Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, through our community services recovery fund, nearly 5,500 organizations nationwide have been funded. This means that, in the member's riding of Halifax West, the Fairview Resource Centre can continue offering family programming and services to new parents, as well as community meals for families and seniors. This also means that groups like the Halifax Sexual Health Centre can cont…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, our hearts are broken in Sault Ste. Marie. Families have been shattered by intimate partner violence. Children who had a bright future ahead of them, with untold potential, have been lost. To the families and friends of the victims, I send my deepest condolences. To the school community and to the residents of the Soo, I hear in their voices their pain. We will be there for them. It i…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, before, I talked about the consultations that informed us, and part of the consultations helped us determine that we would come up with the interim sustainable jobs plan, which was released in February. It reflects what we heard from Canadians and includes 10 key initiatives within areas of federal responsibility. One of those initiatives, which is also in this legislation, is setting…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I do not know that I can answer the member for Timmins—James Bay's question on behalf of the Conservatives. I recognize exactly what he is saying because, yes, I do represent steelworkers in a steel town, and that is part of the supply chain. We are going from coal to electric cars, which is like taking a million cars off the road, but that goes hand-in-glove with the investments we a…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, there were 18 months of consultations with a variety of levels of government, workers, industry representatives and indigenous groups. It was really critical, and it formed the legislation we have put forward here today. I used to work for the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities in Sault Ste. Marie, which is a provincial group. We were funded by the federal government thro…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, this whole sustainable jobs action plan is about workers, as is the legislation before us. It is about engaging labour. It is having workers at the table with us, along with industry, indigenous groups and communities at all different levels. I had an opportunity to travel across this great country last year and speak with a number of people. I spoke with Russ Shewchuk, vice-president…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Labrador. I am delighted to be standing here today to discuss Bill C-50, a bill that would help ensure Canada's workers are equipped with the skills and training they need to help our country seize the economic opportunities ahead of it. The fact is that as the world advances toward a net-zero future, we need to skate where the puck is g…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to participate in the second hour of the second reading debate on Bill C-319. I would like to thank the member for Shefford for sponsoring this bill. It continues to spark important conversations. That is because we are constantly looking at how best to support older persons in Canada. Not everyone needs the same kind of help. Seniors themselves would agre…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Madam Speaker, public safety is an issue that is important to each and every member of the House and one which I have heard about from my constituents. This is why I am proud that our government is implementing reforms to the bail system that would help keep repeat offenders off of the street. Bill C-48, which passed the House last week and is moving swiftly through the Senate, creates a reverse o…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Madam Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not thank the member for Humber River—Black Creek, as my wife is an ophthalmologist's medical tech. Your comment that 75% of eye issues are preventable is right on. I hope the request of the hon. member happens, and the bill collapses, goes to the Senate and comes back for a vote.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, on September 30, indigenous peoples and Canadians from across Turtle Island will commemorate the annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day came about because of years of advocacy by Phyllis Webstad. Indigenous peoples from coast to coast to coast, elders, knowledge-keepers, residential school survivors and their families are to be thanked for their work in holding set…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, there is something special in the water in Sault Ste. Marie, especially when it takes the form of ice. This year's Stanley Cup final had two Saultites battling for that coveted prize. At the end, it was Michael Amadio who hoisted Lord Stanley's cup. Michael played a fabulous game and made the Soo proud. Of course, we cannot forget the runner-up, which many pundits did not predict. The…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, a report of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group respecting its participation at the Co-Chairs' Annual Visit in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan, from October 10 to 15, 2022; a report of the Canada-China Legislative Association and the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group respecting …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, our government respects and has faith in the collective bargaining process. We believe the best deals are the ones that are made and reached at the bargaining table. The parties are negotiating with the help of a federal mediator right now. We have confidence in the parties' ability to work together to reach a deal as quickly as possible.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, the government has done more for Canadian workers than any government in the past did. We are continuing to support workers and the bargaining process, both the employers and the workers, and we are on track to ban replacement workers by the end of this year. It is part of the budget, and we are on track to do it.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, the best deals are made at the bargaining table, and federal mediators are in touch with the parties. Our federal mediators are very good at what they do, and we have faith in their ability to help parties reach an agreement. We are on track to ban the use of replacement workers by the end of this year, but we need to strike a balance between doing things quickly and getting things do…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, we have wrapped up consultations. We are taking the feedback that we have received from unions, employers and indigenous groups to inform our legislation, which will be tabled by the end of this year. This is the latest evolution in policy to protect the collective bargaining process. We need to strike a balance between doing it quickly and getting it right. I encourag…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, EI is currently one of the oldest and most complex systems across the Government of Canada. That is why we made a commitment to fully modernize the system. In the past two years, the minister has led more than 35 virtual national and regional round tables with workers, employers and academics. We have also engaged the provinces and territories as well as indigenous organizations in …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for this important question. In the spirit of “Nothing Without Us”, we are continuing to move forward with historic investments and actions that will improve the social and economic inclusion of millions of Canadians with disabilities. In February, Bill C-22, the act to establish the Canada disability benefit, was unanimously adopted by this Hou…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Chair, when I was on city council, Sault Ste. Marie declared itself the North American alternative energy capital. We have now started talking about green and clean, but the federal government has made investments in solar and wind; in fact, it made one of the largest investments into a private company called Algoma Steel, with $420 million to get it from a coal-based process to an electric ar…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, right now the Minister of Labour is on the ground in Toronto to make sure the parties reach a fair agreement, one that works for everyone. Our federal mediators are very good at what they do. Last year, they resolved 93% of federal disputes without any work stoppages. We are focused on the bargaining table because that is where the best deals are always reached.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Chair, the Minister of Housing was recently in Sault Ste. Marie for some pretty historic announcements. Legion Branch 25 came to me because its building was becoming decrepit and inoperable. Through our office, the Legion's good work and that of many other people, we got a hold of a builder, Sam Biasucci of SalDan, and the Legion applied for the funding the Minister of Housing has been talking…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to pay tribute to one of Canada's greatest artists, the late Gordon Lightfoot, who passed away recently. One of his most famous songs, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”, is about a ship that sank not far from my riding. Many of my constituents, and visitors from across North America, visit Pancake Bay and go to the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout to pay tribute to the 29 li…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, I wish to pass on my sympathies to the member. I heard his S. O. 31 about his father's passing while on the job. One worker's death is too many workers' deaths. Workers have the right to refuse unsafe work if they feel their life, health or safety is at risk. Employers have the duty and responsibility to protect the health and safety of workers. They are encouraged to seek guidance …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Sudbury for continuing to support workers. Every worker in Canada has the right to a safe and healthy workplace and the right to return home safely at the end of their workday. On the National Day of Mourning, we pay tribute to all workers who have lost their lives, been injured or fallen ill at work. As we pause to reflect, we also see April 28 as a call to c…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Madam Speaker, first I would like to acknowledge that this debate is taking place on the traditional territory of the Algonquin people. I want to begin by stating that the government will be supporting the bill. The Minister of Labour has a mandate to introduce government legislation that will eradicate forced labour in our supply chains. This was also part of a platform promise in our last electi…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I appreciated your S. O. 31 on Monday, opening up National Volunteer Week, and today I am tremendously honoured to be closing up National Volunteer Week. I want to take this opportunity to thank all those who donate their time and labour to make Sault Ste. Marie and the broader Algoma district a better place to live, work and play. Last week, I had the opportunity to meet the folks fr…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, with regard to part (a), the labour program held initial regulatory consultations between June and August 2019 with federally regulated stakeholders, including employer and employee representatives. Subsequently, on December 21, 2021, the labour program launched an online consultation to obtain further stakeholder input on the proposed regulations related to equal treatment and tempor…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his continued work in this area. I mentioned in my speech highlights of a few things that we have undertaken, but there certainly are more. We are taking action to protect the rights and well-being of workers. This is a top priority for us. We are going to make sure we do things the right way. We are going to work in close collaboration with our partners and s…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, our support is targeted and fiscally responsible. Our government wants to help Canadians get through this challenging economic time marked by high inflation. That is why we are continuing to provide inflation relief, through our affordability plan and other targeted measures, to Canadians who need it the most: the most vulnerable. Canadians can count on us to continue supporting tho…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, unfortunately, what the member for Calgary Centre failed to identify is something that has become quite obvious. Climate action is no longer a theoretical political debate, it is an economic necessity. A few months ago, the Parliamentary Budget Officer published an announcement showing that climate change has negatively impacted and will continue to negatively impact the Canadian ec…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for Courtenay—Alberni's continued work. I had an opportunity to visit the member's riding and I can tell us that it is a beautiful place with a very positive vibe and very great people, so I thank the member for raising this. We are following through on measures to better protect the mental health of workers in federally regulated industries. Members …
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Madam Speaker, it is the wintertime, and Bon Soo Winter Carnival is here. This year, Bon Soo is celebrating its 60th anniversary, making it one of the oldest and best winter carnivals in all of Canada. For the next nine days, there will be daytime and evening events, some timeless and some brand new, but all packed with fun and excitement for all families of all ages. Come and participate in the S…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish everyone in my riding of Sault Ste. Marie a holiday season filled with joy, a heart with love and a life with blessings. As we continue to deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, let us embrace the beautiful traditions this year that bring us together around the table with our family, our friends and our loved ones. I give a special holiday greeting, as …
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the newly elected mayors, Matthew Shoemaker of Sault Ste. Marie and Enzo Palumbo of Prince Township, along with all of the council members on their recent successful municipal election. I also congratulate all the school board trustees who represent the four school boards in our area. I thank all who placed their names on the ballot. As a former two-term school boar…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, as part of Small Business Week, I want to welcome our Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce delegation: Rory Ring, CEO; his wife Michelle, who is also a small business owner; and Randy Schuran, secretary. Let us take a moment to reflect on the obstacles small businesses had to face during the pandemic and how we were able to adapt together. We promised to do whatever it took to support…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, on July 8, 1959, Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His late Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, arrived in Sault Ste. Marie for a day-long stop on their 45-day tour of Canada. Sault Ste. Marie, home to the best hospitality in the world, provided Her late Majesty with a day I am sure nobody could ever forget. They toured Bellevue Park, which lives up to its name, and had a lun…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in support of the government's bill that would ensure no province has fewer seats in the House of Commons than it did in 2021. As the great-grandson of an adopted Québécois, it is important for me personally to support Quebec maintaining its 78 seats in its representation. It was my father's grandfather who came over on a boat from Ireland, and it is a cla…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Madam Speaker, this is a very important subject. This particular government will allow for incremental seat increases in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia due to their growing provincial populations. As my colleagues are aware, 10 independent provincial commissions were established in November 2021, with an exclusive role to play in the redistribution process. Under the government's proposal, …
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, during your time speaking, you mentioned the importance of Quebec and the French language to Winnipeg. Perhaps you could expand on that and talk about how important the feeling is that various communities in Manitoba have toward Quebec. I know that in northern Ontario, places like Dubreuilville or Sturgeon Falls, which are predominantly French, support a lot of what is happening in Qu…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this season, the Soo Greyhounds have been celebrating their 50th anniversary in the Ontario Hockey League. Since they joined the OHL in 1972, they have become one of the top producers of hockey players in the league. They have had over 160 players drafted to the NHL, and numerous players are playing around the world. Wayne Gretzky, Darnell Nurse, Jeff Carter, Joe Thornton, Ron Francis…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Madam Speaker, this coming week, Canadians will be celebrating and thanking our nurses for all the hard work, dedication and care they provide to our communities. From assisting with life-threatening crises to delivering beautiful babies and caring for the elderly, nurses perform many of the most strenuous and difficult tasks in medicine and health care. As professionals who perform essential poin…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, members know that Sault Ste. Marie is a kind, caring community. Throughout our history, Ukrainians have contributed to our city's growth and development, and Saultites have been rallying in support of Ukraine for the past few weeks. The march for Ukraine sovereignty last week was a multi-religious march where our local faith leaders from many religions organized and came together. Mor…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, when people think of Sault Ste. Marie's most notable individuals, one person always comes to mind. Dr. Roberta Bondar was born and raised in the Sault. She later went on to study at numerous universities and obtained a Ph.D. and a medical degree. On January 22, 1992, Dr. Bondar made history as Canada's first woman and the world's first neurologist to enter space. This year marks the 3…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Madam Speaker, I stand here today in this the first session of the 44th Parliament, and once again humbled and honoured to continue to serve my constituents of Sault Ste. Marie for a third term. With that, I am incredibly grateful and thank my family, and many volunteers and supporters of my team who worked tirelessly in every possible way to get out the vote. I thank them for the profound trust b…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my most sincere congratulations to all 2021 graduates in my riding of Sault Ste. Marie. Happy graduation to the students of Sault College, Algoma University, École Notre-Dame-du-Saul, St. Mary’s College, Korah Collegiate, Superior Heights Collegiate, White Pines Collegiate, the alternative and adult learning centres, and, of course, all the amazing grade eight gr…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Sudbury for his outstanding advocacy for all of northern Ontario. Canada's regional development agencies have been a key part of our COVID response, and they will continue to play an important role as we look toward economic recovery. As we announced in budget 2021, we are committed to creating an independent FedNor, which will help get support o…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, when we talk about past history, it reminds me that our government, in 2015, created a very specific committee, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, the NSICOP, which was a move to ensuring open and public government in a manner that appropriately protected sensitive information, including national security. It was established to review many matters. I…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, the question is a bit philosophical in its approach. I truly believe in this democratic process, and it is really important for us to come with the ability to discuss and to take a look at different tools in our tool box that we can use to finish the fight against COVID-19 and to continue to make sure we address security issues. There are lots of tools there, and processes. I am remin…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is encouraging Canadian researchers to further collaborate with the world's best and to keep Canada at the forefront of science and innovation through investments in international research under the new frontiers in research fund. Through shared objectives and principles for international research collaboration, the federal research funding agencies are also s…
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