Pat Finnigan

[Albert Levy, November 2nd, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, wela'lin. It is with great sadness that I rise to mark the peaceful passing of Albert Levy. Albert not only served as chief of Elsipogtog First Nation for 26 years, but was also a loving husband and father, an advocate for education, a successful entrepreneur and an avid sportsman.

In the 1960s, he became a professional wrestler, under the name of Chief Young Eagle, and went on to be a well-known hockey and baseball coach. He was a recipient of the Order of Canada and he received an honorary law degree from Mount Allison University.

Albert advanced his community in many ways, and is responsible for much of the infrastructure that exists there today. I am sure his community will never forget his important legacy.

I want to express my deepest sympathy to Albert's family and the community of Elsipogtog.

[Business of Supply, October 29th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, once again, my hon. colleague failed to name the real victims of the terrorist acts that went on for more than 10 years. Not to age myself, but I remember the events of the 1970 crisis very clearly. I remember them because they had repercussions even back home in New Brunswick. There were extremist elements, and Molotov cocktails were thrown at federal buildings.

We have heard many of our Bloc Québécois colleagues say that the government's actions suppressed democracy. Would my hon. colleague agree that the ensuing calm clearly demonstrated that democracy was quite intact, as evidenced by the election of the Bloc Québécois on so many occasions as well as the multiple referendums that were held, which in no way affected Quebec's peaceful democracy?

[Small Business, October 22nd, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Small Business Week, I would like to acknowledge the tremendous contributions that small businesses make to our country. They are the backbone of the Canadian economy and employ thousands of people in my riding of Miramichi—Grand Lake.

From the beginning of the pandemic, our government has been there to help employers and small businesses. Can the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade tell the House how we will continue to support Canadian businesses during this second wave of the pandemic?

[COVID-19 Community Response, October 6th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the people of Miramichi—Grand Lake for their strength and support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health asked those who could stay at home to do so to minimize the spread of the virus, and I would like to thank everyone who did. I also want to thank the front-line workers who have kept us going through this pandemic.

I would like to thank grocery store employees, doctors and nurses, food processors, delivery people, first responders and all the other Canadians who have worked hard to help us get through this difficult period.

New Brunswick has come together and diligently followed guidelines in order to make our province one of the safest places to be in North America.

[Criminal Code, February 26th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, I have had many calls regarding MAID, and many of my constituents are in favour of it. Some are concerned that this could be risky for people who might be vulnerable in their hours of pain. What safeguards would the member say we have in place that guarantee, whether for religious beliefs or other reasons, people are not coerced or pushed into making a decision they may not be in the right state to make?

[Charles Hubbard, February 24th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, I rise in the House today with a heavy heart to pay my respects to the late Charles Hubbard, who passed away on February 12. He was a friend and colleague to many of us here in this House.

Charlie was the member of Parliament for Miramichi from 1993 to 2008 and served the people of the riding with great pride. He was the parliamentary secretary to the minister of Indian affairs and northern development, and parliamentary secretary to the minister of transport during the government of Paul Martin.

Before entering politics, Charlie served in the Canadian Armed Forces, and in 1963 began his illustrious teaching career. He later went on to become the first principal of Miramichi Valley High School and was also deeply involved with many community organizations over the years.

Charlie had a love for the outdoors that included farming and fishing.

I would like to extend my condolences to his wife Pat, their children and grandchildren. Charlie was a good friend and mentor to me, and a true champion of the Miramichi region. He will be missed.

[Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act, February 6th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, I would like to ask my colleague if there are any concerns that have already been raised about the security or speed with which people and goods will be able to cross our borders when the provisions of the bill are implemented. Is he aware of any concerns that have been raised in that regard?

[John Forbes, February 3rd, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour Sergeant John Forbes, a Second World War veteran who passed away last December.

John joined the army at age 16 and was sent to England in 1940. He landed in Normandy shortly after D-Day and was wounded by a landmine during the advance from Holland to Germany in 1945. Following five months in hospital, he was released and returned to civilian life.

John continued his service by becoming a reserve soldier and helping other veterans in need. He was a strong advocate in schools and the community, and at the age of 96, John was still helping others and promoting commemorations.

He has been recognized many times for his dedicated and long-term service, including with the French Legion of Honour. John will receive the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation posthumously.

Let us never forget that the freedom we are enjoying today in Canada is because of the sacrifice made by people like John Forbes.

[Workshop Program for Women, January 28th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, in my hometown of Rogersville, we have a program called “Femmes Fortes”.

Two years ago, a comment made by a recently widowed woman really bothered a municipal employee. She had mentioned that since her husband's passing, she felt powerless and useless, and she realized how much she had depended on her husband to take on traditionally male tasks, such as car repairs, carpentry and the like.

That employee, Angèle McCaie, then proposed her “Femmes Fortes” project to the municipal council. In response to suggestions made during a meeting, more than 30 workshops were organized, including workshops on self-defence, woodworking, car repairs, menopause, anxiety, physical fitness and gardening.

Mr. Speaker, just know that if you ever drop by my community of Rogersville, you are sure to meet some “Femmes Fortes”, some strong women.

[Health, December 10th, 2019]

Mr. Speaker, over the past month, I have heard from many constituents from my riding of Miramichi—Grand Lake who have loved ones struggling with an addiction to crystal meth. Crystal meth devastates lives and communities, and it is both accessible and very cheap.

Often, the stigma is also an obstacle for those who want to get help.

Can the Minister of Health tell the House what the government is doing to help Canadians struggling with substance abuse problems?