House of Commons photoLost her last election, in 2025, with 43% of the vote.
Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2022 November 17th, 2022
Madam Speaker, we have heard many of the member's comments several times before from members opposite.
The member mentioned that spending has not come down at all. There was an article on Global News recently about budget 2022 and Canada's incredible disappearing deficit, and that the deficit has been reduced significantly. It has shrunk by $275 billion in just two years.
I am wondering where you are getting your facts from when you say the deficit has not shrunk at all.
Human Rights in Iran November 16th, 2022
Mr. Speaker, we must not forget the name Mahsa Amini or the cry “women, life, freedom”. Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian woman arrested for not wearing her hijab properly, died in a hospital in Tehran two months ago today.
Eyewitnesses and leaked medical reports indicate she was severely beaten. Her death sparked an uprising that has resulted in the killing of at least 326 people, including 43 children and 25 women, and the imprisonment of more than 15,000 protesters by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Canada is horrified, and I am horrified, by the regime’s blatant disregard for women’s rights and human rights. Canada has designated the Islamic Republic of Iran as a regime that has engaged in terrorism and in systematic and gross human rights violations.
The regime and its most senior officials, including the IRGC, which is tens of thousands of people, will be banned from entering Canada. Current and former senior officials present here will be investigated and removed from the country.
I am proud of the decisive and far-reaching steps our government is continuing to take. Zan, Zendegi, Azadi.
Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2022 November 15th, 2022
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague opposite for his thoughtful remarks and for going into detail on some of the measures in this fall economic statement.
One of the things that I was particularly glad to hear was his comments on the price on pollution, and I do agree with them. The member opposite mentioned the program in British Columbia and how the Government of British Columbia knew best how to deploy the resources. However, in the same context, the member mentioned in his intervention that the health care crisis is looming.
Would the member opposite have any comments on the tension between provinces knowing best and wanting to control health care expenditures while the federal government is trying to work to address this crisis, and how the member sees that in contrast to, or relating to, the price on pollution?
Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2022 November 15th, 2022
Madam Speaker, I heard the member, towards the end, talk about getting out of the worst economic crisis of our century at the top of the G7, and I can only assume she is referring to what this Liberal government has done during the COVID pandemic, since we all acknowledge that it has been the worst economic crisis. I am wondering, if that is the case, why she is referring to our agenda and our fall economic statement as having no plan.
Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2022 November 15th, 2022
Madam Speaker, I heard you toward the end talk about getting out of the worst economic crisis at the top of the—
Women's Centre of York Region November 3rd, 2022
Mr. Speaker, for 45 years the Women's Centre of York Region has served women and children who are victims of gender-based violence.
I thank Jennifer Gibbs, chair of the board of directors, and Liora Sobel, executive director, who are at the helm of this organization, as well as Jully Black, songwriter and philanthropist, whose son spoke so passionately at the 45th anniversary celebration, which I attended with them last week.
The government is clear that gender-based violence will not be tolerated. That is why we are working with provinces, territories and indigenous partners to implement a national action plan to end gender-based violence. We propose to invest $540 million over five years. The priority is increased support for the most vulnerable: indigenous women and girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
With other levels of government, we can provide leadership, policies and funding, but change happens through the work of these dedicated community organizations.
I thank Jennifer, Liora and all the staff, board members and volunteers at the Women's Centre of York Region for helping women overcome obstacles, heal from trauma and begin new chapters in their lives. We will continue to work together to protect all those who suffer due to gender-based violence, and ultimately to eradicate it completely.
Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts October 26th, 2022
Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to rise this afternoon to highlight the work of community land trusts.
Over the past few days, the Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts, a newly formed umbrella network that advocates for local land trusts at the national level, has been holding a summit here in Ottawa. These community-based organizations are at the forefront of local action on conservation and climate change, with programs such as the land trust conservation fund, part of the much larger natural heritage conservation program.
Our government has invested $20 million through these local land trusts. This government investment has been more than doubled, and yes, more than tripled. It was actually quadrupled the money it had raised from private funds. This money has supported over 40 organizations and 116 projects, and it has protected over 13,000 hectares of nature reserves since 2009. The return on the $20 million invested by our government has been phenomenal, due to the work these land trusts have done.
The success of our government and country in meeting our environmental goals, both in emissions reduction and biodiversity protection, depends on all of these local land trusts, boards, volunteers and donors. For that, our government joins with me in thanking the new Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts and its member organizations greatly.
Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act October 24th, 2022
Madam Speaker, I guess hope is eternal and something is always possible. I know that at the environment committee, in working with members of all parties, we try to find common ground.
I do not want to have debates about whether climate change is real, as we are far beyond that, but I believe we can work together to try to move forward, because everybody feels that a heathier Canada and a healthier environment are good not only for Canadians but for all citizens around the world. I hope we can work together.
Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act October 24th, 2022
Madam Speaker, I am a believer in “better is always possible”, so I think more can be done. I think we need to look at this carefully.
I have a dear friend who is suffering from ovarian cancer. She is a doctor of veterinary medicine, and currently there is testing being done at the University of Guelph on cows that have ovarian cancer. In some cases, when there are no options available, I support testing on animals, but I think we have to do everything we can to find substitutes and to only use this testing when it is absolutely necessary. I would like to strengthen that as well.
Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act October 24th, 2022
Madam Speaker, I am willing to work across the aisle and willing to work with anyone to improve the environment and address issues that will lead to a healthier Canada. There is language in this bill about removing substances when they are no longer used in Canada, and I certainly hope that toxic substances are no longer being used in Canada. I think that would address the member's concern.