Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Saint-Laurent.
I have the tremendous honour of standing here today because of the unwavering support and trust that has been bestowed upon me by the people who are the heart of the riding of Peterborough. From the first nations communities of Hiawatha and Curve Lake to true small-town Canada in Lakefield, Ennismore, Norwood, Havelock, Bridgenorth and Keene, just to name a few, which are home to a vibrant and growing farming community, and to the bustling city centre of Peterborough, which is home to an incredible art scene and world-class education at Trent University and Sir Sandford Fleming College, the people who call the riding of Peterborough home know how fortunate we are to live, work and play in such a beautiful place.
It was no surprise that no amount of rain, snow or even an ice storm that knocked the power out for over a week and created a state of emergency was able to derail the monumental efforts made by our campaign team and hundreds of volunteers, who all joined our campaign very quickly and with great determination because of the unity and positivity we displayed. The stories people so generously shared with me, and continue to share, will be with me and guide me to do what is best for my community and to be their voice. A “thanks” will never be enough to truly show the people of Peterborough how much their support means to me.
I was raised on my family's farm in the rural part of my riding. What a gift it was to be raised on a farm in rural Ontario, learning often and very young the lessons of caring for others before ourselves and staying the course even when all odds seem stacked up against us, as well as that there is no substitute for hard work and dedication. I know that when our communities rally together, there is not anything we cannot accomplish.
Rural Ontario is still the place I call home. I am proud to be able to call myself a third-generation farmer. My husband serves our community as a paramedic; together we are raising our three children while rebuilding my family's farm. Our youngest, my daughter, was born just nine months ago. From the outside looking in, it may not be the ideal time for my family for me to be here. However, my husband and I agreed that I could not sit idly by at a time when the call from our community and country was so loud to find people who know the incredible potential Canada has and to elect those who are ready to move Canada forward for all Canadians. People are called for who will not only listen but act and will work tirelessly to make sure all Canadians know that they are supported. I can assure members that I did not think I would ever be standing here, but the privilege and responsibility are not lost on me for a moment.
Today, I have chosen to share with the House a bit about my father. My father passed in 2010 of pancreatic cancer. He was a farmer and a skilled tradesman. He was very proudly a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers. He was a cutting-equipment mechanic who spent much of his life travelling northern Ontario and many parts of Canada. Even now, I can still feel what the atmosphere of the farm felt like when he received a call to head north or out west. Another telltale sign was his signature one grape-tipped Colts cigar, which he seemed to reserve for the excitement of his next adventure. He loved the work of being a highly sought-after mechanic, seemingly able to fix everything. There was no machine too big or too small. He would always return home to the farm and would love to share stories of his time away.
I speak about this today because I have witnessed the pride that comes with working in the skilled trades. The skilled trades create opportunities for well-paying, meaningful work that supports Canadian families. My father had the opportunity to be part of projects of national significance that gave him and my family a physical, lasting legacy in the landscape of Canada now that he is gone.
I know that skilled trades have been overlooked and underappreciated for too long. However, I stand here today knowing that our new government knows that when Canadians come together, Canada builds things that last. We will build hundreds of thousands of careers in the skilled trades. Skilled-trades workers will continue to be at the forefront of tackling the housing crisis. They will build projects of national importance and proudly play an instrumental role as we build the strongest economy in the G7.
We must take these opportunities to build and protect the future for our children, to make sure families have what they need to help shoulder the growing issues of affordability. As we continue to build our economy, our government will protect the programs that are helping families, such as child care, pharmacare and the expansion of the Canadian dental care plan, which are saving families thousands of dollars every year. Our middle-class tax cut would be a welcome addition in helping Canadians who are struggling to get ahead.
Residents in my home of Peterborough were ready to have a member of Parliament who would listen to them and be their voice in Ottawa. They understood that we must seize the opportunity for renewal that we have as a country. They know, as we do, that we have an opportunity to think big and to act bigger.
I look forward to collaborating with all members of the House to move Canada forward into the strong and prosperous potential it has always had. I believe that across our beautiful country, the people who elect us to be here are expecting the same from all of us. I am thankful to my husband and family for supporting me so that I can be here, helping build a future all Canadians deserve.