Alice Wong

[Richmond Centre Community, April 13th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, COVID-19 has caused an unspeakable amount of suffering and I offer my sympathies to those who have been affected. We tend to dwell on the negatives, but instead let us reflect on the positives.

My home city of Richmond has consistently posted the lowest per capita COVID case numbers in Metro Vancouver. However, the numbers do not tell the whole story. The story is truly about the vast majority of Richmondites taking responsibility for their health and keeping safe while continuing to function during this terrible pandemic.

Anxiety in these times is high, but we are resilient, adaptive and considerate of others. This speaks to our community as we weather the COVID storm. Just like all storms, this one will pass and Richmond will lead the way.

[Points of Order, March 8th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, no, I could not.

[Points of Order, March 8th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, all of us, probably including those in the public, heard someone on the government side swearing. He forgot to mute himself. That is not parliamentary, whether someone is in the House or in public, and I want to draw the Speaker's attention to it. The member should apologize.

[Health, March 8th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, today is International Women's Day, the day we should be celebrating the achievements of women across Canada. Instead, we read headlines about women being the victims of sexual assault in government-mandated quarantine facilities. When will the government reverse its practice of turning a blind eye to sexual assault? When will it take steps to protect our vulnerable women in government-sanctioned quarantine facilities?

[Lunar New Year, February 5th, 2021]

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to send best wishes this lunar new year to all Canadians, especially to Canadians of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese descent.

Lunar new year honours the history and ancient customs of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. This year is the Year of the Ox. The ox traditionally symbolizes prosperity through hard work. With economic uncertainty, all of us need to work tirelessly to bring stability to the economy, maintain jobs and care for the most vulnerable.

Lunar new year celebrations are important community events, not only in Richmond and the Lower Mainland but all over the nation as well.

From my family to yours, happy lunar new year.

Gung hay fat choy. Xin nian kwai le.

[Health, January 28th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, an outbreak of COVID-19 decimated Minoru Residence in my riding, infecting 74 and claiming the lives of 11.

As a result of the government’s failure, seniors in long-term care facilities now need to wait even longer for the vaccines they needed months ago. What steps will the federal government take to immediately stop treating Canada's vulnerable seniors as an afterthought and get vaccines into arms?

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, January 25th, 2021]

With regard to the decision of Transport Canada not to allow passengers to remain in their vehicles on certain decks of BC Ferries throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: (a) did Transport Canada conduct any analysis relating to exempting passengers from this restriction throughout the pandemic in order to prevent possible exposure to COVID-19, and, if so, what were the findings of the analysis; (b) why did Transport Canada require those passengers to venture out of their vehicles into the communal areas of BC Ferries; (c) did Transport Canada consult Health Canada or the Public Health Agency of Canada prior to enforcing this restriction during the pandemic, and, if not, why; (d) why did Transport Canada refuse to exempt high risk and elderly travelers from this requirement, thus causing such individuals to be unnecessarily exposed to others; (e) what are the details of any communication received by either Health Canada or the Public Health Agency of Canada regarding this decision from Transport Canada, including the (i) date, (ii) sender, (iii) recipient, (iv) title, (v) subject matter, (vi) summary of contents; and (f) what was the response of Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada to any communication received in (e)?

[Questions on the Order Paper, January 25th, 2021]

With regard to the government’s response to the request or pending request from the mayor of Vancouver to decriminalize a number of illegal drugs, including cocaine, fentanyl and crystal meth, within the city: (a) will the government allow cocaine, fentanyl and crystal meth to be decriminalized within the city; and (b) does the Prime Minister still hold the position that “[w]e’re not looking at full decriminalization at all”, which he stated in an interview with Global News that aired on September 24, 2019?

[Tzu Chi Foundation Canada, December 1st, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, on November 27, I witnessed the delivery of 450 high-quality winter jackets by the Tzu Chi Foundation Canada, CEO David Tang, to the Aboriginal Mother Centre Society, AMCS, in East Vancouver. To Maura Gowans, the executive director of AMCS, this donation was timely. The society has been moving mothers and children at risk off the streets and providing them with all the support they need under one roof.

Through my connection, Charles Tam, a garment factory owner, donated a total of 182 boxes of clothes for Tzu Chi to reach different nations. Besides AMCS, brand-new winder jackets were also delivered to the native AIDS health center in Vancouver, Líl'wat Nation in Mount Currie, Sumas First Nation in Abbotsford and Seabird Island Band in Agassiz. Tzu Chi has been serving these nations well in different capacities.

A big “Thank you“ to all.

[Business of Supply, November 17th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, the member is definitely right. It took the government two years even to come up with an answer to look at this very challenging issue. Some of my technical friends told me that by the time the government makes a decision it will no longer be 5G. It could be 6G technology, or even higher.

Canada will fall behind if the government does not make up its mind and do something really concrete to help our providers move on for a better future and for our future generations.