Madam Speaker, it is wonderful to see you in the chair, and I just want to let you know that I will be sharing my time with the member for Mississauga East—Cooksville.
It is with deep gratitude that I rise today on behalf of the people of Kitchener—Conestoga and give my first speech in the 45th Parliament. Standing and speaking in the chamber reinforces the responsibility that I carry as a parliamentarian and as a steward of the trust constituents have placed in me.
I want to begin by thanking everyone who helped me get here today, particularly my family. My wife Brenda, my son Satchel and my daughter Brooklyn have been supportive every step of the way.
This is the third time I have been elected to serve, and it remains an honour. I will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of all the constituents of Kitchener—Conestoga.
We are at a pivotal moment. Our communities are facing challenges in affordability, housing, climate change and global instability, but I believe, as I know my constituents do, that Canada is ready to meet this moment with courage, with compassion and with clarity of purpose.
Kitchener—Conestoga is a riding that reflects the diversity and dynamism of Canada itself. The geography of this riding includes the west end of the vibrant city of Kitchener and the three beautiful townships of Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich.
The urban-rural blend brings both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it fosters innovation, entrepreneurship and a sense of strong community. On the other, it requires thoughtful policy that bridges the needs of urban centres, such as transit and housing, with the priorities of rural communities, such as agriculture, infrastructure and access to services.
Representing such a diverse riding means listening closely, building consensus and ensuring that no voice is left behind. The people of Kitchener—Conestoga know the power of working together. Whether it is in farmers innovating to feed our country, small businesses adapting in a changing economy or newcomers building new lives and enriching our communities, we see every day that progress is possible when we support one another. Whether we are looking forward with innovation or reflecting on the values passed down to us that shaped us, one thing remains constant: the strength of our communities.
In Kitchener—Conestoga, that strength is rooted in a barn-raising mentality inspired by our Mennonite heritage, a spirit of co-operation, selflessness and shared purpose. I experienced that as recently as this past weekend when I attended the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale. This event is a shining example of the spirit of collaboration, where over 2,000 volunteers come together in a remarkable display of generosity and teamwork, raising funds to support relief, development and peace efforts both locally and around the world, through the Mennonite Central Committee.
It is a reminder that when we come together, we can build more than structures. We build trust, resilience and a future that reflects the best of who we are. I am encouraged by the government's commitment to building a stronger, fairer economy, one that works for everyone. Cutting taxes for the middle class, expanding dental care and protecting child care and pharmacare are not just policies. These are lifelines for families working to get ahead.
On the issue of housing, we need bold action. The creation of the “build Canada homes” program and the goal of doubling home construction are steps in the right direction, but we must work together to ensure that these homes are truly affordable and accessible to those who need them the most. That means working together with provinces, municipalities and the private sector, including skilled trades, to get shovels in the ground and roofs over heads.
I welcome the renewed focus on internal trade and labour mobility. Breaking down barriers between provinces will unlock opportunity and help us build one Canadian economy that is stronger together.
We cannot talk about strength without addressing security, because true strength means that our communities feel safe and feel supported. That is why I stand behind measures that enhance public safety, uphold the rule of law and ensure that every resident can live without fear. A strong Canada begins with secure borders. That is why our government has introduced the strong borders act, Bill C-2, legislation designed to give law enforcement the tools they need to keep Canadians safe.
This includes cracking down on transnational organized crime, stopping the flow of illegal fentanyl and strengthening our ability to combat money laundering and human trafficking. The act would enhance the powers of the Canada Border Service Agency, the RCMP and the Canadian Coast Guard to better detect and disrupt criminal activity. It would also improve the integrity of our immigration and asylum systems, ensuring that they remain fair, responsive and resilient in the face of rising global pressures.
This legislation is a key part of our broader plan to build a safer, more secure Canada, one where our communities are protected, our borders are respected and our laws keep pace with evolving threats. At the same time, we must also invest in prevention, mental health supports, youth programs and community initiatives that build trust.
Looking beyond our nation's borders, Canada must lead with the values that define us: equity, compassion, inclusion and co-operation. Hosting the G7 summit this month is a chance to show the world that Canada does not just talk about leadership; we live it. Whether it is providing good governance, addressing climate change or building fair trade relationships, we must lead with integrity.
I am encouraged by our government's renewed dedication to protecting our environment, our parks, waters, wildlife and farmland. It is not just about conservation; it is about identity. It is about ensuring that our children and grandchildren inherit a country as beautiful and bountiful as the one we were blessed with. We have a vision before us, but it is up to us, every member of this House, to turn that vision into reality, to listen to our constituents, to work in a non-partisan way and to never lose sight of why we are here: to serve.
Canadians have entrusted this new government with a clear and urgent mandate to build a strong economy and meet the challenges of our time with purpose and resolve. We are facing a generational moment. Rising global instability, economic uncertainty and the rapid pace of technological change demand a new approach, one that is focused, collaborative and bold.
In the short term, we must act decisively to bring down costs for Canadians, including making housing more affordable. At the same time, we must lay the foundations for long-term prosperity. That means building transformative infrastructure, modernizing our economy and ensuring Canadians have the skills and training to thrive in a rapidly changing world. It means strengthening our partnerships across provinces, with indigenous peoples and with our allies abroad.
We must proactively address global disruption caused by rising protectionism, including the recent waves of U.S. tariffs. These measures threaten Canadian businesses, workers and the very trade relationships that have underpinned our prosperity for decades. We must respond with resilience and strategy by diversifying our trade, investing in domestic capacity and standing firm in defence of fair and open markets.
In every challenge lies an opportunity. As the world navigates uncertainty, Canada has a chance to lead, not just by example but by action. We can be a beacon of stability, innovation and co-operation. Canada has the talent and the vision to shape a better world, not only for us but for everyone.
I am committed to continue being the strong voice for Kitchener—Conestoga, to serving my community with integrity and to standing up for Canada not just in words but through meaningful action every day. With humility, determination and optimism, I will continue to serve the people of Kitchener—Conestoga and work with all members of this House to build a Canada that is more just, more inclusive and more united for the future we all share.
I look forward to questions.