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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 162

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 16, 2023 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 162 - Feb/16/23
Hon. David McGuinty
Mr. Speaker, where can I begin? How many are there? How can one count the number of contributions? I do recall the coming together of the Lebanese-Canadian community here in Ottawa just recently, after the terrible explosions in Beirut. I remember it coming together, with incredible generosity, to match federal government offerings in funding for support right across, not just the greater Ottawa area, but right across the country. In fact, to be forthcoming about it, we were surprised, as a government. I think we began with a $10-million contribution, which was then increased. I believe that it was matched so quickly by our Lebanese-Canadian neighbours right across the country that it spoke volumes to the generosity, passion and commitment of our Arab-Canadian community. I also think it speaks to that very special responsibility that I alluded to in my remarks, where Canada is a beacon. Everywhere I go, including this week at the United Nations, increasingly, countries are looking to Canada for leadership on how to do it. When we reach out to support a cause like that, I think it is illustrative of a coming together that is worthy of emulation.
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Context: House Hansard - 162 - Feb/16/23
Ms. Lindsay Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP)
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for the introduction of this PMB. I know it will mean a lot for members in my community in London—Fanshawe. He spoke about that coming together after the explosion in Beirut, and I really appreciate that. That hit my community so incredibly hard. They have been asking what we can do now, what more we can do and how we can ensure that consistent building back for Lebanon, which is complicated but necessary, as the jewel of the Middle East, is brought forward. What can Canada do?
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Context: House Hansard - 162 - Feb/16/23
Hon. David McGuinty
Mr. Speaker, it is hard for me to comment on the geopolitics of the region now, except to say that we know that the French government is taking the leadership in rebuilding much of Beirut. Canada has been there since the beginning, but I think, as legislators here on Canadian soil, one of our responsibilities is to ensure that the diverse and inclusive communities each of us represent stick together. I think it is a truism, as my mother would say to each and every one of us here, if we stick together and pull together, we will go so much further. The little engine that could that is Canada is, in fact, leading the way, in so many ways, globally as a demonstration project, as I said earlier. That is, I think, very much worth imitating.
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