to require chief firearms officers to deny or revoke a licence when there are concerns related to domestic violence or harassment. The data is clear. Access to firearms significantly increases the risk of death in domestic violence situations. Lastly, the bill strengthens the rules that govern trials for sexual offences.”
“For many survivors, the courtroom can be a place of revictimization. These measures will reduce trauma and promote meaningful participation in the judicial process. The bill also modernizes the response to technology-facilitated violence. It increases the severity of the offence related to the non-consensual distribution of intimate images to explicitly include deepfakes of a sexual nature. It also adds extortion for sexual purposes, known as sextortion, as an aggravating factor and increases the maximum penalties for certain summary conviction offences. This recognizes a simple reality: digital violence can follow a woman everywhere, at all times. Bill C-16 also modernizes the offence of criminal harassment.”
“She said that she was very pleased to finally see a bill that seeks to criminalize coercive control, that this is an extremely important step forward, that criminal harassment is one of the most common issues experienced by the people she works with and that it is very difficult to file a complaint and to have the conditions enforced. She also said that court delays and a lack of protection are two major reasons why victims decide not to report what is happening to them. Bill C-16 responds to those exact issues. Beyond creating new offences, the bill also improves the courtroom experience for victims. It expands access to testimonial aids—screens, remote testimony, support persons—for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and criminal harassment.”
“They are La Méridienne, the Haut-Saint-François Women's Center, Phelps Helps, the CDC du Haut-Saint-François, CALACS, ConcertAction Femmes Estrie and the Lennoxville & District Women's Centre. The discussions reminded us of the unique realities facing people in rural areas, including transportation problems, isolation and a lack of anonymity because everyone knows each other. They also reminded us of the essential role that multi-faceted organizations play in meeting almost every need and in providing support for women that goes well beyond helping them deal with domestic violence. I want to share something that a worker at the Haut-Saint-François Women's Center said when I showed her Bill C-16 .”
“It could allow justices of the peace, who are often more available than judges in many regions of the country, to hear applications and impose protection conditions of up to two years. For women living in rural areas, like my region, where access to the courts can be limited and delays can become dangerous, this measure is especially crucial. In my riding, I had the opportunity to welcome both the Minister of Public Safety and the Minister of Women and Gender Equality . Together, we held round tables with organizations that are on the front lines, every day, working with women and children who are victims of violence. (1600) I want to list those organizations, which do outstanding work in my riding.”
“These circumstances reflect realities that women and girls disproportionately face, namely, homicides committed in situations of coercive control, sexual violence, exploitation or gender-based hatred. We also understand that fighting gender-based violence is not just about creating new offences. It also involves making justice systems more accessible, safer and quicker to respond before the violence becomes irreversible. In this regard, former Bill S-205 , which came into force in April, was an important step forward and created a new protection order, namely, a peace bond specifically designed for situations of domestic violence. Bill C‑16 strengthens this tool.”
“This offence will allow us to recognize that violence often manifests itself through a series of repeated acts which, taken together, deprive a person of their independence, safety and decision-making power. Criminalizing coercive control sends a clear message: psychological domination is a serious form of violence. The bill also addresses the most extreme form of gender-based violence: the murder of women because they are women. Bill C-16 explicitly recognizes femicide where the victim is female. It provides that murders committed under four specific circumstances will automatically be classified as first degree murder, the most serious offence in the Criminal Code, punishable by life imprisonment with no possibility of parole for 25 years.”
“When we look at these actions individually, it is already unacceptable. However, taken together, it destroys a person's freedom, security and dignity. These forms of violence remain largely absent from the Criminal Code. That is what we want to correct with Bill C-16. At the heart of the bill is an essential recognition: gender-based violence is not limited to physical abuse. It also impacts autonomy, freedom and dignity. The reforms we are proposing today are aimed at better preventing violence before it escalates, better supporting victims when they seek help and improving the justice system's response to their reality. One of the key measures in the bill is the creation of a new offence that criminalizes coercive control in intimate relationships. This is a major step forward.”
“Above all, why does the bill finally respond to what survivors across the country, including in regions like mine, have been telling us for far too long? For too long, our criminal law has failed to grasp the true nature of gender-based violence, especially when it comes to domestic violence, which is, in fact, one of the most common forms. Even today, our legal framework focuses on isolated acts: a specific assault, threat or incident. However, in doing so, it misses the point, in that it misses the overall pattern of behaviour that defines most abusive situations. Survivors have made it clear that domestic violence, as I also said earlier, is almost never a single or sudden act. It is a gradual increase of control. It means isolation from loved ones, constant monitoring, financial dependence, humiliation, intimidation and manipulation.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Hamilton Mountain . Today's debate on Bill C-16 brings us to a topic that is both difficult and essential, a simple and fundamental question: Do our laws really protect women and children who are victims of violence as much as they should? One of the Canadian values that is close to my heart is how we protect the most vulnerable. That is what we are talking about today. We must ask ourselves whether our justice system fully recognizes that gender-based violence is not always loud, that it is not always visible and, above all, that it is almost never a one-time event. Bill C-16 asks us to face this reality head-on. Over the next few minutes, that is what I would like to explain. Why is this bill necessary? What does it change, in a meaningful way?”
“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister announced earlier this week that Canada is going to present a bid to host the Sommet de la Francophonie in 2028. That is great news. This major event, which brings together the world's francophone countries, will have significant cultural and economic benefits. I wonder if the Minister of Foreign Affairs could tell us what this bid might mean for Canada if we are selected, and how hosting this summit could strengthen our ties with other francophone countries while also strengthening the Canadian francophonie.”
“Mr. Speaker, last week, despite obstruction and the stalling efforts of Conservatives, we successfully referred Bill C-12 back to the House. This legislation is critical to securing our borders, strengthening our immigration system and keeping Canadians safe. Can the Minister of Public Safety tell Canadians why this legislation is essential to ensuring their safety and protection?”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his excellent question. Trade between Canada and the U.S. is highly integrated. We are currently experiencing instability due to our relations with the U.S. Canadian businesses, including businesses in my region, are looking for new markets. The Government of Canada will award them contracts through its buy Canadian strategy, through the investments it will make in defence, and through the investments it will make in major projects. However, it is also important to develop new markets, and that is why the Prime Minister is travelling the world right now. He wants to sign agreements so that businesses in the Eastern Townships, Quebec and Canada can find new customers in other parts of the world to replace their U.S. customers, since it is more difficult to do business with them right now.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that my colleague is talking about housing because affordable housing is one of the sectors where we are investing the most. I am very proud of that, because the initiatives we are rolling out will make it easy for the regions to access these measures. Build Canada Homes will allow us to cut red tape and make the criteria broad enough so that regions like mine and small municipalities can build affordable housing. We are also making it easier to buy a home by eliminating the GST on new homes for first-time homebuyers.”
“As I was saying, this will take some of the pressure off and keep workers in the regions. The budget also mentions how important immigration is to rural and remote areas and to industries affected by tariffs.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Madawaska—Restigouche for being so actively involved in our caucus and for presenting so many good ideas to help take the regions of Quebec, New Brunswick and all of Canada to the next level. He asked an excellent question about temporary foreign workers, who have a major impact on rural areas. People are concerned that some of these workers might go, leaving a lot of companies that rely on their labour in the lurch. Through budget 2025, we gave some temporary residents permanent residency, which will reduce the pressure on Canada's temporary immigration system. That is important because this pressure has become far too great. We are getting temporary immigration back under control. We are granting permanent residency.”
“I had a very fruitful discussion with the new mayor of Sherbrooke, who was my predecessor in this place. I want to take a moment to congratulate Marie‑Claude Bibeau on being elected mayor of Sherbrooke. I had an excellent discussion with Ms. Bibeau about the investments that the government plans to make to help the municipalities build housing and establish community centres and sports facilities. (1355) There are some really significant investments. I hope we will reach an agreement with Quebec quickly so that money can go out to support the municipalities. I believe that our budget will meet the needs of the people of Compton—Stanstead and people throughout the Eastern Townships. I look forward to the opposition supporting us in implementing the budget.”
“Businesses will be ready to participate in and benefit from these investments, which will boost the economy and create good, well-paying jobs in my neck of the woods. That is great news for people in my riding. We had a great meeting. Late last week, my colleague from Brome—Missisquoi , my colleague from Sherbrooke and I met with people from three niche manufacturing sectors that are very well represented in our region. They operate in what I would call “primary” sectors, namely rubber, textiles and electronics. We met with around 60 entrepreneurs from across Quebec, and the discussions we had with all of them were similar. The people on the ground say that they are very pleased with what the government is doing to support economic growth in our region.”
“The budget is doing the same thing with defence procurement. Procurement in general and defence procurement in particular will provide contract opportunities in regions like mine. I was with the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement just two weeks ago and we met with some 40 business representatives from the Eastern Townships, from large businesses like Cascades and BRP to many smaller businesses like PPD Group and Laboratoire M2. We discussed how to ensure that small and medium-sized businesses in the regions can avail themselves of these contracts. The discussions were very meaningful and rewarding for the entrepreneurs, who will be ready to participate as soon as the government unveils the contracts.”
“This will make Canada extremely competitive with other G7 members because it already has a very advantageous tax regime in this area. Canada is enhancing its position through this accelerated investment incentive. Many large projects have also been launched. Although no major project is coming to Compton—Stanstead, the investments will create opportunities for many small businesses in regions like mine that are located outside major urban centres to partner with projects associated with the large investments that will be rolled out in the coming years. This is somewhat similar to the buy Canadian policy. Ensuring that the Canadian government becomes the top client for Canadian businesses or includes them in its contracts will give local businesses access to this type of contracts.”
“I see this not only as an economic issue, but also as a safety issue, because emergency services must have access to cell service in an emergency situation. It is also a simple matter of fairness between people in the regions and people in urban centres, who generally enjoy much better access to cellular services. I would also like to talk about what this budget is doing for businesses. That is where the largest share of investment is going. I have had many telephone conversations with people from chambers of commerce and business owners who are very pleased with what the budget has to offer. This budget will really help them make investments to increase productivity through the productivity superdeduction. Businesses will be able to reduce or write off all of their investments right from the first year.”
“We are going to bring down some of these fees, a measure that will also be very welcome. (1350) The mayor of Martinville will be very pleased to note that we are working on cellular connectivity. Michel-Henri Goyette is a key partner when it comes to cellular connectivity in the regions. We are making investments, and we will continue taking action to expand cellphone coverage. The CRTC says that 99% of Canadians are connected to the cellular network. That would mean that the other 1% all live in my riding. However, some of my colleagues from the regions might disagree. Everyone thinks their riding has that 1%. In short, we must continue to improve cellular connectivity in the regions, and that is what this budget does. New steps are being taken to provide cellular connectivity to the people in my region.”
“For many young people, this investment will make home ownership more accessible. Unfortunately, my region is also one that has lost some of its vitality. In some places, there are larger pockets of poverty. We are going to make benefits automatic for lower-income individuals. This measure will target people who think they are not entitled to government benefits because, with no tax to pay, they do not file their tax returns. These people are missing out on important benefits like the Canada child benefit. They may be missing out on the Canadian dental care plan or seniors' benefits. Automatic tax filing will enable these people to receive financial benefits that will help them make ends meet. We are also going to work to reduce certain banking fees. In some cases, we are seeing a rapid rise in banking fees.”
“This calls for certainty and long-term projections. I think the investments in the budget will enable us to work for a long time and develop our economy, as I said earlier. With this budget, our government is choosing economic resilience, productivity and Canadian sovereignty. I would like to begin by talking about people. The people in my region are very happy that we are cutting taxes for 22 million Canadians. For a couple, that is a saving of up to $840 with a simple tax cut on the lowest tax bracket. This is a measure that people back home are very happy about. It allows for some breathing room, so to speak, in budgets that are sometimes very tight. We are also going to eliminate the GST for first-time homebuyers on homes up to $1 million. Where I come from, this measure will benefit most first-time buyers.”
“I want to talk about investments that are important for our businesses, such as issuing government contracts, developing new markets, launching major projects and investing in the defence sector. For individuals, we have announced income tax cuts. We are also going to make it easier to access benefits, reduce certain fees and help improve access to housing. In addition, we are going to help municipalities invest in housing and infrastructure in collaboration with the Government of Quebec, of course. In my view, this budget tackles current economic challenges while laying the foundation for the future. The goal is to become increasingly resilient and to be proactive in dealing with the challenges that will arise in the future, because we know that we are facing a profoundly changing and increasingly uncertain world.”
“That is creating instability for businesses and for families living on both sides of the border. People really want to see initiatives that will make us a little less dependent on the United States. They want to see more economic activity in Canada and they want people who are still struggling with the inflation we have been experiencing in recent years to have a little breathing room. I think that, in this budget, people are seeing measures that will help us protect ourselves, become more resilient, increase our development and support the population. That is what I am hearing back home, and I am happy about it. I am also very pleased with the investments made possible in my region. Businesses will be able to keep growing because of what is in the budget. For the next few minutes, that is what I want to talk about.”
“Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to rise today to speak to budget initiatives that will have a positive effect on my constituents, the people of Compton—Stanstead in the Eastern Townships. Compton—Stanstead is a wonderful region that extends from Lake Memphremagog to Mont‑Mégantic. It shares a border with the United States and includes a good part of the city of Sherbrooke. It is a very diverse region. I have travelled around my riding in recent weeks, and many people have had good things to say to me about the budget. They are very optimistic about this budget and they are grateful for what it will do for communities in our area. Border communities are so close to the United States, and the people there are concerned about the economic uncertainty resulting from our relationship with the U.S.”
“Mr. Speaker, in regions like mine, the Eastern Townships, we have local media and cultural organizations, both anglophone and francophone, that play an essential role in keeping us informed and keeping our culture alive. Today, with the rise of digital technology and globalization, the ways we stay informed and consume culture are evolving. I would like to ask the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture how our government will protect and promote the rich culture and diversity that make our region so strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, the independence of the RCMP is a fundamental principle of our democracy, and it is a principle that all responsible leaders should uphold, not undermine. Last week, the leader of the Conservative Party chose to attack the RCMP, accusing it of covering up scandals and engaging in political manoeuvring. These remarks are irresponsible and cast doubt on an institution that is responsible for protecting Canadians. Can the Minister of Public Safety reaffirm the independence of the RCMP and reiterate the importance of public trust in our institutions?”
“Mr. Speaker, this being Women's History Month, I would like to pay tribute to a trail-blazing woman in municipal politics: Françoise Bouchard, the outgoing mayor of Dixville. Originally from the Eastern Townships, Ms. Bouchard was the first female city manager, the first female municipal councillor and the first female mayor of her town. She made local history with her fierce commitment, her indomitable spirit and her quiet pride. Since 1984, she has devoted no less than 40 years of her life to politics. At 84, she is now the oldest mayor in Quebec. Despite her venerable age, she has not lost her spark. During her last term in office, the municipality has been able to acquire unused buildings to lay the foundation for an ambitious project to set up municipal offices, build a community centre and provide accessible housing. Ms.”
“Mr. Speaker, the government recently announced measures to mitigate the financial crisis at Canada Post, which is losing $10 million a day. Those measures include lifting the moratorium on rural post offices. I want to remind members of the critical role that these post offices play in rural communities by maintaining services and social ties. In my riding, municipalities like Compton, Stanstead, North Hatley and Chartierville are currently subject to the moratorium. Can the government's Minister of Transformation reassure the people in my riding that essential services in the regions will continue and that steps will be taken to ensure that rural residents are not left behind?”
“Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Bishop's University in my riding of Compton—Stanstead, the alma mater of two esteemed colleagues, the members for Victoria and for Etobicoke—Lakeshore . Despite the school's small size, with fewer than 3,000 students, the Gaiters brought home five championship titles last year. The men's and women's golf teams successfully competed at the nationals. The football team, basketball team and women's hockey team triumphed in their conference championships, with the women's hockey team also claiming its first U Sports national title, Bishop's fourth overall. I am proud to represent a riding with such a distinguished academic institution. As students and faculty gear up to celebrate homecoming this weekend, I would like to wish them continued success in their endeavours this year.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member's speech was very interesting. She is very active in her region, and she is very committed. What are the initiatives from our government that the member thinks will have the biggest impact on affordability for her community?”
“Mr. Speaker, I agree with my colleague. One of the major challenges facing the agricultural sector is ensuring that the provinces, the federal government and the territories agree on implementing programs that are important for Canada as a whole. I believe that everyone must come to an agreement so that the programs are tailored to the reality of each region.”
“Mr. Speaker, one of the major causes of food inflation is climate change. My colleagues across the way seem unwilling to admit that. Climate change is having an incredibly significant impact on agriculture. I am anxious for my colleagues across the House to recognize that and to support our efforts to help farmers become increasingly resilient.”
“Mr. Speaker, I always feel great pride when I talk about agriculture and how our farmers in Quebec are leaders in sustainable agriculture. They do a lot, and they get help from both the federal and provincial governments. They are facing great difficulties because of climate change. I believe that with the help of both levels of government, the determination of farmers, and numerous scientific initiatives such as living laboratories, which is an exceptional project, we can build a resilient agricultural sector. I hope this will continue in the years to come.”
“Mr. Speaker, I find it interesting that my colleague is talking this way about the Liberal record when the Liberals took office after a Conservative government that had made deep cuts to science, which helps our farmers have access to better technologies. The Conservative government had also made cuts to risk management programs and to the sustainable Canadian agricultural partnership. Our government rebuilt in the aftermath of these cuts and is now trying to help farmers become more resilient in dealing with climate change so that we can reduce the cost of food.”
“When we table our ambitious budget on November 4, I hope that our colleagues on the other side of the House will support us in building the strongest economy in the G7, in keeping jobs in Canada, in helping this country become more independent and resilient, and in strengthening our economy.”
“We are providing up to $700 million in loan guarantees to address the immediate pressures facing the softwood lumber sector. We are building an economy that prioritizes the use of Canadian materials in construction. We changed the federal procurement process to require companies contracting with the federal government to source Canadian lumber. That is how our government is ensuring that Canadian workers benefit from our investments in these frankly turbulent times. I hear my colleagues on the other side of the House denouncing the price of food. Yes, there is food inflation, but they seem to be forgetting that farmers are the first to be affected by climate challenges. Droughts and torrential rains take their toll on crops. When we want to help farmers become more resilient, the Conservatives are nowhere to be found.”
“We also temporarily suspended the rules governing severance pay so workers would not have to use up their severance pay before collecting their EI benefits. We made it easier to access employment insurance by raising the regional unemployment rate for six months. We made it easier for employers and workers affected by tariffs to access the work-sharing program. Our new government has also announced a series of targeted measures to support Canada's steel, aluminum and softwood lumber industries. For example, we are investing $70 million in labour market development agreements to provide training and income support to the nearly 10,000 steelworkers affected by the dispute. The softwood lumber industry is very important in Quebec, and we are helping it transform and compete.”
“One of the biggest concerns in my riding, which borders Vermont and New Hampshire, is trade tensions with the United States and the impact this may have on our local population. Businesses in my region are particularly concerned. They are afraid of losing contracts, having to cut shifts and experiencing the impact on jobs. It is therefore essential to continue to support these businesses in order to maintain jobs. We want exporters to be able to continue exporting and workers to be supported. I have not heard about a lot of people losing their jobs since the dispute began. I find that reassuring. We rolled out a suite of economic support programs starting on day one. For example, we temporarily eliminated the one-week waiting period for EI benefits.”
“That is why we proposed eliminating the GST for first-time home buyers on new homes valued at less than $1 million. This applies to many homes in my region. We will also reduce the GST for first-time home buyers on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. In addition, as requested by Canadians, we have put money back in their pockets by reducing taxes. Since July 1, all the people back home and across Canada who pay taxes have benefited from a 1% reduction on the lowest tax bracket. In concrete terms, this represents savings of up to $840 per year for a dual-income family. This tax relief benefits 22 million Canadians, who can now keep more of their paycheque and use it as they see fit.”
“(1615) We also know that one of the key challenges in building more housing is having infrastructure that can support these homes. Municipalities have significant needs in terms of water and sewer systems. That is why we have committed an additional $1 billion to help them meet these challenges so that they can finally build housing for the people in our ridings. I am confident that we will reach an agreement with the Government of Quebec so we can meet these commitments quickly and truly give our constituents some relief so that they can access affordable housing more quickly. I would also like to mention that there are young people in our communities who dream of settling down and buying a new home, but who are having difficulty accessing these new properties.”