David Myles

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Harvest Music Festival on another incredibly successful year. For 36 years, the festival has been bringing downtown Fredericton to life every September, with huge crowds filling the streets for six full days to celebrate the power of live music. Harvest draws tens of thousands of people to downtown Fredericton. With 400 musicians and 700 volunteers, it is one of Fredericton's biggest events of the year. This year, tickets to the Barenaked Ladies and Graham Nash sold out in one minute. The Beaches were there, as well as Sloan and a ton of local acts like the Hypochondriacs and Chillteens. I remember as a teenager watching from outside the tents dreaming of what it might be like to play on a stage like that, and I know the festival continues to grow and inspire the next generation of musicians. Harvest is a testament to Fredericton's love of culture, community and having a good time. Congratulations on another successful year. Happy harvest, everyone.

Madam Speaker, how can the Bloc Québécois claim that a $600-million investment in the cultural sector is bad news? I see that as good news, and so does the industry. This investment is boosting a sector that needs our support. We are there for artists. We will always be there for Canadian artists.

Mr. Speaker, the world lost a hero on Monday, May 18. Randy Eric Dickinson passed away in Fredericton at the age of 71. Randy was a tireless advocate for accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. He served as the first executive director of the Premier's Council on Disabilities and as chairperson of the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission, among countless other roles. His work shaped New Brunswick's Accessibility Act and the federal Accessible Canada Act. In recognition of his dedication, he was appointed to the Order of Canada and the Order of New Brunswick. Randy is survived by his beloved wife Karen and a large, loving family. He was passionate about helping others, whether through policy or simple acts of kindness. Please join me in honouring such a dedicated advocate, and let us build on Randy's incredible legacy.

Mr. Speaker, let us be clear out of the gate. This is not a tax. This is an imaginary tax. Since day one, we have been relentlessly focused on affordability. That is why we cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. This is about equity for creators. This is about fair competition, but mostly, it is about supporting Canadian storytellers, Canadian creators and Canadian artists, because we know how important they are to building Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, once again with the slogans. Once again with being a little loose on the facts. This is not a new tax. Since we want to talk about the economy, let us talk about the cultural sector and how much it does for the Canadian economy. It generates billions of dollars across the country and employs hundreds of thousands of people in each of our ridings. It tells us who we are as Canadians. It unites us and helps us build a strong country.

Mr. Speaker, let me be very clear, this is not a new tax. This is an imaginary tax, once again brought up in the House. Our government is relentlessly focused on the cost of living for Canadians. That is why we cut taxes for 22 million Canadians. This decision from the CRTC only ensures that existing rules are applied in a way that fosters fair competition. This is about protecting Canada's distinct culture and identity, and ensuring the vitality of our cultural sectors.

Mr. Speaker, again, what we are talking about here are imaginary taxes. Once again, the way that Canadians consume content over the last decade has changed entirely. People are streaming content. It is not only with broadcasters. It is important that our regulatory regime reflect that change.

Mr. Speaker, the CBC is an independent Crown corporation. Commenting on specific programming would be inappropriate, and I am sure the member opposite would agree. To be clear with regard to this show, production has been paused, and the show has never aired. However, I think it is right that every citizen of Canada has the right to have an opinion on CBC, as it is a public broadcaster, so you can direct your comments directly to the CBC.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate firefighter David Gamble on his retirement from the Oromocto Fire Department after 37 years of service. Mr. Gamble has always had a reputation for doing things the right way. His uniform was meticulous, his tools were clean, his gear was organized, and 7:30 a.m. meant radio check time, no exceptions. According to his colleagues, it was largely thanks to his consistency and attention to detail that he was so dependable and trustworthy at work. Mr. Gamble demonstrated an old-fashioned work ethic in everything he did. His colleagues are not the only ones who have recognized his commitment to the job. In 2010, the Governor General awarded him with a Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal. Now, it is our turn to applaud his exceptional contribution. Please join me in thanking firefighter David Gamble for his dedication and professionalism over the past 37 years.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for his question. I am proud to be part of a government that clearly understands the connection between a strong cultural sector and a strong, sovereign country. That is why we have made huge investments of over $700 million in the Canadian and Quebec cultural sector in budget 2025.

Madam Speaker, I have to ask myself what the opposition considers inflationary spending. For instance, yesterday, I heard a member opposite refer to our defence investments as if they were not important, as if they were all inflationary spending. I will tell members that when I am in Oromocto, when I am in Fredericton, at Base Gagetown, they do not see these as inflationary spending. They see these as important investments in the people who serve our country and protect our sovereignty. I applaud it. They applaud it. Unfortunately, the opposition votes against—

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge an extraordinary moment for Canadian animation and film. The Oscar for best animated short film this year is a global tribute to Montreal filmmakers Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski. It also reflects the talent and creativity in our country. This award serves as an inspiration to our artists and is a source of pride for Canada. At the podium, Chris and Maciek told the world that their film could be made only at the National Film Board of Canada. This is the 12th Oscar win for the NFB. We should be proud of the enduring role the organization has played in supporting bold, original voices and sharing Canadian stories with the world. Congratulations to Maciek and Chris and the entire team at the National Film Board on this remarkable achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the University of New Brunswick's women's basketball team on their historic season. For the first time in nearly 50 years, the Reds made it to the U Sports women's basketball championship. Despite fierce competition in the finals, their determination, discipline and unwavering team spirit led to a historic win. Though they did not bring home gold, they have inspired a generation of young players, including my very own 13-year-old daughter. She was jumping around the living room because she was so excited by the accomplishment. I ask all members of the House to join me in congratulating the UNB Reds women's basketball team on this remarkable milestone.

Mr. Speaker, when I am home, talking with constituents in Fredericton—Oromocto, what I hear is that they appreciate that our Prime Minister and our government have a plan, a plan to diversify our exports, foster and facilitate interprovincial trade and make historic investments in the infrastructure that is going to enable all of this. This is going to mean a stronger economy, more housing, better-paying jobs and long-term careers. I also hear that they want us to work together, so let us work together and get this done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the passing of gunner Sebastian Halmagean, a brave member of the Canadian Armed Forces. Gunner Halmagean, originally from Hamilton, Ontario, was based at the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown in Oromocto. He had just deployed to Latvia on Operation Reassurance, his first overseas deployment, with a strong sense of duty to serve his country. His death is a profound loss to the Canadian Armed Forces community, particularly to those who served alongside him as he embarked on a promising career. Our thoughts are with his family, his loved ones and all those who served alongside him. I join all members of the House in offering my sincere condolences to gunner Sebastian Halmagean's family. May his service never go unrecognized. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Constantine Passaris, a constituent of Fredericton—Oromocto who was recently awarded the 2024 Canada's Volunteer Awards Atlantic prize for his outstanding contributions to building a welcoming and inclusive New Brunswick. For more than 50 years, Constantine has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to connecting people from diverse backgrounds and championing collaboration. As the founder of the New Brunswick Multicultural Council, his expertise has guided immigration policy throughout the Atlantic region. Constantine has been an inspirational leader and a role model for New Brunswick's multicultural community, and his unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion continues to enrich our province. I ask members to join me in congratulating Dr. Constantine Passaris and thanking him for championing multiculturalism in New Brunswick.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of SOCAN, the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada, I would like to invite everyone to celebrate the first-ever Canadian Music Creator Day on Friday, November 7. Canadian Music Creator Day reaffirms SOCAN's mission to ensure that Canadian music creators are respected, recognized and fairly compensated. SOCAN has been doing this important work for 100 years. The date, November 7, was chosen to honour the birthday of one of the greatest songwriters of all time from Canada, Joni Mitchell. I invite everyone to sit down and enjoy their favourite Joni song tomorrow, or a song by any other amazing Canadian, and to honour the great musical creators of this country on Canadian Music Creator Day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a beloved institution in downtown Fredericton, Tony's Music Box. The family-owned musical instrument store has served the community with passion and dedication for 50 years. Founded in 1975 by the late Tony George, Tony's Music Box quickly became more than just a store. It was a hub of creativity, a gathering place for musicians and a pillar of Fredericton's cultural landscape. From beginners to seasoned professionals, generations of musicians were welcomed with warmth, encouragement and always an enthusiastic handshake. The store's legacy will live on through the countless people it inspired. The staff were not just salespeople; they were mentors, musicians themselves, teachers and champions of local talent. With the store closing its doors later this year, we remember the memories, the music and the valuable contributions made by Tony's Music Box. I thank the George family, Michael and Terri, and all the staff who made it such a special store.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to commemorate the life of a beloved constituent, Ruth Phyllis Kavanaugh. Ruth devoted her life to serving her community. She was a founding member of Fredericton's Women in Transition House in 1980, the province's first shelter for abused women and children. She would later take on the important role of coordinator at the Oromocto Food Bank. Under her leadership, the food bank expanded to include clothing and furniture, recognizing that nourishment comes in many forms, including warm meals, warm coats and a place to sit with dignity. Her energy level never dropped, even as she approached retirement at the age of 72. Her spirit will be felt by the community for years to come, in every family she helped, in every volunteer she inspired and in every moment of kindness that is her legacy. Her legacy is one of resilience, compassion and unwavering dedication to her family and community. She will be remembered by many.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Wolastoqey Tribal Council and Under One Sky for welcoming me and my family to their truth and reconciliation events yesterday. Hundreds of community members gathered at sunrise to remember through ceremony all those who never made it home after being sent to residential schools. In the afternoon, many others gathered on the Sitansisk powwow grounds to share their stories and songs and to dance. It was a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of years of oppression. There is a reason why “truth and reconciliation” are listed in that order. It starts with the truth of our past, listening deeply and sitting with that truth no matter how uncomfortable. Only then can reconciliation begin. Reconciliation is also about hope and the belief that a better relationship is not only possible but also necessary to live up to our full potential as a country.