Natilien Joseph
Longueuil—Saint-Hubert, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, yesterday evening in the House, a Conservative member said something extremely serious. He said that the noose was not a hate symbol.”
“Mr. Speaker, I listened to my colleague from the Bloc Québécois ask my colleague a question. To respond respectfully, I would like to ask my colleague a question that will help broaden the discussion a bit.”
“However, from now on, Canadian law will clearly state that using this symbol to intimidate or promote hatred is an offence. Confronting anti-Black hate means naming it. That is exactly what this amendment does. I would like to highlight the fact that this amendment comes from the Senate.”
“Black Canadians are overrepresented in our prisons. Reports from the Office of the Correctional Investigator have been documenting this for years. At the same time, they are also overrepresented among victims: victims of hate crimes, victims of intimidation, victims of acts meant to remind them that they will always be seen as different.”
“Synagogues are being targeted, mosques are being targeted, and people are being singled out because of their background, faith, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Black Canadians are consistently among the groups most affected. I am going to talk about these communities that are being targeted.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise to speak on behalf of the people of Longueuil—Saint‑Hubert. There are days in the House that are full of procedure and routine, and then there are days like this, where Parliament is doing exactly what it was created to do. These are the moments that give true meaning to the office we hold.”
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“Mr. Speaker, yesterday evening in the House, a Conservative member said something extremely serious. He said that the noose was not a hate symbol. I want to take this opportunity to ask all members of the Conservative Party, the Bloc Québécois, the NDP and the Green Party to join us in condemning this member's remarks in the strongest possible terms. The question I want to ask my colleague is this: Does he condemn this member's remarks?”
“Mr. Speaker, I listened to my colleague from the Bloc Québécois ask my colleague a question. To respond respectfully, I would like to ask my colleague a question that will help broaden the discussion a bit. Does my colleague agree that elected officials have a responsibility to speak out against hate when it comes from people who support their own side?”
“Mr. Speaker, I serve on the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. Sometimes I see what my Conservative colleagues are doing at committee. It is confusing. They say things that really undermine social cohesion. Sometimes, I feel like I am not even in Canada, because Canada is all about freedom of expression. My colleague from the Bloc Québécois just asked me whether I support freedom of religion. Personally, I support all forms of freedom, provided it respects everyone and does not offend anyone, and provided it does not undermine social cohesion.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. I would say no. I am committed to freedom, full stop. As for freedom of expression, as the saying goes, when one has nothing left to say, one should stop talking. What is more, it is really surprising that my Bloc Québécois colleague is asking me this question when his party recently proposed taking Quebec out of the multiculturalism framework, unless my colleague is at odds with his party.”
“Mr. Speaker, this is a surprising question coming from my colleague, a lawyer. Bill C‑9 is meant precisely to better protect Canadians from hate and intimidation, whether they are Black, Muslim, Jewish or members of any other community. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, to live in safety and, above all, to have peace and tranquility. That is the law.”
“For victims, no matter which community they belong to, the equation changes. Reporting will be worth it. No single law can resolve decades of inequality on its own, but this law does what it can. It acknowledges suffering that has long gone unnamed, and it tells Black Canadians and Haitian Canadians, as well as all communities affected by hate, that their government sees what they are going through and takes it seriously. (2335) There is no room in Canada for symbols that deliberately promote hate. Voting for this bill will be one of my proudest moments in this House. I urge all of my colleagues from every party to do the same.”
“However, from now on, Canadian law will clearly state that using this symbol to intimidate or promote hatred is an offence. Confronting anti-Black hate means naming it. That is exactly what this amendment does. I would like to highlight the fact that this amendment comes from the Senate. It was the senators who listened to their communities, who scrutinized this bill thoroughly and who saw that it could be improved. I thank them. This is our parliamentary system at its best: two chambers working together to produce better legislation. The stand-alone hate crime offence, the heart of the bill from the outset, completes this work. Hate takes forms that leave no visible mark: repeated threats, violence and intimidation. This offence gives the justice system the tools to prosecute these acts for what they are: criminal offences.”
“Black Canadians are overrepresented in our prisons. Reports from the Office of the Correctional Investigator have been documenting this for years. At the same time, they are also overrepresented among victims: victims of hate crimes, victims of intimidation, victims of acts meant to remind them that they will always be seen as different. Bill C‑9 tells this community and all communities targeted by hate that the law sees when they are targeted. The amendment regarding the noose is the clearest expression of all this. This symbol carries a history of terror that all Black families know without needing to be taught. When it appears on a construction site or in a locker room—and yes, that still happens—its message is instantly understood. Until now, a victim who reported such acts would find themselves thrown into a legal maze.”
“Synagogues are being targeted, mosques are being targeted, and people are being singled out because of their background, faith, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Black Canadians are consistently among the groups most affected. I am going to talk about these communities that are being targeted. Black communities have been part of the fabric of this country from the beginning. They have helped to build it, defend it, care for it and educate it. The Haitian community has had roots in Quebec for over 60 years. It has given us doctors and nurses who have kept our health care system afloat. It has given us teachers, entrepreneurs, artists and members of the House of Commons and Quebec National Assembly, and yet these very communities face a dual reality that Parliament must have the courage to acknowledge.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise to speak on behalf of the people of Longueuil—Saint‑Hubert. There are days in the House that are full of procedure and routine, and then there are days like this, where Parliament is doing exactly what it was created to do. These are the moments that give true meaning to the office we hold. My colleagues have explained the mechanics of Bill C‑9 . I will use my speaking time to address the reality that this bill recognizes. Let us start by stating the obvious: Hate is real in Canada. It exists today, in 2026, in our workplaces, our schools, our places of worship, and our neighbourhoods. Statistics Canada data confirms this year after year: Police-reported hate crimes have risen sharply.”
“They allow applicants to complete important administrative steps, including the collection of biometric data, while officers focus on assessing applications and making decisions. Privacy and security are at the heart of this work. Information collected for immigration purposes must be treated with care and in accordance with Canada's laws, policies and protections. The security continuum continues at the border. A visa or travel document does not guarantee entry into Canada. When an individual arrives at a port of entry, border services officers play an important role in assessing their admissibility and ensuring that they continue to meet the requirements to enter Canada. This means that, even if the screening is done before the trip, the system still has safeguards in place at the port of entry—”
“This funding helps maintain the continuity of biometric data collection services through a global network of visa application centres, or VACs. These third-party providers are mandated to provide administrative support to applicants, particularly with regard to the collection of biometric data, and to help deliver services in many parts of the world. Let me be clear. Visa application centres do not make decisions regarding applications. They do not provide advice on visas. Decisions remain in the hands of trained immigration officers who apply Canadian law. IRCC also provides oversight of visa application centres through performance-tracking agreements, inspections and requirements related to security and privacy. VACs help ensure that the process is secure and accessible.”
“This data helps to answer one of the most fundamental questions of any immigration system: Is the applicant really who they claim to be? Biometrics make the system more reliable by helping to establish identity, detect identity fraud, conduct background checks and confirm that decisions are based on accurate information. This protects Canadians. It also protects legitimate applicants by ensuring that those who follow the rules are not adversely affected by those who try to use a false identity or fraudulent documents or those who make false statements. (1940) That is why the 2026-27 main estimates include $188.1 million under the Department of Citizenship and Immigration for the cost of biometric data collection.”
“This information can be compared against Canadian databases and, as applicable, against information held by trusted international partners. These checks help officers to determine whether there are grounds for deeming someone inadmissible to Canada, including security concerns, criminal activity, false statements or other reasons set out in Canadian law. In some cases, applicants may have to undergo additional screening by security partners. IRCC works with the CBSA, CSIS and international partners to support screening and decision-making. This collaboration is vital. No one tool can protect the system. The system's integrity depends on officer training, clear rules, reliable intelligence, security systems and strong government partnerships. Biometrics is one of these important tools.”
“It may continue post-arrival as new information becomes available or as other immigration decisions are made. The goal at each step is to facilitate lawful movement and immigration while identifying risks and protecting the system's integrity. Before someone arrives in Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC, examines their application for a visa or electronic travel authorization. Officers examine the information provided, assess whether the applicant meets the requirements for entry to Canada, and review the application based on risk factors and other verification criteria. Personal information, including fingerprints and photos, helps confirm the individual's identity and support criminal background checks.”
“That is why the main estimates 2026-27 provide funding for the individuals, systems and tools supporting identity verification, program integrity and secure decision making. A fair immigration system must also be secure. Rigorous screening and identity verification are not barriers to immigration. They are safeguards that protect Canadians and legitimate applicants while upholding trust in the systems. The Government of Canada's approach to immigration screening is not based on a single decision point. It involves a continuum supported by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and international partners. It starts before a person travels to Canada and continues when they seek entry at the border.”
“Mr. Chair, before I begin, I should inform you that I will be sharing my time with the member for Moncton—Dieppe . I want to thank the minister for working so tirelessly since taking charge of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration, as well as for collaborating so constructively with Quebec on the management of asylum seekers. I am pleased to rise today to speak to the integrity and security of Canada's immigration system, as well as the tools that enable us to keep the system fair, orderly and trustworthy. The strength of an immigration system does not depend on the number of people Canada takes in. It depends on clear rules, reliable controls, secure processing and public trust.”
“Mr. Speaker, obviously, this motion sends a clear message to our artists in the Quebec and Canadian cultural sectors. My question for my colleague is this. Does it seem right that the Conservatives are choosing American web giants over Quebec and Canadian artists and culture?”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to continue along the same lines as my colleague. The member said that the government is just giving the impression of helping people. Is he willing to acknowledge at least one measure that has helped Quebeckers, or is his strategy to deny that any progress has been made, for political reasons?”
“Mr. Speaker, I listened to my colleague's wonderful speech. I can see that he is really upset, that he is angry. Here is the question I would like to ask my colleague. Would he be prepared to sacrifice Quebec's economy in order to hurry up and sign any agreement, without thinking it through?”
“Mr. Speaker, I listened to my colleague's speech. It was a very fine speech. If I were in his shoes, I too would be angry and asking questions. This morning, I listened to the leader of the Bloc Québécois. I know that the Bloc is critical of U.S. tariffs on Quebec's economy, and rightly so, but our government has already gotten to work. I would remind my colleague that a bad deal is worse than no deal at all. In this context, does the Bloc Québécois also see the importance of reducing this trade dependency? Do they recognize the needs of Quebec's SMEs to access new international markets?”
“Madam Speaker, our government is making responsible choices to support the economy. That is a fact, even though the opposition members seem to be the only ones oblivious to it. Can my colleague give me concrete examples of how these measures are strengthening prosperity in Quebec and supporting families, businesses and, above all, our young people?”
“Mr. Speaker, having listened to my colleague, I understand that he feels vulnerable. We know full well that a majority means stability and action for Canadians and Quebeckers, moving beyond partisan deadlocks. Why is the opposition so afraid of a majority when the national interest should take precedence over political calculations? That is the question I am asking myself.”
“Mr. Speaker, today is the launch of the eighth International Haitian Diaspora Days summit, which runs until April 19 in Montreal. This year's theme is “United in creating a strong, supportive community for a brighter future”, so the summit will highlight vital priorities such as education, hope and economic development. It is a tremendous opportunity for community leaders, business owners and members of the diaspora to rally around shared goals related to international development, co-operation and solidarity. Every day, the Haitian community makes outstanding contributions to the social, cultural and economic vitality of Quebec and Canada. On behalf of all my colleagues, I want to thank the organizers and wish them every success during the eighth summit.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleague on his speech. Do members know who applauded our auto strategy? It was Ontario premier Doug Ford and his Conservatives. Listening to the member for Dufferin—Caledon , it is very clear that he does not know what the government's plan is. Our strategy is to see the world as it is today, not as it was in 1965. Our plan is being applauded in that province. Is my Bloc Québécois colleague aware that the Conservatives are sitting back and continuing to want to drag Canada and Quebec back into the past?”
“Mr. Speaker, our government has a clear mandate to strengthen the sustainability of the immigration system. I know the minister is working hard to collaborate with Quebec, support Quebec businesses and fulfill our mission to build the strongest economy in the G7. While we are reducing the number of temporary residents by the end of 2027, we also understand the importance of stability in the Quebec workforce. Can the minister tell the House how our government plans to support the transition of workers—”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to Scout Week 2026, which was celebrated across the country from February 16 to 22. This year's theme was “Scouting, a source of unifying pride”. For generations, the movement has helped shape committed, responsible and caring young people through outdoor activities, volunteerism and community projects. It develops leadership, resilience and teamwork, qualities that are essential to building the Canada of tomorrow. The end of this week coincides with Founder's Day, which pays tribute to Robert and Olave Baden-Powell, who played a key role in the development of the Girl Guides and in bringing young girls into the movement. I want to thank the volunteers and leaders who support our young people with such dedication. Together, let us continue to build a strong Canada.”
“Madam Speaker, we agree that this is not a matter of jurisdiction or an ideological fight. When Quebec families are struggling to put a roof over their heads, our duty is to take action, not to debate about jurisdictions. We just need to house Quebeckers. People want solutions, not jurisdictional bickering. Can my colleague provide more clarity for Quebeckers?”
“Mr. Speaker, February 7 marked the end of the mandate of Haiti's transitional presidential council and a new step in the country's political transition with the transfer of power to Prime Minister Fils‑Aimé. As Haitians continue to cope with uncertainty over the future of their country amid a worsening security situation, can the Minister of Foreign Affairs tell us how Canada is going to keep supporting the Haitian people throughout the country's democratic transition and the restoration of security?”
“Madam Speaker, the government has been clear that anyone who commits a crime must face the consequences under the law, regardless of their immigration status. Why do the Conservatives refuse to acknowledge this reality and why do they continue to conflate issues that undermine social cohesion by tarring all asylum seekers with the same brush? Can my colleague confirm that the Conservatives are deliberately blurring the lines between refugees and offenders?”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish all my colleagues here a good start to the new session. For my part, I spent time in Longueuil—Saint-Hubert meeting with businesses, community organizations, and constituents. They were clear with us, asking us to continue governing responsibly and consistently, even if that takes courage. We proved ourselves to them, and they are proud of us. May the Prime Minister keep up the good work. As the member for Longueuil—Saint‑Hubert, I would also like to note the following in a spirit of reflection. On Friday we learned of the passing of the former federal member for the riding of Longueuil—Pierre‑Boucher, now known as Longueuil—Saint‑Hubert, Jean Dorion, who left his mark on political life through his commitment to protecting the French language and the public service.”
“Mr. Speaker, could my hon. colleague stop playing around? At the last Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities meeting, the Bloc Québécois and the Conservatives voted to dismiss the witnesses. In the House, Bloc members talk about respect, but in committee, they do not show it to witnesses. Can the member at least be sincere? It is disrespectful. He is not being honest. Let us be honest. This is the House, this is the seat of democracy—”
“Madam Speaker, regarding Bill C-4 , how can Bloc Québécois and Conservative members expect to be taken seriously when they say one thing in the House and do another when it comes time to assume their responsibilities? Do Quebeckers not deserve to finally find out whether these parties are choosing to stand on principle or whether they are choosing to score easy political points?”
“Mr. Speaker, in Quebec, Bloc members are increasingly being described as watered-down Conservatives. Quebeckers are currently angry with the Bloc Québécois because its positions often align with those of the Conservative Party. It voted against the budget, for example. My question is this: Do you think it is normal for the Bloc Québécois to make so many decisions that are in line with the Conservatives?”
“Mr. Speaker, I congratulate my colleague on his speech. Could my colleague remind the opposition of the fundamental difference between an expense and an investment, since there seems to be some confusion over that?”
“Mr. Speaker, “freedom is never given—it is taken.” Those words were made famous by General Jean-Jacques Dessalines. The Battle of Vertières took place on November 18, 1803. It was one of the greatest battles in modern history. As a federal member of Parliament and a son of Haiti, I would like to acknowledge the strength, courage and resilience of the Haitian people, who vanquished Napoleon's army to throw off their chains and win their freedom. The Battle of Vertières is a perfect illustration of the courage, dignity and determination of the Haitian people. However, since then, the country has faced challenges that persist to this day. In that context, Canada's co-operation is particularly meaningful. As an ally of Haiti, it provides support, but that support does not replace the leadership that must come from Haiti itself.”
“Mr. Speaker, Jean-François Lévesque, the president and CEO of the south shore chamber of commerce and industry, says that the federal budget is finally sending a clear signal to businesses by making productivity a national priority. Can my colleague send him a message?”
“Madam Speaker, I am not the one who said that if something is good for Quebec, I will vote for it; it was the leader of the Bloc Québécois who said that. Four hundred thousand children in our schools are going to receive meals, and $25 billion is going to be invested in housing. Will the leader of the Bloc Québécois finally put his ego to one side and vote in favour of the budget for Quebec?”
“Mr. Speaker, I am a little confused. The Conservatives spend 50% of their time voting against the government's youth employability programs, safety programs and more, and the other 50% of their time advocating for young people and youth employability. My question is this: Can my colleague across the way look into the camera and claim that the Conservatives are being sincere?”
“Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 27th edition of Homelessness Awareness Night in Longueuil, and the theme was “solidarity for greater dignity”. This annual event is organized by the Table Itinérance Rive-Sud, bringing together residents, community organizations and institutions to raise awareness about homelessness, challenge prejudices and promote solidarity. I would like to commend the exceptional work of Gilles Beauregard, the volunteer and community organization coordinator. I would also like to thank everyone who courageously shared their lived experiences. Their commitment reminds us that no one should be left homeless and hopeless. Homelessness is not inevitable, but addressing it requires compassion, collaboration and action. Together, let us build communities where everyone can live with dignity.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be frank. Given that asylum is granted by independent judges, is my colleague opposite not questioning the competence of our judges, just as his leader did with respect to our great RCMP officers?”
“Mr. Speaker, the courts have clearly stated that the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent is unconstitutional. It is our duty to respond to that finding and propose a framework for the citizenship system that is fair and consistent with the Constitution. Can the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship tell us how Bill C‑3 provides recourse to those who have been denied citizenship and how it ensures fair access to citizenship for future generations?”
“Mr. Speaker, the budget has not even been tabled yet and the Bloc Québécois is already trashing it. Would the Bloc oppose any budget at all simply to play its opposition role, regardless of what that budget contains? It is a yes or no question.”
“Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to draw the House's attention to the outstanding work of Théâtre Tout Terrain, a cultural force in my riding. The Théâtre Tout Terrain travelling theatre sets itself apart from the rest with its free public performances and its efforts to weave art into the fabric of our daily surroundings and public spaces. In collaboration with Arrière Scène, it breaks down the walls of traditional performance halls to make theatre accessible to everyone across Montérégie. Théâtre Tout Terrain also takes a profoundly human approach that places the audience at the centre of the experience. The productions and workshops it offers at schools promote gathering, openness and francization. I want to give a big shout-out to the entire Théâtre Tout Terrain team for their invaluable contribution to Quebec culture.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada is a nation of builders. That is why, earlier this month, the Prime Minister announced the first series of projects being referred to the historic Major Projects Office. It includes projects as diverse and ambitious as the expansion of liquefied natural gas production in British Columbia, the development of small modular reactors in Ontario, major mining projects in western Canada and the container port terminal project in Contrecœur, near my riding, Longueuil—Saint-Hubert. Can the Minister of Finance inform—”
“Madam Speaker, with all due respect to my colleague, the Conservatives spend their time criticizing strategic investments as wasteful spending, even when it comes to attracting innovative companies, creating sustainable jobs or strengthening our economic sovereignty. Would the Conservatives prefer to see these billions of dollars go to our international competitors rather than being invested here at home in Canada's future?”
“Mr. Speaker, my question is for my colleague across the floor, whom I respect deeply. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his speech challenging the government. These things happen when people spend their time criticizing. After criticizing the ArriveCAN app in a series of flashy media statements, can he now tell us specifically what credible solutions his party would have put in place to protect Canadians at the border? Are we talking about opposition again—”
“Mr. Speaker, with all due respect to my colleague, whom I used to watch on TV but am now seeing in person right in front of me, the Conservatives' lack of genuine willingness to act is blatant and obvious. Do the Conservatives really want to help our seniors? They raised the age of eligibility for OAS from 65 to 67. The Liberal government reversed that. My colleague talks about respect and dignity for our seniors, but his party will not commit to anything. Will the Conservatives finally support our government's concrete measures to help our seniors?”
“Mr. Speaker, with all due respect to my colleague, I am sorry that this question falls on her. The Conservatives keep saying that the government is spending too much, but they never tell us where budget cuts should be made. Can my colleague tell us where budget cuts should be made if we are spending too much? Should we cancel the tax cut? Should we eliminate dental care? We are told we are spending too much, but we need to know where we are spending too much. We will stop doing that.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the hon. Minister of Immigration on an excellent appointment. Many immigrants and asylum seekers are very worried that they might be sent back to countries where things are unstable or dangerous. How will Bill C‑2 protect the basic rights and the security of vulnerable people in such cases?”