Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, Mississauga—Erin Mills has a massive housing problem. We have over a 10-year waiting period for subsidized housing, and women fleeing violence have a difficult time finding housing. Can the minister please help us understand how this bill will support those people in my riding of Mississauga—Erin Mills?
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I was not born in Canada, but Canada is my adopted home. It is a place that I am very loyal to and committed to. As the member of Parliament representing the beautiful riding of Mississauga—Erin Mills, which is so diverse, with over 43 languages spoken there, I can talk about Bill C-25 and the importance of not just the perception of having free and fair elections but the actuality of…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, while there were very heartfelt emotions that came from the member, I do question why she is conflating mandatory minimums with what victims of domestic violence and intimate partner violence are facing. In 2018, when there was a study within the justice committee about coercive control behaviour as a Criminal Code charge, the chief of police for Peel Region was very much in favour of…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, in 2018, at the justice committee, we studied the issue of coercive and controlling behaviour. From that time to now, we have been trying to make sure that women are safe in our communities. I would ask the member why he thinks we are not able to come together as a Parliament, as Canadians, as leaders in our country, to provide support to women and to make sure that their safety is pa…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, one thing I think we all need to understand is how important our sovereignty is and the fact that the government is not in the business of making money. It is in the business of facilitating and making sure each individual Canadian is well supported. The government right now has supported not only industry in these difficult times, but also individual Canadians, through things like th…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to go and see how we can work collaboratively in Houston with our own astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The member mentioned this in his speech, but I would like it if he could comment, perhaps, as to why we need the independent capability to launch, to work on research and development and to have access to space, as well as working collaboratively with other countries ac…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to a pillar of the Mississauga community, Mrs. Anjum Begum, who recently passed away. Hers was a classic immigrant success story. Arriving in the 1990s, she and her life partner, prominent journalist Latafat Ali Siddiqui, built a beautiful life with their four daughters. Together they became the heartbeat of our community, defined by phil…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to a pillar of the Mississauga community, Mrs. Anjum Begum, who recently passed away—
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, when victims are facing sexual misconduct or violence, it is so important to have a trauma-based response because going through the justice system re-emphasizes the challenges and hurt that they have gone through. We need to make sure that our justice system not only provides support to Canadians who are trying to move forward, seek justice for themselves and end the harm they have be…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, one thing I am really a big fan of is efficiency. Justice Arbour put in her time and effort and made some very significant contributions to this issue. I think it is now incumbent upon us, as members of Parliament, to move forward judiciously on this bill and make sure it provides the necessary support for our Canadian Armed Forces in the most efficient and fastest way possible and co…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, let me begin my remarks by recognizing the critical role that the Canadian Armed Forces plays. Every single member of the Canadian Armed Forces makes a commitment to serve this country. They step forward with a willingness to protect others, often at great personal cost and sacrifice. Because of that, we, as members of Parliament, have a responsibility to make sure that the systems ar…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, we have to understand that sexual misconduct and violence, even in the Canadian Armed Forces, is not something that came within a day, and it is not something that is going to go away within a day, either. Yes, Bill C-11 is very important and there has been a lot of progress made within the Canadian Armed Forces, but there is a lot more that should be done to continue to support victi…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, students in Mississauga—Erin Mills are already feeling the impact of Doug Ford's cuts to OSAP. At a time when students are struggling to afford school, they are seeing the Ontario government spend millions on private jets instead of investing in our future generation. Students are taking on more debt, working more hours and questioning whether they can even afford to continue their ed…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his great speech on Bill C-22. There are two aspects of this bill that my constituents have raised with me. One is about acknowledging that law enforcement agencies need to have these tools in order to conduct themselves effectively to protect our communities and society. The second aspect of it is about privacy and ensuring that persons like me, and the member …
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, the story of women's rights is a story of courage and of persistence. From suffragettes who fought for our right to vote, to Olympians representing Canada and women leading in STEM, generations of women have pushed our country forward. Today, under our Prime Minister's leadership, Canada now has the largest women's caucus in our history, something we should all be proud of. We also kn…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, students in Mississauga—Erin Mills are clear: Doug Ford's decision to slash OSAP grants and increase student loans is devastating. This change will affect hundreds of thousands of students who rely on OSAP for post-secondary education and equality of opportunity. Yesterday, a health sciences student, not a so-called basket weaver, from my Mississauga—Erin Mills youth council shared ho…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, one of the most devastating things for us to see within our communities is the ongoing food insecurity. I just want to take a moment to thank the amazing grassroots organizations that are supporting people through food banks, making sure that food is on the table and providing supports for everyone. This benefit would absolutely help ensure that people are able to keep food on the tab…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I really appreciated the member's speech. Talking about context and how we are supporting Canadians, whether it is through Bill C-19, the Canada child benefit, the dental care program, pharmacare, supporting seniors through New Horizons, Canada summer jobs, etc., it builds a safety net for Canadians. It boggles my mind that the party opposite refuses to support Canadians. Maybe the me…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, on this National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia, six Canadians lost their lives simply for being Muslim and gathering for prayer. We remember them and honour the families who carry this loss. For Muslim Canadians, this day recalls the shock of seeing a place of worship turned into a site of violence, and it reminds us that Islamopho…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honour Stephen Biss, a friend and a respected member of our Mississauga—Erin Mills community, who passed away suddenly and peacefully. Stephen was a dedicated community builder who believed in public service. I loved our conversations about public health, the environment and so much more. He gave more than four decades of his life to the p…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, gender-based violence is rampant across our country, across the world and in my riding of Mississauga—Erin Mills. It is not just an isolated, out-of-the-blue act of violence; it is often a mindset that is nurtured and fostered, often systemically, within families and communities, in the workplace and online. I thank the minister for addressing this generational issue. There are myth…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I find this interesting. I know the member opposite is very well versed in the law and the different jurisdictions that operate in our country. Drafting laws is a federal responsibility. Implementing them is a provincial responsibility. Local police are involved as well. Speaking of local police, the Canadian Police Association has stated: It is encouraging to see the federal govern…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, today we welcome team Canada's national cricket team to the House, athletes who have shown that Canadian cricket is world class. Cricket in Canada has roots going back nearly 200 years, and it was Canada's first national sport. That legacy is not just history. This team is carrying it forward. In 2025, team Canada went unbeaten through the Americas regional qualifier to earn its place…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to stand up and lend my support to Bill C-15, the budget 2025 implementation act, no. 1. I have been in this Parliament for the past 10 years, and we have had so many opportunities to make sure that our economy is doing well and thriving where we need it to. Over these past six months, I have noticed that the Conservatives talk a great game about how we ar…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, young people matter. They are not just our future; they are our now. I represented Canada at the Inter-Parliamentary Union's 151st assembly in Geneva, and the one thing I learned was that we need to meet young people where they are at. We need to include them in solving the challenges of our time, whether climate change; or humanitarian crises, including Gaza; or artificial intelligen…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for the phenomenal presentation. I am a young, brown, Muslim woman who represents my constituents in my riding of Mississauga—Erin Mills. The amount of hate that I and my colleagues who are similar to me, women in professional atmospheres, face on a regular basis is oftentimes devastating and hurtful to our functioning as individual citizens and as members of Pa…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, cricket has come to Ottawa. Today we are joined by Canadians representing over 300,000 women and men who play cricket across our country and millions who watch and cheer the sport. Today is the third annual cricket match between Canadian parliamentarians and the Commonwealth diplomats, when they will square off and pitch for peace. Today is more than just about sports. It is about bui…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, as I say often and as I say loudly, there is no government without a healthy and strong opposition. That is where good legislation comes from. In order for us to really think about the issues that we are discussing here today, in order for us to really work and collaborate together for the betterment of Canadians, the bill has to go to committee, so that not only do we hear about memb…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I am on my feet today to talk about Bill C-2 because I strongly feel there is a balance to be struck between public safety and the safety of our collective community in Canada and of our country, and the safety of individual rights. I think everybody in this House wants to go after child sex offenders transnationally. We want to make sure that law enforcement is modernized and has the…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I think the member is talking about the ISPs and wiretaps on our phones. There are a number of different acts and laws that really combat this issue. From my understanding, there is no specific provision that says that, without a warrant, we can go and take somebody's data. Again, as we go through the bill process, I am looking forward to seeing how all of this information and the det…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Safety have announced that there will be 1,000 more CBSA officers to help patrol. As the work starts and continues, we have to be nimble. We have to make sure that our border patrol has the resources it needs in order to be successful. As I said in my speech, it is a changing landscape where we have the digital aspect of it…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, what are the important things that this bill covers, why is Bill C-2 necessary in terms of our border security, and how are we going to work with our partners as we go through the bill's stages? Right now, it is at second reading and it will go into committee. How do we manage our relationships and collaborate to make sure that this bill is the perfect bill that would help Canadians i…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, it was a busy summer in Mississauga—Erin Mills. I met with constituents across my riding, listening to their concerns and their hopes for the future of Canada. I hosted my annual community barbecue, where thousands of neighbours and their families came together to enjoy a meal and connect with our community. I facilitated round tables for constructive solution finding and joined my co…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, all of us in this House are here to support our constituents. Over the past 10 years, I have witnessed partisanship to the detriment of Canadians. This summer, I challenge all members in this House, regardless of political affiliation, to stand up for Canadians by supporting small business. Small businesses across Canada continue to work hard and create jobs. Whether it is by travelli…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, it has been four years since we lost the Afzaal family, Madiha, Salman, Talat and Yumnah, in a horrific Islamophobic attack that left a nine-year-old orphaned and a community devastated. This was not just a hate crime; it was terrorism, driven by Islamophobia and targeted hate. More and more, we are experiencing violent hate in Canada that breaks hearts, steals lives and impedes our c…
Read full speech →Speech from the Throne
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member on his re-election. The people of Canada spoke, and they elected a Liberal government. They also rejected Pierre Poilievre and his Conservative policies. When I talk about making sure that we work together collaboratively, I am talking on behalf of what I heard from constituents in my riding, who are saying, “Hey folks, we want you to get your stuff together.…
Read full speech →Speech from the Throne
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his remarks. It gives me an opportunity to practise my French. Quebec identity and francophone identity are part of Canadian identity, and we are going to continue to make sure that every single Canadian is well represented. I have francophones in my riding, just as New Brunswick does, just as the Atlantic provinces do, just as Alberta does and just as the res…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, congratulations on your election, and through you I welcome all members of Parliament to the House. I look forward to working together as Canadians serving Canadians. I also want to thank the people of Mississauga—Erin Mills and my phenomenal team and volunteers for once again placing their trust in me. It is an honour to continue representing our beautiful community. Canadians have c…
Read full speech →Speech from the Throne
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share my thoughts and the thoughts of my constituents in support of the Speech from the Throne. I welcome you in that chair, and I look forward to working with all members of the House on the really important work we have to do. When I first ran back in 2014-15 to become a candidate for the Liberal Party, and then went on to become a member of Parliament for the best r…
Read full speech →Speech from the Throne
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Winnipeg North, who, I believe, still holds the record for the most words spoken in this chamber. It is about one Canadian identity. It is about one Canadian economy. When we talk about removing barriers, we are also talking about indirectly impacting other issues that arise from these barriers. It is not just about the economy; it is about labour and it is abou…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, as we come to the end of another session, I am delighted to wish neighbours in my riding of Mississauga—Erin Mills and all Canadians a very happy holiday season. This is a time for reflection and gratitude, a time to celebrate the values that unite us in kindness, hope and the spirit of generosity. We also recognize that, for many, this time of year can be challenging, and it is cruci…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, today I rise with a heavy heart to recognize the passing of Omar Zia. Omar Zia was a loving father, husband, son and brother. He dedicated his career to service in our community as a teacher in Peel School and, most recently, as principal of The Woodlands Secondary School. Omar was a mentor to so many young people in our community. He was breaking barriers, and he was an unwavering ad…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Madam Speaker, today marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, a day to honour the memory of the 14 women who were tragically murdered in the 1989 Polytechnique Montreal massacre, and so many more since. In Canada, a woman or girl is killed every 48 hours. In Peel region alone, police responded to over 16,000 incidents of family and intimate partner violence in 20…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated earlier, we have the highest respect for whistle-blowers and support the private member's bill, Bill C-290, put forward by the member's caucus to protect whistle-blowers. Again, we also have to ensure that Canadians' data is protected. We have to make sure that tax avoidance and tax filings carry fairness within our country and within the system. We look forward to cont…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, the International Criminal Court has made a historic move by issuing arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif. This sends a clear message: No one is above the law. As Canadians, we take pride in our commitment to human rights and the rule of law. I thank the Prime Minister for affirming that Canada will uphold the decision of the ICC. As a na…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, the CRA takes the issue of fraud very seriously. With respect to what the member has talked about, we have supported whistle-blower rights, as shown in our support of the member's caucus bill, Bill C-290, which aims to increase protections for whistle-blowers. However, we need to find the right balance when it comes to making sure that Canadians' data is protected while also ensuring …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, there are over 60,000 employees with the CRA. There are massive strategies that are being worked on with international partners to ensure that tax avoidance and tax evasion are being prevented. I look forward to working with all members in this House to make sure that we are providing the right amount of support to the CRA to ensure that we are working on this very important issue. Ta…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, there are situations that must be denounced. I have to say that our minister and our government have supported Bill C-290, that party's private member's bill. However, there are situations where we are not able to talk about issues, specifically with respect to section 241 of the Income Tax Act, but there are obligations and there are ways in which we are able to have whistle-blowers …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, I do not think that the challenge here is whistle-blowers. As I said earlier, there are ways within the CRA that people are able to report whatever misconduct they see. I think the question really is how we protect whistle-blowers. We have obviously supported Bill C-290 from the Bloc Québécois. I wonder if we can support the Conservative Party and its whistle-blower situation going on…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence, a day that demands our unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities. As a member of the Subcommittee on International Human Rights, I heard devastating testimonies from hundreds of NGOs. These organizations are working in over 190 co…
Read full speech →