Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, for constituencies such as Windsor—Tecumseh, which have a proud history of manufacturing and auto, the Speech from the Throne really hits the mark. The commitment to make Canada the world's most competitive jurisdiction in the manufacture of zero-emission vehicles, batteries and clean technology is really music to the ears of the workers and the workforce of Windsor—Tecumseh, because we know it positions us not only for the jobs of today but also the jobs of tomorrow.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, this Speech from the Throne really builds upon the last six or seven months of our experience with COVID. We can look at the fact that the throne speech talks about the extension of the wage subsidy to protect workers and their jobs, as well as the fact that we are looking at improving upon our experience with the CERB, which provided support and protection to over nine million Canadians.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Brampton East. I am honoured to rise in the House today as we mark the opening of the second session of this remarkable 43rd Parliament; a Parliament unlike any other before it. The COVID-19 pandemic has created one of the most challenging health and economic crises our country has ever faced, and in cross-border communities like Windsor—Tecumseh, we have felt the full force of COVID-19's terrible impact.

COVID-19 Emergency Response  Mr. Speaker, we recognize the urgency of the situation and that is why our government has taken action to support workers and their families. In August, we announced the next steps in our government's plan to support Canadians through this pandemic. Our plan includes a seamless transition to EI coupled with the creation of new benefits to ensure that no Canadian worker is left behind.

COVID-19 Response Measures Act  Madam Speaker, I want to begin by acknowledging that the signature, eloquence and passion of the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands is not diminished one bit even at 1:50 in the morning. I very much appreciate the comments the member shared at the beginning of her speech when she emphasized the collaboration and the real, true team Canada approach, which is really the signature of this piece of legislation and how it came about.

Government Business No. 1  Madam Speaker, we know how hard the hon. member is working both in his riding and also for constituents across the country. This government believes that strategic, targeted support is what Canadians are looking for to ensure the money gets into the hands of the Canadians who need it the most and in a timely fashion.

Government Business No. 1  Madam Speaker, I want to reiterate that from the very start of this pandemic the primary focus of the government was to make sure we got the support Canadians needed into their hands as quickly as possible. With the new Canada response benefit, I can assure the member that when people apply online they will be able to receive benefits within three to five days of the application if they have a direct deposit account.

Government Business No. 1  Madam Speaker, though the members in the opposition are focused on talking about prorogation and other such matters, this government's focus, first and foremost, has been to deliver the support Canadians require to get through the pandemic. That has been our priority and that will always be our priority.

Government Business No. 1  Madam Speaker, it is really good to be back in the House representing the residents of Windsor—Tecumseh and also good to be back in the House with all my colleagues across the aisle. I will be sharing my time with the hon. member for Orléans. I am pleased to rise today to participate in today's motion, but before I begin I would like to acknowledge that we are meeting on the unceded territory of the Algonquin people.

Thomas Wilson  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the House with a heavy heart to pay tribute to the life and public service of a great Windsorite, Mr. Tom Wilson, who passed away this week. Tom was a retired teacher who taught history and geography before entering municipal politics in 1985. He faithfully served the residents of Windsor for 21 years as a city councillor for ward 5.

Criminal Code  Mr. Speaker, I am not sure the question is cogent to this incredibly personal, complex and emotional discussion we are having in the House, but what I can say is that our government remains committed to protecting vulnerable individuals and to protecting the equality, value and self-worth of all Canadians.

Criminal Code  Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for the excellent question and the concerns that have been raised in the House. Again, we know this is an incredibly complex issue and an incredibly personal issue. Our priority was to listen to Canadians, which is why we conducted extensive consultations with doctors, nurses, the disability community and vulnerable populations across the country.

Criminal Code  Mr. Speaker, that is an excellent question. If we read the preamble to Bill C-7, we will see the legislation's explicit desire to balance several interests and values: the autonomy of the person seeking a dignified death, the protection of vulnerable persons and the important public health issue that suicide represents.

Criminal Code  Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Beaches—East York. It is an honour to stand up in the House of Commons and participate in the second reading debate for Bill C-7, an act to amend the Criminal Code to Canada's medical assistance in dying legislation. In developing these amendments, Canadians were widely consulted in January 2020.

Post-Secondary Education  Mr. Speaker, we know that education is vital to succeeding in our modern workforce and that is why we are investing in Canadians and their futures. To help Canadians reach their full potential, we will increase the Canada student grant by $1,200, extend Canada's student loan repayment grace period from six months to two years after graduation, give parents with their own student loans a repayment grace period until their child turns five and increase the threshold of the repayment assistance program, so students do not need to start repaying their loans until they are making over $35,000.