Emergencies Act  Madam Speaker, Ottawa police have expressed concerns around the significant amount of foreign funding supporting this occupation. This is foreign funding that is being funnelled into Canada, often anonymously, supporting a movement that clearly states the goal of overturning government.

Emergencies Act  Madam Speaker, I have said it before and I will reiterate it again: It should have never come down to this. The occupiers that have held downtown Ottawa hostage for weeks made it clear that this was their intention from the onset, yet the government did nothing. The member opposite may agree that, instead of showing clear and strong leadership on a path forward, the Prime Minister was missing in action.

Emergencies Act  Madam Speaker, as I helped my neighbour recently, pleading with the occupiers who have held residents in Ottawa hostage, back into her home, she said to me that nothing she does matters. Nobody cares and nobody is helping. Unfortunately, I could not say anything to ease her concerns.

Emergencies Act  Mr. Speaker, as I was listening to the member's intervention today, I was reflecting on a joint statement from Canada's unions on the Ottawa occupation from February 9, 2022. It states: Canada’s unions have fought for generations for the right to protest. This is a cornerstone of our democratic system.

Old Age Security Act  Madam Speaker, I am happy to hear about Larry specifically. I have many constituents in my riding of Nanaimo—Ladysmith with very similar stories to Larry's, so I am always happy to hear about what is happening in other ridings and to know, unfortunately, this story is not alone.

Old Age Security Act  Mr. Speaker, I am happy that we are debating this bill this evening. It is a great step in the right direction. However, this bill alone will not resolve the inequality and poverty that seniors are experiencing. We know that right here in Canada one-third of women over the age of 65 who are single are living in poverty.

Fisheries and Oceans  Madam Speaker, last year B.C. commercial, recreational and indigenous fishers caught fewer fish in order to protect our salmon populations. They made big sacrifices that impacted their livelihoods to contribute to conservation efforts. However, a recent report confirmed that Alaskan commercial fishers caught an estimated 800,000 sockeye salmon bound for B.C.

Indigenous Affairs  Madam Speaker, I appreciate the member opposite's response, but the actions of the government over the last six years speak loudly. It is clear we are not getting the results we need. The climate crisis is growing worse as the government continues to miss its targets. On this side of the House, NDP members have put forward bold legislation to ensure Canada is supporting indigenous communities with meaningful investments while standing up to the climate crisis.

Indigenous Affairs  Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to rise again this evening to discuss the devastating flooding we saw this fall in British Columbia. I know there is a lot of work still to be done to repair infrastructure and to rebuild from this extreme flooding situation. For many people across the country, last year's forest fires and flooding were a wake-up call that we are living with the consequences of the climate crisis.

Business of Supply  Madam Speaker, I have risen before in this chamber to speak to the state of health care in my riding of Nanaimo—Ladysmith because of how important it is. People are struggling. Nurses are burning out. Doctors' caseloads are overflowing. We need more funding to go to our provinces and territories.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, Canadians deserve honest answers and responsible leadership from their elected officials. I have spoken with constituents in my riding of Nanaimo—Ladysmith who have told me they want clear, consistent and transparent communication from leadership. This is an area that I think we can all agree on.

The Opioid Crisis in Canada  Madam Chair, I listened to the member's speech, and I agree that real stories are important and that we should always bring it back to the people. What we know is that in the last six years, 25,000 lives have been lost, unfortunately. However, for years, the Conservatives have been trying to discredit clear and overwhelming evidence that supervised injection sites save lives.

The Opioid Crisis in Canada  Mr. Speaker, I first want to express my deepest condolences for the loss of the member's father. I was reflecting while he was sharing his story that it is clear that the opioid crisis does not discriminate. I have seen too many loved ones lost as a result of the opioid crisis and, in my work in addictions prior to becoming an MP, I saw it time and time again.

Seniors  Mr. Speaker, Pat, a senior in Nanaimo—Ladysmith, is one of many seniors being punished for rightfully accessing CERB. As a result of GIS clawbacks, she is now left with a budget of only $70 a week for groceries. Since the clawbacks, she has barely been able to keep food in her fridge.

COVID-19 Protests  Mr. Speaker, listening to my colleague, I cannot help but think of a quote by Desmond Tutu. He said, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” Can the member explain how he can stand by silently, ignoring citizens who are being harassed and assaulted in their communities?