Yves-François Blanchet

Defend supply management

The other end of this axis: Liberalize supply management

Excerpts repeat calls to protect supply management and compensate supply-managed farmers.

The Bloc Québécois has set two conditions for propping up a government in dire straits and not pulling the rug out from under it. We made no bones about the fact that this was an opportunity to make gains for a very large pool of Quebec seniors, but also to protect supply management, Quebec's agricultural model and prospects for the next generation of farmers, once and for all. Each time a trade agreement is being negotiated, the government promises that it will not put supply management back on the table until it puts it back on the table.

Faster fossil phase-down

The other end of this axis: Slower phase-down, production first

Excerpts repeat call to move away from oil and carbon-based economy rather than offset emissions.

As world citizens, we believe that we need a plan, not for reducing, mitigating or offsetting greenhouse gas emissions, but for moving away from this economic model. It will have to be done carefully, gradually, wisely and without pushing anyone into poverty, but we need to move away from a carbon-based economy within the next few decades.

Restrict new oil and gas

The other end of this axis: Expand production and export

Excerpts repeat opposition to increasing oil production and exports, favoring transition to renewables.

There is no measure to fight climate change that will offset Canada's eagerness to increase the production, export and consumption of oil and gas for purely commercial reasons. Science is very stubborn.

Higher taxes and public spending

The other end of this axis: Lower taxes and tighter spending

Excerpts call for increased health transfers and support for seniors.

moved: That the House: (a) acknowledge the extraordinary work of health care workers (including doctors, nurses and orderlies) during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with seniors but also with the general public; (b) recognize the courage and sacrifices required from them and their families in order to be on the front lines; (c) highlight the work of Quebec and the provinces in responding to the health crisis and note the direct impact on their respective budgets; and (d) call on the government to significantly and sustainably increase Canada health transfers before the end of 2020 in order to support the efforts of the governments of Quebec and the provinces, health care workers and the public.

Expand public coverage

The other end of this axis: More private delivery

Excerpts call for increased federal health transfers to provinces for public system.

Quebec and the provinces called for a 5.2% increase in health transfers on Monday.

Stronger unions and standards

The other end of this axis: More flexibility for employers

Excerpts call for extending EI sickness benefits to 50 weeks.

moved: That the House call on the government to increase the special Employment Insurance sickness benefits from 15 weeks to 50 weeks in the upcoming budget in order to support people with serious illnesses, such as cancer.