Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, rental markets and home prices in communities across the country are making it difficult for Canadians to find an affordable place to live. The current systems in place to guide or protect Canadians while they make these important purchases are not enough. Can the Prime Minister tell us what protection Canadians will find in the new blueprints for a renters' bill of rights and a homeb…
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Mr. Speaker, June is National Indigenous History Month. It is time to reflect on the legacy and impacts of colonialism, and work together toward a better future. This is top of mind for the 12,000 first nations and non-indigenous residents who live in the Weeneebayko region in northern Ontario. Could the Minister of Indigenous Services tell us what the government is doing to ensure that everyone h…
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Mr. Speaker, dental care is an essential part of our health, and this government is taking important steps to support Canadians. As of today, over two million Canadians have successfully signed up for the Canadian dental care plan. Just within the first weeks, this program helped over 150,000 seniors get dental care. Our pharmacare plan will also ensure Canadians can live healthy lives. Years of a…
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Mr. Speaker, last week I had the honour of attending the high-level meeting on antimicrobial resistance at the United Nations in New York as a director of UNITE, an international parliamentary organization for global public health. Antimicrobial resistance, or AMR, is one of the top ten global public health threats to humanity and causes more than five million deaths per year. Political leadership…
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Mr. Speaker, around the world, we are seeing the rights of women and girls, including sexual and reproductive health, being rolled back or denied. Canadians are proud of our rights and freedoms; women have control over their own futures, over their own bodies. It is their human right. At the same time, we also know that we cannot take this for granted, especially with the rise of anti-abortion rhe…
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Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending Embrave's second annual Celebrave Gala and the Zonta Club of Brampton Caledon's 50th celebration. Embrave Agency to End Violence, for the past 40 years, has been working hard to eradicate gender-based violence and provide essential support to survivors of violence. Similarly, for the past 50 years, the Zonta Club of Brampton Caledon h…
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Mr. Speaker, this is Mental Health Week, and in a rapidly changing world, strong mental supports for youth are essential. By working with my youth council and stakeholders, I know of the mental health challenges faced by young people. There are many organizations doing incredible work to make sure that youth do not fall through the cracks. Can the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions tell us w…
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Madam Speaker, we absolutely respect the jurisdiction of Quebec and all provinces and territories. There are many examples of the government working hand in hand with Quebec and the provinces. I give the example of the national child care program, which is such a good example. Quebec is a recognized national leader in child care. With due respect, we will continue to work hand in hand with Quebec …
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Madam Speaker, this is an important matter. I am speaking with the disability community and have met with members. We need to do more. This $6 billion is the first step, but I agree we need to do more. We need to work with the provinces and territories to ensure they do not reduce their disability benefit. These new measures will continue to do more. We also need to work with provinces and territo…
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Madam Speaker, if the member has not read that section of the budget, he can find it on page 249. We just had a national summit on auto theft. These are the actions our government is taking to deal with this issue. All Canadians deserve to feel safe in their communities. Our government recognizes auto theft is a serious problem in Canada. The Government of Canada is committed to continued collabor…
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Madam Speaker, I rise in the House today to discuss our government's priorities in budget 2024. I will be splitting my time with the member for Winnipeg South Centre. In my speech today I want to focus on certain priority areas for my residents in Brampton South that I believe this budget responds well to. As I met with families, businesses and organizations in my riding, I have heard about seriou…
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Mr. Speaker, too many children are going to school on empty stomachs, and that is not fair. It was our Liberal government who enhanced the Canada child benefit and brought home our $10-a-day child care and many other supports Canadian families rely on. Could the Prime Minister inform the House of the next steps of our plan to support middle-class families in getting ahead?
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[Member spoke in Punjabi] [English] Mr. Speaker, this week, Sikhs in Canada and around the world are celebrating Vaisakhi and Khalsa Diwas. That is why today Sikh Canadians from coast to coast to coast came together to celebrate this auspicious celebration on the Hill, where they attended a three-day long religious prayer, followed by a Kirtan and langar. I want to welcome and thank everyone who t…
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Mr. Speaker, Canada and Nepal have deep ties, and the impact of this friendship can be felt in both our countries as we recognize 59 years of our friendship. In Nepal, Canadian organizations, such as Canadian Foodgrains Bank, help fight climate change, support businesses, protect the environment and support women. In Canada, and in my city of Brampton, we have a strong and vibrant Nepalese-Canadia…
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Mr. Speaker, women across Canada inspire us all. They know what is best for them and their families. That is why, because of our Liberal policy, women in Brampton and across Canada have the choice to raise a family, go back to work or start a new business knowing they have the affordable child care support they need. It is essential for parents to have access to well-funded and accessible day care…
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Mr. Speaker, over the past several weeks, my colleague and I have had many productive conversations with Brampton residents about the importance of keeping our community safe. This is why this government responded to the request from law enforcement agencies and municipalities to organize a summit on combatting auto theft on February 8, to define real actions and implement impactful solutions with…
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Mr. Speaker, parliamentarians can achieve a lot when they work together. When it comes to global public health, we can do exactly that through UNITE. This is an international interparliamentary network for global public health. UNITE members are committed to working towards the promotion of efficient and sustainable policies for improved global health systems in alignment with the United Nations' …
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Mr. Speaker, yesterday, Sikhs in Canada and across the world celebrated the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith. His values and teachings continue to guide millions around the world. On this day, we reflect on Guru Nanak Dev Ji's important message for humanity on three pillars: naam japna, meditation; kirat karni, honest living; and vand ke chakna, sharing with others. These …
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Mr. Speaker, gender-based violence is unacceptable and has no place in the country, including in my home town, Brampton South. November 25 marked the start of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. This is a global campaign to raise awareness about ending violence against women and girls. This month, the federal government stepped up by investing in and supporting the implementation of…
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Mr. Speaker, November is Diabetes Awareness Month in Canada. Earlier this week, I attended the Canadian screening of The Human Trial, a Hollywood documentary by a Canadian filmmaker, Lisa Hepner, on the incredible work of researchers to find the cure for diabetes. Canada is not only the birthplace of insulin, but Canadian researchers also discovered stem cells, islet cells and developed the Edmont…
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Mr. Speaker, keeping our communities safe is important to Brampton residents. While community safety is a shared jurisdiction with the provinces and municipalities, this government has been working hand in hand with law enforcement and other partners. We are strengthening Canada's Criminal Code and our community safety by keeping repeat violent offenders in prison with Bill C-48 and supporting the…
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Mr. Speaker, international students have experienced some serious challenges in our international student program. In Brampton, many of them have come to my constituency office and asked for help because unscrupulous consultants have taken advantage of them. They are victims of fraud. This is not right. We have to protect the integrity of our program. What are we doing to combat fraud and protect …
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Mr. Speaker, Brampton is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, and housing is top of mind for its residents. That is why our government has taken historic action to build 24,000 homes in the next 10 years in Brampton. One hundred and fourteen million dollars from the housing accelerator fund will allow the City of Brampton to expedite 3,150 units and build them within the next three years. …
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Mr. Speaker, over the summer, I had the pleasure of connecting with the hard-working residents of Brampton, whether through round tables, community events, my annual barbeque attended by hundreds of residents, or simply knocking on doors and listening to their concerns. They told me that we need to take strong action to address affordability and build more housing, which is exactly what we would b…
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Mr. Chair, yes, I said that in my speech. I am from Brampton, and Bramptonians are concerned, like other Canadians are. That is why the Prime Minister made the statement. Let us remain calm and steadfast in our commitment to our democratic principles. We have full trust in our law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies, and they are working hard on that. In the meantime, we all stand toget…
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Mr. Chair, I am rising today on behalf of the residents of Brampton South on an important issue. I will be splitting my time with the President of the Treasury Board. It is a fundamental right that every person, regardless of their background, should have the right to safety and security. When these rights are threatened, we must all speak up. On June 18, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, …
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Mr. Chair, wherever the crime is committed, it was committed on Canadian soil. I am from Brampton. It was committed on the west side of Canada, but it is in Canada. Wherever it was committed, we are all Canadians and it is unacceptable on Canadian soil. That is why I mentioned that the Prime Minister is so transparent and our government is transparent. The hon. member knows that we cannot comment …
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Mr. Chair, no matter where we come from, no matter what our background is, safety and security is the main thing. We all share these sentiments and we all stand together, and that is why the debate is happening. The investigation is going on and we are all looking forward to that.
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Mr. Speaker, I spoke with many residents in Brampton this summer, and I heard a lot about the need to build more homes faster in Canada. We know that increasing supply is just one of the major solutions to the housing crisis. Can the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities tell us how removing the GST on rental construction can help drive down the cost of housing?
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Mr. Speaker, as summer approaches and the sun shines brighter, I am looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead for active living in our communities. On the weekend, I joined the ninth annual Bike the Creek ride, a celebration of the joys of cycling and our environment. I want to recognize the team at BikeBrampton, including David and Dayle Laing; The Walnut Foundation and Linden King, who…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to table a petition on behalf of residents of Brampton South, who are calling for the establishment of direct international flights from Toronto to destinations in India, particularly to Amritsar in Punjab. Brampton has a significant Indo-Canadian population, and there is a rising demand from residents to have a direct flight from Toronto to Amritsar. Establishing a route…
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Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak to Bill C-311, which was introduced by the Conservative member for Yorkton—Melville. I am proud to stand with my NDP and Bloc colleagues and with Canadian women across our great country in opposition to this Conservative bill, Bill C-311. This is a thinly veiled attempt to reopen Canada's abortion debate. I want to be clear that the government firmly condemns all…
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Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak to Bill C-311, which was introduced by the Conservative member for Yorkton—Melville. I am proud to stand with my NDP and Bloc colleagues and with Canadian women across our great country—
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Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak on a matter that impacts women’s participation in politics. In a few moments, we will begin question period, and it is likely the Speaker will need to remind members repeatedly not to shout across the aisle while another member is speaking. The culture of heckling and disruption within this chamber continues to undermine the meaningful participation of women in p…
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Madam Speaker, I will be careful of that. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the issue of vision loss in Canada, as eye surgeries were cancelled or delayed. Wait times to see vision care providers also increased over the course of the pandemic. That is why a national strategy for eye care is essential. It would provide a comprehensive road map, laying out a common direction and shared l…
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Madam Speaker, I am happy to rise today to speak in support of Bill C-284, an act to establish a national strategy for eye care, presented by my friend and colleague, the hon. member for Humber River—Black Creek. I know this is something the member has been working on for quite some time and I would like to recognize her extensive work on this issue. This piece of legislation would not only ensure…
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Mr. Speaker, to kick off National Youth Week, I was proud to celebrate the grand opening of the Susan Fennell Sportsplex Youth Hub in Brampton South. Supported by more than half a million dollars in federal funding, the hub will provide young people in Brampton with a safe and accessible space to connect, learn and grow. It is in addition to more than $15 million in federal funding for green energ…
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Mr. Speaker, on Monday, May 1, I am proud to be sponsoring the first-ever gluten-free breakfast on Parliament Hill, alongside the member for Kitchener—Conestoga, with Celiac Canada. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine and makes it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients. Unfortunately, about 90% of celiac cases remain undiagnosed. The only effective treatme…
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Mr. Speaker, in April we celebrate Sikh Heritage Month, which is a time to recognize and appreciate the rich history and culture of Sikhs in Canada and across the globe. We celebrate our heritage as a time of joy to start off a vibrant harvest season and the founding of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh. Canada is home to one of the largest Sikh populations globally and there are many organi…
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Mr. Speaker, this month is international Women's History Month, and I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the incredible contributions that women have made throughout history and continue to make today. I especially want to recognize the 103 women in the House. This is a moment to bring attention to both the advancements made in achieving gender equality and the work that still needs…
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Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that we commemorate the life and legacy of the former Brampton senator, the Hon. Lorna Milne, a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to serving her community. Lorna was a trailblazer, a leader and a champion for Brampton. She served as a Liberal senator for over a decade, leading on important causes, such as women's rights and environmental protection. She …
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Madam Speaker, more women are getting back into the workforce and starting their second career. I am wondering if the hon. member can expand on how this bill supports economic growth and women who are going back to a second career. Can the member explain that?
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Madam Speaker, when I met with residents, I met with women and heard positive feedback. They love the child care idea. We saw that, and there are stats out there. When women get into a second career and go back to the workforce—
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Madam Speaker, I want to start by expressing my sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Jim Carr. He was a devoted parliamentarian who worked tirelessly for his community. He will be missed forever. I am pleased to join the debate on Bill C-291, an act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other acts, regarding child sexual abuse and exploitation m…
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Mr. Speaker, first I want to congratulate our new Peel region colleague, who was elected last night in Mississauga—Lakeshore. This is a strong sign of support from Peel residents for our plan focused on affordability and growing our economy. Soon it will be a very special time of year. This parliamentary session is about to come to a close, and we have passed some very important legislation. On be…
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Mr. Speaker, today marks day 11 of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. Preventing and responding to gender-based violence is essential and we all have a role to play. At the Safe Centre of Peel in Brampton, 16 partner organizations work together under one roof to provide integrated service delivery for survivors. The family justice model has been identified as an innovative prac…
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Mr. Speaker, yesterday Canada played its first World Cup game in 36 years. What a game. I think everyone can agree that Canada played stronger. Yesterday Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan Osorio, Iké Ugbo, David Junior Hoilett, Liam Millar and team captain, Atiba Hutchinson, showcased their talent on the field. In our city, they are hometown heroes. They found their passion, and now they are ru…
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Madam Speaker, the government is presently doing consultations to ensure employers and employees have access to a high quality EI system. What we are debating today is the fall economic statement. We have already announced top-ups and support measures that will make a big difference in the lives of Canadians. For example, rental and dental supports, and doubling the GST credit, will all support wh…
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Mr. Speaker, we know that the Canada-wide early learning and child care system is now up and running across the country. Families in my home province of Ontario are already seeing the benefits of the significant investments that Canada and the province are making. Can the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development update the House on the progress that Ontario has reached as this nationa…
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Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House on behalf of the residents of Brampton South in favour of the fall economic statement, as tabled by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. The past two years have been challenging for residents in Brampton and for all Canadians. We worked together and Canadians rolled up their sleeves to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and now the governmen…
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