Alain Rayes

[Employment, June 5th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, I asked the government why the budget for the Canada summer jobs program had been drastically cut by 30% compared to last year. At the time, the Prime Minister told me that the budget had simply dropped back down to prepandemic levels. However, when we look at the numbers, we see that the budget for this program is now $60 million less than it was in the years before the pandemic.

Given the impact that this will have on community organizations, municipalities, the agricultural industry, small businesses and, of course, job opportunities for young people, can the Prime Minister assure us that he will remedy this situation in the next budget?

[Public Safety, May 31st, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, we learned from an article by journalist Daniel Leblanc that the RCMP is preparing to provide additional protection services to a dozen senior officials and maybe even some ministers.

We are all aware that in-person and online threats and aggressive language are on the rise. The risks are real, and we cannot wait for something bad to happen to realize that we should have done something.

It is therefore high time that the government and Parliament showed some political courage and gave all ministers and party leaders a bodyguard, as is already the case in the Quebec National Assembly.

Can the Prime Minister tell us whether he intends to put such a measure in place here in Ottawa?

[Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act, May 16th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, I also agree to apply the vote and will be voting in favour.

[Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act, May 16th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, I agree to apply the results of the previous vote, and I will vote in favour.

[Climate Change, May 15th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, in the 2019 federal election campaign, the Liberal government promised to plant two billion trees to capture carbon. It also allocated $3.2 billion one year later for that purpose.

However, the latest report by the commissioner of the environment and sustainable development indicates that, based on the audit of the first two years of planting and at the rate things are going, the program will not even reach 4% of its goal by 2030.

Cities, provinces and Canadians have the right to know how the goal will be achieved. Where is the $3.2 billion and where is the plan to plant all these trees?

[Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, May 12th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, newcomers to Canada who apply for permanent residency wait for months on end for the decision that will give them this coveted status. When they finally receive an email telling them that they have been accepted, needless to say that they are overjoyed.

However, there is one small problem: Even though it is now 2023 and despite the technology and the number of civil servants we have, the government takes between four and eight months to print and mail the permanent resident card that allows them to get the services they need and are entitled to.

Can the Prime Minister tell us if there is any hope that a simple directive will be sent to the department to provide the residency card at the same time as the confirmation?

[Health, May 1st, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, except for the Americans and the Swiss, Canadians pay more for patented medicines than anyone else on the planet. Despite the reform passed last July, its implementing guidelines led to squabbles and a series of resignations from the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board, which caused further delays. To this day, nothing has changed, and Quebeckers and Canadians are still paying higher prices than the rest of the world.

Can the Liberal government tell us what steps it is taking to fix this problem once and for all?

[Youth, April 26th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, everyone knows how valuable and important the Canada summer jobs program for students is in supporting our municipalities, community organizations, day camps, small businesses and farms.

It is especially vital for our young people as it helps them prepare for the labour market by giving them opportunities in their field. That is particularly true given the current labour shortage and inflationary crisis.

The Prime Minister and the Liberal government boast about wanting to support young people. I would ask them to explain why the budgets and subsidies for student jobs were cut by one-third this year.

[Marguerite Bourgeois, April 26th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, I had the privilege and the honour of having a front-row seat when Marguerite Bourgeois, founder of L'Envol, a centre for children with developmental disorders in Victoriaville, received the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec's medal for exceptional merit from Michel Doyon. This prestigious honour recognizes the commitment, determination and selflessness of Quebeckers whose positive influence is making a tangible difference in their communities.

Ms. Bourgeois is a very special person in my region. She has always worked to make our community more inclusive, more open and better. Her hard work, determination, perseverance, generosity, leadership and involvement in our community set an example for everyone. Her love for others and commitment to them is truly remarkable and deserves recognition.

I would like to close by telling the House what the Lieutenant Governor himself said to her. He told Ms. Bourgeois that she deserves this honour, because she is a model of commitment and has helped sow the seeds of happiness.

Congratulations, Marguerite, and most of all, thank you for being the outstanding and inspiring person you are.

[Foreign Affairs, April 17th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago, I asked the Prime Minister whether he approved of the expenses incurred by the Governor General during her four-day trip to Germany, which cost more than $700,000, and another to the Middle East where she spent, believe it or not, more than $2,600 on in-flight meals for each of the 30 people in her delegation. The response from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister was disconcerting. His justification was that these expenses were similar to those of past governors general.

I repeat my question to the Prime Minister. Is he okay with this outrageous spending, yes or no?