Judy Sgro

[Freedom of Religion, December 9th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, the persecution of Ahmadi Muslims is a harsh reality in many parts of the world, where they face violence, discrimination, and the denial of their basic rights simply for practising their faith. This injustice highlights the importance of religious freedom. Here in Canada, we are fortunate to live in a society that values and upholds this freedom. Every individual has the right to worship without fear of persecution. I am proud that many in the Ahmadiyya community, under the leadership of national president Lal Khan Malik, have chosen Humber River—Black Creek to call their home.

Our community is undoubtedly better for having the Ahmadiyya community among us, as they inspire us with their values of peace, tolerance and community service. As Canadians, we must appreciate and protect religious freedom for all, ensuring a world where respect, understanding and inclusion flourish.

Love for all, hatred for none.

[Taxation, December 6th, 2024]

Madam Speaker, the holiday season is fast approaching, which means many Canadians will soon be celebrating with family and friends. We know what Canadians are getting in their Christmas stockings this year from the Leader of the Opposition: broken campaign promises, hypocritical speeches and more and more of that.

Could the minister please tell the House what we are going to do to support Canadians this winter?

[Foreign Interference, December 4th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's security is everyone's concern.

This week there have been more alarming reports of foreign interference in the Conservative leadership race, yet the leader of the Conservative Party is the only party leader who still refuses to obtain the necessary security clearance to access classified documents on foreign governments' political interference activities in Canada. Canadians are asking why.

What does the leader of the Conservative Party have to hide? If he feels he has nothing to hide, why does he not get the clearance, take the briefing and protect our country?

[Committees of the House, December 3rd, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present, in both official languages, the 22nd report of the Standing Committee on International Trade, entitled “Selected United States and European Union Trade-Related Measures: Some Impacts on Canada’s Fishing Sector”.

This report is timely, given the very issues that we are contemplating and discussing today, and so I am pleased to be able to present the report.

[Public Safety, December 2nd, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, our government continues to take decisive and aggressive action to address crime across Canada, having created offences to target organized crime gangs that exploit young people. We have also invested over $600 million into fighting guns and gangs and have passed gun control laws to take violent weapons out of our communities. These efforts and many more have been implemented to tackle crime and invest in public safety.

I would like to recognize the dedicated work of 31 Division in Humber River—Black Creek, especially Superintendent Mandeep Mann, Inspector Jack Gurr and officer Melody Carroll. Their tireless efforts, often under challenging circumstances, ensure the safety, well-being and growth of our community.

However, safety is not just about law enforcement. It requires the active participation of all of us in Humber River—Black Creek, including countless community groups and grassroots organizations that play an invaluable role in this effort. By working together, police, local organizations and residents, we can build safer, stronger communities for all.

[Taxation, November 28th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, I continue to hear a lot of noise from members opposite about affordability but no real solutions. Last week, the government made an exciting announcement to support Canadians over this holiday season.

Would the minister share more details about our government's plan to put more money in the pockets of Canadians?

[Iran, November 26th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, I need to draw members' attention to the critical situation in Iran, particularly regarding its domestic repression.

Maryam Akbari is a woman languishing in jail despite finishing her 15-year prison term for seeking justice for her siblings, which is truly an alarming atrocity. Recently, Varisheh Moradi, a Kurdish woman, was sentenced to death in another sham trial in Tehran's revolutionary court. Women prisoners in Evin prison chanted protest slogans such as “Death to the dictator” and “Our lives may go, our heads may fall, but freedom will never be lost”, demonstrating their resilience in the face of oppression. The number of executions in Iran since President Pezeshkian came to power in August has exceeded 500, setting a record even by this regime's norms.

I stand, and I believe we stand, in solidarity with female political prisoners urging the international community to demand an independent investigation and advocate for their release.

[Committees of the House, November 20th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 107(3), I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 10th report of the Liaison Committee, entitled “Committee Activities and Expenditures: April 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024”. This report highlights the work and accomplishments of each committee of the House, as well as detailing the budgets that fund the activities approved by the committee.

[Human Rights Advocate, November 18th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, media freedom advocate and newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai prepares to turn 77, yet he remains unjustly imprisoned in Hong Kong. By the end of this year, he will have endured four years in solitary confinement; by UN standards, this is a condition deemed torture when prolonged beyond 15 days. Mr. Lai has been an outspoken critic of human rights violations by the Chinese government, giving voice to those seeking a brighter future for Hong Kong. He now faces a life sentence, deprived of precious time with his family and enduring deteriorating health. In December 2023, the House unanimously called for Mr. Lai's release and an end to his prosecution. I continue to stand in solidarity with Mr. Lai and reaffirm this call.

[Committees of the House, October 30th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 21st report of the Standing Committee on International Trade, which refers to Canadian supply chains and the issue of forced labour.