Supplementary Estimates (B), 2021-22  Madam Chair, to the Minister of Tourism, in my riding, I have seen many businesses that are essential to the fabric of our local economy struggling throughout this pandemic. I know the minister has been working on this file and listening to many of our small businesses, which are essential in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Supplementary Estimates (B), 2021-22  Madam Chair, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, I am pleased to rise in the House. As many members know, the supplementary estimates (B) is the second opportunity for departments and agencies to adjust their 2021-22 main estimates. I am particularly proud to speak to the 2021 and 2022 supplementary estimates for Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Parks Canada Agency because I believe that, when it comes to Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Parks Canada Agency, the value of their work cannot be overestimated and should not be underappreciated.

Supplementary Estimates (B), 2021-22  Madam Chair, indigenous communities have long asked for restitution of land and recognition of rights in Canada. After being sworn in, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations stated, “It's time to give land back.” Dispossession by settlers contributes to economic inequality and racial discrimination against indigenous peoples.

Supplementary Estimates (B), 2021-22  Madam Chair, I want to thank the minister for his leadership and commitment to giving stolen lands back. The commitment our government made to lift all long-term drinking water advisories and ensure clean water for first nations on reserve is one of the most important promises we have made.

Supplementary Estimates (B), 2021-22  Mr. Speaker, my constituency youth council has identified mental health supports as a key concern and priority for youth in our riding but also for all Canadians. COVID-19 has certainly created anxiety and led to increased incidents of depression and anxiety, for good reason. Can the Minister of Health give us an update on initiatives and essential investments the department is making to address the mental health concerns of Canadians?

Supplementary Estimates (B), 2021-22  Madam Chair, it goes without saying that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed, and that means paying women equally for work of equal value. Based on the most recent data in Canada, for every dollar earned by a man, a woman earns 89 cents, as measured in hourly wages for full-time and part-time workers.

Business of the House  Madam Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties and if you seek it, I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion: That, during the debates on Tuesday, December 7 and Wednesday, December 8, 2021, on the business of supply pursuant to Standing Order 81(5), no quorum calls, dilatory motions or requests for unanimous consent shall be received by the Chair.

An Act to Provide Further Support in Response to COVID-19  Mr. Speaker, in fact the program that we are talking about in Bill C-2 is called the tourism and hospitality recovery program. It targets all tourism and hospitality businesses to ensure they can still access the wage subsidy and the rent subsidy. It targets them in order to help them continue to recover.

An Act to Provide Further Support in Response to COVID-19  Mr. Speaker, we know that countries around the world are experiencing inflation, some more and some less. We know that Canada is being affected by global supply chain interruptions, and the shortage of supply of some items means the demand is outpacing the supply, hence the increased prices.

An Act to Provide Further Support in Response to COVID-19  Mr. Speaker, in this case, our government has returned to the House with a stronger minority government and a new mandate for many of the things our government and Canadians are seeking in terms of progress. Contrary to the member opposite, I do not believe the election was entirely unnecessary.

An Act to Provide Further Support in Response to COVID-19  Mr. Speaker, I agree that our government has recognized that at this point in the pandemic we have transitioned to a new chapter. The Deputy Prime Minister said it best when she said it seemed like the darkest days of this pandemic are over. I cross my fingers and hope that this is true.

An Act to Provide Further Support in Response to COVID-19  Mr. Speaker, let me congratulate you and the people of West Nova for your re-election. We appreciate the important role that the Speaker plays in our parliamentary system. As this is my first speech in the House in the 44th Parliament, I would like to thank the people of Whitby, who have put their trust in me to be a strong, rational voice for them in the House, and I do stress rational.

44th Parliament  Mr. Speaker, as I rise in the House for the first time in the 44th Parliament, I find myself filled with excitement to be back in Ottawa and gratitude for the people of Whitby, who have once again given me the honour of representing them here in this House. There is no doubt the nation's business has never been more important as we face numerous challenges, including making life more affordable, finishing the fight against COVID-19, ensuring a robust economic recovery and combatting climate change with ever-increasing urgency.

COVID-19 Emergency Response  Mr. Speaker, as we come to the end of this parliamentary session as well as out of the third wave, it is time to reflect on what we have accomplished this past session. Despite the challenges, I am proud of this government and everything we did to protect Canadian families, jobs and businesses at the height of the pandemic.

National Nursing Week  Mr. Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic has been an extremely challenging time for everyone, but arguably no one has experienced more challenges and been more personally impacted than those on the front lines of our health care system. The tireless efforts of health care workers to keep our community members safe, cared for and healthy is what has given many Canadians hope as we navigate through this pandemic.