Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, foreign interference is an issue that is detrimental to our national security and to the safety of Canadians. We now know that agents of the Government of India have targeted Sikh and South Asian Canadians. National security experts, including two former directors of CSIS, have emphasized how important it is for all party leaders to get the security clearance to view and act on intell…
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Mr. Speaker, Parliament has passed Bill C‑49. It will create an offshore wind energy sector in my region, bringing jobs, investment and clean energy. Despite this, the Conservatives opposed Bill C‑49 and opposed renewable energy. They chose their ideology over the people of Canada. Can the Minister of Environment and Climate Change explain why we need to seize the economic opportunities of the ene…
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Madam Speaker, I rise tonight with sorrow and pain, and with a heavy heart, to join in this emergency debate and to use my voice. There is a political, social, economic and humanitarian crisis unfolding in Lebanon, my beloved homeland, a place that many thousands of families in my community have ancestral ties to. As we stand here today, many fear that this is the beginning of a full-scale invasio…
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Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for her very important question. I think that as parliamentarians, we must work together to communicate with citizens here in Canada who have friends or relatives in Lebanon and to give a clear message. I was very happy to hear the minister say that today, 1,200 Canadians left Lebanon safely thanks to Canada's efforts. We also booked 100 seats—
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Madam Speaker, my colleague represents Moncton, a city that also has a Lebanese population, and I know she shares the heartache and sorrow her constituents feel at this time. Medication is critically needed at this time, as it always is any time there is fighting and war, but not more so than now. Many people have suffered quite a bit. There are stories of so many people losing their eyes and diff…
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Madam Speaker, the Lebanese people believe that the road to peace exists in a diplomatic solution. De-escalation and diplomacy will lead to peace. We are losing far too many lives, far too many civilians, and there is far too much destruction. Lebanon has been destroyed and built, even in my lifetime, many times. Lebanon cannot withstand that anymore.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Maskwa Aquatic Club on celebrating its 50th anniversary. Nestled in the waters of Kearney Lake in Halifax West, Maskwa is one of Canada's largest, and most committed and accomplished paddling clubs. It is where many in my community learned to swim, took out their first canoe or kayak, got summer work experience or first hiked through Blue Mountain-Birch Co…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition on behalf of Lebanese Canadians and friends of Lebanon. Lebanon is living in difficult times socially, politically and economically. The petitioners note that Lebanon has the largest number of refugees per capita in the world, and with the escalation of war, Lebanon and the Lebanese people are at risk of losing their lives, livelihoods, sovereignty and ind…
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Mr. Speaker, on this day 50 years ago, 32 women across Canada took an oath to become the RCMP's first female officers. They became known as Troop 17. Today we celebrate them and all women who have taken the oath since who selflessly serve in the RCMP to keep Canadians safe. Can the Minister of Public Safety update the House on the efforts made to encourage more women to follow in their footsteps a…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, the legislation amending the Canada Elections Act is an important piece of legislation. In fact, it is critical because it seeks to improve access to electoral participation, while also ensuring the continued integrity of our system. It has to go to committee to be studied further because it is essential to our democratic process. Can the member elaborate on that? Can he give us his…
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Madam Speaker, I am proud, as the sponsor of the Lebanese Heritage Month Act, to recognize today the first anniversary of the adoption at all stages of the bill into law with unanimous consent. What a delight it was to hoist the Lebanese flag on Parliament Hill last November for the very first time. The pride in the adoption of the law is felt in communities across the country. This is a challengi…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Madam Speaker, in my role as chair of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, I have the honour to present, in the both official languages, the 24th report of the committee, regarding the consideration of George Dolhai for appointment as director of public prosecutions.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his use of the French language. That was wonderful. We all agree with the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians that the “Special Report on Foreign Interference in Canada's Democratic Processes and Institutions” is a very serious report. Every parliamentarian and, I would recommend, most people involved in anything to do with polit…
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Mr. Speaker, June is graduation season, and today I rise to congratulate all graduates, especially those in my riding of Halifax West. This accomplishment is the result of years of hard work and marks the beginning of a new chapter. For all our graduates, their teachers, parents, extended family and school administrators have been essential to their success. They have supported and believed in the…
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Mr. Speaker, today I rise to salute, for their big dream and optimistic outlook, the wonderful, passionate CPA High students who make up the Cheetahs for Change. Formed in 2020 with the guidance of their teacher Madame Yelena Smith, the Cheetahs' mission is to build a positive, inclusive culture at their school. They have done this by hosting guest speakers and organizing workshops about mental he…
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Mr. Speaker, we have an abundance of talent in Atlantic Canada's colleges and universities. The cutting-edge research and innovation produced in my region strengthen Canada's competitive advantage and drive growth in key industries like manufacturing, clean energy and ocean sustainability. Can the Minister responsible for ACOA tell the House what our government is doing to support researchers and …
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Madam Chair, hate is on the rise in Canada. In fact, at our committee right now, we are studying anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. We could study anti anything these days. I believe there is so much going on in the world that people just want to express their anger, and there is a lot happening. It is alarming, and it is distressing to hear numerous accounts of hatred against people in our public fo…
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Madam Chair, I want the minister to speak a little more on this specific topic. I actually received a number of communications in my constituency from parents and grandparents who are very concerned about their children and about the fact that they are so preoccupied these days with online platforms. In fact, my recollection is that the justice minister was at our Standing Committee on Justice and…
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Madam Chair, it is a pleasure to rise today in the chamber. I will be providing remarks and using the remainder of my minutes, after my remarks, with some questions for the minister. I am pleased to speak this evening to an important keystone of access to justice, and that is legal aid. There are so many things one can speak on, but I have to limit what I can say here tonight in the minutes I have…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 23rd report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in relation to Bill C‑273, an act to amend the Criminal Code (Corinne's Quest and the protection of children). The committee studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House with an amendment.
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Mr. Speaker, our government is making historic efforts to solve Canada's housing crisis. Not only do we need to build more homes, we need to build them faster and Canada must change the way we build those homes. Could the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities tell the House and Canadians about the new measures introduced to solve Canada's housing crisis?
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Mr. Speaker, in 2015, Canada was on the wrong track. The Canadian government at the time had no climate plan. It was free to pollute and emissions kept going up. Now, because of work done in Nova Scotia and across the country, our emissions have declined by 8%. For the first time ever, we are on track to meet our 2026 climate target, thanks in no small part to pollution pricing and the Canada carb…
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Mr. Speaker, seniors in my riding can count on Chebucto Links for help putting healthy food on their kitchen tables. Every two weeks, its team delivers 10-pound produce bundles directly to seniors' doors for just $5. With new support from the United Way, those bundles are now completely free, and double the number of seniors will receive them. This is great news for residents of Fairview and Clayt…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 22nd report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in relation to Bill C-332, an act to amend the Criminal Code with respect to controlling or coercive conduct. The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House with amendments.
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Madam Speaker, epilepsy affects over 300,000 Canadians. Today, I want to applaud advocates like Cassidy Megan, who at age seven was diagnosed and at age 8, in 2008, created the idea of Purple Day, a day that has grown to be internationally recognized to increase epilepsy awareness, dispel myths and let those who have seizures know that they are not alone. I applaud my predecessor, the Hon. Geoff R…
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Mr. Speaker, the lobster industry is a crucial part of the economy in the Atlantic provinces. Last week, Conservative MPs from Ontario and Alberta saw fit to shockingly attack this industry, the economy of our region and, by definition, the women and men who make the industry thrive. Can the Prime Minister tell fishers from my region why, contrary to the opposition, we will always promote this imp…
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Mr. Speaker, constituents have reached out to me to raise the plight of their loved ones in Gaza and the heart-wrenching humanitarian crisis unfolding there. They have asked me to advocate on their behalf for the immediate provision of aid, including food, clean water, medication and medical supplies. They are pleading for Canada to use all our influence to support the passage of aid into Gaza for…
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Mr. Speaker, with the high cost of living, it is a struggle for many women to buy menstrual products. This government recognizes this problem and recently launched the menstrual equity fund pilot to provide free menstrual products to those who need them most through Food Banks Canada. During this Sexual and Reproductive Health Week, can the minister provide an update on the progress of the pilot i…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the following two reports from the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights: the 20th report, in relation to the motion adopted on Thursday, February 8 regarding the hate and violence directed toward the 2SLGBTQI+ community, and the 21st report, regarding the proposals for the 2023 corrective act.
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Mr. Speaker, February 19 is Heritage Day in Nova Scotia, a day I am proud to have played a role in, creating in law, in 2013. This year, we honour Petty Officer William Hall, the first Black person, first Nova Scotian and third Canadian to receive the Victoria Cross for valour and bravery. His heroic actions as a crew member of the HMS Shannon are well documented. I am looking forward to attending…
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Mr. Speaker, today I wish all Maronites around the world happy Saint Maroun Feast Day. I also acknowledge World Interfaith Harmony Week, which spreads the message of unity and goodwill in the world's churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship. I am blessed to represent a riding with incredible diversity, and I cherish the close connections I have with our many different fai…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I too would like to congratulate my colleague for her very nice speech, even if it was in English. I will mention that I have sat on the Standing Committee on Science and Research since its inception. We have studied this tremendously. However, she said something that really struck a chord with me. She said that the more non-French-speaking people can recognize that this is an issue f…
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Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 19th report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in relation to Bill C-40, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, to make consequential amendments to other Acts and to repeal a regulation (miscarriage of justice reviews). The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House wi…
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Mr. Speaker, tourism is an economic anchor in Nova Scotia, and in Halifax the sector is recovering faster from COVID than expected. This is not surprising, perhaps, as we were the only Canadian city on Forbes' top 24 places to visit in 2024 list. People want to visit us, and now, with the grand opening of the very first Marriott brand Moxy hotel in Canada, they are going to have a fabulous new opt…
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Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the MP for Dufferin—Caledon applauded the housing minister for moving quickly on his file. He said that there were new programs, new initiatives and new plans, despite the fact his own leader has obstructed every measure we brought forward to support Canadians. Can the Prime Minister stand in support of the MP for Dufferin—Caledon and update Canadians on what new housing pr…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak to Bill C-59, the fall economic statement implementation act, 2023. This legislation, which would deliver on key measures from our fall economic statement, would advance our plan to make life more affordable, build more homes faster and develop a cleaner economy that works for everyone. This is the next step in our economic plan that, since 2015, …
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Madam Speaker, that is an important question. The cost of housing is top of mind for the residents in Halifax West, for renters, mortgage holders, prospective first-time buyers and of course the first nations community. In fact, I was proud to be part of an announcement in Hammonds Plains to announce the building of the Acadia First Nation indigenous shelter for women, specifically in the Hammonds…
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Madam Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to speak again on housing. Listen, since I have become a member of Parliament, not even two and a half years ago in September 2021, I can say that the work I have seen that this government has done on the ground in Halifax West and in the Halifax Regional Municipality has been unprecedented. People need to go to that area and see all the cranes, all the …
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Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague with whom I serve on the Standing Committee on Science and Research. We work together in a very collegial way. I agree that Canada needs more housing. That is the truth. In that regard, the government is doing excellent work across the country to build more housing more quickly. I am seeing that every day where I live these days.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice the concerns of constituents of Halifax West who have written to me about the heartbreaking humanitarian situation in the Middle East. Some of them have close family members, like parents, brothers, sisters and grandparents, who are trapped in Gaza. I have spoken about this with the Minister of Immigration, and I want to echo the voices of my constituents who say that …
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Mr. Speaker, our women entrepreneurship strategy is reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape in Canada. With $7 billion in investments spanning over 20 federal departments, the program is not just a gesture; it is a resounding declaration that we recognize the untapped potential of women entrepreneurs. In my community of Halifax West, funding empowers the Centre for Women in Business to continue it…
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Mr. Speaker, I have been waiting all night. I request a recorded vote. Before the Clerk announced the results of the vote:
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise for the social sciences and humanities to request a recorded vote.
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, two reports from the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. The first is the 17th report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in relation to Bill C-321, an act to amend the Criminal Code, assaults against health care professionals and first responders. The committee has studied the bill and has decid…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Hon. Arthur J. LeBlanc on his successful term as the 33rd Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Appointed to the post in 2017, he is the first Acadian to represent the Crown in the province, and the first francophone since 1713. His Honour practised law for more than 30 years, specializing in civil matters. Among his many notable distinctions, I would li…
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Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Maskwa Aquatic Club, which in September won the national Sprint Canoe Kayak Championships for the third time and the Canadian masters championship for the first time in the club's history. Also, at nationals, every Maskwa para-athlete finished on the podium. This national success came on top of Maskwa athletes winning Atlantic championships in every …
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Madam Speaker, when Canadians needed support during the pandemic, community groups and charities stepped up to provide crucial assistance. Now many are having difficulty generating revenue, managing increased costs and demand for services, and attracting and retaining paid staff and volunteers. Can the parliamentary secretary update the House on what is being done to support these organizations?
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Mr. Speaker, our government continues to support Canadians during this ongoing period of inflation, where some prices remain too high. Yesterday, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change talked about some new measures that are set out in the fall economic statement that will help more Canadians put a roof over their heads, while helping them reduce their home energy costs. Can the minister t…
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Mr. Speaker, today marks a historic occasion as we proudly raise the Lebanese flag on Parliament Hill for the first time, marking the inaugural Lebanese Heritage Month in Canada. [Member spoke in Arabic] [English] This momentous event holds even greater significance, as it coincides with Lebanon's 80th Independence Day. Every November, we encourage all Canadians to join us in celebrating Lebanese …
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Mr. Speaker, November 1 marks the beginning of our first national Lebanese Heritage Month in Canada. I am proud to mark this special occasion alongside my friends, my constituents and all Canadians. I encourage my colleagues to take this weekend to connect with their local Lebanese community. I encourage people to find events near them and carve out some time to attend. In my corner of the country…
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