Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege and an immense honour for me to represent the people of Beauce today in the House as the member for Beauce. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their extraordinary support. Beauce, the capital of entrepreneurship, has overwhelmingly chosen an entrepreneur to represent it. I am deeply humbled by their overwhelming support, and I want them to know that I will carry this responsibility with the respect, determination and pride it deserves.

This work was not done alone. I would like to thank my incredible team of volunteers for their passion, hard work and considerable involvement over the past few months. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my father, my sisters Vicky and Wendy, and the entire Roy and Groleau family for their unconditional support. I especially want to thank the love of my life, my wife Pascale, and our two daughters, Lily-Rose and Emma, for their love and support. It is for them that I embark on this great adventure, for the future of my daughters, for the future of our children.

I would also like to take a moment to pay tribute to an exceptional man, a man of principle, a man of conviction with unwavering dedication. Richard Lehoux has devoted 25 years to public service, including six years here in Ottawa. He has worked with heart, discipline and humility in the service of his constituents, whether as mayor, reeve or member of Parliament. He has always been a good listener guided by great wisdom. His involvement has never been limited to politics. He has always been in close touch with the people, attentive to the concerns of farmers, families, entrepreneurs, seniors and youth. He has been a tireless worker, a man of honour, always available, listening, and deeply committed to his community. I thank Richard. His commitment has left its mark on the Beauce region.

The people of Beauce are known throughout Quebec and Canada for their entrepreneurial spirit. They are proud, resilient, resourceful and, above all, supportive. Beauce is a region built by entrepreneurs, farmers, hard-working people and loving families who believe in creating their own opportunities. The proof is that Beauce has nearly 2,000 farms. Those farms produce a variety of foods, such as maple syrup, dairy, pork and poultry, as well as fruits, vegetables and grains. All my colleagues here will agree that the 300 dairy farmers in Beauce produce exceptional milk. Of course, everyone will agree that we are also known for the best maple syrup in the world. I invite Canadians to find out for themselves just how exceptional our products are and what beautiful scenery we have.

We also have a reputation for hospitality in Beauce, especially at our agri-tourism sites throughout the region. Beauce is a region rich in heritage with an entrepreneurial culture. People can come see us at tourist destinations like the Miller Zoo in Frampton, founded by Clifford Miller and Émilie Ferland. It is both a wildlife sanctuary and an animal rehabilitation centre that gives many wild animals a second chance.

I also invite people to visit some of our local attractions, such as Domaine Taschereau, Maison J.‑A. Vachon and the aviation museum in Sainte‑Marie; the Beauce historical village and the Marius Barbeau museum in Saint‑Joseph‑de‑Beauce; the Rapides‑du‑Diable park in Beauceville; the Sept-Chutes Regional Park and the Saint Georges church, which is a beautiful part of our religious heritage; and the Notre‑Dame‑des‑Pins covered bridge, to name a few.

This summer, people can come visit our local farms: the Goulet blueberry farm in Saint‑Frédéric; Le Verger à Ti‑Paul in Saint‑Elzéar; the Marland blueberry farm in Sainte‑Marie; the Bourque strawberry farm and Les Roy de la pomme apple orchard in Saint‑Georges‑de‑Beauce; Verger L'Argousière in Saint‑Côme Linière; the Frampton Brasse microbrewery in Frampton, with a stunning view of the mountains; the Martin Bilodeau farm in Saint‑Éphrem‑de‑Beauce; La Pralinière chocolate factory; La Miellerie de Sophie in Notre‑Dame‑des‑Pins; La Pépite d'Or cheese factory, with locations in Saint‑Georges‑de‑Beauce and in Sainte‑Marie; Fromagerie Gilbert cheese factory in Saint‑Joseph‑de‑Beauce; and Ferme JN Morin farm in Saint‑Zacharie, which makes the best barbecue sauces, spices and vinaigrettes in the world, all delicious and all maple-based. There are many other magnificent places to visit, of course.

Whether at the plant, in the fields, on construction sites or behind the counter, the people of Beauce get up every morning and go to work with determination and dedication. I will staunchly defend that attitude every day.

However, despite our entrepreneurial spirit, we are facing new challenges. Given our shared border with Maine, Beauce's economy is closely tied to the United States, one of our main partners. For decades, our trade in goods and services with our neighbours to the south has obviously been extensive. For many of our businesses, the United States accounts for 80% of their sales. The 25% tariff that has been imposed and the Trump administration's real threat of a 50% tariff on steel, for example, are having a major, severe impact on our businesses. We need to take action to ensure that our businesses are not left behind. We must protect the industries that are essential to the future of the economies of Beauce and Canada by supporting the ones that are affected. The Liberal Party needs to act now.

Our proud agricultural heritage has always been our region's strength. Agriculture remains a vital sector of our economy. Farmers across the country are working tirelessly to supply food to Canadians and contribute to our economy, but they are often left without the supports they need to succeed in a competitive global market. It is essential that we fully protect policies such as supply management, which I will defend vigorously. Supply management ensures affordable prices, stability and quality for consumers. A self-sufficient agricultural sector is crucial to Canada's long-term prosperity and security.

The housing crisis is being felt across Canada. Beauce is particularly hard hit. Some municipalities in our region have a vacancy rate of less than 2%. As a result, rents have increased significantly, which is hurting families and slowing economic development. Since 2021, some parts of the region have seen rents rise by more than 50%. We urgently need to curb rent increases, accelerate housing starts, reduce red tape and roll out quicker, more affordable and more flexible federal programs.

Economic immigration plays a crucial role in Beauce's continued growth and success. The unemployment rate in our region is extremely low, less than 3%. That is an indication of the strength of our local economy. It also means that we have to rely heavily on temporary foreign workers to fill jobs. These workers are essential to maintaining the productivity and competitiveness of our industries. The need for temporary foreign workers is very different in big cities from what it is in the regions. We need to set up a system tailored to each region in order to improve the situation and meet the growing demand for workers. Beauce and its businesses deserve better. It is time for the government to provide solutions that reflect the reality of our regions.

I want to talk about the housing cost crisis in Canada. It is time for the government to genuinely tackle a problem that is making life harder for Canadians every day. This is critical for our seniors. Many are living on fixed incomes and are feeling the pressure of increased expenses. The tax reduction measures that were announced to make life more affordable for Canadians are woefully inadequate. Canadians need much more.

We must make our streets safer by fighting violence and keeping criminals behind bars. Affordable, prosperous and safe communities are essential to the well-being of all Canadians. We must put more energy and effort into making this a reality.

Today, I am thinking of my two daughters. Every decision I make, every challenge I take on, I do it for them. I want them to grow up in a safe, economically stable, fair country where they can achieve their dreams and prosper. That is the kind of future I am fighting for, not just for my children, but for all our children. I am proud to say I am Canadian, and I am proud to say I am from Beauce. That is why, throughout my term in office, I will stand up for the people of Beauce to protect our way of life, support our businesses and ensure a prosperous future for us all.

Together, let us build a stronger, fairer and more vibrant Beauce and Canada.

Jason Groleau

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Speech from the Throne

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