Ken McDonald

[Business of Supply, June 10th, 2024]

Madam Speaker, I wonder if the member feels, like I do, that until we know who exactly is named in that report as having conspired with foreign entities, a dark cloud hangs over all 338 members, because everyone is suspected of being one of the persons. I think the names, like he said, should be released, and how many should be released as well.

[Business of Supply, June 4th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, I heard the member opposite mention the Liberal lobbyists and the Conservative lobbyists, but I did not hear him mention his brother, the lobbyist for Metro.

Did the member discuss the motion with his brother before he put it forward here in the House?

[Committees of the House, May 28th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 15th report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, entitled “Main Estimates 2024-25: Votes 1, 5 and 10 under Department of Fisheries and Oceans”. I want to thank everybody on the committee for their input and the staff who helped prepare this report for the House.

[Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act, May 27th, 2024]

Madam Speaker, I will say from the outset, because my colleague mentioned the oil industry, that I have family members who work in the oil industry in Newfoundland as well. I support the oil industry wholeheartedly.

He mentioned “powerful paycheques”. Could you please give this House your definition of a powerful paycheque?

[Committees of the House, May 23rd, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 14th report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, in relation to a motion adopted on May 2 on the closing of the 2024 elver fishing season.

I would like to give a huge thanks to all members, staff, the clerk, the analyst and everybody who played a part in enabling the committee to finish this report.

[Trevor Childs and Nicholas Skinner, May 2nd, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, being a coastal province, we know that the sea does giveth and, sadly, does taketh away.

On April 21, the first day of the lobster season in Lark Harbour in Newfoundland and Labrador, Trevor Childs, 44, and his nephew Nicholas Skinner, 28, set off to set their traps. On shore helping were Trevor's dad, his grandfather and some others, getting the traps ready to load aboard their boat for the young men to set off. However, the sea had another plan and swamped their boat. They perished in the cold waters.

The small communities of Lark Harbour and York Harbour were in shock, but none more than their families.

Trevor is leaving behind the love of his life, Joanna, and precious Carrie, 9; Addisyn, 6; and Reece, 2. Nicholas leaves the love of his life, Martina, along with his mom, dad, siblings and numerous other family members, friends and the entire fishing community of our province.

Both of these young men loved the outdoors and all it offered. They were great contributors to their towns, always there to lend a hand.

These tragedies impact everyone in small rural towns. In moments of loss, communities knit together to help the families heal and move on.

May Trevor and Bruddy rest in peace.

[Canada—Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act, May 2nd, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member opposite mentioned that the committee would have liked to fly to Newfoundland to meet with the people at the energy boards and whatnot.

Could he please inform the House what that plane burns to get Newfoundland?

[Canada—Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act, May 2nd, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for his passionate speech. He should look at joining a theatre group somewhere along the way.

Why can we not do them all? Could we not do wind energy, oil energy and tidal energy? We have got an ideal spot to start it right in the Maritimes, the Atlantic provinces, to do just that.

[Canada—Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act, May 2nd, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, with the minister being a colleague of mine from Newfoundland and Labrador, I am sure he is very proud of the oil industry in our province. He mentioned the Port of Argentia. I am sure he remembers being there to announce a $38-million investment as the port gets involved in wind energy.

I wonder if the minister could talk about that and how important it is to that particular region.

[Volunteerism, April 29th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a constituent in my riding who has single-handedly done more for his community than any other person I know. Heber Best, of Kelligrews, Conception Bay South, has been a volunteer for more than half a century, volunteering with organizations such as the Red Cross, CNIB and the local Lions Club, a group he was instrumental in introducing to our town 53 years ago. He successfully secured funding for a local skating rink, indoor swimming pool, upgrades to the local soccer field and the construction of affordable housing units for seniors, as well as the introduction of an annual youth public speaking contest.

Over the years, Mr. Best has been presented with several awards including the Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Medal, the Lion of the Year Award, the Judge Brian Stevenson Fellowship Award and the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. His contribution to our community and our province should stand as a symbol of what selflessness is and we should all aspire to model our own lives by his example.

I invite all members to join me in applauding Mr. Best for his outstanding generosity and caring spirit.