Stephen Fuhr

[Airports, April 16th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to welcome to Ottawa the Canadian Airports Council. CAC is the voice for more than 100 airports across Canada and they work to ensure that Canada is a leader in safe, high-quality, and economically prosperous air transport. Serving as gateways to the world, our airports generate nearly 200,000 jobs and contribute $35 billion in GDP to our nation's economy.

In my riding of Kelowna—Lake Country, under the direction of airport manager Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Canada, serving nearly two million passengers annually and contributing more than $800 million in total economic output to the province of British Columbia.

I invite all members in this House to join the Canadian Airports Council tomorrow night at a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Chateau Laurier to recognize our airports' contributions to our communities and the Canadian economy.

If members have an airport in their riding, I will see them tomorrow at the Chateau.

[March 23rd, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, if you were to review it, I think you would find that the member for Durham was not in his seat when you started to read the motion. A member of that stature, who has been in the House a long time, should know better. I would ask you to—

[Business Excellence Awards, March 2nd, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, last week, in my riding of Kelowna—Lake Country, I had the pleasure of attending the 2017 Lake Country Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize all the companies and individuals who were nominated for an award and take a moment to acknowledge the winners: Bernard Dewonck, Anne Leistner, Dairy Queen, UBR Services – Printing & Copies, Interior Savings Credit Union, Nalu Massage Therapy and Wellness, Sip Happens Wine Tours, Sun City Physiotherapy, Neon Consulting, and ArtWalk.

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Kim Chapman, and the Business Person of the Year was Garth McKay.

I would also like to congratulate the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce for putting on an exceptional event. Small businesses often play a bigger role in smaller districts as they increase both employment opportunities and quality of life for the entire community.

[National Defence, February 27th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's new defence policy emphasizes NATO's importance to Canada and recognizes that joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance is essential to NATO. In response to today's security environment, NATO has significantly increased the use of its AWACS fleet, specifically in central and eastern Europe, where Canada leads a multinational NATO mission based in Latvia.

Could the Minister of National Defence update the House on the government's position with regard to the NATO AWACS program?

[2018 Winter Olympics, February 15th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the constituents of my riding of Kelowna—Lake Country, it gives me great pleasure to recognize our community's contribution to Canada's efforts in the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Competing in her third Olympic games, Kelsey Serwa of Kelowna is leading the charge for the women's ski cross. Kelsey won silver at the Sochi Olympics in 2014, and placed fifth at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010. Tess Critchlow will compete tonight in the women's snowboard cross. Julia Ransom of Kelowna competed in the women's biathlon. Ian Deans of Lake Country has been named an alternate for Team Canada's men's ski cross. Bob Ursel will coach the South Korean national men's curling team.

Currently, Canada's team is doing very well overall, with 13 medals, ranking third among all countries.

We are immensely proud of the team. Go Canada go.

[National Defence, December 11th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the eighth report of the Standing Committee on National Defence, entitled “Canada's Support to Ukraine in Crisis and Armed Conflict”.

Canada proudly stands with the Ukraine.

[Committees of the House, November 30th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present in both official languages the seventh report of the Standing Committee on National Defence in relation to Supplementary Estimates (B), 2017-18.

[The Environment, November 7th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's network of protected areas help to mitigate the impacts of climate change. They protect and restore healthy, resilient ecosystems and assist in the recovery of species at risk. Canada is committed to conserve at least 17% of our country's land and fresh water by 2020, in collaboration with the provinces and territories, indigenous peoples, and other key partners.

Can the government please update this House on the recent progress towards this target?

[Mental Health, October 30th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize 15-year-old Finnegan Pihl from Kelowna, British Columbia. Finn was recently honoured by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health as one of 150 Canadians who are changing the course of mental health.

Since the age of eight, Finn has struggled with anxiety and depression. He has found it frustrating and difficult to access the help he has needed. As a result, Finn decided to speak out about his experience to raise awareness about mental health. Finn also recently received a Community Leader Award for his efforts to raise funds for Foundry Kelowna. The Foundry is a one-stop community resource that makes it easier for youth to find the care, connection, and support they need, something Finn insists will make a real difference.

On behalf of the entire community, I want to congratulate Finnegan Pihl for both awards. His courage and his commitment to raising awareness about mental health will go a long way in helping others.

[Kelowna Business Excellence Awards, October 20th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, last week, in my riding of Kelowna—Lake Country, I had the pleasure of attending the 2017 Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize all the companies and individuals who were nominated for an award and take a moment to acknowledge the winners: Current Taxi, BC Tree Fruits Cooperative, Rotary Centre for the Arts, CREW Marketing Partners, Volinspire, Hybrid Elevator Inc., NewCap Radio, and Northside Industries. The Young Entrepreneur Award went to Andrew Gaucher. Finally, the Business Leader of the Year Award went to Lane Merrifield.

I also want to compliment the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce for putting on a first-class event.

Small business not only creates local employment opportunities, it provides goods and services that increase the quality of life in our community.