Andrew Leslie

[Shootings in Sutherland Springs, November 6th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, I stand today to share thoughts and heartfelt prayers for our American friends and neighbours in the wake of yesterday's senseless and horrific act of violence in Sutherland Springs. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed, and we wish a speedy recovery to all those harmed.

That this attack occurred in a place of worship, a place of safety and peace, is beyond appalling.

We stand united with our friends and allies in the United States as we have always done, and as we will always do, in their time of mourning.

[Foreign Affairs, October 27th, 2017]

Madam Speaker, Canada very much values its relationship with Spain. The situation in Catalonia remains a domestic matter within Spain. A dialogue between Spain and Catalonia within the constitutional framework is still the best course of action. In accordance with international legal principles recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada, these decisions have to be taken within the constitutional framework. That being said, Canada recognizes a united Spain.

[Islamic History Month, October 25th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on this October 25 to mark the 10th anniversary of the passage of the motion moved by the former member for Ottawa—Vanier, our friend Mauril Bélanger, to designate October as Islamic History Month.

The aim of the commemorative month is to recognize the important contributions of Canadian Muslims to Canadian society, the importance of Canadians learning about each other to foster greater social cohesion, and the importance of efforts to organize public activities to achieve a better understanding of Islamic history.

Today, celebrations and events are being organized across the country to bring together Canadians from all faiths and origins, to bridge communities, and to learn more about the accomplishments of our Muslim friends and neighbours.

All Canadians are encouraged to take this opportunity to learn more about Islamic contributions to our great nation.

[International Trade, October 17th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, we on this side of the House, and those who are fortunate enough to be on our portion of the other side, believe in supply management. Indeed, everyone in this House, with the exception of certain members of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, believe in supply management. The same is true of the gang opposite.

We are delighted to defend supply management and will do so at every opportunity.

[International Trade, October 17th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, Canada is the biggest market to the United States, bigger than China, Japan, and U.K. combined. As members know, we are dealing with the most protectionist U.S. government since the 1930s.

We defend supply management. We believe in the family farms. We would like to encourage our neighbours to the south to emulate the good example set by our negotiations in the CETA trade issues.

Having said this, within NAFTA there are certain things we cannot accept and we will not accept. We will continue to defend our values.

[International Trade, October 16th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, actually I was there and it was on a TV panel, and I did not say the words ascribed to me.

I will make the point that we have always defended supply management. It is a system that works. Everyone on this side of the House, everyone in the House, indeed, supports supply management, with the exception of a significant portion of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada.

[International Trade, October 16th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, we on this side of the aisle are committed to protecting the supply management system. We agree with the idea that every person should be free to make their own decisions, but I believe everyone in this House supports supply management, except the Conservative Party.

[International Trade, October 16th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, we have always defended supply management. It is a system that works. Protecting supply management is important for us, to Canadian consumers, and for dairy and agricultural industries across the country. I believe in supply management, as does everybody in the House—oh wait, except for members of the Conservative Party.

[International Trade, October 16th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, Canada is the biggest market for the United States, bigger than China, Japan, and the U.K. combined. We are negotiating with the most protectionist U.S. administration since the 1930s. We never said these negotiations would be easy. A modernized NAFTA remains a goal, but we cannot accept proposals that will leave the middle class in all three countries, especially Canadians, worse off.

We will always defend our national interest and stand up for Canadian values.

[Attacks in Edmonton and Las Vegas, October 2nd, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my distinguished colleague for his excellent words.

It is with great sadness that I rise today to speak to the horrific events that occurred over the weekend. On Saturday night, Canadians were left reeling after a terrorist attack in Edmonton, which left five injured. On Sunday night, an attack, hate-provoked, at a music concert in Las Vegas, left 50 people dead and hundreds injured.

These violent attacks against innocent people were heinous, unprovoked, and appalling. I join all members of this House in offering thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families. Our condolences and thoughts are with all those affected. Global Affairs Canada is following up on reports of Canadian victims.

All Canadians stand together against the hate behind these attacks. We will not let it divide us.