Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, I had the honour of taking the floor at the Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul. As an Asian, an immigrant and a proud gay member of the House, I stand here as proof that representation is about challenging barriers and changing systems.
Let me be very clear: The most powerful force in system change is mindset. Policy reflects mindset, funding follows mindset and programs are built on mindset. If we do not change how we think, we will reproduce inequality more efficiently. If we want different outcomes, we must redesign the system with intention. That means new voices, inclusive leadership and courage over comfort. When we change who decides, we change whom the system serves, and that changes everything.
I urge all members of the House to address barriers facing youth, women, persons with disabilities, immigrants, people experiencing homelessness, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and to act with urgency to remove those barriers.