Gender-Based Violence  Madam Chair, it is such a joy and a pleasure to listen to this colleague as well at the status of women committee. She is very, very passionate, and I enjoy listening to her and thank her so much for her kind comments. As to the hate groups, there is no place for hate in Canada.

Gender-Based Violence  Madam Chair, I would like to thank my hon. colleague, with whom I had the great pleasure of working. She always made me laugh as well. She has a great sense of humour, and I look forward to continuing to work with her. I thank her so much for her beautiful comments about the beginnings of my career.

Gender-Based Violence  Madam Chair, I would like to begin by offering my sincere condolences to the friends and families of the seven women who were killed in Quebec over the past seven weeks. These women were loved by their families and will be missed by their communities and their loved ones. I would like to share a bit of a quote about one such victim.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, during their first virtual bilateral meeting yesterday, our Prime Minister and President Biden talked about the work to be done in the coming years. Our two countries agreed on a roadmap for a renewed U.S.-Canada partnership that prioritizes the fight against COVID-19, economic recovery and the global climate threat.

Citizenship Act  Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak to Bill C-223, which would amend the Citizenship Act to require that citizenship applicants who ordinarily reside in Quebec must demonstrate an adequate knowledge of French and must pass a test on the rights, responsibilities and privileges of Canadian citizenship in French.

Black History Month  Madam Speaker, February is Black History Month, a time to highlight the resilience, many achievements and rich history of Black Canadians. This month of celebration and learning has not always existed in Canada. The fact that Black people were forced into slavery on the land that would become our country is a little-known chapter of our history.

Mental Health  Mr. Speaker, a new year usually brings with it hope and new resolutions. Under normal circumstances, it can also bring on the winter blues, and we have to cling to the promise of bright spring days to get us through. Like last year, 2021 so far is no regular year. The mental health challenges we are currently facing as a nation are significant.

Canadian Multiculturalism Act  Madam Speaker, I rise today to debate private member's Bill C-226, introduced by the member for Montcalm, which is asking the House to support an amendment to the Canadian Multiculturalism Act so that it would not be applicable in Quebec. The act in question is part of a set of 10 constitutional and legislative positions, regulations and practices that recognize the contribution of all Canadians to the social fabric and economic well-being of the country.

Violence against Women  Madam Speaker, on December 6, 1989, 14 women in the prime of life woke up to start their day, which they thought would be a day like any other. A few hours later, their lives were taken from them, in a senseless act of hatred and unspeakable violence. All their dreams, accomplishments and hopes were destroyed.

Langar  Mr. Speaker, congratulations to everyone celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji. He brought enlightenment at a time when the caste system was particularly brutal. He challenged these inhumane practices from a very young age and dedicated his life to equality and social justice.

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, I thank the minister for her words. It is also a pleasure to work with you, Minister. I will ask my question quickly. Eli Lilly's new drug, bamlanivimab, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada last week. What is the government doing to ensure that Canadians will have access to this drug?

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, the special access program, the SAP, gives doctors access to non-marketed drugs to treat patients with serious or life-threatening conditions when conventional therapies have failed, are unsuitable or are unavailable in Canada. Although emergency access is exceptional and although access to unapproved therapy is optimal in the context of a clinical trial, the SAP can provide limited access to therapies that have been approved in other jurisdictions.

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of ensuring access to quality health care. Now more than ever, Canadians deserve to have a strong health care system that meets their needs. This includes the full range of health services such as home and community care services, as well as support for mental health and addiction issues.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, energy efficiency is one of the quickest and cheapest ways of meeting our climate change commitments. It is also an excellent way to reduce energy costs for Canadians. In the 2019 budget, our government invested an additional $950 million in the green municipal fund, or GMF.

Diwali  Mr. Speaker, Diwali, which is also known as the festival of lights, celebrates the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali, small clay lamps with wicks are filled with oil and lit. In India, Diwali is celebrated in different ways depending on the region and traditions. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, the day of liberation, when Guru Hargobind, who was wrongly imprisoned for two years, refused to accept his release unless 52 Hindu princes, who were political prisoners, were released with him.