Private Members’ Business
moved that Bill C-228, an act to establish a federal framework to reduce recidivism, be read the third time and passed. Madam Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to speak at third reading of my private member's bill, Bill C-228, an act to establish a federal framework to reduce recidivism. This bill is near and dear to my heart, and I cannot thank all those involved enough for their efforts in se…
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my hon. colleague for his input at committee and thank him for his question here this evening. I do not think any political party can say that it has it 100% right as it relates to restorative justice or to successful reintegration back in the community after time served. All of us need to bring a certain level of humility to any of these societal challenges we a…
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Mr. Speaker, yes, I am very familiar with the principle of restorative justice. I am familiar with it from my background, and I believe those principles certainly do apply. I believe people can be restored. I believe there are so many facets that can lead to that positive restoration. I happen to be one who believes that faith can play a huge role in that. I also believe in effective partnerships,…
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Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all my hon. colleagues from the bottom of my heart for their tremendous remarks and thoughtful considerations on this. The hon. colleague from Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan referenced a passage that I was going to reference at at the very end, a favourite, which was when the master teacher himself said about those who inherit the Kingdom. He said, “I was hungry and y…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his encouragement along the way. I appreciate his kind remarks. What is next is that hopefully, if we are successful in getting this bill through here this evening, it will go directly to the Senate and have a very successful outcome there and become law. Then I hope we can start to see pilot programs roll out across the country, working in conjunction with th…
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Mr. Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected every Canadian across our great country. We as parliamentarians have a responsibility to be thinking ahead to how best to position Canada to thrive coming out of COVID. The Conservatives understand the importance of jobs. Many have lost their jobs or have seen a reduction in their work. Canada has so much to offer. We grow and produce some of the bes…
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Mr. Speaker, for over a year now Canadians have been doing everything they can to stay safe and keep Canada moving and working. My riding of Tobique—Mactaquac takes in a majority of the New Brunswick-U.S. border. COVID restrictions have been particularly hard on our border communities across the country. Many Canadians are required to cross regularly for essential work and services. Some work in h…
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Mr. Speaker, the poor planning and isolated decision-making of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans has caused tremendous confusion and uncertainty from coast to coast. On the east coast, the minister has not given a satisfactory answer to the lobster fishing crisis; she has only introduced an interim measure. On the west coast the minister has created further uncertainty and instability for our p…
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moved that the bill, as amended, be concurred in at report stage.
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Madam Speaker, on March 3, DFO tweeted a statement from the fisheries minister that was supposed to be “a new path for First Nations who want to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood this season.” Indigenous and non-indigenous harvesters have rejected the minister's statement, and now she is the only one on her new path. No Canadian wants to see a repeat of the chaos that the minister's mismana…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, it is very important for all of us to step back and reflect or, I would say, take a pensive pause when it comes to major decisions such as this. When we have seen legitimate concerns from associations such as Inclusion Canada, the Canadian Mental Health Association and other groups that are looking at this and saying this is literally a life and death situation and life and death legi…
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Mr. Speaker, as we continue to celebrate Black History Month and give honour and recognition to the contributions of Black Canadians, I wanted to give a special tribute to a hockey legend: New Brunswick's very own Mr. Willie O'Ree. Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Willie O'Ree has had a tremendous impact on the world of hockey. On January 18, 1958, he was called up to replace an injured…
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Mr. Speaker, yet again we are given more dither, delay and denial from the Prime Minister. Canadians are realizing more each day that they have, yet again, walked to the far side of a disappointing decision by entrusting the Liberal government to deal with the challenges of these times. The fact of the matter is that the government has demonstrated a pattern of neglect and lack of communication. T…
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