René Arseneault

Mr. Speaker, this is North American Occupational Safety and Health Week. It is an opportunity to raise awareness among employers, employees, stakeholders, and the general public about the importance of preventing workplace injuries and illnesses. Every day, in my riding and across the country, Canadians go to work and obviously hope they will return home safe and sound.Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour tell us what our government is doing to help prevent workplace injuries and illnesses?

Mr. Speaker, as we all know, Canadians often head to Service Canada offices when they need to engage with our government.For quite some time now, people in Madawaska—Restigouche have been complaining about the service and the long delays they have to deal with when they are applying for essential programs, like EI. Can the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development tell us about what he is doing to reduce wait times?

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?

Mr. Speaker, middle-class Canadians are working harder than ever, and yet many of them are worried that they have not saved enough for their retirement. Can the minister responsible explain what he intends to do to deal with this situation? What does he plan to do with the Canada pension plan in order to help Canadians reach their goal of a comfortable retirement?

Mr. Speaker, today, May 3, is World Press Freedom Day. As we celebrate media independence, let us not forget that a free press is a cornerstone of our democracy. Let us pay tribute to the journalists who keep doing their excellent work and remember those who have given their lives for their profession.Could the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism remind the House of the measures our government has taken to support the media and stand up for journalists and their independence?

Mr. Speaker, from the marketplace to Canadian homes, drones are becoming more important and prevalent.This can cause security risks that must be considered. My riding of Madawaska—Restigouche is home to a number of airports.Over the past few months, the Minister of Transport has been warning people about the potential risks of drones colliding with aircraft, particularly near airports.Could the Minister of Transport please inform the House the steps he is taking on this matter?

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?

Mr. Speaker, speaking of New Brunswick, the people of Madawaska—Restigouche are worried about the country's economy and want to know how they can share their thoughts and concerns.Next week, I am hosting public meetings in Edmundston and Campbellton, and I invite people to come and share their thoughts and concerns.Could the Minister of Finance tell the House what other measures are being put in place to ensure that all Canadians and Acadians can participate in the budget process?

Mr. Speaker, today, Franco-Ontarians are rallying in response to the Ontario Conservative government's decision to abolish the Office of the French Language Services Commissioner and cancel the project to build a French-language university in Toronto. In the meantime, here in Parliament, the leader of the official opposition still has not condemned this attack. How will the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie support our Franco-Ontarian friends and francophones and francophiles across the country?

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?

Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee on Official Languages and I are extremely proud to be starting our study on the modernization of the Official Languages Act, which is turning 50 this year. This act has helped Canadians make great strides in linguistic development and identity building over the years. That is why the committee has launched this study. Canada's official languages are a source of national pride and an integral part of our identity. Could the Prime Minister tell us how the government will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Official Languages Act?

Mr. Speaker, in September, the government released a report, saying that Canada's economy was strong and growing and that by this time next year, the typical middle-class Canadian family would be $2,000 better off as a result of our plan.Nevertheless, there is still work to be done to stay on the path toward growth for our families and workers.Could the Minister of Finance give us a brief update on the Canadian economy and tell us what the government plans to do next?

Mr. Speaker, francophone communities across the country have always contributed to Canada's culture and history.However, the francophone immigration program established in 2012, known as the francophone significant benefit program, was abandoned after only two years. Francophone immigration is important in many regions, such as Madawaska and Restigouche.Could the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship explain what measures are being taken to encourage francophone immigration to Canada?

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?

Mr. Speaker, as we all know, Canadians often head to Service Canada offices when they need to engage with our government.For quite some time now, people in Madawaska—Restigouche have been complaining about the service and the long delays they have to deal with when they are applying for essential programs, like EI. Can the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development tell us about what he is doing to reduce wait times?

Mr. Speaker, today, May 3, is World Press Freedom Day. As we celebrate media independence, let us not forget that a free press is a cornerstone of our democracy. Let us pay tribute to the journalists who keep doing their excellent work and remember those who have given their lives for their profession.Could the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism remind the House of the measures our government has taken to support the media and stand up for journalists and their independence?

Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee on Official Languages and I are extremely proud to be starting our study on the modernization of the Official Languages Act, which is turning 50 this year. This act has helped Canadians make great strides in linguistic development and identity building over the years. That is why the committee has launched this study. Canada's official languages are a source of national pride and an integral part of our identity. Could the Prime Minister tell us how the government will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Official Languages Act?

Mr. Speaker, francophone communities across the country have always contributed to Canada's culture and history.However, the francophone immigration program established in 2012, known as the francophone significant benefit program, was abandoned after only two years. Francophone immigration is important in many regions, such as Madawaska and Restigouche.Could the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship explain what measures are being taken to encourage francophone immigration to Canada?

Mr. Speaker, middle-class Canadians are working harder than ever, and yet many of them are worried that they have not saved enough for their retirement. Can the minister responsible explain what he intends to do to deal with this situation? What does he plan to do with the Canada pension plan in order to help Canadians reach their goal of a comfortable retirement?

Mr. Speaker, from the marketplace to Canadian homes, drones are becoming more important and prevalent.This can cause security risks that must be considered. My riding of Madawaska—Restigouche is home to a number of airports.Over the past few months, the Minister of Transport has been warning people about the potential risks of drones colliding with aircraft, particularly near airports.Could the Minister of Transport please inform the House the steps he is taking on this matter?

Mr. Speaker, in September, the government released a report, saying that Canada's economy was strong and growing and that by this time next year, the typical middle-class Canadian family would be $2,000 better off as a result of our plan.Nevertheless, there is still work to be done to stay on the path toward growth for our families and workers.Could the Minister of Finance give us a brief update on the Canadian economy and tell us what the government plans to do next?

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?

Mr. Speaker, this is North American Occupational Safety and Health Week. It is an opportunity to raise awareness among employers, employees, stakeholders, and the general public about the importance of preventing workplace injuries and illnesses. Every day, in my riding and across the country, Canadians go to work and obviously hope they will return home safe and sound.Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour tell us what our government is doing to help prevent workplace injuries and illnesses?

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?

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?

Mr. Speaker, speaking of New Brunswick, the people of Madawaska—Restigouche are worried about the country's economy and want to know how they can share their thoughts and concerns.Next week, I am hosting public meetings in Edmundston and Campbellton, and I invite people to come and share their thoughts and concerns.Could the Minister of Finance tell the House what other measures are being put in place to ensure that all Canadians and Acadians can participate in the budget process?