Islamic Foundation of Toronto  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the Islamic Foundation of Toronto as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Established in 1969, IFT is one of the oldest mosques in Canada. Over the years, what began as a small neighbourhood mosque has become much more to the Musli

Coronavirus  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the tireless efforts of community organizations in combatting racism and xenophobia stemming from the coronavirus outbreak. In Scarborough North open forums were recently held at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto and at Wood

Lunar New Year  Mr. Speaker, next week, Canadians of Asian descent will leave this difficult year behind and begin celebrations for the lunar new year. For Chinese communities, it marks the beginning of the Year of the Ox, an animal that represents strength, hard work and unwavering determinatio

Tropicana Community Services  Mr. Speaker, Canada is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Black History Month this year with the theme “The Future is Now”, highlighting the transformative work of Black communities across Canada. In Scarborough North, Tropicana Community Services has been at the forefront of

Foreign Affairs  Madam Speaker, members of the Tamil community in Scarborough North have shared that their loved ones were lost, displaced, injured and went missing during the 26-year Sri Lankan armed conflict. A thorough, independent, international investigation that leads to truth, justice and

Anti-Asian Racism  Mr. Speaker, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Canadians of Asian descent have fallen victim to incessant hate and xenophobia. A recent Chinese Canadian National Council report says that from March 10, 2020 to February 28, 2021, there were 1,150 reported attacks, with both ado

Asian Heritage Month  Madam Speaker, today I am honoured to recognize Asian Heritage Month. With a rich and vibrant history, Canadians of Asian descent have made significant contributions to building this great country. My riding of Scarborough North is home to a diverse Asian population that has gr

Lunar New Year  Madam Speaker, tomorrow, Canadians of East Asian descent will gather with family and friends to celebrate the lunar new year and welcome the year of the tiger. Symbolizing energy, enthusiasm, passion and positivity, the tiger will bring important virtues to support Canada's pande

C.D. Farquharson Community Association  Today, I am pleased to rise and recognize the C.D. Farquharson Community Association on their joyous 50th anniversary. It all began when a few residents decided to tackle such local issues as area development, education and community infrastructure. In April 1972, the associatio

Retirement Congratulations  Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to recognize Dennis Levesque, a proud veteran and community leader, on his well-deserved retirement. Dennis worked over the last 45 years to create meaningful change in our communities and country. After serving in the Canadian Armed Forces for 3

Sikh Heritage Month  Mr. Speaker, April is Sikh Heritage Month, when we recognize the significant contributions of Canadians of Sikh faith to the growth and prosperity of Canada. My riding of Scarborough North is home to a thriving Sikh community and east Toronto's only gurdwara, Gursikh Sabha Canada

World Hakka Conference  Mr. Speaker, at the end of this month, thousands of Hakka people from around the world will descend upon Markham, Ontario, for the 31st World Hakka Conference. As a proud Canadian of Hakka Chinese descent, I am honoured and privileged to welcome everyone attending this first-eve

Cynthia Lai  Mr. Speaker, I rise to honour the life of Cynthia Lai, the city councillor for Scarborough North who tragically passed away last Friday afternoon. Councillor Lai emigrated from Hong Kong in 1972 and built a successful career in real estate sales and management here in Canada. Sh

Anti-Asian Racism  moved: That, in the opinion of the House: (a) the government should (i) condemn anti-Asian hate and all forms of racism and racial discrimination, (ii) ensure all anti-racism policies and programs address the historical and present-day racism, discrimination, stereotyp

Anti-Asian Racism  Mr. Speaker, my colleague pointed out the importance of education in dismantling these systems of oppression, in addressing anti-Asian hate and promoting a multicultural, diverse society that is inclusive. It is so important that we acknowledge the historical context of this co