Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I recently met with the Cuban ambassador, who described the situation in his country as very dire and noted a need for solar power generators. Last week, a total collapse of the electrical grid occurred, leaving all 10 million people without electricity. This was also the case for critical infrastructure, including hospitals. People are left without basic necessities. Cuba's lack of o…
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Mr. Speaker, Canadians in my riding have never been prouder to be Canadians. We are more willing than ever to work together to make our country stronger. We care about one another, help one another and look out for one another. These are Canadian values. That is why earlier this week, the Prime Minister announced the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit. This new benefit will provide meanin…
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Mr. Speaker, December 10 is International Human Rights Day. Human rights are the backbone of freedom and democracy. It serves as a reminder that rights are not privileges. They are the foundation of dignity, equality and inclusion. This year's theme, “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials”, speaks to the truth that these principles are not just ideas on paper; they shape how we live, work and trea…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the White Rock Youth Ambassadors, a youth program in my community that predates the city of White Rock, British Columbia, itself. Launched in 1952 as the Miss White Rock pageant, a beauty contest, this initiative has evolved into a youth mentorship program benefiting hundreds of young people within the community. In the midst of the pandemic, the program thre…
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Mr. Speaker, on November 21, we mark World Fisheries Day, and recognize the vital role sustainable fisheries and healthy oceans play in our local economies and in our shared future. Coastal communities across our country rely on the ocean for their livelihoods. For generations, it has defined our culture and our identity. Canada is known around the globe for our world-class seafood and our healthy…
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Mr. Speaker, our new budget is about empowering Canadians and strengthening our economic future. It invests in our resilience, our competitiveness and our confidence in the future, not just through big, national projects, but through meaningful investments in smaller communities, where local projects have a tremendous impact on people's daily lives. This is why I am so proud of the build communiti…
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Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary achievement by my constituent, Mr. Sachin Latti. This year, Sachin, the first South Asian to run across Canada, covered over 3,700 kilometres in 82 days, with only nine rest days, averaging more than 50 kilometres daily. As a retired law enforcement officer with 20 years of service at the Canada Border Services Agency, Sachin understands th…
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Mr. Speaker, across Canada, we celebrate Small Business Week. I rise to recognize the entrepreneurs who form the backbone of my riding of South Surrey—White Rock. Before entering public life, I spent over 30 years as a small business owner. First it was Imagemakers photography, then Ashberry & Logan, The Art of Flowers. I understand small business. There are long hours, financial risks, pressures …
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Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, egg farmers across Canada will celebrate World Egg Day, recognizing the critical role that eggs play for Canadian families and recognizing the contributions of egg farmers to Canada’s resilient domestic food system. More than 1,200 egg farmers support businesses and communities in this country on an ambitious growth agenda to increase production and consumption in alignment …
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Mr. Speaker, the community of South Surrey—White Rock came together for the eighth annual Canadian Walk for Veterans, a tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country. This walk is not only a moment of reflection and appreciation but also a commitment to ongoing support for our veterans and their families. I would like to take this moment to sincerely thank Marc Burchell, whose vis…
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Mr. Speaker, this Tuesday, the Prime Minister and the President of Ukraine co-chaired the high-level meeting of the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children, which was held during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Thousands of Ukrainian children are victims of Russia’s crimes, where some of the most vulnerable populations are being targeted. Russia first …
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of the many successful events held this summer in South Surrey—White Rock. It was a true privilege for our community to once again host the Canada Cup. Over the past three decades, the Canada Cup has grown into a celebrated international event that showcases the talent, dedication and sportsmanship of female athletes from around the world. This event is a…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, there are no federally funded salmon hatcheries in British Columbia, the Maritimes or Newfoundland and Labrador that culture Pacific or Atlantic salmon for commercial aquaculture purposes.
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, with regard to (a) and (b), most advisory committees do not have a formally defined observer status or stakeholder status. For this reason, the department cannot provide the requested information on individuals or organizations that have observer or stakeholder status in advisory committees. With regard to (c), this information is not tracked by the department, and therefore the quest…
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Mr. Speaker, last week, I lost a friend, and my community lost one of our true leaders. Today, I would like to honour and pay respect to the memory of Sandee Butterley. Sandee was a one-of-a-kind woman who would help out and champion every cause that would benefit our entire community. She generously donated to organizations such as the hospice society, the White Rock Pride Society, the local comm…
Read full speech →Speech from the Throne
Madam Speaker, I congratulate my colleague on his election as well. I look forward to serving with all members of the House of Commons and to working collaboratively with everyone, especially when there are solutions being brought forward that we can deliver on for all Canadians for the betterment of our society and for the betterment of everyone's well-being in our country. As I said during my ca…
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Madam Speaker, it is indeed a pleasure to be sitting near my colleague. I have admired her stance on all of the environmental issues she has brought to the table over many years. I look forward to working together with her on many of the issues. The issue of thermal coal has been brought to my attention, especially during the campaign. It has been an issue that many others who have occupied the se…
Read full speech →Speech from the Throne
Madam Speaker, it is with the greatest sense of honour and pride that I stand today in this chamber giving my maiden speech, where countless Canadians before me have given of themselves to help shape the landscape of this great country we all call home, which is the envy of people around the world. I congratulate all my colleagues on their election or re-election. It is truly an honour to serve al…
Read full speech →Speech from the Throne
Madam Speaker, since occupying this chair, I see the opposition members criticizing but not bringing forward solutions. I hear them accusing us of copying and plagiarizing their platform. If indeed this is the case, is that not the greatest form of flattery? If the platforms are the same, let us work toward the common goal of achieving them for the success of all Canadians. We are a country with m…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the first time in the 45th Parliament with gratitude and humility. I am the first member of the Liberal Party to win my riding in 70 years. I thank the people of South Surrey—White Rock for placing their trust in me. It is an honour to serve as their representative. To my family, the incredible volunteers and supporters, I thank them very much for their time, energy a…
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