Mother’s Day  Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, mothers across Canada were celebrated for their courage, hard work and resilience. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. Across the country this past year, families such as my own saw their villages shift and oftentimes disappear.

International Development  Mr. Speaker, Canada has long supported the ability of WTO members to use existing flexibilities under the TRIPS agreement to respond to public health emergencies and stands ready to find solutions to any concrete challenges in WTO members' responses to COVID-19-related to or arising from the TRIPS agreement and which cannot be addressed through existing TRIPS flexibilities.

International Development  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague opposite from Edmonton Strathcona for this opportunity to deliver my first remarks as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development. The Government of Canada is committed to a comprehensive global response to COVID-19 that leverages the entire multilateral system in supporting the research, development, manufacture and distribution of safe and effective COVID-19 diagnostics, equipment, therapeutics and vaccines.

The Environment  Madam Speaker, on April 22, 1970, the very first Earth Day took place, bringing millions of people together as a way to create awareness surrounding the real and critical issues of climate change and global warming. Over 50 years later, we continue to educate and mobilize our efforts to help bring positive environmental change.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, a luxury tax on luxury items such as vehicles and airplanes is included in the budget. There is also a 1% tax on the value of properties for Canada's first national tax on vacant properties owned by non-residents, non-Canadians who can afford property in Canada. We are doing many things to ensure we provide and protect the middle class, and we will continue to do more.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, today being Earth Day, it is important I take this opportunity to mention that our government will continue to protect our environment. Through budget 2021, we have billions of dollars in investments for a cleaner future. We have great examples in our budget that will ensure we protect our environment, our lands and our oceans.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, our government has always been there to support businesses in many different sectors. Brampton has a tourism sector and a hospitality sector that have been impacted more than other businesses. Through our federal development agencies and through the regional relief recovery fund, many businesses have received support.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, the member mentioned borders and many other things, but I will focus on borders in this 724-page budget. To keep our borders safe and secure, budget 2021 proposes $656 million to CBSA, our Canada Border Services Agency, to modernize and enhance CBSA's ability to detect contraband such as drugs and weapons.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by thanking the hon. member for Surrey—Newton for his kind words. I am thankful for the chance to address the House and all Canadians during this time of extreme difficulty for our country, particularly for my province of Ontario. As we encourage residents to stay at home and practise extra vigilance, our federal government will always have Canadians' backs.

Laadliyan  Mr. Speaker, in honour of International Women's Day, I would like to highlight the incredible work of Laadliyan, a not-for-profit organization in Brampton. Since 2013, founder and executive director Manvir Bhangu and her team have created a space dedicated to empowering and celebrating women and young girls through education, mentorship and awareness.

Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2020  Madam Speaker, the notion of accumulating debt at a much lower interest rate than individual Canadians can access on their own and not thoroughly helping Canadians through the biggest crisis of our lifetime was not a question our government was willing to ponder. We were not going to consider putting austerity or partisanship above supporting Canadians through this crisis.

Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2020  Madam Speaker, the federal government has been there with the provinces through the safe restart program, which was really important across the board and across the country in supporting provinces in terms of increased testing capacity, contact tracing and other federal support programs through the health agencies.

Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2020  Madam Speaker, my colleague from Winnipeg Centre mentioned many different subjects and various topics. What I would like to focus on is students and on our relief for students. As I mentioned in my remarks, I have spoken to many students who are very appreciative of the government's response.

Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2020  Madam Speaker, I would like to start off by wishing my colleagues a very safe and happy new year. The COVID-19 pandemic has put unprecedented stress and hardship on Canadians, from small business to long-term care homes and front-line and essential workers. Every Canadian has a story to share of how this pandemic has impacted them.

Tamil Heritage Month  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to honour Tamil Heritage Month. My riding of Brampton East is home to a dynamic, talented and hard-working Tamil population. Canadians of Tamil heritage make up an important piece of our community fabric and I am thrilled that January was unanimously passed by Parliament as a month to commemorate Tamil heritage and celebrate the many achievements and contributions to our country.