Pauline Rochefort
Nipissing—Timiskaming, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Madam Speaker, after more than five decades in business, Laura Landers of Laura's Art Shoppe in Cobalt has retired, closing the doors on a remarkable career that helped shape the artistic and cultural life of the Timiskaming region. For 45 years, her shop has been a destination for artists, collectors, tourists and residents alike.”
“Madam Speaker, I would remind my colleague that the Bank of Canada and leading economists, including today, the C.D. Howe Institute, have cautioned against spreading fear and uncertainty when Canadians are looking for solutions. I am proud to be part of a government that is focused on supporting good-paying jobs and growing our economy.”
“Madam Speaker, this week is a good week for northern Ontario. Well-paid jobs are important. In the north, there are more than 900 companies operating in the mining supply and services sector.”
“Madam Speaker, there is a lot of good news today. It is important to mention that the first Canada groceries and essentials benefit payments were deposited today. In my riding, they went out to 28,000 residents of Nipissing—Timiskaming. A single person will receive $950 and a family of four will receive up to $1,890.”
“Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Winnipeg North . [ English ] I would also like to thank my colleague across the aisle who moved that we have this debate this morning, as I do feel that there are still a few words to be said regarding the matter of an independent military honours review board.”
“David reflected that resolving an important matter often takes a village, as the expression goes. He went on to say that in the case of the Victoria Cross cause, at the heart of the village has been a fire that has burned hot for six years, enduring setbacks and disappointments, surviving the moments when progress seemed to move two steps…”
The complete record
Every one of 111 lines we hold for Pauline Rochefort, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 3.
“Mr. Speaker, I recently met with people from real estate boards in northern Ontario. They talked about the need for affordable housing and supportive housing. They want us to pass the Build Canada Homes legislation and the budget implementation legislation as soon as possible. I encourage my colleagues to vote with us.”
“Mr. Speaker, I really appreciate my colleague's comments, and I am very impressed by the fact that Quebec is a leader in Canada when it comes to embracing EVs. I was wondering whether my colleague could tell me about charging stations. What role do they play in reaching these target numbers?”
“Strong progress on the right to repair helps ensure consumers continue to have choice, affordability and timely repairs, especially as vehicles become more complex. We welcome them to Ottawa.”
“Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the vital role Canada's independent automotive repair sector plays in my riding of Nipissing—Timiskaming. Independent service technicians and repair shops help keep vehicles safe, reliable and on the road. For households already working hard to make ends meet, a vehicle out of service for days can mean missed shifts and lost income. Local, highly skilled repair businesses, including those serving rural and northern communities like Nipissing—Timiskaming, help Canadians get back behind the wheel quickly and affordably. I had the opportunity to meet with members of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada, who spoke about the importance of fair access to vehicle repair information and tools.”
“Mr. Speaker, I really appreciate how my colleague for Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam outlined all the measures the government has encouraged to make life more affordable for Canadians. I am very interested in knowing how the citizens in his riding are responding to these measures.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am very impressed by the way my colleague is defending the interests of his riding of Beauport—Limoilou. I was wondering if he could elaborate on the main recommendation of Food Banks Canada.”
“Mr. Chair, there is one thing I did recently that I would like to mention. I went to Kapuskasing to represent the government and confirm the announcement of the funding that FedNor is providing to Kap Paper. I was able to meet with all the workers in that industry. This is certainly not an easy time, but these people and this company greatly appreciate the work being done by our government. They understand the importance of this work. I saw and heard this for myself during my visit.”
“Mr. Chair, I understand the gist of my colleague's question, and I am glad he mentioned historical amnesia. The other day, one of my colleagues used the term “historical amnesia”. It is also true that the softwood lumber dispute dates back some years. However, I want to point out that when the dispute was resolved in 2007, American and Canadian manufacturers agreed to create a $5-million fund in Canada to be used for market development. Market development is very important. In the future, perhaps that fund could be used to help fix the infrastructure and transportation issues that I mentioned this evening.”
“Mr. Chair, I am very happy to know my colleague is a member of the transportation committee, so he would know that since World War II, most of our Trans-Canada Highway routes have been supported by our federal government. Actually, in 2023, in Newfoundland, our government announced shared funding of the Trans-Canada Highway widening with the province. There are multiple examples. This is simply to say that this weekend I travelled 200 kilometres from my home community of North Bay to New Liskeard. I saw three major accidents with major trucks, one lumber truck, along that particular route. It is a significant problem in my section of Canada that I think is very important to bring forward.”
“I conclude that they are one and the same issue that ensures the strength of the Canadian economy. In closing, I would like to commend our government on its work to defend forestry businesses and workers that are affected by U.S. tariffs. I am very proud to be part of a government that will always defend the interests and do what is best for Canadians and the Canadian economy.”
“Basically, the MTO in Ontario is projecting that by 2030, trucks will represent almost 50% of the traffic along the roads. These are not regional numbers; these are national supply chain numbers. Basically, that is why, in Ontario, all of the municipal associations in northern Ontario are calling for widening the highways in northern Ontario in support of the forestry sector. Although the safety and reliability of highways in Ontario falls partly under provincial jurisdiction, I nevertheless wanted to raise this issue here tonight, because it is an important factor affecting the competitiveness and resilience of our national forestry sector. Furthermore, the safety and reliability of supply chains in northern Ontario and across Canada and the softwood lumber dispute are not separate issues.”
“Unfortunately, these segments of the Trans-Canada Highway are just about the only remaining sections of the highway that are two-lane highways, and so all trucks travelling from east to west, from southern Ontario to eastern Canada or western Canada as they connect from Quebec to Manitoba or from Manitoba to Quebec, must do so along dangerous two-lane highways. This creates serious national-level vulnerabilities. I will explain why, specifically for the forestry sector. Between January and September 2025, just to give an example in my area, the North Bay to Cochrane section of the Trans-Canada in northeastern Ontario experienced the equivalent of 32 days without any movement of people or goods. If we extrapolate that to the year's end, that is 40 days when no trucks, no people and no cars could move along the highways.”
“It takes approximately three trucks to replace every boxcar of pulp and paper or four trucks for every centre beam of lumber and wood products. If rail service were to cease entirely, as it did briefly in 2024 due to simultaneous work stoppages at CN and CPKC, the sector would require additional trucks far beyond its trucking capacity to supply. Nonetheless, this did happen in 2024, and it highlighted the importance of trucks and our roads to bring forest products to market. In northern Ontario, that would be along the more than 3,000 kilometres of the Trans-Canada Highway, which includes Highway 11 and Highway 17.”
“Tonight, I would like to address the matter of the fragility of our transportation network, particularly as it relates to the forestry sector, the softwood lumber dispute and trucks transporting forest products that rely on dangerous sections of the Trans-Canada Highway in Ontario. First, I will give a bit of contextual information. The average overland distance travelled by a forest product shipment is roughly 1,200 kilometres, with most sawmills and paper mills being in, as all my colleagues know, remote, rural and northern regions. About half of this is by rail to the United States and to seaports for offshore exports, and the other half is by truck. When rail service falters due to congestion, crew shortages or strikes, trucking can only partially backstop the gap.”
“Mr. Chair, I am thankful for the opportunity to rise tonight to speak in support of Canada's forestry sector. This important sector, as we know, employs nearly 200,000 Canadians. It relies on efficient, reliable and cost-effective transportation supply chains, from trucks and railways to ports, to move its products to domestic and global markets. The Forest Products Association of Canada reports that the last five years have, unfortunately, highlighted the fragility of Canada's freight transportation network, which has been affected by bottlenecks, accidents and frequent labour disruptions.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleague on her excellent remarks. At the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates, the Parliamentary Budget Officer said that separating operating and capital expenditures is, in fact, a best practice. It is a best practice in government and it is a best practice in private industry. He said it allows us to track investments from both a budget perspective and a reporting perspective. Today, I was delighted to hear my colleague speak to the importance of investments. I welcome her views on where she will see further investments in her riding.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to ask my colleague how the businesses in his community have reacted to some of the many tax incentives that were included in our budget. I know, in my riding, businesses reacted very positively to the productivity superdeduction. I would like the member's thoughts on how his business community is reacting.”
“Mr. Speaker, this morning in the media, there was an article entitled “‘Quiet buzz’ on Bay Street about Carney 's ‘nation-building’ major projects”. It said, “There is a strong response within the finance community, within the engineering community, within the construction community. People are awake, people are aware”. People are interested in knowing about the timelines on these projects as they seek to participate. What are my colleague's views on major projects? Does he support fast-tracking major projects in Canada, as the people in my riding do? That is what I have heard people in my riding say.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleague on the excellent work he is doing in the House of Commons. The budget includes a plan to develop our communities. This includes $115 billion over five years for community infrastructure. Can my colleague talk about the impact this plan will have on the communities in his riding of La Prairie—Atateken?”
“On their behalf, I thank the government for creating a future where every young girl knows her voice matters, and I encourage all colleagues in the House to support—”
“Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of budget 2025. In preparation for the budget, I had the pleasure of meeting with many different organizations and, certainly, people of all ages, including young people in my riding of Nipissing—Timiskaming. One such group was the Embers, an inspiring group of young Girl Guides. In relation to the budget, they shared what matters most to them: helping communities grow, caring for the planet, supporting those in need and showing kindness to others. I was pleased to see that budget 2025 delivers on these values, as it invests $660 million in women’s equality and leadership. It also includes many other strategic investments that ensure a secure future for young people in Canada. I conclude by saying that the Embers remind us that real leadership begins with care and compassion.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am proud to live in a community in northeastern Ontario where nearly one-third of the population is francophone or speaks French. Federal government support is very important for us. It greatly improves things for minority communities outside Quebec. The federal government plays a key role, and this budget ensures important services for our community. I mentioned services that are offered by Radio-Canada. Our community's cultural life is important. That is just one example of what our government is doing for the French-speaking population outside Quebec.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell my colleague about the Union culturelle des Franco-Ontariennes, a group of women who are actively involved in the communities of New Liskeard, Earlton and Belle Vallée in my riding. They sent me a petition signed by nearly 100 people. What is important for them is that the budget does not make any cuts to the program offered by the Department for Women and Gender Equality. This is an example of how our government listens and responds to needs. Today, I am pleased to be able to say that the government is listening and that the budget confirms $600 million over five years to ensure services for women in our country.”
“She said that they are delighted with these important initiatives and investments, and that this is how to invest in Canada and support Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague asks a very good question, but I would like to reply with the many good things that our budget includes and focus on the real relief it would bring to Canadians. I would like to speak about personal support workers in my community. It is an excellent example of how this budget is different and why it is important to Canadians. For example, I have a 95-year-old father, and personal support workers are very important in his life and the life of my family. We were absolutely delighted when the government came forward with the first-ever pension plan and tax deduction in support of personal support workers. In fact, in my community lives the chief union steward for the Service Employees International Union, representing nearly 60 personal support workers in Nipissing.”
“With a junior A hockey team called the North Bay Battalion and a mascot named Sarge, North Bay understands the importance of Canada's significant investments in personnel, equipment, training and infrastructure to ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces can protect our country. There is much more I could say about budget 2025. I will simply say I am proud to support a budget that invests in the residents, organizations and communities of Nipissing—Timiskaming and ensures a prosperous future for the children of the riding of Nipissing—Timiskaming.”
“I also want to highlight action on fraud through the national anti-fraud strategy. North Bay is home to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and we welcome this attention to protecting people from fraud. I should also mention the organizations that work so hard in our riding to promote our environment, such as the Canadian Ecological Centre. [ English ] I would like to conclude by touching on a final area of the budget that is important to my riding and that is defence. North Bay likes to boast that no other community in Canada loves its military as much as its residents do. Since 1951, it has been home to the Royal Canadian Air Force and has protected North America's air sovereignty.”
“Nipissing—Timiskaming is also home to six first nation communities, and budget 2025 recognizes their acute needs for housing. They have worked with our government to ensure that the budget addresses urban and on-reserve indigenous housing. It is important to note that the $25 billion the government has directed to housing is Canada's most confident housing plan since World War II. It is significant. The budget also continues to address things like Internet services in Marten River, Temagami, communities around Lake Nosbonsing and the Mattawa River. (1150) [ Translation ] I know that young people in my community are excited about the new youth climate corps and the Canada summer jobs program. Nipissing—Timiskaming has a large francophone population, so support for Radio-Canada is welcome.”
“This $115-billion fund over five years will work to meet the needs of communities in Nipissing—Timiskaming from up north in Englehart to Trout Creek in the south, to Temagami First Nation in the west and to the town of Mattawan the east, and every community in between. Equally important to mention is that these public funds will come with a requirement to buy Canadian. Canada is moving from a best-efforts approach to a clear requirement to buy Canadian. This will apply to our two excellent district social services boards, which are striving to ensure that everyone has a roof over their head. I know they are already working on projects that will bring housing solutions for those who are homeless, those who are in need of supportive housing and those in need of affordable housing.”
“It is difficult to summarize everything budget 2025 holds for the citizens of Nipissing—Timiskaming, but I would like to focus on a few points. As a former mayor, I know there are significant infrastructure gaps that communities have simply not been able to tackle. For example, in my riding, the town of Powassan and the township of Nipissing have had to close a rural bridge they shared because it was simply too expensive to repair. Unfortunately, this had consequences for local farmers who have to take a roundabout route. These municipalities will now be able to apply to the build communities strong fund.”
“Prior to the budget, at our constituency offices in Temiskaming Shores and North Bay, we received calls from residents who were concerned about cuts to the dental care program, which has become so essential to families in our riding. We received calls from seniors who were panicked about misinformation that was circulating about cuts to old age security benefits. Today, I am pleased to confirm to residents of Nipissing—Timiskaming that budget 2025 would protect the vital social programs that matter to the citizens of our riding, and I will name them. (1145) They are the Canada child benefit, the national school food program, the Canada disability benefit, the old age security program, Canadian student loans and grants, $10-a-day child care, the Canada workers benefit, the Canadian dental care plan and pharmacare.”
“I have encouraged all businesses and organizations in my riding to read the budget and to understand how it is positioning Canada, and this is very important as the most competitive jurisdiction in the world for new business investment. Therefore, I think everyone will agree that this budget would support investment and is progrowth. However, ultimately, the budget is truly pro-Canadian and pro-Nipissing—Timiskaming residents. It is a budget that would encourage Canada's growth, yes, but in doing so, it would create well-paying jobs, reduce the cost of living and, most important, protect our Canadian way of life.”
“They quickly understood, and one replied, “This will help my business grow as I can now deduct significant capital investments.” I know of other companies that have already taken advantage of the regional tariff response initiative delivered by FedNor, Export Development Canada's trade diversification program. There are company officials in the mining sector in my community who are looking at the $2-billion sovereign fund for critical minerals and how this may tie into their business operations. The budget contains many measures to stimulate business growth. It includes support for important economic development organizations, such as the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance. It also contains funds for Wood WORKS! and Innovation Initiatives Ontario North.”
“It was explained to me that this is a historic number of requests for a Canadian leader at such an event, which is a testament to the confidence that other countries have in Canada. Our Prime Minister explains it best when he says that Canada “has what the world wants”. As the member of Parliament for Nipissing—Timiskaming, I am proud to say that my riding also has many products and services that the world needs. Businesses in Nipissing—Timiskaming in sectors such as mining, forestry, aviation and aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture ship across Canada and around the world. That is why, in only the few days since the budget was presented, I have received calls from representatives from a few companies seeking information about the new productivity superdeduction.”
“Tariffs are disrupting business supply chains, and municipalities are facing infrastructure gaps. At the same time, I found that people understood that Canada is facing economic challenges. While they would like things to be different, they understand that we need to redefine Canada's trade and security relationships. I will be splitting my time with the member for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles . Many constituents have also told me that they feel reassured to have a stable, calm and economically credible Prime Minister leading our country in these turbulent times. A resident pointed out to me that, at the recent United Nations meeting in New York, more than 700 requests for meetings with our Prime Minister poured in from foreign leaders, CEOs and business representatives from around the world.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of the residents of Nipissing—Timiskaming in support of the 2025 budget and our plan to build Canada strong and Nipissing—Timiskaming strong. The budget is of critical importance to the 90,000 residents across the 35 communities that make up our riding. In the weeks leading up to the budget, I met with constituents to understand their situation. I also spoke with members of community organizations, such as the Rotary Club of North Bay, the Canadian Federation of University Women and the Temiskaming Municipal Services Association. Overall, I would say that my riding is not so different from others that I have heard about in this chamber. There are issues regarding housing and homelessness. Families are facing financial pressures.”
“Mr. Speaker, this week, the House of Commons welcomes the Canadian Airports Council to Ottawa. Included are representatives from my community's Jack Garland Airport in North Bay. From Jack Garland Airport, citizens in need of specialized medical services fly to Toronto. There are firefighters who jump on an airplane at a moment's notice to assist communities facing natural disasters. From North Bay, mining executives travel the globe to share leading-edge products and services. Airports are essential, so I give a very special thanks on behalf of all of us to the airport personnel who work to ensure this sector is thriving for the betterment of North Bay and similar communities across our vast country. We thank them. Meegwetch .”
“The city's centennial celebration has mobilized hundreds of volunteers who have highlighted the contributions of many sectors, and the celebration will continue.”
“Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing the city of North Bay a happy 100th birthday. Even if it is only 100 years old, it is still a city that is just getting started. This is why: With its modern infrastructure, higher-level education centres, strategic location at the crossroads of Highway 11 and Highway 17, and access to rail and air transportation, North Bay, nicknamed “your gateway to opportunity”, is truly a gateway to east-west domestic trade and international markets. People who have been there know it is a beautiful city. It has breathtaking scenery, wonderful recreational amenities and much more. Most important are the citizens of the city of North Bay, the wonderful people. For 100 years, they have shaped this great city. It now offers a high quality of life and is, therefore, a great place to raise a family and build a future.”
“While exuberant in his political and social presence, Bob Wood's legacy of kindness was private and personal as he offered that kindness when no one was looking. The people of Nipissing—Timiskaming, his colleagues in Parliament and the citizens of Canada extend their deepest thanks to Bob and their sympathy to his family. May Bob rest in peace.”
“Mr. Speaker, this morning a 26th annual memorial service was held to recognize the parliamentarians we have lost over the past year. Included was Bob Wood, who represented the riding of Nipissing as a member of the Liberal Party for nearly 16 years, up until 2004. He passed away in North Bay a few months ago at the age of 85, and Anthony Rota succeeded him in the riding, now known as Nipissing—Timiskaming. Bob served as parliamentary secretary to the minister of veteran affairs, with North Bay being a major Canadian Forces base with a strong NORAD presence. Bob was beloved by the citizens of the riding, and I doubt there are many MPs in this room who can boast of having topped every poll in three successive campaigns.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am a new member of the House, and I was very impressed this morning with the vote and the support in the House for our bill. To me, it speaks about action. Action is so important, and I think, certainly, that is what Canadians are looking for. I was impressed with my colleague's comments. I have been following as well, at a distance, the matter of tolls on ferries, and I appreciate his frustration. I understand that some of the reasons behind the difficulty in resolving some of these matters is due to the fact that there are many ferry companies that are involved and there are some complexities involved. I was wondering if my colleague could comment on how he might play a role more locally, in his riding, in resolving this matter.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are very fortunate in Canada to be blessed with many great financial institutions, and within these institutions are economic departments with great economists leading them. I wonder if my colleague could comment on the position of our Canadian banks with respect to this particular bill.”
“Madam Speaker, I was very interested in what our colleague described in terms of the meetings that were held with the Minister of Industry . I would be interested in better understanding how the business community in Hamilton reacted to the outcomes of those meetings.”
“Madam Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to congratulate my colleague on his election and his recent appointment as parliamentary secretary. If I understand correctly, the La Prairie—Atateken riding has changed colours. I would like to know which of the highlights of the plan for a strong Canada made the people in his riding inclined to vote for my dear colleague.”
“Madam Speaker, like my esteemed colleague, I am also new to the House of Commons. For me and our community as well, the armed forces are very present. I appreciated the comments that were made by my esteemed colleague. Could he give his views on what is included in the throne speech, as well as the “Canada Strong” plan, related to rebuilding, rearming and reinvesting in our Canadian Armed Forces?”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the fact that my colleague has pointed out the importance of small business in our country. About 95% of the companies throughout Canada are defined as small businesses, so it is very critical that we bring them all the support that is necessary.”
“Mr. Speaker, that is an excellent question, and my answer may come as a surprise to my colleague. My first priority is to see to it that the projects initiated during the last Parliament and under the leadership of my predecessor, Anthony Rota, are completed. For example, there is the construction of a new $35‑million arena, which has just begun. There is also the $20 million that has been allocated to address contamination. Finally, we have also received funds from the housing accelerator fund, and I want to ensure that there is progress on these projects in our communities.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her excellent question. We were all very pleased to see that the “Canada Strong” plan very clearly states that supply management is non-negotiable. Recently, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food also made an excellent comment when he declared that supply management is non-negotiable. We are therefore going to give our dairy industry and all other supply-managed industries our strong support.”
“Mr. Speaker, I look forward to visiting my colleague's farming establishment in the Timiskaming area. Certainly it was good to see, as part of the “Canada Strong” plan, that there is a role for the regional development agencies. For us in northern Ontario, under the minister overseeing FedNor, our regional development agency, we are very pleased to see that there is going to be a role also for the Crown corporations that support our territory. In Timiskaming, there is a strong presence by the Farm Credit Canada corporation, and we look forward to a continued role for that organization in our territory.”