Wilson Miao

[Holiday Greetings, December 17th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, as the holiday season approaches, I want to share my holiday greetings and gratitude with my constituents in Richmond Centre.

This holiday season in Richmond, we celebrate the diversity and the richness of our shared culture, where Canadians from all backgrounds come together to share this holiday joy with one another. As we celebrate the holidays, let us reflect on the importance of family, compassion and the connection that unites us all. This year's holiday season is extra special for Canadians. With a GST tax break for the holidays, we are helping everyone focus on what matters most: spending time with family and friends.

To my constituents in Richmond Centre and all Canadians, I extend my warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season and a happy new year. May this holiday season bring peace, hope and happiness to everyone.

[Housing, December 5th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, since elected, I have been working with my colleague from Steveston—Richmond East to address our housing priority in the city of Richmond. As a result, early this January, the Liberal government invested $35.9 million through the housing accelerator fund for Richmond to build more homes faster. This important funding enabled the City of Richmond to approve over 1,166 new housing permits by August, exceeding Richmond's target of 1,125 homes four months ahead of schedule.

The Conservative leader claimed municipal politicians are “incompetent, greedy [and] money-hungry”. Let the facts speak for themselves, and let us not forget that when the Conservative leader was the housing minister, he helped build zero apartments, zero co-operative housing units and six affordable units across Canada.

The Liberal government will continue to work with municipalities to turn ambition into action. Together, we will deliver real and lasting progress for my community of Richmond Centre and communities across Canada.

[Veterans Affairs, November 5th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, the previous Conservative government brought in cuts and challenges that left many veterans struggling, particularly in British Columbia, and we do not want to see this happen again. Our Liberal government has worked diligently to address these issues. As we reflect on these changes, let us remember that our commitment to veterans must be unwavering.

Can the Minister of Citizens' Services share how our government has expanded our reach to better support veterans from coast to coast to coast?

[Democratic Institutions, October 29th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, almost two years ago, we learned that several countries, including China, Russia and India, were trying to interfere in democratic processes in Canada. Last June, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians tabled a report alleging that certain parliamentarians were unwitting or witting participants in foreign states' efforts to interfere in Canada's democratic process. These are serious and worrying allegations that have sowed doubt in our democratic institutions.

Since that time, all opposition leaders, except one, have chosen to obtain their security clearance to be able to act on foreign interference within their parties. The public inquiry into foreign interference has made it clear that every member of this chamber has a responsibility to combat foreign interference in our democracy.

I have a simple question for the leader of the Conservative Party: When will he get his security clearance and put the safety of Canadians before partisan politics?

[National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 24th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. It is an occasion for all Canadians to honour survivors and the children who never returned home.

This day is also an opportunity to remember and recognize the centennial and invaluable solidarity between indigenous peoples and Chinese Canadians in British Columbia. The Musqueam people stood with the early Chinese immigrants at a time when support was most needed. Both communities co-created the Chinese market gardens on the Musqueam reserve.

As we reflect on this important history, we must remember the kindness, selflessness and courage of our indigenous peoples. Truth needs to come forward before reconciliation. Let us continue on the path toward reconciliation and move toward healing.

[Health, September 16th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, this summer, I was pleased to join the Minister of Health to sign two new health care agreements with British Columbia. These agreements will enhance wages for personal support workers and improve accessibility and affordability to medication across B.C. Canadians believe in our health care system, and we must continue to build up a health care system for all generations.

Could the Minister of Health please share with us how these agreements will support health care in B.C.?

[David Chiapin Tang, June 17th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of a remarkable community leader, Dr. David Chiapin Tang, who sadly passed away on May 31 because of a COVID-19 virus.

As the chief executive officer of Tzu Chi Foundation Canada, David dedicated himself to building a better community for everyone. Beyond his professional accomplishment, David was a source of inspiration and wisdom for all who knew him. He immigrated to Canada in 2006 and started volunteering for Tzu Chi. In 2019, he moved to Vancouver with the hope of building a home for his family and serving the community, where he touched the lives of many with his values of compassion and service. He lived a life of volunteerism that embodied the Buddhist teaching of compassion, kindness and genuineness.

To the family of David, especially his wife and two sons, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences.

Let us work together to preserve and to continue his legacy to build a better, more compassionate and inclusive Canada for everyone.

[2024 Graduating Class, June 12th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to all graduates of 2024, especially those in my riding of Richmond Centre, the graduates of J.N. Burnett Secondary, Richmond Secondary, Hugh Boyd Secondary and Steveston-London Secondary, as well as graduates from BCIT, Trinity Western University and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. The graduates should let this hard work and important milestone be the start of their journey to explore a world full of potential.

I would like to thank all the parents, family members and education professionals who played an important role in supporting our graduates in their path of dreams. Graduation marks the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance. It signifies the beginning of a new chapter filled with infinite prospects.

Congratulations to the 2024 graduate class. I wish every graduate all the best in their future achievements and look forward to celebrating their continued success.

[Emergency Preparedness, June 3rd, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, as we have entered into June, and summer is just around the corner, the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre has already reported that over 300,000 hectares of forest have been burned down. Climate change continues to impact communities in my home province of British Columbia and across Canada at a disproportional rate. Drought and warmer-than-normal temperatures are persisting, fuelling the severity of wildfires and posing significant risks to our communities.

Can the Minister of Emergency Preparedness share with Canadians what work our federal government is doing to help communities be better prepared?

[Emergency Preparedness, June 3rd, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, as we have entered into June, and summer is just around the corner, the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre has already reported that over 300,000 hectares of forest have been burned down. Climate change continues to impact communities in my home province of British Columbia and across Canada at a disproportional—