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Decentralized Democracy

Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

Hon. François-Philippe Champagne

  • Member of Parliament
  • Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
  • Liberal
  • Saint-Maurice—Champlain
  • Quebec
  • Voting Attendance: 61%
  • Expenses Last Quarter: $108,626.98

  • Government Page
Context: House Hansard - 247 - Nov/6/23
Hon. François-Philippe Champagne
  • Nov/6/23 12:25:00 p.m.
  • Watch
  • Re: Bill C-34 
Mr. Speaker, the member knows how much I like her, and her contributions to the House are well known to all members. We actually want debate. There were 20 hours of debate in the House, 20 hours of debate at committee, and 11 meetings at committee with 44 witnesses. I agree that we need debate, which I believe in, but there is also a time when we need to act. My colleague from the NDP said it best earlier when she said that the Conservatives consistently, systematically and regularly use delay tactics so the House cannot move bills forward. That is not democracy. In a democracy, we need to debate, we need to think and we need to make sure every voice is heard, but the duty of every member, at one stage, is to vote. We need to vote on bills so they can move forward, go through the Senate and hopefully get royal assent. As I said, there comes a time in a democracy, and in the House, when we need to move forward, particularly when it comes to national security. I would not know how to explain to Canadians that members are in agreement, but they do not want to vote. It is very difficult mentally to understand that. They would ask, if we agree, why would we not vote. That is why people sent us to the House: to vote. Members should vote, and then we will move on in protecting the national security of Canadians.
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