Amandeep Sodhi

Mr. Speaker, olé, olé, olé. Today I rise with great pride as Canada competes on the world stage at the FIFA World Cup. This year, team Canada includes six players from Brampton: Tajon Buchanan, Promise David, Cyle Larin, Liam Millar, Jonathan Osorio and Jayden Nelson. Their talent, discipline and dedication are a true reflection of the hard work that it takes to compete at the highest level. This is a remarkable achievement. I would also like to take a moment to recognize the parents, coaches, volunteers and families who work day and night to support our young athletes and push them to believe in our country. To all of the players, Canada is cheering them on. On behalf of all members of the House, I would like to wish team Canada the best of luck as they represent our country on the international stage. Together, let us make Canada proud. Go Canada, go!

Madam Speaker, a few weeks ago, I rose in the House in support of Bill C-16, and today I rise again for the same reason. In Peel Region, every year, the police receive approximately 16,000 calls of family and intimate partner violence. That is 16,000 calls for help and 16,000 moments of fear. Can the minister speak to the importance of passing this legislation and how it will continue to protect the most vulnerable in our communities?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Bill C-16, the protecting victims act. The bill would give our justice system the tools to act before violence escalates and before it is too late. Women are being hurt, controlled and isolated, most often by the very people they should feel the safest with. In Peel Region alone, police respond to roughly 16,000 incidents of family and intimate partner violence every year. That is 16,000 calls for help and 16,000 moments of fear. Those are only the ones we hear about. Behind closed doors, in silence, there are countless more. Sometimes, that silence ends in tragedy. We call it femicide. Bill C-16 says clearly that this must stop. It recognizes femicide as first-degree murder and it acknowledges that abuse is not only physical. It is coercion, control and fear. The need is urgent. I urge every member of the House to stand with victims, to stand for justice and to support Bill C-16.

Mr. Speaker, this April marks the seventh anniversary of Sikh Heritage Month, a time to honour the incredible contributions Sikh Canadians have made to our country. Canada is home to the second-largest Sikh population in the world. From health care to business, education, public service and even our armed forces, Sikh Canadians have helped build this country in every sense. Earlier this month, communities across Canada came together to celebrate Vaisakhi, the holiest day of the Sikh calendar. Vaisakhi commemorates the creation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, and it carries with it the timeless teachings of equality, unity and social justice. Seva, the Sikh tradition of selfless service, puts these values into action every single day and reflects the very best of who we are as Canadians. I wish everyone a happy Sikh Heritage Month and happy Vaisakhi.

Mr. Speaker, at this historical moment for our country, we have a choice. Will we look back on nostalgia as a strategy, or will we invest in ourselves to build better cities and communities? Last week, Canada's new government launched the build communities strong fund, a historic $51-billion investment to build the roads, bridges, transit and community infrastructure our future depends on. On behalf of the people of Brampton, I ask if the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure could tell the House what this critical new investment will mean for people in our community?

Mr. Speaker, we have more good news. Today our government tabled important legislation to empower our industries and get homes built. We are working to provide affordability, to provide flexibility and to deliver on the dream of everyone: a place to call home. Can the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure explain to the House the importance of today's legislation?

Mr. Speaker, International Women's Day celebrates the leadership, resilience and achievements of women and girls across Canada and the world. Nearly a century ago, five determined women, known as the Famous Five, asked a question that today may seem obvious: Are women considered “persons” under Canadian law? At that time, the answer from Canada's highest court was no. Refusing to accept that, they carried their fight to the British Privy Council, leading to the historic decision that finally recognized women as persons under the law. It was a turning point that reshaped our democracy. Soon after, Agnes Macphail made history as the first woman elected to this House. Today, that progress continues. In this Parliament, 104 women serve as members of Parliament, and 17 serve in cabinet. While we celebrate these milestones, we must also recognize that there is still important work to be done to achieve true equality. I wish all members a happy International Women's Day.

Mr. Speaker, cancer can upend lives in an instant. Every Canadian knows someone, be it a friend, a family member or a colleague, who has faced a cancer diagnosis. It is a disease that touches far too many families across our country. Even some members of the House have, sadly, faced that news themselves. We all understand the importance of prevention and early detection. Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health update the House on what the government is doing to strengthen cancer prevention and ensure that more Canadians benefit from early detection?

Mr. Speaker, from rank-and-file officers to police chiefs, law enforcement from across Canada has asked Parliament to quickly pass Bill C-14, the bail and sentencing reform act, to better address repeat violent offenders. From my own community of Brampton, Mayor Patrick Brown and the Peel Regional Police commend the government on its work and for listening to our communities. Can the Minister of Justice explain how Bill C-14, the bail and sentencing reform act, delivers on those requests and protects communities?

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to recognize the official launch of 2025's Celebrate Research Week, a growing national movement that proudly began in Brampton, Ontario. Led by the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation and supported by local key partners, Celebrate Research Week is transforming how we understand the role of research in our country. Research is a powerful driver of health, equity, economic growth and community well-being. It lives in the creativity of our students, the insights of our caregivers, the lived experiences of communities and the bold ideas of educators and entrepreneurs. Throughout this week, events are taking place across Ontario and Canada that elevate the visibility and impact of research in everyday life. Today I ask all members to join me in congratulating the City of Brampton, the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation and all participating institutions and communities across the province for their leadership.

Mr. Speaker, all Canadians deserve to feel safe within their communities. We have critical legislation before the House that is getting stalled by Conservative political antics. Will the Minister of Public Safety tell Canadians what our government is doing to combat extortion, strengthen enforcement and protect Canadians across this country?

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Gurpurab, an important celebration for Sikh Canadians. Today marks the birth of the founder of Sikhism, a spiritual leader who continues to guide millions of Sikhs across the world. Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught us that there is one creator and that all human beings are equal. He emphasized the importance of living with honesty, integrity and a spirit of seva. He called on us to earn an honest living, kirat karo; share what we have, vand chhakko; and remember the divine in all that we do, naam japo. Through these acts of faith and service, Sikhs reaffirm the core principles of Sikhism: devotion, humility and compassion. We are reminded of our duty to serve humanity and respect the sacred gift of life we are blessed with. As we honour this day, let us reflect on Guru Nanak Dev Ji's timeless message of inclusion, kindness and service, values that continue to strengthen Canada.

Mr. Speaker, Canadians depend on personal support workers every day, whether they are in long-term care homes, retirement residences or community settings. These workers deserve fair recognition for the critical care they provide. Can the minister update the House on how budget 2025 will help strengthen the PSW workforce and ensure it is supported and rewarded for its vital contributions?

Mr. Speaker, October is Women's History Month, a time to honour the women who have shaped our country and to recommit ourselves to building a Canada where everyone can thrive. Today, women hold nearly 43% of leadership roles in Canada, a real improvement from just a few years ago, but representation is still uneven. Indigenous women, women with disabilities and other marginalized women remain under-represented, especially in senior and board positions. These numbers remind us that equality is not guaranteed and that it is something we must keep working toward. That is why I was proud to join an event put on by the Reaching the Un-Reached Foundation earlier this month in my riding of Brampton Centre, an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting women. I spoke with community leaders and discussed how we can continue to break down barriers for women in every sector. This month, and every month, let us continue to advance gender equality and uplift women everywhere. To everyone watching, happy Women's History Month.

Mr. Speaker, Canada has long been renowned for its strong advocacy for multilateralism on the international stage. During Canada's historic presidency of the G7 at this turbulent time, our government has been committed to continuing this tradition. Could the Minister of Foreign Affairs update the House on how Canada's diplomatic efforts are driving prosperity, creating good jobs and strengthening our position in the global economy?

Mr. Speaker, every day, law enforcement officers from across Canada work tirelessly to ensure that our communities are kept safe from crime. At the same time, organized criminals are taking advantage of new technologies to evade the police. Can the Minister of Public Safety inform this House how the strong borders act would modernize the tools law enforcement uses in the fight against organized crime?

Madam Speaker, during the election campaign, my campaign team and I knocked on thousands of doors and heard from many constituents across the riding about how worried they are regarding the economy and Donald Trump's tariffs. Can our government count on the hon. member's support for Bill C-5?

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise in the House for the first time, representing the people of Brampton Centre. I want to thank my family, friends, campaign team and constituents for all their love and support. Our constituents from across Canada sent us to Ottawa to deliver to them real results. Can the President of the Treasury Board share with the House what we are doing to bring down the cost for Canadians?