Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, I hosted a reception for new Canadian citizens in my constituency office, in Kingston and the Islands. At the event, we featured the artwork of Sergio Jaua, a Canadian who immigrated from Venezuela.
His exhibition “IN BETWiN: Stories of Immigrants” brings forward the human side that can get lost in public debate. At a moment when debate about immigration is increasingly shaped by fear instead of facts, his work offers the necessary counterstory, one rooted in dignity, resilience and shared humanity. Through thoughtful interviews and striking portraits, Sergio documented the lived experiences of new immigrants who have built their lives in Kingston.
His portraits remind us that immigration is not abstract. It is about people, families and futures. Choosing to listen is an act of community strength, and choosing to honour these stories is an act of national responsibility. May all sides of this House keep that in mind as we shape the Canada we call home.