SoVote

Mr. Stéphane Lauzon (Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, Lib.)

Jun/2/23 11:04:42 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the tireless work of the firefighters and all those working to protect the communities affected by wildfires. In Quebec, people in Chapais and Sept‑Îles are being evacuated as we speak. British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are also battling wildfires. Wildfires have a major impact on the daily lives of people and communities. We need to take the risks associated with climate change seriously. Our government is there, as always, to support all Canadians who are affected and to help them prepare for future threats.

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Context: House Hansard - 205 - Jun/2/23

Mr. Andy Fillmore (Halifax, Lib.)

Jun/2/23 11:17:34 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, the devastation wrought by wildfires surrounding the Halifax area is absolutely heartbreaking, and the Nova Scotians who have had to flee their homes are still reeling. However, despite the toll this latest tragedy is having on our province, we continue to be there for one another. We thank the professional and volunteer firefighters who have battled blazes for days on end. So much has been lost, but so much more, including lives, has been saved because of their courage. We also thank the emergency responders, including the Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian Armed Forces; those working in comfort centres; mental health counsellors; those in the charitable sector, who have once again stepped forward to help; and the many local businesses that have done their part. It is neighbours helping neighbours. My message to Nova Scotians who are hurting is this: For as long as it takes, the federal government will be there to support them and help them. After all, that is the Nova Scotian way. We are there for one another through the hard time and through the rebuilding, the way it has always been.

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Context: House Hansard - 205 - Jun/2/23

Mr. Stéphane Lauzon (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development, Lib.)

Jun/2/23 11:26:26 a.m.
Watch

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for her speech. We are co-operating fully with the Province of Quebec. Our hearts go out to the people of Sept-Îles and other communities affected by forest fires. We had an update from officials just this morning. Over the past few days, more than 100 wildfires have broken out in Quebec, 20 of which are out of control. We are on the lookout and are still waiting for an official request from the province to help. We know that the Province of Quebec has a very good response team that can come to the aid of Quebeckers.

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Context: House Hansard - 205 - Jun/2/23

Mr. Richard Cannings (South Okanagan—West Kootenay, NDP)

Jun/2/23 11:49:12 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, natural disasters, including wildfires and floods, fuelled by climate change are making it difficult to get home insurance. Canadians cannot buy a home when there is an active wildfire within 50 kilometres and that covers most of the summer in B.C., and 10% of Canadians cannot get flood insurance. Canada is the only major country where the government does not have a backstop for earthquake insurance. Canadians cannot afford to wait while their homes and businesses are destroyed. Will the Liberals act to make sure Canadians have the insurance protection they need?

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Context: House Hansard - 205 - Jun/2/23

Mr. Stéphane Lauzon (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development, Lib.)

Jun/2/23 12:12:10 p.m.
Watch

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for her question. All of the currently active wildfires are making it abundantly clear how important it is to tackle climate change. Our government is very closely monitoring fires that are worsening during this wildfire season to the point of overwhelming local capacity. Our government is standing by to offer federal assistance. We encourage Canadians to follow the advice and warnings issued by local authorities. The government will always be there to help the provinces and territories.

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