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House Hansard - 254

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
November 23, 2023 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 254 - Nov/23/23
Mr. Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Lac-Saint-Jean, BQ)
  • Nov/23/23 2:42:53 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, asylum seekers are the responsibility of the federal government. That is why Quebec wants to be reimbursed for the services we provide, including housing and social services. The federal government refuses to reimburse Quebec. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship said, and I quote, “I don't have $400 million just lying around”. First of all, it is not $400 million; it is $460 million. Second, when the time came to help asylum seekers, Quebec managed to come up with the $460 million, so the minister will just have to come up with it, as well. Will he reimburse Quebec?
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Context: House Hansard - 254 - Nov/23/23
Mr. Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Lac-Saint-Jean, BQ)
  • Nov/23/23 2:44:06 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, if we look at the Constitution, we see that asylum seekers fall under federal jurisdiction. The federal government not only is not providing the services, but it is refusing to pay. It is always the same thing with the Liberals when it comes to immigration and refugees. They say that they defend asylum seekers, but only when it comes time to make fine speeches. When it is time to truly welcome these people, the Liberals are not there. There is no service or reimbursement. Quebec provides asylum seekers the services they need. Now, will the federal government do the one job that it is paid to do and reimburse Quebec?
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Context: House Hansard - 254 - Nov/23/23
Mr. Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Lac-Saint-Jean, BQ)
  • Nov/23/23 2:45:15 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I can tell him about discussions. The Quebec minister for Canadian relations said, and I quote: The current policy of the federal government is: “We decide. You pay.” Ottawa prides itself on being the most generous country, one that welcomes all those who are suffering, but Quebeckers are the ones who have to pay. It makes no sense. This is definitely not a responsible policy. That is what the Quebec minister for Canadian relations said. Quebec is welcoming and generous to asylum seekers. All it is asking for is the resources to continue to be that way. When will the government reimburse Quebec?
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