Mr. Speaker, there is still a lot of work to be done in the House of Commons, where, unfortunately, only 30% of elected members are women.

I would also like to draw the attention of the House to another point raised in the throne speech: We must not overlook the tax cut scheduled for July 1. It will have a significant impact on Rivière-des-Mille-Îles. By reducing the tax rate by 1%, this measure will provide more than 22 million Canadians, including middle-income and lower-income families, with up to $825 in annual tax relief for a two-income family. Families are struggling to cope with the cost of living, especially the cost of housing and food. This tax cut will provide financial relief to the people of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles and will boost their purchasing power.

As for housing, the government has made an ambitious but necessary promise to build 500,000 housing units a year across the country. The real estate market in Rivière-des-Mille-Îles is under a lot of pressure. Young families are struggling to buy a home. Seniors are in need of adapted housing, and tenants are paying higher and higher rents. Everyone needs affordable, accessible, well-situated housing. Everyone deserves to live with dignity.

I will ensure that Rivière-des-Mille-Îles receives its fair share of these investments. Obviously, we need to build homes, but we also need to renovate existing homes, densify cities in a smart way and protect neighbourhoods from speculation.

I also want to work on getting infrastructure grants for my riding. When I had the privilege of representing Rivière-des-Mille-Îles from 2015 to 2019, I attended our government's launch of the metropolitan Montreal light rail public transit project, known as the REM. One line of this project will connect Montreal to Deux‑Montagnes, in my riding. I hear that that line is expected to open this fall. That is great news. I invite the Speaker to come and try out our light rail. I would be pleased to ride the train with him.

Another topic in the throne speech that caught my eye was protecting supply management. Our farmers, livestock breeders and food processors depend on the supply management system. It ensures stable prices, consistent quality and food security. Supply management also shields our family farms from the uncertainties of global markets. I will oppose any attempt to dismantle it through trade agreements. Food sovereignty is also a matter of national security.

Trade relations with the United States require vigilance and resilience. Trade tensions with the United States are having a direct impact on my riding, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles. Companies like Nova Bus, which manufactures electric buses, and Damotech, which designs industrial safety systems, are being affected by the tariffs and the uncertainty. Even O'Sole Mio Foods, a source of local pride, is feeling the effects of this trade war.

We need to stand up for our businesses while opening new markets with our allies, including those in the G7, Europe, Asia and Latin America. They are strategic partners for our economic future. It is also time to remove interprovincial trade barriers. Why is it harder to sell a product made in Saint‑Eustache in Ontario than in California? This economic anomaly needs to be fixed.

The Speech from the Throne also highlighted the idea of defending our Arctic sovereignty. Canada must assert its sovereignty in the Arctic. Global warming is opening up new shipping routes and fuelling foreign interest in the region. We need to be ready. That means responsibly increasing our military spending so we can modernize our equipment, support our troops and protect our territory.

Dental care is another important component of the Speech from the Throne. The new dental care program will save eight million Canadians about $800 per year. It is a concrete measure that improves health, reduces inequality and eases the financial burden on families. More than 10,000 people in my riding had benefited from it as of January 2025. I had the privilege of joining the Hon. Marie‑Claude Bibeau in meeting with the residents of Domaine Chénier in Saint‑Eustache in the spring of 2024 to talk about the program. The residents were thrilled. I know that it is making a huge difference in Rivière‑des‑Mille‑Îles.

In closing, Boisbriand, Deux‑Montagnes, Saint‑Eustache and Rosemère are four cities that form one community, a strong, resilient and proud community. Together, we can build a future where our two official languages are protected and our culture is celebrated.

We are united for the future. Together we can build a future where our rights are protected and our economy is strong. Our national anthem so powerfully says, “strong and free”, and that is how we move forward.

Linda Lapointe

Transcript

Speech from the Throne

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