Sven Spengemann

[Committees of the House, April 12th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the fifth report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development in relation to the motion adopted on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, regarding sanctions imposed by the People's Republic of China.

[Committees of the House, February 26th, 2021]

Madam Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, an interim report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. This is the committee's third report and is entitled “Part 1 of a study on the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic—The humanitarian burden: ensuring a global response and reaching the most vulnerable”.

Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this interim report.

[Jagan Nath Dhawan, February 26th, 2021]

Madam Speaker, last December 11, Mississauga lost one of its community builders when Jagan Nath Dhawan passed away.

Jagan immigrated to Canada in 1969 at the age of 38 and lived in what was then the Town of Port Credit, becoming a schoolteacher in science and mathematics. His life journey is one of community service as a beloved educator and as someone who worked to forge and strengthen the multicultural community that Mississauga is today and the Canadian values that it exemplifies.

Jagan believed that if we truly understand each other's cultures and traditions, it would help to bring about acceptance, inclusion and unity. He led the way through his many tireless efforts, including the Peel District School Board's heritage language program, the Carassauga Festival of Cultures and the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade. He also helped newcomers to find work and housing and to overcome difficult circumstances.

Jagan Nath Dhawan lived a life of purpose and compassion, deeply rooted in a selfless concern for the well-being of others. He will be profoundly missed.

[Mississauga—Lakeshore, December 11th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the many individuals in Mississauga—Lakeshore who have demonstrated so much generosity during these difficult times.

My heartfelt thanks go to our local health care professionals at Trillium Health Partners and all other health care and front-line workers in the fight against COVID-19 for their service and courage; Armagh House; Interim Place; The Compass food bank and our faith-based groups and community organizations for their work to protect the most vulnerable; local businesses, restaurants and initiatives like Feed Mississauga for preparing thousands of meals for those in need; Mississauga–Lakeshore Constituency Youth Council for its leadership; and the Mississauga Seniors' Council for its tireless advocacy for the rights and needs of seniors.

Let us draw comfort and strength from all the amazing ways in which our community has come together in the face of this pandemic.

Merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah and happy Kwanzaa, and my very best wishes to everyone for the holiday season and the new year.

[Committees of the House, December 10th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the second report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development entitled “Good Friday Accord”.

[The Economy, December 1st, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday's fall economic statement was clear: The government will continue to be there for Canadians as we fight through this pandemic. It also began the important work of setting the stage for our recovery by making a down payment on a meaningful and targeted stimulus.

Can the Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance tell the House how the government will ensure that this recovery is inclusive and focused on the quality of life of Canadians?

[Committees of the House, November 27th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the first report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, entitled “Main Estimates 2020-21”.

[Beatrice Moreira-Laidlow, October 30th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, I take the floor with a heavy heart as our community has lost a dear friend and leader Beatrice Moreira-Laidlow.

Affectionately known as “Queen Bea”, Beatrice had recently been appointed general manager of the Port Credit BIA, but she was central to our community for years in so many other ways. Whether she was offering young people their first opportunity to volunteer at local events, championing local businesses or simply greeting neighbours with a smile from her signature go-cart, Beatrice brought inspiration and kindness to everyone she met. She was so fundamental in creating the Port Credit we know and love today, the lighthouse landing was fittingly named “The Queen Bea Lookout”.

Beyond all she did for us, she was a proud mother to her son Josh. Her family meant everything to her.

Beatrice will be profoundly missed, and our community will never be the same. We will honour her by ensuring that Port Credit remains resilient, vibrant and full of life. Her vision and legacy will live on.

[2020 By-Elections, October 27th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Liberal caucus, our warmest congratulations to the two new members on their election wins in Toronto Centre and York Centre. They are deeply connected to their communities and have put kindness and compassion at the core of their service. They shared important messages with residents and the results speak for themselves.

Last night, the Conservatives did worse in both ridings than under Stephen Harper in 2015. Our government will continue to support Canadians throughout the pandemic and unlike the Conservatives, we will continue to invest in Canada.

We will continue to fight for an inclusive policy and always strongly oppose fear, division and hate.

Last night's results are significant. For the very first time in Canadian history, 100 women will take their seats together as members of Parliament, an extraordinary moment not only for Canadian women but for all of Canada.

Welcome to the new members of the House of Commons. Together we will build back better.

[World Food Day, October 9th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, nearly 690 million people suffer from hunger, and COVID-19 could add up to 132 million more. On World Food Day, I would like to recognize our food heroes.

The World Food Programme has been awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize. Its extraordinary teams, like the one led by Martina Iannizzotto in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, are fighting hunger around the world. Many others face extremely challenging conditions, like farmers working through the California wildfires.

Heroes also serve here at home. Through a $100-million emergency fund, our government supports local leaders working tirelessly to tackle food insecurity for the most vulnerable in our midst. To Food 4 Kids Mississauga, the ISNA Canada food bank, the Compass food bank and all food heroes: I thank them.

World Food Day is followed by the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The theme is acting together to achieve environmental and social justice for all. Climate change increases poverty and poverty causes hunger. These crises are linked and we must—