Jacques Ramsay
La Prairie—Atateken, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I was heartbroken to learn about Toronto Police Constable Marc Pinizzotto, who was killed in the line of duty yesterday. My heart is with his family and loved ones. With an 18-year stellar record, Marc was known as someone who was courageous and respected, and a man who put others before himself.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Constable Pinizzotto, as well as officers of the Toronto Police Service. Constable Pinizzotto was killed while participating in an investigation relating to multiple shootings in Toronto, including the shooting of the U.S. consulate.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for his question. The government has taken all necessary measures. We are taking this situation very seriously. We have reviewed 18,000 Iranian visas. All men of military age have been screened and scrutinized.”
“Mr. Speaker, the government is aware of the challenges facing SMEs, particularly the issue of hiring well-trained employees. With the team Canada strong initiative, we want to address these challenges by offering grants to apprentices in Red Seal skilled trades and to the SMEs that hire them.”
“Mr. Speaker, I found it interesting that the hon. member raised that subject, since the government, within one year, has done more than any government before it: Bill C-8 on cyberthreat, Bill C-9 on heinous crimes, Bill C-12 on border security, Bill C-14 on bail reform and more severe sentences, Bill C-16 on protecting victims and acceler…”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the House that the government has made massive investments to strengthen the services provided by the RCMP and the CBSA. We are taking action to crack down on gang-related violence and hate crimes. Bill C-14 will soon come into force to reform—”
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“Mr. Speaker, I was heartbroken to learn about Toronto Police Constable Marc Pinizzotto, who was killed in the line of duty yesterday. My heart is with his family and loved ones. With an 18-year stellar record, Marc was known as someone who was courageous and respected, and a man who put others before himself. His death comes only days after OPP Constable Tarun Bali was also killed in the line of duty. Mr. Bali was known as someone who just wanted to help others. To all our frontline officers, we thank for them work they do each and every day to keep all Canadians safe. We appreciate their service.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Constable Pinizzotto, as well as officers of the Toronto Police Service. Constable Pinizzotto was killed while participating in an investigation relating to multiple shootings in Toronto, including the shooting of the U.S. consulate. Updates will be provided as more information is available. We will know more in the next day as the investigation progresses. We will make this information—”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for his question. The government has taken all necessary measures. We are taking this situation very seriously. We have reviewed 18,000 Iranian visas. All men of military age have been screened and scrutinized. We subsequently carried out 280 investigations and concluded that 30 Iranian residents may have to return to their country.”
“I wish Le Duo Choc bakery every success, as it will be proudly representing Canada at the Mondial du Pain championship to be held next year in France.”
“Mr. Speaker, the government is aware of the challenges facing SMEs, particularly the issue of hiring well-trained employees. With the team Canada strong initiative, we want to address these challenges by offering grants to apprentices in Red Seal skilled trades and to the SMEs that hire them. That could include the bakery Le Duo Choc in Candiac, owned by two dynamic individuals, Katryne Deguire and Florent Lehmann, where apprentices would learn from the best, and for good reason. Florent and his employee, Félix Jeandot, were recently recognized at the Bakery Cup of Canada, winning the categories of best croissant and best baguette. Félix also won the award for outstanding assistant. I want to congratulate these two artisans.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the House that the government has made massive investments to strengthen the services provided by the RCMP and the CBSA. We are taking action to crack down on gang-related violence and hate crimes. Bill C-14 will soon come into force to reform—”
“Mr. Speaker, I found it interesting that the hon. member raised that subject, since the government, within one year, has done more than any government before it: Bill C-8 on cyberthreat, Bill C-9 on heinous crimes, Bill C-12 on border security, Bill C-14 on bail reform and more severe sentences, Bill C-16 on protecting victims and accelerating justice, and now Bill C-22 on legal access. I hope that this time the Conservatives will vote with us.”
“Mr. Speaker, training the workforce of tomorrow is the cornerstone of this government's economic development. It is fundamental, essential. We have projects, resources and a well-trained workforce. We have to be able to promise those workers jobs. That begins with this training, which takes place not only in the classroom but also on the job, in the actual workplace.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am not sure that I properly understood the question. I understand that it had to do with buying local. I think the government has made its intentions clear on that subject. It took a tremendous amount of work to validate that. It was highly complex. The government buys a lot. There are a lot of contracts. However, our intention is very clear. We intend to deliver something that will stimulate our local industry and Canadian industry, not only in terms of materials, but also in terms of hours worked here, domestically. I also believe that provisions covering this should be included in the contracts. That is my position. I hope that my government will support it.”
“Mr. Speaker, in response to my colleague, I would say that, on the contrary, our government is currently doing a great deal to develop the economy of the western provinces, and I would refer him to the statements made by Danielle Smith, who has welcomed the projects we are launching with Alberta. That said, there is no conflict here. I think that Canada, as a responsible country, must be concerned about the environment, certainly more than some of the countries my colleague mentioned. I believe we can do better than some of the countries he mentioned. There is no contradiction between building a strong economy and doing so efficiently and in an environmentally friendly way. I believe Canadians understand this and support the plan we are proposing.”
“Canada is on track for long-term prosperity, according to estimates from the International Monetary Fund, which ranks Canada second among G7 nations this year in terms of projected growth. We are investing in what matters, and we are doing so responsibly. As the member for La Prairie—Atateken, I want to tell my constituents that this economic update demonstrates that the government is working for them with lower taxes, greater affordability, more help with groceries, more accessible housing, jobs for our young people and a clear vision for Canada's economic future, a future that is diverse and focused on buying local. That is what we are delivering. La Prairie—Atateken is growing, and the government will be there to support its development.”
“Mr. Speaker, consider the Saint-Hubert metropolitan airport, which was inaugurated this week by the Minister of Transport and will soon welcome four million travellers a year, with major implications for the tourism industry, to name just one. Canada is buzzing with excitement. That is why the country has attracted more than $100 billion in foreign investment over the past year, a level not seen in nearly two decades. It also explains why we have established some 20 new economic and defence partnerships across four continents. Canada has also increased its exports to markets outside the United States by $33 billion this year. That means jobs are being created here in Canada, including on the south shore. Some might say we are spending too much, but let us hear what the experts have to say.”
“The Major Projects Office will oversee 21 initiatives of national interest that will interconnect, diversify and power our economy. These initiatives will support the creation of 60,000 jobs during construction and generate over $125 billion in new investments. These infrastructure, road, trade corridor and energy projects will have a direct impact on our region, at the centre of Quebec's economic corridor. Consider, for example, Canada's defence industrial strategy and the proximity of the Saint-Jean military base. Consider, for example, the expansion of the Port of Montreal at Contrecoeur, which is expected to generate $140 million in spinoffs every year, including in my riding. Finally, consider the Saint-Hubert metropolitan airport, launched this week by Minister MacKinnon, which will soon welcome four million travellers a year—”
“For a couple where both partners work, that is nearly $270 more in their pockets each year. Parents hope that their children will be able to build a stable career on the south shore. For our young people who are about to enter the job market and who are being hit hard by current unemployment rates, the government is launching a national initiative aimed at recruiting, training and hiring between 80,000 and 100,000 new skilled trades workers by 2030-31. These are more than 50 in-demand trades with solid wages, such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters and welders. Now there is a national program to access these trades, and it is going to be funded to the tune of $2 billion over five years. The spring economic update also offers a long-term vision for Canada's economy, and our region will benefit from it directly.”
“Over the past year, there has been a significant increase in the supply of affordable housing in my region. Given that young families are looking to settle down and that property prices have skyrocketed in recent years, these measures are a lifeline that will help our children find housing close to home, not three hours away. (1740) Our constituency is made up of working people—people who build houses, work in factories and keep the south shore economy going. This economic update recognizes them. For example, I would like to mention the reduced CPP contribution rate, which will fall from 9.9% to 9.5% on January 1. This represents an annual saving of about $133 for an employee earning $70,000 a year, and equivalent savings for the employer. This is no small matter.”
“Significant budgets are allocated for this purpose through Build Canada Homes, because a strong government is one that leaves no one behind. I said this during the election campaign, and I will say it again: Housing is a key priority for the government, particularly for La Prairie—Atateken. This economic update clearly demonstrates that. One of the things the government is doing is reducing development charges. The government is also providing GST relief for first-time homebuyers, as well as simplifying rules and modernizing building codes to facilitate the construction of prefabricated and modular housing. In fact, $7 billion in low-cost financing is being fast-tracked to CMHC so builders can get projects built sooner and get more rental units to market faster.”
“The government is now capping overdraft fees at $10, thereby strengthening consumer protection. It is these small, cumulative measures that make a real difference in a tight family budget. We have also simplified the application process for the disability tax credit for people with certain long-term medical conditions. For families who have been battling bureaucracy for years, this simplification is a tangible victory. I used to be a family doctor, so I can attest to this. The government is also extending assistance to people experiencing homelessness and working to ensure that victims of gender-based violence have access to safe housing. Of course, as is the case across the country, there is a shortage of public housing and transitional housing, but we are committed to supporting projects that address this need.”
“Let me begin by addressing something that has an immediate bearing on the day-to-day finances of my constituents. The Canada groceries and essentials benefit will support more than 30,000 residents of La Prairie—Atateken so they can buy groceries and essential goods. Payments will go out starting June 5. This support will go directly into the bank accounts of many of my constituents. It is not a promise. It is a cheque. We also made the national school food program permanent. This means that, year after year, Quebec will now receive its share to ensure that our schools can feed our children. Full bellies help children learn better. My colleague says that Quebec is handling that, but the federal government is also providing funds. Another measure has to do with bank fees.”
“However, what I can say is that, while other countries are retreating as they wait for better days to return, Canada is acting with conviction and resolve, without hesitation. The spring economic update confirms Canada's fiscal strength, while investing in Canadians where it truly matters. The results speak for themselves. With an $11.5‑billion reduction in the projected deficit, our fiscal position is much stronger than expected. We are managing things well—all spending items have been reviewed—we are spending wisely, and we are focusing on long-term prosperity. Let us recall that, by 2028-29, the deficit will consist only of capital investment. The operating deficit, meanwhile, will have been eliminated. That is what is known as long-term vision.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is always an honour to rise in the House on behalf of my constituents in La Prairie, Candiac, Sainte‑Catherine, Saint‑Constant, Delson, Saint‑Philippe, Saint‑Mathieu and Kahnawake. This is especially true today as I rise to illustrate what the spring economic update means in concrete terms for the families of La Prairie—Atateken, for our jobs, and for the future of our community. Let me be blunt: This government is working for the people of La Prairie—Atateken, and the measures announced in the recent economic statement are proof of that. The world has changed. Trade tensions with our neighbour, geopolitical turmoil such as the war in Iran, and disruptions in supply chains are creating real uncertainty. For the past year, we have been navigating an increasingly fragmented, rapidly changing world.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would first like to congratulate my colleague on this excellent bill. I know he has worked very hard, consulted several experts and sought a range of opinions. It really is a remarkable piece of work. Some people fear that pharmaceutical companies might use the special access programs to circumvent the usual authorization procedures. Does the member have a view on this matter?”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to take this occasion to thank the members of the public safety committee for the important work they are currently doing. The bill is an essential piece of our government plan to ensure that communities are safe. The bill is all about victims. By making sure that law enforcement has the tools it needs to combat crime, it intends to make sure we catch the bad guys before they make more victims. It is time that law enforcement had an updated Canadian solution to counter all criminals, most of all the ones who exploit children.”
“One day, a young person, like the students from École Jean XXIII, will sit in my seat and take up the torch so that Canada remains a fair and inclusive country.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I want to welcome to Parliament the grade six students from the École Jean XXIII in La Prairie. I have seen their eyes light up. They are curious. They want to learn. They are interested in democracy and want to contribute to making Canada a sovereign country. We chatted about the work we do here in Parliament, about the bills that have had or will have positive effects on their lives. We talked about programs like the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, through which families will receive $1,900 this year. We also talked about the national school food program, which ensures that children have a full belly so they can learn, and the support for skilled trades programs, which will help them find a good job when they are older. Let us have faith in the future.”
“Mr. Speaker, under the provisions of Standing Order 32(2), and in accordance with the policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaty entitled “Treaty Between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons and on Cooperation in the Enforcement of Penal Sentences”, done at Manila on May 22, 2003.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for the excellent work she does to ensure that the government is aware of the public safety issues in her riding. It was a true pleasure to see my colleagues from all parties at the parliamentary reception of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police where we had a chance to discuss Bill C‑22 . It is high time that we equipped our law enforcement agencies with the modern tools they need to effectively fight serious crime, including extortion, child sexual exploitation and money laundering. Law enforcement officials clearly informed us that what they needed—”
“Mr. Speaker, in committee, we heard witnesses say that they have been wanting this measure for more than 20 years. This is not new. It is something that is constantly evolving. We have also heard law enforcement officials tell us, time and again, that they are unable to conduct their investigations effectively, that there are delays and that more crimes are being committed. It is in this context that we have put forward this proposal. The hon. member across the way mentioned that some people wanted a specific bill. As far as I am concerned, what matters is that we have—”
“Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, in an ideal world, the agency would have all the resources it needs. However, it has had to comply with the rules being applied across the entire government, particularly with regard to budget cuts. That said, this analysis was conducted with a view to ensuring that the agency can continue to fulfill its mandate, and we are confident that it will be able to carry it out as required.”
“Mr. Speaker, in an ideal world, of course, the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency would have all the resources it needs. You know as well as I do, sir, that this is not the case. The government has—”
“Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague is referring to part I of the bill, which clearly outlines the information that may be requested. Bill C-22 does not expand existing powers. In fact, it narrows the scope within which investigators can seek information. What the bill does, however, is speed up the process so that this information can be obtained within the prescribed time frames, allowing investigations to move forward quickly.”
“In addition, if the order is approved by the intelligence commissioner, the electronic service provider in question still has the option of challenging the order before a judge. We have done our homework. We are talking about protecting the public and our country from bad actors in the digital world as we already do in the physical world, while protecting the privacy of Canadians and the rights enshrined in the charter. Criminals are constantly adapting to new technologies and finding new ways to commit crimes. We must ensure that our law enforcement and intelligence agencies can adapt as well. Our government is committed to doing everything it can to prevent criminals from threatening the security of Canadians.”
“Under this bill, a supplier could be required to develop and maintain technical capabilities in two ways: based on specific requirements for major suppliers or, in other cases, pursuant to a ministerial order based on operational needs as new technologies emerge. Instead of requiring entire industries, including small businesses, to develop the same capabilities, the proposed framework takes a more targeted approach by providing for the necessary capability development through ministerial orders based on strict criteria. Let me be clear. As an additional safeguard and external oversight mechanism, the bill requires the Minister of Public Safety to first consult with the relevant provider and then obtain approval from the intelligence commissioner before an order becomes valid.”
“The production of such transmission data has already been approved by the courts, with a valid search warrant. (1545) Imagine that a missing teenage girl, 16 years old, makes an emergency call 10 days after her disappearance. Although the telecommunications service provider is able to confirm the call and the antenna used, it cannot precisely identify the last known location of the phone before it was disconnected, because it is not required to have that capability. Bill C‑22 will correct this situation by requiring that these suppliers, considered essential suppliers, maintain consistent and reliable technical capabilities nationwide. Let me remind the House that these capabilities are already the norm in Europe and in Five Eyes countries.”
“Bill C‑22 , especially part 2, entitled “Supporting Authorized Access to Information Act”, will correct these problems and establish a modern framework for lawful technical access while continuing to safeguard the privacy of Canadians. It is important to note that part 2 of Bill C-22 does not create any new surveillance powers, either for law enforcement agencies or for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. There will be no surveillance of social media content, web browsing history or text message content. I would like to correct the record on something my colleague, the member for Rivière-du-Nord , said this morning. He claimed that this would be the case, but that is not accurate. This is only about the metadata transmitted by electronic service providers.”
“As things stand, even with the proper authority, if electronic service providers are unable to quickly extract the metadata needed, investigations can run into significant delays. Arrests that take several weeks result in a much larger number of victims than arrests made within days of the initial offence. The same applies to cybercrime, sextortion or Internet fraud cases. Being able to conduct investigations quickly can make a huge difference. Apart from its impact on our ability to conduct investigations, this situation also prevents us from fully participating in security-related international co-operation activities and thereby benefiting from our partners' information and support at a time when transnational gangs and terrorists are especially active.”
“This means that even if a provider has the requested information in its systems, it does not necessarily have the ability to retrieve that information and provide it to law enforcement agencies with a valid warrant, because it is not required to do so. Without a modernized framework, law enforcement wastes valuable time and potential leads and misses out on crucial information. This can even lead to investigations being abandoned, particularly since the Jordan decision. Above all, these delays result in an increase in the number of crimes and victims. That is important, and it is worth reiterating. Take, for example, the wave of extortion cases observed in British Columbia and Ontario. The same individuals, likely affiliated with organized crime, are behind multiple attacks.”
“It is also an open secret that our laws on lawful access have not kept pace with advances in modern technology. Canada is the only G7 and Five Eyes country that does not have a modern lawful access regime requiring electronic service providers to establish ways to ensure authorized and timely access to information. That is where the paradox lies. Currently, law enforcement agencies and CSIS already have the legal authority to obtain information from electronic service providers. However, there is no law requiring these providers to maintain a system that enables them to respond effectively to lawful access requests.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Eglinton—Lawrence . I appreciate the opportunity to speak to Bill C-22 . Since my time is limited, I will focus on part 2 of the bill, which deals with the technical capabilities of electronic service providers, while part 1 deals with the legal framework for obtaining information. It is widely accepted that most crimes committed today leave a digital footprint. No matter what crime is committed, there is almost always a trace that enables investigators to track the perpetrator and understand how it was done. In the case of organized crime, the digital footprint helps shed light on its ramifications. These criminals and individuals who pose a threat to Canada's security exploit the digital environment to carry out a wide range of malicious activities.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, for a very thorough analysis. I salute the depth of his analysis. As a retired policeman and investigator, he obviously knows this subject well. I am especially pleased with his endorsement of lawful access. I noticed that he retired after the Spencer decision by the Supreme Court in 2014. Bill C-2 is directly in response to the Bykovets and Spencer decisions. I wonder if the member would care to elaborate on why his party's stance went from opposing lawful access in Bill C-2 to now recommending it in Bill C-22 .”
“Mr. Speaker, this bill ensures that, going forward, our telecommunications infrastructure and other critical sectors, such as energy and finance, will be required to work together to incorporate national security into their objectives. This bill will help critical infrastructure operators better prepare for, prevent and respond to cyber-incidents. Does my colleague share that view?”
“As for the distribution of asylum seekers, there are some things the government can do, but at a certain point, it becomes artificial. At a certain point, employment becomes the main motivator. I would like my colleague to talk about that issue. What can we do to encourage asylum seekers to settle outside the cities—”
“Mr. Speaker, I applaud my colleague from Gaspésie—Les Îles‑de‑la‑Madeleine—Listuguj for his open-mindedness. He mentioned at the outset that there are currently 300,000 asylum claims. In light of that, it is easy to see why Bill C‑12 is so important. He rightly observed that he thought Bill C‑12 might help clear up this huge backlog. As for the integrity of the process, I agree with his comments. However, I want to remind him that the government has earmarked $1 billion to develop the CBSA. We are now increasing the number of officers responsible for deporting people without a valid reason to be in Canada to 500. In 2025, we increased the number of deportations to 22,000. That has been steadily increasing for the past four years.”
“Mr. Speaker, with all due respect to my hon. colleague from Calgary Nose Hill, this is a typical anti-immigration rant from the Conservative Party. What is this argument based on? Essentially, it is based on the ruling in Quebec (Attorney General) v. Kanyinda, a decision that is not fundamentally about immigration. It is a decision that upholds gender equality and the protection of the most vulnerable. My colleague may see it differently and that is her prerogative, but this decision is not primarily about immigration. Our colleague used the words “we are supreme”. Can we remind her that neither the Supreme Court nor the House of Commons is supreme? The Constitution of Canada is supreme. This decision is based on the Constitution. Is our hon. colleague for or against the Constitution of Canada?”
“Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to say that, quite recently, the Minister of Finance and National Revenue announced the creation of a new agency that will help to combat organized crime and money laundering. The agency will also investigate this type of fraud as part of its program to combat money laundering and financial crime.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would remind my colleague that Bill C-14 will impose harsher sentences on repeat offenders who commit crimes over and over again. However, I am quite willing to discuss with my colleague whether more can be done to tackle the specific crime of copper theft.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for her question. It is indeed a very important issue. The government is concerned about copper theft, as these structures are essential to ensure that people can communicate and that our telecommunications networks are secure. We are taking all necessary measures. We are in communication with the RCMP and the police, and we are conducting investigations to prevent this type of crime.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), and in accordance with the policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaty entitled “Agreement between Canada and Australia on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters”, done at Wellington on November 19, 2025.”
“The Riverains are now in the playoffs, and having seen how well they play, I can say that this is top-level hockey. I wish the Riverains the best of luck this evening at the Sportium arena in Sainte-Catherine.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Riverains, the M18 AAA hockey team at Collège Charles-Lemoyne in Sainte-Catherine has had another excellent season. They climbed to the top of their division in the Quebec M18 AAA hockey league. I was impressed not only by the players' talent but also by the discipline required by their sports education program. Players have to juggle a strict training schedule, a lot of homework and 42 games played across Quebec with school days upon their return. They are coping with this demanding pace, as evidenced today by their outstanding game play and academic excellence. The leaders behind their success include their general manager, David Crowdis, and their head coach, Olivier Latendresse, whose work and dedication inspire the whole team.”
“Their initiative and determination would make Baden‑Powell proud. I would like to give a scout salute to everyone participating in scouting week 2026, and I thank them for their outstanding commitment.”