Sherry Romanado
Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, we are strengthening the Royal Canadian Navy from coast to coast to coast, with billions of dollars in investments in the context of one of the largest shipbuilding programs. This is the largest investment in the Royal Canadian Navy since the Second World War.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know we are talking about Building Canada Homes and creating this stand-alone agency, and the previous speaker mentioned that no homes have actually been built. I was at the inauguration of a building in my riding in March with 30 units for transitional housing, so I have seen in my own riding that we are building.”
“Mr. Speaker, I had a chance to visit the hon. member's riding a couple of years ago. It is a beautiful riding with phenomenal people. I was listening to her speech quite intently. She mentioned something that I think we can all agree with. No one wants young people to have to leave their home to find work.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for her support for members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families. The member spoke a lot about the defence industrial strategy, and a previous question suggested that there was no defence strategy.”
“Mr. Speaker, I do not know if my colleague has been hearing the same thing I have been hearing in my riding. I hear people saying they understand that Canada is facing a lot of challenges with respect to geopolitics, with respect to trade and so forth.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have not had a chance to work with the member opposite yet here in this Parliament. I would like to ask for her thoughts with respect to the supports that we have been providing for young people, including in the spring economic statement in terms of providing training opportunities for young people.”
The complete record
Every one of 119 lines we hold for Sherry Romanado, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 3.
“Mr. Speaker, I have worked with my colleague on the Standing Committee on National Defence. It is truly a pleasure to work with him. I just want to know whether we can count on the Bloc Québécois's support to have the Standing Committee on National Defence study this bill as quickly as possible. We expect to have acted on all of the recommendations in the Arbour report by the end of the year. I want to know whether the member will support this bill so that it can go to committee.”
“Mr. Speaker, last week, the Prime Minister announced a $9.3-billion investment in Canada's defence, which means we will achieve NATO's 2% target this fiscal year. This is not only an investment in our armed forces, but also an investment in good-paying jobs, in Canadian innovation and in economic growth. Our generational investment is strengthening Canada's role as a strong, reliable international trading partner while rebuilding and rearming our forces here at home. It is unfortunate the Conservatives voted against it.”
“Mr. Speaker, as a proud Quebecker, I know that Quebec is a leader on the environment. It is Quebec that proposed the carbon pricing program. I am very proud of the fact that Quebec is ahead of all the other provinces when it comes to the environment.”
“Mr. Speaker, with respect to the F-35 replacement project, we have not cancelled the project; that is not correct. We are reviewing the purchase. We have committed to the first 16 we will be receiving in the next two years. We will be looking at all expenditures from top to bottom across the government in terms of making sure we have the most appropriate spend for what we need. We have not cancelled it, and our plan is absolutely to replace the fighter jet fleet.”
“Mr. Speaker, the reality is that we need to invest more in our Canadian Armed Forces. I have had the opportunity of visiting 12 bases and wings over the course of the last couple of years, and I see what the state of some of our military bases is. We need to make sure that the men and women in uniform have the equipment they need and are able to focus on the job at hand, and to make sure their families are supported as well. With that, we also know there are significant funds we spend on procurement that are going outside the Canadian economy. We are going to focus on supporting the Canadian military industry.”
“I think we can all come together to support our troops. I want to close my remarks by speaking to the members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the families that support them. I know full well the sacrifices they and their families make: the missed birthday parties, Christmas in November, the stress of frequent postings and the challenges of uprooting their family, including finding new day care, a family doctor and employment in a new city. Just when their family settles down, it is time to move again or prepare for another deployment. My military family is what motivated me to run for federal office. To the members of the Canadian Armed Forces and to their families, please know I am here for them. I see them. Together, we will continue to advocate for them always.”
“There are already 300,000 jobs in the wider defence sector, and this investment will increase that number. [ English ] Our investments will help Canadian businesses lead, innovate and deliver, and help make Canada safe and strong for generations to come. The main estimates are a critical part of that practice, helping to ensure that every dollar spent serves the public good. Many people in the chamber know that the Canadian Armed Forces members will do anything that is asked of them to support Canadians, to support our allies and to defend our values. I have spoken with many members across the way who have all said they support the brave men and women in uniform and their families. When it comes to the Canadian Armed Forces and our defence, I think we can all agree that these are non-partisan issues.”
“This includes $2.5 billion for recruitment, retention and support programs for Canadian Armed Forces members; $2 billion for defence research and development for the Canadian defence industry; and let us not forget an additional $2 billion in military aid to Ukraine. The estimates provide critical funding as Canada enters an increasingly complex world and ever-changing threat environment. Taken together, the main estimates and the supplementary estimates mean that Canada will achieve NATO's 2% target this fiscal year. (1955) [ Translation ] This is not just an investment in our armed forces. It is an investment in well-paid jobs, Canadian innovation and economic growth. Let us talk about the positive impacts that our investments will have across the country.”
“Around the world, our forces deployed on Operation Reassurance are leading NATO's forward land forces in Latvia. Let us not forget our Canadian Armed Forces deployed on NORAD missions, who have the watch. Let us talk numbers. In the main estimates, the Department of National Defence is requesting voted expenditures with a total of $33.9 billion. Of this, $12.3 billion is being processed to ensure the readiness of our armed forces, $9.5 billion for military procurement and $4.9 billion for sustainable bases, IT systems and infrastructure. In the supplementary estimates (A), National Defence is requesting over $9 billion.”
“The planned investments in the main estimates and the supplementary estimates align with a broad range of priorities and address matters that are of significant concern to Canada, to Canadians and of course to the members of the Canadian Armed Forces. [ Translation ] Canada is a sovereign country. Our responsibility is to ensure that Canada remains strong. The Canadian Armed Forces are facing new challenges day after day. [ English ] Our Canadian Armed Forces are on the front lines of our critical work at home, within the continent and around the world. At home, our forces deployed on Operation Lentus have most recently evacuated nearly 4,000 people from dangerous wildfires in northern Manitoba and Ontario. Within the continent, our forces deployed on Operation CARIBBE have seized 1,300 kilograms of illegal narcotics in the Caribbean Sea.”
“Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Richmond East—Steveston . I rise today to speak about the main estimates, along with the supplementary estimates, for 2025-26. I would like to speak about a topic near and dear to my heart, our Canadian Armed Forces. For too long, we have not done our part in celebrating and sharing the stories of the brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces. We know that when a member serves, their family serves along with them. I know that to be true. I would like to focus my remarks today on our new government's investments in national defence, and most importantly, the people on the defence team. Let us remember that estimates documents are more than just numbers on a page; they are a detailed blueprint of our government's planned spending for the fiscal year ahead.”
“This was their victory too, and I thank them again for their trust. Let us keep moving forward together and continue building a stronger Canada for everyone.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank the people of the Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne riding. Thanks to their renewed trust, our collective voice will continue to be heard in Ottawa. This election was not about me. It was about their hopes, priorities and commitment to building a better future for our community. For the past 10 years, their constant support has made our progress possible. Every bit of progress we made, we made together. [ English ] There is still much work to be done, and it is my constituents' voices that will continue to guide that work. I will always be here to listen, to act and to deliver on the issues that matter most to them. I want to thank my family, the incredible volunteers and the campaign team, who gave their time and energy with so much heart and dedication.”
“Parliament must evolve to adapt to the present, while preserving a foundation that has served us well for generations. [ English ] To put it plainly, I do not see the role of Speaker as a one-way street. It must be one that encourages a constant flow of ideas, viewpoints and suggestions on how we can make this institution stronger to work better for all members, which is ultimately for the people we are all here to serve. This is, after all, their House. [ Translation ] I have a vision of Parliament as a place that reflects the best of what we are as Canadians and what we stand for as parliamentarians. If I have the honour of serving as Speaker, I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to this mission. I will be fair, firm and consistent to ensure that the House is strong, dignified and inclusive.”
“In fact, they both voluntarily enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces at age 16, believing that even the military was bound to have fewer rules than we had at home. Above and beyond rules, the tone and culture of this place matter. In these times of uncertainty, when trust in institutions is being tested, we must renew our commitment to civility, transparency and respectful dialogue. Canadians are watching us, especially young Canadians. Our children and grandchildren are paying attention to how we speak to one another, how we handle disagreement and how we uphold the principles of democracy. Let us give them something to be proud of. (0920) [ Translation ] I also believe in a modern, accessible Parliament that embraces new technologies, reflects the realities of Canadians and combines tradition with innovation.”
“Of these, the one I have heard the most about in my conversations over the past weeks is the preservation of decorum. On this, let me be very clear. I will be fair, firm and consistent. The Standing Orders and House of Commons Procedure and Practice offer a solid framework to guide our work, and with nearly a third of members joining the House for the first time, it is especially important that the Speaker provide guidance, clarity and support. Expectations must be clearly communicated, and when rules are not followed, corrective action must be taken. In this regard, I have demonstrated my ability to lead impartially and keep order as the chair of the INDU committee. My two sons will attest to my near obsession with rules and order.”
“[ English ] I bring nearly 10 years of parliamentary experience as a parliamentary secretary, deputy leader of the government, chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, and probably the only member who actually asked to sit on the procedure and House affairs committee. As a fellow elected representative, I understand the demands of public service and the pressures we all face, but I also believe that impassioned debate and decorum are not mutually exclusive. The Speaker fulfills several key responsibilities: presiding over debates and ensuring the enforcement of rules and the preservation of order and decorum, acting as chief administrative officer of the House and representing the House in its external relations.”
“The Speaker has a solemn responsibility to preserve the dignity of Parliament, ensure fairness in debate and, perhaps most difficult of all, keep 343 highly intelligent and opinionated people somewhat on schedule. The Speaker's role is non-partisan and founded on principles. It demands fairness and an unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and privileges of each member of Parliament. If I secure the support of this House, I pledge to treat all members equally, respectfully and impartially, because I know that democracy flourishes not when everyone agrees, but when everyone feels that their voice have been heard.”
“Mr. Chair, it is with humility and deep respect that I am putting my name forward today as a candidate for Speaker of the House of Commons. To those members who are returning to the House, welcome back. It is wonderful to see so many familiar faces. To those newly elected, I extend a warm welcome. Each of us has earned the trust of our constituents and has a responsibility to represent the diverse voices of Canadians. Regardless of our party, region or perspective, we are united in our shared duty to serve our democracy with integrity and to uphold the institutions that sustain it. It is no small matter to have the honour of presiding over the House of Commons, where these diverse voices come together, sometimes loudly, often passionately, to shape the course of our country.”