‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas Foundation  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the champions who run ‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas Foundation. Fifteen years ago, leaders in Mississauga came together to make a real difference in fighting hunger, feeding hope and empowering people. ‘Twas the Bite runs multiple events throughout the year, including the annual holiday turkey drive, which provides truckloads of frozen turkeys to local food banks.

Public Services and Procurement  Madam Speaker, as previously indicated in the House, we take these allegations seriously. As the member is aware, a matter is under investigation by the RCMP, and we have full confidence in our national law enforcement agency. Let us be clear that the RCMP commissioner stated on October 23 of this year that “contrary to public reporting, the RCMP is not investigating the ArriveCAN matter.

Public Services and Procurement  Madam Speaker, the government takes these allegations seriously. We will act on any investigation and audit findings to ensure that controls, oversight—

Public Services and Procurement  Madam Speaker, as I said, we will act on all the findings and ensure that controls, oversight and stewardship over contracting are strengthened. The CBSA and the RCMP are investigating certain allegations, and they will act appropriately on those findings. Ahead of that, the CBSA had already launched its own internal audit of contracting, and it has increased its oversight on the granting of contracts.

Questions on the Order Paper  Mr. Speaker, with regard to part (a), Canada Post has a mandate to serve all Canadians and takes matters relating to privacy very seriously. It works closely with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, OPC, whenever there is a complaint. Discussions are ongoing between the minister responsible for Canada Post and the president and CEO of Canada Post Corporation, CPC, regarding the Smartmail marketing program for neighbourhood mail, which was highlighted in the OPC report.

Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services. Polycultural started as a group of dedicated volunteers providing boots on the ground to support newly arrived refugees from Poland. It has grown into a multicultural, multi-faceted organization with seven locations across the GTA, helping community members from all walks of life, including newcomers, youth, seniors and victims of violence.

Budget Implementation Act, 2023, No. 1  Mr. Speaker, I would like to vote.

Budget Implementation Act, 2023, No. 1  Mr. Speaker, I vote nay.

The Economy  Mr. Speaker, as Canada continues to recover from the pandemic, it is important to make sure that no one is left behind. That is why our government has introduced programs such as the Canada child benefit, $10-a-day child care, the Canada dental benefit and the grocery rebate. With us today in Ottawa are a group of single moms and their daughters from my riding of Mississauga—Lakeshore.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, on World Environment Day, we recognize our shared responsibility to protect our planet and to fight climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, now and in the future. This year, the theme for World Environment Day is “Solutions to Plastic Pollution”. This is an opportunity to highlight the initiatives taken by Canada, such as the banning of certain harmful single-use plastics to preserve the cleanliness of our shores.

Public Safety  Mr. Speaker, Canadians across the country deserve to feel safe from gun violence and crime. In my riding of Mississauga—Lakeshore, I have heard from constituents who do worry about the safety of their loved ones. They worry about gang violence, carjacking and organized crime. Can the minister please update this House on the action this government is taking to make our neighbourhood safer for everyone?

Portuguese Canadians  Mr. Speaker, 70 years ago, a group of 85 young men set sail to Canada from Portugal to start a new life. May 13 marks the anniversary of the first official labour migration of Portuguese arriving at Pier 21 aboard Saturnia in 1953. The community referred to them as pioneers. I would like to take this moment to recognize them and my father, Antonio Sousa, who made that inaugural journey in search of opportunity.

Pensions  Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Prime Minister. Months after an election where pensions were never mentioned, Stephen Harper, in 2012, shocked the world when he announced at the World Economic Forum—

Pensions  Mr. Speaker, that is right. Stephen Harper shocked the world at the World Economic Forum, saying that major transformations were coming to seniors pensions. This meant raising the age of retirement from 65 to 67 and forcing vulnerable Canadians to work longer before having access to their hard-earned pensions.

Bento De Sao Jose  Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to salute a hard-working and inspirational Portuguese Canadian, Senhor Bento De Sao Jose, who passed away on March 1, 2023. Senhor Bento was a pioneer who opened doors for many immigrants in the early 1960s. He will be remembered for his courageous spirit that took him through a war in Africa before making Canada home.