Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, as I understand it, listening to the debate as it has unfolded in this House today and to the Minister of Immigration, the government actually is discussing these issues with other countries that are acting on the ground in Iraq.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, of course, we appreciate that the Yazidis are facing terrible circumstances in Iraq. However, it is good to bear in mind that they live in inaccessible regions of Iraq. In addition to that, any assistance we do provide could make them more vulnerable within that coun

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the hon. member for Scarborough—Guildwood. In my office, there are two large photographs I see every day, one of former prime minister Lester B. Pearson, a former resident of my riding of Willowdale and a recipient of the Nobel Peace P

Chung Yeung Festival  Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today and join Chinese Canadians in my riding of Willowdale, and indeed from coast to shining coast, in celebrating the upcoming Chung Yeung Festival. Also known as the Double 9 Festival, Chung Yeung provides the cherished opportunity to gath

National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act  Madam Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank the member opposite for raising this significant issue. It is interesting to note that he is acknowledging that there was an absence of a framework in Canada previously. To rectify the situation, we looked at models adopted by o

National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act  Thank you, Madam Speaker. The member opposite has raised the issue of accountability. I would like to remind the member that in making appointments to this committee the Prime Minister is obliged to both consult with the leaders of the opposition as well as the Senate. In so doi

National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act  Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the member opposite for raising that critical issue. We think it is imperative that the Canadian public has confidence in this committee. It is significant that the Prime Minister will only make appointments to this committee after consulting

National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act  Madam Speaker, it is a great honour to rise today in support of Bill C-22, an act to establish the national security and intelligence committee of parliamentarians. The proposed legislation fulfills a key campaign promise of the 2015 election, and represents a thoughtful and lon

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to rise to speak regarding the opposition motion before us today. I stand before this House to voice my strong opposition to this ill-considered and premature motion on the topic of genocide. Allow me to begin by reminding members of this Hous

Foreign Affairs  Mr. Speaker, this morning the Minister of Foreign Affairs announced that Canada has been asked to join the International Syria Support Group and that he would be partaking in crucial diplomatic discussions currently under way in Vienna. This is the first time Canada has been inv

Asian Heritage Month  Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise before the House today to celebrate Asian Heritage Month. I am fortunate enough to represent one of the most diverse ridings in Canada. In my riding of Willowdale, generations of Asian-Canadians have profoundly contributed to our culture, our

Public Service Labour Relations Act  Mr. Speaker, that is obviously a very valid concern. As we know, this particular legislation was adopted after very extensive consultations. There were consultations with labour groups. There were consultations with members, and what was produced is something that reflects all of

Public Service Labour Relations Act  Mr. Speaker, once again, I want to reiterate the reality that there were very extensive consultations. There were consultations with various levels of government, there were consultations with members of the RCMP, and from all of the information that I have been provided and had

Public Service Labour Relations Act  Mr. Speaker, absolutely this was an issue that came before the Supreme Court. In deciding on the proposed legislation, there was a thorough examination of the decision rendered by the Supreme Court. In addition to that, to ensure that the members of the RCMP were well served, the

Public Service Labour Relations Act  Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to rise today to speak to Bill C-7 and our government's response to the Supreme Court of Canada's decision. I would like to thank all of the members who have contributed to this important debate. I particularly would like to thank t