Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to address the House today in response to the Speech from the Throne. I would like to begin by saluting my constituents in the riding of Hochelaga who have been through a tough couple of months during this unprecedented crisis. The people of Hochelaga have been—and continue to be—resilient, united and involved.

Further COVID-19 Measures Act  Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from the opposition for his comments today. A few weeks ago, the opposition had an opportunity to support legislation that would have helped people with disabilities who are struggling. My question is very straightforward. Is the official opposition going to support the government on this provision, which is very clear and seeks to support people with disabilities and increase the emergency wage subsidy?

Yvon Lamarre  Madam Speaker, on June 2, Quebec lost a visionary well known to Montrealers. Yvon Lamarre was elected in 1966 and served as the president of the City of Montreal's executive committee under mayor Jean Drapeau. Among his accomplishments are the Lachine Canal park, an initiative to build 20,000 housing units, universal accessibility for people with reduced mobility and Canada's first paratransit system.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship  Madam Speaker, like countries around the world, Canada has been seeing an increasing number of asylum seekers. With the investment in the budget in 2019, once again we are leading the way in building an immigration system that is compassionate and respectful of the rules of law.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I thank my opposition colleague for his question. I am proud to be part of a government that in 2015 presented a clear proposal to help a segment of voters who had just experienced 10 years of vulnerability as a result of the Conservative cuts. I have a brother who is severely handicapped.

Business of Supply  I thank my colleague for his question. In fact, it should be noted that in her mandate letter, the Minister of Health was asked to study the issue of dental care. I think that the Standing Committee on Health will also study the issue. Our government has certainly—

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I will pick up where I left off before question period. That is also why, as the first act in its new mandate, our government tabled a proposal to once again lower taxes for the middle class. All Canadians must be able to reap the benefits of our economic growth. This new tax cut targets the basic personal amount, as the government indicated this past December when it tabled a notice of ways and means motion.

Business of Supply  Madam Speaker, I want to begin by saying that I will be sharing my time with the hon. member for Kingston and the Islands. I am very pleased to rise to speak to the motion moved by the member for New Westminster—Burnaby. I am glad to see that he took note of the new tax cut that the government gave middle-class Canadians.

Citizenship Act  Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. As I just reiterated, we should remember that taking the oath is the last thing people do before becoming a Canadian citizen. This oath must reflect the Canadian values of social cohesion, openness and transparency in a Canada that is open, free, democratic and diverse.

Citizenship Act  Madam Speaker, I would like to start by acknowledging that we are gathered today on the traditional territory of the Algonquin nation. As my colleagues have pointed out, indigenous people have played a fundamental role in Canadian history and continue to do so today. A few years ago, we began a significant process of reconciliation with indigenous peoples, recognizing that Canada has failed in its duties towards those communities.

Parent Support Centre  Madam Speaker, I am proud to be part of a government that has been giving more money to families since 2006. Our government's monthly tax-free payments have lifted 300,000 Canadian children out of poverty. The Canada child benefit eases the financial pressure on families. In Hochelaga, the organization Entre mamans et papas is a place where parents can develop positive plans for life and where they can enrich the quality of the parent and child relationship.

Hooked on School Days  Mr. Speaker, we all know that education is a vital part of children's lives. Historically speaking, the school drop-out rate in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is one of the highest in Montreal. Approximately 33% of elementary school students have a disability or adjustment or learning difficulties, and two-thirds of elementary and secondary school students are immigrants.

Black History Month  Mr. Speaker, every February, Black History Month gives Canadians an opportunity to celebrate the heritage and contributions of the black community. Today, I would like to acknowledge some extraordinary black women who have helped create a diverse and inclusive Canadian society.

Community Food Bank  Mr. Speaker, as a young immigrant girl who was welcomed by this country, I am deeply moved and I feel a profound sense of responsibility as I rise in this House for the first time. I would like to begin by thanking the people of Hochelaga for their support and trust. As an MP, I know that we have set ambitious but achievable goals for ourselves, goals relating to transportation, social housing and food security.