House of Commons photoLost her last election, in 2025, with 43% of the vote.
Business of the House December 17th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak. I am trying to address the concern that was raised.
I was not in my seat for the beginning of the vote, and the opposition was calling out that my vote would not count. After I stood up, I realized I should not be doing that, so I used my app instead, assuming that because the opposition would protest and say I could not vote, then I would still have a vote. I did vote.
Business of the House December 17th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite is correct. Of course I would not vote twice, but when I went—
Justice December 17th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, we live in an increasingly virtual world, and it is our job to ensure that this online space is safe for our children and for all Canadians. That is why our government introduced a plan to do exactly that in the online harms act. Unfortunately, the Conservatives are blocking this important legislation. Their obstruction means that children, women and minority groups remain in danger. I am appalled that the Conservatives will not put Canadians before partisan politics and work with us.
Can the Minister of Justice explain the consequences we face by not passing the online harms act?
Human Rights Day December 10th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, today, on Human Rights Day, we celebrate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a commitment to the dignity, equality and freedom of every person. However, women's rights are under attack, from the actions of the morality police in Iran to the silencing of women in Afghanistan and the restrictive abortion laws in the US. These injustices remind us that women's rights are human rights.
Canada's commitment to human rights extends beyond our borders. At the UN this year, we announced initiatives to protect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls. We continue to empower Afghan women through education, while sanctioning Taliban and Iranian officials responsible for gender apartheid. At home, Canada must continue to uphold our Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The notwithstanding clause must only be used in exceptional circumstances, not at the whim of a populist leader. As Liberals, we stand firmly for our charter and for equal rights for all. By joining with others to stand up for our rights and our future right now, we can make the vision of dignity, equality and freedom for all people, including women, a reality.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities December 4th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, December 3, was the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. People with disabilities are the largest minority group within Canada and worldwide, as well as the only minority group that anyone can become a member of at any time. People in this group face stigma, discrimination and barriers to basic rights and services. They are more likely to experience poverty and face disproportionate impacts from climate disasters, conflicts and an increasing cost of living.
It is important for the voices of people with disabilities to be included in all conversations. More than one in four Canadians have one or more disabilities, with mental health-related disabilities being the most prominent among youth. Our government has been working to support Canadians with disabilities through the development of a Canada disability benefit, the autism national framework and funding for mental health service delivery.
I am grateful to community groups in my riding, such as CMHA York Simcoe, Community Living Central York, the Lighthouse Learning and Development Centre, Kerry's Place and Child Disability Network Canada, which advocate for and work to support people living with disabilities.
I would also like to mention Voices of Joy, a choir for people of all abilities, which gave a wonderful holiday concert.
Women and Gender Equality December 2nd, 2024
Mr. Speaker, we are in the midst of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. This campaign unites people across the country and the world to call out and speak up against acts of gender-based violence. Unlike the Conservative Party, our government has never wavered in supporting survivors of gender-based violence or investing in prevention.
Could the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth update the House on our government's commitment to addressing this crisis?
Government Business No. 43—Proceedings on Bill C‑78 November 28th, 2024
Madam Speaker, I cannot. I am sorry, but it is the one that has to do with relevance to the topic, because we are debating a bill about an HST break and not a bill about rebate cheques.
Government Business No. 43—Proceedings on Bill C‑78 November 28th, 2024
Madam Speaker, we do need to look at our tax system overall. This particular measure, though, is not a tax overhaul, as the member knows. It is a specific program being put in place to provide relief for Canadians over the holiday season.
We understand that Canadians are struggling right now. Our economy is getting better and we have seen many signs of improvements, but it is still a time where people need help. We are putting in a temporary measure to help them for now, perhaps with a rebate cheque in the spring, and then we hope to see a better economic situation for all Canadians.
Government Business No. 43—Proceedings on Bill C‑78 November 28th, 2024
Madam Speaker, Canadians buy a range of things. Every family is different, and we certainly want to help every family. We cannot look at just one purchase; we have to look at the basket of purchases, and certainly the tax break is going to help Canadians. We are trying to make sure our constituents have some relief, and this is a great way to do it.
We have chosen a number of different items that families generally buy over the holiday season, as different families buy different things. Tax relief on things like children's clothing, diapers, food and other holiday items will make a difference, I know, for my constituents.
Government Business No. 43—Proceedings on Bill C‑78 November 28th, 2024
Madam Speaker, in our caucus, we have been talking weekly about the affordability issues that Canadians are facing. We discuss this constantly. In fact, last week, we had a very robust discussion about such measures as these. We are constantly talking about it and I have been talking to business owners and consumers in my riding on a regular basis. Every time I am home, I go out door knocking, I go to events and I make sure that I check in with them. I know that they want some relief. I know that they are looking for these kinds of breaks this holiday season and I am so glad that our government has taken action to decide to do this. I just wish the Conservatives would get on board and help support their constituents too.