International Volunteer Day  Mr. Speaker, on December 5, we will mark International Volunteer Day, and I would like to commend volunteers from Alfred-Pellan ahead of time. There are a great many of them, but to name just a few, we have the volunteers from Cité de la Santé, the Centre d'écoute de Laval and Jeunes Youth Laval.

COVID-19 Emergency Response  Mr. Speaker, our government has put measures in place to support our business owners during the pandemic. One of these measures, the Canada emergency business account, has helped nearly 775,000 businesses benefit from an interest-free loan of up to $40,000. Last week, the minister announced new changes that will support many more businesses that need this important assistance.

Alfred-Pellan  Mr. Speaker, many guardian angels in Alfred-Pellan made a big difference during the first wave. They faced our new reality with courage, determination and resilience in order to support the most vulnerable among us. Today I wish to recognize the many hours of food preparation involved in delivering our meals on wheels programs in organizations like the Service bénévole d'entraide de Vimont-Auteuil, Bonjour Aujourd'hui et Après and the Popote roulante de Saint-Noël-Chabanel.

Farmers in Alfred-Pellan  Mr. Speaker, more that ever, people in my riding of Alfred-Pellan and across Canada appreciate the excellent work our farmers are doing to feed our community. From vegetable farms to plant farms, to dairy farms, to livestock farms, the people of Laval have access to fresh products right in their backyard.

COVID-19 Emergency Response  Mr. Speaker, my question regards the plan the government has in place to support families struggling because of COVID-19. Across the country families, and especially parents with children, have had to deal with the challenges that arise from uncertainty about the future. I have heard from many parents in my riding who are in need of additional support.

International Women's Day  Mr. Speaker, we celebrated International Women's Day on Sunday, March 8. Although we still have a long way to go, progress toward gender equality is measurable and visible. In Alfred-Pellan, women excel in all areas, from art to high technology, from sports to medical research, from education to business.

Business of Supply  Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. He is quite right. Our government is keeping the promise it made to Canadian workers and is committed to expanding EI sickness benefits by increasing them from 15 weeks to 26 weeks. This commitment builds on our hard work over the past four years.

Business of Supply  Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. It is not a matter of seeing the glass half empty or half full. I had my own experience with cancer, and it is not easy. I must say that our government believes in realistic, achievable measures. Our positions are based on consultations and on feedback from stakeholders and experts in the field.

Business of Supply  Madam Speaker, today I am rising to speak to an issue that is important to me, one that affects many Canadians and is a principal part of Canada's social safety net. I am talking about employment insurance and the special benefits for workers who have to take leave for specific events, such as an illness, a pregnancy, caring for a newborn, helping a seriously ill or injured individual, or providing end-of-life care to a family member.

Academic Success  Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by wishing my son, Gabriel, a happy birthday, as he turns six today. [Member spoke in Italian] [Translation] The work we do in this House is for him. This week we are celebrating Hooked on School Days, which highlights the hard work and efforts of our students.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, more and more Quebeckers are choosing to reduce their carbon footprint by buying zero-emission vehicles. From 2018 to 2019, the number of electric vehicles on Quebec roads increased by 71%. People in my riding, Alfred-Pellan, have claimed nearly $1 million under the federal incentive introduced in May of last year.

Alfred-Pellan  Mr. Speaker, first, I would like to congratulate you on being elected Speaker of the House. The fact that you are the first Speaker of Italian Canadian descent, like me, fills me with pride. I would also like to say thank you 26,015 times to the constituents of Alfred-Pellan who have once more placed their trust in me.

Alfred-Pellan  Madam Speaker, as the parliamentary session winds down, I want to take a moment to look back on our fantastic term in office. On top of our Liberal government's major accomplishments, like the Canada child benefit and the free trade agreements we signed, since 2015, Alfred-Pellan has seen a 186% increase in Canada summer jobs placements, more than $184,000 for seniors through the new horizons for seniors program, nearly $115,000 for accessibility upgrades, more than $760,000 to support deaf Canadians participating and competing in sporting events, and nearly $3.5 million to support businesses in Alfred-Pellan.

Brain Tumours  Mr. Speaker, today eight Canadians will learn they have brain cancer. That is 3,000 people per year. I am wearing a grey ribbon to raise awareness about brain tumours among Canadians. The diagnosis of a brain tumour, whether benign or malignant, slow-growing or aggressive, is devastating for patients and their families.

Laval Seniors' Association  Mr. Speaker, seniors across Canada deserve to be recognized for their contributions and their involvement. We also need to acknowledge the important work of associations and organizations that ensure seniors' well-being. Today I would like to talk about the Association pour aînés résidant à Laval, APARL, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary.