Bienvenu-Olivier Ntumba
Mont-Saint-Bruno—L'Acadie, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Bill S-215. Introduction and first reading moved for leave to introduce Bill S-215, An Act respecting National Immigration Month . He said: Mr. Speaker, I am honoured today to introduce Bill S-215, an act respecting national immigration month.”
“This is an extremely important change that must not be overlooked. This new offence and the new definition of hatred will address the particularly reprehensible nature of this crime, which undermines the very foundations of the Canadian values of equality and respect for our citizens.”
“It may be a combination of circumstances or an unfortunate coincidence, but this happened here, in Canada. We have to discuss it and address the problem immediately. It is not okay for people in positions of authority—regardless of their discretionary power—to incite any kind of targeted intent toward a particular community.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Winnipeg South Centre . I rise to speak to Bill C‑9 , the combatting hate act, at a time when Canadians are looking to us for clear, serious and determined action to better protect them from hate and intimidation.”
“Yesterday, an elected official said something unacceptable. He outright dismissed the pain and stress that the mere thought of a noose can cause my community. He argued that we are importing an American problem into Canada. That is shocking.”
“Canadians across the country have made it clear that they want to be able to live openly, safely and freely as themselves, regardless of their background, faith, ethnicity, gender, identity or community.”
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“What we are doing is using the federal fiscal situation, which is better due in part to higher oil prices, to provide targeted support to households and businesses. Note that this support is in addition to other measures already in place. We know that too many families are struggling to make ends meet at the end of the month. People do not need abstract promises. They need real, immediate and lasting support. That is exactly what our government is providing. That is why we launched the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit, which replaces and improves upon the old GST credit. It will provide more support to more than 12 million low- and modest-income Canadians. In real terms, starting this spring, a one-time payment equivalent to a 50% increase in the annual value of the GST credit for 2025 and 2026 will be paid out.”
“The suspension of this tax is expected to save Canadians about $5.75 on a full 50-litre tank of regular gasoline and up to $2.30 on a full tank of diesel. This represents total relief of more than $2.3 billion. The price of gas, among many things, reflects current circumstances abroad that have an impact on Canada, which requires targeted intervention from the government to help Canadian families. By reducing the cost of gas and diesel directly at the pump, we are taking a clear step to support families as they face the current hardships. The measure will cost a little more than $2 billion, so it will not jeopardize government finances or our other efforts to build the strongest economy in the G7. The provinces also have their own gas and diesel taxes and, if they want, they can implement their own measures too.”
“The military conflicts going on around the world are affecting refinery capacity and oil and gas transport networks. The government is mindful of the fact that while these conflicts may be happening in distant lands, consumers have been forced to pay higher prices at the pump here in Canada. We know that this is creating uncertainty, causing stress and putting pressure on families trying to make ends meet. As the Prime Minister indicated earlier today, our government will provide significant relief for the cost of fuel by suspending the federal excise tax on gasoline and diesel starting on Monday, April 20, and until Labour Day on September 7. Currently, the federal excise tax is 10¢ per litre for gasoline and four cents per litre for diesel.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government has stepped up its efforts to make life more affordable for Canadians because we need to take action and get moving. The current global environment is evolving rapidly, and there is a lot of uncertainty around the global economy. Canada is no exception, and Canadians and Canadian businesses are seeing this every day. Our government is focusing on what it can control: building a stronger economy and making life more affordable for Canadians. We have introduced a number of measures to lower the cost of living and enable Canadians to keep more of their hard-earned money. Let us talk about the excise tax announcement. It is great that the Leader of the Opposition made sure to mention gas prices in the motion.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am a little surprised that my colleagues opposite would ask such questions and level such criticisms given that the Minister of Immigration recently made significant updates. I would like to invite my colleague to once again explain to my colleagues opposite that we have made a lot of major changes with respect to immigration. We have reduced the number of immigrants because we want things to be even across the country.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the leader of the official opposition. Why propose an auto pact when our government has already put measures in place to protect the auto sector and jobs? Is he not making Parliament do twice the work when we are already making progress in this regard?”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise this morning to mark Irish Heritage Month. For many years, men and women from Ireland have been coming here to build a better life. They have made a significant contribution to Canada. Many of these families have lived in my riding of Mont-Saint-Bruno—L'Acadie for a long time. They have helped to build the social, economic and community fabric of our region. Yesterday we celebrated St. Patrick's Day. I had the pleasure of attending the parade in Montreal. It was very moving to walk down the street with people who are so proud of their roots. As the month comes to a close, I invite everyone to continue celebrating Irish culture and history and the contributions of Irish Canadians here and everywhere.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would first like to thank my colleague for his very eloquent speech, in which he explained the importance of the CPTPP. Can he elaborate on how participating in this agreement will benefit Canada and Quebec?”
“Mr. Speaker, our government is working to help Canadians from all walks of life find a decent place to live. With the support of a number of partners, a seniors project recently opened in Drummondville. Can the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure tell the House what this project has to offer seniors? How is Build Canada Homes going to help other projects get off the ground?”
“Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise this morning to mark scouting week, which took place last week in my riding. I want to pay tribute to the thousands of young people across the country who are keeping this great movement alive. The francophone scouting movement is the largest youth movement in Canada. It brings together nearly 10,000 young people and 3,000 dedicated volunteers. Scouting is not just about outdoor activities. It is a community that helps young people gain confidence, become independent and help others. I also want to acknowledge the incredible work of scouting groups in my riding of Mont-Saint-Bruno—L'Acadie, which have over 75 young members. I invite all of my colleagues in the House to join me in wishing our young people a very happy scouting week.”
“Mr. Speaker, on Monday, at the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, our government again tried to move a motion to study the national school food program, after hearing credible witnesses talk about its positive impact on children and their families. However, the Conservative members spent the meeting filibustering and denying that food security is linked to affordability, climate impacts and the idea that families should not have to worry about whether their children remembered to bring their lunch, whether they ate enough, or whether they had full bellies. Can the Secretary of State for Children and Youth tell the House how this program helps children eat well and families worry less?”
“Mr. Speaker, I am so happy to have heard my colleague's speech clearly explaining why she supports Build Canada Homes. Can my colleague tell us specifically how Build Canada Homes will improve access to housing for families? What impact will that have on our communities?”
“Mr. Speaker, we will take no advice from the Conservatives. Their leader built only six homes when he was in charge of this file. We have built homes for Canadians. What does my colleague have to say about that?”
“Madam Speaker, my colleague just did a fine job presenting our new automotive strategy. I would ask him to re-explain to our friends across the way how this automotive strategy will help us in practical terms to protect jobs, support workers and build a strong industry here in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, the new automotive policy announced by our government marks a turning point for this industry. In this global political context, we are focusing on what we can control. This helps to provide more clarity and stability for our industry. Can the Minister of Industry explain how this policy will build a stronger Canada, protect our economy and support Canada's auto industry?”
“Madam Speaker, I listened to my colleague's remarks. All he did was praise the accomplishments of his former government, the government of Mr. Harper, whom we can name here and whom he mentioned in passing. I did not hear him offer any solutions. All he said was that this bill would create bureaucracy, that it would create many issues. I would like to know what solutions he proposes so that first nations can have a concrete tool for implementing their declaration while limiting the creation of new administrative structures.”
“Madam Speaker, I heard my colleague listing the treaties earlier. However, she forgot to mention that we are the first government to establish a national day of remembrance for first nations. That is a powerful gesture that we made to start reconciliation off on the right foot. We wanted to establish a day on which to think about how we can move forward together. What does she think about this day that we established as a government?”
“[ English ] Together, we must keep moving forward toward equity, justice and dignity for all. [ Translation ] Together, let us continue to build Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, February is Black History Month. It is an important time to recognize Black people's contributions to Canada's history, culture and development. From labourers to artists, from entrepreneurs to community leaders, Black people have helped build Canada from east to west, including in my riding, Mont-Saint-Bruno—L'Acadie. This month is also special to me personally. [ English ] For me, this moment is meaningful. It is a moment of pride, gratitude and responsibility. [ Translation ] After living here in Canada for 15 years, rising to speak in the House of Commons during Black History Month is a huge achievement for me. This month invites us to reflect and reminds us of the importance of fighting racism and continuing to work toward equity, inclusion and justice.”
“Mr. Speaker, today, I am very honoured to announce the creation of the Canada-DR Congo Interparliamentary Friendship Group. This group will provide a dynamic platform to promote dialogue, encourage meetings and deepen our collaboration in key areas such as education, the Francophonie, the energy transition and student mobility. With a population of nearly 100 million people, the Democratic Republic of Congo is now the largest francophone nation in the world and a key partner in the Francophonie. I would like to thank my fellow parliamentarians who have already expressed an interest in this initiative, and I invite all those who wish to join us to do so. Together, we can build strong bridges between our nations for a stable future for the Francophonie.”
“On behalf of my colleagues in the House, I thank Victoria for making Canada proud. I congratulate her and wish her continued success in inspiring an entire generation.”
“Mr. Speaker, today we are delighted to welcome to Ottawa a young athlete who is raising Canada's profile around the world: Victoria Mboko. At just 19 years of age, Victoria has established herself as one of the rising stars of world tennis. By winning her first WTA 1000-level title right here in Canada at the National Bank Open in Montreal, Victoria has demonstrated surprising talent, remarkable determination and a maturity worthy of the greatest champions. I had the privilege of attending the semifinals and finals in Montreal, after which I presented her with a member of Parliament certificate of recognition. Her journey is a testament to to the power of hard work, discipline and resilience, and she is already inspiring thousands of young people across the country.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague is always fearmongering. Since his colleague did not have an opportunity to answer the question, can he tell us today whether his party is going to support this bill in the House?”
“Madam Speaker, can my colleague remind the House how this investment budget truly supports families, businesses and the regions of Quebec and Canada, particularly at a time when some parties would rather engage in fearmongering and sensationalism? The Conservatives voted against the budget, as did the Bloc Québécois members, who are always saying that what is good for Quebec is good for them. Could you explain why, contrary to what they are saying, this budget represents a responsible, ambitious and future-oriented approach, far removed from the alarmist rhetoric that we have been hearing so much of from our colleagues opposite?”
“Madam Speaker, I am really disappointed to hear my colleague talking about investments without understanding what is being said. When a person invests in a home, they pay for it. They have a mortgage. I take care of my home. I mow the lawn. I make repairs. I can even change the way it looks from the outside. I invest in my home to increase its value. We have introduced a budget that includes investments to reduce the deficit. Members across the way voted against this budget. How can my colleague rise today to say that this budget does not include any investments?”
“Madam Speaker, we are a new government and we are presenting a new budget. As my colleagues opposite can see, this is a completely new government. My colleague talked about the need to invest in young people and the importance of this new budget. Can she explain what impact this budget will have in Quebec?”
“Madam Speaker, I recently spent two days in Fredericton for National Acadian Day. What I found there was a united people, a tight-knit community that is proud to speak French, proud to know that we stand beside them. They knew that we would heed their call. Today, we have done just that and increased the budget. This morning, we are proud to say that National Acadian Day will continue to be part of Canada's culture and that it will bring together francophones from across the country.”
“Madam Speaker, I believe that our government is the only one that has made additional investments to promote French both inside and outside Quebec. I have visited francophone communities outside Quebec on two occasions. Today, we can say that French outside Quebec is growing and that it will soon exceed the 4% target. We have invested more than $7 billion to promote French both inside and outside Quebec. I think that this budget meets the needs of francophones both inside and outside Quebec.”
“Madam Speaker, it always surprises me when my friends across the way associate us with Mr. Trudeau, since he is no longer here. We are a new government and we have presented a new budget, an investment budget to grow this country. I talked about artists and how our government has increased investments for them. That is what we are doing.”
“We are choosing to invest more so that we can protect and strengthen our culture and help it to shine on the world stage. (1230) This budget is not just a series of numbers, it is a statement of principles. Culture is not a luxury, but a necessity. It holds our collective identity together and drives our creativity and our economic prosperity. By supporting these measures, our country is choosing a Canada that is proud of its roots, open to the world, but resolutely committed to what makes us unique. Culture is also a heritage to be protected, a driver of prosperity, and the beating heart of our democracy. This budget once again underscores the fact that we are listening to the arts community and to artists across the country.”
“In this budget, our government is answering that call with an increase in funding. Culture is what gives us our vibrant neighbourhoods, villages, communities and regions. It is what creates those first stirrings of belonging for so many families, including diaspora communities, whom I have the honour of representing here. It is important to keep in mind that culture is also an industry. The cultural and creative sector represents tens of thousands of jobs, contributes to our GDP, attracts talent and spurs innovation. Every dollar invested generates major economic and social benefits. When we support our creators, we also support our industry, our technologies and our global competitiveness. At a time when many countries are cutting back on investing in culture, Canada is doing the opposite.”
“This budget also introduces a long-awaited measure: an artist's resale right, which will now provide visual artists with a royalty whenever their work is resold. This is a major step forward in ensuring our creators are recognized and compensated fairly. As culture is not experienced only in big performance halls or major national institutions, the budget also supports our local festivals, Canada Day and National Acadian Day celebrations, and community cultural projects. In fact, when I was in Fredericton earlier this year for National Acadian Day, I ran into Martin Théberge, who was then chair of the Société nationale de l'Acadie, although his term ended two weeks ago, I think. He told me that he thought the government should invest effectively so that National Acadian Day could be celebrated all across the country.”
“Allow me to highlight a number of key measures: $150 million for Telefilm Canada to bolster film and documentary production; $127 million for the Canada Media Fund to support television and digital creation; $26 million for the National Film Board of Canada to support documentary production and narrative innovation; and $48 million for the Canada Music Fund to help Canadian artists succeed in a highly competitive global market. These are not abstract commitments. They will provide employment through timely opportunities for our young creators and result in works that reflect our country's linguistic and cultural diversity. They will also help preserve regional and francophone voices, such as Quebec's voice, which are key to maintaining the richness and diversity of our identity.”
“This budget is designed to address challenges in an ambitious yet responsible way. It includes a historic investment over four years beginning next year to strengthen our cultural and creative ecosystem. This is one of the most ambitious investments in our recent history. It will help modernize our institutions, stimulate Canadian content creation, ensure our artists receive fairer compensation and support French-language and regional production. In short, we want to continue to showcase Canada at home and abroad.”
“Madam Speaker, I rise to highlight a clear message that the new federal budget is sending: Our country is choosing to invest in its culture, in its artists and in the diversity that shapes our collective identity. In a world where globalization and digital platforms profoundly altering our habits, we are making it clear that the Canadian voice must be protected, supported and celebrated. As a proud francophone member and a proud representative of diversity, I know that culture is not merely an artistic expression. It is a vehicle for inclusion, social cohesion and belonging. Culture brings our stories, our regions, our languages and our generations together. Simply put, culture is a reflection of our diversity and the glue that holds our collective identity together.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the presence on Parliament Hill of four inspiring women: Amélie Gilbert, Daly Doucet, Florence Vézina and Maxime Fortin. They recently organized a 48-hour cycling challenge during which they pedalled to raise money for Carrefour pour elle, an organization that works to end violence against women. Through their determination and commitment, they managed to raise over $5,000 to support this crucial cause. This event was much more than just an athletic challenge. It served to raise awareness and mobilize our communities around a fight that concerns us all. On behalf of Mont-Saint-Bruno—L'Acadie, I commend them for their commitment.”
“Mr. Speaker, as a young person, I know that having a summer job that is supported by the Canada summer jobs program can make all the difference for young people. It allows them to acquire valuable skills. What is the government doing to help young people get their careers off to a good start?”
“Mr. Speaker, I hear my colleague from Alfred-Pellan talking with my Bloc Québécois colleague. I just want to remind everyone that last week, we listened to our colleagues across the way once again: we extended the runway at the Magdalen Islands airport. We listen and we collaborate. How would he explain today that this budget was designed to boost Canada's economy?”
“Madam Speaker, I am surprised to hear my colleague remind us how much the Conservatives like to talk about Mr. Trudeau even though he is no longer here. They seem to be missing him in the House today. We have a new Canadian government that is presenting a new budget, which includes economic measures to help Canada's communities grow. This budget proposes significant investments in the military. As a G7 country, Canada must have an effective military and defence system. This will create many job opportunities across the country. I would like to hear my colleague's thoughts on the investments we are making in the Canadian army.”
“Madam Speaker, I congratulate my colleague on his fine speech on the budget. I hear my colleagues across the way say that the budget is not realistic. They want to increase the deficit in the budget by more than $13 billion. However, they are forgetting that, last week, we supported the request from our colleagues opposite to extend the runway at the Saguenay airport because we are listening and talking to the members opposite. Can my colleague expand on how the budget will help the country move forward?”
“Mr. Speaker, I think people do not understand the significance of this budget. We have set aside a large envelope to defend Canada in this budget. We are a G7 country, and we need to protect Canada because the world is changing right now. I would like to know what my colleague thinks about our investments in defending Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, I listened to my colleague's speech, and I have a question for him. Canada is a G7 country with an advanced economy. Canadians expect concrete solutions for the future. Our budget invests heavily in housing, infrastructure and innovation to build a stronger, fairer and more resilient Canada. Unfortunately, the Conservative Party is opposed to these essential measures. How can my colleague justify his position? He seems to want to go back to the Stone Age, but this country needs to move forward.”
“Madam Speaker, the Conservatives are saying that the government is granting Canadian citizenship too freely to people who do not have sufficient ties to Canada. However, this bill requires a parent to reside in the country for at least three years before they can pass on their citizenship to a child born abroad. That is a clear and real requirement. Can my colleague explain why he feels this requirement, which many experts found to be reasonable, does not respond to his concerns regarding a substantial connection to Canada?”
“Madam Speaker, today, I want to pay tribute to Caroline Gauthier, the director of Maison des jeunes de St‑Bruno, a youth centre in my riding of Mont‑Saint‑Bruno—L'Acadie. She has had a remarkable career and is celebrating 20 years of work at this vital organization. For two decades, Ms. Gauthier has been pouring her energy, passion and commitment into giving young people a safe, inclusive and stimulating space. Thanks to her leadership, Maison des jeunes de St‑Bruno has become a true pillar of the community, a place where young people can gather, grow and develop their full potential. I want to sincerely congratulate Ms. Gauthier for her outstanding dedication and thank her for everything she has done for the young people of Mont‑Saint‑Bruno.”
“Madam Speaker, I am not sure if my colleague listened carefully to my speech, but I am pretty sure I talked about regulating bail procedures, because that is very important. This bill updates and fixes things that were not properly regulated before. I believe that we are here not to play partisan games, but to do what is right for Canada.”
“Madam Speaker, in my opinion, first responders are very important, given all that they have done from the COVID‑19 pandemic to this day. These men and women play a crucial role in our society, all across the country, from coast to coast to coast. I felt it was important that we talk about them this morning in the House to support Bill C‑14. I think it is important to include them in this bill.”
“Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his decidedly technical question. We are now in the early days of a bill that is going to be read and sent to committee for amendment. We are updating things that were not prepared or adjusted properly during previous Parliaments. We have a new government. We have a new bill. With the support of the Bloc Québécois, the Conservatives and the other parties in the House, I think we will be able to turn this bill into a shared undertaking for Canada and ensure proper justice across the country.”
“Madam Speaker, the bill will be studied in committee, where it can be debated and amended. I am asking my colleagues to support this bill so that we can craft a piece of legislation that reflects Canada. We have implemented measures at the border with the United States to address the fentanyl crisis, but I believe there are still challenges on that front. However, we need to restore order at home and this bill corrects things in order to maintain order in a way that reflects Canadian values.”
“I therefore invite my colleagues from all parties to support Bill C‑14 so that together we can build a justice system that lives up to the Canadian values of safety, justice and respect for human dignity.”
“This bill reflects the government's willingness to listen to the concerns of citizens, first responders, municipalities, provinces and territories. (1125) It is not a question of pitting justice against compassion; it is a question of reconciling them. By supporting this bill, we are saying that the right to safety is as fundamentally important as the right to freedom. Bill C‑14 is a decisive step toward a more consistent, more robust and more humane justice system. It protects our communities, supports our law enforcement agencies, holds offenders accountable and modernizes our institutions. Supporting this bill means supporting a Canada where freedom is exercised in accordance with the law, where compassion meets responsibility and where justice means safety for all.”