Rémi Massé

Mr. Speaker, the rights of workers in my riding of Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia were violated for nearly a decade because of the Conservatives' anti-union positions.Can the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour tell the House what measures our government is taking to better protect the rights of workers?

Mr. Speaker, General Motors is obviously making a huge mistake by abandoning the workers in Oshawa.Our government supports auto workers and their families. We have been consistent and clear on this during our meetings with GM, union representatives and our provincial and municipal counterparts.At the Detroit auto show, the minister talked about commitments with regard to the production facilities in Brampton, Ingersoll, St. Catharines and Windsor.Our government will always stand up for auto workers.

Mr. Speaker, we strive to be open and transparent so that Canadians know we are making responsible investments.Information on individual transactions that are eligible, as with IRBs, is commercially sensitive. We must receive consent from the contractor. In order to provide the reporter with the most fulsome answer to the question, we spoke with the company. The departmental officials followed all appropriate steps respecting the privacy of all individuals.Threatening the source or the reporter is not the way we do media relations.

Mr. Speaker, our government provides the navy and the Coast Guard with the ships they need to serve Canadians, while creating good jobs for the middle class and generating significant economic benefits for Quebec and the entire country.As part of the national shipbuilding strategy, we have already allocated over $1 billion in contracts to Quebec companies, supporting hundreds of workers and their local economies.Could the Minister of Public Services and Procurement tell the House about the most recent results our government has achieved for Quebeckers and Canadians under the national shipbuilding strategy?

Mr. Speaker, the crab fishing season began over a week ago in many areas of the St. Lawrence, the Lower St. Lawrence, and the Gaspé. This year, crab quotas have increased significantly, which should give our crab fishers a welcome boost in revenues.Can the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard inform the House of the action our government has taken to support fishers?

Mr. Speaker, not only is our government taking a stand, it is taking action.Our government has invested more than $900 million in 190 projects to ensure that communities across Canada can connect to high-speed Internet and have access to cellular service. In my riding, 98% of households will be connected to fibre optic high-speed Internet.The problem is that the NDP voted against it.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform my colleague that, since taking office, our priorities for connectivity have been accessibility, competition and affordability. In regions where there is lots of competition, costs have actually gone down by 32%.We have also launched a new program called connecting families, which gives low-income families access to the Internet for $10 a month. Canadians are our priority, our plan is working, and we are investing for our people.

Mr. Speaker, Wednesday, October 17, was the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.Thanks to initiatives such as the Canada child benefit, the national housing strategy and the Canada workers benefit, our government will have lifted 650,000 people out of poverty since 2015.Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development tell the House how our government continues to help Canadians who are working hard to escape poverty and join the middle class?

Mr. Speaker, since the start of 2017 our government has announced many drinking water and wastewater treatment projects.As a result of the bilateral agreement signed with Quebec last summer, I have announced 12 different projects in 10 municipalities in the Lower St. Lawrence worth more than $20 million. Can the Minister of Infrastructure provide us with details of the program?

Mr. Speaker, we will take no lessons from the Conservatives when it comes to supporting our auto workers.During their 10 years in power, the Conservatives were responsible for the loss of 40,000 jobs in the auto sector. Stephen Harper's Conservatives left lapsed funding in the automotive innovation fund and refused to make the changes recommended by the industry and its workers. Through the strategic innovation fund, we are making major investments to support our highly skilled workers and the future of the auto sector.

Madam Speaker, the government believes that Canadians who have lived quiet, dedicated lives deserve peace of mind in retirement. I would like to point out that our government has created more than 800,000 jobs through the platform it has implemented over the past three years. Canada's unemployment rate is among the lowest in decades, and our government continues to help create good jobs for Canadians, for families, so that they can feel secure and safe.

Mr. Speaker, this week is Education Savings Week. We know that Canada's prosperity hinges on the ability of our young people to gain the skills and experience they need to start their career.Families who save for their children's education give them a better chance of graduating without incurring significant debt.Can the minister tell us about the measures being taken in the House to ensure that our families are able to save for their children's education?

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Don Valley North for his question. Our government has launched a new space strategy based on exploration, imagination and innovation. The strategy aims to leverage Canadian strengths, while advancing science and innovation in exciting areas. Our space strategy will also capitalize on the inspirational power of space to engage youth in science, technology and engineering.Our government is ensuring that Canadians are ready to take on the jobs of tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his question.Our government believes that communities should have a say in where these cellphone towers are located in their jurisdictions. Telecommunications companies must consult communities in an open and transparent manner regarding the location of towers. The government has processes in place to respond to every reasonable and relevant concern raised during the consultations. This process guarantees that Canadians can stay connected, without having to pit them against cell tower construction in their communities.

Mr. Speaker, faced with a very difficult economic situation, my riding and the Gaspé were able to develop recognized expertise in generating electricity from wind power.In fact, our region has some 20 wind farms, which produce almost 1,000 megawatts of electricity from wind energy and create many jobs. Could the Minister of Natural Resources share with the House the commitments made by our government to support producers of clean renewable energy and create jobs for Canadian workers?

Mr. Speaker, we are currently reviewing the Supreme Court's ruling to assess how it might affect our marketplace framework laws and the Canadian economy. Our government understands the importance of effective environmental protection regimes, as well as a sustainable and prosperous energy resource sector. Our bankruptcy laws aim to balance environmental obligations, the ability of Canadian companies to restructure and preserve jobs, and the fair treatment of creditors.

Mr. Speaker, as I have said many times, our government believes that communities should have a say in where cell towers are installed in their area.Telecommunications companies also need to consult communities in an open and transparent manner. However, this matter is before the courts. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further.

Madam Speaker, my hon. colleague does not appear to have heard my answer. The strategic plan we have put in place for Canada's auto sector, and for all its workers, is working.I repeat, we have invested $6 billion since 2015 in the auto industry and in Canada's auto workers.Our plan is working, and I want to repeat this, because it is important. These investments include $110 million in Toyota facilities in Cambridge, $49 million in Linamar facilities in Guelph, which has helped create over 1,500 jobs, $41.8 million in Honda facilities, and the list goes on.Our government is committed to supporting the industry—

Mr. Speaker, here is a concrete example of one of our government's successes on the agricultural front.In July, the Minister of Agriculture signed an agreement with his provincial and territorial counterparts on the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, Canada's next five-year agricultural policy framework.Can the Prime Minister tell the House about the kinds of investments and programs we can expect to see under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership?

Mr. Speaker, the indigenous and northern affairs committee has heard that settling outstanding claims is an important part of our work toward reconciliation and to correct past wrongs. I am proud that our government has made it a priority to settle these claims through negotiation rather than litigation.Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs update the House on the agreement signed between our government and the Siksika regarding the Castle Mountain claim?

Madam Speaker, we do have a plan, and it is working very well. Canada's auto sector remains strong and is well positioned to design and build the cars of today and tomorrow. In total, we have invested more than $6 billion in the auto sector, creating and safeguarding tens of thousands of jobs since we took office.Since 2015, 11,500 new jobs have been created. Our investments included $110 million in Toyota facilities in Cambridge, $89 million in Linamar facilities in Guelph, $41.8 million in Honda facilities in Alliston, and the list goes on.Our government is firmly committed to supporting Canada's auto industry.

Mr. Speaker, my colleagues and I work hard to represent our constituents in Ottawa. For some time now, people in our ridings have been expressing concerns about the EI gap, an issue our government is particularly sensitive to.As the Prime Minister said earlier, we have already reversed the Conservatives' EI reforms. We know that supporting seasonal workers is essential.Could the Prime Minister tell us more about this situation to address the concerns of seasonal workers?

Mr. Speaker, contrary to what the Conservatives would have people believe, all members on this side of the House are extremely proud of our Prime Minister, who is putting in place practical measures to defend the interests of Canadians and Canadian companies.On another note, world-renowned researchers across the country are generating new knowledge and inspiring new generations of scientists. Recently, our government made historic investments in research and science.Could the Minister of Science tell us more—

Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to strengthening the middle class and growing our economy. Last week, published data showed, once again, that our plan was working. Indeed, the employment statistics have been most welcome news, especially for Quebeckers. I would like the Prime Minister to tell the House what the employment statistics have shown.

Mr. Speaker, our government understands the importance of an effective environmental protection regime as well as a sustainable and prosperous energy resource sector. Our insolvency laws are designed to balance environmental obligations, the ability of Canadian companies to restructure and preserve jobs and the fair treatment of creditors.We are now reviewing the Supreme Court of Canada's decision to assess the potential impact and implications for our marketplace framework, laws and the Canadian economy.

Mr. Speaker, our government has always been committed to supporting auto workers, their families and the industry as a whole. Our government has invested over $5.6 billion in the auto sector, which has served to created and maintain tens of thousands of jobs since we took office.For example, we invested $110 million in Toyota facilities in Cambridge, $49 million in Linamar facilities in Guelph and $41.8 million in Honda facilities in Alliston. The list is a long one. Our government has made it clear that it will continue to invest in the auto sector to support the development and manufacture of the vehicles of the future.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for his question.I am delighted to tell this House that the World Police and Fire Games are coming to Winnipeg in 2023. Our government will provide $2 million to support the games, which bring together world-leading emergency service experts.I want to thank all my colleagues from Winnipeg for their passion and advocacy for the games. We all look forward to seeing Winnipeg host this event in 2023 and to welcoming firefighters and police officers from around the world.

Mr. Speaker, our policy on industrial and regional benefits is our main tool for capitalizing on defence procurement to benefit Canadians. When we examine eligible transactions under this policy, we ensure that the technological level is equal to or greater than that of the project and that there are applications in Canadian industries.As the firm stated, it did not get credit for its entire investment of $425 million in the facilities at Cavendish Farms. It said that it received approximately $40 million as a credit for meeting its obligations with respect to industrial and regional benefits under the contract for its Atlantic ships. Questions concerning this investment could—

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member from Brossard—Saint-Lambert for her excellent question.This morning, the Prime Minister was in Saint-Hubert to announce an investment of more than $2 billion in Canada's space program. This historic investment is part of Canada's new partnership in the Lunar Gateway project.This NASA-led project will make it possible to return to the moon and to prepare for more thorough exploration of Mars. This partnership provides new opportunities for our astronauts to participate in space missions and for our scientists to conduct groundbreaking research. Our investments will create hundreds of well-paid jobs and make it possible for Canadian explorers—

Mr. Speaker, the Minimum Age Convention, which dates back to 1973, is one of the International Labour Organization's fundamental conventions and is key to promoting decent work. International labour standards have an impact on labour laws and practices and also help improve working conditions around the world.Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour tell the House about the government's initiatives on labour conditions all over the world?

Mr. Speaker, as my colleague from Chicoutimi—Le Fjord mentioned, we provided a $2-billion support program, which is very important for the companies affected by these unjustifiable duties.To give my colleague examples of the type of investment we have made over the past year, we invested $90 million in Algoma Steel, which will create 50 jobs and protect 3,000. Also—for something closer to home for him, as he must surely be aware of, given the great announcements we made—we invested $60 million in Rio Tinto and Alcoa to support jobs and invest in new technology.We are committed to supporting the aluminum industry.

Mr. Speaker, consumers in my riding and across Quebec and Canada want to be properly protected.Yesterday, the Minister of Finance announced that he was going to ask the Commissioner of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada to engage with stakeholders and his provincial and territorial counterparts in order to examine and assess best practices in consumer protection.Could the minister explain to the House the reason for that decision?

Mr. Speaker, Wednesday, October 17, was the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.Thanks to initiatives such as the Canada child benefit, the national housing strategy and the Canada workers benefit, our government will have lifted 650,000 people out of poverty since 2015.Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development tell the House how our government continues to help Canadians who are working hard to escape poverty and join the middle class?

Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform my colleague that, since taking office, our priorities for connectivity have been accessibility, competition and affordability. In regions where there is lots of competition, costs have actually gone down by 32%.We have also launched a new program called connecting families, which gives low-income families access to the Internet for $10 a month. Canadians are our priority, our plan is working, and we are investing for our people.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for his question.I am delighted to tell this House that the World Police and Fire Games are coming to Winnipeg in 2023. Our government will provide $2 million to support the games, which bring together world-leading emergency service experts.I want to thank all my colleagues from Winnipeg for their passion and advocacy for the games. We all look forward to seeing Winnipeg host this event in 2023 and to welcoming firefighters and police officers from around the world.

Mr. Speaker, the crab fishing season began over a week ago in many areas of the St. Lawrence, the Lower St. Lawrence, and the Gaspé. This year, crab quotas have increased significantly, which should give our crab fishers a welcome boost in revenues.Can the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard inform the House of the action our government has taken to support fishers?

Mr. Speaker, we are currently reviewing the Supreme Court's ruling to assess how it might affect our marketplace framework laws and the Canadian economy. Our government understands the importance of effective environmental protection regimes, as well as a sustainable and prosperous energy resource sector. Our bankruptcy laws aim to balance environmental obligations, the ability of Canadian companies to restructure and preserve jobs, and the fair treatment of creditors.

Mr. Speaker, our government understands the importance of an effective environmental protection regime as well as a sustainable and prosperous energy resource sector. Our insolvency laws are designed to balance environmental obligations, the ability of Canadian companies to restructure and preserve jobs and the fair treatment of creditors.We are now reviewing the Supreme Court of Canada's decision to assess the potential impact and implications for our marketplace framework, laws and the Canadian economy.

Mr. Speaker, this week is Education Savings Week. We know that Canada's prosperity hinges on the ability of our young people to gain the skills and experience they need to start their career.Families who save for their children's education give them a better chance of graduating without incurring significant debt.Can the minister tell us about the measures being taken in the House to ensure that our families are able to save for their children's education?

Mr. Speaker, the indigenous and northern affairs committee has heard that settling outstanding claims is an important part of our work toward reconciliation and to correct past wrongs. I am proud that our government has made it a priority to settle these claims through negotiation rather than litigation.Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs update the House on the agreement signed between our government and the Siksika regarding the Castle Mountain claim?

Mr. Speaker, consumers in my riding and across Quebec and Canada want to be properly protected.Yesterday, the Minister of Finance announced that he was going to ask the Commissioner of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada to engage with stakeholders and his provincial and territorial counterparts in order to examine and assess best practices in consumer protection.Could the minister explain to the House the reason for that decision?

Madam Speaker, my hon. colleague does not appear to have heard my answer. The strategic plan we have put in place for Canada's auto sector, and for all its workers, is working.I repeat, we have invested $6 billion since 2015 in the auto industry and in Canada's auto workers.Our plan is working, and I want to repeat this, because it is important. These investments include $110 million in Toyota facilities in Cambridge, $49 million in Linamar facilities in Guelph, which has helped create over 1,500 jobs, $41.8 million in Honda facilities, and the list goes on.Our government is committed to supporting the industry—

Madam Speaker, the government believes that Canadians who have lived quiet, dedicated lives deserve peace of mind in retirement. I would like to point out that our government has created more than 800,000 jobs through the platform it has implemented over the past three years. Canada's unemployment rate is among the lowest in decades, and our government continues to help create good jobs for Canadians, for families, so that they can feel secure and safe.

Mr. Speaker, the rights of workers in my riding of Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia were violated for nearly a decade because of the Conservatives' anti-union positions.Can the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour tell the House what measures our government is taking to better protect the rights of workers?

Mr. Speaker, as my colleague from Chicoutimi—Le Fjord mentioned, we provided a $2-billion support program, which is very important for the companies affected by these unjustifiable duties.To give my colleague examples of the type of investment we have made over the past year, we invested $90 million in Algoma Steel, which will create 50 jobs and protect 3,000. Also—for something closer to home for him, as he must surely be aware of, given the great announcements we made—we invested $60 million in Rio Tinto and Alcoa to support jobs and invest in new technology.We are committed to supporting the aluminum industry.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member from Brossard—Saint-Lambert for her excellent question.This morning, the Prime Minister was in Saint-Hubert to announce an investment of more than $2 billion in Canada's space program. This historic investment is part of Canada's new partnership in the Lunar Gateway project.This NASA-led project will make it possible to return to the moon and to prepare for more thorough exploration of Mars. This partnership provides new opportunities for our astronauts to participate in space missions and for our scientists to conduct groundbreaking research. Our investments will create hundreds of well-paid jobs and make it possible for Canadian explorers—

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Don Valley North for his question. Our government has launched a new space strategy based on exploration, imagination and innovation. The strategy aims to leverage Canadian strengths, while advancing science and innovation in exciting areas. Our space strategy will also capitalize on the inspirational power of space to engage youth in science, technology and engineering.Our government is ensuring that Canadians are ready to take on the jobs of tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, contrary to what the Conservatives would have people believe, all members on this side of the House are extremely proud of our Prime Minister, who is putting in place practical measures to defend the interests of Canadians and Canadian companies.On another note, world-renowned researchers across the country are generating new knowledge and inspiring new generations of scientists. Recently, our government made historic investments in research and science.Could the Minister of Science tell us more—

Mr. Speaker, since the start of 2017 our government has announced many drinking water and wastewater treatment projects.As a result of the bilateral agreement signed with Quebec last summer, I have announced 12 different projects in 10 municipalities in the Lower St. Lawrence worth more than $20 million. Can the Minister of Infrastructure provide us with details of the program?

Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to strengthening the middle class and growing our economy. Last week, published data showed, once again, that our plan was working. Indeed, the employment statistics have been most welcome news, especially for Quebeckers. I would like the Prime Minister to tell the House what the employment statistics have shown.

Mr. Speaker, not only is our government taking a stand, it is taking action.Our government has invested more than $900 million in 190 projects to ensure that communities across Canada can connect to high-speed Internet and have access to cellular service. In my riding, 98% of households will be connected to fibre optic high-speed Internet.The problem is that the NDP voted against it.

Mr. Speaker, we strive to be open and transparent so that Canadians know we are making responsible investments.Information on individual transactions that are eligible, as with IRBs, is commercially sensitive. We must receive consent from the contractor. In order to provide the reporter with the most fulsome answer to the question, we spoke with the company. The departmental officials followed all appropriate steps respecting the privacy of all individuals.Threatening the source or the reporter is not the way we do media relations.

Mr. Speaker, our government provides the navy and the Coast Guard with the ships they need to serve Canadians, while creating good jobs for the middle class and generating significant economic benefits for Quebec and the entire country.As part of the national shipbuilding strategy, we have already allocated over $1 billion in contracts to Quebec companies, supporting hundreds of workers and their local economies.Could the Minister of Public Services and Procurement tell the House about the most recent results our government has achieved for Quebeckers and Canadians under the national shipbuilding strategy?

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his question.Our government believes that communities should have a say in where these cellphone towers are located in their jurisdictions. Telecommunications companies must consult communities in an open and transparent manner regarding the location of towers. The government has processes in place to respond to every reasonable and relevant concern raised during the consultations. This process guarantees that Canadians can stay connected, without having to pit them against cell tower construction in their communities.

Madam Speaker, we do have a plan, and it is working very well. Canada's auto sector remains strong and is well positioned to design and build the cars of today and tomorrow. In total, we have invested more than $6 billion in the auto sector, creating and safeguarding tens of thousands of jobs since we took office.Since 2015, 11,500 new jobs have been created. Our investments included $110 million in Toyota facilities in Cambridge, $89 million in Linamar facilities in Guelph, $41.8 million in Honda facilities in Alliston, and the list goes on.Our government is firmly committed to supporting Canada's auto industry.

Mr. Speaker, faced with a very difficult economic situation, my riding and the Gaspé were able to develop recognized expertise in generating electricity from wind power.In fact, our region has some 20 wind farms, which produce almost 1,000 megawatts of electricity from wind energy and create many jobs. Could the Minister of Natural Resources share with the House the commitments made by our government to support producers of clean renewable energy and create jobs for Canadian workers?

Mr. Speaker, we will take no lessons from the Conservatives when it comes to supporting our auto workers.During their 10 years in power, the Conservatives were responsible for the loss of 40,000 jobs in the auto sector. Stephen Harper's Conservatives left lapsed funding in the automotive innovation fund and refused to make the changes recommended by the industry and its workers. Through the strategic innovation fund, we are making major investments to support our highly skilled workers and the future of the auto sector.

Mr. Speaker, as I have said many times, our government believes that communities should have a say in where cell towers are installed in their area.Telecommunications companies also need to consult communities in an open and transparent manner. However, this matter is before the courts. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further.

Mr. Speaker, General Motors is obviously making a huge mistake by abandoning the workers in Oshawa.Our government supports auto workers and their families. We have been consistent and clear on this during our meetings with GM, union representatives and our provincial and municipal counterparts.At the Detroit auto show, the minister talked about commitments with regard to the production facilities in Brampton, Ingersoll, St. Catharines and Windsor.Our government will always stand up for auto workers.

Mr. Speaker, my colleagues and I work hard to represent our constituents in Ottawa. For some time now, people in our ridings have been expressing concerns about the EI gap, an issue our government is particularly sensitive to.As the Prime Minister said earlier, we have already reversed the Conservatives' EI reforms. We know that supporting seasonal workers is essential.Could the Prime Minister tell us more about this situation to address the concerns of seasonal workers?

Mr. Speaker, our government has always been committed to supporting auto workers, their families and the industry as a whole. Our government has invested over $5.6 billion in the auto sector, which has served to created and maintain tens of thousands of jobs since we took office.For example, we invested $110 million in Toyota facilities in Cambridge, $49 million in Linamar facilities in Guelph and $41.8 million in Honda facilities in Alliston. The list is a long one. Our government has made it clear that it will continue to invest in the auto sector to support the development and manufacture of the vehicles of the future.

Mr. Speaker, here is a concrete example of one of our government's successes on the agricultural front.In July, the Minister of Agriculture signed an agreement with his provincial and territorial counterparts on the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, Canada's next five-year agricultural policy framework.Can the Prime Minister tell the House about the kinds of investments and programs we can expect to see under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership?

Mr. Speaker, the Minimum Age Convention, which dates back to 1973, is one of the International Labour Organization's fundamental conventions and is key to promoting decent work. International labour standards have an impact on labour laws and practices and also help improve working conditions around the world.Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour tell the House about the government's initiatives on labour conditions all over the world?

Mr. Speaker, our policy on industrial and regional benefits is our main tool for capitalizing on defence procurement to benefit Canadians. When we examine eligible transactions under this policy, we ensure that the technological level is equal to or greater than that of the project and that there are applications in Canadian industries.As the firm stated, it did not get credit for its entire investment of $425 million in the facilities at Cavendish Farms. It said that it received approximately $40 million as a credit for meeting its obligations with respect to industrial and regional benefits under the contract for its Atlantic ships. Questions concerning this investment could—