Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, we are here for what is really such a deeply personal and complex discussion on Bill C-39. I want to start by saying the discussion tonight is about Bill C-39, and it has been the discussion here for the last few nights. I say this because some time ago, and I believe it was in November, we had a one-night discussion in the House, a take-note debate on mental health, in which I participated.

The Economy  Madam Speaker, I always hope that we can certainly be friendly with our colleagues across the way. I really find it difficult and challenging that the Conservatives seem to have this tactic of saying one thing but doing something else. They say they are really concerned about Canadians, but they vote against our measures for rental and dental assistance, or measures in terms of protecting workers.

Employment Insurance  Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question. When Canadians lose their jobs and when Quebeckers lose their jobs, we know that they rely on the EI system to be that first point of contact for them. We know that some people have been experiencing delays during this time.

Employment Insurance  Madam Speaker, the EI program is currently coming out of its annual winter peak period, and the department fully mobilized its workforce to get clients paid as quickly as possible. In 2022-23, the average wait time was 24 days for Canadians across the country, and 76% of EI payments were made within 28 days, which was within the standard.

Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act  Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the member across the way for sharing her experiences. I, too, as a—

Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act  Madam Speaker, I know we are all very excited to talk about child care in the House. I would like to thank the member across the way for her comments. I, too, as a single mom, arrived here with my then two-year-old daughter and had to wait for a spot. It is a universal story for many families in this country, which is exactly why we have signed agreements with every province and territory in this country over the past year to ensure that we build more spaces.

Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act  Madam Speaker, before I begin my question, I would like to congratulate the member on her recent nuptials. We need that joy in our personal lives as we do hard work here in the chamber. The member is from Ontario, like myself, and Ontario was the last province to sign the agreement because it took a lot of time and care in terms of grandfathering in private child care.

Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act  Mr. Speaker, my colleague across the way is very fixated on details and numbers and spending. The government is supporting Ontario's efforts to grow its child care system by providing $10.2 billion over five years as part of our agreement with the Province of Ontario. In turn, Ontario has promised to create 86,000 spaces.

Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act  Madam Speaker, in 1997, Quebec's female labour force was four points behind the national average. However, when we look at 2021, with 25 years of good work on a model that is growing and changing, just as the Quebec population is, the women's workforce in Quebec is four points higher than the rest of Canada.

Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act  Madam Speaker, my colleague across the way knows well that I am happy to talk about child care all day long. Bill C-35 is really legislation that encompasses the agreements that have already been put in place. If we look province by province, much work was done to identify and register a wide array of child care.

Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act  Madam Speaker, we have been very clear throughout this process, with each of the agreements we have signed with the provinces and territories, that we are not here to overstep on jurisdiction and that we are not here to intervene. We are here to support existing systems that are in play.

Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act  Madam Speaker, the simple answer to my colleague is political will. That was the question I asked my colleagues in Quebec when I went to see 25 years of care. I asked, “How did you get it?” They said it was the political will and women. Women had been demanding this for over 50 years.

Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act  Madam Speaker, as a single mom who arrived back in Canada in the early 2000s with an infant child, I know the fear of not having a space. I was that mom who did not know about wait-lists when I arrived from overseas. I had to actually put my career off for close to a year until there was a space available.

Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act  Madam Speaker, before I begin, I would like to note that I will be sharing my time with the member for Oakville North—Burlington. I am so excited to be talking about child care and Bill C-35 today. As the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, it gives me great pleasure to rise to speak in support of this proposed legislation.

Stilecroft Public School  Mr. Speaker, as we start the winter session of Parliament, I want to recognize an amazing achievement from students in York Centre over the holidays. Our community rests on the values of kindness and compassion, giving back and showing up for one another. I am overwhelmed by the generosity that students, families and staff from Stilecroft Public School showed in December, collecting 200 pounds of food for the North York Harvest Food Bank.