Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, the government signed bilateral agreements with all 13 provinces and territories this past March. A few weeks ago, in my riding, three agreements were announced with the territorial governments, to invest a total amount of nearly $86 million to improve health care access and services for the Yukon. Can you elaborate on what this health investment means for those living in the Yukon an…
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Mr. Speaker, today I am honoured to present a petition signed by more than 16,460 Canadians from every province and two territories, including many Yukoners. The petitioners call upon the Minister of Justice to bring forward an amendment to the Criminal Code to set out a specific framework for an advance request for MAID. This would be for individuals who have received a diagnosis of a capacity-di…
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Mr. Speaker, this year, CanNor celebrates 15 years of supporting job creation and economic growth in the territories. Project by project, CanNor's support empowers innovators in our territories. Because of CanNor, 12 indigenous businesswomen in Yukon were able to kick-start or grow their businesses through a microloan program. Thanks to CanNor, the Sakku Investments Corporation, an Inuit business,…
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Mr. Speaker, just this week, Sonjaa Schmidt won gold at the world under-23 cross-country ski championships in Slovenia, the first Canadian woman to bring home the gold at this event. Our small territory continues to punch way above its weight in cross-country ski racing. Thanks to the amazing snow and trails and the excellent coaching, Yukoners regularly reach Canada's national team, even with jus…
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Mr. Speaker, Lucille Hunter was a prospector, business owner, nanny, cook, and the first female honorary member of the Yukon Order of Pioneers for her decades of devotion to mining. She and her husband, Charles, came to the Yukon over the perilous Stikine trail in 1897, one of only a few Black families to make the trek north for gold. Lucille regularly walked over 100 miles from Dawson City to May…
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Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition on behalf of a substantial number of Yukoners. The petitioners and signatories call on the House of Commons to support Motion No. 86, calling for a citizens' assembly on electoral reform. The petition also states that the Yukon signatories would also like to draw the House's attention to the following: The need for electoral reform continues to be a …
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Madam Speaker, the Yukon may seem cold and remote, but Yukoners are warmly connected to people and events in all parts of the globe. We know that in these hard times there are many Canadians, and so many around the world, who will not have the luxury of celebrating with loved ones. As we celebrate Christmas and other traditions, may we keep those who are dealing with violence and poverty in our he…
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Mr. Speaker, we are watching with horror the tragedies of the ongoing war in the Middle East. Many Yukoners have expressed to me how helpless they feel in such a dire situation, and everyone wants the daily violence to stop. With this sentiment and in the spirit of peace, leaders of our territory's Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities took action. In true Yukon fashion, compassionate and kind,…
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Mr. Speaker, even as my constituents weather high prices and tough economic times, they remain deeply concerned about climate change. That is why Yukoners welcome actions from the government to reduce fossil fuel emissions while conserving energy and reducing costs. Contrary to a common misconception, Yukon-based studies have shown that heat pumps can operate efficiently in very cold climates. The…
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Mr. Speaker, we know that many Canadian families are struggling to make ends meet. This is particularly the case in Yukon, where more than half of families spend over 30% of their income on housing. The Minister of National Revenue recently made an important announcement alongside Ms. Tracy-Anne McPhee, the Yukon Minister of Health and Social Services. Can the Minister of National Revenue inform t…
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Mr. Speaker, since it was imposed upon them, indigenous families and children have experienced racist and discriminatory treatment by Canada's family and children's services. Communities in Yukon and across the nation have always known that self-determination and truth are key to healing and making sure future generations thrive. Thanks to the advocacy of first nations leaders and communities, cal…
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Mr. Speaker, only a few decades ago, polio was a common and much-feared infectious disease. Now we are tantalizingly close to eradicating polio through vaccination. One outstanding polio champion is Rotary International, a key partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which to date has vaccinated 2.5 billion children worldwide. Ramesh Ferris is a Rotarian hero in my riding of the Yukon. …
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Mr. Speaker, northern communities already face higher costs of goods, like food and fuel, than Canadians in the south, and with high inflation, these costs are building even more. Our government is taking action to support the middle class and those working hard to join it. This week, our government announced new measures to reduce costly banking fees for Canadians. Could the President of the Trea…
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Mr. Speaker, just last week, we learned of 15 potential gravesites at the Choutla Residential School grounds in Carcross, Yukon, echoing the stories and whispers of children who never came home. Last Friday, I attended a potlatch to honour Kaska missing and murdered women. The people of Liard First Nation and Watson Lake gathered in a ceremony that included an achingly beautiful fashion show of yo…
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Mr. Speaker, small businesses are the backbone of communities across our country, making up 98% of all businesses and employing two-thirds of Canadian workers, but many Yukon business owners have reached out to me over the past few months outlining their struggles with rising costs while still trying to recover from the pandemic. Could the Minister of Small Business outline how we are continuing t…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-349, An Act to establish National Rabies Awareness Day and to provide for the development of a national strategy for combating rabies in Canada. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise to introduce an act to establish national rabies awareness day and to develop a national strategy for combatting rabies. Rabies is a much-feared and equally devastating disease for bo…
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Mr. Speaker, today the Yukon-led territorial legislature meets in a special session in Dawson City to mark the 125th birthday of the Yukon territory. On this day, 125 years ago, just over a year after the discovery of gold in the Klondike, the House passed the Yukon Act, creating a distinct territory out of the Northwest Territories, a vast region from which many other provinces and territories wo…
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Mr. Speaker, we know that a significant gap remains for indigenous peoples living in urban, rural and northern areas when it comes to housing. There is an urgent need to act now. Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing elaborate on how our government is upholding the right to housing as per UNDRIP's articles 21 and 23, with an emphasis on the for indigenous, by indigenous appr…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his comments and his question. Rural-urban equity is very important. I know that is a factor the Yukon government is considering in the implementation of this program. There are always challenges when it comes to recruitment in rural areas. Nevertheless, in general, it works because the needs have been accurately identified so as to ensure appropriate implemen…
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Mr. Speaker, we also have to recognize that we are in an era when there are labour shortages in general all around the country, in all sectors. That is one of the challenges we are seeing with implementation. At the same time, we have set the framework for high-quality education. The other aspect I would briefly point out is that in Yukon, early childhood educators are well paid, and that is a rea…
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Mr. Speaker, for too long families in Canada have struggled to find high-quality, affordable and inclusive early learning and child care. Bill C-35 is a really important step to changing that once and for all. I am pleased to speak to this bill and to give a bit of a northern flavour. Bill C-35 will replace that unnecessary struggle with access to affordable, high-quality and inclusive early learn…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to speak to Bill C-294, now in its final stage of consideration in the House of Commons. I am also pleased by the overwhelming support received for this legislative initiative thus far. I want to thank our colleague from Cypress Hills—Grasslands who brought this important initiative to the House that seeks to remove a copyright barrier to interoperability, which woul…
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Mr. Speaker, I could probably comment for an hour on that, but I think a couple of key aspects are that we knew Quebec had set the standard years ago and that this was really the standard to aim for with nationwide early learning and child care. It also brings out the point of what a fantastic investment quality early learning and child care is. It is not just a public health investment, but an ec…
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Mr. Speaker, I would point out that dozens of amendments were in fact passed and that there was vigorous discussion, I know, at committee to achieve the best possible legislation and agreement toward that. I also know that really what we are looking at is a framework, and it is up to the implementation and agreements with the provinces and territories to make it work.
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Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in celebrating National Indigenous History Month. Fifty years ago, a delegation of Yukon first nation leaders journeyed to Ottawa to bring their plan for their future, Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow, to present to then prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Yukon first nations have since signed self-governing agreements, marking the beginnin…
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Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question, which is very important. I am pleased that we are in the process of implementing bilateral agreements with the provinces and territories, including the Yukon territory, which I represent. I also want to ensure that mental health and addictions services are a priority in these agreements.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I am splitting my time with the member for Richmond Centre. I am pleased to speak in the House once again on the opioid epidemic in Canada, an issue that has long been close to me personally both as a northern public health physician and as Yukon's former chief medical officer of health. I always appreciate the opportunity to bring the issue to Parliament, so I appreciate the effort…
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Mr. Speaker, my friend and medical colleague from across the aisle and I can agree on the need for a comprehensive approach, which I spoke to in my speech. Harm reduction, including safe supply, is one of the pillars of that approach. We need to support and scale up safe supply to use it when it is indicated. That is part of the overall approach.
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Madam Speaker, given the disproportionate impact that first nations people in Yukon are feeling from the toxic drug crisis, that is a very important question from the hon. member for Nunavut. I am in conversation with Kluane First Nation and many others to help support their needs and their requests, such as on-the-land treatment and more wraparound social supports, including not only mental healt…
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question and for her work on the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. I can tell her that there are many targeted measures at the border. For example, $300 million is being invested to enhance the intelligence and investigative capacity of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency to stop the flow of ille…
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Mr. Speaker, I would say a few things. One is that the mass casualty report, to its credit, hugely emphasized prevention and how much more we need to do in prevention. As well, as the member described, opportunities for early intervention are really part of prevention. The other thing is that, as I pointed out earlier in my speech, the red-flag and yellow-flag laws would have that capacity to help…
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Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Outremont. I am pleased today to speak to this legislation, Bill C-21, which speaks to the complexities of responding effectively to the escalating gun violence we are seeing in this country. There is surely no easy solution. In Canada, we continue to justifiably pride ourselves on being a place of peace, but there are fissures in that fee…
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Mr. Speaker, every day in our communities, we see the urgent need for safe and culturally appropriate housing for indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQI+ people fleeing family and gender-based violence. They need safe shelter and a stable environment wherever they are in the country. Can the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion please tell the House more about the important action we a…
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Mr. Speaker, every day in our communities, we see the urgent need for safe and culturally appropriate housing—
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Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago, four more Yukoners in three different communities died from toxic drug overdose. Old Crow is the latest remote Yukon community to declare a substance use emergency. Families and communities everywhere in Canada are grieving, and chances are that everyone is part of at least one. In recent years, we have made progress and saved lives, but we are not where we should be. O…
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Mr. Speaker, as a joint Canada-U.S. command, NORAD is integral to maintaining peace, stability and sovereignty in our country. Given Russia's arbitrary and brutal invasion of Ukraine and other recent threats to global security, there is intense interest, among my constituents of Yukon and across the north, in our government's commitment to modernizing NORAD while respecting and protecting Arctic s…
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Mr. Speaker, since 2021, the situation in Afghanistan has been very difficult, especially for women and girls, who face daily persecution. According to the United Nations, the number of Afghans who need humanitarian aid is unprecedented. Can the Prime Minister tell us about Canada's efforts to support the Afghan people?
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Mr. Speaker, I will add my thoughts on this important matter of election interference and its potential impact on Canada's democracy, a democracy thousands of Canadians have literally died for, and which many around the world look upon with envy and admiration. What I would like to do in the next few minutes is reflect the voices of my constituents on this matter, combined with my own thoughts on …
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for her question. I would point out that Mr. Johnston's appointment is supported by a wide range of people. The reputation of Mr. Johnston is above reproach, and we can be confident that he is perhaps the best choice that we could think of among all Canadians to give us an objective, non-partisan report.
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Mr. Speaker, again, we have processes in place. We have intelligence access through NSICOP and other bodies to access intelligence and confidential briefings. These processes are in place, and I welcome further recommendations from our special rapporteur when that takes place.
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Mr. Speaker, I share the pleasure of working on the health committee with my hon. colleague, who always brings thoughtful questions and comments to committee. This is complex. As I said in my discourse, there are limitations to what a public inquiry can reveal versus what can be discovered in a more secure environment such as NSICOP. Therefore, it is a question of addressing the complexity. I cert…
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Mr. Speaker, it is a little intimidating to follow the convincing fire and brimstone of my hon. colleague.
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition on behalf of 93 constituents from the Yukon in support of just transition legislation to address the climate emergency. This petition contains a number of specific policy recommendations to help us achieve the goals of transitioning to a green, equitable and inclusive economy with a substantial reduction in global emissions.
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Mr. Speaker, the inherent rights of the Métis were confirmed in the Constitution Act of 1982, and 40 years ago today, the Métis National Council was officially formed. Since its inception, the MNC has been a fierce advocate for Métis across Canada. Could the Minister of Northern Affairs please update the House on the federal government's partnership with the MNC and the important work we are doing…
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Mr. Speaker, “we will tell you something about our past history; then something about the problems we have today; and finally our thoughts about the future.” That is from the introduction to a document entitled “Together Today for our Children Tomorrow”. Fifty years ago, Elijah Smith and a delegation of Yukon chiefs went to Ottawa to meet with Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau and present him …
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Mr. Speaker, first nations children thrive when they can stay with their families in their communities and be surrounded by their culture, and this is an area where the Yukon has made significant progress. It has been three years since the act respecting first nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families came into force. Could the Minister of Indigenous Services inform the House how the g…
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Mr. Speaker, There are strange things done in the midnight sun By the folks who moil for gold; The Arctic trails and the winter tales Will make you long for the cold; The Northern Lights are beautiful sights, For anyone to see, For a night on the marge of Lake Lebarge in the Yukon is the place to be; Now whether you come from Calgary, to kick-sled or flirt in the snow, Or leave home in the south t…
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Mr. Speaker, in the Yukon, a rifle in the house means a moose hunt in the fall and a winter of meat in the freezer. Conversations about upcoming hunts are as common as musings on the weather. Last spring, students from Porter Creek high school in Whitehorse went on a bison hunt, where they learned to harvest the meat while honouring the animal that had given its life. They learned while living out…
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Mr. Speaker, another busy summer season has come and gone in Dawson City, Yukon, which is part of the Klondike. Now with winter here, people draw close and ward off the dark nights with sports and cultural activities outdoors and in. The residents of Dawson City are doing their best to cope with the high prices caused by inflation, but the need to fight climate change is always on their minds. Las…
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Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague across the floor for his advocacy on an issue very important to my heart and that we need to move forward on in continuing to address the mental health crisis and the opioid crisis. A critical part of that is continuing with the discussions with the provinces and territories on the $4.5-billion mental health transfer, which continues to be committed to by the go…
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