David McGuinty

[Small Business, May 10th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, we recently tabled the most small business-friendly budget in Canadian history.

Last Friday, our government made an announcement to significantly increase rapid testing for businesses and their workers across Canada. Could the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade please tell us how this would both protect the health and safety of Canadians, and benefit our small businesses?

[Essential Workers, April 21st, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, it is a real privilege for me to thank essential workers in my riding and across Canada.

Essential workers bravely go to work every day in these very challenging times. I thank our Canadian Armed Forces, first responders, day care workers, teachers and school staff, grocery store clerks, pharmacists and their staff, automotive technicians, truckers, municipal workers, bus drivers, waste collection employees, taxi and ride-share drivers, pilots, warehouse workers, delivery drivers, veterinarians, farm workers, food processing plant workers, security guards, pharmaceutical manufacturing workers, restaurant employees preparing takeout, HVAC technicians, plumbers, electricians, roofers, contractors and so many more.

We will never forget the sacrifices that all our essential workers are making, and I thank them on behalf of all our neighbours.

[Health Care Workers, February 23rd, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, as the son of a nurse, it is a very special privilege for me to thank health care workers in my riding and across Canada. Since the beginning of this global pandemic, they have worked day and night to help their patients.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone at the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre, the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, the Ottawa Hospital-General Campus, the Riverside hospital, St. Patrick's Home, the COVID care centre on Heron Road; and all of the front-line health care workers at our region's hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities.

Their dedication, commitment and courage deserve our deepest gratitude. We will never forget the sacrifices they are making to help us get through this crisis. Their professionalism and kindness are unparalleled. We can simply never thank them enough for their service.

[Interparliamentary Delegations, February 18th, 2021]

Pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, a report of the delegation of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union respecting its participation at the 206th session of the governing council, which was held virtually from November 1 to 3, 2020.

[COVID-19 Emergency Response, February 16th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, since the beginning of the pandemic our government has provided financial support to millions of Canadians, helping them put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads, but this crisis continues to have dire consequences for many Canadians. They need more time and flexibility to pay back the interest on their tax debt.

Can the Minister of National Revenue talk about the recent announcements on this subject?

[Ottawa South, November 25th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, despite all the challenges we have faced this year, democracy is alive and well in my riding of Ottawa South. During the COVID crisis, the local community associations have come together to assist those in need. Neighbours are helping neighbours, looking out for each other.

I have had the privilege of joining many of their virtual annual general meetings, and I want to sincerely thank their members and executive committees for their tireless efforts, especially at this difficult time. I thank the Alta Vista, Canterbury, Eastway Gardens, Elmvale Acres, Faircrest Heights, Fairlea, Heron Park, Hunt Club, Hunt Club Park, Ridgemont, Riverside Park, Riverview Park and South Keys Greenboro community associations.

I am so very proud to represent them, and look forward to continuing to work with them in 2021.

[Bills of Exchange Act, October 23rd, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, in 2000, I had the wonderful privilege of conducting a three-year review of our indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories and their access to natural resources. One of the things that became obvious to everyone very quickly was the extent the lingering effects of residential schools on our indigenous population were hindering its ability to fully participate in economic opportunities. For example, there was a major debate, which still rages, between impact benefit agreements and equity participation in major resource projects.

I wonder if the parliamentary secretary could share some of her insight on the extent to which we have progress to make, the distance yet to go, in making sure our indigenous communities are full participants in these resource projects and their development.

[Housing, October 7th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, especially during a global pandemic. This is a major priority for my riding, Ottawa South.

With flu season right around the corner, urgent help is needed to quickly create new affordable housing units.

Can the Prime Minister update the House on what our government is doing to help more Canadians find a place to call home?

[Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply, October 5th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate my colleague for an outstanding exposé of our government's approach to and investments in Canadian women. I want to focus on and get her insight on the most important investments from my perspective and certainly in my district. That is investments in shelters for our most vulnerable women and their children. We have seen quite an increase in compromised situations right now. There is an overflow demand. Can the member help us understand how our government is investing in these most important front-line shelters?

[Interparliamentary Delegations, February 26th, 2020]

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 at the 141st IPU assembly and related meetings held in Belgrade, Serbia, from October 11 to 17, 2019.