Neil Ellis

[Pediatric Bereavement, May 10th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to proudly pay special tribute to the organizers of the Butterfly Run, an event designed to support those who have experienced the devastating loss of an infant or child. Close to $70,000 was raised. All money will be donated to the pediatric bereavement fund at Quinte Health Care.

I personally want to thank three remarkable women, Barb, Loralee, and Beth, not only for their organization of this event but also for their strength and compassion, and for sharing their own personal experiences. Our butterfly girls have transformed grief and loss into a positive action and have inspired an entire community.

As the MP for the Bay of Quinte, I stand today to honour baby Charlie May McFadden, and to remember all of the infants and children whom we have lost but will never forget.

[Fort McMurray, May 6th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, everyone is saddened by the devastation in Fort McMurray. It is clear that we all have a role to play in helping this community get back on its feet. Many will be looking for immediate support, including access to employment insurance, pension payments, old age support, and other support services. Could the government please tell us what it is doing to ensure that the people of Fort McMurray have the support and resources they need?

[Women's Floorball Championships, May 3rd, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize a world-class sporting event that will be taking place in the riding of Bay of Quinte.

From May 4 to 8, the city of Belleville is proud to be hosting the under 19 women's floorball championships. Over 400 athletes from 15 different countries will be participating in the first tournament ever played on North American soil.

This event will not only contribute an estimated $3.8 million to the local economy, it will showcase the power of women in sports and the growing international popularity of floorball. The hope is that this sport will make its Olympic debut in the 2024 games.

The community support for this event has been inspiring. As MP for the riding of Bay of Quinte, I want to welcome all of our international visitors and wish Team Canada the best of luck.

[Committees of the House, April 18th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both officials languages, the second report of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, entitled “Main Estimates, 2016-17: Votes 1 and 5 under Veterans Affairs, and Vote 1 under Veterans Review and Appeal Board”.

[Committees of the House, March 9th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the first report of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs on supplementary estimates (C), 2015-16, votes 1c and 5c under Veterans Affairs.

[Bay of Quinte, February 3rd, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, as this is my first opportunity to rise in the House, I want to thank my constituents from the new riding of Bay of Quinte for the trust and confidence they have placed in me.

My riding consists of the cities of Belleville, Quinte West, as well as Prince Edward County. It is a great honour to be the first MP to represent this riding.

I would like to congratulate all of my colleagues in this House for their victories. I encourage all members to come and explore the spectacular Bay of Quinte. It will not disappoint.

I also rise today to recognize the important work being done by Gleaners Food Bank and Tri-County Warehouse. This past weekend, I was pleased to attend their fundraiser which raised over $23,000. What began as a pilot project in 1986 now distributes food baskets to over 150 non-profit organizations. In 2015 alone they distributed almost 9,000 food hampers across the area.

I know that all members can appreciate the important roles organizations like this play in addressing food insecurity.