Virtual Town Halls  Mr. Speaker, in Kitchener—Conestoga, we continue working hard to make sure we safely stay connected. In 2020, we learned that virtual events help keep constituents up to date on important issues and allowed their voices to be heard. I am proud to say that we are coming up on ou

The Environment  Madam Speaker, investing in nature is an essential tool the government can use to combat climate change. Canada's grasslands, wetlands and peatlands are incredibly important for their ability to absorb greenhouse gases. Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Envir

Food Security  Mr. Speaker, from the beginning of this pandemic our government has been committed to supporting Canadians with emergency funding for businesses and families. In Kitchener—Conestoga, Food4Kids Waterloo Region received funding through the emergency fund to improve Canadian food

Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony  Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise in the House and recognize one of Waterloo region's largest arts and cultural organizations. The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Since 1945, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony has grown from a community orchestra

Kitchener-Conestoga Youth Council  Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the incredible work that the Kitchener-Conestoga Youth Council has done in these past few months. Every week, members of the youth council meet virtually to discuss their ideas and initiatives to help better our community. They have promot

Halloween in Kitchener—Conestoga  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that we showed our Halloween spirit in some creative ways in Kitchener—Conestoga. It was certainly different this year, but the delight of Halloween proved that communities could still come together and find safe ways to celebrate. In Wilmot Townsh

Diversity and Inclusion  Mr. Speaker, the interim results of the 2019-20 Community-Based Research Centre's sex now survey shows that one in five sexual minority men have been subjected to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression change efforts. It is unacceptable that in 2020 some Canadia

Criminal Code  Mr. Speaker, I am also interested to know about the member's previous role as a teacher. I visit my students in Kitchener—Conestoga regularly, and now virtually. It is amazing how much we can learn from this next generation with stories about reconciliation and the environment. I

Criminal Code  Mr. Speaker, I have the honour of being the member of Parliament for the neighbouring riding to the hon. member's. I am proud that in my riding of Kitchener—Conestoga, indeed, in Waterloo Region and throughout Canada, we are moving forward together. I am also proud to have stood

Local Journalism  Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight that just before Thanksgiving, a new local newspaper joined Kitchener—Conestoga. The Wilmot Post was started and is run by a group of active members in our community who volunteer their time to deliver local news, family milestones, local sp

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, I am proud to say that when I first came to Ottawa I was asked which committees I wanted to sit on, and I asked to sit on the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food to represent my constituents of Kitchener—Conestoga, which has a large agriculture sector.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, that was the first question I have ever received in French, so I was trying to listen to the translation as well because I just started taking French lessons. I would not be able to answer in French, but, thankfully, an interpreter is going to help. When I speak to

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for her advocacy. I would like to speak about the arts community because until the election in 2019 I was a full-time musician and a self-employed artist. Most of my friends still are in that arts sector and there are people who are affected, inc

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Winnipeg North. I rise today in the House; that is how I intended to open my statement. I thought about changing that phrase because I am saying these words from my riding here in Kitchener—Conestoga, but I do say them

Ukraine International Flight 752  Madam Speaker, on January 8, Canada was deeply shocked and saddened to learn that 57 Canadians and 29 permanent residents were among the 176 victims of the downed Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752. Following this tragic event, Canada sprang into action to support the fa