Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, I have a great deal of respect for my colleague across the aisle, but the Conservatives are demonstrating classic obstructionist behaviour from committee. We have seen this. They are distracting from the real work we are doing to improve health care across the country. Let us set the record straight. The Conservatives voted against health care. They voted against dental care. Most rec…
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this occasion to advise the House that, for the eighth consecutive year, North York General Hospital, in my riding of Don Valley North, has been Canada's top-ranked community academic hospital. It was also ranked the fourth-leading hospital in Canada. Going from strength to strength, North York General ranked in the top 3% of hospitals from around the world. This …
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Mr. Speaker, the hon. member works really tirelessly for his community, and I respect him a lot for that. The Canadian dental care plan has enabled 6 million Canadians to access affordable dental care and saved families $800 a year. I look forward to working with him to resolve any outstanding issues that he has brought up.
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today to speak to Bill C-242, the Conservative bill on Canada's bail system. I want to begin with something that unites every member of this House. Regardless of party affiliation, Canadians deserve to feel safe and be safe in their communities. They deserve to walk their streets, send their children to school and go about their daily lives with confidence th…
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Mr. Speaker, let me set the record straight. Fentanyl is a controlled substance, and the member knows that physicians use fentanyl in an extremely controlled environment to treat patients. Supervised consumption sites save lives and connect people to services. This is only one tool in our many tool boxes that we are using to work collaboratively with provinces and territories. We are supporting co…
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Mr. Speaker, I know that the hon. member works really hard for his community, and I appreciate the collaboration on this very matter. Our government will always protect Canada's health care system, including pharmacare and dental care. These are clear commitments, and we will always keep them. We are continuing to work with all provinces and territories to see how we can best support them to stren…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of Mrs. Gulshan Nanji, who passed away in December at the age of 92. Mrs. Nanji arrived in Canada from Uganda with her family in 1972, and was a steadfast champion of her family's long-standing commitment to the North York General Hospital in my riding of Don Valley North. Together with her late husband, Mr. Pyarali Nanji, Mrs. Nanji played a transfor…
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Mr Speaker, it is rich, coming from the Conservative bench, that they are talking about affordability for young people. On this side of the House, we are building Canada strong. We are creating opportunities for young people. We are giving money back with this new credit. I invite members opposite to work with us so we can diversify our trade, support our skilled trade workers and train more worke…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, it is good that the NDP and the member opposite are speaking up for the Canada Health Act, but they need to back up their words with actions by backing budget 2025 and ensuring that needed investments in health care infrastructure can flow to where they are needed the most. Our government will always defend universal health care, but we understand that defending the Canada Health Act …
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Mr. Speaker, this is my first time speaking in the House in the new year, so I want to start by wishing everyone a happy new year. I look forward to working together with colleagues from all parties at a time that demands unity. Our government was elected last year with the promise to build Canada strong. We understand the importance of nation-building projects, and let me be clear that there is n…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the North York General Hospital's Seniors’ Health Centre on its 40 years of exceptional and compassionate care. I advise the House of this wonderful institution, as it is the hub of medical services for seniors in my riding of Don Valley North. It first opened its doors in 1985 as a 60-bed long-term care home. It has stood the test of time and has grown to 192 b…
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Madam Speaker, I want to emphasize that everyone recognizes the problem with the vaccine injury support program. Our new government acted immediately to fix these problems. We are bringing management of the vaccine injury support program back to the government and have instructed the Public Health Agency of Canada to expedite its audit of the program and the company delivering it. Despite what the…
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Madam Speaker, let me be clear. The allegations regarding Oxaro's management of the vaccine injury support program are unacceptable. This program was created to support vulnerable Canadians, and it is evident that it has not operated in the way that Canadians deserve. This is why, from the moment our new government became aware of these issues, we acted decisively. The Minister of Health directed …
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I look forward to having a further discussion on this.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, in this budget, we have a number of affordability measures. If the hon. member looks carefully, he will see the tax cut for 22 million Canadians. The new horizons for seniors program is a very good program that seniors in my riding of Don Valley North really enjoy accessing to stay connected to the community. When we have a very connected, healthy population, it saves costs down the…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I thank the member opposite for the question. It gives me an opportunity to highlight some of the measures and investments we included in this budget, which will build Canada strong for the next generation and the current generation. In the budget, we are making generational investments in major projects, for example through community strong infrastructure funds. We are building new…
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Madam Speaker, I rise to support the generational budget from the finance minister. We all listened very keenly to the budget speech given by the finance minister, and we have had a glance at the numerous very positive media reports on this ambitious, robust and confident budget. The budget, as it says on the cover, is what it says on the tin: It is here to build Canada strong. It is an absolute p…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I want to ask my colleague to expand a bit more on the investment in the next generation of young people and particularly on the youth climate corps.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, indeed, health care is such a major component of our identity. We highlighted in our budget that we are making major investments to strengthen it through the health infrastructure fund of $5 billion to modernize hospitals, build our ER capacity and train more health professionals. This will increase benefits for seniors and the people in Don Valley North.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this past summer, I had the pleasure of visiting the Henry Farm Tennis Club and touring its wonderful facilities. Founded in 1975, the club will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. This past weekend, it closed out another successful season on the courts by serving up its AGM. I am advising the House of this beloved local club because we know that associations like tennis clubs build …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, building a strong Canada means making generational investments in infrastructure. Budget 2025 delivers $5 billion in the new health infrastructure fund, which will be strengthening hospitals, ERs and medical schools across the country. Conservatives voted against investments like this in the House, yet their MPs never missed a ribbon cutting. However, we are glad they can come around.…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, the international orders and trading systems that powered Canada's prosperity for decades are quickly being changed and drastically reshaped, threatening our sovereignty, our prosperity and our values. Faced with these realities, where others would simply endeavour to weather the storm, our government is rising up to meet the moment with humility, vigour and confidence. Budget 2025 is…
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Mr. Speaker, mental health matters deeply to Canadians and to Parliament. I want to again thank my hon. colleague for raising the issue and for his important work on it. Our government shares these concerns and remains firmly committed to advancing safe, effective and innovative mental health care across the country. We continue to engage with leading experts from movements like Movember, invest i…
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Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by sincerely thanking my hon. colleague for the very important question. I have tremendous respect for his work on mental health and for the work he does on behalf of his constituents. His commitment to the issue elevates our conversation in the House, and I am grateful for his leadership. I rise today to reaffirm our government's commitment to supporting the mental he…
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Mr. Speaker, budget 2025 meets the moment Canada finds itself in with a responsible fiscal plan that would build Canada as an economic force for decades to come. The world is changing, and we must meet the moment by building on the solid foundation of strong Canadian industries bolstered by diverse international trade partners and the undeniable fact that we have exactly what the world needs. By b…
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Madam Speaker, the gravity of this crisis requires a measured and serious approach. We owe it to Canadians and to the dignity of this House to do better. Our government continues to work closely with provinces and territories, supporting them through the emergency treatment fund and the substance use and addictions program, and strengthening enforcement to disrupt the illegal drug supply. These pr…
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Madam Speaker, at a time when every community in this country is grappling with the devastating impacts of the toxic drug and overdose crisis, it is profoundly disappointing to see this issue reduced to clips and outrage instead of serious dialogue. Canadians expect better from us. They deserve a conversation rooted in facts, not theatrics, and the facts are clear: It is provinces and territories,…
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Mr. Speaker, our government remains firmly committed to reducing smoking rates, especially among youth. While nicotine pouches may have a role for adults who are trying to quit smoking, evidence shows they are not risk-free. These products contain nicotine, which is addictive and can harm the developing brain. This is why clear guidelines are in place to ensure they are used appropriately and not …
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Mr. Speaker, here is one number: 67,000 jobs created. How are we supporting them? We are supporting them by investing in their health. Through budget 2025, we are investing $5 billion to renew hospitals and health care centres, as well as $97 million to recognize skilled professionals faster, and giving new supports for personal support workers. Do not just take it from me, Mr. Speaker; take it fr…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I will close by saying this. Addressing the toxic drug and overdose crisis requires compassion, collaboration and commitment. This means continuing to listen to community voices, to families and to health and safety experts. Anyone proposing to open a safe consumption site must demonstrate that they have spoken to their community and that they have a thoughtful plan in place to addres…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague opposite for raising this issue. I know it comes from a place of genuine concern for community safety and public health. These are concerns I share deeply as well. When it comes to safe consumption sites, I think it is important that Canadians understand how these sites are established and how decisions are made. The reality is that the decision to allow a…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this past weekend I had the pleasure of joining the Toronto Netralya Lions Club for their wonderful Diwali and Thanksgiving celebration. I want to take this occasion to acknowledge the Netralya Lions Club for their dedication to humanitarian causes and charitable organizations. I commend them for fundraising an incredible $143,500 to help equip North York General Hospital in my riding…
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Mr. Speaker, Conservatives talk a big game about supporting young people and young families, but they voted against every single measure that actually helps them. Our government is delivering real results, from child care to national food programs and the Canadian dental care plan, which is now reaching more than five million Canadians and saving families $800 a year. This is money that stays in C…
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Mr. Speaker, no parent should worry about their child picking up a broken needle or a broken pipe. While evidence shows that safe consumption sites help reduce public drug use and stop the spread of infectious diseases, we recognize the impact these sites have on these communities. As we continue to work with parents and partners to tackle this public health issue, service providers must engage wi…
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Mr. Speaker, at a time when women's rights are being rolled back around the world, Canada is moving forward. For too long, women's health has been under-researched, underfunded and too often dismissed. That is changing. Our new government is closing data gaps, modernizing breast cancer screening and improving access to reproductive care, so women are heard, believed and supported, because a strong…
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Mr. Speaker, I want to reiterate that our government understands the devastating impact the drug and overdose crisis has had on families and communities in every corner of the country. I also want to continue to say that we will continue to work with partners across the board to tackle this public health crisis. I invite the member opposite to work with us on this instead of fighting us.
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, two weeks ago the member opposite raised this question and used it as an opportunity to spread unfounded conspiracy theories and get clips for social media. Here we go again today. Once again, the member opposite is using his time to spread unfounded conspiracy theories and get clips for social media. The answer today is the same as it was two weeks ago. I will spell this out clearl…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, there is no evidence to suggest that Canadian Blood Services is not working in the best interest of Canadians. It operates at arm's length from the federal government, but we have confidence that Canadian Blood Services is making sure Canada's blood supply is there for Canadians. We hope the Conservatives will stop trying to discourage Canadians from donating blood to Canadian Blood…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives try to spread misinformation, but the reality is very different. First, Canadian Blood Services manages Canada's blood supply, outside Quebec, independently and at arm's length from the federal government. Héma-Québec operates the same way within Quebec. Both work with the provinces and territories; in turn, they determine how plasma is collected in their jurisdictio…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, again, the reality is far different from the complicated misinformation the Conservatives would have Canadians believe. Canadian Blood Services operates at arm's length from the federal government and is working to increase the supply of blood and plasma for Canadians. We will encourage Canadian Blood Services to make sure Canada's blood supply is always there for Canadians, and there…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Police and Peace Officers' National Memorial Day, which falls on the last Sunday of September. Over 900 brave officers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their communities, and we commemorate those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We honour their sacrifice and their families by building a safer Canada. I am thankful to be able to advis…
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Madam Speaker, as I mentioned, Canadian Blood Services is responsible for managing Canada's blood system outside Quebec at arm's length. It operates on behalf of the provinces and territories. As Canadian Blood Services moves forward in its agreement with Grifols, we would strongly encourage it to follow the promises made when it signed the contract in 2022.
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Madam Speaker, Canadian Blood Services is responsible for managing Canada's blood system outside Quebec at arm's length. It operates on behalf of the provinces and territories. As Canadian Blood Services moves forward in its agreement with Grifols, we would strongly recommend and encourage it to follow the promises made when it signed the contract in 2022, to ensure that blood products are manufac…
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Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to improving the overall health and well-being of the people of Canada. Healthy habits, such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity and an active lifestyle, are essential to supporting quality of life and the long-term well-being of Canadians. We are collaborating with all partners, and I look forward to working with the member directly on advancing …
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Mr. Speaker, the program was created to provide support to vulnerable Canadians and, as I mentioned before, the alleged behaviour is unacceptable. The Public Health Agency of Canada is accelerating the audit of Oxaro and its management of the support program, and we will make sure the result of this audit is made public once available. We are bringing about the internal administration of the progr…
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Mr. Speaker, the vaccine injury support program was created to provide support to vulnerable Canadians. The alleged behaviour is completely unacceptable. The Public Health Agency of Canada is accelerating the audit of Oxaro and its management of the program, and we will make the result of this audit public once available. We are bringing about the internal administration of the program, which will…
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Mr. Speaker, our government understands that this is really impacting our community. We share the compassion and empathize with the situation. As I mentioned before, we will continue to work with partners at all levels to make sure we provide the supports that are needed to end this public health crisis.
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Mr. Speaker, our government understands the devastating impact the drug and overdose crisis has had on families and communities in every corner of the country. We must use every tool at our disposal to fight this crisis. That means cracking down on drugs, prosecuting drug trafficking and making sure communities, indigenous people and community health care organizations have the tools they need to …
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Firefighters' National Memorial Day, which falls yearly on the second Sunday of September. Across Canada, more than 1,000 firefighters have died in the line of duty, including 353 Toronto firefighters. They will not be forgotten. This summer, I had the pleasure of visiting fire stations and meeting firefighters across my riding of Don Valley North, a community fort…
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Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to return to the House after a summer in Don Valley North and meeting with neighbours to talk about how we can keep making our community a better place for everyone. I look forward to working with all MPs to do good by Canadians. I know my colleague put on notice a question regarding workforce planning and health care in the health care sector, so I will be responding…
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