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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 229

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
October 4, 2023 02:00PM
Context: House Hansard - 229 - Oct/4/23
Mr. Alain Therrien (La Prairie, BQ)
  • Oct/4/23 2:35:56 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, last week, Statistics Canada revealed that there are nearly 500,000 non-permanent residents in Quebec, an increase of more than 150,000 over last year. Whether they are permanent or temporary residents, newcomers have the same needs as everyone else. They need a roof over their heads, they need to work, they need to interact with others and therefore, they need to learn our language. Children need to go to school. If they are sick, they need treatment like everyone else does. Will the government review its targets to ensure that we can provide all these essential services for newcomers?
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Context: House Hansard - 229 - Oct/4/23
Mr. Alain Therrien (La Prairie, BQ)
  • Oct/4/23 2:37:08 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's statement is clearly wishful thinking. To hear him tell it, being open to the world means welcoming newcomers because it is the nice thing to do. He seems to think it is okay if newcomers do not have a place to live or if housing prices are skyrocketing. He thinks it is okay if they do not integrate because they have not learned enough French. He does not seem to think it matters if they do not have access to basic services. Well, it does matter, and it is irresponsible on his part to think otherwise. Will the Prime Minister review the immigration targets, taking into account our capacity to welcome newcomers?
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Context: House Hansard - 229 - Oct/4/23
Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.)
  • Oct/4/23 2:37:46 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I disagree with my hon. colleague. I do not think that closing the door to newcomers is a solution. We know we need more affordable housing. I agree. That is exactly why we announced measures like eliminating the GST on the construction of new rental apartments. We will continue to work with the provinces and municipalities to speed up approvals and build more housing faster to better accommodate people.
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