Darren Fisher

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my hon. colleague, who is also from Nova Scotia, for his passion for our province. I share that passion. I have often used the example that many young people had to leave Nova Scotia and go to some of the bigger cities in Canada to find their way, and now they would no longer have to. Could the hon. parliamentary secretary describe the genesis of this project? Why this location? What is the strategic advantage of this project in this location in Nova Scotia?

Mr. Speaker, I also heard some comment on the other side saying, “You are a disgrace,” to the member. I would ask that they also, whoever said that, retract that statement, because it is unparliamentary.

Madam Speaker, I have an opposite opinion to that of the member for Brandon—Souris. I think what this member brought up is the thing that has bothered me the most in my 10 and a bit years here, which is that parliamentary privilege allows us to lie in the House. If we call out a lie, we will be made to apologize, but we are never made to correct a lie. That is one of the things that have bothered me the most in 10 years, and it has really upset decorum in this House. I would ask the member, through you, Madam Speaker, how he might suggest a fix for that.

Mr. Speaker, 'Twas two weeks before Christmas. I still can't hold back the smile. Even we didn't believe we'd be back on this side of the aisle. Canada needed someone smart, a proven young steed. That ruled out a guy who blew a 22-point lead. The Conservatives were lost with the carbon tax dead, While visions of Trudeau on a yacht danced in their leader's head. The Bloc dreamed of kingmaking, of holding great sway, But His Majesty's loyal opposition? Oh, mon Dieu, not even for a day! The NDP, well, they were reduced to seven. My gosh, even Nova Scotia now has 11. Now, for a “new” government, we sure have a lot of grey hairs, But we won four in a row, so... “Who cares?” A trade war with friends, what's ahead is a fight. Christmas came early. Canadians chose right. There'll be no Christmas election, of that I'm now certain, Thanks to two Conservatives hiding behind that curtain. Now, I've thrown a lot of jabs, but I promise they're in jest. To each and every one of you, I truly wish you all the best. I hope you all could hear me, with my voice raised up. All we hear in this place these days are heckles— I hope the Speaker doesn't wake up! Merry Christmas, everyone.

Mr. Speaker, I am rising to present Petition e-6931, spearheaded by my constituent Emily McEwan-Fujita, regarding the Gaelic language and culture. The petition recognizes that Nova Scotia is the only region outside Scotland where the Gaelic language and culture remain everyday aspects of community life, and that Gaelic is a heritage language for 6 million Scottish Canadians. The petitioners also point out that Gaelic publishing has taken place in Canada for nearly 200 years and that Gaelic publishers are struggling to access the federal supports they need. They call on the government to ensure that Gaelic publishers have proper access to federal funding.

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, the day that follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It is a day that asks us to turn our attention to something entirely different. Instead of deals and discounts, Giving Tuesday encourages us to look around our community and ask, “How can I help today?” It is a day built on simple gestures that mean a lot: supporting a local charity, checking in on a neighbour, giving a ride, sharing a meal or stepping up for someone who could use a hand. In Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, and in communities across this great country, we see this spirit every day, especially from non-profits, charities and the incredible volunteers that keep them going. Giving Tuesday is a moment to shine a little extra light on their work and to join in. Let us take tomorrow and lift people up in big and small ways. Generosity is contagious, and I hope we all catch it.

Madam Speaker, Atlantic Canada is a culture of innovation, and my riding of Dartmouth—Cole Harbour is home to leading ocean technology and maritime defence researchers and innovators, many of whom are located strategically along the shores of beautiful Dartmouth Cove. These companies and partners are driving major advances in ocean tech and strengthening Canada's national defence and security. Can the minister highlight the work the government is doing to support these important security and defence initiatives in Dartmouth—Cole Harbour?

Madam Speaker, what I took from my hon. colleague's speech was the focus on investment in our country versus expenses. He used mortgages as an example and how mortgages can be seen as an expense. Certainly, they are one of the largest investments in a Canadian's life. We hear on a regular basis from across the aisle about things like the CPP, the Canada pension plan, being a tax or a bill. How do we combat that misinformation and disinformation when we think about young people in our country being told that things like the Canada pension plan are a tax, rather than an investment in their own future?

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honour the life of a remarkable Nova Scotian, Peter Baylis, a man who poured his heart, his voice and his extraordinary talent into every stage he stepped onto. Peter's devotion to the arts began in the early teens; by 18, he was already woven into the fabric of Halifax's music scene. Through the 1980s he fronted Steps Around the House, and then he became the dynamic force in the Hopping Penguins, one of our most enduring and beloved ska-reggae bands, for decades. His artistry reached beyond the bandstand. Many will never forget his powerful portrayal of Judas in Neptune Theatre's Jesus Christ Superstar, a role he described as the opportunity of a lifetime. Peter was known to thousands as the Halifax Mooseheads' national anthem singer, his voice rising through the arena, clear and steady. It was a moment fans like me came to treasure. My heart goes out to all who loved him. His wife, Jennifer, shared a wish that reflects his spirit so beautifully: “hold him in your hearts [and turn the music up] loud.... He’d like that”.

Mr. Speaker, last week in Nova Scotia, NHL star Brad Marchand showed us what real friendship and heart look like. In the middle of his NHL season, Brad came home to stand behind the bench for his lifelong friend JP MacCallum, head coach of Dartmouth's U18 major hockey team, who is facing every parent's worst heartbreak: the loss of his 10-year-old daughter, Selah, after a courageous battle with cancer. More than 1,000 people filled the Halifax Forum to lift the family up. There were bake sales, jersey auctions and a whole community coming together, showing the kind of love and support that defines Nova Scotia and Nova Scotians. I want to send all the love in the world to JP, his loved ones and the team, and I want to thank Brad Marchand for reminding us that true greatness is not measured just in goals but in heart.

Mr. Speaker, Canada has what the world wants and needs: the resources, ingenuity, technology and skills, to make us a clean energy superpower. Atlantic Canada is ready, willing and able. With budget 2025, we know that the government is making generational investments to ensure that our economy remains strong, focused and resilient. This historic budget will build on the work already started by the Major Projects Office, which is going to cut red tape and fast-track major nation-building projects as well. Can the parliamentary secretary for finance tell us how budget 2025 and the Major Projects Office are helping to build Canada strong?

Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 100th anniversary of Commissionaires, an extraordinary not-for-profit organization that has proudly served Canadians and supported our veterans for a full century. Founded in 1925 to provide meaningful employment for veterans returning from war, Commissionaires has grown into one of the largest private security employers in the country, offering thousands of good jobs while continuing its original mission. From protecting federal buildings to supporting local communities, its work is vital, but its impact goes deeper. For countless former members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP, Commissionaires offers not just employment, but dignity, purpose and camaraderie after service. We thank the entire Commissionaires family, past and present, for a century of service, loyalty and care. Here is to the next 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Dartmouth—Cole Harbour's Anne Ring, an extraordinary educator, athlete and community leader whose warmth and spirit touched all who knew her. Anne led with heart in everything that she did, from hatching chicks in her classroom for the students to empowering young minds as a beloved principal. She brought joy and creativity to learning and believed deeply in the potential of every child. A national record-holding swimmer, ringette player, paddler, coach and Girl Guide leader, Anne had boundless energy. She skydived, scuba-dived, rode motorcycles and lived life fully and fearlessly. I had the pleasure of getting to know Anne better through her passionate work to preserve and modernize the Banook Canoe Club. She was kind, smart and deeply committed to leaving this legacy for future generations on the lake she loved. Anne Ring led a remarkable life. My thoughts are with her husband and all those who knew and loved her.

Mr. Speaker, now more than ever, it is critical to invest in Canadian industry as we rebuild Canada's national defence capabilities. For example, in my riding, Cove is leading the way in creating solutions and sustainable growth for Canada's marine and maritime sectors. Can the minister please expand on the government's plan to rebuild, reinvest in and rearm our Canadian Armed Forces?

Mr. Speaker, I think we can all use a little chuckle today, so with that, I am proud to deliver this year's Liberal Christmas roast. 'Twas the week before Christmas, Conservative MPs were muzzled. Our investments in housing, Have old P.P. puzzled. Their party won't talk about foreign interference, For Christmas, will their leader get his security clearance? Dental care, child care, what more could there be? School food and pharmacare—

Mr. Speaker, They tore up our deal. They started to gloat, But guess what happened on the next confidence vote. Supply management and seniors, the Bloc has lots to say— I don't really understand, Mr. Speaker, je ne parle pas français. To calm caucus rebels, we cut the GST, A small Christmas gift from the Liberals and me. Groceries are high. There's trouble with the mail, But we still have a chance to win Cloverdale. Now, Mr. Speaker, it's not a contest, so I don't mean to brag, But it's only our leader whose name is on a flag. One final thought though, Canada ain't broke. Though I will admit we may be a bit woke. Mr. Speaker, colleagues, merry Christmas and happy holidays, too. May we all get a Christmas card from a Randy or two.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate an incredible milestone for a small but mighty voice in Dartmouth: The North Dartmouth Echo. Twenty years ago, this non-profit newspaper was born out of a single but powerful vision: to amplify the good news in the community, news that too often went unheard. Since then, The Echo has become a beacon of positivity, staffed entirely by dedicated volunteers. There is now an all-woman team that publishes five inspiring issues a year. This is more than a newspaper. It is the heartbeat of a community. The Echo shares the triumphs of local schools, small businesses, non-profits and everyday residents. It connects, celebrates and uplifts North Dartmouth. I want to give a quick recognition to Sylvia Anthony, a co-founder whose tireless efforts selling ads, gathering stories and even delivering the newspaper herself keep this incredible initiative alive. As The Echo publishes its December issue, let us all celebrate this 20-year legacy of community spirit and good news. Here is to another 20 years of making North Dartmouth proud.

Madam Speaker, the Halifax regional municipality is on the front lines when it comes to responding to the housing crisis. That is why last year we announced an $80 million federal housing investment in HRM to unlock nearly 9,000 homes over the next decade. Last week, the Conservative leader announced his plan to shut down homebuilding in HRM and across the country by making dangerous cuts to federal housing investments. People in my riding of Dartmouth—Cole Harbour could not afford these reckless Conservative housing cuts. To the Minister of Housing, how can we stop these Conservative cuts and solve the housing crisis?

Mr. Speaker, pharmacare matters to my constituents in Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, and I will never stop advocating for national pharmacare. I do not believe that anyone should have to choose between paying their rent and paying for the prescription drugs they need. That is why we have laid a strong framework and launched the first phase of our plan. Cost is one of the biggest barriers for women to access contraceptives, but under our new pharmacare plan, women will get the access they need without having to empty their wallet. No Nova Scotian with diabetes should ever feel the need to stretch their insulin doses or other medication just to try to make it last longer. Our pharmacare plan will be there to support folks living with diabetes so they no longer need to worry about the costs; they can focus on their health and well-being. Canada is the only country in the world with universal health care that does not provide universal coverage for prescription drugs, and our Liberal government is working to fix that.

Madam Speaker, Nova Scotians are smart, passionate, hard-working people. Nova Scotians are seizing our strong winds, turning them into big revenue that will drive our economy and produce good jobs for generations to come. Unlike the Conservatives, we believe that Nova Scotians should reap the rewards of the multi-trillion dollar offshore wind and clean hydrogen industries. That is why the passage of Bill C-49 represents a huge step for Nova Scotians and Atlantic Canadians, unlocking a generational economic opportunity for our region. However, just like the Harper Conservatives of the past, who tried to push Atlantic Canada down by taking our offshore revenues, Conservatives are again doing everything they can to block this huge opportunity for Atlantic Canadians. We will not let them. We are standing up for Nova Scotians and Atlantic Canadians because our hard-working people deserve to prosper.