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, we are doing everything we can to strengthen our approach to detecting fraud and other wrongdoing. Several potential cases of fraudulent billing have been detected. Let us be clear. That is unacceptable. We will suspend the security clearance of the subcontractors involved and turn the files over to the RCMP as soon as there is sufficient evidence to justify doing so, so that it can conduct a thorough and independent investigation. Recommendations may then be made to the Attorney General of Canada to initiate proceedings to recover the money.”
“Mr. Speaker, I may not have understood the question, but it seems the hon. member did not understand the answer either. We have forwarded all the information to the RCMP, and we have set up an office that will be responsible for verifying compliance and determining whether additional action should be taken. We cannot do more, because any further action would be political interference.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government has put in place tools that will help us take swift action from now on when there are signs of wrongdoing or non-compliance with contracts. That is what we are focused on, and we want to move forward. We believe that situations like this will never happen again because of the framework we have adopted.”
“Mr. Speaker, we live under the rule of law. The government provided the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with all the information in its possession so that the RCMP could determine whether there were grounds for legal action. That is fine, because we expect governments not to interfere in the management of wrongdoing. We have passed on the information to the RCMP, and should charges be laid, we will act in an exemplary manner to ensure that the individuals and companies concerned repay the money owed to the government.”
“Mr. Speaker, after seven years, GC Strategies will not automatically become an eligible supplier again. The registrar will carefully review the situation and, because they are an independent entity, they will have to do the work suggested by the hon. member for Drummond to see if there are any links to other individuals besides this company. It should be noted that, in the case of GC Strategies' suspension, this process is independent and completely free of political interference.”
“Mr. Speaker, the government did more than that. It created the office of supplier integrity and compliance, a body independent of politicians. It will do the job because we gave it the tools to do so, the tools our Minister of Government Transformation intends to give it. These digital tools will allow it to monitor contracts with suppliers.”
“Given the new guarantees and rigorous measures implemented to hold GC Strategies accountable and to prevent any further violations on the part of other suppliers, we can now look to the future and focus on the work ahead.”
“I think that all this illustrates the government's commitment to establishing and improving sound practices when it comes to contracts and learning. Our new government believes that all of the negligence and excess associated with GC Strategies and other suppliers are unacceptable. In the last Parliament, MPs and the Auditor General worked extensively to ensure that the contracts awarded to suppliers by the government are scrutinized, and that they continue to be scrutinized in the future. The government will demand accountability for any wrongdoing. It now has the means of doing so effectively, while ensuring that its public servants exercise the appropriate control measures. Canadians have the right to know that their hard-earned money is well managed.”
“To carry out its mandate, the agency is always looking to innovate and improve its tools so that legitimate travellers, goods and services can circulate freely at our country's borders, while ensuring the safety and security of Canadians and respecting their rights and freedoms. (1045) I will conclude my remarks on the subject by highlighting the work that Canada Border Services Agency employees do every day from coast to coast to coast. The agency has an important mandate, and its employees are well aware of it. Today more than ever, border security is a priority concern for Canadians, as it is for this government. This work is essential for protecting Canadians and contributing to our country's prosperity.”
“The agency's directors have already publicly indicated several times in committee and before the members of the House that they are taking the problem seriously and that they have implemented the necessary measures. In addition to the agency's efforts to improve their procurement practices and enhance monitoring, Public Services and Procurement Canada is also taking steps to enhance every aspect of the federal procurement system. We assure the House that we will use the results of the latest Auditor General's report to further improve how the Government of Canada does business with its suppliers.”
“The agency also recently established a new recourse, standards and program integrity branch, which will control management activities and implement a culture of excellence when it comes to program and service delivery, including in areas related to procurement activities. The idea is to enhance procurement procedures at the agency and enable it to proceed with confidence and diligence in the awarding of future contracts. Our government is intent on ensuring compliance with procurement procedures for goods and services. Offenders will be held appropriately accountable. The CBSA shares this conviction, and is in agreement with our actions.”
“From now on, agency employees with financial authority at the national level will be required to follow four compulsory courses on procurement contracts. Employees are also required to disclose all of their interactions with prospective suppliers. In addition, the agency has established a centre of expertise to help employees fully understand their powers and their obligations. The agency now has a purchasing and contracting branch with the power to centralize all procurement activities. Thus, as part of the annual planning, budget and approval process, the agency now requires all divisions and regions to prepare detailed multi-year budget plans for their procurement and contracting activities. These plans will be meticulously studied and approved by the agency's governance committee.”
“As for ArriveCAN, specific allegations of misconduct have been filed, and the Canada Border Services Agency has launched an investigation that is still under way. As my hon. colleague from Edmonton West mentioned, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was made aware of these allegations. However, the CBSA did not wait to complete its investigation before taking action. It has already taken measures to improve the management and control of its procurement processes. It implemented a procurement improvement plan to enhance its practices and make sure that all of its purchases comply with the Government of Canada's procurement rules, support the CBSA's mandate and bring value to Canadians. The improvement plan includes several important elements.”
“Our friends across the aisle had an opportunity to adopt these measures, since the same individuals received contracts between 2010 and 2015, but they did nothing. It is the Liberal Party of Canada that is implementing these measures. Moreover, as part of the procedures under way, the company could lose its ability to receive contracts from the Crown indefinitely if it is convicted by the courts of fraud against the Crown. In short GC Strategies will not get another penny of taxpayers money. When it comes to reimbursement, we will first have to get a court order. If our attorneys can provide that there was indeed fraud or overbilling, we will not hesitate to demand exemplary damages.”
“That would have already prevented the company from participating in all federal government contracts with security requirements. We have done even more. GC Strategies has been suspended; it can no longer be awarded any contracts for professional services or other types of contracts by Public Services and Procurement Canada. What is more, last week, the office of supplier integrity and compliance declared GC Strategies ineligible for Government of Canada contracts for the next seven years, from June 6, 2025, to June 6, 2032. This is a severe sanction, reflecting the fact the the government is not taking this lightly and that it is acting decisively. I can also say that, even at the end of its suspension, the company is in no way assured of being able to bid on contracts issued by the Government of Canada.”
“From now on, public servants will have to justify their needs and follow the strictest standards when they are seeking professional services to support the implementation of their programs. (1040) The Auditor General of Canada made no new recommendations this year. In other words, she thinks we are doing our job. I would also like to point out to members that the Government of Canada updated the ineligibility and suspension policy last year. To better respond to wrongdoing, the government recently created an office of supplier integrity and compliance, affirming its desire to do business only with companies that have the highest standards. With respect to GC Strategies specifically, Public Services and Procurement Canada suspended the company's security status in March 2024.”
“I am pleased to inform the House that seven out of the eight recommendations have been implemented: require more accurate financial records in order to correctly allocate expenses to projects; fully document interactions with suppliers and prohibit them from participating both in the drafting of the call for tenders and in the bidding process; require that all contracts and task authorizations comply with all applicable policies and guidelines; ensure that the required experience and qualifications are clearly defined from the outset; clarify requirements and work activities and ensure that deliverables are clearly defined. Our new government is determined to provide a better framework for federal procurement practices.”
“We totally agree with the Auditor General of Canada when she says that we do not need more rules; rather, we need to make sure that our public servants properly apply the ones already in place. That is why the monitoring framework surrounding contracting practices has been enhanced. We also need to make sure that we are working with suppliers with unimpeachable integrity. In 2024, the Auditor General of Canada made recommendations in the report on ArriveCAN. Since then, the government has done its homework.”
“Mr. Speaker, we agree that the observations contained in the report on the contract for professional services awarded to GC Strategies are unacceptable. I would like to thank the Auditor General of Canada and her team for their hard work. Based on audits and verifications conducted between 2023 and 2025, Public Services and Procurement Canada is changing and modernizing how it awards contracts for professional services where required. The objective is to adopt measures aimed at reducing market risks, set goals and define the tasks needed to make an informed decision with regard to a tailored solution when we call on private companies and, lastly, improve management practices when it comes to contracts already under way.”
“Madam Speaker, first of all, I have not heard of any project for a pipeline going through Quebec. I do not know where my colleague is getting that from. Second, I have no information to provide at this point, as there are no plans concerning any investments that the federal government could—”
“Madam Speaker, all the premiers who were at the meeting with our Prime Minister were delighted with the outcome. They drew up a list, and they will go through it in the coming days and weeks. The Prime Minister was clear about the fact that nothing was off the table. Projects will be judged on their merit based on possible investments, social licence and the returns they will generate.”
“Madam Speaker, the people of La Prairie—Atateken, like many others in Canada, were concerned about the economy. They stepped up when the Prime Minister asked them to build the strongest economy in the G7 with him. That is what we are doing. According to what I am hearing from La Prairie—Atateken, people are very satisfied with the speed at which our government is moving.”
“Madam Speaker, today during question period, it was clearly explained that we were dealing with two completely different programs: the one in Quebec, which is excellent by the way, and Canada's system, which met different criteria. That is the history of our federation. Sometimes, Quebec has benefited from certain measures, and other times, the other provinces have benefited from other measures.”
“On the other hand, this government is making sure nobody is left behind by protecting the buying power of Canadians. (1700) [ Translation ] Although we are facing many challenges, the intelligence, skills and enthusiasm of the people in La Prairie—Atateken give me a lot of hope for the future.”
“Since 2016, our government has been funding the Canada child benefit, the same benefit that was criticized by our Conservative colleagues. Depending on family income, that can mean up to $7,437 per year for each child under the age of six and up to $6,275 per year for each child between the ages of six and 17. The Liberal Party is reducing child poverty. [ English ] The strategy of this government has two prongs. On one hand, this government will foster investment and preserve jobs in spite of the unpredictable climate blowing from the south. To invest in infrastructure is a strategy that will benefit Canadian workers and families. The electors of La Prairie—Atateken have no problem understanding this because this is how their economy was built.”
“Even though the government has succeeded in bringing inflation below 2%, it is being proactive and showing leadership without waiting for the effects of tariffs to be felt. To do that, the government is lowering taxes for 22 million Canadians by up to $800 per household. That is on top of other measures that are already in place. For example, over the next five years, until 2031, $9.8 billion will be paid to Quebec to fund the child care program, which will enable many families to earn additional income. Needless to say, child care is crucial for single-parent families and, until recently, it has contributed to the financial empowerment of many women. There are also the 4.8 million Canadians aged 18 to 64, who recently joined the ranks of those who may be eligible for free dental care. Again, those are substantial savings.”
“Housing construction meets an urgent need while providing a major economic stimulus, both for the construction and modular home industry and for primary industries such as the lumber, aluminum and steel industries. This is a strategic move that will help create good, well-paying jobs while addressing the housing shortage and stabilizing prices. It will kill two birds with one stone. Incidentally, expanding the housing stock will also help get seasonal labour programs back on track. Without them, many economic sectors, including agricultural businesses in La Prairie, would struggle to function. Our government is serious about the economic health of Canadians who are already struggling.”
“In particular, I would like to mention the major project to build 500,000 homes a year, including several thousand in my riding, which will be launched quickly to help our economy recover. On the campaign trail, I heard time and again how hard it is to find housing, much less affordable housing. The housing shortage is driving up prices, and our young people are struggling to buy their first home. The government recognizes this problem and wants to take action. We need housing to house Canadians. The affordability bill will exempt first-time homebuyers from paying GST on new homes, saving them up to $50,000. This measure will definitely help get new affordable housing built using local materials such as lumber, aluminum and steel.”
“With the introduction of the recent tariffs, our country is once again facing an attack from our American neighbours, this time in the form of an economic war. (1655) Once again, the people of La Prairie—Atateken, along with the rest of the country, will stand strong and protect our sovereignty. We will protect our economic interests. We will protect our agriculture, our language, our culture, our schools and our health care system. Above all, we will protect our institutions, the rule of law and our democratic values, which are at the heart of our identity. The time has come once again to take decisive action. At a time when U.S. tariffs are posing a serious threat to our economy, we must act on several fronts, of course.”
“I am providing this historical background to show how, throughout its history, La Prairie—Atateken experienced spectacular growth whenever the authorities believed in its vitality and invested in its infrastructure. Today, when co-operation with the United States is under threat, what comes to mind is another, even older piece of infrastructure. In the 16th century, when the Jesuits were granted the seigneury of La Prairie and came to settle in the region, farmers quickly joined them. They did so because there was a mill where they could grind their grain, but above all because, very early on, a high palisade made of ash, cedar and pine stakes was erected to protect them from enemies, in this case an army of mercenaries from New England.”
“In 1860, the opening of the Victoria Bridge further to the east relocated the transit point to Longueuil and slowed my region's economic development, but the construction of the Honoré Mercier Bridge on Kahnawake territory in 1934 and of the Champlain Bridge in 1962 stimulated the local economy, bringing in a growing wave of new residents who could now get to work in Montreal quickly. In fact, the riding's population has increased fivefold since 1960, which is not without consequences today, as we will see later. This population explosion has nevertheless taken place while preserving a significant amount of agricultural land, giving our territory a mix of both urban and rural character, as a place where residents can always count on a nearby supply of farm products.”
“[ Translation ] In addition to Kahnawake, La Prairie—Atateken is a large riding comprising seven cities: Sainte-Catherine, Saint-Constant, Delson, Candiac, La Prairie, Saint-Philippe and Saint-Mathieu. Together, we embrace the principle of meaningful reconciliation with our indigenous neighbours that is rooted in a social and economic reality. The history of our riding is bound up with major projects that brought people together and shaped our sense of community. In the 19th century, the construction of the Lachine Canal, the use of steamboats between Montreal and its south shore, and the opening of the very first railway in Canada, which linked La Prairie and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, turned La Prairie into a prime hub for trade between Montreal and New England. Proximity strengthened those ties over the years.”
“I owe my victory to them, because it literally took the efforts of an entire team to have any hope of winning. Of all those volunteers, I will just single out one today. My son, Paul Ramsay-Vejlens, worked by my side for the 35 days of the campaign. It is a joy to raise our children, but it is no less a joy to be supported by them in turn. [ English ] La Prairie—Atateken is within unyielded first nation land. I recognize that the Kanien’kehà:ka nation is the steward of the lands and waters in our riding. First to settle this land, the Mohawks have made Kahnawake a vibrant place with a rich cultural legacy. Kahnawake is a proud community where the words resilience, perenniality and self-determination resonate loudly.”
“Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas . Since this is my first speech in the House, I would first like to acknowledge the voters of La Prairie—Atateken and thank them for putting their trust in me. I very humbly accept the role they have given me. I am committed to representing them to the best of my ability and to reporting on their concerns as accurately as I can here in the House of Commons. Although La Prairie—Atateken is a great place to live, there are still many challenges to ensuring that our communities develop harmoniously. I would like to take a few seconds to extend my warmest thanks to everyone who volunteered for my election campaign. Many of these friends and volunteers gave countless hours for the Liberal cause.”
“Mr. Speaker, although decriminalization might be put into question, even in the east of the country, where it does not exist, we see the same trends. The problem is a complex one and cannot simply be limited to decriminalization. Over the last 10 years, the government has spent over $1 billion in emergency treatment and in mental health funds, as well as in other initiatives. I look to the member to work more on progress and to try to see whether we can do more.”