Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, Canada's drug crisis continues to take far too many lives, and it is having devastating impacts on families and communities across the country. It is a complex public health and public safety challenge that requires working with those directly impacted to achieve a comprehensive and evidence-based response that includes prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. Since 2017, the federal government has taken significant steps and invested more than $1.2 billion to support a wide range of initiatives aimed at addressing the drug crisis. Through the Canadian drugs and substances strategy and the Government of Canada's border plan, Canada is implementing a comprehensive approach to reduce substance use and related harm, prioritizing public health while protecting public safety. As part of the strategy, Health Canada provides funding to governments and community organizations across Canada through the substance use and addictions program. This program supports innovative, evidence-based initiatives in the areas of substance use prevention, harm reduction and treatment tailored to local needs. Communities and organizations that are approved for funding under SUAP's terms and conditions and eligible expenditures deliver project activities to respond to their specific local needs and circumstances. It is important to note that harm reduction is just one component of our comprehensive approach to saving lives and keeping communities safe. It complements prevention, treatment and recovery projects to address substance-use issues. Our government supports harm reduction initiatives when these activities are part of evidence-based projects aimed at reducing substance-related harms, such as overdose and disease transmission. Indeed, evidence shows that harm reduction measures help reduce infections and injuries associated with the sharing or use of dangerous substances. These measures save lives by reducing the risk of fatal overdoses and limiting the transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. These local projects also serve as essential points of contact with health services, treatment and social supports. We will continue to take a balanced and evidence-based approach that saves lives, supports pathways to treatment and recovery, and keeps communities safe across Canada.

Mr. Speaker, our response to the drug crisis is grounded in evidence, compassion and a commitment to saving lives. Through the substance use and addictions program, we empower those on the front lines, such as the provinces, municipalities, indigenous governments and community leaders, to implement a balanced approach that includes prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. While the federal government provides funding, it does not deliver these services directly. Decisions about specific local initiatives are made by the communities and local organizations that best understand their unique realities. Canadians expect an approach that addresses the root causes of addiction while also preventing immediate harm such as fatal overdoses and the spread of disease. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that public funds are used effectively to support safer, healthier outcomes for Canadians struggling with substance use.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for the serious concerns she raised on behalf of her constituents, which underscore the importance of addressing child poverty and affordability issues facing families. It is a concern shared by all members of the House. This is why the government is committed to building a better future for all Canadians, and that means bringing down costs to make life more affordable. The government is responding by taking action through a number of initiatives to improve outcomes, reduce barriers and support children and youth in reaching their full potential. For nearly 10 years, the Canada child benefit has helped ensure that Canadian families can support their children and plan for the future. Since 2016, the Canada child benefit has been a cornerstone in the effort to reduce child poverty. The benefit currently supports approximately 3.5 million families and reaches six million children, putting roughly $30 billion annually into tax-free support to families across the country. Most families receiving the maximum CCB are single-parent families, with approximately 90% of them headed by single women. Plus, the benefit is indexed every year to help families keep up with increases in the cost of living. To help with the additional costs of caring for a child with disabilities, as a supplement to the CCB, the child disability benefit provides up to $3,480 for each eligible child. We know the CCB has contributed to lifting hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty. More recently, the national school food program has provided close to 400,000 children per year with access to food programs in their communities, saving parents $800 or more per year. Budget 2025 introduced legislation to make the national school food program permanent, with an investment of $216.6 million per year starting in 2029-30. As announced on March 26, the National School Food Program Act received royal assent and is now enshrined in law. There is more. We introduced a phenomenally successful dental care program for Canadians without private insurance. It is helping to address this issue by covering more than 6.3 million eligible Canadian residents, including almost 760,000 children in 2025-26. It saves members, on average, more than $900 annually. We cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. This will save a dual-income family up to $840 per year in 2026. We are building an affordable, high-quality early learning and child care system that is already saving families thousands of dollars per child per year across the country. We enhanced the GST credit, now the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, by increasing it 25% for five years starting in July and providing a one-time 50% top-up this year to help with everyday costs. There is even more. Budget 2025 introduced automatic federal benefits starting in tax year 2026 to make it easier for low-income Canadians to access benefits. In short, the government will continue to look for ways to bring down costs to make life more affordable. Because of all these programs in place, Canadians have a higher median of wealth than people in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, we are putting together many different programs to make sure we are there for all Canadians, including small business owners. As my colleague across the way knows, we are in the process. We will be starting to talk to the United States. That has always been the case. We will find the solutions. We will be there for small businesses and for all Canadians to make sure that we get through this difficult time together.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present petition e-6951 on behalf of 1,786 Canadians, including children of the veterans buried in the Last Post Fund's National Field of Honour, plus other descendants of Canada's war veterans and friends of the cemetery. Petitioners highlight the national significance of the historic military cemetery, Canada's largest, located in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, and express concern over the ongoing financial challenges faced by the not-for-profit Last Post Fund, which is responsible for its maintenance. They call on the Government of Canada to honour and implement the “Canada Strong” campaign commitment to assume ownership of the cemetery, to direct Veterans Affairs and Canadian Heritage to develop a clear action plan with the Last Post Fund and a timeline for its transfer to the Crown, like all of our other military cemeteries, and to announce the plan by November 11, 2026, as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of all our veterans.

Mr. Speaker, Michael Kieran was a man of faith and a man of science, brilliant and yet humble. Educated in nuclear physics, he devoted his professional life to dealing in the complexities of large transportation systems, first as a partner in KPMG, then for many years at Canadian Pacific Railway, and later as a consultant on special transportation projects. A man for others, Michael was a stalwart of Montreal's English-speaking Catholic community, serving on the board of directors of the Pillars Trust for 19 years, including nine years as its president. Michael's community engagement also extended to politics. He was active in party politics and twice served in the crucial role of official agent for the member for Lac-Saint-Louis. Michael's kind manner and life and business experience drew others to him in search of wise counsel. To his wife Shirley, daughter Melissa and son Philip, and to the grandchildren of whom he was so very proud, we offer our deepest condolences.

Mr. Speaker, I too would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere condolences to the family of my dear colleague, Kirsty Duncan, who was a great source of inspiration and comfort for me when my mom passed away five short months after my first election in 2019. Young people across the country are asking the same question: How do we make sure opportunity keeps pace with a changing economy? That is why supporting youth employment is not abstract for our government; it is a priority we are acting on with real investments and real results. Through budget 2025, we are creating more pathways into good jobs and making education more affordable. We announced $307.9 million over two years, starting in 2026-27, for the youth employment skills strategy, supporting employment, training and wraparound services for roughly 20,000 youth facing barriers each year. We also committed $26.1 million to six national projects under the YESS strategic collaboration stream. These projects are focused on solving real challenges young people face, bringing together youth, service providers, employers and researchers to develop solutions that can scale. That includes better tools for employers to support youth with disabilities, and stronger data to guide evidence-based decisions. The labour market is changing quickly, with new technologies, new industries and new skills. Our approach reflects that reality. That is why we continue to invest in students and apprentices as they prepare for the workforce. For the 2025-26 academic year, we extended the temporary increases to Canada student grants and loans. That includes the 40% increase for full-time and part-time students, students with disabilities and students with dependents, as well as the higher weekly student loan limit of $300. We have also expanded Canada student loan forgiveness for health care and social service professionals working in rural and remote communities, which is now covering 10 additional occupations from early childhood educators and social workers to personal support workers and physiotherapists. These measures recognize the pressures students are facing today, and they help ensure that cost is not a barrier to building a future. We are also delivering results through programs that directly connect young people to work. A recent evaluation of the youth employment and skills strategy program found that 76% of participants were employed or back in school after completing the program. For summer 2025, Canada summer jobs created up to 76,000 opportunities. Budget 2025 will increase that to around 100,000 summer jobs in 2026. Through the student work placement program, we expect to support roughly 55,000 placements in 2026. Taken together, these programs will create more than 175,000 job opportunities for young Canadians in 2026-27 alone. This is how we make sure young people are not left behind: by investing in their skills, lowering the cost of education and opening doors to real opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, young people want to know that there is a real future waiting for them, whether the future is in a classroom, a workplace or the skilled trades. That is why our government is acting, not with talk but with concrete support. Budget 2025 proposes $75 million to expand the union training and innovation program, strengthening union-based apprenticeship training in Red Seal trades and opening more doors for young Canadians. This builds on nearly $1 billion we already invest every year to make trades training more affordable through loans, tax credits and employment insurance supports. Through the Canadian apprenticeship strategy, apprentices get the help they need to complete training and earn certification. While they are in technical training, employment insurance provides income support, and through the Canada apprentice loan, apprentices can access up to $20,000 in interest-free loans. This is what action looks like: backing young people with real support on every path to work, including the skilled trades.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a very positive moment of spiritual and diplomatic significance that took place last week in the ancient city of Nicaea in the Republic of Turkey. Pope Leo and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew marked 1700 years since the first ecumenical council, held in 325. That council helped shape Christianity and our basic values and beliefs, including respect, harmony, solidarity and freedom, which are also embedded in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The leaders of the Catholic and Orthodox churches commemorated this historic anniversary by sending a powerful message to the world about the need for reconciliation, dialogue and mutual respect for all people, regardless of their beliefs or ethnic origin. In an era marked by conflict, persecution and polarization, their meeting shows that it is possible to overcome our differences in the service of peace and human dignity.

Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan for raising this important issue. We share his concerns for Canadians, especially young Canadians who are looking for good jobs and a strong future. Our government is making generational investments with youth at the forefront. We know that a strong economy starts with a strong workforce, and that means creating opportunities for young people to gain skills, experience and confidence. Budget 2025 delivers on this commitment. We are investing $1.5 billion over three years in youth programs, the largest youth employment investment in a generation. Through the youth employment and skills strategy, we will provide wraparound support for 20,000 youth in 2026, helping them overcome barriers and succeed in the labour market. We are also expanding programs that work. The Canada summer jobs program will create 100,000 work opportunities in summer 2026. In my colleague's riding alone in 2025, the number of organizations that benefited from this program was 42, and it created 159 jobs for the youth in his riding. The student work placement program will deliver 55,000 placements for students in 2026-27, connecting education to real-world experience. Through the new youth climate corps, we are investing $40 million over two years to train young Canadians for climate emergency response and community resilience. These measures reflect what youth told us during budget consultations: Their top priorities are lowering the cost of living, housing, and access to mental health supports. We are listening and acting, and the results speak for themselves. Youth employment rose by 21,000 jobs in October, the first increase since January. Youth unemployment dropped by almost 1%. Programs like Canada summer jobs deliver lasting impact, and 88% of that program's participants are employed within two years of completion. The student work placement program benefits employers too; 97% say it strengthens their business. Youth in the employment and skills strategy see real gains; 76% are employed one year after the program, with earnings up by almost $9,500. These investments are not just numbers; they are opportunities. They mean more young Canadians are building careers, contributing to their communities and driving our economy forward. At the same time, we are tackling the skilled trades shortage head-on. Budget 2025 invests $75 million over three years to expand union-based apprenticeship training, as well as nearly $1 billion annually to make trades training more affordable and accessible. Because I had prepared my remarks before my hon. colleague's question this morning, which is a little different than the one I thought he would come back to, I want to reassure him that students who are currently enrolled in and benefiting from the student grants for non-university or university educational institutions that do not qualify, if they are already enrolled and they continue in that vein with their studies until they graduate, the program remains the same. Whether it is building homes, responding to climate challenges or powering innovation, young Canadians will lead the way, and our government will be there investing in their success and building one Canadian economy that works for everyone.

Madam Speaker, the member opposite says he cares about youth employment, but when it mattered, he and his party voted against a budget that delivers real opportunities for young Canadians. Budget 2025 invests $1.5 billion over three years in youth programs; creates 100,000 Canada summer jobs, which is 24,000 more than last year; funds 55,000 student work placements; and launches a youth climate corps to prepare youth for the jobs of tomorrow. These investments are working. Youth employment rose by 21,000 jobs in October, the first increase since January, and youth unemployment dropped by almost 1%. The Canada summer jobs program, even though the member thinks it is not important, sees 88% of participants employed within two years, and the student work placement program benefits 97% of employers. We are building opportunities for youth. The member opposite continues to vote against them. We will always be there for the youth.

Mr. Speaker, the member opposite is attempting to spread disinformation about a so-called hidden carbon tax. Let me be clear: There is no carbon tax applied to groceries. Industrial carbon pricing applies to the largest polluters in Canada, not to families or small businesses. These measures drive investment to reduce emissions and build the competitiveness of Canadian businesses. Importantly, independent studies from the Canadian Climate Institute show that pricing industrial pollution is one of the lowest-cost ways to cut emissions while having a minimal impact on families. Canada's output-based pricing system gives companies flexibility. They can invest in cleaner processes, buy credits from innovators or develop new technologies to cut emissions. This approach reduces pollution at the lowest cost and encourages innovation, helping Canadian businesses grow and protect jobs. On the issue of food prices, the federal fuel charge was removed on April 1 of this year, and farmers continue to receive relief under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. Independent analysis shows that inflationary pressures on groceries are being driven by global supply chain disruptions, the war in Ukraine and energy price volatility, not federal climate policies. The clean fuel regulations, sometimes referred to as the hidden carbon tax, are designed to cut greenhouse gas pollution by up to 26 million tonnes by 2030. These regulations also support major Canadian projects that create jobs across the country, renewable diesel and hydrogen facilities in Alberta, renewable natural gas and green hydrogen projects in Ontario and Quebec, and clean fuel projects in Newfoundland and Labrador. These initiatives not only reduce pollution but also strengthen local economies and maintain high-skilled employment. Repealing these measures, which the member opposite suggests, would put jobs at risk, increase pollution and isolate Canadian businesses from global markets. Climate action is economic action. The policies in place protect workers, support families and position Canada for long-term competitiveness. Canadians deserve solutions based on facts, not slogans.

Mr. Speaker, there is no carbon tax on groceries. Industrial carbon pricing and the clean fuel regulations are targeted policies that reduce pollution while supporting Canadian jobs and investment. They give businesses flexibility to innovate, cut emissions efficiently and remain competitive. These measures create jobs in renewable energy, hydrogen and clean-fuel projects across the country while protecting the economy from the growing costs of climate change. Repealing these policies would harm employment, increase pollution and weaken Canada's economic standing. Canadians deserve fact-based solutions, and these measures are delivering just that.

Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes the vital importance that marine transportation has to our economy. Our government is focused on building Canada strong and supporting Canadian jobs here at home. That is why we have announced the national shipbuilding strategy, through which we are investing in new ships. While we focus on building new ships, we must take into consideration at the same time that older vessels are reaching the end of their service lives. We recognize that wrecked and abandoned vessels can pose a danger to the environment, public health, public safety and local economies, including the fishing and tourism industries. Transport Canada is aware of the growing demand for ship recycling services in Canada, especially on the west coast, and the importance of access to responsible recycling options abroad. This includes aging government vessels, abandoned vessels and industry-owned vessels. This is the most environmentally sound method to dispose of a ship that reaches the end of its service life. Because ships are so large, skilled operators must use special procedures and equipment to dismantle them safely and in an environmentally sound way. This requires careful planning, safe handling of hazardous materials and strong protections for workers and the environment. Safe and environmentally responsible ship recycling is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated leadership across federal jurisdictions and departments. The federal government has jurisdiction over shipping and navigation. It also manages the import and export of hazardous materials and enforces laws that protect Canadian waters. Provinces manage property and civil rights, as well as activities above the low tide line, including making and enforcing health and safety rules for local businesses. Municipalities control local zoning and land use and collect waste. Transport Canada is actively reviewing international developments, including the June 2025 entry into force of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships and stricter European regulations. We are also considering the need for more ship-recycling capacity in consultation with owners of facilities and fleets. The government is committed to working with provinces, territories, indigenous communities and industry stakeholders to take into account the views of all Canadians on this important issue, and it will seek further opportunities to do so. We know that it is in Canada's interest to have sufficient, responsible ship recycling that protects our environment, supports economic development and reflects the values of communities across this country and Canada's international commitments. I thank the hon. member for raising this important issue in the House.

Mr. Speaker, for many reasons, we need to access more ship recycling, which must protect workers and the environment. Canada remains engaged in discussions with other countries on the global regulatory framework for ship recycling and any implications for ship recycling here in Canada. Canada has not yet decided to join the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships or adopt the European approach. Any new approach, of course, will require consultation with our provincial partners, who are responsible for the protection of workers and the management of hazardous waste. We will continue to work with provinces, territories, indigenous communities and industry stakeholders and to consider the views of all Canadians on this important issue.

Mr. Speaker, the government is on a mission to build Canada's economic strength. We are building big, building bold and building right now. The cornerstone of our plan is to build 500,000 homes and other major projects using Canadian steel and Canadian lumber. We will upgrade our grid, expand transmission lines and modernize energy infrastructure to power AI. To move our critical minerals and energy resources, we will build bigger ports and create more liquefied natural gas capacity, faster rail and modern pipelines. To make this happen, we need new skilled workers. We will not be able to double the pace of housing construction without an influx of an additional half a million workers, including tile setters, painters, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, construction craft workers and bricklayers. We also need automotive service technicians, power line technicians, millwrights, truck and transport mechanics and so much more. Skilled workers are essential to Canada's future prosperity. That is why we are actively encouraging young people to consider a career in the skilled trades. That is also why our government is investing nearly $1 billion every year in a range of apprenticeship supports. First, we have the union training and innovation program under the Canadian apprenticeship strategy. This program is focused on improving the quality of training in the Red Seal trades. This helps to ensure that apprentices, pre-apprentices and journeypersons have the best possible learning opportunities through union-based apprenticeship training, through innovation and through enhanced partnerships. For the apprenticeship service, we have earmarked $90 million to help small and medium-sized employers bring apprentices on board and create new placements. Further, through the sectoral workforce solutions program, we will fund strategic projects in residential construction and other key economic sectors, including those impacted by U.S. tariffs, with initiatives aimed at addressing acute and systemic workforce development needs, so that we have the workforce we will need. Finally, we have introduced tax measures aimed at reducing costs for tradespeople. The tradesperson's tools deduction and the deduction for tools for an eligible apprentice mechanic allow workers to deduct the costs necessary for their work. The tuition tax credit allows apprentices to claim expenses related to classroom-based technical training, as well as the cost of writing the Red Seal exam. In addition, the labour mobility deduction helps workers cover travel expenses. Together these programs strengthen our skilled trades workforce and make it easier for Canadians to get trained, get hired and build our country. The just-passed One Canadian Economy Act legislation has removed federal barriers to labour mobility, which means that once they are trained, a worker licensed or certified by a province or territory can work in a comparable occupation in federal jurisdiction without additional requirements. Being able to work across Canada expands opportunities for workers, gives employers a bigger hiring pool and strengthens our economy. The new law also enables the government to cut the approval times for major projects from five years down to two so we can get shovels in the ground faster and so people can work sooner. I want to thank the Canadian building trades for helping us pass the One Canadian Economy Act. They asked for it, and we listened. Meeting Canada's economic and climate challenges starts with listening to workers. Together we made it happen. They are standing with us to make this Canada's moment.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the hon. member for Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay for giving me the opportunity to talk about the Government of Canada's steadfast commitment to building Canada's economic strength. It is a commitment we take very seriously. We are focused on preparing Canadians for the future. We have great programs in place to make sure that Canadians feel secure about their place in the workforce. We are ensuring that young people have the skills and experience they need to enter the workforce, while enabling older workers to upgrade their skills. We are developing projects that will create good, long-term construction careers and help build the Canadian economy for the long term, and that includes the forestry industry. We know that all our communities will be the beneficiaries.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight Women's History Month, a time when we celebrate the achievements and contributions of women. Every October, we honour the women who inspire us and whose courage, creativity and leadership strengthen our communities and enrich us all. Today, I want to pay tribute to Dr. Lucy Gilbert, a leading medical researcher and physician whose world-leading work with the DOvEEgene project uses genomics to detect ovarian and endometrial cancers early, which greatly increases the chances of a positive outcome for women. Her innovation has the potential to save countless thousands of women’s lives around the world and is a powerful example of Canadian excellence in science and medicine. This Women's History Month, let us celebrate their legacy, amplify their voices, and uphold our commitment to a Canada where every woman and girl can reach her full potential.

Mr. Speaker, I agree with the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan that students need jobs to pay for their education and to gain vital experience and skills. Young Canadians are the workforce of the future. Anything we invest in them today will reap rewards for Canada in the years ahead. We are investing in them. Take the student work placement program, for example. In budget 2024, the Government of Canada proposed $207.6 million for the program to create 40,000 work-integrated learning opportunities for college and university students: 40,000 is almost like a full Blue Jays' home baseball game. It is a packed stadium of students, all gaining valuable work experience. This is the scale we are talking about. When given the opportunity to learn on the job, particularly in their field of study, post-secondary students can acquire professional skills, build their resumés and make connections that will help them get high-quality jobs after graduation. These opportunities also help them to adapt. They acquire new skills that will be useful as the job market evolves. When we say skills, we are talking about communication, creative thinking and negotiation skills, which are best developed through practical work experience. Since it launched in 2017, the program has created over 300,000 opportunities for post-secondary students across Canada. These opportunities span several fields of study, and 45% of them have gone to students from under-represented groups. The youth employment and skills strategy, YESS, is another way we are investing in young Canadians. YESS is a Government of Canada initiative that delivers 16 programs through a network of 12 federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations. The strategy is designed to support diverse youth aged 15 to 30 to become job-ready through work experience, training, skills development and wraparound supports that allow them to successfully transition into diverse sectors of the labour market. Employment and Social Development Canada is the lead department for YESS and delivers two programs: the YESS program and the Canada summer jobs program. In July 2024, the government announced $370 million for ESDC's YESS program to support over 200 projects, most of which are now under way, and in February of this year, we announced an additional $23 million that will fund over 35 new projects. This brings the total investments in ESDC's YESS program to over $393 million for 2024-28. That means we are on track to help more than 26,000 young people overcome job barriers and secure meaningful, lasting jobs. The Canada summer jobs program is another example of how much we are investing in young Canadians. I do not have much time left to go into the details, but the CSJ supports are meaningful to thousands of youth during the summer. There is no doubt that we are supporting youth at every stage of their journey toward a brighter future and a stronger Canadian economy.

Mr. Speaker, we are investing in young people. We are investing in young people through the student work placement program, the youth employment and skills strategy and the Canada summer jobs. The labour market today looks very different for young people than it did for past generations. New and emerging technologies, a rise in gig work, an aging workforce and globalization are profoundly changing the labour market and how the jobs of the future will look. Programs like the ones I just mentioned help young Canadians face those challenges. These programs are smart investments in our economy and in the next generation of leaders, because when young people get a strong start, all of Canada benefits.

Madam Speaker, governments, businesses and workers are navigating new challenges because labour is changing at a dizzying pace. We are looking at a whole new kind of labour market. Many workers are retiring from important sectors, which will lead to critical labour shortages. Some 600,000 skilled trades workers will retire by 2031. That means 600,000 new job opportunities are opening up. On top of that, we expect 400,000 new jobs to be created by the end of this decade alone. Canada's workforce has a generational opportunity to renew. That is why we have a plan to help Canadians gain a foothold in the job market. It starts with youth employment. The Canada summer jobs program has a proven track record of providing many young Canadians with their first job. Since 2019, more than 460,000 young people have been helped by the program. After 70,000 jobs were initially created for the summer of 2025, this spring we added 6,000 more opportunities for young people. That one program is working, year after year, to set young people up for a lifetime of success. In fact, we have supported over 138,000 opportunities for youth under the youth employment and skills strategy, which includes Canada summer jobs, the Canada service corps and the student work placement program. Our goal is clear: to help young people develop their skills and gain the experience they need to enter the labour market as adults. So far, I have focused mainly on youth employment, because youth are at the heart of our economic future. However, our plan to help people get into the workforce is much broader. Each year, the Government of Canada invests nearly $1 billion annually in apprenticeship supports through grants, loans, tax credits and employment insurance benefits. The skilled trades are one of the most important areas of job growth in Canada. Canada needs more homes for people, and in budget 2024, the government unveiled an ambitious plan to build 3.87 million new homes by 2031. However, we cannot build houses without the skilled trades, so we need to train thousands of new skilled tradespeople right now. There is currently a high demand for many skilled trades. This includes automotive service and repair technicians, power line technicians, millwrights, horticulturalists, and truck and transport vehicle mechanics, to name a few. Each of these trades contributes directly to building a more prosperous Canada. We are working hard to strengthen Canada's economy. We are investing in this country's very deep pool of made-in-Canada talent, because we will always support Canadian workers and their families. The Government of Canada is delivering for Canadians and providing opportunities so this country can grow the workforce of tomorrow.

Madam Speaker, I am quite happy the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan repeatedly asks questions about our plans to get Canadians into good jobs. It gives us the opportunity to talk about our great array of programs supporting our boundless ambition to create a skilled workforce for the future. Canada summer jobs is not just about eight weeks. Everywhere in my riding, when I go to visit the employers who hire young summer students through the program, they are all asking for more positions, more money and longer times, so it must be making a difference. Our plan is to invest in training, because that is the key to a prosperous economic future. This plan—

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan for his dedication to the Canadian workforce. The Government of Canada shares this dedication. The world of work is rapidly changing, so we are committed to protecting and supporting workers in this time of labour market uncertainty. We are transitioning to a one economy agenda. We are making significant investments to ensure Canadians have the skills they need to fill in-demand jobs. We are advancing new opportunities, especially for our youth. It is estimated that one in six Canadians have careers in the skilled trades, and registrations for new apprenticeships are higher than they have been in over a decade. However, there is a massive retirement wave sweeping across the country, so we need to encourage more young Canadians to pursue this line of work because this retirement wave is leaving a critical shortage of skilled trade workers in its wake. In fact, we are predicting that 600,000 skilled trade workers will retire by 2031. Creating and promoting these employment opportunities is a key priority for the Canadian government. Skilled trades offer respected, well-paid, highly sought-after and rewarding jobs. Budget 2024 laid out a forward-looking plan to build nearly 3.9 million new homes by 2031. To achieve that, we need more Red Seal certified tradespeople, including carpenters, plumbers and electricians. That is why the Government of Canada is investing nearly $1 billion annually in apprenticeship support. It is fair to say that many young Canadians have seen their wages decline, and it is difficult for them to take advantage of new training opportunities when they are struggling to make ends meet. That is why we are taking steps to make apprenticeships more affordable, for instance by offering loans, tax credits and employment insurance benefits. Apprentices can access EI benefits while attending technical training and obtain an interest-free Canada apprentice loan of up to $20,000. Furthermore, through the Canadian sustainable jobs act, we are ensuring that Canadians have access to sustainable, well-paid jobs that contribute to their prosperity. I would also mention that our future skills centre has helped more than 105,000 Canadians access the skills training or employment they need for a successful future. We are prioritizing workforce initiatives and opportunities such as these, which will develop a larger, highly certified, diverse and inclusive trades workforce. We are making sure that those who face additional barriers have access to the supports needed to access education and training and get a job. This includes indigenous youth, new immigrants, young people living in poverty or facing homelessness, youth who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, young persons with disabilities, Black and racialized youth, and young women. Labour market participation among working-age mothers with young children was up to 79.1% in 2024 from 75.8% in 2019. This is a promising statistic, but there is a lot more work that needs to be done across all sectors, and we will be there with the provinces and territories to make sure that we have the fastest-growing economy in the G7. We will continue to create job opportunities for Canadians for all—

Mr. Speaker, in the words of our Prime Minister, “It’s time to build big, build bold, and build now.” If young Canadians want to work, there will be jobs, but they will need to develop new skills first, perhaps. This is why we need to attract, hire and train thousands of new skilled tradespeople right away. This is why we are making targeted investments under the Canadian apprenticeship strategy to create a larger and more inclusive trades workforce. This year, the Government of Canada is supporting roughly 159,000 opportunities for young people and students through the youth employment and skills strategy, which includes Canada summer jobs, and through the student work placement program, the supports for student learning program and the Canada Service Corps. These programs give young people access to post-secondary education, skills-based training and the integrated support they need to succeed.

Madam Speaker, the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan knows that for the country to succeed, it is crucial that young people secure a solid footing in the job market. I appreciate his ongoing interest in youth employment. We need young people to keep Canada's economy strong and vibrant. The Canada summer jobs program, or CSJ, is one way we are preparing them for this generational opportunity. The CSJ has a proven track record of providing many young Canadians with their first job. I will bet it is how more than a few of us in this place got our first summer jobs. Since 2019, more than 533,000 young people have gotten summer jobs because of the program. Each one of those jobs allowed a young person to gain valuable work experience, learn new skills and explore career interests, all while earning money to help pay for education and living expenses. At a time when many young people are feeling anxious about their future job prospects, the Government of Canada announced that up to 6,000 more Canada summer jobs opportunities were available for youth this summer, on top of the 70,000 jobs already announced for the summer of 2025. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to fixing Canada's labour shortages, but Canada summer jobs is continuing to set young people up for a lifetime of success in the job market and continuing to help thousands of small businesses that have staffing needs. Our current labour shortages pose a collective challenge for federal and provincial governments, unions and businesses. To keep Canada on course as the G7 leader, we must collaborate to ensure our workers have access to training, retraining and upskilling. Let me tell members about a few programs that do just that. This year alone, the Government of Canada aims to support over 138,000 opportunities for youth and students under the youth employment and skills strategy program, Canada summer jobs, the Canada service corps and the student work placement program. It is an unusual labour market. By 2031, 600,000 skilled trade workers will retire, and 400,000 new jobs will be created by the end of this decade. To build a pipeline of workers in the skilled trades for today and tomorrow, we also invest nearly $1 billion annually in skilled trades apprenticeship supports through loans, tax credits and employment insurance benefits during in-school training. The skills for success program has provided training opportunities to over 10,300 young adults aged 18 to 34. This enhances their foundational and transferable skills, such as literacy, digital and social-emotional skills, to help them become more resilient and successful and get and keep good jobs in today's economy. We are also making sure individuals facing additional barriers have access to the supports needed to access education and training. Each of these programs helps us show the world that Canada has a very deep pool of talent. I thank the member opposite for his question. The Government of Canada will be there with opportunities for Canadians of all ages to grow the workforce of tomorrow. We will keep on working hard to strengthen Canada's economy.

Madam Speaker, I want to assure the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan that we have an array of great programs supporting our boundless ambition to create a skilled workforce for the future. Youth are the drivers of future economic growth. By supporting 6,000 additional summer jobs for youth, we are equipping them with the skills and experience needed to thrive. From April 21 to July 21, young job seekers between the ages of 15 and 30 could find summer job opportunities in their communities on the job bank website and mobile app. This important investment in Canada summer jobs means that more youth will benefit. When youth have the skills and experience they need to join the workforce, our communities and economy benefit. It is more than just an eight-week program. It allows them to have hands-on experience for today, tomorrow and the future.

Mr. Speaker, with regard to (a), regarding the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario’s target of rendering a decision on applications within 80 working days of the receipt of a complete application and to issue payment on eligible claim submissions within 35 working days, this target was not met 15% of the time due to increased demand from rural and Indigenous communities and delays in resourcing vacant positions within the Agency, both of which impacted service delivery time. With regard to (b), 19 applicants waited longer than 80 working days for a decision to be rendered.

Mr.; Speaker, with regard to the departmental result indicator for the amount leveraged per dollar invested by Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, or FedNor, projects, this agency proactively publishes this information on GC Infobase. As such, the result explanation can be found at https://www.tbs-sct.canada.ca/ems-sgd/edb-bdd/index-eng.html#infographic/dept/561/results/.-.-(indicator.-.-'DR-drr23-14051).

Mr. Speaker, individuals are able to continue to contribute and defer the start of their Canada Pension Plan, or CPP, retirement pension in exchange for a higher monthly pension based on age of claim-related adjustments and this has been the case since 1987 when flexible retirement provisions were introduced to the CPP. Under flexible retirement, while the standard age of eligibility for the retirement pension under the CPP is 65, individuals can choose to start collecting a permanently reduced pension as early as age 60, or to delay the start of their pension and receive an increased amount up to age 70. These upward or downward adjustments to the pension amounts, referred to as actuarial adjustments, were put in place to ensure that, on average, the CPP’s aggregate financial health is not impacted by individual decisions of contributors as to when to start collecting the CPP retirement pension and, by extension, to ensure that no individual’s decision affects the benefits or contributions of other Canadians. The actuarial adjustment factors reflect the fact that those who start collecting their pension earlier will, on average, have made fewer contributions to the CPP and will also generally receive benefits for a longer period than those who begin receiving it later. This means that, on average and in aggregate, there is no additional cost to the CPP for individuals who choose to defer their pension, nor is there a cost savings when individuals begin collecting their retirement pensions early. From 1987 to 2011, the CPP’s actuarial adjustment factors were set at 0.5% per month the pension was started before, or after, age 65, up to a maximum adjustment of 30% to a claimant’s monthly retirement pension benefit. Individuals who collected their CPP retirement pension upon reaching age 60, as soon as they were eligible, had their pensions reduced by 30%, while pensions of those who waited until age 70 or later was increased 30%. The actuarial adjustments factors were updated following the 2007-2009 Triennial Review of the CPP, after the Chief Actuary of Canada indicated that the old factors were no longer neutral as a result of a number of factors, including increases in life expectancies and the changing of the CPP’s financial model following the 1998 reforms that restored the Plan’s long term financial health. These updates were phased in over a number of years, from 2011 to 2016. Since that time, the adjustment factor for early retirement has been 0.6% per month, to a maximum reduction of 36% for those who begin their pension immediately at age 60. The adjustment factor for deferral is 0.7% per month of delay, to a maximum increase of 42% for those who begin their pension at age 70. Further, to ensure that the adjustment factors remain neutral to the CPP’s finances, the 1998 CPP reforms also introduced a legislated requirement, in subsection 115 (1.11) of the Canada Pension Plan, that actuarial adjustment factors were to be reviewed on a periodic basis by the Office of the Chief Actuary. The legislation requires the Chief Actuary to re-calculate the actuarial adjustment factors and specify them at least once every nine years, coinciding with the standard Triennial Review of the CPP timelines. The review may be done more frequently if deemed necessary by the Chief Actuary. The 27th CPP Actuarial Report at 31 December 2015, which was tabled in the House of Commons on 27 September 2016, confirmed that the current actuarial adjustment factors remain actuarially neutral. The full details of the analysis that led to that determination can be found in the Actuarial Study Canada Pension Plan Actuarial Adjustment Factors as specified in the 27th Actuarial Report on the Canada Pension as at 31 December 2015 – Actuarial Study No. 18, available at the following link: https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2017/bsif-osfi/IN5-1-18-2017-eng.pdf. The Actuarial Report (32nd) on the Canada Pension Plan at 31 December 2024, which is expected to be tabled in House of Commons in the fall of 2025, will confirm if the current factors remain appropriate and specify whether new factors are needed, based on most recent available projections of the Chief Actuary. Statistics on the number of new CPP retirement pensions established by age, gender and by calendar year are published annually. Results observed from 1987 to 2024 for claims observed by age are available at the following link: https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/ea075020-b9f4-43c4-8d04-075132cbbc7d/resource/c76328d2-d3f1-4daf-b101-719e5d081a26.

Mr. Speaker, with regard to (a), Community Futures Ontario, as an eligible applicant, receives funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario to administer services to Community Future Development Corporations in Northern Ontario; no funds are directly re-allocated by Community Futures Ontario to individual Community Future Development Corporations in Northern Ontario. With regard to (b), since no Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario Community Futures Program funds are further allocated to Community Future Development Corporations in Northern Ontario through Community Futures Ontario, there are no projections to report. Lastly, with regard to (c), since no Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario Community Futures Program funds are further allocated to Community Future Development Corporations in Northern Ontario through Community Futures Ontario, there is no breakdown of funds by federal riding to report.

Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, for the 2024-25 fiscal year, the cost of ESDC activities relating to the direct administration, which excludes internal services in support of the Temporary Foreign Worker, or TFW, Program totaled $139,004,775. This includes operating expenditures of $105,099,587, transfer payments of $18,750,934 for the Migrant Worker Support Program, or MWSP, contribution to employee benefits of $15,109,254, and refund of previous year revenues of $45,000. In terms of part (b) of the question, for the 2024-25 fiscal year, a total of 1,144 Full-Time Equivalent employees, or FTEs, at ESDC were assigned to the direct administration of the TFW Program. Of these, 513 FTEs were assigned to Labour Market Impact Assessment, or LMIA, application processing activities, 304 FTEs were assigned to employer-compliance-verification activities,16 FTEs were assigned to Employer Contact Centre regional activities, 6 FTEs were assigned to MWSP contribution delivery activities, and 305 FTEs were assigned to National Headquarters to provide strategic and policy direction, systems support, operational guidance, and oversight in support of program delivery. Lastly, with respect to part (c) of the question, for the 2024-25 fiscal year, ESDC did not spend any money promoting or advertising the TFW Program abroad.

Mr. Speaker, with regard to the Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario in 2024–25, the metrics used to determine whether funding has achieved the initiative’s objectives and expected results are drawn from the horizontal performance measurement strategy led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. The Economic Development Initiative supports the sustainable economic growth of Official Language Minority Communities and is part of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s commitment under the Official Languages Act and the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028. Performance is assessed through a common logic model applied across all Regional Development Agencies, including metrics such as for part (i) of the question, the number of Official Language Minority Communities businesses and organizations supported; the jobs created or maintained in Official Language Minority Communities; the partnerships established or strengthened with Francophone organizations; for part (ii), the capacity-building activities that respond to identified community needs; and the evidence of new expertise, services, or market access for Francophone entrepreneurs. Progress is reported through annual data and narrative reporting that contributes to horizontal evaluations and official languages accountability. Metrics also assess how projects demonstrate meaningful participation by the Francophone community and address identified priorities and needs.

Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, the Canada student loan, or CSL, forgiveness benefit is currently available to family doctors, family medicine residents in training, registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, registered practical nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse practitioners who work in an eligible underserved rural or remote community. As announced in budget 2024, the government is expanding the list of eligible occupations to include early childhood educators, dentists, dental hygienists, pharmacists, midwives, teachers, social workers, psychologists, personal support workers and physiotherapists. Budget Implementation Act, 2024, No. 1, S.C. 2024, c. 17, included necessary legislative amendments to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act and the Canada Student Loans Act to expand the list of eligible occupations. Pending regulatory approval, it is expected that the CSL forgiveness benefit will be available to borrowers working in the newly eligible occupations this fall. In response to (b), loan forgiveness will be available only to borrowers working in an occupation specifically listed in the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act and the Canada Student Loans Act. In response to (c), the government considered several factors when determining the list of newly eligible occupations, as follows: One, labour market information, i.e., the Canadian occupational projection system and customized data on demand in rural tracts, was used to identify sectors that are projected to be in shortage in the coming years. These expected shortages include occupations such as physiotherapists, psychologists, pharmacists, dentists and allied healthcare professionals. Two, in addition, extensive consultations were undertaken with provinces and territories, stakeholders from numerous different professions and student organizations to ensure their voices were heard while the government examined various options. The need for enhanced mental health supports, the growing importance of interdisciplinary care and care services for an aging population were all highlighted as being a priority for stakeholders, supporting the addition of psychologists, social workers, pharmacists, midwives and personal support workers to the list of eligible occupations. Three, certain occupations were considered and identified as playing key roles in supporting the implementation of Government of Canada priorities, namely the Canada-wide early learning and child care system, the Canadian dental care plan, and the national pharmacare plan. Four, in addition, while the Government of Canada recognizes that there are numerous other occupations in shortage in rural and remote communities, the government has a fiscal responsibility towards Canadians and must ensure that tax dollars are being spent efficiently on programs that matter most to them. The expansion of the list to add the additional 10 new occupations balances both fiscal prudence and health and social service shortages, and it is anticipated that the 10 new occupations will have an important and immediate impact on the lives of Canadians living in these underserved communities. In response to (d), this is the last of three planned enhancements to the CSL forgiveness benefit, which also included increasing the amount of forgiveness available to family doctors and nurses by 50% in November 2023 and expanding the definition of underserved rural or remote community to include all communities with a population of 30,000 or less in November 2024. Further amendments to the list of eligible occupations are not anticipated at this time. Accessibility Standards Canada has reviewed all available data and has confirmed that it has not participated in the Canada student loan program, nor does it have such a program within its mandate. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has reviewed the information available and has confirmed that it has not participated in the Canada student loan program, nor does it have such a program within its mandate.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Calgary Centre for his interest in employment for Canadians. Labour market change is happening at a dizzying pace. Government, businesses and workers are navigating new challenges and opportunities. Fortunately, Canada has everything it needs to succeed, including a very deep pool of talent. Our government is committed to protecting and supporting workers in this period of uncertainty and change in our labour market. We have the most highly skilled workforce in the world. It is why Canada will keep its economy strong and vibrant. However, a huge wave of retirements is leaving important sectors facing critical labour shortages. An estimated 600,000 tradespeople will retire by 2031. Add to that the anticipated creation of 400,000 jobs by the end of the decade, and we can see that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an entire generation. Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. That said, young people are an underutilized resource and are the key to Canada's future prosperity. A new path forward requires bold action to earn the trust of young people so that they know their career aspirations will be fulfilled. It is also important to remember that young people are entering a labour market that bears little resemblance to the one their parents and grandparents knew. This ever-changing market requires us to do whatever it takes to equip young people with the skills and experience they need to succeed. Young people are navigating an employment landscape that is very different from past generations. Because we cannot build houses without skilled carpenters, plumbers, electricians or any of the other Red Seal trades, we also have to make sure that individuals facing additional barriers have access to the supports needed to access education and training. For Canada to be a G7 leader, our workers must have access to training, retraining and upskilling. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting a comprehensive array of programming. For example, this year alone, the Government of Canada aims to support over 150,000 opportunities for youth through the youth employment and skills strategy program, Canada summer jobs, the Canada service corps, the supports for student learning program and the student work placement program. We are making targeted investments under the Canadian apprenticeship strategy, targeting the skilled trades workforce's most pressing needs. Nearly $1 billion annually in apprenticeship support goes toward making trades training more affordable, through loans, grants and contributions, tax credits and EI benefits. In order to welcome recruits such as young people and newcomers to the workforce, the Future Skills Centre has collaborated with more than 2,900 organizations from 20 sectors from coast to coast to coast and helped 103,000 Canadians access skills training in order to get a job. We will advance new opportunities, transform into a one economy agenda and invest to ensure that Canadians have the skills they need to fill in-demand jobs.

Mr. Speaker, His Majesty King Charles III recently said in Parliament that “Canada has what the world needs”. This includes Canadian workers. Canada's future success depends on the skills of its skilled trades workforce. That is why the Government of Canada is investing nearly $1 billion annually in apprenticeship support. Great programs support our boundless ambition to create a skilled workforce for the future. They ensure there will be new jobs and exciting opportunities for Canadian workers. I want to assure the member opposite that the Government of Canada will always support Canadian workers and their families. We invest those funds because we believe passionately that skills training is key to unlocking Canada's economic potential and a road to a prosperous future. I will end by saying there will be a budget in the fall.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Lebanese Heritage Month, a time to honour Lebanese culture and its incredible contributions to Canada through its varied traditions, delicious food, remarkable economic contribution and so much more. Lebanese Canadians began enriching our society over 140 years ago. It all started in Montreal. Canada is now home to over 200,000 Lebanese Canadians, including 8,000 in my riding of Vimy. We remember the difficult circumstances and journeys of many Lebanese families who sought new beginnings in Canada, including the challenges of conflict in their homeland. Their courage, determination and success in Canada inspires us all, and we are grateful for them. Together, let us honour this heritage and our Lebanese Canadian fellow citizens, but also let us all wish and pray that a permanent peace takes a firm hold in Lebanon.

Mr. Speaker, this Oxi Day, we pay tribute to the courage of Greece, the cradle of democracy, for standing strong against tyranny. Eight-four years ago, in 1940, a resolute “no”, “oxi”, from Greece's Prime Minister Metaxas to the Axis Powers' ultimatum was a choice to protect Greece's sovereignty and democratic ideals from Fascist and Nazi tyranny that had swept over Europe. This stance was not only a military decision but also a powerful moral one. Greece, with its rich democratic heritage, became a beacon of resistance, reminding nations everywhere of the profound cost and importance of liberty. In a world overshadowed by authoritarian regimes, Greece's defiance in history reminds us of the importance of protecting both freedom and democracy. Today, we celebrate an act of bravery and an enduring commitment to the values we all cherish. [Member spoke in Greek] [Translation]

Mr. Speaker, tourism brings people together and fosters a sense of national pride. This week, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada is holding its Hill days events to showcase our tourism industry and to highlight the importance of the visitor economy. I want to thank them for their work and advocacy for Canadian tourism businesses. Our government supports the tourism sector with programs like the tourism growth program, which is offered in all regional development agencies. The Conservatives' policy of fiscal restraint would jeopardize programs that support tourism operators. Investing in tourism leads to economic growth, job creation and environmental protection while supporting the flourishing of local culture, including indigenous heritage.

Mr. Speaker, as Cyprus is celebrating the 64th anniversary of its independence, I am thinking about my first visit there in July, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion. This tragic event caused death and destruction and displaced thousands of Greek and Turkish Cypriots, who left the island. Those who remained in the Greek Cypriot area built a democratic nation with a thriving economy as part of the European Union, welcoming both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. I visited the UN buffer zone and met two Canadian peacekeepers by the monument honouring the 28 Canadians who lost their lives in Cyprus. The Canadian flag we brought with us is now flying proudly next to the monument. Canada and Cyprus established strong diplomatic relations 64 years ago and continue to focus on peace and stability. Canada continues to support the two communities' efforts to find an acceptable path toward reunification for an inclusive future, making Cyprus a beacon of hope and prosperity in the region.

Mr. Speaker, today is World Tourism Day. People from around the world visit Canada every day. Through tourism, we share our culture and natural heritage with others. Tourism brings us together and creates jobs in our communities. That is why our government is investing in tourism in every region of Quebec and Canada. In August, together with the Minister of Tourism, I announced a $520,000 contribution to Tourisme Laval to help it develop its tourism offering and market it outside Quebec. This funding will strengthen Laval's position in international markets while stimulating the region's economic ecosystem. In 2022 alone, 1.4 million tourists visited Laval, seeing the Cosmodôme, le Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier, le Centre de la nature, illumi and much more. Our government is investing in tourism businesses and people. It takes pride in sharing with visitors what we offer to the world.

Mr. Speaker, thanks to our government, the Canadian dental care plan is helping Canadians across the country, including in Quebec. More than 713,000 Quebeckers—including 12,000 in my riding of Vimy—are eligible for care under the Canadian dental care plan. If that is not enough to convince my colleagues that this program is successful, just ask the 750,000 Canadians who have already received care. These are real people who are benefiting from this historic program put in place by our government. When we prioritize the health of our communities, everyone benefits.

Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, in the third quarter of 2023, approximately $27.5 billion in economic activity was generated by Canadian residents travelling domestically, according to the Statistics Canada National Travel Survey. With regard to part (b), Destination Canada does not have access to data on domestic travel by mode of transport. However, data specifically on domestic trips by Canadian residents can be found publicly at https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=2410004501. With regard to part (c), Destination Canada does not have a comment on the Minister of Health’s statement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the Government of Canada to purchase the National Field of Honour military cemetery in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, where 22,500 Canadians and allied veterans are laid to rest. It is Canada's largest military cemetery, a national historic site, and it is under the care and responsibility of the non-profit Last Post Fund, which is quickly running out of funds. Temporary funding is a short-term solution. We need a permanent solution. This initiative is essential, because it maintains the site in perpetuity, demonstrates the commitment to veterans and families, and preserves national and international honour. We can can show support by signing petition e-4984, which has already been signed by hundreds, including former federal and provincial ministers, a former governor general and the chief of the armed forces. Let us make sure that this symbol of our national pride remains a meaningful site that is respected by all Canadians. It is the right thing to do.

Mr. Speaker, on May 19, we commemorated the Pontian genocide. On this day of remembrance, we pay tribute to the 350,000 lives lost and hundreds of thousands of others deported due to a tragedy systematically imposed by Turkey between 1914 and 1923. Some 700,000 people disappeared, Pontic families were massacred, a community that had been established for 2,600 years was eliminated. Pontic children, women and seniors were murdered. It was a genocide. The genocide was part of the broader Greek genocide and was conducted in parallel to the Armenian genocide as part of Turkey's effort to cleanse it of non-Turkish inhabitants. It is our moral obligation to stand in solidarity with the survivors and their descendants, to bear witness to their suffering and to ensure that the truth of these atrocities is never obscured or denied. The recognition of Pontic Genocide Remembrance Day reaffirms our commitment to truth, accountability and justice. I appeal to all Canadians to sign House of Commons petition e-4929 to officially recognize the entire Greek genocide.

Madam Speaker, I rise in the House today to solemnly mark the 15th anniversary of the Mullivaikkal genocide, a day that also signifies the second Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day recognized by the Canadian Parliament. As we remember the horrific atrocities inflicted upon the Tamil community in Sri Lanka, we honour the memory of the thousands of lives lost and the families forever impacted by this tragedy. The recognition of this day by the Canadian Parliament reaffirms our commitment to truth, justice and accountability. It underscores our solidarity with the Tamil community and our unwavering support for their quest for justice and reconciliation. Together, let us strive to create a world where every community, regardless of ethnicity, religion or background, can live in dignity, peace and freedom. To my friends in the Tamil community in Vimy and throughout Canada, they can always count on my support to be a strong voice and advocate for them.

Mr. Speaker, on March 21, the Table de concertation de Laval en condition féminine, or TCLCF, celebrated its 35th anniversary. Ever since the TCLCF was founded in our riding, Vimy, it has worked for the collective defence of women's rights and for improvements to our quality of life, while representing more than 30,000 Laval women. Over the years, its focus has broadened in response to political, economic and social developments in order to address emerging challenges facing women. It continues to fight systemic discrimination through education, awareness raising and community engagement. I would like to thank the board and its chair, Audrey Leclerc, as well as Marie-Eve Surprenant's entire team. I wish them a happy 35th anniversary and many more to come.