Routine Proceedings
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 “Amendments to Annex I of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973”, as modified by the Protocol of 1978, relating thereto and adopted by the Marine Environment Protect…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Cape Breton artists who took home honours at the 38th East Coast Music Awards last week in Sydney, Cape Breton. Goldie Boutilier, of Reserve Mines, had a historic week, winning album of the year, breakthrough artist of the year and rock/alternative release of the year. Morgan Toney, from We’koqma’q, won both the indigenous artist of the year and the fusion r…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, I think the Conservatives can explain why they are anti-Nova Scotia, against green hydrogen in Nova Scotia, against Mersey River Wind in Nova Scotia and against development in Nova Scotia. They are against Nova Scotia workers and Nova Scotia ingenuity. Every single time in the last two weeks the common theme has been anti-Nova Scotia. We, on this side of the House, support Nova Scotia…
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Mr. Speaker, first and foremost, I would be remiss not to say, “Go, Habs, go.” I know we are down 3-1, but I think we are going to come back, and I hope we do. The reality is that sometimes we have to pivot, not just in politics but in the economic realm. What we are not going to pivot on is supporting an industry that is so important to Canada: the fine arts, the creative arts and the film indust…
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Mr. Speaker, I think the fundamental, foundational piece here is what I just mentioned about equity and fairness. Where we need to focus is how we reinvest in our own people, our own talent and our own ability. I want to see more movies and shows in Sudbury, where I have not been, but I hope to go. I want to see more of that. What we need to do is continuously focus on this: where the equity is no…
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Mr. Speaker, I will go back to what I said earlier. The fact of the matter is that if we just make this an argument about ideology, conspiracy theories and trickle-down economics, we are missing the point. The fact is that government does have a role to support: not to be the sage on the stage, but to be a guide on the side. That is what good governments do. They allow those production companies a…
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Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Milton East—Halton Hills South. I am pleased to rise today to speak against this motion and in support of broadcasting systems that continue to invest in Canadian workers, Canadian creativity and Canadian economic growth. Despite the rhetoric we have heard today, this debate is not truly about the so-called streaming tax. In fact, it is ab…
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Mr. Speaker, I am not sure I would put all that power into this one Cape Bretoner, because all the production would happen on Cape Breton Island. I will say that the main focus of this government is not just on protecting this sector and those jobs and movies that take place in Quebec, Manitoba or Cape Breton, but enhancing them. Where we are focused is how we build equity and fairness into the sy…
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Mr. Speaker, another running theme in the House: conspiracy. The Conservative Party of Canada should now be the CPC, the Conspiracy Party of Canada. It loves a great conspiracy. It could not be that Nova Scotia is excelling in a new industry. It could not be that. It could not be the great workers. It could not be the Premier of Nova Scotia, a Conservative, who supports it. Everywhere we look, the…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour Fred Courtney of Glace Bay, who passed away last Friday at the age of 90. Fred was a hockey legend in Cape Breton. As captain of the 1955-56 Junior Miners, he led his team to a Cape Breton and Maritime championship, earning league MVP. His talents drew interest from the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings, yet Fred chose to stay home and serve his community. …
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an incredible group of young Cape Bretoners. In February, the Get Up & Get Organized Youth Summit brought together nearly 50 youth and community members in Sydney to tackle real issues: food security, housing, climate change and active transportation. Co-developed and led by youth aged 15 to 24, the summit gave young people a space to be heard, to lead and to…
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Mr. Speaker, the member makes some solid points. I used Nova Scotia as an example, but I could have easily used Quebec as an example, in terms of the innovation and the collective intelligence when it comes to space, aviation and things of that nature. I think this regulatory framework touches all provinces, all opportunities, the skills and abilities, and the political and collective will of the …
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Mr Speaker, I am not sure when there is going to be time to do that, but I will say it is a very important issue. I was with fisheries as the parliamentary secretary. In terms of the Pacific Coast, we know that there are challenges there, but we are working and, as a member close to me says, we are laser‑focused on that. When it comes to Canada establishing sovereignty and working on space, this b…
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Mr. Speaker, Canso meets all the standards by which it is more productive and easier to bring product to space via a variety of means, in particular, satellites and whatnot. I appreciate the member bringing it up. Many folks in the municipal district of Guysborough and adjacent communities, municipalities, first nations and the private sector support this for all the advantages that Canso brings. …
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today with pride and with purpose to speak in support of Bill C-28, the Canadian space launch act. As a proud Nova Scotian, the member of Parliament for Sydney—Glace Bay and someone who has previously had the honour of representing Cape Breton—Canso, I know this project. I know the people behind it. I know the communities that have believed in it and I know exactly what is at s…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank the member and I do enjoy our time together on the transport committee. Let me look at this from a certain perspective. We are here today to talk about a legislative framework for processes that follow international standards and that keep security first and foremost in mind. Right now, we are putting that legislative framework to session, but we have a very talented transport…
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Mr. Speaker, this week we celebrate National Volunteer Week, a time to honour those who make our communities stronger, kinder and more connected. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of recognizing outstanding volunteers and community leaders through monthly spotlights and community leadership awards, individuals like Jocelyn Hynes, Maranne Currie, Whitney Green, Steve and Gina Deveaux, Ch…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five outstanding young athletes from my riding of Sydney—Glace Bay who represented Nova Scotia and Cape Breton great distinction. From March 12 to 15, five members of the Cape Breton Dorados swim team travelled to Maine to compete at the 2026 winter championships. Simryn, Bryson, Rori, Sophia and Lyla all achieved top-10 finishes in their respective events. T…
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Mr. Speaker, make no mistake about it, this is a transformational project initiative for Quebec and Ontario, putting thousands of people to work, using Canadian workers, Canadian companies and Canadian businesses. At the same time, in terms of this large-scale project, we take consultation very seriously. We have met with 10,000 stakeholders. We will do more because it is the right thing to do. We…
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Mr. Speaker, I ask that all questions be allowed to stand.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, make no mistake about it, when it comes to nation-building projects, the Conservatives practise fear and loathing while we practise hope and action. We do that by consultation with each and every stakeholder group in Ontario and Quebec. Why? It is the right thing to do. They are a part of the solution. In urban Canada, we think big. In rural Quebec and in rural Ontario, we are also th…
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Mr. Speaker, the minister and others have spoken about this, but I will say this, and I will use an Atlantic Canadian analogy, “This is a rather large fishing expedition.” In Atlantic Canada we would describe it as “There is no fishing bait, there is no fishing line and there is no fishing pole.”
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[For text of questions and responses, see Written Questions website]
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Mr. Speaker, I ask that all questions be allowed to stand.
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Mr. Speaker, I ask that all questions be allowed to stand.
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Mr. Speaker, I ask that all notices of motions for the production of papers be allowed to stand.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I have good news. Canada has reached the NATO 2% defence spending target half a decade ahead of schedule and with the largest year-over-year increase for our defence budget in generations. This is a proud moment, and I want to congratulate the Prime Minister and the Minister of National Defence for their leadership in making it happen. This is more than a number. It is a signal to the…
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Mr. Speaker, I ask that all questions be allowed to stand.
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, indeed we live in rapidly changing times, uncertain times. Around the globe, trade relationships that help to ensure good jobs and affordable products are being disrupted. Here at home, the rise in tariffs is posing significant challenges to Canadians, and particularly to those working in trade-exposed sectors such as manufacturing. The Canadian government is also aware that the cost …
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Mr. Speaker, our government has been clear that we must protect our oceans, including our coastal environment. That is why we have taken steps, including working with key federal stakeholders and the private sector, to prevent spills of oil and of hazardous and noxious substances in Canadian waters. Through the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, and its regulations, the government strictly regulates air e…
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Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this important debate. I will say that Canada does have a strong marine safety system in place. The system works to prevent marine incidents from happening in the first place. When an accident does happen, the Canadian authorities are prepared to respond in an effective manner that mitigates impacts on mariners, marine ecosystems, coastal communities and, indeed, our supp…
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Mr. Speaker, I think this is an immensely important discussion and debate we are having here tonight. When we look at the government and the measures that I spoke about in my opening speech, we see that these are measures that matter to Canadians. We are also focused on building the economy with major projects from coast to coast to coast that will put people to work and back to work and will enha…
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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, 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, 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 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, 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 …
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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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