Lobster Fishery Dispute in Nova Scotia  Mr. Speaker, I would like to address the issue of the RCMP. One of the findings that could come out of the public inquiry in Nova Scotia would be some of the challenges with respect to staffing and resource levels for the RCMP and police services in rural communities. Chief Sack spoke to me last week about his concern on the issue.

Lobster Fishery Dispute in Nova Scotia  Mr. Speaker, as I have mentioned before in the House, sometimes the words that are used are that this is an illegal fisher or that it is unauthorized. The fact is that the court has established the right exists. The Sipekne'katik in moving forward with its fishing rights is not doing anything unlawful.

Lobster Fishery Dispute in Nova Scotia  Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to join all my colleagues here today to discuss what is a very important topic for all Canadians but indeed for my constituents in Kings—Hants. I have said it before but I will say it again. I have the privilege of representing three indigenous communities in Kings—Hants: Sipekne'katik, the community at the heart of the issue we are discussing here tonight, in Saulnierville, but also Annapolis Valley First Nation and Glooscap First Nation.

Lobster Fishery Dispute in Nova Scotia  Mr. Speaker, before I get to my question, I want to highlight the fact that, although we would never condone what we have seen in terms of the violence, I would join those who have already condemned that type of behaviour. I do not think it is reflective of the entire industry, and those were important remarks to be made.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, the member for Halifax is a champion for urban areas across the country. I would like to ask him about the impact we have seen in urban communities and what the safe restart agreement means for support for municipalities, as well as what some municipal leaders may be saying about it.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, there are two things I want to ask. The first is a question I asked of the leader of the member's party a couple of days ago. The member mentioned the oil and gas sector, and I think she and I would both agree that the oil and gas sector is going to play a reduced role in the Canadian economy in the days ahead, as we transition to a low-carbon economy.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, I enjoyed and listened to my hon. colleague's remarks quite intently. Of course, he comes from a riding and a part of the country where the natural resource sector is extremely important. He referenced some of that in his speech. Coming from Kings—Hants here in Nova Scotia, I know that those natural resources are extremely important, whether it is agriculture or the forestry sector, and they are important to the Canadian economy.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, obviously, the member and I would share a different ideology as it relates to federalism in this country. I am very proud to be a Nova Scotian. I understand he is very proud to be from Quebec. My question to him is twofold. The member mentioned agriculture in his speech.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, while my French is improving, I better answer in English for clarity. However, I will continue to work hard on my language skill set. The member mentioned that the Speech from the Throne is general. Well, indeed it is. A Speech from the Throne does not necessarily get into the deep details of public policy.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, if the member opposite will recall, we had a chance to discuss this with media outlets in the fall of last year. I explained to her that the investment in Trans Mountain makes sense economically and that the pipeline is indeed the safest way to get our products to market.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, the member opposite had two frames, so I will try to address both in the time that I have. The first is digital connectivity. We know it cannot come soon enough. I will point out that one million Canadians have been connected since we formed government in 2015 and that through the connect to innovate program, over $500 million has been invested.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, I will be splitting my time with my colleague, the member for Beaches—East York today. I rise today in a virtual manner to first and foremost thank you, Madam Speaker, and all the House staff for making our participation in this virtual Parliament possible. It is important to be able to have MPs across the country participate, and while I would much rather be in Ottawa physically, I am pleased to be able to represent my constituents here today.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, I am glad the member talked so much about agriculture. He and I both represent ridings where agriculture is important. He talked about compensation for dairy farmers. His colleague from Montarville implied that no compensation has been paid yet. The riding I represent, Kings—Hants, has the largest concentration of dairy farmers east of Quebec, and I can attest that $345 million in compensation began to flow last year.

Proceedings on the bill entitled An Act relating to certain measures in response to COVID-19  Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague opposite and I have done some great work together on the agriculture committee. I always enjoy his interventions. I have never been to the community he represents, but I understand it is blessed with a lot of tourism. I would be curious as to what the member opposite has been hearing in his community and if there are tourism-related jobs in his riding for which these types of benefits would be extremely important, given the fact that tourism has been one of the hardest hit industries.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize my hon. colleague's new parliamentary role as the critic to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and congratulate her on this. I listened very intently to her speech, because of course agriculture is extremely important in my riding.