Fayçal El-Khoury

[Azerbaijan, July 21st, 2020]

Madam Speaker, I rise today to vigorously condemn the unsanctioned aggression of Azerbaijan against the Republic of Armenia, which degenerated into serious tensions last week along the border between the two countries. The horror of these tensions is felt even here, in my riding and in Canada's Armenian community.

Azerbaijan ignored UN calls for a ceasefire during the pandemic, backed by Turkey; threatened to bomb a nuclear power plant in Armenia; destroyed a PPE factory that was producing essential equipment for the Armenian fight against the COVID-19 pandemic; and intentionally targeted innocent civilians.

I join the foreign affairs minister in his call for an immediate ceasefire.

We must always remain vigilant and condemn all forms of aggression towards the international community, especially in these difficult times.

[Armenian Genocide, February 27th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, Armenians in Laval—Les Îles and across Canada are commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Baku genocide and the 32nd anniversary of the Sumgait genocide. These heinous crimes against humanity took the lives of many people in those cities in Azerbaijan.

The horrific days that they went through are still fresh in the memory of those who survived. Today, let us take a moment to pay homage to each and every one affected directly or indirectly by this barbaric, senseless violence and to raise awareness so that history does not repeat itself.

As we commemorate this horrific tragedy, let it serve as a reminder of how lucky we are to live in a country like Canada, where the most basic human rights are upheld and common values like respect, tolerance and justice are shared.

[Valentine's Day, February 19th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, on February 14, almost everyone here celebrated Valentine's Day in one way or another. Valentine's Day is not just for lovers. It is a time to share wishes of happiness, forgiveness and unity in order to bring joy, laughter and delight into the hearts of all human beings. Love is not looking at one another; it is looking together in the same direction.

It is an occasion to be reminded that to love is to care about each other, to be united and to make from our diversity a strong tie that holds us together forever and to make Canada even better, because better is always possible. No one is left behind in Canada; it is one for all and all for one.

Happy Valentine's Day to all Canadians and to all communities across Canada and throughout the world.

[The Economy, February 4th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, I have just spent the past several weeks back in my riding hearing from my constituents. By listening to Canadians and investing in the middle class, our government has put in place a plan built by and for all Canadians. We have already introduced a tax cut that would save millions of Canadians several hundred dollars at tax time.

Could the minister tell the House and Canadians about the next step in our plan to continue growing the middle class and our economy?

[Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Implementation Act, January 31st, 2020]

Madam Speaker, most of the premiers of the provinces welcome this agreement.

I would like to ask the member a question.

Can she deny that the signing of this agreement adds a level of certainty to our Canadian economy? Can she deny that the agreement commits to protecting our environment, air quality and marine pollution? Can she deny that the agreement recognizes the gender identity, sexual orientation and diverse genders of all persons here in Canada? Can she deny that under the new agreement, we will no longer have to pay customs at the border on Canadian dairy products, eggs and poultry?

[43rd Parliament, December 11th, 2019]

Mr. Speaker, as we begin this 43rd Parliament, let me first congratulate all the cabinet ministers on their appointment, as well as all the returning members. Lastly, I want to welcome the newly elected members of Parliament.

I am looking forward to working hard with my colleagues in the chamber in order to proudly serve Canadians, as they deserve a better country. Do you know why, Mr. Speaker? Because the right hon. Prime Minister said, “better is always possible”.

I would also like to take this opportunity to extend warm greetings and best wishes to all Canadians, and especially the people of Laval—Les Îles. I wish everyone a happy holiday season, surrounded by family and friends, and all the best for a new year filled with good health, happiness, progress and prosperity.

[Laval—Les Îles, June 11th, 2019]

Mr. Speaker, never in living memory has a federal government worked so hard to deliver on its commitments, revive the economy and rebuild Canada's reputation, which was tarnished by the previous Conservative government.

Today, Canada is in the best financial position of all G7 countries. I want the people of Laval—Les Îles to know that I am proud to be part of the Liberal government team. Our government was elected to grow the middle class. Clearly our plan is working. The cherry on top is that the UN ranks Canada the seventh happiest country in the world.

As my first term comes to a close, I will take this opportunity to say “mission accomplished” and to thank the people of Laval—Les Îles for their confidence and friendship.

Promises made, promises kept.

[Budget Implementation Act, 2019, No. 1, June 4th, 2019]

Mr. Speaker, I really want to thank my colleague for his speech.

He spoke about environmental protection and zero-emission vehicles, the creation of a drug agency and how to support and help the average family.

Can he explain the effect all these elements have had on Canadians in general?

[Climate Change, May 28th, 2019]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to welcome students from the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, who are vising Parliament today.

These young people from Laval, Lanaudière and the Laurentians are Canada's future. They are deeply concerned about the environment and climate change. For many, those concerns are the reason they are interested in politics.

I am proud to rise in the House today as a member of a government that cares about the future of our young people, our country and our planet. I am proud to be a member of the government that has a plan for the future, the government that negotiated the first national climate plan with the provinces, the government that put a price on carbon. Climate change is real, and so is our plan.

[Budget Implementation Act, 2019, No. 1, April 30th, 2019]

Mr. Speaker, I can assure my colleague that this government is taking care of every single citizen in this country from coast to coast to coast, whether these citizens are sick, need assistance or are old.

I would also like to remind him that this government created the Minister of Seniors. We encourage citizens of all ages to return to their workplace and we support them. We support all workers. We are creating a Canadian drug agency to allow those who are sick to pay less for their medications. We are supporting all provincial governments with money in order to help them improve the life of any sick citizen in the country of Canada.