Diversity and Inclusion  Madam Speaker, if the practice could have been ended simply by a stroke of the government's pen, why did the member opposite not do so when she sat around the cabinet table? It is because this process has to move forward with Héma-Québec, as well as Canadian Blood Services. However, we actually did fund more than 15 projects to move forward in ending this discriminatory practice because we are committed to doing so, unlike the Conservatives, who are trying to clean up a mess on this file where they have made outrageous and horrifying comments—

Diversity and Inclusion  Madam Speaker, once again, the Conservatives are trying to pretend that the process that exists does not include anyone outside of government. If government could have made this change alone, why did the Conservatives in 10 years not do so? This process has to be made in conjunction with an application through Héma-Québec and Canadian Blood Services.

Official Languages  Madam Speaker, we absolutely agree that testing needs to be done in a safe, fast and efficient manner in both official languages. This is precisely why we worked with Switch Health originally to make sure that any issues were being dealt with. However, we have also moved forward with additional service providers, because, again, our commitment to making sure that we get through this pandemic is ensuring that we have all the tools being utilized, and those tools need to be utilized in both official languages in an efficient—

Diversity and Inclusion  Madam Speaker, yes, we absolutely agree this is a discriminatory practice. That is precisely why we put in place the funding needed for Héma-Québec and the Canadian Blood Services to do the studies that were needed. I will not take lessons from the Conservatives, who continually talk in this House against LGBTQ2+ rights.

Diversity and Inclusion  Madam Speaker, we agree the blood ban is discriminatory. That is precisely why we worked and provided the funding needed to Héma-Québec, as well as Canadian Blood Services, to make these changes. We look forward to their bringing forward an application. It is not a decision the government can make on its own, but we encourage Héma-Québec and Canadian Blood Services to make this application so we can finally end this discriminatory practice.

Diversity and Inclusion  Madam Speaker, the decision to change the discriminatory practice of the blood ban is not one the government can do on its own; it has to be done in conjunction with Héma-Québec and Canadian Blood Services. We want this decision to be made. That is why we provided the funding. I would ask the member opposite this.

Diversity and Inclusion  Madam Speaker, leave it to the Conservatives, when we agree this practice is discriminatory and want to change it, to consider that virtue signalling. May I remind members that a member of the Conservative Party recently had to apologize for calling the LGBTQ2+ community “unclean”?

National Nursing Week  Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize National Nursing Week, which takes place from May 10 to May 16. Nurses play a critical role in delivering health care services, shaping our health system and improving the health of Canadians. The dedication of nurses has never been more evident than it is right now during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health  Mr. Speaker, again, I thank the member opposite for her advocacy for high-quality mental health services. It is something we are committed to as well, as I mentioned in the investments outlined above. With that, the member opposite spoke about the need for national standards. We are working collaboratively with provinces, territories and stakeholders.

Health  Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for her advocacy of mental health supports. We agree that the need to give support to Canadians for mental health is substantial, and I want to thank her for this opportunity to speak more about the programs we have in place. The member is absolutely right that prior to COVID-19 mental health was a significant concern, with one in three Canadians experiencing mental illness or problematic substance use during their lifetime.

Health  Mr. Speaker, we know that mental health was a struggle for many Canadians even prior to COVID, and COVID has made the situation worse. I could not disagree more with the member opposite's assertion that we have done nothing. In fact, we continue to invest in mental health supports, including wellnesstogether.ca.

Health  Mr. Speaker, Canadians can rest assured that the approval and authorization of vaccine use in this country is left up to the world-renowned regulators at Health Canada. All vaccines that are authorized go through a rigorous testing process for safety and effectiveness, and that review continues even as vaccines are distributed.

COVID-19 in Alberta  Madam Speaker, my colleague spoke about measures on domestic flights, which I hope she knows the premier could actually implement at any time as it is within his jurisdiction. My question is in regard to international flights. Does she support the mandatory quarantining of international flights landing in Canada?

COVID-19 in Alberta  Mr. Speaker, yes, we are absolutely committed. I give the member my word as well that I will advocate for the supports that are needed. Whatever we need to do, we absolutely need to do to support the people of Alberta and every Canadian across this country. I agree it can be partisan.

COVID-19 in Alberta  Mr. Speaker, I know that was not a question, but I would say I agree. It is hard. Even in my position as parliamentary secretary to health, the focus is wanting to provide solutions in this time. I know it is idealistic to hope that we can put partisanship aside all the time, but my ask and my main point from that speech is to say that we need to come together with solutions moving forward.