Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the minister reminding us what this bill is about. It is about working with provinces and territories and providing them with the levers to help Canadians. Even on a bill so simple, we hear the opposition talking about the importance of having debate and conversation. Anybody who has been observing committees has seen, whenever the opposition has an expert, a witness or a…
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Madam Speaker, I find some of the comments from the official opposition interesting, especially when comments are made that 30 hours of debate is not enough. I agree that we want to raise different perspectives. Constituents in the riding of Waterloo have a diversity of perspectives. They want to hear us having meaningful debate on the floor of the House of Commons, as well as in committee, but th…
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Mr. Speaker, I thought that the last exchange was interesting. We just received an example of a Conservative member's wanting more investment in housing and more affordable housing built, recognizing that his constituents need the federal government to play a role, yet rather than working with the government to ensure that we can have more successes for Canadians, the Conservatives would rather sl…
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Mr. Speaker, I listened intently to my colleague's speech, and I really appreciated the insights being provided. I think this is important legislation, and I personally believe the federal government has an important role to play when it comes to housing. In Waterloo, constituents have really appreciated the federal government stepping up and returning to the housing scene and having different lev…
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Mr. Speaker, I really appreciated the comments the member shared. I know we do not have a lot of time before the next member speaks, so I would just ask the member to perhaps use this time to share with Canadians what the bill would do, so we can minimize the misinformation or disinformation out there.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, the member's comments about really being there to meet Canadians with what they need and finding out ways to do it are not lost on me. Just last month, the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta stated in a press release that they are going to invest $323 million in affordable housing. There will be 41 projects in the province of Alberta. They will also build more than 70 …
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for his work on this file and on the importance of bringing this issue forward. What we know is that the individuals were not always believed. Luckily, society is advancing, but there has just been a case in Ontario where 48 women came forward, and the judge had no problem suggesting that there was no credibility to any of their testimony. I would like to he…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I rise to present petition e-6898, a petition on social affairs and equality, initiated by Tanner Bergsma, a constituent of the riding of Waterloo. Petitioners recognize that there are benefits within the country, but they feel that these benefits do not go far enough for the challenges they are facing. Petitioners are calling upon the House of Commons and Parliament assembled to esta…
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Mr. Speaker, I am not going to get into the semantics of whether it is a couple of pages long or a lot of pages long, but I am hearing that there is a need for Canada to be in this space. Is the member suggesting that not doing anything is the answer, or is he suggesting that perhaps we could find a way to move forward and make sure that Canada is part of this game?
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Mr. Speaker, I appreciated the member's comments and the level of discourse and debate taking place on this legislation. We saw a Canadian from southwestern Ontario be part of the mission of people going the farthest that we have seen in our lifetime. It has been pretty impressive. It is really encouraging, and initiates the desire for the private sector to grow and for opportunities to grow, wher…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, in Waterloo, UWaterloo grads are turning Canadian research into real-world solutions. KA Imaging's advanced X-ray technology is improving diagnostic accuracy, creating skilled jobs locally and helping clinicians make better decisions for patients. Its portable X-ray technology is being used in Canadian hospitals and globally in remote rural clinics in Kenya, Nigeria and 12 other expor…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, Team Dave is FRC Team 3683, the first robotics team at St. David Catholic Secondary School in Waterloo. Team Dave's participation in the first robotics competition is what gives the team its structure, intensity and connection, but what stands out is how they balance their competitive drive with their culture of helping others. When asked, Team Dave shared that the most meaningful par…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to conclude the second reading of Bill S-211, an act respecting a national framework on sports betting advertising. I would like to begin by thanking the constituents of my riding, Waterloo, as well as all those across Canada who are confirming the importance of this debate from coast to coast to coast. Like many of my colleagues, I have heard and responded to many…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, as I explained in my speech, I am requesting a recorded division.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I appreciated the reminder of how the Conservatives do tend to bring about their convenience. It is more like the “do as I say, not as I do” Conservative Party. We really do not necessarily know where they stand. Sometimes their own members are confused. I would like to hear from the member, just to bring the constituents of the riding of Waterloo up to speed, what we are debating tod…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, dozens of constituents from the riding of Waterloo have signed the petition I am presenting, and many of these applicants have lived in Canada for several years, maintaining lawful status, contributing to the economy and the research sector, and repeatedly passing previous security verifications. Many of these constituents are actually Iranian nationals holding Canadian masters degree…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, I would ask for you to review some of the exchanges that have taken place during question period today. As per the Standing Orders, you will recognize that unparliamentary language, when it becomes personal, is not welcome in this chamber. I can understand it when we are referring to legislation and to policies, but when we are referring to hon. members with certain terminology, which…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Maybe it would be suitable for us to be reminded of what the debate taking place right now is on. Clearly, that—
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member's comments, and I appreciate him acknowledging that Canadians need to pay attention to this debate. It is interesting, because Canadians should know that the debate we are currently having in the House is on the removal of a short title. Constituents within the riding of Waterloo would want to know what was so appalling about the short title that the Conservati…
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Mr. Speaker, the member had a point of order earlier. He was concerned about the same old members asking questions, and he really wanted a question from the MP for Waterloo, so here I am asking a question on behalf of constituents from the riding of Waterloo, who think this is important legislation. I agree. We have received many emails regarding this legislation from all sides. It is a true diver…
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Mr. Speaker, there is a long-standing tradition that members are all honourable members in this chamber, and if something was to take place, members have the ability to rise and withdraw or retract. It is not for any member in this chamber to police what happens in here. Mr. Speaker, I think you are doing a good job and that you should have confidence in the job that you do.
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Mr. Speaker, similar issues have come up within the riding of Waterloo, where people recognize that having a federally funded or publicly funded health care system is important. People are also noticing that provinces are oftentimes dabbling with the idea of a two-tier health care system. There seems to be much recognition that asylum claimants are a different group of people in that they are usua…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased with the question and the opportunity to have this discussion. I think some provinces have a model that works very well, but others have some issues. I think we need to look at whether this falls within the jurisdiction of the provinces and territories or whether it falls within the federal government's jurisdiction and whether it has a responsibility. That is why I think…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, a bill could only be amended or broadened at committee, so that is where the work would be done. What I am presenting through this bill is the value and importance of having a discussion around a potential framework. I did refer to unprotected and offshore sites, so that is where the federal government probably does have some responsibilities. We know that the intention was to give pr…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, acknowledging that there is a diversity of opinions, there are a lot of organizations that have been contacting me and Senator Marty Deacon. As well, I know the member chairs the heritage committee. We just legalized sports betting in Canada five years ago. We are starting to see some of the concerns and impacts coming from it. My concern is that the federal government did legalize sp…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
moved that Bill S-211, An Act respecting a national framework on sports betting advertising, be read the second time and referred to a committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to second reading of Bill S-211, an act respecting a national framework on sports betting advertising. I would like to begin by thanking Senator Marty Deacon for her dedication in crafting the bill, alongside her collea…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
That is right. Mr. Speaker, I understand the intent in 2021, when Parliament legalized single-game sports betting in Canada. This was achieved with the objective of bringing gambling activity out of the illegal market and into safe, regulated frameworks. The legislation granted provinces and territories authority to regulate their own sports betting markets to promote responsible gambling practice…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I will be very honest. What we are bringing forward with this Senate public bill that is now in the House is that we need to talk about this issue. We need to make sure the framework works, and that is a concern that I have also heard. What has concerned me even more is that the first time somebody is gambling online, they are being given an amount of money, so it is not going to cost…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, constituents within the riding of Waterloo have asked me to present this petition on behalf of Falun Gong practitioners. The petitioners share that Falun Gong practitioners follow the principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance. They recognize the importance of relations between different countries, but they also value the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They would…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, International Development Week is a moment to reflect on how global challenges are connected and how smart investments can create lasting change. One of the major drivers of food insecurity is climate change, especially in the world's most vulnerable communities. That is why Canada is investing in women and economic empowerment as part of its international development efforts. I joine…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member for Yukon's sharing his insights. As someone who has visited Yukon Territory, I know it is a very different experience in the Yukon than it is for constituents within the riding of Waterloo. The constituents within the riding of Waterloo want members to work together. I know that the Conservatives had their convention this weekend and are coming with a new appr…
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Mr. Speaker, since the member entered this place, I have found him oftentimes to be reasonable. The words he shared today really demonstrate that, at least to constituents in the riding of Waterloo, who often ask if this House can be functional. Today, seeing the deputy leader of the Conservatives move a motion for this legislation to advance so Canadians can receive the supports they need is a de…
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Madam Speaker, I listened intently to the words of the parliamentary secretary, and it was pretty impressive to hear because I believe we can be very thoughtful in this place. It is interesting because the leader of the official opposition sent the Prime Minister a letter to say that we could co-operate, but it seems the Conservatives' approach remains exactly the way it has always been. It is the…
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Madam Speaker, I also want to send some friendly new year's wishes, and I hope the 2026 season treats the member and her loved ones, and all constituents and Canadians, well. I listened intently to the member's comments, and I think today's debate has been an interesting one. I know that we use references to the government under the leadership of former prime minister Stephen Harper when it is con…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, Carmen Tam, a constituent of the riding of Waterloo, created Petition e-6695. Today I rise to present it on behalf of 14,921 petitioners. Petitioners need the House and all Canadians to know that in 2025, online video game storefronts like Steam and Itch.io removed numerous games featuring adult sexual content because Mastercard, Visa and other payment platforms changed their policies…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, the motion before the House today was moved by the Conservatives, who picked out a few parts of the agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta. In my opinion, the full agreement is a document that gives the federal government, the provinces and indigenous communities a way of working together. Does the member agree that it is important for all levels of…
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Madam Speaker, the comments shared by the member are quite refreshing. It was impressive that the Conservatives chose to amend their own motion but still came up short. What is even more interesting is that constituents within the riding of Waterloo recognize that the Conservatives actually never have a plan for the environment. Today, we see that when the Conservatives bring something forward, th…
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Madam Speaker, constituents within the riding of Waterloo have been talking about this MOU. It has definitely been gaining a lot of traction. They are noticing that it is a comprehensive document, which provides some certainty for investors and provides certainty for Canadians for the economy. They were pleased to see that the federal government is wanting to work with provinces and with indigenou…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, petitioners raise an issue of equity and dignity, as well as of basic autonomy, for people with disabilities and their families. The RDSP is meant to secure a person's long-term financial future, yet petitioners raise that the current rules create unnecessary barriers that prevent many people from even opening a plan. When qualifying members lose their ability to act after 2026, and w…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, it is always an honour and privilege to represent the good people in my riding of Waterloo. It has been interesting because in my inbox, I am receiving several emails. I am receiving emails in regard to some of the challenging times Canadians are facing, and they see that in budget 2025, there is opportunity. They see some ability and some hope. They appreciate the national school foo…
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I know the members opposite want to call time because I am talking about our armed forces and the important work they do, and the Conservatives have a history of chopping them. I would like to hear from the member why it is important we pass this legislation. Why can Conservatives not grasp that we are here to fight for Canadians? We have to leave some of our political stripes aside so we can ensu…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I met with a few constituents from the riding of Waterloo and also from ridings across the country, and today I present a petition that over 600 individuals have signed in regard to families in Canada that have wrongfully been separated due to what they suggest are flawed child abuse assessments by child abuse pediatricians. Petitioners note there is no legal requirement for a second,…
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Mr. Speaker, I really appreciated the comments that were shared by the member and the contribution she makes in so many different ways. I really appreciated her opportunity to also talk about IP, intellectual property, which is really important in the riding of Waterloo. The University of Waterloo is notorious for ensuring that research academics actually own their IP so that they have a vested in…
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Mr. Speaker, I really appreciated the member's speech and the fact that he has actually paid attention to the debate going on today. What really struck me were the comments in regard to Canada's being a trading nation and the importance of opening up opportunities for Canadians and Canadian businesses. I know that Canadians within the region of Waterloo want access to global markets. They not only…
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Barbara Robinson is a professional engineer in the riding of Waterloo. She and dozens of other petitioners have signed a petition calling on the Government of Canada to update, to change, the National Building Code. The petitioners acknowledge that the National Building Code, part 3, makes no provision for menstruating women's needs in public toilet stalls. They raise the point that unless somethi…
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Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the debate we are having today on this important legislation. Constituents in the riding of Waterloo have been sharing many comments and many concerns, so I was pleased to see that there were no report stage amendments and that we would go to debating the bill at third reading. We would like to see this bill passed so that Canadians can benefit from its impacts. Another t…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, within the Waterloo region are five ridings, and I am pleased to represent the good people of the riding of Waterloo. Dozens of constituents within the region of Waterloo have signed a petition calling on the Government of Canada to work with Prince Edward Island's special committee on poverty. They are talking about the guaranteed basic income program. A pilot within P.E.I. was sugge…
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Mr. Speaker, the member was duly elected to the provincial legislative assembly, but this party, federally, does not reflect progressive values. Premier Ford, at that time, called the member's comments “irresponsible”. He said, “By spreading misinformation he is undermining the tireless efforts of our frontline health-care workers at this critical time”. Premier Ford also said, “I will not jeopard…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I did not want to ruin the member's clip, because I know it is really important to the Conservative Party of Canada, and it is important for constituents to hear their position, but the member should be speaking through the Chair.
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
moved for leave to introduce Bill S-211, An Act respecting a national framework on sports betting advertising. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of Bill S-211, which was swiftly passed by colleagues in the other place. I believe we can agree it would be responsible to see the same happen here in the House. Sports betting is legalized in Canada, yet constituents in Waterloo have shared, and every MP…
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