Yves-François Blanchet, leader of the Bloc Québécois, held a press conference on Parliament Hill, delivering a pointed message to other political parties and highlighting the need for a more functional and focused parliamentary session in the remaining four weeks.
Blanchet outlined the Bloc’s primary concerns, which include language, provincial cooperation on immigration, secularism, security, and safeguarding Quebec’s jurisdictional powers. He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues promptly, given the limited time left in the parliamentary session.
Blanchet criticized the current state of Parliament, describing it as dysfunctional. “Parliament is dysfunctional because we have a minority government that acts like a majority by relying on the NDP’s support and using closure motions excessively,” Blanchet stated. “This leads to a lack of meaningful debate and a disrespect for the parliamentary institution.”
Blanchet said the Conservatives are wasting valuable time on procedural battles instead of focusing on substantive issues. “Today, we see an example with Speaker Fergus. The Conservatives are sacrificing their opposition day to create a spectacle,” Blanchet remarked. “We should be discussing serious matters instead of engaging in these time-consuming procedures.”
“The Bloc Québécois wants to have serious discussions. We prepare amendments and contribute to debates meaningfully,” Blanchet said. “It’s disheartening to see Parliament reduced to a spectacle instead of a place for serious legislative work.”
Addressing the issue of foreign interference, Blanchet called for swift action on Bill C-70, which aims to combat foreign interference in Canadian affairs. He stressed the importance of enhancing the bill to include provisions for monitoring foreign agents and their local contacts. “This bill needs to be amended to ensure comprehensive monitoring and an independent oversight body,” Blanchet argued. “The recent report shows a total lack of leadership from the Prime Minister, who seems indifferent to these critical security issues.”
Blanchet also touched on economic and industrial issues, notably criticizing the federal government’s handling of contracts involving Bombardier and Boeing. He expressed concerns about the impact on Quebec’s aerospace industry and the perceived unfair treatment of Bombardier.
“Bombardier has been sidelined from significant contracts, which is detrimental to Quebec’s economy,” Blanchet said. “The government’s promises of research investments are insufficient compared to the potential benefits of direct contracts.”
On healthcare, Blanchet voiced opposition to federal encroachment on provincial responsibilities. “The federal government’s interference in healthcare with our own money, while running a massive deficit, is unacceptable,” Blanchet stated. “Healthcare should be managed by Quebec and the provinces, not dictated by Ottawa.”
Blanchet urged all parties to move beyond partisan games and work together on pressing issues for the benefit of all Canadians. “We need to move past the spectacle and focus on serious matters,” Blanchet concluded. “There are urgent issues that require our attention, and we owe it to Canadians to address them responsibly.”
As Canadians grapple with significant financial concerns, from rising living costs to economic uncertainty, the actions and priorities of their elected representatives are under close scrutiny. The next few weeks will reveal much about the agenda and priorities that will shape Canada’s political and economic landscape.