Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, the global landscape, as we know, is rapidly changing, leaving economies, businesses and workers under a cloud of uncertainty. In response, Canada's government has focused on what we can control, which is building a stronger economy to make life more affordable for all Canadians. To that end, we are securing new trade and investment partnerships abroad and building our strength here a…
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Mr. Speaker, one of the key items to think about is that the government is focused on empowering Canadians by lowering taxes and expanding opportunity while protecting vital social programs that Canadians, including those in the member's riding opposite, need, from child care to dental care to pharmacare. We recently announced programs and highlighted one of them here: the Canada groceries and ess…
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Mr. Speaker, Canada's auto industry is undergoing a historic shift, and our government is ensuring that Canadians are ready to lead in a future that is electric. Indeed, our elbows are up and will remain up. The bottom line is that we are going to where the puck is. We are making investments in Canadians, Canadian workers, Canadian businesses and the Canadian automotive sector. We will continue to…
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Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to speak about the government's new electric vehicle affordability program. Canada has already made significant progress toward increased electric vehicle adoption. For example, the incentives for zero-emission vehicles, or iZEV, program, which ended last January, provided incentives for over 560,000 vehicles between 2019 and 2025. Combined with other…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important moment for the Canadian Coast Guard. After more than 40 years of dedicated service, Commissioner Mario Pelletier has retired. As the first graduate of the Canadian Coast Guard Academy to lead the organization, he served Canadians with distinction and helped advance the Coast Guard's critical work from coast to coast to coast. I also want to welco…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to seek the support of parliamentarians from all parties to adopt a motion that I believe we can all agree with and that would benefit our country's courageous veterans. The motion calls for the House of Commons to instruct the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates to study the use of underused and surplus federal lands and buildings to su…
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Mr. Speaker, last month, Cape Breton proudly hosted the under-18 Women's World Championship, bringing the world to our rinks and showcasing the very best of women's hockey. The tournament coincided with the grand opening of the Kehoe Forum at Cape Breton University. It is a new, state-of-the-art facility and the first of its kind in Canada, dedicated exclusively to women's hockey and serving as a …
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Terry Paul of the Membertou First Nation, who has been named a 2026 inductee into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. This is a testament to one of the most remarkable leadership stories in Canada. For over 40 years, Chief Paul has guided Membertou through economic and social transformation. Under his leadership, Membertou's became the first indigenous …
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Mr. Speaker, we are unwavering in our support for victims and their families, who have been impacted by the exploitation and illegal operation within the trucking industry. The Conservatives are always looking to block things at committee. At this particular committee, they have an opportunity to focus on solutions, yet they bring up problems, like they bring up problems here. When the time comes …
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour Jim MacLellan, best known as “Big Jim”, the last original performing member of the Men of the Deeps, who has officially retired after nearly 60 remarkable years with the choir. At 91 years of age, Jim gave his final performance this past weekend at the historic Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay during a Christmas show. He shared that emotions were running high before a…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss something that many people in my riding have an immense interest in, and that is the Fisheries Act. It is an essential piece of Canadian law that regulates our fisheries. It supports fisheries science, and it is the foundation of coastal communities. Having had the privilege, and it was a privilege, to serve as the parliamentary secretary for fisheries, oceans …
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Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Colten Ellis of River Denys, Cape Breton. Recently, Colten made his NHL debut with the Buffalo Sabres, in which he turned aside 26 shots, earned his first NHL win and was named the first star of the game in Buffalo's 4-2 victory over the Red Wings. Colten's rise from Cape Breton's local rinks to the NHL speaks to his incredible determination and incredible talent, …
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Mr. Speaker, our truck drivers do crucial work for our economy and for the quality of life of Canadians. They must be able to do this work safely not only for themselves but for all road users. We are closely monitoring the situation, and we will take the necessary measures to ensure that our truck drivers can work in reasonable conditions, protecting their safety and that of all Canadians.
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Mr. Speaker, in Cape Breton, hockey is more than a game; it is part of who we are. For almost 40 years, one voice has carried that spirit at Centre 200, and that is Dave Leblanc's. If anyone has ever been to an Eagles game, they have heard Dave. His voice did not just call goals; it was part of the soundtrack of our community. He has been through every season, every anthem and every young player's…
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Mr. Speaker, again, rail is important to us. It is important to the people of Gaspé. It connects all of us to jobs, recreation and other things. We are committed to rail rehabilitation. We will continue to be committed to rail rehabilitation. Why? It is because it is the right thing to do to build Canada strong.
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Mr. Speaker, like the member, our government supports and believes in the importance of passenger rail service. Via Rail is committed to returning to Gaspé as soon as the rehabilitation work on the rail infrastructure has been completed and service can resume safely all the way to Gaspé.
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Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to mark the passing of Alfie MacLeod. Alfie's life was rooted in service to others. During his many years in politics, he embodied the values of hard work, humility and a very deep love for Cape Breton. Alfie never lost sight of the people behind the issues, and he approached every challenge with both determination and compassion. I had the p…
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Mr. Speaker, railways make the transportation of essential goods possible and are crucial to our nation's supply chain. However, every year, hundreds of incidents happen at railway crossings and along tracks, many of which are preventable. This week, we celebrate and observe Rail Safety Week, and I want to highlight the important work of Operation Lifesaver. This is a national program dedicated to…
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Madam Speaker, I think we can all agree that Canadians are putting in the work. They are building businesses, supporting their families and contributing to their communities. The least we can do is get out of the way, cut the red tape and become more lean in our regulatory processes. Improving internal trade is not just a policy goal. It is not esoteric. It is a practical and pragmatic step in imp…
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Madam Speaker, I will answer that question in detail. Every year, internal barriers to trade and labour mobility cost our country nearly $200 billion each year. That is a staggering figure for people here and at home. That represents lost opportunities, lost investments and lost growth. Now imagine what we could do with that $200 billion. We could have stronger communities, thriving communities an…
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Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Transportation Act requires that before passengers can submit a complaint to the Canadian Transportation Agency, or CTA, they must first submit their complaint to the airline directly. If the airline does not resolve the passenger’s complaint, the passenger can then choose to submit it to the CTA, which processes complaints and settles disputes between travellers and airl…
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Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and consistent with the policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaty entitled “Agreement between Canada and the European Union Amending Annex B of the Agreement on Civil Aviation Safety between Canada and the European Community”, done at Washington on June 12, 2024.
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As well, Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and consistent with the policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaty entitled “Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Air Transport”, done at Ottawa on March 5 and at Abuja on May 21.
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Mr. Speaker, I share the opposition's concern regarding the procurement practices across all levels of government, especially at a time when Canadian workers are battered by tariffs from China and the United States. Now, more than ever, we must support Canadian workers and industries, while also working in close partnership with our allies and trading partners. Of note, this particular project was…
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Mr. Speaker, we have important legislation, the one Canadian economy act, that is focusing on creating one economy out of 13, which means Canadian goods, Canadian services, mobility, people working across the country with very little restrictions, and reducing trade barriers. When it comes to this government, it is Canada first, always.
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Mr. Speaker, I share the concern and I share the outrage. The reality is that this particular project is under provincial procurement standards, regulations and oversight, but when it comes to this federal government and to everyone in this chamber, it is going to be Canadian first, always.
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Mr. Speaker, today, June 11, we observe Davis Day, a solemn occasion of remembrance and reflection in Nova Scotia. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Davis Day, making it an especially significant moment to honour the sacrifices of coal miners who lost their lives in the struggle for safer working conditions and fairer treatment. Davis Day commemorates the tragic death of William Davis, a mi…
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Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a vibrant celebration in the heart of my riding: the annual Club Day hosted by the Boys and Girls Club in Whitney Pier. This year's celebration holds a special significance, as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada marks its 125th anniversary. That is a remarkable milestone in its legacy of supporting children and youth across this country. For generations, th…
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Mr. Speaker, for years the Conservative leader has lectured Canadians about the virtue of tax cuts, yet when our government introduced a GST tax break to help Canadians, what did the Conservatives do? They voted against a tax break. It is like having a doctor who would not accept their own medical advice. The Conservative leader calls himself a champion for affordability, but when the time comes, …
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Madam Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for her incredible work and her leadership. Last week, the House voted to give Canadians a real break by eliminating GST on essential goods. This means that ready-to-eat meals, children's clothing, toys, books and Christmas trees will not be taxed this holiday season. Canadians across this country will benefit from real relief at the checkout. Unfortu…
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Madam Speaker, it is so refreshing today to hear an actual question presented to the government. I want to thank the member for doing so. When it comes to small craft harbours, they are the lifeblood of every community in terms of economic development and in terms of social development. I want to learn more about the particular question at hand, and I am committed to meeting the member, as we all …
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Mr. Speaker, let me take the opportunity today to talk about something that will make a real difference in the lives of my constituents. Starting December 14, we are giving a tax break to all Canadians along with a new working Canadians rebate, which will be delivered starting in early spring 2025. With new tax relief on groceries and seasonal expenses, and a rebate for working Canadians, we are r…
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Mr. Speaker, members will not be surprised that I have the opposite view on that. In fact, if we look at coastal communities in British Columbia, we are putting forward a transition for farmed salmon in B.C. We are taking things seriously. We are not pontificating on what is wrong and making judgments. We are curious about what British Columbians need. What they need are good paying jobs. They nee…
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Madam Speaker, the passage of Bill C-49 sends a powerful message to all Atlantic Canadians that the future of Canada is green. I was shocked when the Conservative leader directed his party to oppose Bill C-49 and the amendments to the Atlantic accords. In doing so, Conservatives were positioned to rob Atlantic Canada's economy of investments of millions upon millions of dollars. They stood in the …
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Mr. Speaker, as the member opposite knows, there is a federal responsibility but there is also a provincial responsibility. There is a responsibility to collaborate on every piece of what the member opposite talked about. We are going to continue to uphold our end on the DFO side. We ask the province to do the same.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my friend for his advocacy for protecting owner-operator policies in Atlantic Canada and Quebec. Our government remains firmly committed to strengthening Canada's owner-operator rules as part of the mandatory review of the Fisheries Act. This week, the Conservatives struck at this review and left us wondering whether they have a secret plan for gutting owner-oper…
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Mr. Speaker, I am happy to rise in the House today to talk about the Canadian dental care plan, which has helped over 7,000 constituents in my riding of Cape Breton—Canso. The Conservative leader says the program does not even exist, but he should tell that to the more than 750,000 Canadians and close to 69,000 Nova Scotians who have already received dental care. Our government knows that investin…
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Mr. Speaker, we are aware of the cultural and historical significance of the lighthouses along the West Coast Trail. After an engineering investigation and assessment this year, the Canadian Coast Guard determined that the locations were no longer suitable for the Canadian Coast Guard personnel to operate safely. The safety and well-being of Canadian Coast Guard personnel is our top priority, and …
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Madam Speaker, our government is committed to protecting wild Pacific salmon and will implement a ban on open-net pen salmon aquaculture in British Columbia by 2029. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is working to ensure that the draft transition plan for salmon aquaculture is measured and indeed responsible. It is important to take the time necessary to get the draft transition plan right, given its im…
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Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise in the House today to recognize a constituent of mine who has received the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence. Margaret Burke began her career as an early childhood educator in 1978 and has been caring for little ones in her community ever since. Margaret trail-blazed to create accessible and accommodating learning spaces for children of all abili…
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Madam Speaker, I am pleased to stand here in full support of Motion No. 111, which calls for the designation of the first day of October every year as national Canadian seafood day. First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the hon. member for Malpeque, in Prince Edward Island, for introducing this very important motion. The motion represents more than just a symbolic gesture. …
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Mr. Speaker, I am excited to rise today to celebrate the 37th anniversary of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Since 1987, ACOA has been a real game-changer for our local economies here in Atlantic Canada. Whether it is creating jobs, supporting small businesses, or funding innovative projects, ACOA has been there every step of the way. In my riding of Cape Breton—Canso, ACOA has helped ki…
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Mr. Speaker, good morning and happy birthday. I have gotten to see, first-hand, the member's work on behalf of his constituents. They are very lucky to have him, in my opinion. Canada is a proud maritime nation that relies on its oceans as a source of food, jobs, energy, raw materials, maritime trade, tourism and recreation. Fisheries in Canada play a critical role in indigenous and non-indigenous…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank the member. It is never a chore to address questions that come from that member. I want to say a couple of things. More work needs to be done. We realize that. Also, we are now using the information, and I think this is important, gathered under the fund to inform our actions for the future, including the development of regulatory tools, policies, and a ghost gear action plan.…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to congratulate members of the Cape Breton Chorale, who are celebrating 50 years of music across the globe. In that time, the chorale has given over 200 performances at home and overseas in places like England, Wales, Ireland, and many more. During their travels, they have shared the stage with the likes of Rita MacNeil and Celine Dion, and also performed bef…
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Mr. Speaker, continuing on the theme of indigenous-led project development, I would like to highlight some of the many exciting projects that are taking place across this country. In Ontario, the Six Nations is developing one of the largest battery storage projects, called Oneida Energy Storage. In New Brunswick, the Tobique first nation is delivering the Burchill wind project near Saint John, one…
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Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada recognizes that safe recycling processes are vital to ensure the careful and secure handling of environmental hazardous substances such as asbestos, heavy metals, hydrocarbons and ozone-depleting substances. Canada aims to ensure that ships are recycled safely at the end of their operational lives without posing unnecessary risks to human health and the enviro…
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Mr. Speaker, we have all been closely following the proceedings of the public inquiry into foreign interference in Canada's democratic institutions. As members of the House will recall, in fact, our government convened the inquiry with the support of every party leader in this very House, and we all recognize how important it is to maintain the integrity of our democratic institutions. This week w…
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Mr. Speaker, I want to reiterate the seriousness with which the government is addressing the threat of foreign interference. We have great confidence in the work of the government agencies and departments charged with protecting our democratic institutions. Their intelligence and the information they collect and share have enabled us to have a good understanding of the challenges foreign interfere…
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Mr. Speaker, ship recycling is a complex multinational industry. It has been a growing area of focus for the International Marine Organization, which has been working over the course of the last two decades to support safe and environmentally sound ship recycling worldwide. Canada maintains some of the strongest rules for global ship recycling. As a member of state to the International Marine Orga…
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