Situation in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank  Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice the concerns of constituents of Halifax West who have written to me about the heartbreaking humanitarian situation in the Middle East. Some of them have close family members, like parents, brothers, sisters and grandparents, who are trapped in Gaza.

Women Entrepreneurs  Mr. Speaker, our women entrepreneurship strategy is reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape in Canada. With $7 billion in investments spanning over 20 federal departments, the program is not just a gesture; it is a resounding declaration that we recognize the untapped potential of women entrepreneurs.

Committees of the House  I have the honour to present, in both official languages, two reports from the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. The first is the 17th report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in relation to Bill C-321, an act to amend the Criminal Code, assaults against health care professionals and first responders.

Arthur J. LeBlanc  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Hon. Arthur J. LeBlanc on his successful term as the 33rd Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Appointed to the post in 2017, he is the first Acadian to represent the Crown in the province, and the first francophone since 1713. His Honour practised law for more than 30 years, specializing in civil matters.

Social Development  Madam Speaker, when Canadians needed support during the pandemic, community groups and charities stepped up to provide crucial assistance. Now many are having difficulty generating revenue, managing increased costs and demand for services, and attracting and retaining paid staff and volunteers.

Maskwa Aquatic Club  Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Maskwa Aquatic Club, which in September won the national Sprint Canoe Kayak Championships for the third time and the Canadian masters championship for the first time in the club's history. Also, at nationals, every Maskwa para-athlete finished on the podium.

Finance  Mr. Speaker, our government continues to support Canadians during this ongoing period of inflation, where some prices remain too high. Yesterday, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change talked about some new measures that are set out in the fall economic statement that will help more Canadians put a roof over their heads, while helping them reduce their home energy costs.

Lebanese Heritage Month  Mr. Speaker, today marks a historic occasion as we proudly raise the Lebanese flag on Parliament Hill for the first time, marking the inaugural Lebanese Heritage Month in Canada. [Member spoke in Arabic] [English] This momentous event holds even greater significance, as it coincides with Lebanon's 80th Independence Day.

Post-Secondary Education  Mr. Speaker, many Canadians across the country are worried about their future. Groceries are more expensive, so are housing and basic amenities. Many students and recent graduates are among those who are worried. They are just starting out in life, facing these uncertain and inflationary times without much in terms of savings to fall back on.

Lebanese Heritage Month  Mr. Speaker, November 1 marks the beginning of our first national Lebanese Heritage Month in Canada. I am proud to mark this special occasion alongside my friends, my constituents and all Canadians. I encourage my colleagues to take this weekend to connect with their local Lebanese community.

Committees of the House  Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 16th report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. It is in relation to Bill S-12, an act to amend the Criminal Code, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the International Transfer of Offenders Act.

120th Anniversary of Alliance Française Halifax  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Alliance Française Halifax on its 120th anniversary. This organization has been promoting the French language and culture, including Acadian culture, since 1903. Thirty years ago this year, I began working with people in this organization and we have been working together ever since.

Famous Five  Mr. Speaker, on October 18, we celebrate the courage of the Famous Five, trail-blazing women who, in 1929, succeeded in the challenge to the Supreme Court, when they referred the matter to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, thus leading to the historic decision that, yes, women were indeed persons and could become senators.

Anthony Wadih Metlege  Mr. Speaker, I rise to praise a life well lived and loved and pay tribute to my godfather, Anthony Wadih Metlege, a great man with an unshakable commitment to our family. Born in Diman and immigrating to Halifax through Pier 21, he was an entrepreneur, a storyteller, and a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Orchid Gala  Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise, particularly as the only female member of Parliament from Nova Scotia, to raise awareness of the distinct health needs of women and advocate for improving access to services. Today I want to highlight the Orchid Gala, which was organized to support the creation of the Deanne Reeve Pelvic Health Suite at the Dartmouth General.