Marianne Dandurand

moved that the bill be read the third time and passed. C-268 She said: Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for allowing third reading of Billto begin today. This bill addresses a very real problem. There are still many regions across Canada without cellphone coverage. The map may show that there is coverage and the telecommunications contract may include coverage obligations, but on the ground, [more]

Mr. Speaker, in my remarks, I did say that I was very pleased to see this mentioned in the budget. This proves that the government is very concerned about this issue. The budget mentions the issue of connectivity in rural and remote areas, as well as the affordability of telecommunications services. The proposed solutions that will be implemented are more spectrum for 5G networks and private [more]

Mr. Speaker, cellular connectivity is essential to our economic development. Businesses need this connectivity to be able to operate. Sometimes technical issues prevent them from moving forward, getting new contracts and continuing to grow. Expanding cellular connectivity is one way to support the employability of people and the growth of businesses in the regions. I see it as an essential tool [more]

Mr. Speaker, yes, there are significant economic impacts on businesses. While Internet access is steadily improving, cellular coverage remains a challenge. Transportation provides a clear example of the difficulties we face. The agricultural sector is also feeling the effects. Students may be unable to complete assignments remotely due to a lack of connectivity. This has economic consequences, [more]

moved that the bill be concurred in.

Mr. Speaker, the speech by my colleague from Mégantic—L'Érable—Lotbinière was very interesting. I am particularly interested in the fact that the company we are discussing, while admittedly American-owned, employs Canadian workers, including veterans. In my colleague's neighbouring riding, Tafisa, a company that awards contracts and employs local workers, is owned by a Portuguese corporation. [more]

Mr. Speaker, the motion we are debating today raises two very important questions. First, how does the government use its purchasing power to support Canadian businesses? Second, how do we recognize the contribution of veterans, including by providing them with employment opportunities after their military service? I agree that both of these questions deserve careful consideration. I will begin [more]

Mr. Speaker, we continue to recognize the contribution that an organization like the Commissionaires makes to veterans' employment opportunities. We also recognize everything they do for the Royal Canadian Legion. On that note, I would point out that many legion branches are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, making this a truly special occasion. I would like to highlight the various [more]

Mr. Speaker, since I only have a few seconds left to answer that very comprehensive question from my colleague, who did a great job of explaining our objectives, I will say that people leaving the military have talents, knowledge and skills that are extremely important to employers. Many employers can benefit from the talent of employees who served in the military and who can continue to [more]

Brome—Missisquoi Mr. Speaker, my colleague is giving me the opportunity to talk about a number of contracts that are having an impact in my riding. I would like to talk about IBM, an American company that has been operating in Canada for nearly 110 years, including next door to my riding, in the riding of my colleague from. It is one of the companies that receives many of the contracts awarded in [more]

Mr. Speaker, I want draw on what my colleague on the other side of the House said. Approximately 4% of government contracts are awarded to U.S. companies. By contrast, a great many contracts are now awarded to Canadian companies. I would like my colleague to tell me a little about what we are doing with the Davie shipyard, because this will have a significant impact here at home. There is the [more]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to follow up on a question from the opposition regarding the claim that the government does not support small businesses and that they do not have access to federal contracts. I believe that the small business procurement program, which was introduced over the summer, helps by simplifying procurement processes, scaling contracts for SMEs and supporting small businesses [more]

Mr. Speaker, I listened carefully to the speech by my colleague from Ottawa Centre. I really appreciated the fact that he reached out to his constituents in different ways. I have done the same thing in my riding. I talked to the youth council, for instance. Young people in my riding told me that they strongly support stricter regulations governing the use of social media. They also talked about [more]

Mr. Speaker, I truly appreciated the speech by my colleague from Laurentides—Labelle. I must acknowledge that the Bloc Québécois has consistently advocated strong measures to combat cyber-bullying and threats of all kinds directed at children. Those are values we share. In the case of this bill, many of its provisions are aimed at preventing the commission and perpetuation of criminal offences. [more]

Mr. Speaker, I first want to commend my colleague from Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong for her outstanding work. I was honestly quite touched to hear her talk about her experience. She has been very courageous in all of this. I am very pleased to have her on our team. As I said, she is doing a great job. That said, she mentioned at the beginning of her speech that there were other versions of this [more]

C-34 Mr. Speaker, my colleague from Madawaska—Restigouche gave a very eloquent speech about about Bill. I want to elaborate on what he said and talk about cellular connectivity, because my colleague and I face the same challenge with regard to cellular connectivity in the regions. That is an issue that we are working on together. I would like him to talk about the importance of cellular [more]