Dental Care  Mr. Speaker, over 400,000 seniors aged 77 and over have successfully applied to the Canadian dental care plan since the government launched the plan in December. These numbers, which include seniors in my riding of Kitchener—Conestoga, demonstrate strong support for the plan. Conservatives voted against funding for the dental plan, despite one in four Canadians having reported they could not afford the cost of their dental care.

Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act  Madam Speaker, I request a recorded vote.

Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act  Madam Speaker, we are here today to discuss an issue that is important to me and to many Canadians, my private member's bill, Bill C-355, which seeks to ban the export of live horses for slaughter. I tabled this private member's bill in September and I continue hearing from and consulting with stakeholders and receiving calls and emails as recently as today.

Committees of the House  Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 14th report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, entitled “Supplementary Estimates (B), 2023-24: Votes 1b, 5b and 10b under Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food”.

Health  Mr. Speaker, too often people in the Waterloo region and across Canada lose loved ones to overdoses caused by the increasingly toxic illegal drug supply. People who are struggling need all levels of government to work together, and a comprehensive and evidence-based substance use policy.

Gender-Based Violence  Mr. Speaker, intimate partner violence is increasing in Canada. More than four in 10 women have experienced some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime, and it is estimated that up to 70% of domestic violence is not reported. We need to work together to end gender-based violence by fostering a culture of respect and equality.

Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act  Mr. Speaker, we needed to consider that. There are horses exported for breeding, for sporting events and for other reasons, not just live export for slaughter. What we have done is a reverse opt-in. In order to export the horses that people have, they will need to sign a form saying why they are doing this.

Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act  Mr. Speaker, it was my colleague's petition that sent so many of those letters to all of us as members of Parliament, strongly advocating. Their writing and their letters work. I want to thank my colleague for doing that. By thanking him, I am showing that I am willing to work across party lines.

Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act  Mr. Speaker, yes, we have heard from people. That bond that we have with horses is special. I think that many Canadians do not know about this practice. When they do hear about it, they ask why it cannot stop. That is what this private member's bill is doing. It would specifically stop the export of live horses for slaughter because we do have that relationship with our horses.

Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act  Mr. Speaker, people reached out to us. Canadians reached out to me. They wanted to ban this specific practice. I wanted to make sure that this legislation was very narrow in scope, to make sure that we had co-operation from all sides, from stakeholders. It was a very thoughtful and considered process with a narrow focus to specifically ban a process, the banning of the export of live horses.

Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act  moved that Bill C-355, An Act to prohibit the export by air of horses for slaughter and to make related amendments to certain Acts, be read the second time and referred to a committee. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to discuss an issue that is important to me and to many Canadians, private member's bill, Bill C-355, which seeks to ban the export of live horses for slaughter.

Maple Syrup Producers  Mr. Speaker, the maple syrup industry has deep roots in Kitchener—Conestoga. It is more than just a tradition; it is a symbol of our strong agricultural heritage. Maple syrup producers craft one of Canada's most iconic commodities. It is about not only the delicious sweetness that graces our pancakes and waffles but also protecting the environment and embracing sustainable practices.

Foreign Affairs  Mr. Speaker, one of the core responsibilities of any government is to keep Canadians safe, to represent their best interests on the global stage. While here at home we see the government acting on Canadians' priorities, on things like the affordable housing and grocery act, which we are debating today, there is also a need to work with global partners to act against existential threats like climate change, the weaponization of information and the threat to democracy by a growing authoritarianism.

Fall Fairs in Kitchener—Conestoga  Mr. Speaker, I want to start by wishing my wife, Brenda Louis, a very happy anniversary today. Brenda's support and belief in me is why I am here in the House today. It is fall fair season in Kitchener—Conestoga. Our community has welcomed back the Wellesley Township Fall Fair, the New Hamburg Fall Fair and the Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival.

Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act  moved for leave to introduce Bill C-355, An Act to prohibit the export by air of horses for slaughter and to make related amendments to certain Acts. Mr. Speaker, it is an honour and a privilege to rise today to table my first private member's bill, the prohibition of the export of horses by air for slaughter act.