SoVote

Ms. Rachel Bendayan (Outremont, Lib.)

May/2/22 2:04:34 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I want to wish Eid Mubarak to the entire Muslim community back home in my neighbourhood in Montreal and across the country. As we mark the end of the sacred month of Ramadan, I am thinking of our Moroccan community, and in particular its patriarch, Abdelghani Dades. My friend, Mr. Dades, is the driving force of the Moroccan-Canadian community. He and I share the mission of bringing the Jewish and Muslim communities together, both here and around the world. Mr. Dades is most certainly wondering why I am paying tribute to him today. This year, we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Morocco. I would like him to hear his name in the House of Commons, and I would like him to know how much our government appreciates everything he has done and will continue to do to ensure this friendship lasts forever.

151 words

All Topics

Mr. Stephen Ellis (Cumberland—Colchester, CPC)

May/2/22 2:05:48 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, “If you build it, [they] will come.” I am certain that many, if not all, Parliamentarians recognize this quote from Field of Dreams. For almost 75 years, Amherst, Nova Scotia, has been the home of many incredible baseball players and volunteers, which has allowed this community to enjoy many championships and banners. Given its residents' incredible community spirit and desire to move to evening programming, the enrolment for little league baseball has soared. The community needed another T-ball field. The Amherst Little League Baseball association applied to the Jays Care Foundation's Field of Dreams program, and this year they are the recipients of a much-needed grant of $70,000. This is, of course, a testimony to the strength of their volunteers and players, and to the history of baseball in the community over the past 75 years. I send my congratulations to the Amherst Little League Baseball association and to the many young people who will benefit from their involvement in little league baseball over the many seasons to come. Let us play ball.

181 words

Mr. Chandra Arya (Nepean, Lib.)

May/2/22 2:06:55 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, to all my Muslim brothers and sisters, Eid Mubarak. I would like to congratulate Senator Salma Ataullahjan on her being honoured by the president of Pakistan with one of the highest civilian honours, the Sitara-e-Pakistan, in recognition of her humanitarian work. She is the chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights and is working hard to help Afghan families desperately trying to come to Canada. I would also like to recognize Dr. Anis Ur Rahman, Sadaf Ebrahim, Dr. Syed Aziz and Syed Kashif Alamdar of the Canada Pakistan Association. I also appreciate Faheem Affan, Iftkhar Mirza, Mashooda-Lubna Syed, Mobeen Khaja, Moinuddin Siddiqui, Muhammad Zulfiqar Bangash, Qamar Masood, Tawahar Rana and Uzma Khan. All these community leaders are working hard for the Pakistani-Canadian community and beyond in Ottawa. I would also like to recognize the important contributions the Pakistani community has made to the socio-economic development of Canada.

156 words

Mr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.)

May/2/22 2:08:05 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, the Canada summer jobs program provides youths with great opportunities to develop their skills and gain valuable experience. This year, the CSJ program has over 140,000 federally funded summer jobs across Canada. In Brampton East, there will be more than 400 summer jobs available with organizations such as the City of Brampton, TRCA, Wet ’n’ Wild Toronto water park and many other organizations. During the early days of COVID-19, youth were hard hit by pandemic related job losses, and our government has stepped up with more support through increased investments across our youth programs, which will provide young Canadians with additional opportunities. Youth will be able to build upon their confidence and leadership skills and gain from positive work experiences through the CSJ program. Our government understands young people are the future of tomorrow. If someone is between the ages of 15 and 30, they can check out the Government of Canada job website. There are thousands of amazing opportunities for young Canadians now posted at www.jobbank.gc.ca/youth.

177 words

Ms. Michelle Ferreri (Peterborough—Kawartha, CPC)

May/2/22 2:09:08 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, can members imagine a place where everyone is included, regardless of gender, religion, political or socio-economic status. Can they imagine a place where children learn the value of teamwork and hopefully learn that tough losses are often the best lessons. Can they imagine a place where communities are strengthened, relationships are built, fundraisers happen and important stories are shared. If members have not guessed yet, this place does exist. It is called a community centre. I grew up in Douro, Ontario, home to one of the best community centres in this country. It was recently named as one of the four finalists for Kraft Hockeyville, where $250,000 is up for grabs. Douro Minor Hockey is hoping to use the money to meet the needs of its growing and diverse community. This is how inclusion and empathy start, at the grassroots level, with a community centre saying it invites and includes everyone. I am very proud of my progressive community of Douro-Dummer. Voting happens on only one day, May 6, so I encourage everyone to log on to krafthockeyville.ca and vote as many times as they can.

192 words

Hon. Kirsty Duncan (Etobicoke North, Lib.)

May/2/22 2:10:19 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, [Member spoke in Scottish Gaelic and provided the following translation:] May is Gaelic Awareness Month in Nova Scotia. This is a good time to celebrate Gaelic language and culture. Since the 18th century, thousands of Gaels from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland came to North America. The early settlers did not come with much, but they built many communities in Canada. When I was young, I heard Gaelic in Cape Breton, Glengarry and at the Gaelic Society of Toronto. Children learned Gaelic from their parents. They learned stories, songs, piping and Highland dancing. Today, Canadians are learning Gaelic in Nova Scotia, Toronto and across Canada, joining a million learners from around the world. Up with the Gaelic. [English]

121 words

Mrs. Anna Roberts (King—Vaughan, CPC)

May/2/22 2:11:25 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge and recognize my constituent Angela, who lives in my riding. Angela's son Luka was diagnosed with autism at the age of four. The mental health stress on Angela's family, as well as on many other families across our country, is compounded by many challenges. They are navigating the many disconnected services and long wait-lists for much-needed care for their children, as well as very expensive therapy treatments. This is taking a toll on Canadian families. Parents of children with special needs often have to work a second job in order to pay for the services and care their children require. Families in Canada are struggling and, with the increased inflationary pressures, the federal government needs to acknowledge the challenges they face. It is our responsibility to assist Canadians who are struggling to balance family obligations with personal mental health difficulties.

151 words

Mr. Larry Brock (Brantford—Brant, CPC)

May/2/22 2:12:39 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to mourn the tragic loss of Grace McSweeney, a 12-year-old girl from my riding who passed away last month by suicide after a long battle with depression. While her mother, Lauren, and her stepfather, Jeremy, were well aware of her struggles, yet they felt helpless. Her age and the price tag for services were persistent barriers when it came to accessing professional help. They have also raised concern over the devastating effects over-the-counter medication can have. They are now fighting for stronger label warnings and child-proof caps on all acetaminophen products. I commend Grace’s parents for channelling their grief into advocacy, and I am honoured to bring their voices to the House today. As today marks the first day of Mental Health Week, I encourage all members of the House to do more in providing mental health resources to kids who are struggling. We must work together to prevent tragedies such as the passing of Grace. May she rest in peace.

173 words

Mrs. Sherry Romanado (Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, Lib.)

May/2/22 2:13:53 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, as the mother of two serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, I stand today heartbroken at the news of last Friday’s tragic deaths of four officer cadets at the Royal Military College in Kingston. This senseless accident has shaken our community to the core with the deaths of Officer Cadet Jack Hogarth, Officer Cadet Andrei Honciu, Officer Cadet Broden Murphy and Officer Cadet Andrés Salek. These fourth-year Royal Military College cadets were going to graduate in just three weeks and then start their official military careers. They served their country with dignity and pride. I invite their classmates to continue their legacies. I would like the families of officer cadets Hogarth, Honciu, Murphy and Salek to know that their military family and all Canadians mourn the loss of their sons. I ask my fellow members of Parliament to join me in honouring their service to Canada.

154 words

Ms. Lisa Marie Barron (Nanaimo—Ladysmith, NDP)

May/2/22 2:15:31 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, today Canadians mark the start of national Mental Health Week. In recognition of this important week, the Canadian Mental Health Association acknowledges the importance of empathy, saying, “It’s the capacity we share as human beings to step into each other’s shoes. To understand where they’re coming from and what they’re feeling. To listen hard and refuse to judge.” I could not agree more. Through these challenging times, we need to walk together with empathy and kindness. Today and every day, we need to recommit to destigmatizing mental illness and to do all that is required to make sure mental health supports are accessible to all so that no one is left to suffer in silence. New Democrats will continue to fight for barrier-free, culturally appropriate and accessible mental health supports. To the countless heroes who have been working tirelessly across the country and in my riding of Nanaimo—Ladysmith to provide mental health supports at a time when we need it most, I thank them.

179 words

Mr. Martin Champoux (Drummond, BQ)

May/2/22 2:16:36 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, last Thursday, our great lady of Quebec song, Ginette Reno, was named a Knight of the Legion of Honour, the highest national honour of the Republic of France. This singer, with a distinctive voice that is both tender and powerful, can sing that she is qu'une chanson, only a song, but everyone in Quebec knows that she is much more than that. She knew how to take her craft Un peu plus haut, un peu plus loin, a little higher, a little further, by showing that L'essentiel, the main thing, is Quand on se donne, when you give yourself, completely. To give you an idea of the depth of her talent, when Ginette sings O Canada before a Canadien's game, she even gives separatists goosebumps. A warm and authentic person known for both her engaging personality and her talent, she is an incomparable ambassador for Quebec and a living treasure of French culture. We salute this touching initiative by our French cousins who also offered her Des croissants de soleil pour déjeuner, croissants made of sunshine for breakfast. Thank you to France, and congratulations to Ginette.

194 words

Mr. Alex Ruff (Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, CPC)

May/2/22 2:17:51 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, early Friday morning, four cadets at the Royal Military College died in a tragic accident when the vehicle they were in entered the water off Point Frederick. Fourth-year officer cadets Jack Hogarth, Andrei Honciu, Broden Murphy and Andrés Salek all voluntarily joined the Canadian Armed Forces understanding that they may be required to make the ultimate sacrifice in service to Canada. Losing a member of the Canadian Armed Forces is never easy to accept for family and friends, but losing someone in an accident just a few short weeks before graduation is that much harder. I do not know the personal details of all the families, although Officer Cadet Broden Murphy was the son of a fellow class of 1997 classmate of mine, Major Dave Murphy, and his wife, Stephanie. I cannot imagine the pain and loss they and all the families are currently feeling. On behalf of all members of the House, I offer Dave, Stephanie, and all the families and friends of Jack, Andrei, Broden and Andrés, my deepest condolences and sympathy. I ask all members and all Canadians to keep them all in their thoughts and prayers. “Truth. Duty. Valour.” Lest we forget.

206 words

Ms. Jean Yip (Scarborough—Agincourt, Lib.)

May/2/22 2:19:16 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 20th anniversary of Asian Heritage Month in Canada. It is a time to recognize the achievements and contributions of Asian Canadians. This weekend, I attended an event honouring Dr. Vivian Poy, the first Canadian of Asian descent appointed to the Senate. Dr. Poy's story is one of passion, creativity and achievement, and it was she who originally moved to designate May as Asian Heritage Month. This year's theme, continuing the legacy of greatness, reminds us of the generations of Asian Canadians who helped build this country in the face of adversity and discrimination. Anti-Asian racism has seen a sharp rise recently. To help combat it, I encourage Canadians from coast to coast to coast to learn about multi-Asian diversity, which includes Canadians who trace their roots to over 40 countries; challenge stereotypes; call out acts of racism and unconscious bias; and support local Asian businesses and organizations.

157 words

Mr. Luc Berthold (Mégantic—L'Érable, CPC)

May/2/22 2:20:29 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government bought itself a majority to protect its leader until 2025. The NDP sold its soul to ensure the Liberal government's survival. Today, the NDP is preparing to compromise its very principles by officially renouncing its opposition role. There is still time for the members of the NDP to save a little of their dignity by saying no to the Liberal whip and voting against Motion No. 11. Will the Liberal whip at least let the NDP members vote freely?

86 words

Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Lib.)

May/2/22 2:21:04 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, Motion No. 11 is all about extending the hours to enable members of Parliament to debate more. That is an open invitation for all members, whether New Democrat, Conservative, members of the Bloc or even of the government. It provides each member an opportunity to speak past 6:30 in the evening. Millions of other Canadians work past 6:30 p.m., too.

65 words

Mr. Luc Berthold (Mégantic—L'Érable, CPC)

May/2/22 2:21:37 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister was the first federal leader in office to be found guilty of breaking the law. The Prime Minister fired his justice minister, Jody Wilson-Raybould, because she did not follow his instructions with respect to SNC-Lavalin. He bought off NDP members so that he would not have to answer for his actions in the Winnipeg lab scandal. RCMP documents now show that he just narrowly avoided being accused of fraud in the matter of the illegal gift worth $215,000. Who in this government will stand up and say that enough is enough?

99 words

All Topics

Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Lib.)

May/2/22 2:22:17 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, nothing has changed in the past six years. We have seen the Conservative Party, the official opposition, make personal attacks against the Prime Minister or other ministers. While the Conservative Party remains focused on personal attacks, I can assure the House that the ministries of this government will continue to work day in and day out for the betterment of all Canadians.

64 words

All Topics

Mr. Luc Berthold (Mégantic—L'Érable, CPC)

May/2/22 2:22:44 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, that is a pathetic excuse that does not hold water. This is a specific situation where the Prime Minister has admitted that neither he nor anyone else authorized him to accept an illegal gift. Time does not erase the horrors of the past. We only have to ask the victims of crime who wait years to report their attacker. Is this MP leader actually telling victims to keep quiet and not report these crimes? Why does the Minister of Justice not initiate an investigation into the matter currently involving the Prime Minister and ask the RCMP to reopen its investigation?

103 words

All Topics

Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Lib.)

May/2/22 2:23:25 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I think it is important that the government remains focused on the job at hand. As the Conservatives want to continue to have personal attacks against different ministers of the government, as I said, we will continue to remain focused on the economy and on making life better for all Canadians.

53 words

All Topics

Mr. James Bezan (Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, CPC)

May/2/22 2:23:50 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, the parliamentary secretary can sit here and be part of a government cover-up. That is why, this morning, I again wrote to the RCMP commissioner regarding the RCMP's criminal brief on the investigation into the Prime Minister's $215,000 private island vacation. The criminal brief says that the RCMP deferred to the Ethics Commissioner's interpretation that the Prime Minister's actions were not criminal in nature. However, we now know, from the news, that former commissioner Mary Dawson was unfamiliar with the Criminal Code offence of fraud against the government. She had no interpretation to give. Has the Prime Minister spoken to the RCMP in the past week about his criminal behaviour?

118 words

All Topics

SoVote

House Hansard - 62