Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, in South Shore—St. Margarets, every summer we see young people across our communities stepping into jobs, gaining confidence, experiences and new skills and contributing to the local businesses and organizations that make our region so vibrant. This summer, the government has added an additional 25,000 jobs to the Canada summer jobs program, giving the opportunity for 100,000 kids to …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, mining is already one of Canada's largest economic drivers, contributing billions of dollars to the Canadian economy annually, but the sector is experiencing a labour shortage right now, needing 250,000 new hires over the next 10 years. Can the Minister of Jobs and Families please update the House on a national announcement that was recently held in my riding of South Shore—St. Margar…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for her work as a family lawyer, because sometimes they are the unsung heroes in helping women who are fleeing violence manoeuvre through systems that sometimes have failed them. We talk about the coercive control piece, and the bill would help women. It would protect them and help protect children when they are navigating some of these systems. It would help…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I also have a lot of admiration and respect for that colleague across the way, but in this case, I have to challenge. We talked earlier today about mis- and disinformation, and I feel that this is a case of misinformation. We know that some of the projects and funding streams that we have will sunset. That does not mean that they go away. That means that they get reinvigorated as we p…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize that it is same piece of paper that the member has stood up and read from tonight, asking the exact same question about one little piece of an amendment on a huge proactive bill. I would like to tell him about all the people and organizations that we have heard from. I was a member of FEWO with the member across the way when we heard from the hundreds of vict…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to show strong support for Bill C-16, the protecting victims act. This legislation represents one of the most significant updates to Canada's criminal justice system in generations. It reflects a clear understanding that our laws must evolve to meet the realities that Canadians are facing today, realities that include rising intimate partner violence cases, online exploit…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, as a former municipal councillor, the example that I used in my speech today in regard to our municipality and district in Lunenburg and my town of Bridgewater is how people were trying to put together a larger supportive housing complex just outside of the town of Bridgewater, but they did not have the waste-water system. Therefore, they are working with the town. They are working wi…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, we have been experiencing similarities with our ridings. Although I am in a coastal community, we still have small-town pride. I would like to say to my colleague that we have been with our new government for only a year. We have been laying infrastructure. We are trying to pass this bill that would help unlock everything and get those shovels in the ground. In my own riding, I have h…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Bill C‑20, the Build Canada Homes act. I do so as the proud member of Parliament for South Shore—St. Margarets. Any day we get to rise on behalf of our constituents is always a great day. I want to talk today about our housing crisis and how it is not just theoretical. It is something that I hear about every single day from residents, businesses and m…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk to my colleague from Ontario about Carolyn Whitzman. I was a member of HUMA, where we had this on our desk to study. I want to read something that she said about Build Canada Homes and how it needs the independence of a Crown corporation. She said that it had been clear from the start that it was merging the existing Canada Lands Company into it. The real question…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I served with my colleague across on the status of women committee briefly while I was subbing in for another member and looking at this report. She mentioned prevention. It is the focus of organizations in my riding, like Be the Peace, the Second Story Women's Centre, Harbour House and Thriving Twogether. They offer preventive measures so that if or when some of these court cases com…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable achievement by a talented writer in my riding of South Shore—St. Margarets. Darcy Rhyno from Little Harbour has been honoured in the Canadian chapter of the Society of American Travel Writers awards, earning three distinctions for his outstanding storytelling. First, he received bronze for the best service story for his piece highlighting a geoca…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind my colleague that measures in this bill are providing temporary and immediate relief, expensing for eligible manufacturing and processing buildings. The opposition members want to talk about debating here in the House today. Instead of complaining about the length of time to debate, they should actually be asking some of these debating questions. I also want to …
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I would like to let my colleague know that is exactly what we are doing right now, debating this bill in the House. With regard to my statements on the Territorial Lands Act, the free entry system in that act remains in place. These amendments are a safeguard in some of the exceptional cases involving Canada's economic security, sovereignty and other national interests. I would also l…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I really want to thank my colleague from Bathurst for that. On Thursday, there will be an announcement. I will be at the AGM for one of the Nova Scotia mining associations. With regard to what some of the mining associations are saying about our federal budget update, I would like to read into the record the following quote from the Mining Association of Canada: MAC applauds today’s f…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by saying that I am going to be sharing my time with the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands. This afternoon, I would like to talk about the Territorial Lands Act, the amendments to the act, economic development and nation building in the north, as vice-chair for the rural caucus. I am rising to speak to the proposed amendments to the Territorial Lands Act that are c…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Through you, Mr. Speaker, I am wondering if the member would agree that scaling back federal investment, like the Conservatives proposed, would weaken that advantage, like I said before, in aerospace, batteries and clean energy and go hand in hand with the next generation of job jurisdictions that actually invest in growth.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I want to ask a question regarding Quebec. You have built real economic leverage through your sectors like aerospace, batteries and clean energy. I want to know if the member agrees that—
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, whether in rural Nova Scotia, such as in South Shore—St. Margarets, or in the Yukon, Canadians know that strong communities depend on the basics, including homes people can afford, roads and water systems that work, local food security, and infrastructure that withstands a changing climate. Can the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs tell the House h…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Chair, I think it is very condescending when someone asks a question and then turns their back and walks away before hearing the answer. I will be splitting my time this evening with the hon. member for Winnipeg North. As I rise tonight to speak to the Minister of Immigration about an issue that is vital to what we feel is the long-term strength, resilience and sustainability of our country, I…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, wildfires do not wait for us to be ready. I am reminded of the wildfires in my riding of South Shore—St. Margarets. The government recognizes the need to work together as a nation to be prepared so that we can protect all Canadians. That is why the government has committed $316 million through budget 2025 to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre to lease firefighting aircraft to…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, in my riding of South Shore—St. Margarets, small craft harbours are the lifeblood of our community. These harbours drive our economy and are embedded in our culture. The fisheries from the wharves have feed-the-world levels of infrastructure. Can the Minister of Fisheries tell us in the House how, in our spring economic statement, we are building Canada strong?
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, as one of the members on the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and also as a former educator before coming into this wonderful chamber, I can attest to the importance of reports such as this one that we undertook. It is unfortunate, though, that the reasoning for concurrence in the report is that, basicall…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, on March 8, we marked International Women's Day, a time to celebrate the achievements of women and to recommit ourselves to building a country where every woman and girl can safely reach their full potential. Gender-based violence continues to affect far too many women across Canada. In my own province of Nova Scotia and in communities across my riding of South Shore—St. Margarets, in…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, in South Shore—St. Margarets, Hawboldt Industries is one of the companies in my riding that is proving that advanced manufacturing for defence is not just an urban story, but is very much a rural one. Rural communities have the talent and the capacity to help Canada meet its defence needs. Can the Secretary of State for Defence Procurement explain how the new defence industrial strate…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I am rising today to present a petition on behalf not only of my constituents but of all Canadians Petitioners call upon the government to protect Canadian media from undue foreign interference and influence, by initiating a formal review of foreign media ownership, introducing stricter rules to prevent foreign entities from holding and controlling interests in Canadian media, and req…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, advancing gender equality is key to building a strong and prosperous Canada where everyone can succeed. While the Conservatives minimize coercive control as normal family behaviour and debate 2SLGBTQI+ rights at their conventions, the government is making sure that organizations across the country have the support they need. Can the Minister of Health share how we are empowering and s…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Madawaska—Restigouche for being a rural advocate for a lot of the people here in the country. I would also like to talk today about the $20 million to the local food infrastructure fund. I wonder if my colleague could speak to that a bit more and how it aims to deliver more nutritious food to families, not only in his riding and my riding but in…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, it is always a joy to rise on behalf of my constituents in South Shore—St. Margarets. I am very excited today to ask my fellow colleague from Nova Scotia some questions regarding agriculture. Since becoming a new member in the spring, I have talked to a lot of agricultural stakeholders in my riding. They were asking for a lot of things, which I feel budget 2025 would deliver. Budget 2…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition on behalf of my constituents of South Shore—St. Margarets, more narrowly the municipality of Barrington, and for the visitors and businesses of the municipality. Petitioners are calling on the government to take immediate action to improve cellular service in their community, citing that the government needs to work closely with telecommunications pr…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, as we observe Black History Month, I rise today to recognize the enduring contributions, resiliency and legacy of Black communities in Nova Scotia and across Canada. In South Shore—St. Margarets, we are home to a significant chapter in Black Canadian history. The Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Birchtown preserves the stories of the Black Loyalists, men, women and children who sough…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, as a former educator from Nova Scotia, one of the provinces that was a very early adopter of the national food program, we were feeding kids every day. I wonder if the minister could talk about that program. Also, as a rural advocate from Nova Scotia, I would ask how we are going to strengthen our supply chains as a boost and a bridge within this new programming.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, when I was back home in my riding, I had many conversations with people in my community about how important the school food program was to families in my riding of South Shore—St. Margarets. Can the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature please update the House on how the government will deliver real, near-term relief for Canadians facing a higher cost of living?
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I rise today in complete support of Bill C-16, the protecting victims act, and to speak about why this legislation matters so much. It is profoundly important to people in Nova Scotia and in my riding of South Shore—St. Margarets. I am also going to speak today as a former educator and high school principal. Everyone in this chamber can imagine some of the things I have seen in my r…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, As the season slowly gentles on South Shore—St. Margarets land, there is a warmth across our villages that only we understand. From Lunenburg's bright storefronts to Cape Sable Island's cold sprays, our communities shine brighter than the shortest of winter days. The lobster boats are twinkling as they head out on the dawn, and the families gently gather as the holiday lights come on.…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by acknowledging my colleague, the member for Mégantic—L'Érable—Lotbinière, for his courage in bringing forward Bill C-231, the friends of David act. His openness in sharing his family's tragic experience reminds us that every policy discussion in this House must remain centred on real people, real families and, unfortunately, sometimes real loss. I extend my heartfelt…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight an exceptional young athlete from Hubbards, 13-year-old Asher Davis. Asher has been selected to represent Canada at the inaugural Panamerican Optimist Championship in Buenos Aires next month. Out of 15 youth across the country, he is the only sailor chosen from Atlantic Canada, which is an incredible achievement and a proud moment for our community. A proud m…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I commend the work that is being done within the ministry in regard to the school food program. As many members know in this House, I was an educator for almost two decades and an administrator who helped with that program in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia was actually one of the first proponents that signed on to this national program, and it has since been an exemplar for the program. I k…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today in strong support of Bill C-234, introduced by my colleague, the member for Edmonton Manning. This legislation would establish a living donor recognition medal, a meaningful and long-overdue way to honour Canadians who make one of the most selfless decisions a human can make, the decision to give life. Today, 4,044 Canadians are waiting for a life-saving or…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible bravery of a young constituent, Ms. Elaina Shay of Lunenburg County. On August 22, as hurricane Erin passed by Nova Scotia, Elaina and her mother were visiting Hirtle's Beach to watch the waves. What began as a calm afternoon quickly turned into sudden surges, which swept a woman off of her feet and pulled her into deep, powerful water. Without…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Spadina—Harbourfront. Today I rise to talk about my strong support for Bill C-15, the budget implementation act, and to highlight what this legislation means to the hard-working tradespeople who keep Canada moving forward every single day. The trades are not just jobs; they are the backbone of our economy, the foundation of our infrastruct…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this week we are joined by over 80 outstanding educators from across Canada who are taking part in the Teachers Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy, many of whom are here today. As a former educator, I know how deeply teachers shape the minds and values of the next generation. Though I now serve in the chamber, I will always see myself as a lifelong learner, a lesson taught …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, fishing is the economic engine of my community in South Shore—St. Margarets, but many of the people in my riding are concerned about the conservation of lobster and the risks to the industry posed by illegal fishing. The fisheries officers on the front lines are doing everything they can, but it appears that illegal fishing persists. Can the minister please tell me what she has been d…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, during Women's History Month, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary female athlete from my riding of South Shore—St. Margarets, Sarah Mitton of Liverpool, Queens County, Nova Scotia. Sarah is a history-maker, one throw at a time. Born and raised in Liverpool, she has become one of Canada's greatest track and field athletes. A national champion in her junior years, Sarah burst ont…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what I just spoke about in my speech. It is about rebuilding that culture of trust. We can talk about the last 10 years of government or the last 10 years of this, but the bill would address recommendations that have been given to us. It is about amending the NDA to address Arbour's recommendations, which will, in turn, support victims. I look forward to your voting wi…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, happy World Egg Day. It is a celebration that unites people around the globe in honour of one of nature's most perfect foods, the egg. Across Canada, more than 1,200 egg farmers work every day to produce fresh, local, high-quality eggs for families to enjoy year-round. Here in South Shore—St. Margarets, incredible producers like DeLong Farms, a third-generation farm, carry on proud fa…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I agree with the member about the backlog, and it is unfortunate that we even have to talk about backlog when it comes to violence of a sexual nature within the military or within civilian life. I would also like to mention that as of July 29, 2024, the military police had referred 150 case files of offences in the criminal sexual offences code to civilian police, through federal, pro…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, good morning to my colleague. When he asks that question, I reflect back to 2021 and how the military police has been asking complainants whether they wish for their cases to be investigated in the military or through civilian police. What we have been looking at, which is part of the recommendations list, is that we need to take the two apart and have it run through our civilian just…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with privilege in support of Bill C-11, an important piece of legislation that strengthens the National Defence Act, modernizes our military justice system and, most importantly, centres the rights, safety and dignity of survivors of sexual misconduct within the Canadian Armed Forces. The legislation represents another critical step in our government's ongoing work to reb…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this October as we mark Women's History Month, I rise to celebrate an extraordinary leader from Cape Sable Island, Gail Atkinson. For more than two decades, Gail worked alongside her father, purchasing her own lobster licence and her own vessel, the Nellie Row. She went on to become one of the very few women here in Canada to captain a lobster boat. In a field that has long been male-…
Read full speech →