Madeleine Chenette
Thérèse-De Blainville, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Madam Speaker, I am rather surprised by the member's comments and by the fact that he is proposing to delay the passage of this bill by failing to abide by our rules. The member gave a good description of the process in committee, where there are five‑minute speeches and then time for questions.”
“Madam Speaker, unlike the Bloc Québécois, members on this side of the House have zero doubts that culture is important, and we are ready to invest in it. We did so in the budget, yet they were against it.”
“Madam Speaker, I have a great deal of respect for my colleague, but today he seems to be all doom and gloom. Today, thanks to the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, we are providing $543 to a single person as a GST credit and $1,086 to a family of four.”
“Mr. Speaker, last Sunday, I had the opportunity to attend the ceremonial parade of the 806 Sainte-Thérèse Air Cadet Squadron, which brought together more than 90 young cadets. What a great organization that teaches leadership, civic responsibility and teamwork.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we saw during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Canadian athletes show us what is possible when talent, hard work and opportunity come together. Today, we have the privilege of recognizing and thanking these extraordinary athletes here in Ottawa.”
“Mr. Speaker, as my colleague explained, Build Canada Homes is there for affordable housing. We are welcoming athletes to Ottawa today and making sport affordable through a $755-million investment to make sport accessible to all. We are developing projects and programs for our society on so many issues, including tax cuts.”
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“Madam Speaker, I am rather surprised by the member's comments and by the fact that he is proposing to delay the passage of this bill by failing to abide by our rules. The member gave a good description of the process in committee, where there are five‑minute speeches and then time for questions. That said, we also have the opportunity to hear from experts who present briefs, so we take all the time we need to really benefit from the informed perspectives provided by experts. There is no challenge when it comes to decision-making, and we need to act now. Can we move forward with this bill now?”
“Madam Speaker, I have a great deal of respect for my colleague, but today he seems to be all doom and gloom. Today, thanks to the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, we are providing $543 to a single person as a GST credit and $1,086 to a family of four. These are concrete measures that people on this side of the House are working on to help families and the most vulnerable. When will the Conservatives understand this and stop criticizing us? We are building a strong Canada.”
“Madam Speaker, unlike the Bloc Québécois, members on this side of the House have zero doubts that culture is important, and we are ready to invest in it. We did so in the budget, yet they were against it. With the $600 million that we are investing in the industry and the $95 million that we are investing in exporting our industry, giving access to 120 international markets, we are fostering its development, because our culture is extremely important. We, the 44 Liberal MPs from Quebec in this place, are constantly fighting to defend, protect and promote culture.”
“Attending this event served as a reminder that young people are not just the future, but also the present. It is crucial to recognize young people like Raphaëlle. With their active contributions, we are building Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, last Sunday, I had the opportunity to attend the ceremonial parade of the 806 Sainte-Thérèse Air Cadet Squadron, which brought together more than 90 young cadets. What a great organization that teaches leadership, civic responsibility and teamwork. I would like to congratulate all the cadets for their participation and commitment, as well as Blainville's own Raphaëlle Chicoine for an exceptional honour. At just 17 years old, she received the Lord Strathcona Medal for her leadership and dedication, the highest honour awarded to a cadet. She has been flying planes and actively participating in our community for more than two years. Through her determination and passion, Raphaëlle is a true source of inspiration for her peers and a shining example of what our young people can accomplish.”
“Mr. Speaker, as my colleague explained, Build Canada Homes is there for affordable housing. We are welcoming athletes to Ottawa today and making sport affordable through a $755-million investment to make sport accessible to all. We are developing projects and programs for our society on so many issues, including tax cuts. On this side of the House, we are taking swift action to help the people in our ridings. In my riding of Thérèse‑De Blainville, I can say that organizations are thanking us for everything we are doing for our constituents.”
“I would also like to thank the coaches, families, volunteers, support staff, officials, and the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee for their dedication to our athletes. On behalf of all Canadians, I thank them for inspiring the next generation of Canadian sporting heroes.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we saw during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Canadian athletes show us what is possible when talent, hard work and opportunity come together. Today, we have the privilege of recognizing and thanking these extraordinary athletes here in Ottawa. Last winter, team Canada brought home 21 medals, finishing eighth in the overall standings, and at the Paralympic Winter Games, Canadian athletes proudly added 15 medals. Every athlete competed with heart, perseverance and excellence. With podium finishes and many personal bests, they demonstrated the talent, character and determination that define Canadian sport. To all our athletes, we want to say that we are proud to have seen them wear the maple leaf and represent Canada on the world stage.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is clear that, on this side of the House, we are working hard for jobs. That is why, this week, the Prime Minister met with people from Enertec, a company that is facing difficulties because of the unjustified U.S. tariffs. The company's CEO, Julie Desrosiers, thanked the Prime Minister for promoting the buy Canadian movement in Canada and for all the innovation they will be able to carry out. They are confident that they can build and have jobs for the next year for Enertec employees.”
“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 the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of Korea on Cooperation in Audiovisual Coproduction”, done at Gatineau on April 22.”
“Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague the member for Les Pays-d'en-Haut for that excellent question. An investment of $755 million is great news for sport. Why do we need to invest in sport? First, it is to support our athletes. Second, it is to keep our young people off the streets and help them benefit from and find joy in playing together. Third, it is to help our seniors break their isolation and be active for life. Fourth, it is to ensure that we are there to build Canada strong together. Let us celebrate this investment in sport.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am always surprised to see how the opposition focuses on the negative when there is good news. Sports are the cornerstone of our nation. Thanks to the spring economic update, we are making a generational investment of $750 million. This is the largest investment in 20 years. The people of Thérèse-De Blainville and that MP's constituents must be pleased to have this investment for their villages, towns, and communities. We are building Canada strong by working together and investing in our sports and in our youth.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my athletic hon. colleague for his question. The year 2026 is Canada's year of sport, and we are bringing the excitement of the World Cup to communities across the country. Through the “Canada Celebrates” tour, communities from coast to coast to coast will share in this moment of national pride. Our government is also investing to support the host cities and deliver a safe and welcoming World Cup. Go, Canada, go. This summer, let us celebrate sport in every city and encourage our young people to get active.”
“To date, we have helped over 100 businesses in Quebec pivot and adapt to this new reality, and we are working hard to do the same for Paccar.”
“Mr. Speaker, every job lost in the auto and trucking industries, particularly because of tariffs, is a loss for Canada. We are working hard to help auto and trucking companies pivot and adapt to new trade realities through the $5-billion strategic innovation fund. My departmental colleagues and I are in regular contact with Paccar and Unifor executives and the Government of Quebec to maintain production and protect well-paying jobs in Sainte‑Thérèse. Retooling a Canadian company's production line takes effective negotiation with all stakeholders and patience to give the company's American headquarters time to determine the required investments and agreements. At the same time, we are also working to encourage our cities and provinces to buy Canadian.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my hon. colleague for her hard work and her leadership. I want to add that my constituents in Thérèse-De Blainville urgently want this bill to pass. The bill must be referred to the Standing Committee on National Security. Does my colleague have confidence that we will be able to move forward quickly?”
“He travelled around the world, from Asia to South America, but he left one of his greatest legacies at home in Thérèse-De Blainville. For nearly 50 years, hundreds of seniors have been gathering there every week to share a lot more than just a meal. Today, we simply want to say thank you to him.”
“Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to pay tribute to a man who had a profound impact on the riding of Thérèse-De Blainville: Roland Dagenais, the founder of La Popote à Roland. Mr. Dagenais was ordained as a priest in 1954, and he soon became a fixture in his community of Blainville. In 1977, he was very concerned to see that too many seniors were living in isolation, and so he and members of the parish launched a simple initiative that involved offering a warm meal and an opportunity for people to get together every week. Thus began La Popote à Roland. One Wednesday at lunchtime, I had a opportunity to drop in for a visit myself. It is easy to see why this organization is so important to local residents. Seniors gather there every week, and it obviously does them good. Roland Dagenais was also an avid traveller.”
“Their commitment made these games much more than a sports competition. They were a time of pride and fellowship for our entire region and for our Quebec. I was there. It was a wonderful sight to behold.”
“Mr. Speaker, my riding of Thérèse-De Blainville was honoured to host the 60th Quebec Games from February 27 to March 7. For 10 days, our region was abuzz with excitement over sports, youth and personal achievement. Close to 3,000 athletes from across Quebec gathered together to push their limits and experience something unforgettable. Behind every competition and every medal, the solid support of an entire community was on full display. Today, I want to applaud the outstanding work of the 2,500 or so volunteers who welcomed the athletes, supported the teams and made sure that the competitions ran smoothly. I also want to give my heartfelt thanks to Mayor Liza Poulin, François Rioux and his organizing committee for overseeing the event with professionalism and dedication.”
“Mr. Speaker, we agree that it is important to have affordable homes and housing. We are at 100 days of Build Canada Homes and it is producing results: We have an agreement with the provinces, including Quebec, to take action; six construction projects on federal property; and thousands of new housing units, 7,500 to be precise, including in Longueuil, Quebec, in Nova Scotia and in Ontario. The budget has to be adopted so that we can have affordable housing.”
“Her presence and involvement are an integral part of the legacy they have built together. Their journey encapsulates the true meaning of public service: a daily commitment based on human relationships and a sincere desire to see one's community thrive. On behalf of the people of Thérèse-De Blainville, I would like to thank Serge Paquette for his remarkable career and pay tribute to Ms. Boisvert Paquette.”
“Mr. Speaker, some people in Thérèse‑De Blainville really know how to go above and beyond. Today, I would like to pay tribute to Serge Paquette, who has devoted more than a quarter of a century to serving the Town of Blainville. Throughout all those years, Serge has been much more than an elected official. He has been a supportive neighbour, a beacon in the community and a source of support for everyone. He could be found at community events, working with organizations and on the ground, where real life happens on a daily basis. His commitment has guided the town's evolution and strengthened the human fabric of our community. I would also like to acknowledge the role that his wife, Eliane Boisvert Paquette, has played. Well known and respected in Blainville, she brings warmth and humanity to local life.”
“Madam Speaker, I want to sincerely thank my colleague from Terrebonne for her question and her leadership within our government. Our athletes are true ambassadors, and as the single largest investor in Canada's amateur sport system, our government is proud to support the Canadian athletes now leading 41 million Canadians in a celebration of unity and pride. That was the reason we increased our athletes' monthly allowance by about 23%. Since then, our athletes have been under a lot of pressure, which is why we invested an additional $3.11 million in health services. Let us all join together in supporting our athletes.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his remarks. There is no doubt that we, the members on this side of the House, are actively working with cabinet to always find solutions to address every aspect of this project. I want to point out that it is entirely appropriate to listen to Canadians and to their questions. What will the repercussions be? What are the steps involved? What has been confirmed? What has not been confirmed? What mechanisms will be put in place? These are normal questions, and we want to hear them. However, when people come to us, our duty as members of Parliament is not to tell them that they are right to be afraid. It is to inform them that we have a process in place and that we need to proceed with confidence. If the Bloc Québécois claims to support high-speed rail, why did your party vote against funding it?”
“Mr. Speaker, clearly, as I mentioned in my speech, what happened is not acceptable. However, this has evolved through regulation, which has changed. We have a process now that ensures that the voices of citizens and the voices of municipalities are heard. No decision has been made up until now, and we need to listen and consult. More importantly, we are already on the ground, talking to all the stakeholders to make sure we will have a process and a project that will build our region and build Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, what I want to say at this stage is I recognize the pain and the stories from the past. The motion will be put to a vote next week, so we will be able to make the decision collectively. In the meantime, obviously we can use the scars of the past that have caused so much suffering, but the Bloc Québécois must also bring a strong voice to the table to say that this project is important for the region and for people, that the government is prepared to engage in a consultation process, and that the Bloc Québécois is prepared to work with it to ensure that this project is flawless and can offer many benefits while respecting people's dignity.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to sincerely thank my colleague for the question. We are still working on the ground, meeting with our mayors in the region. When I say that, I am not just talking about myself, but about Liberal members from across the region who are active on the ground. It is about meeting with businesses and farmers to listen to what should not be done, to ensure that Alto respects the process and that people are really being listened to. We are working hard to report back on these issues, and we are doing so on an ongoing basis. The high-speed rail is there to innovate transportation in the region, and we want to work to ensure that our local businesses benefit from it.”
“Mr. Speaker, clearly, the best way to apologize is to take action and to work with people on the ground. It is about building trust and working together. We acknowledge the pain caused by things that were done in the past. Of course, we must not repeat them. The laws have changed, and it is 2026. We are ready to listen to the people once again, to be on the ground, to have the discussions that are necessary to ensure that this is a project with a future for them, for the region, for our beautiful Quebec and for the rest of Canada.”
“I am asking a clear question: When will my Bloc Québécois colleagues stop using the trauma of what happened in Mirabel as a political tool and choose to work with us to support the economic interests of Quebec and the development of the Lower Laurentians and other regions, with respect for the people, farmers and communities?”
“I will conclude by saying that, yes, Mirabel is part of our collective memory, and yes, what happened was a historical injustice. However, respect does not mean exploiting trauma to play politics. Respect means protecting Canadians today and building the future for tomorrow. We have made our choice: We will build the future with clear rules, with people and for future generations. The good news is that we are already on the ground. I encourage the member for Mirabel and other members from the region to come work with us to find solutions.”
“After extensive consultations with Connexion Laurentides and the seven RCMs, the Laurentides region has been working since last December to position itself as an experimentation and innovation hub for transportation and a community with everything to offer. The Minister of Transport came to our region to speak directly with elected officials, economic stakeholders and local partners. This approach, which involves consultation, collaboration and building with the region, is exactly what people expect from us. Our role as members of Parliament is to listen, consult and take prompt action to address people's concerns and to seize economic development opportunities. I am ready to work with every member from the region and the member for Mirabel to make that happen.”
“Every piece of farmland represents a life, and these mechanisms exist to ensure justice, transparency and dignity. (1210) I also want to be very clear: Liberal members from the northern suburbs are in touch with the City of Mirabel and with Mayor Roxane Thérien and her teams. The mayor and I had a great conversation about Alto and the consultation process last week. We are committed to keeping this dialogue going and to talking about what we need to do together to ensure that this project meets the needs of her region, her city and, of course, the regional county municipality or RCM. We are listening to members of the public and working with municipalities to come up with practical solutions. This approach is already being used in our region.”
“That is what we are doing right now with the high-speed train project. Second, social licence is recognized as a condition for success, not an obstacle to get around. Any project that goes ahead against the will of a community will fail, resulting in delays, costs and loss of trust. The current framework is designed to prevent that. Third, protecting farmland is an integral part of project assessments. Farmland is an asset that benefits society as a whole. The current rules require consideration of farmland's economic, social and strategic value. I would add that, nowadays, we all recognize how very important farmland is to our sovereignty. Fourth, compensation mechanisms are set out in the act: independent appraisals, the right to object and compensation based on fair market value.”
“The very reason they exist is to prevent situations like the one in Mirabel from happening again. The heart of today's debate is not to determine whether these principles exist. It is to recognize that they are already at the heart of our modern legal framework and that they must be rigorously applied. That is part of the motion. Public consultation, social licence and appropriate compensation are not political slogans. They are legal requirements designed to protect citizens, municipalities, farmers, and affected communities. First, meaningful public consultation is a legal requirement. It is not optional. It involves mandatory notices, structured consultations held early in the process, with accessible information and meaningful opportunities for citizens, municipalities and the agricultural community to voice their concerns.”
“There is a difference between recognizing a historical injustice and using that injustice to fearmonger today. There is a difference between learning from the past and remaining stuck in the past. We cannot change what happened in Mirabel in 1969, but we have a collective responsibility to learn from it and ensure that it does not happen again. That is precisely why Canada's framework for expropriation and major projects has been completely overhauled. At the time, land was seized without warning, without consultation, without the possibility of appeal. That would no longer happen today. The current system is based on clear and modern principles: public consultation, mandatory notices, the possibility of appeal, and fair compensation. These principles are enshrined in law and they align with the systems in Quebec and Ontario.”
“In 1958, my grandparents, the Poitevin-Bourgeois family, were awarded the title of Quebec's farm family of the year. Their successors, the Préfontaine-Bourgeois family, who I am also related to, received the same award in 2018. Mine is a story of family, succession and landowners. I have a deep understanding of the value of a farm. I understand that a piece of land is not just an asset. There is a history there, a legacy. That land represents the work of several generations. I also understand that our farmers are already facing serious challenges related to climate change, technological and digital innovation, food security, workforce and family succession. The last thing our farmers need is another source of uncertainty, so we need to be responsible in how we conduct this debate.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Laurier—Sainte‑Marie. I rise today with great respect, because we are talking about a chapter that has had a profound impact on thousands of Quebeckers. The Mirabel expropriations are part of history. Lives were turned upside down, families were displaced, communities were torn apart and people had to leave their homes, their neighbours, sometimes their jobs and give up part of their identity. Yes, there is collective trauma. Yes, there is pain that takes time to heal. Even though former transportation minister Garneau apologized, we still need to be able to talk about the situation with dignity today. I also want to explain why this issue is personal to me. I was born on a farm on Patriotes Road in Saint-Ours. Farming plays a central role in my life.”
“Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, we are sensitive to people's concerns, and we are taking action. I just want to mention that, with regard to Paccar, we have been taking action since October. We are working with the management team. Our Minister of Industry and her office are working on this. I am working on this. We did not need the Bloc Québécois to tell us that we needed to start working on this. We have been taking action since October, and solutions are in sight. In that context, we know how to manage the House. One does not write to the Minister of Finance when they should be writing to the Minister of Industry. Furthermore, we do not base our work on social media. We work with people on the ground. We listen to them and take action with them.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is important to acknowledge that the expropriations in Mirabel are part of our history. We need to understand what it means to have lives disrupted, families displaced and communities torn apart. I was born on a farm, so I am familiar with the agricultural community. I do know what it means to have a farm. That being said, the laws have changed. Public consultations are held. It is a legal requirement. Social licence is required, and yes, the process will be respectful. I met with the mayor of Mirabel. I met with farmers. I met with citizens. Yes, we will do the right thing. The Bloc needs to stop obstructing a major project for our region. Bloc members must realize that the region wants to take an innovative approach to transportation. The high-speed train is a perfect example of this.”
“Madam Speaker, I am a bit shocked by my colleague's comments. My constituents, like his I am sure, say that online predation, manipulation, cyberstalking, the distribution of intimate images and even the use of AI, including deepfakes, are very real threats and that our laws need to reflect today's realities. Why are the Conservatives dragging their feet when it is time to support this bill? I would like to ask my colleague whether he will try to persuade his party to work with us to get this bill passed in February.”
“Madam Speaker, I just want to thank our colleague who has just summarized so well the challenge posed by this terrible situation in our ridings. These are exactly the same realities we are experiencing throughout Quebec, and the concerns she raised are also the same in my own riding. I also thank her for her collaboration in committee, because we need to work together to advance legislation like Bill C-16 . We must prevent and reduce the risks. In that line of thought, could she reiterate how best to enhance prevention and reduce the risks in order to improve what we should be doing with regard to Bill C-16?”
“Mr. Speaker, infrastructure is critically important. Members of Parliament and our cabinet have demonstrated the importance of investing in this infrastructure. We listen to our constituents, our mayors, and our city councilors. They told us that we need to address the infrastructure issue. Infrastructure supports the quality of life of our constituents and creates jobs in the regions, which are so important to them.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for her many questions. My colleague may be right about using the words “our seniors”, but I am so fond of the seniors in my riding, and I care about them as though they were part of our extended family. Seniors have my utmost respect. I have had some very good discussions with seniors, who ask me loads of questions. They understand very well that our budget includes measures to improve their quality of life, to help them with the cost of living and to put infrastructure in place to support them. They also know very well that they are not a homogeneous group. Some people are more vulnerable than others, and seniors agree that we should invest in programs that help the most vulnerable members of our society.”
“Mr. Speaker, I can look my constituents and my children and grandchildren in the eye. This is not a credit card budget, as the Conservatives like to call it. It is a budget that offers ways to find money to improve the quality of life of Canadians, while making investments in the future. When I put money in my children's TFSA and in programs, I know I am investing in their future. That is exactly what we are doing. We are investing in everyone's future.”
“In Thérèse-de-Blainville, people tell me they are tired of parties that criticize everything but offer nothing. Budget 2025 provides more assistance for families, more housing, more infrastructure, more jobs for young people, and more support for small and medium-sized enterprises.”
“For Thérèse-de-Blainville, where libraries, broadcasters and festivals play an essential role, these investments are a breath of fresh air and will provide concrete support for the cultural vitality of the north shore. We have a golden opportunity right now to put our Canadian pride on full display. I am a proud Quebecker and a proud Canadian. Culture is important, and I am very proud that our government has chosen to invest in culture in this budget, which is so strategic for our constituents. The budget supports workers with $3.7 billion in income assistance for those affected by trade tensions, as well as a national online training platform. This means more tools for workers, more retraining, and a stronger partnership with regional unions such as the FTQ, the CSN, and Unifor.”
“In a region where our seniors are too often targeted, this strengthened framework will allow us to take effective action against financial exploitation. Seniors are also asking us to provide them with opportunities for physical exercise. We talk about the importance of mental health in ending social isolation. We need to invest in infrastructure, and that is what we have done for seniors. I am already working with people in towns and cities to find the best infrastructure for seniors, including for their quality of life. Culture is the heart and soul of our cities. Budget 2025 invests $770 million to support local festivals, major events, local media and, of course, the CBC/Radio-Canada.”
“I am well aware of the challenges confronting our young people, who are currently grappling with a digital transformation that is affecting the types of jobs available, not to mention the uncertainty caused by the United States in recent months that has kept businesses from investing. Our budget is completely responsible. It sends a strong message to our SMEs that the time has come to invest in productivity and competitiveness again and to grow our place in the world. Seniors are very important in my riding. Protecting our seniors is essential. Budget 2025 creates the first national anti-fraud strategy, which includes a mandatory code of conduct for banks and a new agency to combat financial crimes that will be operational in 2026.”
“This is direct support for more than 3,500 jobs in our region. Even as we derive economic strength from our SMEs and make investments in major projects across Canada, we must also promote the francophonie and enable SMEs to connect with the francophone network across Canada. We have to leverage the strength of the francophonie and Canada's two official languages as incredible assets for attracting investment. Budget 2025 delivers the goods for youth, who are so important: 100,000 jobs under the Canada summer jobs program, 20,000 youth receiving support through the youth employment and skills strategy and an additional 55,000 work placements. That is significant. In Thérèse-de-Blainville, where so many students are looking for their first job experience, these programs are opening doors in a real and lasting way.”