Marc Serré

[Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, December 11th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is an annual event that celebrates the best food, livestock and horsemanship this country has to offer. This November, FedNor supported the royal in Toronto with nearly $600,000 to enable northern Ontario agri-food businesses and organizations to expand, reach new markets, and create jobs throughout northern Ontario's agricultural pavilion.

Many local Ontario producers participated, with the best maple sugar in Canada. The sugar bush in Lavigne in my riding of Nickel Belt took home the prize for the best amber grade maple syrup.

Congratulations to the Séguin family and their team.

I thank our food producers, who supply nutritious and delicious food for our tables and our shops, especially during the pandemic.

Let us continue to support local organizations and businesses and local producers.

Merry Christmas and happy new year to all.

[Citizens of Nickel Belt and Greater Sudbury, December 7th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, I am sincerely grateful to the people of Nickel Belt and Greater Sudbury for their hard work and sacrifices throughout this pandemic. Things are hard for families, seniors, businesses, students and essential workers.

They have to keep following health measures, limiting their non-essential activities and getting information from reliable sources.

The pandemic is exacerbating anxiety and worry. Many people are struggling with mental health and addiction issues. Resources are available. People do not have to suffer alone.

Our government has introduced measures to support individuals and businesses and will continue to prioritize health and safety. We have to be optimistic; a vaccine is around the corner.

I would like to give a big shout-out to the students of St. John elementary school in Garson for launching a campaign to support homeless individuals. An act of generosity makes a big difference. I thank all residents of Nickel Belt greater Sudbury for caring for each other.

[Women and Gender Equality, November 30th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, between November 25 and December 10, Canadians observe 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

It is an opportunity to come together to condemn violence, have conversations and renew our commitment. I believe men and boys can play a vital role in preventing gender-based violence.

Can the Minister for Women and Gender Equality provide an update on our national action plan and on how men and boys are being encouraged to be part of the solution?

[Veterans Affairs, November 2nd, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, I made funding announcements at the Lockerby and Markstay St. Charles legions in Nickel Belt to unveil new commemorative cenotaphs in honour of local heroes. With the annual poppy campaign under way, I encourage everyone to give generously and get a poppy before Remembrance Day.

More than ever, our legions and veterans need our support. Could the hon. Minister of Veterans Affairs share what our government is doing to ensure they have the support they need and deserve during this pandemic?

[COVID-19 Emergency Response, October 9th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, I have heard the concerns coming from parents, families, school boards, teachers, bus drivers and support staff throughout my riding, Nickel Belt, regarding the current school year.

Many students have returned to in-person classes. It is crucial that everyone continue to follow all public health measures.

Can the hon. Minister of Families, Children and Social Development share what our government has been doing to support our provinces to ensure the safety of students and staff members during this pandemic?

[Interparliamentary Delegations, October 7th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, two reports of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas.

The first report concerns the fourth gathering of the ParlAmericas' Parliamentary Network on Climate Change that was held in Paramaribo, Suriname, in August 2019.

The second report concerns the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP 25, held in Madrid, Spain, from December 1 to 3, 2019.

[Petitions, October 6th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table petition e-2542 initiated by the Citizens' Climate Lobby, which seeks to improve the federal carbon pricing policy.

These Canadian citizens are calling upon the Government of Canada to continue a price on pollution and to continue distribution of carbon pricing revenues to Canadians as a cheque or bank deposit instead of a tax credit.

[Long-Term Care Facilities, September 24th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, I want to acknowledge the hard work being done by staff and volunteers at long-term care facilities in Nickel Belt, including Elizabeth Centre, in Val Caron, Villa St. Gabriel Villa, in Chelmsford, and Au Château, in Sturgeon Falls. Alicia Woods, the owner of Covergalls, launched a campaign to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of masks to long-term care facilities so they can purchase PPE.

Their products support Canadian jobs.

Covergalls, under #CanadaStrong, donated $3,000 to Villa St. Gabriel in Chelmsford and continues to build awareness about long-term health facilities.

This pandemic has isolated our most vulnerable. The generosity of Canadian women-led companies like Covergalls give real support. I thank all the hard-working staff.

Let us keep supporting our long-term care residents. Together, we can get through these challenging times and be stronger than ever.

#CanadaStrong.

[Regional Economic Development, March 9th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, last week, our government announced a $3.6-million investment from FedNor in two projects proposed by the North Claybelt Community Futures Development Corporation. For more than 30 years, this not-for-profit organization has been helping local entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses and helping communities strengthen their economy.

Could the Minister of Economic Development tell us more about this project, which is extremely important to the community?

[Interparliamentary Delegations, February 26th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas respecting its participation at the 16th plenary assembly and the 49th meeting of the board of directors of ParlAmericas, held in Asunción, Paraguay, from October 30 to November 1, 2019.