Han Dong

[Asian Heritage Month, May 12th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada, a time for all Canadians to come together to recognize the contributions of Asian Canadians in building our great country.

From the early pioneer generation who helped connect Canada from coast to coast by rail, to those on the front lines fighting COVID-19 today, the Asian Canadian community has contributed enormously to the development and prosperity of Canada. In my riding of Don Valley North, I am grateful for the amazing work being done by Asian Canadian organizations dedicated to serve all Canadians, such as Hong Fook, Yee Hong, SEAS Centre, Formosa Evergreen Senior Citizens Centre, Love Toronto Korean-Canadian Community Services and of course our frontline heroes putting their lives on the line every day to keep our loved ones safe.

This Asian Heritage Month, I call on Canadians to come together to combat anti-Asian racism and discrimination in all forms because, like the Prime Minister put it many times in the past, a Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian.

[Public Safety, May 5th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, each May, Canadians across this country mark Asian Heritage Month by recognizing the contributions of Asian Canadians in building our great nation from coast to coast to coast. Unfortunately, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a significant increase in reported cases of anti-Asian racism, which has left many in my community of Don Valley North extremely concerned. We know that in Canada, diversity is one of our greatest strengths and there is no place for hate and intolerance.

Can the Prime Minister please tell this House the importance this year’s Asian Heritage Month holds?

[Bayview Village Association, April 22nd, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Earth Day today I want to bring attention to the Bayview Village Association in my riding of Don Valley North and the work it does to help the beautiful ravines in our neighbourhood.

When we think of environmental protection, we often think of more rural areas and the vast, scenic woodlands and lakes that Canada is famous for, but Don Valley North, located in the heart of Toronto, is also home to scenic ravines, trails and creeks. These outdoor spaces are made even more precious because of COVID-19.

I want to thank Bayview Village Association president Jane Robertson, environment committee co-chairs Sharon Johnson and Monty McDonald, and all BVA members and volunteers for their tireless work in protecting the ravines and trails in Don Valley North.

I wish all my hon. colleagues a happy Earth Day.

[Health, February 3rd, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, constituents of Don Valley North would agree that increasing Canada's bio-manufacturing capacity is an important part of our recovery plan. That is why we moved quickly to expand vaccine manufacturing capacity across the country.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our objectives have always been very clear: to provide Canadians with safe and effective vaccine and treatments and to return our economy and society back to normal.

Could the Prime Minister provide us with an update on what we have done to enable domestic vaccine production?

[2020 U.S. Election, November 16th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I noticed that some members have their banners as a backdrop. I would ask you to please clarify that rule for all members.

[Business of Supply, November 5th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, I was listening to the questions and answers. My NDP colleagues have talked a lot about their big plans to change the world and solutions for everything, but without any details or substance. If they are the party for fighting, we are the party for delivering results and solutions.

Could the member for Winnipeg North give some details about some of our achievements in the last five years?

[Petitions, November 5th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, I am proud to present a petition on behalf of hundreds of residents from Don Valley North and across Toronto.

The petitioners are concerned about the amendments made to the citizenship act by the Government of India that makes religion a criterion of nationality and discriminates against religious minorities, such as Muslims. The petitioners are also concerned that the criteria of the national register of citizenship may make marginalized minorities stateless, as they are more likely to be unable to prove their identity and status.

The petitioners call upon the House to condemn these measures, to demand their withdrawal and to condemn the excessive use of force by the police against the peaceful citizens of India.

[Citizenship Act, November 2nd, 2020]

Madam Speaker, what we are discussing today is a proposed amendment to the oath of citizenship. I was just reading the proposed oath of citizenship, and it still gives me the chills, just as it did 20-plus years ago when I first became a new Canadian.

It is very important for new Canadians to not just understand but also remember what they read, to do so under the witness of fellow new Canadians and judges, and to recognize what it means to them as new Canadians. This is an essential step we have to take so that new Canadians can appreciate the contributions of indigenous peoples.

[Citizenship Act, November 2nd, 2020]

Madam Speaker, as a parent, I can only imagine what a horrific experience it would be for anyone who was affected in this situation. As a former member of the provincial legislature, it was an issue I participated in debates on, as well as pushed more action on.

I agree with the member. This is an important issue facing Canadians, and we have to pull together all the resources and work together to come to a good solution.

[Citizenship Act, November 2nd, 2020]

Madam Speaker, I heard many times during question period and other occasions where, for example, the Minister of Indigenous Services responded by saying that the government is looking into this problem or that it is working to make sure the advisory ends as quickly as possible.

We are putting all the resources in place to support Canada's indigenous communities. I welcome the question, will certainly bring this up, and I look forward to more action from this side.