Ginette Lavack
St. Boniface—St. Vital, Manitoba · Liberal · Canada
“[ English ] Therefore, the bill would be further strengthened by including these thresholds in the preamble to ensure consistent application across the country. [ Translation ] Our government often speaks of its commitment to the safety and dignity of all Canadians, and these are not just empty words.”
“Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak to Bill C-263 , an act to establish a national framework for silver alerts. I would like to thank the member for Kildonan—St. Paul for bringing this important matter to the House for debate.”
“It alerts the public through TV, radio and wireless devices to life-threatening situations, such as tornados, fires and Amber alerts. In 2024 alone, 855 emergency alerts were issued across Canada. These alerts provide life-saving information during extreme weather or other critical events.”
“(1350) [ English ] Search and rescue operations are often led by local police services in coordination with provincial agencies and volunteer organizations. Whether a senior goes missing in a rural township or a dense urban core, the response must be immediate and tailored to that specific area or community.”
“If we expand the criteria for emergency broadcasts to include every instance of a missing senior when thousands of such incidents occur annually across this country, we run a very real risk of creating alert fatigue. If the public begins to perceive these alerts as routine, they may start to ignore them.”
“[ Translation ] It is estimated that nearly one million Canadians will be living with dementia by 2030. We need to make sure that we have the right methods and tools in place to protect vulnerable people who may go missing, people like Earl Moberg, who inspired this bill and who serves as a poignant reminder of the very real consequences…”
The complete record
Every one of 75 lines we hold for Ginette Lavack, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 2.
“[ English ] As we celebrate Gender Equality Week, let us continue to encourage more women to enter the trades, not only to fill the growing demand for skilled professionals but also to build a strong, more inclusive Canada.”
“Madam Speaker, in recognition of Gender Equality Week, I want to pay tribute to my sister Chantale. [ English ] ln 2006, she completed her outdoor power equipment technician certification at Red River College, choosing a career in the trades, a non-traditional path for women. After graduating, she faced many challenges, working hard to overcome biases and the limitations placed on her by employers, but she persevered. ln 2021, she joined StandardAero as a gas turbine repair and overhaul technician, where she continues to excel today. (1105) [ Translation ] Her courage and determination are proof that when women have an opportunity to thrive, they can break down barriers and succeed in any field.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleague to tell us more about his thoughts on increased investment in clean technologies or carbon capture and whether, in his opinion, this can play a more significant role.”
“On behalf of the House, I extend my sincere condolences to her husband, Denis, her family, her friends and the many communities she served with such devotion.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to mark the passing of Paulette Duguay last month in St. Boniface, Manitoba. [ English ] Paulette was a tireless advocate for Métis and French-Canadian communities. She served as president of the Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba for 10 years, promoting reconciliation, preserving Métis culture and strengthening ties within the francophone community. Her commitment and impact were recognized nationally in 2024, when she received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her exceptional service. [ Translation ] Ms. Duguay influenced many people through her leadership, the relationships she built and the lives she touched. Her colleagues and friends remember her as a warm, generous and caring person.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my Bloc Québécois colleague for his speech and his support for Bill C‑3 , which seeks to correct significant injustices pertaining to citizenship. I understand that the member is frustrated about the timing of the introduction of this bill, but parliamentarians have been debating these things for a long time. As a new MP, I am starting to learn and understand the system, and I know it could take some time. Nevertheless, does my colleague think that the bill adequately addresses the concerns raised by the people affected, and how does he see it being implemented in Quebec?”
“Madam Speaker, I would like to ask my colleague across the aisle a question. Given the scientific consensus that immediate action is needed to combat climate change, as we are living and experiencing the worst wildland fire season on record to date, and recognizing that the electric vehicle availability standard is designed to gradually increase EV supply and affordability over time, how can the member justify delaying future targets, especially when motions like the one proposed by the Conservatives call for ending these efforts altogether? How can we do this without effectively abandoning Canada's climate commitments?”
“Mr. Speaker, as my colleague mentioned, everything about this motion seeks to divide people into winners and losers. I would ask the member to explain how the electrification of transportation could have a very positive impact in his riding.”
“Madam Speaker, I apologize. I would like to ask my colleague from Winnipeg West the following question. [ English ] The member made comments on the health care system and how he was very thankful that it exists in Canada the way it is today. What would he say about the measures this government has put in place to help support Canadian families with respect to health care?”
“Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleague from Winnipeg West on his maiden speech and his election to the House of Commons. You spoke earlier about health care and how important it was for you in Canada to have access to the health care that we have—”
“Madam Speaker, there is a bill that was tabled, Bill C-2 , the strong borders act, which does address and start to discuss issues around security, gun controls, drug trafficking and all of those issues that certainly are having impacts on the security and the safety of our communities. I would hope my neighbour across the aisle will consider that bill once it comes to the floor for debate and will vote in favour.”
“Madam Speaker, I am sorry for the interruption. [ English ] As I was stating, I have become acutely aware that francophone immigration is critical for all francophone communities across this country, because we do need skilled bilingual workers in every sector, whether it is health care or education. It is crucial. In my own riding as well, it has been a first-hand experience seeing that there are people we are welcoming into our communities whom we want to put to work in great ways, so we need to do more to recognize their skills.”
“Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for her excellent question. Once again, I think we know that there is a lot of work to be done when it comes to immigration. Certain credentials are not recognized, and people who are already on the ground may not have the jobs they would like. There is significant work to be done. I obviously think the targets need to be reviewed. That has to be discussed, and it has to be done effectively and carefully. We do not want to set irresponsible targets. We certainly want to ensure that targets are reviewed in co-operation with the communities. It is important to listen.”
“Madam Speaker, as the throne speech demonstrated, we are here to build a strong Canada, to build a stronger economy for our country, and that will go through all kinds of initiatives and projects. We are in the process of consulting and putting together those plans. We cannot do that in a silo. We must be talking with partners. We must be talking with everyone in order to develop these plans constructively and with responsibility.”
“I will close by reaffirming that I am here because of all the people who refused to stay silent, whether they were women, francophones, immigrants, artists or builders working in the shadows. All of these groups were often marginalized, but they were the people who built Canada as we know it and who made it a great place to live. I am here because I believe in solidarity, culture, language and a country where everyone can dream, build and be heard.”
“Let us work together to strengthen the international Francophonie. The desire to build collectively extends beyond our borders. Canada must forge new relationships based on respect, co-operation and solidarity. My commitment as a member of Parliament is clear. I will defend the language rights of western Canadian francophones in all places and at all times. I will strengthen arts and culture, because they are the soul of our communities, large and small, all across the country. I will support an ambitious and inclusive immigration plan that is aligned with this country's economic and social needs. I will build bridges between francophones here and around the world.”
“Madam Speaker, in our communities, there are doctors who are not allowed to practise medicine, teachers who are not allowed to teach and engineers who have to rebuild their careers from scratch. We absolutely need to thoroughly review our mechanisms for recognizing credentials and skills. Not only is the current situation a waste of these people's time, but it is also a waste of their talent and a loss for Canada as a whole. Removing these barriers is not only the right thing to do, but it will also help build a stronger, fairer and more competitive Canada. I commend my colleagues from Don Valley West and Hull-Aylmer , who stressed our connections with Africa. They reminded us that Africa is full of young, dynamic countries, many of them francophone, and that our future is connected to these partnerships.”
“A united Canada means that every person feels they belong and can contribute their best. [ Translation ] To develop this vision, we have to address barriers to labour mobility, especially for internationally trained immigrants. Francophone immigration remains a challenge, particularly in minority settings. We have doctors in our communities who are blocked from teaching or practising medicine.”
“For francophones out west, Radio-Canada is more than just a media outlet; it is a common thread that unites generations, a lone voice in an English-dominated media landscape. It is also a tool for regional development, artistic dissemination and community cohesion. Above all, however, it is the cornerstone of the kind of free and independent press that is essential for our democracy to thrive. In a world where disinformation is gaining ground, protecting our public media institutions is more important than ever. The francophonie is alive and well in our riding and co-exists alongside a cultural mosaic. In my riding, indigenous people and people representing communities from around the world enrich our social fabric. [ English ] Our strength lies in this diversity.”
“It is in the murals in the French-speaking neighbourhood, which tell the story of the Red River Métis and francophone pioneers. It is in the Festival du Voyageur, an annual event that brings tens of thousands of visitors together to have fun, listen to music and experience the warmth of human connection despite the February cold. It is in the celebrations at gurdwaras and temples. It is in the hip-hop concerts, modern art exhibitions and theatres, which are living expressions of our spirit and creativity. [ English ] Cultural industries generate over $58 billion in GDP and nearly 700,000 jobs, yet artists and creative talents still face precarity. They deserve better. [ Translation ] I appreciate the commitment made to CBC/Radio-Canada.”
“A woman in my riding wrote to tell me that her daughter had exclaimed that I was their prime minister, and that she had had to explain that this was not exactly the case. This woman told me that I was having a very positive impact and that I was a strong, authentic female role model for the younger generation. I reread that message often, because politics is also about inspiring people, representing them and giving them a dream to work toward. The recent Speech from the Throne paints a picture of Canada that matches what I saw on the ground throughout the election campaign. It is a picture of a country that wants to move forward together, without leaving anyone behind. I am especially pleased to see that culture, the francophonie and immigration are an important part of this vision. Culture is everywhere in St. Boniface—St. Vital.”
“I believe it is time for the voices of women, artists, francophones, young people and newcomers to be at the heart of our democracy. [ English ] What I heard at the doors deeply moved me: sincere, urgent concerns, with people fearing that a strong Conservative government could undo the social, environmental and cultural gains, and parents who are anxious about their children's future. I heard seniors wanting to age in dignity and young people dreaming of a just, sustainable future where environmental protections, equity and opportunity go hand in hand. I am here to tell them that I heard them and that I am here for them. [ Translation ] Sometimes we get an especially touching message.”
“I also want to thank my family and friends, without whom I could not have fathomed undertaking such an endeavour; they have been the wind in my sails, and their unwavering faith in my ability to do difficult things has helped me immeasurably. [ Translation ] I want to pay tribute to Dan Drummondville, who served St. Boniface—St. Vital with integrity, generosity and dedication for over a decade. Dan was a strong voice for francophones, for culture and for Manitoba and the Prairies. I am committed to continuing his work with the same passion. Many have asked me why I got into politics. I did it out of duty, hope and love for my community. It is an immense privilege to be able to serve my community and bring its voice, hopes and concerns to the House.”
“Madam Speaker, it is with great humility and an even greater sense of duty that I rise today to deliver my maiden speech. I am honoured to represent the people of St. Boniface—St. Vital, a riding that is vibrant, diverse, creative and resilient, a place where French is a living heritage and where dozens of cultures, languages and histories converge to enrich our collective story. [ Translation ] I want to thank the voters of St. Boniface—St. Vital for putting their trust in me. They have entrusted me with an immense responsibility, and I will never take it for granted. (1605) [ English ] I would also like to thank my incredible campaign team and volunteers, who dedicated hundreds of hours to our campaign.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by sincerely thanking my constituents in the wonderful riding of St. Boniface—St. Vital for placing their trust in me to represent them here in the House of Commons. [ English ] I would like to ask my colleague, the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs a question. The Prairies are affected by drought and warmer than normal temperatures for a third straight season. The conditions are fuelling the severity of wildfires and posing significant risks to our communities. We are not yet in June, and thousands of Canadians across the Prairies have been forced out of their homes, including thousands of—”