Andy Fillmore

[Points of Order, June 2nd, 2023]

Madam Speaker, I understand. First of all, I thanked the NDP member from the industry committee who posed the question for his tireless advocacy for the auto industry and for his great work on the committee. I then went on to say that, as the member knows, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry has worked hard to secure the future of Canada's auto industry. We continue to negotiate in good faith with our partners. That includes the Province of Ontario and Stellantis. At the heart of our negotiations is getting the best deal possible for the auto workers and for Canadians.

[Points of Order, June 2nd, 2023]

Madam Speaker, I believe the member was referring to the question about Stellantis. I am not sure. I did not hear the beginning of his intervention. I think the member knows I am working hard to learn French. I would be happy to convey my answer to him in writing, en français.

[Automotive Industry, June 2nd, 2023]

Madam Speaker, I want to thank my friend and colleague from the industry committee for his advocacy for the Canadian automobile industry and his hard work on the committee.

He knows very well that our auto industry is crucial to the Canadian economy and to the hundreds of thousands of Canadians who work in that sector. This is why the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry has worked tirelessly to secure a future for Canada's auto industry. We continue to negotiate in good faith with our partners. That includes Stellantis and the Government of Ontario. Through it all, our top priority is going to be getting the best possible deal for Canadians.

[Nova Scotia Wildfires, June 2nd, 2023]

Madam Speaker, the devastation wrought by wildfires surrounding the Halifax area is absolutely heartbreaking, and the Nova Scotians who have had to flee their homes are still reeling. However, despite the toll this latest tragedy is having on our province, we continue to be there for one another.

We thank the professional and volunteer firefighters who have battled blazes for days on end. So much has been lost, but so much more, including lives, has been saved because of their courage.

We also thank the emergency responders, including the Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian Armed Forces; those working in comfort centres; mental health counsellors; those in the charitable sector, who have once again stepped forward to help; and the many local businesses that have done their part. It is neighbours helping neighbours.

My message to Nova Scotians who are hurting is this: For as long as it takes, the federal government will be there to support them and help them. After all, that is the Nova Scotian way. We are there for one another through the hard time and through the rebuilding, the way it has always been.

[Public Safety, May 18th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, national security is everyone's responsibility: federal and provincial governments, universities and researchers. In February, we made our position clear on the protection of Canadian research and intellectual property. We have introduced new and much more rigorous approaches. We expect all partners to take measures as well. We will continue working to promote an open and collaborative research system while safeguarding national security.

[Post-Secondary Education, May 17th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, our government has been steadfast in its support of science, scientists and scientific research in Canada. That is why budget 2022 proposed $38.3 million over four years for the federal granting councils to add new and internationally recruited Canada excellence research chairs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We will continue to support a robust science and research ecosystem that reflects Canada's strengths and that advances Canadian interests.

[Innovation, Science and Industry, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Speaker, I want to assure my colleague that the government has heard the calls from the research community to increase the value of the scholarships and fellowships, as I have heard them, and I will continue to work with governments, the federal granting agencies and the research community to explore ways to support our next generation of researchers and top talent.

The Government of Canada recognizes that for Canada to achieve its full potential and for Canadians to achieve their full potential, support for science and research must respond to the evolving needs of our science and research ecosystem.

[Innovation, Science and Industry, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Speaker, I am happy to respond to the comments made by the hon. member for South Okanagan—West Kootenay regarding federal investments in science for our graduate students, scientists and researchers.

Canada is a leader in science and research, and the government is committed to ensuring that this continues. Every day, Canadian researchers stand at the forefront of new scientific discoveries and research breakthroughs, and the Government of Canada has continued to invest in Canadian researchers, the key drivers of innovation who are helping to build a healthier and more prosperous future for us all.

Since 2016, Canada has committed more than $16 billion to support the valuable contributions that scientists and researchers make to the health, well-being and prosperity of all Canadians. Enhancing the opportunities available to researchers has been a priority that the government has backed up with significant investments in successive budgets. In terms of targeted investments to support students and post-doctoral fellows, the government recognizes the critical role that federal scholarships and fellowships play in nurturing and sustaining Canada's top talent through support for career progression and increased financial security and independence.

Budget 2019 provided $114 million over five years, with $26.5 million per year ongoing, to create more than 500 master's level scholarship awards annually and 167 more three-year doctoral scholarship awards annually through the Canada graduate scholarships program. That same budget, budget 2019, also invested $37.4 million over five years and $8.6 million ongoing to expand parental leave coverage from six months to 12 months for students and post-doctoral fellows to help young researchers better balance work and family.

Looking ahead, to deliver an equitable, accessible and effective suite of scholarships and fellowships, the Government of Canada continues its work to promote equity, diversity and inclusion. Budget 2019 invested in bursaries and scholarships for first nations, Inuit and Métis students through a $9-million investment in lndspire, while the granting agencies, the tri-agency, have partnered with indigenous peoples to develop a national research program to advance reconciliation. Furthermore, through Budget 2022, we invested $40.9 million to support targeted scholarships and fellowships for Black student researchers.

Looking forward now, the Government of Canada remains committed to supporting a strong federal system that fosters new ideas, breakthroughs and advancements. To cement Canada's leadership position on the world stage, our research support system must meet the needs of today's research, which is increasingly complex, collaborative, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and international. To these ends, the government recognizes the importance of continued evaluation of and investment in Canada's science and research ecosystem.

The government welcomes the advisory panel on the federal research support system's report, the Bouchard report. The government is carefully reviewing the findings and recommendations and taking them under consideration. As we advance efforts to support the research ecosystem and Canada's top talent, the government understands it is important to provide a research environment that is supportive of Canada's top talent and to promote science in this country.

[Automotive Industry, April 21st, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, every day in the chamber, the government members come to work to make life more affordable for Canadians, grow the economy and take action against climate change.

This investment by Volkswagen and the federal government is a game-changer for the positioning of Canada as the world's green supplier of choice. It means that we are well on our way. There will be thousands of jobs created in the St. Thomas area. There will be thousands of knock-on jobs created in adjacent industries.

This is a win for Canada, and it is a win for the world.

[Automotive Industry, April 21st, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, my friend may not have heard that the world is facing a new future built on the green economy. President Biden reminded us in this chamber that the countries able to develop green economies within their borders will be the countries that will win. This is a historic investment for all Canadians.

I will point out to the member that our investment is not a subsidy. In fact, this investment is equal to the economic impact of just five years of operations at this new plant. The scale of the site will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Our government is bringing the auto sector back to St. Thomas after a plant closed under the Conservatives' watch in 2011. The area MPs and the Conservative premier are behind this; why is this not the case for the member and his party?