Vance Badawey

[Lyme Disease Awareness Month, May 12th, 2022]

Mr. Speaker, May marks Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Families across Canada have their lives turned upside down because of Lyme disease, like the Peters family in my riding. This family has two daughters who have battled chronic Lyme disease over the past eight years, with debilitating neurological symptoms.

Like many Canadians, the Peters family does not know when, where or how they were bitten by a tick and acquired Lyme disease. The Peters sisters did not have a bull's-eye rash, similar to many other people who get Lyme disease, but there are difference instances where we would know we have Lyme disease.

I encourage all members of the House to educate themselves on the experiences of individuals with Lyme disease and to visit canlyme.com to find out more and get more information.

[Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, May 4th, 2022]

Mr. Chair, I thank the member for her comments, and I agree that this is a non-partisan issue. I see three of the member's colleagues sitting behind her who sit on the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs with me, and I see some members from the NDP here as well. We do work together, in a bipartisan manner, to get to the job at hand.

The federal government has created policies, and we have had legislation pass recently in these past few years, such as the Indigenous Languages Act; An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families; as well as UNDRIP.

The question I have for the member goes to her comments. We know what the “what” is, but now let us concentrate on the “how”. As we move forward, we want to accelerate our efforts. All of us in this House are committed to that.

My question to the member is this: How? How does she think we move forward? How does she think we accelerate this? How can we work closer together to in fact deal with the job ahead?

[Indigenous Affairs, May 2nd, 2022]

Mr. Speaker, access to clean drinking water is fundamental. That is why budget 2022 will provide $173.2 million to support the transfer of services in 17 communities to the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority. Recently, Chief Ross Perley stated, “It gives us self-determination on drinking water.”

We will continue to work with all communities to find and support indigenous-led solutions to strengthen water management on reserve.

[Public Safety, May 2nd, 2022]

Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned that Peguis First Nation is experiencing flooding events again this year.

They have been impacted significantly by previous flooding, and their communities have been working to rebuild their homes and their community. The Canadian Red Cross and Indigenous Services Canada are working with Chief Hudson to evacuate residents as required. We will continue to work with the community to ensure that they have the resources and supports they need, as this is an active event.

[The Great Lakes, April 29th, 2022]

Madam Speaker, the minister was still reading her budget speech when my office received two calls thanking the government and every member of this House. The first was from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and the second from a senior member of the U.S. congressional Great Lakes task force.

That is because budget 2022 made millions of dollars' worth of smart investments into the long-term sustainability of the Great Lakes, with a promise of real and substantial action to protect this critical binational treasure in the years ahead.

Money toward a Canada water agency, the beginnings of a freshwater action plan, and resources for sea lamprey control in the Great Lakes will make a difference both in Canada and on the U.S. side of this great treasure. This includes the riding of Niagara Centre, but also many other ridings throughout this great country.

While it is true that there is always more to do, stakeholders are applauding the budget and thanking the government for a strong Great Lakes commitment. I also want to add my personal appreciation—

[Petitions, April 4th, 2022]

Madam Speaker, I have the opportunity today to present a petition on behalf of the hard-working, passionate students of Notre Dame College School in the city of Welland. This petition calls upon the House of Commons to adopt human rights and environmental due diligence legislation.

[The Great Lakes, March 30th, 2022]

Mr. Speaker, the Great Lakes are binational treasures that drive our economy by creating 238,000 jobs and billions in economic activity. This fiscal support is buoyed by many social and environmental advantages, which jointly create a triple bottom line advantage for millions of residents, businesses and communities within the basin and throughout this great nation.

Despite these advantages, this vital resource is desperate for our attention and investment, and the time for meaningful action is now.

Our government has been clear, both in our platforms and in the throne speech, that the Great Lakes are a national priority. From fully funding our Great Lakes treaty promises to ensuring the establishment of a Canada water agency and a freshwater action plan, the time is now to make sure the Great Lakes are no longer seen as Canada's forgotten coast.

As we prepare for budget 2022, we must seize the opportunity to work together to protect and keep the Great Lakes great, not just for Canadians today but for future generations to enjoy and benefit from.

[Income Tax Act, March 23rd, 2022]

Madam Speaker, I have a quick question for the member with respect to travel.

The member mentioned travel, but how about tools? We have a maximum deduction for tools listed under the CRA. Is there any thought given to adding to this private member's bill to include not only travel but tools of the trade as well? That could be anything from big vehicles and machines all the way down to the hammer, screwdrivers and things that tradespeople use on a daily basis. Is there any thought given to include that in this private member's bill?

[Income Tax Act, March 23rd, 2022]

Madam Speaker, I have a quick question with respect to the presentation given today, and I do appreciate it. It is great work, and I do support the direction that the member is taking with the bill and I am hoping to see it sent to committee.

You mentioned travel—

[Indigenous Affairs, February 4th, 2022]

Mr. Speaker, the events at Marten Falls are concerning. Our department will follow up with the community, and continue to follow up with the community to ensure a path forward that works for them. Everyone deserves the right to clean water and proper infrastructure to help with the needs of the community.

This is why we have invested in drinking water advisories since 2015. To date, we have lifted 127 long-term advisories and prevented 208 short-term advisories from becoming long term. There is still more to do across the board for these communities and for water operators, and of course the proper infrastructure all communities need—