House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 55% of the vote.
Canada Revenue Agency February 7th, 2018
Mr. Speaker, when it comes time to file their income taxes, many people face particular challenges, especially if they live far from big cities in remote communities, have reduced mobility, or have little or no Internet access.
Can the Minister of National Revenue tell us what measures she is implementing to help Canadians file their income tax returns?
Winter Festival in Madawaska—Restigouche December 1st, 2017
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise to tell the House about a wonderful initiative in my riding, Madawaska—Restigouche.
This year, a number of communities in East Restigouche have gotten together to plan and organize a regional winter festival. What makes this initiative so special is that Acadian, Irish, Scottish, and first nations communities are all working together to organize this event.
A wide range of cultural and sporting activities are planned. Under the theme “Celebrating our cultures”, musicians will warm everyone's hearts, storytellers will delight folks of all ages, and outdoor activities will thrill sports enthusiasts.
From February 1 to 4, I invite all residents of my riding to participate in this wonderful event. Of course, my honourable colleagues in this chamber are also invited.
Congratulations to the organizers from Balmoral, Charlo, Dalhousie, Eel River Crossing, and Eel River Bar.
Meanwhile, I want to wish all Canadians, and particularly the people of Madawaska—Restigouche, a very happy holiday season.
Immigration November 3rd, 2017
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship tabled the 2018-2020 immigration levels plan.
This multi-year plan will grow the number of permanent residents Canada welcomes annually. Today being the last day of National Francophone Immigration Week, I am pleased that we have a plan that will promote economic growth and help us address our aging population and slowing growth in the labour force. In Madawaska—Restigouche, these demographic phenomena are already jeopardizing the economic vitality of our regions. Businesses are struggling with a labour shortage that is having a negative impact in a number of sectors.
I feel it is important to acknowledge the parliamentary secretary, the member for Acadie—Bathurst, who is working so hard to promote immigration to the Atlantic regions.
Rural francophone majority regions like ours, like mine, face a lot of issues, but there is no doubt that immigration is vital to the future of our economies.
On another note, I would like to wish all Canadians a happy Movember.
Agriculture and Agri-Food October 23rd, 2017
Mr. Speaker, as we all know, Canadian farmers are essential to the vitality of our rural regions and make a significant contribution to our national economy.
Our government has placed a focus on agriculture, investing $100 million in agricultural science, improving the transportation system for grain farmers, and setting a target of $75 billion in exports by 2025.
Can the minister of agriculture please also update this House on Canada's agricultural policy framework for the next five years?
International Trade September 26th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, clearly, a few moments ago, a good portion of the House was unable hear the response from our colleague from Oakville North—Burlington. I think you yourself were not able to hear her response. How can we make sure that all parliamentarians are able to hear responses in the House? Could we please hear our colleague's reply?
Francis Deschênes September 18th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, last week, Constable Francis Deschênes was providing assistance to some motorists near Memramcook, New Brunswick, when a collision took his life.
This is a huge loss, particularly for Nova Scotia RCMP, for New Brunswick, and for Constable Deschênes' hometown, Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska.
Constable Deschênes joined the RCMP in 2004 and spent his career mainly in Nova Scotia, most recently in Amherst. He is remembered as a hero for using his vehicle to push a car out of the path of an oncoming train near Truro in 2008. He was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal in 2013.
We extend our most sincere condolences to his family and friends, as well as to his colleagues and fellow RCMP officers, who had planned on joining him for Police and Peace Officers' National Memorial Day, this coming Sunday, to remember police officers fallen in the line of duty. They will be remembering him, instead, with sadness but also with pride—as will we all.
Business of Supply June 13th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my NDP colleague, who has done fine work on the Standing Committee on Official Languages, which is a dynamic committee.
I would like to know what he thinks about the fact that these senior officer positions, including the position of Commissioner of Official Languages, were formerly nominated by the prime minister. This time, Canadians were invited to apply, and 72 people expressed interest in the position. A committee was then struck to screen the applications and choose the candidate.
I would like to know my colleague’s thoughts on this selection process, in which the 71 other people who applied for this position, a senior official of Canada, were ultimately put aside.
What does he think about the committee that did the screening? In his opinion, why should we not just invite all Canadians to apply for Ms. Meilleur’s position? She has resigned, in fact, and that is her right.
Madawaska—Restigouche Graduates June 5th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, June is a rather special month. It marks the beginning of the summer and the end of the school year.
I would like to take this moment to wish all of the 2017 grads of Madawaska—Restigouche the best of luck in their choices after high school graduation.
I am talking about students from École Aux quatre vents in Dalhousie, Roland-Pépin high school in Campbellton, and Marie-Gaétane high school in Kedgwick, Alexandre J. Savoie high school in Saint-Quentin, École Grande-Rivière in St-Léonard, and Cité des Jeunes A.-M.-Sormany in Edmundston.
It also includes the grads from Dalhousie Regional High School, Campbellton's Sugarloaf Senior High School, and Edmundston's Saint Mary's Academy. Our young people are now entering a new chapter in their lives.
Dear graduates, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavours next year.
Some will choose college or university; others will jump immediately into the labour market.
Whatever path you choose, approach this new chapter in your life with gusto and do your very best.
Once again, congratulations and good luck to all those who are graduating in 2017.
Persons with Disabilities May 31st, 2017
Mr. Speaker, Canadians with disabilities face challenges every day that prevent them from fully participating in activities in their communities and in their workplaces. We have a duty to reduce barriers to accessibility and provide equal access and equal opportunities for all Canadians. Everyone deserves a level playing field.
Can the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities tell the members of the House about the measures she has taken to reduce barriers to accessibility?
First Nations May 30th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, our government believes that Canada's most important relationship is the one we have with our first nations.
Today I would like to pay tribute to three communities that play an important role in the development of northern New Brunswick. In my riding of Madawaska—Restigouche, a name with Mi'kmaq language origins, I have the privilege of working closely with three dynamic first nation communities. The Eel River Bar First Nation is located on the north shore of Chaleur Bay.
Further west we have the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation.
Finally, the Listuguj First Nation, located just across the Restigouche River on the Gaspé Peninsula, is nevertheless a very important economic presence in the Restigouche region.
These communities are thriving hubs of activity, and their potential for economic, cultural, and social development is enormous.
This year we are celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary. What a wonderful opportunity to have a conversation with our first nations about the country we want to live in for the next 150 years.
Happy birthday, Canada.