Michael Levitt

[Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, October 24th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I know that all members of the House share my grave concern for the Yazidi people and the genocide being committed against them by Daesh in Syria and Iraq. Men, women, and children are being murdered, raped, and enslaved. An entire people is being destroyed. The victims of these atrocities need our help.

Would the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship please update the House on the action he is taking to provide asylum to the victims of the atrocities, including genocide, being perpetrated by Daesh against Yazidis and other peoples in Syria and Iraq?

[Business of Supply, October 20th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my hon. colleague from Parkdale—High Park for his remarks. I also want to acknowledge the work that has been done by the member for Calgary Nose Hill over a long period of time in terms of giving voice to this very grave situation.

It is very clear, even from just the first 20 minutes of this morning's commentary on the issue, that it transcends party lines. Opposing genocide and taking action is something that is felt on all sides of the House.

We have heard a lot of discussion on the immigration end of this file, which is absolutely important in terms of providing significant aid and opportunities to Yazidis in the area. However, from the perspective of the Untied Nations, from the perspective of being able to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous acts are held to account, what does the member feel that we in Canada, in this Parliament, can be doing to make sure that voice is being heard at the UN, and that this continues to be looked at and investigated in the most serious manner?

[Canadian Human Rights Act, October 18th, 2016]

Madam Speaker, for those young Canadians who are struggling and have faced prejudice and discrimination and the up to 20% of transgender Canadians who have been either physically or sexually assaulted, what difference is the bill going to make to them moving forward?

[Canadian Human Rights Act, October 18th, 2016]

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member not just for his work on this bill, but also for his long-time position on this issue and the work he has done on it.

For young Canadians like Charlie Lowthian-Rickert, who is sitting up there and who stood with—

[Toronto Blue Jays, October 5th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, last night was our moment.

162 games and here we did lie. A one game playoff versus Baltimore, the ultimate do or die.
50,000 fans at the Rogers Centre cheering on the team. Each one of them believing in this post-season dream.
Back and forth we went in this epic game. Jays fans across the country being driven insane.
At first we had a lead and then sadly no more. All tied at 2-2 as the crowd continued to roar.
And then opportunity raised its head in the 11th inning. Men on first and third, a real shot at winning.
Edwin our hero strode proudly to the plate. The swagger of a man who, with destiny, had a date.
One crack of the bat and we all knew it was done. Not just a hit but a monster home run.
It's Our Moment we're heading to Texas we all did all did scream. Good luck to the Blue Jays, Canada's baseball team.

[Shimon Peres, September 28th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, the international community has lost a giant. Shimon Peres was a peace builder, a public servant who embodied the boundless energy, optimism, and desire of Israelis to seek peace in a region fraught with immense challenges.

In his 66 years in public life, President Peres dedicated himself to fostering peace between Israelis and Palestinians, as exemplified in his leadership role in forging the Oslo Accords. For his efforts, President Peres was awarded the Noble Peace Prize, but his contributions extended far beyond peace and diplomacy. He was a driving force for innovation, inspiring Israelis to dream and think big. Unquestionably, his influence contributed in no small part to the rise of the start-up nation.

Israelis have lost a founding father, but his legacy will continue to shine. Yehay Zichrono Levrachah. May his memory be a blessing and an inspiration.

[Philippine Independence Day, June 9th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, on June 12, Filipino Canadians across the country will celebrate Philippine independence day, marking the 118th anniversary of Philippine independence. As an executive of the Canada-Philippines Interparliamentary Group, I had the privilege to stand today with the ambassador and raise the Philippine flag on Parliament Hill.

All across Canada, Filipino-Canadians make great contributions. Their hard work, active role in our communities, and boundless spirit make our country a richer place for all of us. Today, Canada is proud to be home to one of the largest and fastest growing Filipino communities in the world, many of whom call my riding of York Centre home. Toronto's “little Manila” is in the heart of my riding, and this weekend I will be celebrating the many contributions the Filipino community makes to Canada.

On behalf of my constituents, and to everyone in this House, mabuhay.

[Citizenship Act, June 3rd, 2016]

Madam Speaker, just like the member opposite, I, too, am an immigrant to this country. I thank the hon. member for highlighting Scotland as one of the destinations that members of this Parliament have come from.

My riding of York Centre is a wonderfully diverse riding, with so many immigrants adding their voices and adding value to Canadian society each and every day. I heard concerns, not just about two-tiered citizenship but also about things like language testing requirements and residency requirements.

Can the parliamentary secretary inform us again of the changes that are going to be made under this act?

[Republic Day Italy, June 3rd, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, June 2 was the 70th anniversary of the proclamation of the Italian Republic. This marked the beginning of a new era for Italy of rebuilding the country and its relationships. We now count the Italian Republic as one of our closest friends and allies.

In the past 70 years, many Italians looked abroad for a country which could give them a new beginning for themselves and their families. Canada was one of those countries. We now count 1.5 million Canadians of Italian heritage among us.

My riding of York Centre has a large and vibrant Italian community, who have built their lives, our communities, and our cities. I am proud to represent a riding that serves as such a model of our diversity.

Auguri alla Repubblica ltaliana per questo anniversario e grazie alla communità italo–canadese per il suo ruolo nella vita del Canada.

[Holocaust Remembrance Day, May 4th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, tonight, sundown marks the beginning of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, marked by Jews around the world.

In York Centre, which has one of the largest populations of Holocaust survivors in Canada, remembrance ceremonies will be held in schools, synagogues, and community centres. Every year, we must continue to remember and reflect on one of history's darkest periods: the systematic, state-sponsored murder of six million Jews during the Second World War.

Each and every one of us must consider the unfathomable suffering and loss of life, the deep-seeded hatred from which it took root, and the incredible strength, courage, and resilience of those who survived.

Our remembrance is an act of rejection of the evil that fuelled an attempt to extinguish an entire people, an evil we all bear a collective responsibility to ensure is never forgotten.