Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I have not ignored and one cannot ignore what is going on outside, nor has our government. However, earlier a member asked for unanimous consent for a motion to end the blockades. The hon. members of the opposition did not agree. They said nay to that motion. We have been reaching out.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I am glad that we agree on a few things and that we are also listening to Canadians. We are hearing a variety of views. I agree that we have to have a plan. As I said, we have had a plan and we are following it. To tell Canadians that we have an exact timetable or plan for how to end all restrictions would require that we end COVID, and I do not know how to do that.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for this opportunity to address the opposition motion requesting that our government table a plan for COVID. Let me be clear. Throughout the pandemic, the Government of Canada has prioritized the health and safety of Canadians. We have followed a plan to do this, informed by science and data, and we will continue to follow this plan.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, we have been focusing on Saskatchewan, and the member has been mentioning that he wants Ottawa to be more involved and more supportive. I wonder if the member could comment on the success of the supercluster in Saskatchewan, the plant protein-based supercluster. I have a personal interest because I am a vegetarian, and one of my favourite snacks, chickpeas from Saskatchewan, comes from Three Farmers.

Petitions  Mr. Speaker, I am tabling petition e-3766 today. The petition has been signed by Canadians across the country, but primarily residents of York Region and the riding I represent: Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill. They are very concerned by the Province of Ontario's decision to move forward with the construction of the Bradford Bypass without adequate environmental consideration of proposed routes or possible alternatives.

Beverley Wood  Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to be in the House today to recognize the legacy of a long-time community builder in my riding of Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill: Beverley Wood. In 2006, Beverly founded Welcoming Arms, a program that provides warm meals and essential goods to low-income families.

The Environment  Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate you on your appointment. I am pleased to stand in the House today on behalf of all of my constituents. Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill and the greater York Region area is composed of delicate interconnected natural ecosystems. The provincial government is proposing to construct two highways in York Region.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, our government has been taking action. I have been working and speaking to staff at shelters and networks that have been helping women in our riding. I know that the money that has been put into these institutions to help these women to meet the challenges during the pandemic is much appreciated.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for that warm welcome. I do agree we need to reduce emissions. That is clear and I think we all understand there is a climate crisis. I think we can cap emissions on the oil and gas industry without capping production because we are moving toward means of production that are cleaner.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I am completely committed to lifting women up and I believe our government has been working very hard on that. I believe the very ambitious child care program will help address overall affordability. When we free up $1,500 to $2,000 for a household, it provides more money for other things.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to be standing in the House of Commons as the newly elected member of Parliament for Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, located on lands covered by Treaty 13 and the Williams Treaties. Over several centuries, it has been traversed by many first nations and is currently home to indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island.

House debate  Mr. Chair, I believe that the lens on gender equity is very important. The government will be making its appeals and presentations with that in mind. Our government is a feminist government committed to making sure there is gender equality, and I know this is very important to all ministers and all parties involved.

House debate  Mr. Chair, we all share my hon. colleague's concerns. Whether these jobs are defecting from our ridings or not, they are Canadian jobs and they are good Canadian jobs. We all agree this evening that we want to protect these workers and this industry, but this issue has been going on for decades, and the current round of irritants in this trade dispute has to do with American protectionism, quite frankly.

House debate  Mr. Chair, of course no one wants to see any of these industries fail or these businesses shut down. Our government has always fought for workers and industries in Canada. I know we will do whatever it takes to keep these industries open and working and to keep these workers employed.

House debate  Mr. Chair, I am thankful for the opportunity to speak about the actions that the government has been taking to support Canada's interests in the softwood lumber dispute with the United States. First, as this is the first time I have risen in this 44th Parliament and, in fact, ever, I would like to start by thanking the constituents of Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill for sending me here and for putting their trust in me.