I am very, very happy to be back in Bas-Saint-Laurent. I was so excited about our visit today that I even brought my family with me. I wanted them to experience first‑hand the warmth and friendship that characterize this very special part of Quebec, and of Canada. The last time Sophie and I came here together to Mont‑Joli was a few years ago. We came for a mini-vacation at the Gîte du Mont-Albert. We had a fabulous time skiing in the Chic-Choc Mountains. Xavier, who is 9, is now old enough for the backcountry, but the other ones are still a little too … little. But to share this wonderful day with my family is tremendously important to me.     

Truly.… Just a few minutes ago, we had a chance to play a bit of baseball, and it’s things like that – just throwing the ball around for a while – that makes summertime so special. Summer is a chance to spend a little more time with family and friends, get outside – maybe travel a bit.

Summer is the best time to share wonderful experiences as a family. But at the same time, parents, like those I met this morning, know that they also have to keep a watchful eye on the family budget. Because summer camps cost money. Swimming lessons cost money. New soccer equipment. In winter, there’s skiing and hockey. And when you aren’t too busy lacing up skates for your young family, perhaps you want to load everyone into the car and take them to watch the Rimouski Océanic.

Receiving a little more money at the end of every month helps parents create these childhood memories. That’s why it was so important for us to establish the Canada Child Benefit. In fact, it was one year ago this week that families received their first payment from our new Canada Child Benefit.

Since last July, families like the ones here today have been receiving a tax-free monthly payment that is more generous and helps them with the costs of raising their children. With the CCB, nine out of ten Canadian families receive more money … more money each and every month. And unlike the old programs that it replaced, the Canada Child Benefit is based on need.

Millionaires no longer receive child benefit cheques. We’re giving more help to the families who need it the most. Families here in Mont-Joli and all across Canada. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: our government is committed to helping the middle class and those working hard to join it. And as you all know, the Canada Child Benefit is one of the many ways we are keeping this … important promise.