COVID-19 Emergency Response  Mr. Speaker, as we hear demands for an apology from the Prime Minister for his father's invocation of the War Measures Act of 1970, as we hear the current COVID October crisis spike in terms of cases, I remind the House that the Emergencies Act replaced the War Measures Act in 19

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, the consequences of not recognizing Mi'kmaq jurisdiction and implementing their treaty rights is another high-profile example of why we need an indigenous rights recognition framework. Across Canada, there are literally hundreds of issues, most with limited or no pr

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, I 100% agree that indigenous peoples, families of the murdered and missing indigenous women and girls, and residential school survivors have waited too long for concrete action from the government. The member opened her question with having a level of trust. Trust

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, I thank the member from our home province of British Columbia. We need to continue to be very open and very transparent. I look forward to seeing the budget when it comes. Hopefully it speaks to the necessary need for fiscal anchors. We certainly do not have the de

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, implicit in my reply was the importance and the necessity of recognizing the interconnectedness between and among all of us. Of course, this includes all members of Parliament, and in that regard I believe it is fundamental for members of Parliament to be able to e

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, I am pleased to reply to the Speech from the Throne. I will be sharing my time with the member for Nanaimo—Ladysmith. Today I speak in support of the throne speech, but not without reservations. Speaking frankly, my initial instinct and intention was to vote again

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, Canadians are horrified by the racism witnessed during the tragic death of Joyce Echaquan. Of course, racism is not new. Indigenous peoples, even those in this chamber, including myself, have experienced racism throughout the history of Canada. Racism occurs in all s

Proceedings on the bill entitled An Act relating to certain measures in response to COVID-19  Mr. Speaker, I agree to apply the vote and will be voting in favour.

Justice  Madam Speaker, we have heard the Speech from the Throne. There was a lot contained therein of repeated promises, but short on details. With respect to the justice system, we all know that Black Canadians and indigenous peoples are overrepresented. Evidence shows, including throu

COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Matters  Madam Chair, while I can appreciate the efforts made by the government in terms of family reunification, not enough progress has been made on the exemptions to travel restrictions for family members. Can the government please present a clear timetable for when foreign-national c

COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Matters  Madam Chair, I understand the government will be releasing a discussion paper and possible draft UNDRIP legislation mirroring Bill C-262. I trust the government is aware that fundamental to the declaration's articles are the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-be

COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Matters  Madam Chair, there is nothing more essential than good governance, especially in a crisis. Canadians want parliamentarians to work together in the spirit of non-partisanship in order to support the government, and the House to do what is needed to address the social and economic

COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Matters  Madam Chair, as has been mentioned today, B.C. tragically recorded 175 deaths related to drug overdose in the month of June. The opioid crisis is not new. This question is not new. Recently, many voices, including the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Premier Horgan and

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, reconciliation requires long overdue and urgent work: fundamental legislative and policy changes, new ways of making decisions, meeting the standards of UNDRIP and supporting indigenous nations as they rebuild. After the immediate crisis is addressed, the need for t

Relations with Indigenous Peoples  Mr. Speaker, I have heard the debate all night. Based on my former role, I generally understand the role of the RCMP and police forces and the reality of not having political interference happening. I know that very well. I am familiar with the authorities in the RCMP Act. I am