Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of a wife and a mother, Kamila. Her husband, Huseyin Celil, a Canadian citizen of Uyghur origin, was detained 20 years ago. He was on a family trip overseas and was forcibly transferred to China. He has been imprisoned ever since, without a fair trial or access to consular officials. It has been two decades since Huseyin's wife and children have heard the sound of his…
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Mr. Speaker, four years ago, Russia launched its unjustified and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This war remains a serious humanitarian crisis. On Saturday, in Montreal, I attended the Global Rally for Ukraine in frigid temperatures. We gathered in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. We stood against aggression and annexation, to protect children and to keep families together. My though…
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Mr. Speaker, this February marks 30 years of Black History Month in Canada. We reflect on the historic barriers Black communities have faced in North America. We recognize the sacrifices made during the civil rights movement. It is because of these men and women that we now have our fundamental rights and freedoms. Today on Parliament Hill, we have many representatives from my riding: WIBCA, Youth…
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Mr. Speaker, today marks the national day of remembrance of the Quebec City mosque attack. Nine years ago, six people were killed because they were Muslim. These men were fathers, sons and neighbours. We honour their memories. We stand with the families who continue to carry this loss. This day not only reminds us of those we lost. It also reminds us of the ongoing need to confront Islamophobia. S…
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Mr. Speaker, in the great north Arctic, families face some of the highest costs of living for housing and basic necessities. In just a few months, the new government has announced several affordability measures for Canadians, as well as for those in the north. Can the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs share how our government is working, including through Bill C-4's affordability measures, t…
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On November 18 a fire destroyed an apartment building in Pierrefonds on the corner of Gouin and des Sources boulevards, injuring one person and displacing 92 of our neighbours. My thoughts go out to all of the residents and families affected. I want to recognize the courageous response of our firefighters. A number of local restaurants offered free meals. My team and I have been conducting a food …
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Mr. Speaker, in February 2023, this House voted unanimously to welcome and resettle 10,000 deeply vulnerable Uyghurs. That vote was a historic moment for this Parliament and for the Uyghur people. According to the United Nations, the Uyghur people are still subject to grave and serious crimes against humanity. We must say this. We must acknowledge it. We must recognize it. Thankfully, a few deeply…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight women's history month. Women shape our communities across Canada every day. In my own family, I have seen women of different generations contribute in so many different ways. Each one chooses a different path. It is challenging for men to fully understand the lived experiences of women. However, we must show them respect, not only this month, but every moment…
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Mr. Speaker, this Sunday was the International Day of Peace. It was also the day the government, under the Prime Minister's leadership, recognized the state of Palestine. We did this with our allies, the U.K., France and Australia. This was a historic moment. The recognition of Palestine is in full keeping with Canada's long-standing support of the two-state solution. Since 1947, Canadian governme…
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Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is National Indigenous Peoples Day. Every June 21, Canadians take the time to reflect on our past. We also celebrate the significant contributions of first nations, Inuit and Métis people from coast to coast to coast. After generations of pain and suffering, our country has chosen to deliberately walk the path of reconciliation. We must do this together. Can the Minister of I…
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Mr. Speaker, this Friday is World Refugee Day. The day highlights the plight and dreams of those seeking refuge because of threats to their lives. The fate of refugees concerns us all. Two years ago, this House unanimously adopted M-62, my motion to welcome 10,000 vulnerable Uyghurs to Canada. This was a historic vote. It was a vote of parliamentary solidarity. Since then, I have been working to e…
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Mr. Speaker, over the last several months, Canadians have felt the impacts of the groundbreaking dental care plan introduced by the previous Liberal government. The program is now open to Canadians of all ages. For the first time, a wide cross-section of households do not have to choose between fixing their teeth and putting food on the table. To help Pierrefonds—Dollard residents get coverage, Ju…
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Mr. Speaker, this week is National Accessibility Week. It is a time to recognize the achievements of persons with disabilities across our beautiful country. Over eight million Canadians currently live with a disability. Accessibility is vital to financial stability and to our future. Our government is focused on improving accessibility in key areas like infrastructure, employment and financial sec…
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With regard to Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and the information note "Vertical farming and pest control products," dated or last modified on May 1, 2024: (a) what was the scientific rationale for issuing the note; (b) what about the methods of vertical farming made the PMRA consider it necessary to categorize and treat vertical farms differently than traditional greenho…
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Mr. Speaker, the Conservative leader is very good at coming up with slogans on cutting taxes. Unfortunately, he is not very good at acting on what he says. We would think that the Conservative caucus would be the first to support a GST tax credit, a tax credit that puts real money back into the pockets of Canadians, but it did not. The Conservative leader whipped them into voting against a tax cre…
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With regard to legal costs incurred by the government in relation to the invocation of the Emergencies Act in 2022, as well as any subsequent legal action: what is the total amount (i) paid out to date, (ii) scheduled to be paid out, on outside legal counsel, broken down by department, agency or other government entity which encountered the expense?
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With regard to government statistics on Canada's incarcerated or prison population, since 2016: (a) as of the start of each year, how many individuals were incarcerated in Canadian prisons or correctional facilities, in total and broken down by type of correctional facility; (b) currently, how many individuals are incarcerated in Canadian prisons or correctional facilities, in total and broken dow…
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With regard to government statistics on church burnings in Canada, broken down by year since 2016: (a) how many churches have burned down that the government is aware of, in total and broken down by province or territory; and (b) does the government have any specific plan to prevent future church burning-related arson attacks, and, if so, what are the details, including the date when the plan will…
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Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, I was speaking with Myles, a resident in my beautiful riding of Pierrefonds—Dollard. Myles is a young man of 33. He works in transport; he is also super-fit and in training for the Highland Games. Myles and I were talking about how our Liberal government is making life more affordable and how people have been lifted out of poverty. Myles says he actually sees it. He sees it…
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With regard to the government’s announcement in Prince Edward Island that it would partner with the provincial government to provide up to $20 million to connect rural households to high-speed internet in Prince Edward Island: (a) what are the details of all projects approved through this funding, including, for each, the (i) recipient, (ii) location, (iii) project description, (iv) amount of fund…
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With regard to the government’s announcement in Prince Edward Island that it would provide up to $1.5 million for a short-term project in partnership with Island Telecom and Xplornet to connect 1,046 homes in 56 communities: (a) what are the details of all projects approved through this funding, including, for each, the (i) recipient, (ii) location, (iii) project description, (iv) amount of fundin…
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Mr. Speaker, today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This year's UN theme is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”. Our commitment to achieving the UN sustainable development goals remains strong. Persons with disabilities play key roles in creating accessible and inclusive communities and workplaces. We need to make s…
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Madam Speaker, I am here to share an update from the West Island of Montreal. There was an exciting announcement made earlier this week in CLSC de Pierrefonds. Along with the Canadian Space Agency, CIUSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal and David Saint-Jacques, the astronaut, we talked about and unveiled a pilot project that deals with telemedicine. Telemedicine is a really innovative thing. It al…
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Madam Speaker, I want to note first off that, in the member from Regina—Wascana's response to the Conservative member for Kelowna—Lake Country, he said that Parliament is paralyzed, but it is paralyzed because of the actions of the Conservative Party. With respect to the member's answer to me, though, he said he has not yet had a conversation with his leader about why he is not getting a security …
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Madam Speaker, I would like to ask the member for Winnipeg North his opinion as to why the Conservative Party is stopping this chamber from doing its work over the last several weeks, if not two months now. I really find this very challenging and it is, frankly, appalling. It is halting our democracy from doing the work it needs to do. That is deeply concerning, as we talk about democracy, foreign…
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Madam Speaker, I would like to ask the member opposite, and I would like her not to evade the question, why her leader will not get security cleared. Canadians want to know this. I want to know this. Maybe she has the answer to why her leader is not getting security cleared. It baffles me. Anybody who serves in this Parliament should be ready and willing to personally be security cleared, especial…
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Madam Speaker, I want to thank the member opposite for his speech just now. It is ironic, and interesting, that the member highlighted Nixon and Watergate, as well as how democracy must be protected. Certainly, Nixon is a shame on democracy. He also highlighted how we must protect our public institutions and have faith in our democracy. However, how can Canadians trust this when the leader of the …
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Madam Speaker, I have immense respect for the member opposite. He has the capacity to disagree without being disagreeable, unlike many of his Conservative colleagues, who continuously go to the bottom of the gutter and to ad hominems. I am really here to ask the question I just asked his colleague, who could not answer it and evaded the question. I want no evasion in the answer the member opposite…
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With regard to any federal government employees fired or terminated for cause since January 1, 2019, broken down by department or agency, and by year: (a) what was the total number of employees fired or terminated for cause; and (b) what is the breakdown of (a) by reason for termination?
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With regard to the government's reaction to Euroclear's acknowledgment of the Canadian dollars it holds as a result of maturing Russian-owned securities: (a) what initiatives, if any, has the government taken to determine or exert Canada's jurisdiction over Russian state assets held in correspondent banks or invested in Canadian dollars by Euroclear directly held in Canada or those re-invested in …
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With regard to expenditures on artwork by government departments and agencies since January 1, 2019, and broken down by year: (a) what was the total expenditure on artwork; (b) what was the total expenditure for the purchase of artwork; (c) what was the total expenditure for the rental of artwork; (d) what are the details of all contracts for the purchase of artwork, including, for each, the (i) d…
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Mr. Speaker, 8,365 is the number of people in my beautiful riding of Pierrefonds—Dollard who have benefited from the dental care program. Seniors aged 65 and above, young people aged 18 and under and persons with disabilities are all eligible for the dental plan right now. It will be available to everyone as of 2025. Canadians, including me, all have family and friends who have had to make tough f…
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With regard to the Firearms Buyback Program: what are the details of all contracts related to the program entered into by the government, including any relevant government entity, such as the RCMP, including, for each, the (i) date, (ii) amount, (iii) vendor, (iv) description of the goods or services, (v) manner in which the contract was awarded (sole-sourced or competitive bid)?
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Madam Speaker, I will differ a little with my friend from my own party. We do get work done in this House. It is just that in the chamber right now, there is a stonewall because of the Conservative Party refusing to allow us to move ahead. Where I differ is that we do get work done in this Commons in committees, and each and every parliamentarian is working hard. I can say that I am working hard. …
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Madam Speaker, it is really important when we take the names of eminent Canadians, lift their reputations in the House and recognize the contributions that people make to this country and the international community, that we do so with respect. As a parliamentarian, I wish that the way all parliamentarians connect individually would be reflected in our comments and how we deal with each other duri…
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Madam Speaker, just as the member opposite did, I definitely want to recognize the importance of Lebanese Heritage Month. I went to the flag-raising ceremony here on Parliament Hill today. There were many Canadians of Lebanese background who came to the raising of the flag, along with parliamentarians of all stripes, which is so important. With respect to the question from the member opposite, it …
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Madam Speaker, this is a really important conversation and debate. Our government is committed to addressing the cost of living, helping out small and medium-sized businesses and also protecting consumers. This is something about which the Liberals, residents of my riding, Pierrefonds—Dollard, and, I am sure, all parliamentarians care deeply. I would like tell the story of a small business owner I…
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With regard to temporary resident visas and permits, or other types of visitor entry authorizations: (a) how many visas expire, between September 2024 and December 2025, broken down by type of visa; (b) how many visitors are currently in Canada without a temporary resident visa, in total and broken down by type of permit or other authorization; and (c) of the visitors in (b), how many have permits…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I would like to again thank the member for Kitchener Centre for his advocacy. Our government is committed to supporting persons with disabilities. The first cheques for the disability benefit will be in people's pockets as of July. This is an important and historic benefit for all working-age persons with disabilities in our country living in challenging times. It will help reduce pov…
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Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for Kitchener Centre for his advocacy and also thank the disability community for its advocacy over the last several years. Everyone in Canada should be able to live in dignity. Our government is dedicated to this principle. We are prioritizing the needs of persons with disabilities and the disability community, and we are working toward meaningful solu…
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Mr. Speaker, each and every MP is a representative of Canada in the House. Each and every MP has a responsibility to protect against foreign interference in our democracy. For the few who lead political parties, that responsibility to defend and protect our democracy is much heavier, yet the Conservative leader refuses to get his security clearance so that he can see top secret documents. Why is t…
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Madam Speaker, like so many Canadians, from all walks of life, I am deeply distressed and saddened by the situation in Lebanon. Within just two weeks, 1,000 civilians and 6,000 others have been injured because of air strikes by the Government of Israel. This includes two Canadians who have lost their lives. My thoughts are with everyone impacted in the region, regardless of which borders one is li…
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Madam Speaker, the Conservative Party will do nothing at all for persons with disabilities. We are the party that has stood by persons with disabilities. In our budget, we have $6.1 billion to help lift people with disabilities. It is the biggest line item. We are proud of the Canada disability benefit. We are standing with the disability community, working together to uplift people. We are the go…
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Mr. Speaker, this summer, I visited dozens of organizations that received Canada summer jobs funding. There were 223 youth in our community who gained meaningful jobs through this federal program. There were 64 organizations that received over $1 million in investments in our beautiful riding of Pierrefonds—Dollard. Young Canadians have gained valuable experience and skills through these jobs with…
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Madam Speaker, in no way, shape or form is hate speech or the support of terrorism allowed in our country. We are deeply concerned about these statements. We are looking into the situation in this matter. We take the member opposite's question seriously and are here to promote a Canada that is united together, that confronts discrimination and that is in harmony.
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With regard to Disaster Mitigation Adaptation Fund applications received from communities in British Columbia since 2021: (a) what are the details of all applications which were denied funding, including, for each, the (i) name of the city, town or municipality, (ii) date of the application, (iii) disaster event related to the application, (iv) reason that the funding was denied; (b) what specific…
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With regard to the Housing Accelerator Fund and the government's response to Order Paper question Q-2531: was there any funding provided to areas in Ontario, such as counties or upper-tier municipalities, that were not included in the response, and, if so, what was the amount of funding provided to each area, broken down by type of housing funded?
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Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, the disruptions assessed in the report were derived from a literature review, expert interviews with individuals, conversations with policy makers within the Government of Canada, workshops with foresight practitioners, as well as Policy Horizons Canada’s ongoing foresight work aimed at analyzing what is changing in our society, what is driving…
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With regard to expenditures on coaching since January 1, 2017, broken down by year and by department or agency: (a) how many contracts were signed by the government for coaching; (b) what was the total value of the coaching contracts signed; (c) what are the details of each contract or similar type of agreement for coaching public servants, including, for each, the (i) date, (ii) vendor, (iii) typ…
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With regard to the Court Challenges Program: (a) how much money has been delivered through the program in each of the last five years; (b) who has received money through the program, and how much was received; and (c) if the government refuses to answer (b) citing solicitor-client privilege, what is the government's rationale given that it is neither the solicitor nor the client in many of the rel…
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