SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

Hon. Rechie Valdez

  • Member of Parliament
  • Liberal
  • Mississauga—Streetsville
  • Ontario
  • Voting Attendance: 63%
  • Expenses Last Quarter: $175,403.28

  • Government Page
  • Jun/1/23 2:09:33 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the month of June marks Filipino Heritage Month, and on June 12, Filipinos from around the world will celebrate Philippines Independence Day. From coast to coast to coast, there will be flag-raising ceremonies, cultural events and festivals. Filipino Canadians have made tremendous contributions to this great country. It is an honour to stand here on behalf of nearly one million Filipino Canadians to mark this momentous occasion. I want to thank my friend and colleague, the member for Scarborough Centre, for advocating for Motion No. 155 to designate June as Filipino Heritage Month in Canada. This would not be made possible without her support, and the support of all the members of this House. This month, I encourage everyone to learn more about our rich Filipino heritage, culture, traditions and food. I want to send a special mention to the Filipino interns who travelled from across the country to work here on Parliament Hill. I wish all Filipino Canadians a happy Filipino Heritage Month. [Member spoke in Filipino and provided the following translation:] Happy Filipino Heritage Month. [English]
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  • Mar/21/23 2:02:20 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today marks World Down Syndrome Day. The 21st day of the third month was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome that causes Down Syndrome. Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always existed and is universal across all racial, gender and socio-economic lines. One in every 781 babies born in Canada has Down syndrome. I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible individuals with Down syndrome who make important contributions to our communities every day. Unfortunately, these individuals often face discrimination and are denied opportunities to fully participate in society. This year's theme is “with us not for us”. As we celebrate this day, let us commit to creating a more inclusive society that values diversity and supports those with Down syndrome and their families. Together, we can create a world where everyone can live fulfilling lives.
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  • Jan/31/23 2:06:52 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I rise today as we say goodbye to Hazel McCallion. She was an icon who served as a mentor and friend to many of us. A trailblazer in every sense of the word, a gifted hockey player, a dedicated councillor, reeve and a mayor for a remarkable 36 years. Hazel's unwavering commitment to her community, her tireless efforts and strong political style earned her the name “Hurricane Hazel”. She has inspired women like me to pursue politics and has left a lasting impact for generations. Last summer, we celebrated the 50th edition of the Bread & Honey Festival in Streetsville. We are all lucky to have been able to celebrate one last time with her for this memorable event. I, along with colleagues, send our deepest condolences to the McCallion family and all the lives Hazel touched. Her passing is a loss to all of us, and we are grateful for the time we shared with her. May she rest in peace.
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moved for leave to introduce Bill C-306, An Act to establish National Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. She said: Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that women entrepreneurs in every industry face systemic barriers when trying to start and grow their businesses. Supporting them is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do. Our government recognizes that fact and continues to look for ways to stand by these innovative leaders as they break down barriers. I rise in the House today to introduce the bill entitled “an act to establish national women's entrepreneurship day”. As a former small business entrepreneur, I know it is important that we mark November 19 of each year as national women's entrepreneurship day. This day is already celebrated in more than 140 countries and it is recognized by the United Nations. I ask the members of the House to consider November 19 as national women's entrepreneurship day. Women are intelligent, creative and ambitious, and they already know how to achieve success. We will be there for them, and we will assist them as they need. We will work toward solving the problems of today to build a brighter tomorrow.
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  • Oct/25/22 2:06:07 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, October 24 is an important day of celebration for the Sikh, Hindu, Jain and Buddhist communities across Canada and all around the world. These communities will gather with friends and family to celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. The core values of Diwali celebrate that spiritual victory, knowledge, light and good will triumph over ignorance, evil and darkness. Throughout this month, I had the honour of celebrating Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas with a multitude of groups and constituents in my riding. These celebrations remind us that diversity is our strength and they recognize the significant contributions that the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain faiths make in Canada. I would like to wish everyone who is celebrating, a happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.
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  • Oct/19/22 2:23:16 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to highlight that October is Women’s History Month in Canada, and this year marks its 30th anniversary. This is an opportunity to celebrate the women, past and present, whose achievements help make Canada a more inclusive and caring country. October 18, 1929, marked an incredibly momentous day in our history when the highest court of appeals granted women in Canada legal rights as a person. This historic decision, now known as the persons case, paved the way for women to become active in public and political life in Canada. Today we honour the Famous Five, Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby and Henrietta Muir Edwards, who helped pave the way for gender equality, and those who worked to expand and strengthen these rights for generations to come. I wish everyone a happy Women's History Month.
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  • Jun/22/22 2:09:45 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the month of June marks Pride Month. Canadians across the country are celebrating and recognizing the invaluable contributions of the LGBTQIA2S+ community in areas such as health, politics, academia, sports, our military, and many other fields. We celebrate Pride to embrace LGBTQIA2S+ people and acknowledge the decades-long struggles and sacrifices made to gain the equality they rightfully deserve. While we have made progress over the years, we know that we must continue building a more tolerant and peaceful society, so let us stand shoulder to shoulder with LGBTQIA2S+ Canadians as friends and allies, including people living with disabilities and indigenous, Black and racialized members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. On behalf of my constituents in Mississauga—Streetsville, I wish all Canadians a happy Pride Month, and we all know that love is love. I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer break.
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