Linda Lapointe
Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, now that summer is here, I would like to invite everyone to come discover the wonders of the Lower Laurentians. Our region offers a unique one-day agri-tourism experience that gives visitors an opportunity to meet local producers, sample local flavours and support our local businesses.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my hon. colleague, the member for Mirabel, a riding to the north of my riding. I really enjoy his sense of humour and quick wit. I like that in my colleagues.”
“Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to rise today to speak in support of the Build Canada Homes act. This landmark legislation will establish Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation tasked with building and expanding affordable housing for Canadians. Canada is in the midst of a housing crisis.”
“Build Canada Homes will work collaboratively to address the housing needs of indigenous communities. The Government of Canada respects indigenous sovereignty and supports self-determined housing solutions that apply an indigenous lens to design and implementation.”
“It will also work with non-profit organizations and other key stakeholders in the housing sector to stimulate the construction of affordable housing across Canada. This includes private developers and community organizations.”
“Approximately 30% of the homes, representing up to 450 units, will be built in smaller rural communities. I have been a member of the rural caucus for several years, and one of the comments that I often hear is that we must ensure that affordable housing is built in rural communities as well.”
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“Mr. Speaker, less than two months ago, we received a clear mandate in the last election. One of the challenges is putting some major projects on the table. The Prime Minister has met with the premiers of the provinces and territories. The goal is to put major projects on the table. In Quebec, there is a lot of talk about Hydro-Québec, connectivity and connecting Quebec with Newfoundland and Labrador. If I am not mistaken, the Hydro-Québec project will be very close to my colleague's riding. I think that it would have a significant positive economic impact. I would like to know how my colleague will support the bill. She said earlier that she wanted to support the people, and she talked about how she would vote given that she represents her constituents.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite the people watching at home and all my colleagues to come out to my beautiful riding of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles this summer. Next week, on the eve of Quebec's national holiday, there will be lively celebrations in the cities of Boisbriand and Saint-Eustache, with activities for kids and families and a variety of concerts. On July 1, we will celebrate Canada Day in the city of Deux-Montagnes, again with family activities and concerts. This summer, people can come out and enjoy themselves on the Mille Îles River at Rivière‑des‑Mille‑Îles Park, whenever they choose. If they want to visit any of the islands or have a picnic there, they can rent watercraft such as paddle boards, canoes and kayaks from any of the four cities in my riding. Everyone is welcome.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague's speech on this bill reminded me of a citizenship ceremony that took place a few years ago in Deux‑Montagnes, in my riding. When people get their citizenship, it is a very emotional moment. People are happy to become Canadians. What does my colleague think of this bill? Does he not think that it should be referred directly to committee?”
“Mr. Speaker, I recently had the pleasure of attending the ceremony for the 785 Kiwanis Saint-Eustache Squadron and the end-of-the-year show at the Excel Gym Zodiak Club. What I admire about cadets is that they are taught leadership, civic duty, respect and discipline. I congratulate the cadets. I really enjoyed their ceremony. This year, the Excel Gym Zodiak Club is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Membership includes over 1,100 athletes between the ages of 4 and 18 from Saint-Eustache. I congratulate them on their memorable show. I want to thank these two organizations for the invitation, and I congratulate the volunteers whose commitment makes events like this possible. Activities like cadets, gymnastics and sports help our children to grow. I thank the parents for supporting their children in these various disciplines.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague from Winnipeg North and I have served together. It is true that I have always promoted French within the team and I am a proud defender of French. I would say that I am a proud defender of linguistic minorities. Whether we are talking about French outside Quebec, French in Quebec or linguistic minorities in Quebec, it is important to me to defend them and to continue to defend them. The territories did not participate in the federal carbon exchange. We are talking about British Columbia, Quebec and, I believe, the Northwest Territories. It is only natural that there is no rebate for those who did not pay the carbon tax. I thank my colleague for acknowledging that. I look forward to hearing more words in French in the near future.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague likely does not know this, but I served in the House from 2015 to 2019. I am a revenant. The member likely has not seen me around. Yes, I have had the pleasure of representing the riding of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles once before. In response to his question, I would like to say that we were recently elected to take real action to make life more affordable for all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for such a genuine, in-depth question. The Bloc Québécois is demanding that Quebeckers receive payment for a program that Quebec opted out of and did not contribute to. The final payment fulfills a commitment to families who paid fuel charges. Our government is a responsible government that does not play favourites.”
“Quebec did not pay the federal carbon tax, so it did not receive the federal rebate. It is understandable and makes perfect sense. Quebec has long been a leader when it comes to the environment. The Bloc Québécois has played a role in that field and deserves to be commended for that. The federal government respected Quebec's cap-and-trade system, which preceded the federal carbon tax. My Bloc Québécois colleagues can certainly respect and understand that. I hope that they will also be able to respect and welcome the important measures our government has taken to make life more affordable for Quebeckers and all Canadians. I think that we should continue to focus on this important task instead of debating made-up problems that do not really exist.”
“Canadians in Quebec, British Columbia and the territories did not contribute to this system. It is therefore clear that they will not receive similar refunds. This point seems relatively obvious and significant to me. I will clarify what I said for my colleagues opposite, as well as for Quebeckers watching at home. In 2013, Quebec put in place its own cap-and-trade system to put a price on carbon pollution. Rebates were sent to Canadians living in provinces or territories that were part of the existing regime to offset the now-cancelled federal carbon tax. Canadians in those provinces probably included that rebate in their budgets, and it was decided that they would get their money back. It is important to understand how carbon pricing works. It does not apply in provinces like Quebec, which has its own carbon pricing system.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I continue with my speech, the connection with the Bloc's motion will become clear shortly. The new GST rebate for first-time homebuyers will save buyers up to $50,000 on the purchase of their first home. That is not all. The rebate will also reduce the GST on homes valued between $1 million and $1.5 million for first-time homebuyers. This is great news for Quebeckers who want to buy their first home and start the next chapter of their lives in Quebec. Finally, Bill C-4 completes the next step in the regulatory suspension of the consumer carbon tax by completely removing the consumer carbon price from the law. The important word here is “consumer.” As part of this process, Canadians who lived in provinces or territories under the former regime are entitled to a refund.”
“This tax cut will primarily benefit the Canadian workers who need it the most. That means that most of the tax relief will go to the two lowest income tax brackets, with close to half the tax savings going to those in the lowest tax bracket. In addition, Bill C-4 would start providing tax relief almost immediately. With our middle-class tax cut announcement, the Canada Revenue Agency can update its source deduction tables for the period from July to December 2025, so that pay administrators can reduce income tax as of July 1. Further, Bill C-4 will remove the GST for first-time buyers of new homes valued at up to $1 million. That is great news.”
“It sets out a broad framework for liberalizing the Canadian economy, diversifying trade and improving national productivity, resilience and competitiveness. In Bill C‑4 , we have put forward three important measures that will put more money in the pockets of Quebeckers at a time when they really need it. First of all, Bill C-4 would implement our government's middle-class tax cut, which would provide tax relief to 22 million Canadians, including 4 million Quebeckers, and save two-income families up to $840 per year in 2026. Once this legislation is enacted, the lowest individual marginal income tax rate would fall from 15% to 14% as of July 1 of this year. This tax cut would help hard-working Quebeckers and Canadians keep more of what they earn in their pockets and build a solid future.”
“Quebeckers and Canadians asked for a serious plan for change to deal with the rising cost of living that has eroded their quality of life; change that puts more money in the pockets of Quebeckers and Canadians; change that will build the strongest economy in the G7; change that builds one Canadian economy out of 13 and that includes a strong Quebec; and change that builds an affordable Quebec and an affordable Canada. During this session, our government has introduced important and ambitious legislation to make life more affordable for Quebeckers. Bill C-5 , the one Canadian economy act, sets out legislative measures designed to eliminate internal trade barriers and promote projects of national significance.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take part in today's debate and to reiterate our government's immediate priorities for making life more affordable for all Canadians, including Quebeckers. Ultimately, this motion and debate boil down to affordability. I will therefore take a moment to focus on the logic behind the consumer carbon tax rebate, although I would also like to pause in order to go over some of the important measures that our government has taken to make life more affordable for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Canada summer jobs program provides young Canadians across the country with an opportunity to gain quality work experience over the summer, which also helps them develop their job skills. Since 2020, the program has helped create over 454,000 jobs for young Canadians. Can the secretary of state update Canadians on the status of this important program for the summer of 2025?”
“Madam Speaker, I am very happy to see him; that is my first question. There will be a very important vote shortly. The major aerospace companies are located mainly in my colleague's riding. I am thinking of Safran, L3 MAS, Airbus, Bell and its helicopters. Right now, we are in a tariff war. I would really like my colleague to tell us whether he will support us in our various options for reaching an agreement. Will he support us through this whole tariff war?”
“Madam Speaker, it is nice to see my two neighbours here in the House. That is the first question I will ask. I am pleased that you decided to run again, because you had decided that you would not. I get the impression that you are elevating the debate in the House. It was a pleasure to hear you speak.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate my hon. colleague, who represents the other side of the Rivière des Mille Îles. We are neighbours, in a way. He is on the Laval side, while I am in the Lower Laurentians. What concerns did my colleague hear while door-knocking that he was pleased to see included in the Speech from the Throne and that he believes will help us connect with our constituents?”
“Mr. Speaker, I have to admit that I thought my time was up, so I am not sure what issue the member was talking about, but I can talk about Rivière-des-Mille-Îles and about how proud I will be to represent all of my constituents. I will continue to be a member of this House. I hope that members across the way will work with the government to advance all of these very important issues, including tariffs and the trade war.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Sherbrooke. I appreciate her kind words. Yes, I enjoyed supporting my party colleagues for five years, but I have to say that supporting my constituents in Rivière-des-Mille-Îles is what truly warms my heart. Some issues resonate with us more than others. I would say that, for me, those issues are official languages and women's rights. They are very important to me. There is a wind blowing from south of the border. We need to counter that and ensure that we maintain and improve our rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This is still a sensitive issue and things could easily change. I will be there to continue speaking up for women's rights. I have two daughters. I have a granddaughter. I have daughters-in-law. To me, that is very important.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I said in my speech, more than 10,000 people in my riding have benefited from the dental care plan. That is a lot of people. It is making a difference. It is making a difference for many seniors who could not afford new dentures. Dentures are quite expensive. I am pleased to see that people have been able to benefit from it. As for the 44 members who represent Quebec, I would like to say to my hon. colleague that we are at the decision-making table. We are going to be able to advocate for Quebec. We are going to keep moving forward all the time.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I am sure the hon. member knows, the Prime Minister is meeting with all the provincial and territorial premiers today. I hope that together, they will find a way to continue building a stronger, fairer Canada.”
“In closing, Boisbriand, Deux‑Montagnes, Saint‑Eustache and Rosemère are four cities that form one community, a strong, resilient and proud community. Together, we can build a future where our two official languages are protected and our culture is celebrated. (1545) [ English ] We are united for the future. Together we can build a future where our rights are protected and our economy is strong. Our national anthem so powerfully says, “strong and free”, and that is how we move forward.”
“That means responsibly increasing our military spending so we can modernize our equipment, support our troops and protect our territory. Dental care is another important component of the Speech from the Throne. The new dental care program will save eight million Canadians about $800 per year. It is a concrete measure that improves health, reduces inequality and eases the financial burden on families. More than 10,000 people in my riding had benefited from it as of January 2025. I had the privilege of joining the Hon. Marie‑Claude Bibeau in meeting with the residents of Domaine Chénier in Saint‑Eustache in the spring of 2024 to talk about the program. The residents were thrilled. I know that it is making a huge difference in Rivière‑des‑Mille‑Îles.”
“Even O'Sole Mio Foods, a source of local pride, is feeling the effects of this trade war. We need to stand up for our businesses while opening new markets with our allies, including those in the G7, Europe, Asia and Latin America. They are strategic partners for our economic future. It is also time to remove interprovincial trade barriers. Why is it harder to sell a product made in Saint‑Eustache in Ontario than in California? This economic anomaly needs to be fixed. The Speech from the Throne also highlighted the idea of defending our Arctic sovereignty. Canada must assert its sovereignty in the Arctic. Global warming is opening up new shipping routes and fuelling foreign interest in the region. We need to be ready.”
“Another topic in the throne speech that caught my eye was protecting supply management. Our farmers, livestock breeders and food processors depend on the supply management system. It ensures stable prices, consistent quality and food security. Supply management also shields our family farms from the uncertainties of global markets. I will oppose any attempt to dismantle it through trade agreements. Food sovereignty is also a matter of national security. Trade relations with the United States require vigilance and resilience. Trade tensions with the United States are having a direct impact on my riding, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles. Companies like Nova Bus, which manufactures electric buses, and Damotech, which designs industrial safety systems, are being affected by the tariffs and the uncertainty.”
“Everyone deserves to live with dignity. I will ensure that Rivière-des-Mille-Îles receives its fair share of these investments. Obviously, we need to build homes, but we also need to renovate existing homes, densify cities in a smart way and protect neighbourhoods from speculation. (1540) I also want to work on getting infrastructure grants for my riding. When I had the privilege of representing Rivière-des-Mille-Îles from 2015 to 2019, I attended our government's launch of the metropolitan Montreal light rail public transit project, known as the REM. One line of this project will connect Montreal to Deux‑Montagnes, in my riding. I hear that that line is expected to open this fall. That is great news. I invite the Speaker to come and try out our light rail. I would be pleased to ride the train with him.”
“By reducing the tax rate by 1%, this measure will provide more than 22 million Canadians, including middle-income and lower-income families, with up to $825 in annual tax relief for a two-income family. Families are struggling to cope with the cost of living, especially the cost of housing and food. This tax cut will provide financial relief to the people of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles and will boost their purchasing power. As for housing, the government has made an ambitious but necessary promise to build 500,000 housing units a year across the country. The real estate market in Rivière-des-Mille-Îles is under a lot of pressure. Young families are struggling to buy a home. Seniors are in need of adapted housing, and tenants are paying higher and higher rents. Everyone needs affordable, accessible, well-situated housing.”
“It needs to reaffirm its commitment to protecting these rights, and that means equitable access to health care, safety, education and employment. It also means taking concrete action against domestic violence, wage gaps and all forms of discrimination. I would like to point out that our Liberal caucus is almost at parity, with 40% of our team of parliamentarians being women. Some hon. members: Hear, hear! Linda Lapointe : Mr. Speaker, there is still a lot of work to be done in the House of Commons, where, unfortunately, only 30% of elected members are women. I would also like to draw the attention of the House to another point raised in the throne speech: We must not overlook the tax cut scheduled for July 1. It will have a significant impact on Rivière-des-Mille-Îles.”
“This requires clear support for our artists, our production companies and our festivals. It also means standing up for CBC/Radio-Canada, our public broadcaster, which plays a vital role in disseminating our culture, identity, diversity and history, and which works to counter misinformation. I would like to point out to all my colleagues that, in the last federal election, Quebeckers elected 44 Liberal members, or 56% of the 78 Quebec MPs. The government will be there to defend Quebeckers' interests at the decision-making table. Protecting women's rights is another issue that I want to highlight. In a world where women's rights are still being challenged and threatened, we must remain vigilant. Canada must remain a beacon.”
“We need to put this vision into practice here, in our riding of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles. What caught my attention in particular, as far as Rivière-des-Mille-Îles is concerned, is defending the French language and Quebec culture. In Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, we know that the French language is much more than a communication tool. It is the beating heart of our identity, of our nation. It is not just a language; it is a memory, a culture, a world view. Our government is committed to strengthening the Official Languages Act. I will ensure that this translates into concrete measures to protect French, increased funding for francophone institutions across the country and increased support wherever it is needed. Our Quebec culture also deserves to be protected and celebrated.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by congratulating you on your appointment. I also want to thank the fine people of Boisbriand, Deux-Montagnes, Saint-Eustache and Rosemère for their support in the recent election. I am thankful to have once again been granted this privilege. [ English ] I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to my constituents for their support in the last election. [ Translation ] I am proud to stand before my constituents today following the 2025 Speech from the Throne, which lays out a path forward to a stronger, fairer and more united Canada. This speech is not simply a statement of intent; it is a commitment to the people of my riding about our shared future. While it came about at a time of global uncertainty, it offers hope. It lays out a clear path to a more just, resilient and united Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, I very humbly accept this second term that my constituents have given me in the last election. I truly appreciate it and thank them from the bottom of my heart. After that break from the House from 2019 to 2025, I would like all my colleagues to believe me: Any seat in the House is a great seat. I have said it before and will say it again to new members. I could not have done it without the support of my partner, my children, my family, and my friends. Without the support of my fantastic volunteers, Roger Hamel and Bérénice St-Martin—”
“Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent the people of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles. I listened carefully to my colleague's speech. I would like to know how he and his team intend to work with the government on the common interests of Quebec and Canada, which are both strong and free, on the more specific issues of tariffs and the trade war with our neighbours to the south.”
“Mr. Speaker, congratulations on your election. I would like to ask our hon. colleague a question. With everything that is happening down south in the United States, with the tariffs and the trade war, I would like to know how he plans to work with all of our colleagues in the House and how we should work together to safeguard our country's interests together, while always keeping the national interest in mind.”