David McGuinty

[Interparliamentary Delegations, June 19th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the six following reports of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union: the report respecting its participation at the annual parliamentary hearing at the United Nations in New York, New York, United States of America, from February 13 to 15, 2023; the report respecting its participation at the parliamentary meeting on the occasion of the 67th session of the commission on the status of women in New York, New York, United States of America, from March 7 to 8, 2023; the report respecting its participation at the 146th IPU assembly and related meetings in Manama, Bahrain, from March 11 to 15, 2023; the report respecting its participation at the parliamentary forum at the UN high-level political forum on sustainable development in New York, New York, United States of America, on July 18, 2023; the report respecting its participation at the 147th IPU assembly and related meetings in Luanda, Angola, from October 23 to 27, 2023; and the report respecting its participation at the parliamentary meeting on the occasion of the 68th session of the commission on the status of women in New York, New York, United States of America, from March 12 to 13.

[Inter-Parliamentary Union, June 17th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, the International Day of Parliamentarism is celebrated every year on June 30. This year, June 30 also marks the 135th anniversary of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the IPU.

Having begun as a small group of parliamentarians in 1889, today, the IPU is a thriving international organization of 180 national parliaments, open to 46,000 parliamentarians. While Canada first joined the IPU in 1912, the current Canadian group was established in 1960. As president of the Canadian group and of the IPU Standing Committee on UN Affairs, I have the privilege of experiencing first-hand the incredible work the IPU does to make the world a better place, especially in relation to peace, democracy and human rights.

On behalf of all 130 Canadian members of the Canadian group, congratulations to the IPU on this 135th anniversary.

[Ronald McDonald House Charities, May 8th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, today is McHappy Day, an annual celebration of giving to support Ronald McDonald House Charities. Across Canada, 16 Ronald McDonald houses and 18 Ronald McDonald family rooms give families a place to stay together while their child is being treated at a nearby hospital.

I was honoured to announce $9.3 million for the expansion of the Ottawa house, only 167 steps from the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, through our government's green and inclusive community buildings program. This funding will more than double the size of the current Ottawa house and help with the future needs of families who have to travel from across Ontario and Nunavut to seek medical care for their children.

Today, on McHappy Day, I am proud to thank McDonald's Restaurants of Canada and Ronald McDonald House Charities for all they do to support Canadian families when they absolutely need it the most.

[Interparliamentary Delegations, December 13th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1) I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union on its 145th assembly and related meetings in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 11 to 15, 2022.

[Royal Canadian Army Cadets, November 8th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, the 2332 Major EJG Holland VC Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps was founded on November 25, 1948. It will celebrate its 75th anniversary this month with a ceremonial parade.

Eighty cadets strong, and with a dedicated team of officers and civilian volunteers, this unit has volunteered with the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Campaign, the Army Run, Christmas toy drives, the Boots on the Ground Walk and many other community events.

Cadets build life skills such as leadership, teamwork, resilience and discipline. This valuable experience has positively impacted countless youth throughout our community.

I send my congratulations to the 2332 Royal Canadian Army Cadets on their 75th anniversary.

[Sainte‑Geneviève Parish in Ottawa South, June 7th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to mark the 60th anniversary of Sainte‑Geneviève parish in the riding of Ottawa South.

The parish dates back to May 28, 1963, when Father Gaston Croteau was appointed as the founding pastor. At the time, the parishioners would gather for Sunday mass in the chapel of Mazenod Seminary on Smyth Road.

In late July 1963, the parish purchased a piece of land to build the church that we know and love at the corner of Arch Street and Canterbury Avenue.

On this very joyous occasion, I want to thank past and present administrators, clergy and volunteers for their efforts and dedication as we gather to mark 60 years of faith, community and friendship in the parish of Sainte‑Geneviève.

[Petitions, April 26th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I rise today to table a petition on behalf of St. Joseph's Parish here in Ottawa. The petition is regarding the overseas practices of Canada-owned extractive industries. It was circulated across Canada by Development and Peace Caritas Canada, an organization that continues with the important mission of promoting social justice.

I am honoured to present this petition on behalf of these concerned Canadians. I would like to thank my constituent, Mr. Joe Gunn, for his continued hard work and dedication. I look forward to the government's response.

[Interparliamentary Delegations, March 23rd, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the report of the delegation of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union respecting its participation in the parliamentary forum at the United Nations high-level political forum on sustainable development held in New York, United States of America, from July 12 to July 13, 2022.

[Arab Heritage Month Act, February 16th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, I do not like to dance, but I know there will be a lot of dancing.

Just this morning, I had the privilege of being with one of our ministers to make an announcement on a very important initiative for my own district and across the city in different schools pursuant to Black History Month, which will help bring together teachers and children who are facing some mental health crises to keep them on a straighter or narrower and perhaps healthier pathway.

I think there are all kinds of opportunities to come together, such as with festivals and concerts. For example, in the last several years I have helped with a Lebanese initiative to come throughout Canada and provide tours of symphonies, artists, singers, actors and so forth for movie screenings. I think there would be so much more of that, and it is so enriching for us as we expect an onslaught of Arab culture, music, dance, dress and particularly food.

[Arab Heritage Month Act, February 16th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, it is hard for me to comment on the geopolitics of the region now, except to say that we know that the French government is taking the leadership in rebuilding much of Beirut.

Canada has been there since the beginning, but I think, as legislators here on Canadian soil, one of our responsibilities is to ensure that the diverse and inclusive communities each of us represent stick together. I think it is a truism, as my mother would say to each and every one of us here, if we stick together and pull together, we will go so much further.

The little engine that could that is Canada is, in fact, leading the way, in so many ways, globally as a demonstration project, as I said earlier. That is, I think, very much worth imitating.