Eric St-Pierre
Honoré-Mercier, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five colleagues who collectively have given more than 50 years of service to Canadians and are now moving on from federal politics. First, I recognize the member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie for his unmatched environmental and climate advocacy.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Yorkton—Melville for her nearly 11 years of service. Earlier today, I made a member statement where I acknowledged five departing members of Parliament. I learned shortly after about her departure. If I could, I would revise my member statement to include six departing members.”
“Mr. Speaker, happy Friday. One in four young Canadians between 12 and 17 years of age has been the victim of cyberbullying. Not only that, youths who are victimized online are three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts. Stakeholders nationwide are sounding the alarm.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to talk about an issue that matters to Canadians in every region of our country, which is how we can better support seniors and ensure they can live and age with dignity, security and independence. Seniors have helped build the Canada that we know today.”
“When our government increased old age security by 10% for seniors aged 75 and older, that decision was informed by evidence showing that older seniors generally face greater financial vulnerability.”
“Measures such as pausing the federal fuel excise tax, cutting income tax for middle-class Canadians and investing in housing, infrastructure and the economy are helping Canadians across the country no matter their age. It is important to acknowledge the intent behind Bill C-261 .”
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“Budget 2025 also strengthens other important tools: tougher methane emissions regulations, a clear taxonomy for sustainable investments, a modernized sustainable bond framework and climate disclosure rules to help businesses plan, innovate and grow. These actions will result in meaningful movement toward Canada's climate goals while driving innovation, investment and job creation. Supporting this transition and supporting our growth also requires robust infrastructure. That is why budget 2025 would invest $280 billion over five years to build modern, sustainable, safe and resilient infrastructure. These investments include $51 billion specifically for community infrastructure. This means safer roads, modernized bridges and more efficient and climate-resilient buildings.”
“As announced by Minister Dabrusin at COP30, Canada wants to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 45% to 50% by 2035. This is not just an environmental target, it is a plan for economic and ecological resilience. The goal is to attract more clean investment, to become a competitive country in a global economy where green innovation is becoming indispensable and to protect the health, safety and well-being of our communities. Budget 2025 gives us the tools to achieve this goal by strengthening industrial carbon pricing, a powerful driver of greenhouse gas emissions reductions and investment in clean innovation. It is a win for competitiveness, a win for the economy, a win for the climate and a win for Canada.”
“Budget 2025 allows us to take control of our economy, our sovereignty and our future, and to become our own best customer here at home. However, building a modern economy also requires bold action on another fundamental pillar: climate action. Budget 2025 makes it clear that economic prosperity and climate action go hand in hand. Not only are they not mutually exclusive, but they also reinforce each other. (1625) Our long-term economic health depends on the health of our environment. Our jobs depend on the quality of our resources. Our security depends on climate stability. Our well-being depends on nature, air, water, forests and ecosystems. That is why the 2025 budget places a strong emphasis on climate transition, while supporting economic growth.”
“With annual funding of $60 million, the program supports projects that reduce isolation, strengthen social participation and protect the dignity of seniors. In Honoré-Mercier, I have had the opportunity to support a number of groups that work every day with seniors to keep them active, including the group Aîné-es J'écoute en actions in Rivière‑des‑Prairies and the group Cercle des fermières Anjou. For this progress to last, we need a strong economy that can create lasting prosperity in a world marked by uncertainty. With this budget, Canada is on track to attract nearly $500 billion in responsible investment over the next five years. These investments will create good jobs, make us more competitive and ensure sustainable growth.”
“This year alone, in Honoré-Mercier, the Canada summer jobs program created 177 jobs. More than $800,000 was invested in the communities of Anjou and Rivière‑des‑Prairies. In addition, 31 local organizations received support, including Équipe RDP, CHORRA, Camp YOPI and the organization Association québécoise de la défense des droits des personnes retraitées et préretraitées, among many others. When we talk about the future, we also need to talk about the Canadians who built this country, who passed on our values, and who continue to uphold the spirit of citizenship. I am talking about our seniors. Budget 2025 recognizes them and has committed the necessary resources and investments to support them. One concrete example is the New Horizons for Seniors program.”
“I am also thinking of the sports and aquatic centre in Montreal North, in Bourassa, a facility that will directly benefit families in the area. This centre will provide a place where residents and our young people can challenge themselves, get in shape, discover their passions, feel safe, and forge strong bonds. This centre will definitely be used by people in Rivière‑des‑Prairies and Anjou. This is exactly the type of project that federal investments, like the ones in budget 2025, make possible. These facilities will improve daily life, create a sense of belonging, and strengthen social cohesion. I am saying this as a member of Parliament, but also as a father of two young daughters. When we talk about the future, it is critical that we talk specifically about our young people and the opportunities they should be able to have.”
“I would like to begin by discussing what I consider the essence of my involvement in politics, which I believe holds true for all members of the House: Canadians, the families in my riding of Honoré-Mercier, young people, workers, parents, and seniors in Anjou, Rivière‑des‑Prairies and across the country. I would like to highlight some concrete initiatives, such as L'Artère de l'Est, a new transitional housing service for vulnerable youth in Montreal East, which I had the pleasure of visiting last week in Pointe‑de‑l'Île for the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure . This project was made possible in part because of a federal investment of $1.3 million. It offers young people 16 to 23 a safe place, personalized support and practical tools to regain stability, independence, and above all, hope.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is a huge honour to rise today to discuss budget 2025, which was passed on Monday and Tuesday by a majority of members in the House. It is a budget that will profoundly shape the country we are building for our kids and grandkids. It offers a practical plan for a better future, a healthy, prosperous and strong future, where we are masters of our own destiny in an uncertain and evolving world. We cannot control what happens in the rest of the world. However, we can control how we prepare our country for the future: the strength of our economy, the safety of our communities, the resilience of our infrastructure and the ability of our families to prosper. Budget 2025 does just that.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleagues are very excited to hear me today. Budget 2025 is full of great initiatives that will empower Canadians across the country to get ahead financially. Increasing competition is one way to achieve affordability, and in budget 2025, there are several pro-affordability measures related to making the financial sector more competitive. Could the Secretary of State for CRA and Financial Institutions inform the House about how the government is making life more affordable for Canadians by reforming the financial sector?”
“Mr. Speaker, residents in my riding have expressed concerns about the cost of living. Budget 2025 is full of great initiatives that will empower them and Canadians across the country— Some hon. members: Oh, oh!”
“Mr. Speaker, when I was in high school in northern Ontario, the breakfast program at school was often a great help to me. This is not easy to talk about, but this program helped me do really well at school. These are life-changing programs. They are not garbage, as the opposition calls them. Can the secretary of state tell us how many children have already benefited from Canada's national school food program?”
“Mr. Speaker, too many people face barriers when trying to access sexual and reproductive health services. Whether that is due to lack of knowledge, discrimination or geographic isolation, more effort is needed to develop additional resources, raise awareness and provide logistical support. Can the Minister of Health tell us what the government is doing to improve the availability and accessibility of sexual and reproductive health services and information?”
“Mr. Speaker, today is national energy efficiency day. Energy efficiency saves Canadians money, cuts pollution and creates jobs. The sector employs nearly a half a million Canadians and has the potential to create a lot more. Energy efficiency circulates money back into all of our communities and contributes positively in all of our ridings. As we strive to be the world's top energy superpower, Canada must invest massively in energy-efficient projects to strengthen our economy. Whether through accelerating the use of heat pumps, insulation, LED lights or smart thermostats, energy efficiency is the key to a greener, healthier, prosperous Canada. That is why energy efficiency deserves to be treated as a priority, not just today, but every day. I urge all members to officially recognize October 1 as national energy efficiency day.”
“Mr. Speaker, I hope you and all of my colleagues had a good summer. I want to welcome everyone back to the House. [ English ] I rise today to recognize International Day of Democracy. Democracies around the world are facing strong headwinds. Misinformation, disinformation, foreign interference, growing polarization, political violence, declining trust in institutions, hyperpartisanship and the increased inequalities are rising significantly. On this International Day of Democracy, I urge us all to remember why Canada is the best nation. I urge that we strengthen our democratic institutions through honest dialogue, participation, transparency and trust. Together, to ensure a peaceful and inclusive future for generations to come, we should all work to build a stronger democracy.”
“Mr. Speaker, Saturday, June 21, is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day in which Canadians celebrate the cultures, unique histories and traditions of the indigenous peoples of Canada. Can the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations share more on the importance of National Indigenous Peoples Day?”
“Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to highlight two examples of our country's cultural wealth. First, we started this month with Festa della Repubblica , the Italian National Day and Republic Day. I know that many of my constituents celebrated on June 2, and I want to thank them for their active participation in the communities of Rivière-des-Prairies and Anjou. They have been integral to making our society more dynamic. Happy Italian Heritage Month. [ Translation ] Second, I would like to mention Quebec's upcoming national holiday. On June 24, our community will mark Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day by organizing all kinds of activities to celebrate Quebec culture and the French language. Let us come together and take pride in our cultural diversity. Long live Honoré-Mercier, long live Quebec, and long live Canada.”
“Madam Speaker, as I rise to give my first member's statement in the House, I want to thank the people of Honoré‑Mercier for putting their trust in me. I am here thanks to them and thanks to a team of volunteers, friends and colleagues who believed in the vision of a stronger, fairer and more united Canada. [ English ] I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my wife and my two young daughters for joining me in this journey. Serving as a member of Parliament is an absolute privilege, but it comes with sacrifices, especially for those closest to us. On that note, I also wish to reach out to all members in the House and thank them for their service. I would like to thank their families for supporting them. I invite everyone to applaud if they feel thankful for their families playing a vital role in our democratic process.”
“Mr. Chair, how does internal trade between provinces help strengthen Canada's economy and create more opportunity for Canadians? In a country as geographically vast and economically diverse as Canada, the ability for goods, services and labour to move freely across provincial and territorial borders is critical to national prosperity. What are some of the key ways that reducing trade barriers between provinces can lead to increased productivity, support small and medium-sized businesses and create new job opportunities in both urban and rural areas? What role can government play at both federal and provincial levels to facilitate smoother interprovincial trade and ensure that all Canadians, regardless of where they live, benefit from a truly unified national economy?”
“Further, with better air transportation support for not only day-to-day travel but also long-term social and economic development in these regions, are there any particular strategies or investments the government is considering to enhance the reliability, affordability and accessibility of air travel for people living in remote and northern parts of the country?”
“Mr. Chair, air transportation plays a vital role in connecting remote and northern communities with the rest of Canada, often serving as a primary link for residents to access essential services, goods, health care, education and economic opportunities. Given the unique challenges these communities face due to geography, weather and limited infrastructure, what are some of the specific ways that improving and expanding air transportation services can help strengthen these connections?”
“Mr. Chair, airports play a crucial role in connecting communities, supporting economic growth and facilitating both domestic and international travel. Many of Canada's airports, however, are facing challenges related to aging infrastructure that could impact their efficiency, safety and ability to accommodate increasing passenger volumes in the years ahead. Given the vital importance of these transportation hubs to our economy and daily lives, can the government confirm its commitment to investing in modernization and expansion of airports across the country? Additionally, how does the government plan to prioritize funding for these aging infrastructures to ensure that they meet future demands, while supporting regional development, job creation and sustainable growth?”
“The plan also supports research and innovation to ensure that Canadian waters remain safe and clean for generations to come. These are a few examples of investments that demonstrate how we are building a safer, more secure, more efficient and more sustainable transportation network. Our government knows that it is important for people and goods to be able to move safely and easily, while reducing our environmental footprint. I look forward to working with members of the House to see our vision and to build a strong Canadian economy.”
“The main estimates support this vision through funding for the green shipping corridor program, an initiative enabling the transition to cleaner, low-emission marine transportation. This includes investments in greener vessels, shore power systems and quieter, environmentally friendly port technologies. By driving down marine emissions, Canada is opening new doors for innovators, safeguarding our environment and advancing sustainable shipping solutions. Today is actually World Environment Day, and we are leading on action to protect the environment. The oceans protection plan programs are also taken into consideration in the main estimates. They continue to improve marine emergency prevention, protect coastal ecosystems and also promote partnerships with first nations and coastal communities.”
“I would also like to acknowledge Via Rail, a Crown corporation integral to the efficiency of our transportation network. This year's estimates include an increase in funding for Via Rail, supporting both operational costs and the renewal of long-distance, regional and remote fleets. Furthermore, Via HFR–Via TGF Inc., the subsidiary advancing the transformational high-speed rail project now known as Alto, will be receiving increased funding to move forward with the next project phase. These investments signal our dedication to a modern, interconnected Canada both now and in the future. Importantly, these investments will also help build a more sustainable transportation system, which is another key priority of Transport Canada. Our vision for transportation is not just safer and more efficient but also greener.”
“We have heard our Prime Minister emphasize our commitment to nation building and to projects to further support our country's growth. If we turn to the estimates, we will see that our commitments are reflected in transfer payments, such as the national trade corridors fund. The NTCF provides funding for projects that address transportation bottlenecks, improve the fluidity and resilience of supply chains and support trade diversification. By investing in ports, railways, highways, airports, and border infrastructure, the NTCF helps ensure that goods move efficiently across the country and to international markets. (2025) These priorities are also aligned with the work of the national supply chain office, whose ongoing efforts to strengthen and oversee Canada's supply chains are directly supported in the estimates.”
“Approximately 528 billion dollars' worth of goods and services were traded internally, accounting for about 18.8% of Canada's gross domestic product. This step is vital to unleashing the country's full economic potential. To achieve this goal, we must have resilient supply chains that allow for the reliable delivery of goods to people, where and when they need them. Our government remains focused on initiatives that ensure the seamless, consistent movement of people and goods. These efforts help keep life more affordable. They also strengthen Canadian businesses and reduce vulnerabilities in our trade corridors. Economists estimate that removing internal trade barriers could boost Canada's GDP by approximately $200 billion, about $4,800 per person, highlighting the substantial untapped economic potential.”
“Supporting the aviation sector has been crucial to movement of both people and cargo. I think also of the road safety transfer payment program, which supports initiatives that reduce road-related collisions, injuries and fatalities. Programs such as these are essential in enhancing protective measures across our transportation network, and we will see them reflected under several other initiatives in the estimates. The efficiency of our transportation network is just as important for Canada's prosperity. Today more than ever, it is vital to make strategic investments in infrastructure and supply chains to support a strong and competitive economy, and for Canada to have a more integrated and unified economy, we must reduce barriers to internal trade. That is why the Government of Canada is actively advancing internal free trade.”
“In 2024, Canadian railways transported approximately 377 million tonnes of freight, marking a slight increase of 0.5% from the previous year. This volume underscores the sector's pivotal role in domestic trade and economic activity. Previous years indicated operating revenues of $22 billion; this emphasizes the sector's essential role in supporting domestic trade and economic growth. I also think of the airports capital assistance program, which provides eligible airports with funding aimed at maintaining safety. When we consider both civil aviation and aerospace manufacturing, the aerospace sector's total contribution to Canada's GDP is estimated at approximately $36 billion, or about 1.6% of national GDP. This figure underscores the sector's vital role in Canada's economic framework.”
“In my province, the continued funding of the Lac-Mégantic rail bypass project shows that we are determined to divert rail traffic away from the centre of this community, prioritizing the residents' safety and peace of mind. Safety is further supported by numerous Transport Canada programs. One example is the rail safety improvement program. It funds projects that enhance rail safety through infrastructure upgrades, research, new infrastructure and measures to address climate change and extreme weather impacts along rail lines. Rail has played a significant role in our country's history and in our economy. As of 2024, Canada's rail freight sector continues to be a cornerstone of the national economy, facilitating the movement of goods across the country.”
“Mr. Chair, I will be speaking for about 10 minutes and addressing questions to the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade for five minutes. Our government is deeply committed to building a transportation system that is not only safe, secure and efficient but also sustainable, innovative, and one that strengthens a connected and resilient Canadian economy. These priorities are reflected throughout Transport Canada's main estimates for the 2025-26 fiscal year. I would like to highlight a few key examples. First and foremost, the safety and security of Canadians remains at the core of our government and has been reflected in Transport Canada's mandate. This priority is evident in many initiatives, including the main estimates. I will speak to a few.”