Geoff Regan

[André Gagnon, June 17th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, if I may, I would like to join you in congratulating and thanking André Gagnon for his years of service to the House and members of Parliament.

Of course, as you have said, Mr. Speaker, André has vast knowledge, wonderful professionalism and dedication. He has been truly invaluable. I know that numerous Speakers have relied on his wise advice and guidance. He has done his very best to save Speakers from themselves, and usually with success.

I am sure he must be looking forward to spending more time with Lucie and his family and maybe riding his bike, which I have seen him do a few times. I wish him all the best in life and in the next phase of his career.

I wish you the best, André.

[The Deputy Speaker, June 3rd, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to join with the Speaker and with other colleagues in the House in congratulating and thanking you, the hon. member for Simcoe North, for a decade of excellent service as a chair occupant, including, of course, nearly six years as Deputy Speaker, soon to be the longest-serving Deputy Speaker in Canada's history.

Along with a deep knowledge of procedure and a great sense of this place, you have demonstrated grace, professionalism and courage. On a personal level, Bruce, if I may, I have appreciated your wise counsel, your good humour and your friendship.

Kelly and I extend to you, Heather, your children and grandchildren our very best wishes.

[Committees of the House, May 26th, 2021]

Madam Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the third report of the Special Committee on Canada-China Relations, pursuant to the motion adopted on Monday, May 10, regarding a recommendation that the House order the production of documents from the Public Health Agency of Canada and any subsidiary organizations respecting the transfer of viruses and two former employees.

[Airline Industry, May 12th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, throughout the past year, we have heard that the airline industry has been hit hard.

Workers, regional routes and the viability of airports across the country have been affected by this pandemic.

Can the Prime Minister update the House on what our government is doing to support airports, like the one in Halifax, so that they are ready when the airline industry recovers?

[Purple Day, March 26th, 2021]

Madam Speaker, today is Purple Day, a day dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy, a neurological disorder of the central nervous system, specifically the brain.

My friend Cassidy Megan created the idea of Purple Day in 2008, motivated by her own struggles with epilepsy. Since then, Purple Day has continued to grow and has helped to dispel myths, reduce stigma and help those living with epilepsy know they are not alone.

In 2012, I was delighted when Parliament gave unanimous support to my private member's bill, Bill C-278, an act respecting a day to increase public awareness about epilepsy. The bill became law, making March 26 officially Purple Day in Canada. Now, each year on this date, people on every continent and in over 70 countries wear purple and host events in support of people with epilepsy.

This cause is very important to me and I am so proud of Cassidy Megan for her ongoing work to grow Purple Day and raise global awareness of epilepsy.

[First Nova Scotian NBA Player, March 22nd, 2021]

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Nova Scotia's Nate Darling on achieving a professional basketball first for our province.

Mr. Darling is originally from Bedford in the riding of Halifax West. On March 13, 2021, he became the first Nova Scotian ever to play in a regular season NBA game. A shooting guard for the Charlotte Hornets, Nate's debut rebounds with hope and excitement for his future as a professional basketball player. His entry into pro basketball is inspiring for many young Nova Scotian athletes with dreams of their own. In a recent statement, Basketball Nova Scotia referred to him as a role model for young basketball players in the province and said, “Nate is paving the pathway for basketball in Nova Scotia”.

Best wishes to Nate Darling. We are hoping his career is a slam dunk.

[Nova Scotia Election, March 8th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pride to offer congratulations to Nova Scotia's new premier, the MLA for Timberlea-Prospect, Iain Rankin. I thank former premier, Stephen McNeil, who stewarded the province so well from 2013 to 2021.

Premier Rankin and his new cabinet were sworn in on February 23 by Lieutenant Governor Arthur J. LeBlanc. I have every confidence Premier Rankin will guide Nova Scotia well through these challenging times into a bright future ahead.

In an address after swearing his oath of office, Premier Rankin said, “We are writing a new chapter for sure, but it is one that reflects and respects our past”. During his first full day as Nova Scotia's 29th premier, he announced a brand new initiative as part of the province's commitment to climate change action, supporting jobs in a renewable future.

I send my best wishes to Premier Rankin and his team. I know they will do Nova Scotia proud.

[Committees of the House, February 25th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the second report of the Special Committee on Canada-China Relations entitled, “The Breach of Hong Kong's High Degree of Autonomy: A Situation of International Concern”.

On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank the clerk, the analysts, the interpreters, the technical staff and all those who support the committee.

[Canadian School Counselling Week, February 4th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, the first week of February each year, Canadian School Counselling Week, recognizes the contributions of the school counselling profession to the mental health and well-being, and the personal, social, educational and career development of all students in Canada. This week is meant to increase awareness of the programs and services that characterize the school counselling profession.

This special week highlights the role school counsellors play in supporting student success. Their role is especially vital during these uncertain times amidst a global pandemic. With the implementation of remote learning and tele-counselling, school counsellors are key in the transition to a rapidly changing learning environment.

On behalf of my colleagues and all parents with school-age children, I would like to thank our school counsellors for the support they provide to ensure our children's success.

[Committees of the House, October 19th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the first report of the Special Committee on Canada-China Relations.