Government Orders
Health care is broken? Madam Speaker, that is what I heard. I hope you are having that conversation with your minister of health in Saskatchewan, my friend. I hope you are having that conversation.
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Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question, which is a fair one. Of course, we need to make sure our asylum claimant system works well. Nobody is debating or denying the fact that there are backlogs, that it could be managed better. I am not suggesting that there be no evaluation of this program or the way we review asylum claims, and the speed at which we do so, from an administrative a…
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Madam Speaker, I do not think the member is questioning my perspective when it comes to standing up for refugees. I do that kind of work in this chamber and outside this chamber all the time.
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Madam Speaker, last year it was 86,000 out of 549,324 people. Do the percentage right now, my friend. All of a sudden, all of those people are bogus and fake. Come on. Again, nobody is denying that the costs have gone up, but let us be careful with the language we use. Let us not incite Canadians against each other.
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Madam Speaker, I will leave the future of the Conservative Party in the hands of the voters. I think what we are seeing from some of the Conservative members is that they do not disagree with the position of our party and are actually choosing a different direction. I am sure it is not easy for anybody to leave their political party and join another one. Imagine the limits they are being pushed to…
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Madam Speaker, I just heard a friend of mine across the way say that they are not Canadians. The truth comes out. All of a sudden our humanity is out the window, because if someone is not Canadian, then we do not owe them anything. We have no international obligations and we do not protect their human rights. The truth comes out. The heckle from the other side was that they are not Canadian; it is…
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Madam Speaker, just yesterday I had a very thoughtful and detailed meeting with a doctor who is part of the Canadian Refugee Health Network, the executive director of Somerset West Community Health Centre, which is located in my riding, to have this exact conversation and to talk about the changes that are being proposed around copayment on some of these supplemental benefits. We went through the …
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Madam Speaker, I figured I would get interrupted a few times. I am ready for the right-wing troller trash to be unleashed on me as well as a result of my comments. I am completely ready for that, because what this motion would do has nothing to do with facts or how we can perhaps reform a system. It completely has to do with dividing Canadians, trying to use the Trumpian sentiments that we are see…
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That is the language you are using. Go on X right now. Take a look at your leader, who is walking around somewhere in downtown Toronto, talking about those things. You have been using all kinds of rhetoric, such as deluxe supplemental benefits, which brings all of us down. It brings down the spirit of Canada and what this country is all about. I for one am not going to accept this. I am going to c…
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Madam Speaker, first of all, if that is the focus of the argument, it is a very small number of people, so to then argue that somehow the entire $1 billion is being spent on people whose asylum claims may have been refused is an erroneous argument. Again, the way that argument is being presented is divisive. The other thing I will say is that if people's asylum claims have been denied, they are pr…
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Madam Speaker, again, we just heard my colleague say that my numbers are fake. We do not even have to name Trump anymore to say that is the kind of language he uses. The member can do better. This is what I am saying. How lazy is his argument if this is what he has to go to? Let us focus on the issue at hand. The reason the cost of this program has gone up is that, as we all know, and we have deba…
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Madam Speaker, I wish the member opposite would have written this motion or been the spokesperson for this, but I am sorry, that is not the language his leader has been using. We do not have to go too far to see it. We can just go on X or Instagram and look at it right now. I agree with the member that the debate around the state of our health care system is an extremely important debate, but how …
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Madam Speaker, I appreciate the appropriate point of order from my colleague. Let us look at this program. In the fiscal year 2024-25, the eligible population in Canada for the program was about 549,324 people, as I mentioned, of whom 440,537 were asylum claimants, protected persons and victims of human trafficking and family violence. We can imagine those individuals, depending on which part of t…
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Madam Speaker, I must confess, as I start my remarks, that I am coming from a place of extreme sadness around the level, tone and tenor of debate that I have been hearing in the House. I recognize that my Conservative colleagues and their political party are a bit against the ropes right now. They are down in the polls and not getting any traction with the public, and their set of issues is not so…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, the government is working day in and day out to ensure that we are diversifying on trade and working with as many countries as possible. As we speak, the Minister of International Trade is visiting places like Singapore and Vietnam so we can create opportunities in those markets. The Standing Committee on International Trade recently sent two bills back to the House, one dealing with …
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Mr. Speaker, this is precisely the reason that the Prime Minister and his government are completely focused on building more homes in our country. It is why we have brought in a piece of legislation, Bill C-20, which would create Build Canada Homes, which would ensure that we build more housing across the country. That is why we have hired somebody like Ana Bailão, who has the knowledge and expert…
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Mr. Speaker, we will not rest until normal trade resumes to make sure that canola is being shipped to all markets around the world, including China. That is why the Prime Minister and this government have been working really hard. That is why the Prime Minister visited China to help reduce the tariffs on canola. As my colleague said earlier, we are so fortunate to have the best canola grown right …
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, last week was International Development Week, and it was remarkable to learn from partners whose efforts make Canada a leader in development work around the globe. From speaking at Carleton University about how refugees in Canada can contribute to development work globally, to discussing how to bridge the gap between trade and development, it was a very productive and enlightening wee…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), and in accordance with the enhanced transparency requirements set out in the amended policy on tabling of treaties in Parliament, I am pleased to present to the House of Commons the Government of Canada's objectives for three negotiations, including a Canada-United Arab Emirates comprehensive economic partnership agreement, a Canada-India comprehensiv…
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Mr. Speaker, our big focus is to build as much housing as possible. We are going to build that housing through Build Canada Homes. We are going to build that housing on federal lands, just like in my community in Ottawa Centre where we are repurposing federal buildings. We are repurposing federal lands to build housing, and we will do that across the country. Slogans are not going to be cut it, as…
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Madam Speaker, Bill C-14 is about keeping Canadians safe, and this government is leading. We listened to police officers on the front lines, to mayors, to premiers and to victims' advocates, who have been crystal clear that the status quo is not acceptable. That is why we brought forward a strong, targeted bail reform bill and why we are pushing to get it passed without delay. We expect the opposi…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Madam Speaker, today, we celebrate an interpreter whose voice will be instantly recognizable to members of the House. Over his 30-year career, Peter Douglas has also been the voice of francophone leaders for 10 different leaders' debates and interpreted numerous budgets and Speeches from the Throne. As a professor of conference interpreting at the University of Ottawa since 2007, he has transmitte…
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Mr. Speaker, I think we and all young Canadians know that the world is changing. For us to be successful in this changing world, we need to ensure that we are investing in Canadians and building our economy. For us to do that, we need to diversify our trade. We need to make sure that we are doing more business with other countries so that we are creating good-paying jobs for those young people who…
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Madam Speaker, the member raises a very good point: Just talking about it is not going to make it happen. Since the election, look at the amount of work we have done. We have moved ahead with the accession of the U.K. into the CPTPP, finalized the negotiations with Indonesia and Ecuador, resumed our negotiations with the countries of ASEAN and Mercosur, started negotiations with Thailand, the Phil…
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Madam Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to speak to Bill C-13. Before I commence my comments on this very important bill, I want to advise the House that I will be dividing my time with the member for Kings—Hants. We have earnestly been discussing in this House, at an unprecedented time in our history and since perhaps the end of the Second World War, a tremendous rise in protectionism wh…
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Madam Speaker, most of our treaty agreements support and benefit small and medium-sized companies. If we look at the Trade Commissioner Service, 75% of the businesses it supports are SMEs. These agreements help businesses in our communities and create good-paying jobs locally.
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Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure to serve with the member on the Standing Committee on International Trade. I think the member is quite aware that there were quite a few complications when it comes to CETA being extended to the United Kingdom, with Brexit and all the politics around that. He is right that CETA is a very good agreement, and I am glad the Canadian government has engaged in CETA. Unfo…
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Madam Speaker, this is an important bill. As I said, the Prime Minister has made a commitment to the British Prime Minister that we will be moving forward with their accession to this agreement. We feel strongly that it is in the best interest of all Canadian businesses, whether they are based in Quebec or other parts of the country, that this bill be passed and that the United Kingdom, from the C…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Madam Speaker, it was my absolute honour to participate in the Tree of Hope ceremony organized by the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition. This is an important event that raises awareness about the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people. There was a procession beginning at the Ottawa police station, leading to Ottawa City Hall and finishing right here at Parli…
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Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister is focused on making sure that we are creating good-paying jobs for all Canadians. We are investing and building things like they have never been done before. We are making sure that we diversify trade, so we are investing in our ports right in British Columbia so we can export more to other markets, such as the Indo-Pacific. That is the focus of the government. T…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, it is a good time to be a soccer fan in Ottawa. Ottawa Rapid, the women's soccer team, finished an outstanding first season, finishing second in the league and making it all the way to a heartbreaking penalty shootout in the semifinals against Vancouver. The very next day, Atlético Ottawa, the men's soccer team, finished its own exceptional season, with the now-famous final of the Can…
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Mr. Speaker, first of all I want to thank the member for Oakville West, who is the member of Parliament for my parents and does an amazing job. I remind her that my parents are the two most important constituents she has, and she recognizes that very important fact. The fact of the matter is that the budget is focused on borrowing money not for our operating side, program delivery, but for the cap…
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for her question. What we need to really focus on is the reason the money is being borrowed. If it is being borrowed for the purposes of investing in economic growth, that is going to result in more prosperity, increasing the GDP. That is no different than what we would do in our personal lives when it comes choosing for what purposes we would or would…
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Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize the member for Nunavut. I have always learned from her, and I thank her for her thoughtful guidance. I had a conversation earlier with her about the supports that are necessary for indigenous communities, whether in the north or in my community, which a lot of members of the urban indigenous communities call home. If there is guidance or clearance we need on s…
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Mr. Speaker, I support a sustainable economy. I support an economy that is driven toward the future. That would require the use of both conventional energy and renewable energy. I think that as a country we can do both. This is a country made up of people who are creative and ingenious. I think that is the work we need to engage in, and we need to harness all parts of the country. We have a respon…
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Mr. Speaker, Canada's a proud trading nation, and the way we have been able to build that proud tradition of trading around the world and build prosperity in this country is by actually going to other parts of the world and building those relationships. That is precisely what the Prime Minister is doing. In fact, just yesterday, the government of the United Arab Emirates decided to invest $70 bill…
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Mr. Speaker, in mere months since this new government has been elected, we have signed a comprehensive trade agreement with Indonesia. The Prime Minister was just in the United Arab Emirates, and he has signed an agreement to protect our investors so that more investments could be made right here in Canada. In fact, we have launched a new trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates as well. Here…
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Mr. Speaker, I think it is a great, great day when we hear that a foreign government is deciding to invest $70 billion in our economy. We are talking about AI, infrastructure and agriculture to create those jobs. This is about making sure we can leverage its sovereign funds and our pension funds to create opportunities for our economy right here at home. There are companies like Mila, which is lau…
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Mr. Speaker, thank you for recognizing me and giving me the opportunity to speak to Bill C-15, which is the budget implementation act and the overall budgetary policy of this government. Let me start by recognizing and thanking the people of Ottawa Centre for giving me the opportunity to speak on their behalf in the House. It is an honour every time I get up. Every single budget tabled on behalf o…
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Madam Speaker, I just want to quickly remind the member that we are here at this moment debating this bill because the bill the Harper government brought into law was found by the courts to be unconstitutional under the charter. They have given the House until November 20 to pass a law to remedy that circumstance. As a result of the illegal law, there are many Canadians who are disenfranchised. Fo…
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Madam Speaker, of course we are continuously working and making sure we find new opportunities for our lumber producers. I know that ministers and many members of Parliament are going to British Columbia to meet many of those forest lumber producers to ensure that we are creating new opportunities, and that is why we are so focused on ensuring that we double our non-U.S. exports in the next decade…
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Madam Speaker, we will always stand up for Canadian farmers, whether they are beef farmers or farmers who grow wheat. We will make sure that we will get the best deal for them all around the world. That is the work the Prime Minister is doing. He has been in Asia, meeting with various leaders from around the world to make sure we open new markets, new opportunities for Canadians, so we can double …
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Madam Speaker, we live in complicated times, when misinformation and disinformation are threatening the safety and security of our communities. I had the chance to participate in an event hosted by Carleton University, in my riding of Ottawa Centre, with Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, discussing hate, conspiracy theories and challenges to democracy. It was an important discussion, reminding us of the …
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to remind members that 10 years ago, we were at the height of a refugee crisis during which thousands of people were coming in from Syria. My community in Ottawa Centre responded by stepping up and welcoming many refugees. Out of that anniversary comes the story of Refugee 613, an incredible organization created to help Syrian refugees settle and build …
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate being recognized to speak in support of Motion No. 14, which calls upon the government to strengthen the accountability, effectiveness and mutual benefit of Canada's international development assistance. I want to first thank the member for York South—Weston—Etobicoke for bringing forward this motion. I really appreciate the work he does in his community and the work he h…
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Mr. Speaker, I am sure members opposite and all members of the House are well aware that we are in a major moment of transformation. The economy around the world is changing. This is why we are going to continue to work to get the best deal for Canadians, including Canadian auto workers, through the U.S. However, we are not stopping there. We are also working around the world to create new markets…
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Mr. Speaker, this government will never let Canadian auto workers down. We will not let any workers down. We will work day and night to make sure that the Canadian auto industry remains one of the best success stories. That is why, as we speak, the Minister of Canada-U.S. relations is down in Washington working hard to negotiate a deal that is right for Canadian workers. That is why the Minister o…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, at a time when other countries are stepping back, our government remains committed to international development. We are being deliberate in where and how we invest, focusing on security and economic partnerships that advance mutual interests, deliver benefits for both partners and Canadians and ensure that everyone in this world is prosperous. We understand that poverty, inequality an…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, it is always an honour to rise in the House to debate and discuss some important issues of our time. I really appreciate the concern raised by the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands, whom I respect tremendously, regarding Canada's commitment to international development assistance. This is an important issue that speaks directly to Canada's role in the global community. First, let me emp…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, even though the summer is in the rear-view, I want to share how exciting it was. Ottawa Tourism reports that from June to August, our city saw a 5% increase in hotel demand and a 7% jump in visitor spending compared to last year. July and August broke records. That is hundreds of thousands of people choosing to visit Ottawa. What brought them here? It was world-class events like Blues…
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