Stéphane Lauzon
Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“We believe that, to address the housing crisis, we need to not only put in place ambitious programs, but also ensure that businesses, developers and municipalities are aware of the tools at their disposal. That is the mandate of all members from all parties. Our mandate is to promote Build Canada Homes in our workplaces, in our ridings.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am staunch defender not only of the French language, but also of rural communities and the regions. Members are well aware of that. Throughout the process, I have worked to ensure that the regions and rural communities are included.”
“When government announcements are made at the right time, it helps attract students who are still in school and get them into apprenticeships. Our goal is to train the next generation of workers and create good jobs. This initiative will ensure that young Canadians are ready to build the housing and infrastructure we need.”
“The goal of these efforts is to encourage local businesses to participate and take advantage of the opportunities that this new initiative has to offer. Sometimes the first step is meeting with municipal representatives.”
“I encourage all my colleagues in the House to follow Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation's lead by supporting promising initiatives and working with all partners in their regions. Every new housing project is an opportunity to meet the needs of families, workers, seniors and single-parent families.”
“The goal is to make Canada one of the fastest-growing and most competitive economies in the world and to usher in a new era of economic security and prosperity for Canadians. I am proud to promote Build Canada Homes in Quebec because partners are getting on board. Organizations believe in it; the sector believes in it.”
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“More specifically, when it comes to youth public health, the federal government has invested $500 million in the youth mental health fund. We have heard a lot about that from my colleague. These are illnesses that seem harmless, secret illnesses. We do not know what is going on in our kids' heads. This program finally helps young people in Canada to access the mental health care they need. These investments mainly go toward increasing access to community-based mental health services and improving navigation and referral to mental health services and supports. The federal government has also invested $20.2 million in the program to prevent youth substance use and associated harms. This program supports 12 community projects in developing a tailored approach to preventing and delaying substance use in youth.”
“The federal government has developed measures to address the overdose crisis as part of the Canadian drugs and substances strategy. The government has committed to a public health and safety approach with a number of objectives, including making it easier to access vital services, reducing stigma around substance use and supporting prevention, treatment and recovery efforts. The federal government has also committed significant funding to the illegal toxic drug and overdose crisis. For example, the federal government has invested over $750 million through the substance use and addiction program for more than 460 innovative community-based pilot projects since 2017, including peer support and capacity-building projects.”
“This fund provides funding to “improve the youth justice system's ability to help youth rehabilitate and reintegrate; increase the use of out of court measures that are more effective in addressing some types of less serious offending...[and] increase the use of community-based sentences for less serious offending”. Additionally, the federal government's youth justice services funding program provides all provinces and territories with an annual financial contribution totalling nearly $185 million for the period from 2021 to 2027 “to assist in the delivery of various programs and services that target youth who come in contact with the criminal justice system”. Our government has also committed to providing urgent and immediate support in response to the overdose crisis.”
“When I was a vocational teacher, the first thing I would tell young people was that I was welcoming them to their second chance, their opportunity to succeed in life, and that we would be there to support them. It is important for adults to listen, but they may not always be the most suitable confidants for young people. If we had a system designed to help these young people overcome their challenges, many lives could be saved. With the youth justice fund, the federal government provides an annual contribution of nearly $4.5 million to support projects that encourage a more effective youth justice system, respond to emerging youth justice issues, and enable greater citizen and community participation in the youth justice system.”
“Our government aims to prioritize permanent approaches for keeping young people away from criminal activities. As my colleague also mentioned, drug use comes with bad habits. It is a vicious circle. If people want to use drugs, they have to get drugs. To get drugs, they have to enter a world that is not exactly legal. It is a vicious circle. Our government seeks to prioritize that approach. The basic principles of this bill promote accountability through measures that offer positive outlooks as well as rehabilitation for social reintegration. It also promotes the use of diversion measures for less severe crimes in order to cut down on the overuse of detention and save court resources for more severe crimes. (1150) Vocational education teachers often deal with delinquency or the rehabilitation of young teenagers who have left the system.”
“I would like tell my colleague opposite that as parents, we do our best, but we cannot control all the experiences our children have to go through in life. Bill C-231 proposes some changes to the YCJA in order to facilitate access to addiction treatment programs for young persons struggling with addiction who come into contact with the criminal justice system. In particular, this bill would amend the YCJA to clarify the measures governing addiction treatment programs and to authorize youth justice courts to delay sentencing in some scenarios so that young persons are able to participate in an addiction treatment program. My colleague talked about treatments in his speech. There are many that can be used to prevent this. There are many treatments available to help with the illness of drug use. However, we can do better.”
“During my years as a teacher and as a coach, I saw athletes who could have performed very well at the national and international level get off track because of peer pressure, drugs and other substances that can disrupt the life of a young person, the life of a family, the life of everyone. Bill C-231 is a bill brought forward by my colleague that pertains to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, or YCJA. I have a daughter who is in the throes of adolescence, so I cannot be indifferent to this. I have had occasion to try to keep a closer eye on her. We know that children will have their own experiences. We have little or no control over that, but I am thankful for what life teaches. We have still been able to keep an extremely close eye on the kids, but it is not because of us, their parents.”
“Madam Speaker, first and foremost, I want to offer my condolences to my colleague across the way and to his entire family. An incident like this does not go unnoticed. I was a teacher for at least two decades, and I saw situations deteriorate right before my eyes for certain groups of students. Teachers are still only allowed to speak to parents if the student gives consent. It is extremely difficult for teachers to cope with these conditions. I rise today because this topic is very important to me. I deeply respect my colleague for having the courage to come share this in the House in the hope of improving the situation. This topic is extremely important not only to me, but to all Canadians, I am sure. Regardless of an individual's family situation, no one is sheltered from issues such as drugs, fentanyl, peer pressure and mental health.”
“Mr. Speaker, as the holiday season approaches, our communities are mobilizing to help those most in need. Food drives organized by big-hearted volunteers remind us of the importance of community and sharing. Every donation, large or small, helps provide food security to disadvantaged families and offers a little comfort to those for whom this time of year can be very difficult. I would like to commend the remarkable work of the community organizations, food banks, parishes and active citizens in Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation that devote themselves tirelessly to ensuring that no one is forgotten. In this season of generosity, I invite all Canadians to give from the heart so that every family can celebrate Christmas with dignity and hope.”
“Mr. Speaker, as Remembrance Day approaches, it is essential to acknowledge the invaluable role that our Royal Canadian Legion branches play in supporting veterans. Across the country, members of the Royal Canadian Legion look after the well being of those who have served our country with courage and dedication. In my riding of Argenteuil—La Petite‑Nation, regions such as Lachute, Brownsburg‑Chatham, Chénéville, Buckingham and Arundel, which serves the Harrington area, are pillars of solidarity and remembrance. Through their commitment, community activities, and annual poppy campaign, these branches remind each of us to always remember. I would like to thank their dedicated volunteers who, day after day, support our most vulnerable veterans and keep the flame of remembrance alive. Lest we forget.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government has kept its word. The Minister of Justice tabled Bill C‑14 to strengthen bail and sentencing provisions. This bill will ensure that no sex offender will be able to serve their sentence at home. Bill C‑14, which was developed in collaboration with the provinces, territories and law enforcement, puts victims at the heart of our justice system. Can the Minister of Justice explain how this bill actually protects the public and holds repeat violent offenders fully accountable?”
“Mr. Speaker, today on National Seniors Day, we pay tribute to the invaluable contribution of the seniors who shaped our country. That said, many of them are wondering if they can continue to age with dignity in their community. Can the secretary of state tell us what the government is doing to ensure that seniors have the right to affordable housing?”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate two of our constituents from Montebello who are true baking artisans: Sabrina Sigouin, owner of La Belle Pâtissière, and Sandra Major, owner of Le Sucre au Four. Together, they were crowned overall winners at the International Baking Industry Exposition, or IBIE, in Las Vegas. The competition was held from September 13 to 17. IBIE is the grain-based food industry's largest event in the western hemisphere, bringing together the entire professional baking community In a fierce international competition, Sabrina and Sandra truly stood out for their sculpted buttercream cakes, fine craftsmanship, technical skill and overall creativity. Not only have they won a victory for Montebello, but they have also put Argenteuil—La Petite‑Nation's regional talent in the national and even international spotlight.”
“Mr. Speaker, agriculture is top of mind for many people in Canada. We are facing increasing global instability, including unfair tariffs imposed by China on Canadian agricultural products such as pork, canola and seafood. The Prime Minister and his cabinet colleagues met with Premier Moe and other key industry players this week in Ottawa. Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food give the House an update on the assistance available to Canadian farmers facing these Chinese tariffs?”
“Mr. Speaker, I would encourage my colleague to brush up on his history. It was decisions made in 2009 that led to a generational break in family reunification. It was written into the law. I cannot make this stuff up. That was when the value placed on family reunification and Canadian citizenship began to be reduced. Today, a court ruling is forcing us to introduce a bill to comply with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, respect human rights and correct the mistakes of the past.”
“Mr. Speaker, that is an excellent question. Family reunification is an important value for Canadians, and it is part of the Liberal DNA. One of the primary reasons I entered politics in 2015 is that we are a welcoming country. Canada is known for being inclusive, and we are there for all communities. Personally, I had the good fortune to live surrounded by family, an entirely Quebec Canadian family whose members all lived roughly in the same area. Since 2015, however, I have been deeply moved by the countless applications from people in my riding that allowed us to help several families reunite, including reuniting children with their parents. To me, that is the essence of life itself.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to have the opportunity to answer my colleague's question. We are talking about family reunification, about a government that cares deeply about helping families reunite. That being said, I would like my colleague to answer a specific question. How many families have not been able to be together since 2009, when the Harper government made changes to the family class rules? Those measures broke families apart. Now we are trying to fix the Harper government's mistakes.”
“By passing Bill C‑3, we are choosing connection over exclusion and fairness over restriction. We are telling Canadians around the world and their children that their ties to our country are important, that their history, their contribution and their sense of belonging are part of what makes Canada strong.”
“The objective and structure of the Citizenship Act have been that children adopted abroad by Canadians and children born abroad to Canadians are treated as similarly as possible, and this will continue to be the case after Bill C‑3 comes into force. The great privilege of Canadian citizenship comes with great responsibility. It is a responsibility to engage, to contribute and to build on the values that make our country what it is. Citizenship is not just a destination. It is a journey and a commitment to community, justice and mutual respect. In conclusion, Canadian citizenship is an important and emotional occasion. It is a privilege that comes with opportunities and gratitude, along with a responsibility to uphold the values that unite us. Citizenship is not just a legal matter. It is a reflection of who we are and who we include.”
“It must also clarify the citizenship process and pass laws that take equality and inclusion into account. This bill aims to automatically remedy the status of individuals who would have been Canadians were it not for the first-generation limit. It also creates a forward-looking new framework for citizenship by descent. In the future, children born abroad beyond the first generation will be eligible for citizenship if their Canadian parent can demonstrate a substantial connection to Canada. In the future, as long as the Canadian parent who was born abroad spends a cumulative total of three years in Canada before the birth of their child, their child will also be born a citizen.”
“As a government, we must remain vigilant to ensure that Canadian citizenship remains a symbol of inclusiveness, fairness and security, as well as a commitment to those values. Why is Bill C‑3 important for me? It is the reason why we introduced this bill. It is to ensure that access to citizenship remains fair and transparent. At a time when disinformation and division can threaten confidence in public institutions, Canada must show that its commitment to fairness extends across borders. Providing thoughtful and inclusive pathways to citizenship beyond the first generation affirms that Canadian identity is shaped not only by place of birth but also by connection, contribution and values. The government's role is not limited to protecting the rights of Canadian citizens.”
“People often talk about the opportunities that Canada has to offer, especially when it comes to education, health care and peace. These pillars of Canadian life are the cornerstones of a better future, not only for new citizens themselves, but also for their children and future generations. Whether through volunteering, participating in local cultural events or simply getting to know their neighbours, new Canadians play an active role in strengthening the fabric of our society. They embody Canada's spirit of generosity and contribute to the success of their communities in many ways. We all have people like this in our lives today, especially as federal MPs in Ottawa.”
“Gaining citizenship is also a moment for connection and community, a chance to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Many members of the House have seen first-hand the emotional impact of this moment. Newcomers, often with their children by their side, hold their certificates with pride, knowing that their family's future is more secure here, in this wonderful country. (1045) This sense of pride transcends borders. People all over the world would love the opportunity to make Canada their home. For those fleeing conflict, persecution or hardship, Canadian citizenship represents a fresh start, a new life, a second chance at life. Most people see it as a privilege and do not take it lightly. New citizens often express how profoundly grateful they are.”
“We have had conversations with new Canadian families about the importance of reuniting children and grandchildren, about the impact citizenship has had and about how we must continue to protect the rights, responsibilities and shared value of citizenship. Becoming a Canadian is a privilege, and it is often described as a source of great pride. Our government carefully designed this bill to fill a gap that has existed since 2009. People are proud to call Canada their home and proud of the journey they took to get here. Becoming a Canadian citizen represents the culmination of years of sacrifice, hard work and perseverance, not only by individuals, but often by their entire families. A lot of compromises may have had to be made, sorely testing these families.”
“Many Canadians live and work abroad in international development, the arts, culture, science, education, global commerce or humanitarian aid, to name a few. These citizens have their own deep ties to Canada, often returning here to raise their children, care for loved ones and create new communities. Ensuring that their children, whether born or adopted abroad, can share in this identity is not only a matter of fairness, it also strengthens our country's unity and global reach. Today, I want to share with the House what new Canadians have told us about the importance of their citizenship, what they have told me since 2015.”
“Fundamentally, this bill is about people from real families. Citizenship is a legal status, of course, but more than that, it is about belonging to a diverse, welcoming community bound by shared democratic values. This is something that reaches across borders and, in an ideal world, we would be able to unite all families, but that is not possible. However, in today's interconnected world, where migration and mobility are facts of modern life in Canada, we have a chance, as Canadians, to lead by example and show the rest of the world how important family unification is. While some countries are restricting access to citizenship, Canada is taking a more principled approach, one that embraces diversity, cross-border families and the lasting ties Canadians have abroad.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak to Bill C-3 and the transformative power of Canadian citizenship. Fundamentally, this bill is about people from real families, as well as their history, their sacrifices and their deep and lasting ties with Canada, regardless of where their careers or lives take them. In my role as an MP since 2015, I have had the opportunity to meet many families in my riding who were reunited through immigration. I did not experience that with my own family. The Lauzons in Notre‑Dame‑de‑la‑Paix, Petite‑Nation and Gatineau have no family ties with people in other nations. However, I have been able to learn about this through the cases that we have handled in my office and through the assistance that we have been able to provide to families. We have seen how important family reunification is.”
“Mr. Speaker, as Canada implements major infrastructure and clean energy projects, the vocational instructor in me is well aware that skilled workers will be essential. Can the minister tell us about the measures being taken to support workforce mobility and training?”
“Today, I am proud to present him the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his work, his invaluable contribution to Canadian culture and his community involvement.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have the immense honour of acknowledging the exceptional contribution of an artist back home, watercolourist Jean‑Yves Guindon. He is an artist from Saint‑André‑Avellin in my riding, Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation. With a more than 40-year career and 5,000 paintings to his credit, Mr. Guindon is an emblematic figure of Quebec art. From his unique perspective he has captured the beauty, the landscapes, the soul of the building and architectural heritage of our region with precision and remarkable sensitivity. He has exhibited his artwork in Quebec, Canada and Europe, in Toronto and Brussels, but his inspiration remains deeply rooted at home in Quebec. Beyond his artistic career, Mr. Guindon is also involved in roughly 30 organizations, foundations and corporations in the region.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have had the opportunity to work with engineers who understand the existing market well. The Quebec municipalities we worked with all told us about the infrastructure deficit. There can be no building without drinking water and waste water infrastructure. That is why, in the Speech from the Throne, we promised to help developers with up to 50% of the development charges associated with large-scale housing projects in both rural and urban areas. We will support businesses that want to build. The more homes we build, the more affordable rents will be.”
“Mr. Speaker, a throne speech is meant to be broad. The issues it covers serve as our guidelines. There is work to be done. That is why we were elected as members of Parliament. For my part, as a member of Parliament, I am committed to ensuring that housing is built as quickly as possible in my riding and across Quebec. I also want to help my colleagues across Canada make it easier to build housing. I think a positive step has already been taken by reducing the price of first-time home purchases, not to mention investing in municipalities for infrastructure. I sincerely believe that starting up partnerships with municipalities will make it easier to build.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am a big fan of prefab construction because I represent a rural riding. However, I am also familiar with urban centres. Urban centres thrive with a government willing to fully co-operate with provincial, territorial and municipal governments so that we can work together to further develop and facilitate the environmental and urbanization process across municipalities. Together, we will work better and build better.”
“I am sure my colleagues will understand why I am so pleased with our government's desire to eliminate all other federal obstacles. To wrap up, the vision of the Prime Minister and our government to build a strong, united Canada that works closely with the provinces will finally lead to a real free trade system across the country. This will enable Canada to reach its full economic potential and, above all, create opportunities for economic development and prosperity across the country. I am determined to work with all my colleagues to ensure that the voices of the regions and the people of Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation continue to be heard, listened to and, above all, respected.”
“I would like to talk about a strong Canada united by the trades. Yes, the building trades ecosystem is complex, but that is not an insurmountable obstacle. To build a more resilient and united Canada, we need to train more workers, harmonize certifications and open domestic borders. I know for sure that trades play a critical role because, at the end of the day, welders are not merely building things out of steel. They are building bridges between provinces, between generations, between needs and know-how. In the Quebec riding of Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, the majestic Ottawa River is also the border with Ontario. Communities on both sides of the river are closely connected, as are our economies. Barriers to internal trade and labour mobility have impeded economic growth in my riding.”
“The housing crisis is raging and construction sites are waiting, but workers remain idle, not because of a lack of will, but because of a lack of standardization. What I have learned over the years is that expertise knows no borders. A quality weld is a quality weld, whether it is done in Quebec, Ontario or on pipelines in Alberta. It is time for our system to recognize this as well. Prefabrication is a solid solution. I firmly believe that prefabrication is one of the ways of the future. The steel sector has been using this approach for a long time, manufacturing components in a factory and then installing them. By harmonizing skills across the country, we can set up regional prefabrication centres to produce housing and infrastructure modules that are ready to assemble wherever there is an urgent need.”
“However, there was always one thing that neither the heat of a workshop nor the passion for a profession could overcome, and that was provincial boundaries. Living and working in a border region means living with a certain amount of nonsense. On one side of the road, students could hope to find a job as soon as they graduated. On the other side of the road, despite having the same skills, students faced an invisible obstacle: provincial credential recognition. Each province wants to define its own criteria and create its own certifications. At the heart of this administrative maze, the workforce remains stuck, immobilized, unable to meet pressing needs elsewhere. This paradox is all the more frustrating given that the country needs these skilled workers who are ready to weld, construct and build.”
“This program was set up thanks to hard work, political will and openness to hearing what Canadians tell us day after day. I also want to highlight the importance of working together as a nation to create one economy out of 13. This will allow labour mobility between provinces. I would like to share the story of a welder without borders and the story of a trade and a country that need to be harmonized. For 21 years, I put on my leather apron, adjusted my welding helmet and turned on my torch. I was a welder, but I was also a teacher at a vocational school specializing in the building trades. Every day, I shared my knowledge with students of all ages, all motivated by a desire to build the Canada of the future, one steel wall or one building at a time.”
“This is more than just one issue among many. It is a question of dignity, health and social justice. This makes me think of Gisèle and Bruno, a couple in my riding who stopped me this week with smiles on their faces. I can picture them now. They told me that they had begun the process of getting dental care under this new plan. (1340) Gisèle told me that for the first time in years, she and her husband will be able to see a dentist without worrying about cutting out other expenses. It was only a two-minute conversation, but the message was loud and clear: This program is changing lives in my riding. People like them are the reason we introduced this plan. People should not have to suffer in silence or avoid smiling just because they cannot afford dental care.”
“Our government understands that. It is taking meaningful measures to make life more affordable for middle-class Canadians, including cutting taxes to save dual-earning families up to $840 a year and eliminating the GST for first-time home buyers on homes valued up to $1 million, which will save them up to $50,000. Our government will protect the programs that will save young people and families thousands of dollars every year, including the Canadian dental care plan, which will soon be available to about eight million Canadians. Throughout the election campaign, one thing that kept coming up in our discussions on the ground was the importance of access to dental care. When I was out knocking on doors, visiting markets and seniors' residences, people, especially seniors, talked to me about the Canadian dental care plan.”
“The government will make the housing market work better, including by cutting municipal development charges in half for all multi-unit housing. The government will drive supply up to bring housing costs down. One sentence in particular from the Speech from the Throne stuck with me: “The Government is guided by its conviction that the economy is only truly strong when it serves everyone.” This is especially true for us in Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, as in other remote rural municipalities. These communities are the beating heart of our country. They feed our cities. They preserve our traditions. They often innovate behind the scenes, but they face unique challenges. Our municipalities are vulnerable. Like many people across our country, certain Canadians, some younger, some older, are struggling to reach their full potential.”
“The government will undertake a series of measures to help double the rate of home building while creating an entirely new housing industry using Canadian technology, Canadian skilled workers and Canadian lumber. The government will introduce measures to deliver affordable homes by creating "build Canada homes". This mission-driven organization will act to accelerate the development of new affordable housing. It will invest in the growth of the prefabricated and modular housing industry, and it will provide significant financing to affordable home builders. That also means supporting our municipalities, which typically do not have the infrastructure or the human resources to properly accommodate this growth, as noted in the throne speech.”
“Throughout my riding, residents have the same aspiration: to live with dignity in affordable, well-serviced, accessible, sustainable communities. What we see in the throne speech is a renewed commitment to quality of life, security and affordability. Building housing is a priority for us. Housing is not a luxury; it is an urgent need. Many families have moved to my riding in recent years, putting enormous pressure on the housing supply. Young people who want to set up house are knocking on the same doors as seniors who want to stay in their communities and newcomers who are searching for a home. We need to build, and we need to build fast, but we also need to build smart. Our government understands that.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to share my time with my colleague from Nunavut . [ Translation ] Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to speak to the Speech from the Throne delivered on Tuesday by His Majesty King Charles III. This speech will mark the beginning of a new parliamentary session. It charts a course to a fairer, more sustainable and more prosperous future for all Canadians. Today, I would like to highlight certain aspects of this speech that resonate particularly well with the realities of the people of Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation. My primarily rural riding is home to a mosaic of small, vibrant, tight-knit communities surrounding two urban hubs. I am talking about the people of Lachute and part of Gatineau, including Buckingham and Masson-Angers.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleague on his first speech in the House and on getting elected in the riding of Bourassa. My question is very simple. I represent a rural riding. It is a bit different from the more urban ridings. My colleague focused a lot on AI. How can AI be used in a region like mine or in other rural and remote regions of Canada?”
“They are an inspiration to an entire community, and we are extremely proud of them. Congratulations to Théolie, Mathis and Geneviève.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to recognize three exceptionally talented young people from my riding for their outstanding performance at the Olympiades québécoises des métiers et des technologies, a competition for up-and-comers in skilled trades and technology. The event took place in Quebec City from May 7 to 10, 2025. Théolie Lajoie's culinary prowess earned her a gold medal. Mathis Rozon's gold in industrial mechanics was a testament to his ingenuity and rigour. Geneviève De Melo was awarded a bronze medal in baking for her promising talent in this demanding trade. All three medallists are students at CFP Innovation Outaouais, a top-notch institution in my riding that is passionate about training the next generation of tradespeople. I heartily congratulate them on their hard work, their perseverance and their success.”