Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise in this House as I begin my journey as a member of Parliament for the wonderful riding of Scarborough Southwest. I am delighted to be back in the House after the summer break, when we had a chance to talk to our constituents, go to events and meet with a lot of constituents to find out the struggles they are facing. It is great to be back to speak to the issues we heard about from our constituents. My riding has people from all different backgrounds; it is a very diverse riding. People across my riding, just like those across Canada, are struggling right now, especially with affordability and making ends meet. Today, I am delighted to speak on behalf of my constituents about Bill C-38, the Canadian fuel affordability act. We have heard from across the aisle and throughout this afternoon about the importance of this legislation. This government's effort has been to make life more affordable for Canadians across this country. Canadians are living through a period of economic uncertainty shaped by global instability and rising costs. The United States, as we know, has imposed new tariffs on Canada designed to hurt and divide us. At the same time, we know what is happening across Europe and the Middle East, which is also driving up prices around the world, especially here at home. In response, our government continues to focus on what we can control: building a strong Canadian economy, diversifying our trade partners abroad, delivering responsible fiscal management and supporting Canadians who are under pressure from everyday expenses. Throughout the summer, I heard from my constituents about the increase in the cost of living. Many are worried about the increasing price of essential goods like fuel, food, housing and other daily necessities. Before I forget, I would like to mention that I will be sharing my time with the member for Portage—Lisgar. Our government understands these pressures, and we are taking concrete and responsible actions to ease the burdens that many Canadians are facing, all while safeguarding long-term economic stability. That includes immediate support for daily costs. We know we have to make long-term plans, but at the same time we have to help the people who are struggling this very day. In April, we temporarily lifted the excise tax on gasoline and diesel through the summer months, initially planned until Labour Day. On the first day that took place, which is actually the same time I joined this House, back in April, gasoline prices declined by 11¢ per litre. That is real money back in the pockets of hard-working Canadians. This delivered immediate relief to consumers, including those in my riding of Scarborough Southwest. Knowing that Canadians are still feeling pressure, earlier this month the Minister of Finance announced an extension of this measure until January 31, 2027, after which 50% of the regular excise tax rate would apply from February 1 through to March 31, 2027. This measure is expected to continue reducing Canadians' costs at the pump by up to 10¢ per litre for gasoline and four cents per litre for diesel until February 2027, and by up to five cents per litre for gasoline and two cents per litre for diesel until April 2027. These are measures that we know work, and we are continuing them. All told, they are estimated to provide $5.3 billion in total tax relief for Canadians, of which $2.9 billion is from the September extension alone. The pause in the excise tax lowers prices at the pumps and helps reduce transportation and production costs across the economy. We heard in this House and from those across our ridings about the impact. It is supporting families, farmers, truck drivers and the businesses that rely on them to move goods. In fact, all Canadians will see benefits from this measure. However, that is not the only thing we have done to make life more affordable for Canadians. Our government has also introduced the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit, which is providing additional significant support for more than 12 million Canadians. It is based on the goods and services tax credit, but it is more generous. As of July 2026, payment amounts have increased by 25% for five years, and in June, those 12 million Canadians received a one-time top-up payment. Again, that is real money back in the pockets of hard-working Canadians. Combined, this means that a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year and a single person up to $950 this year. We know that housing affordability continues to challenge many Canadians, especially those trying to purchase their first home. This is why we eliminated the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes valued up to $1 million, a measure that can provide savings of up to $50,000. We also extended the grace period under the homebuyers' plan from two to five years for participants making a first withdrawal, until the end of 2028. This will provide cash flow relief of up to $4,000 per person per year for three years and will help households manage early expenses during the crucial first year of home ownership. I know how important that is, because when I talk to young people, some of them feel like they do not know if they can even dream of buying their own home for the first time. Taken together, these and other actions reflect a balanced approach. What that means is immediate cost relief, targeted support for those who need it most and prudent management of the public purse. Canada has the fiscal capacity to draw on our strengths and respond to global challenges. That is exactly what we are doing. We had the fastest-growing economy in the G7 in Q2 2026 and have managed our finances in a way that has reduced our deficit for 2025-26. While revenues have grown, we have directed most of this increase to helping Canadians with the cost of living. This is the balance that Canadians expect from their government: responding to global challenges with a responsible and pragmatic fiscal approach. We cannot control global forces. As our Prime Minister has said, we cannot expect to control what is happening outside, but we can control what happens here. We cannot control the global forces that drive up prices, but we can control how we respond to them. Our government is cutting taxes to help Canadians manage everyday expenses while we build a stronger, more independent economy. We will continue to respond to affordability pressures with fairness, discipline and a focus on results for Canadians, because that is what Canadians expect and that is what Canadians deserve. That is what Bill C-38 would do. This is how we build Canada strong for all.

Mr. Speaker, we believe in building an economy that is strong, that helps people grow and that helps people be independent in their own ways, even when they need support, as we saw during COVID, for example. What we are facing right now is unprecedented, so we need to provide support immediately. This is an immediate support that would help people get going to make ends meet. In terms of long-term efforts, we will be doing those as well. They are two different things, and we need to be very focused on both of them.

Mr. Speaker, we have had a good relationship with our friends next door, the United States, and in the past it worked really well. Unfortunately we are facing a time right now when we cannot depend on that friend. Therefore, we must diversify, we must strengthen our economy and we must face the challenges we have at this very moment, which means that, while we have these kinds of measures, we also need to strengthen our ties across the world. We have great partners that are really interested. During the summit, we have seen the type of interest we are getting from across the world. It is high time that we diversify our trade and build those partnerships as well, because Canada is a place where people want to invest. We are lucky to have a wonderful country like this where people are looking to unlock those opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of measures we are working on. I would like the other side, the opposition, to actually support our measures and help expedite and move them along so we can actually help Canadians from coast to coast to coast. People need our support. People need us to govern. I would like the opposition, instead of delaying and instead of talking about different tactics, to come on board and do what people want us to do.

Mr. Speaker, I listened intently, and I was quite intrigued by the story the member shared about the honey producer. It is remarkable to learn about some of the things that you are interested in. I want to ask something a little related to what you talked about but different from this specific legislation. If you were to suggest something that we could do as a Parliament, as government, to support producers like the one you referred to, the honey producers, for example, who are growing locally, what would you suggest? Sometimes we do end up with products that are not actual honey, for example, and it would be great to have some ideas on that.

Mr. Speaker, when I go out in my riding to talk to my community and my colleagues go out to talk to their community, one of the things we hear about is how much people appreciate a leader who understands what is going on in this country, sees the issues and does exactly what people want him to do. The Prime Minister is working hard. One of the things that fascinates me is how this government talks about some of these issues, but when it comes to supporting the bills, the legislation that actually supports people, those members are not there. Why?

Mr. Speaker, Canadians cannot fully benefit from the digital economy if they do not trust it. The rules that govern how personal information is collected, used and shared have not kept pace with technology. The protecting privacy and consumer data act would recognize that. It would recognize privacy as a fundamental right and give Canadians the tools they need to take back control over their data. Can the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation explain how the bill would protect Canadians and their data?

Mr. Speaker, my colleague was very eloquent in speaking about the ways that gender-based violence is addressed and how important it is. This legislation is a significant step forward in understanding the different types of violence and the need for very comprehensive responses to it. You talked about first responders and those who are on the front lines. I would ask if you could elaborate a little and talk about how important it is for us to understand the uniqueness and how victims should be—

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the good people of Scarborough Southwest to deliver my inaugural speech in the House as their member of Parliament, and I do so with immense gratitude and humility. I want to begin by recognizing my constituents and everyone who helped our campaign in hopes of a better future. For nearly eight years, I have had the honour of serving our community as their member of provincial parliament. I sat with residents in my office, at community events and at town halls, listened to them at their doors and heard their stories of sacrifice, resilience, hope and hard work. I carry those stories with me into the House. I carry the trust of a community that has given me and this government one of the strongest mandates in history. Families, workers, seniors, newcomers, young people and small business owners in Scarborough Southwest all rallied together around the promise of a better future. They are the ones who sent me here, and my work here will be guided by that promise and that responsibility every single day. I also stand here today with a profound sense of history, as the first Bangladeshi Canadian elected to public office in Canada, and now the first of Bangladeshi origin to take a seat in this chamber. This moment is not mine alone. This moment belongs to every immigrant parent who travelled thousands of miles across oceans with fear of the unknown, but hope in their hearts. It belongs to every individual who worked long hours and made countless sacrifices, believing that their future generations could thrive. It belongs to every young person who has ever wondered whether their name, their story, their faith or their background could fit in spaces like this. I stand here today because of the very promise Canada made to families like mine: the chance to build a better future. I want to make sure every child in our country knows that they belong in the future we are building right here. Our job here is to protect that promise at all costs and renew it for the next generation. Scarborough Southwest is not just the riding I represent. It is the community that raised me, shaped my values and showed me what that promise means. Our community has been built by people from all walks of life who have been united by the belief that Canada offers a fair shot at a better life. However, right now, for too many, that promise seems out of reach. Many are working multiple jobs and are forced to stretch every single dollar just to get by. Affordability is not abstract in Scarborough Southwest. It is the painful choice of paying rent over buying groceries. It is kids saving on TTC fare by walking. It is prescriptions being left unfilled. It is the stressful calculation of cost after every paycheque to see if anything is left at the end of the month. This is why, over the past year, our new Liberal government has recognized that Canadians need immediate relief from these challenges and a long-term plan to build a stronger, more resilient economy. This is why our record on affordability matters. Recent measures like the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, which will help millions of Canadians, the temporary pause on the federal fuel excise tax, and the strengthening of consumer protections are just some of the steps our government has taken to keep money in the pockets of hard-working Canadians. Affordability is also about lowering costs over time, creating good-paying jobs, fighting tariffs while strengthening and diversifying our economy, and giving families more security for the future. Our investments in infrastructure, more homes at lower costs, skilled trades, innovation and the critical sectors will shape our economy for decades. These measures address people's everyday challenges while renewing Canada's promise to future generations. As we speak about Canada's future, we must also speak honestly about the world around us. In what is perhaps the most consequential speech of our time, the Prime Minister accurately stressed that Canada must be “both principled and pragmatic”: principled in our commitment to international law and human rights, and pragmatic in recognizing the world as it is, not as we wish it to be. The part that stuck with me was when the Prime Minister said that Canada has “something else...a recognition of what's happening and a determination to act accordingly.” That means our conscience must also include protecting innocent, vulnerable people around the world. No child should grow up under constant fear or bombardment. No family should have to search through rubble for their loved ones. No single person should ever be denied food, medicine, safety, shelter or the basic dignity of human life. The horrific suffering of Gaza, and more recently the abhorrent treatment of the flotilla humanitarians, including Canadian humanitarian volunteers, and the illegal expansion of settlements in the West Bank, has shaken the conscience of so many Canadians. Canada's strength is not just about the size of our economy, our resources or our alliances; our strength also comes from our values and our belief that justice cannot be selective in whose pain it recognizes. If we speak about “value-based realism”, then we must uphold our moral values while facing the world as it is. If we speak about human rights, then those rights must apply to everyone. If we speak about peace, then that peace must be rooted in justice and accountability. We have a choice: either to accept a world where the powerful do whatever they want and the weak pay the price, or to help build a better, more just world. I return to the promise Canada offers and our responsibility as members of this House to protect and renew that promise. That promise is renewed when we make sure that families can afford a life and that workers know their hard work pays off. It is renewed when seniors feel relieved thinking about their future and when we encourage young people to dream big for their future. It is renewed when a child of immigrants can stand in this House, knowing that she belongs here. Even more importantly, that promise is renewed when Canada looks at a broken world and does not choose indifference, but chooses to act with principles and courage.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my hon. colleague from the other side for that question, because it allows me to say this publicly here. I have said in the Ontario legislature that people of all faiths, especially after the history that Jewish people have suffered, have to have the freedom to be who they are. Anyone who says anything like that should be condemned, so I condemn that and I stand with people of all religions and all backgrounds for their right to be who they are.

Mr. Speaker, I think our government is taking all the steps necessary, especially at the time right now, to address the challenges that people are facing. If I had had more time, I would have talked about more measures that our government is taking. Right now we are facing a very difficult time with tariffs, and just this morning, I was at the industry committee, where we talked about AI. I know my hon. colleague has sat with me at some of the committee hearings as well, so we will work together to make sure that we have policies that help everyone, and I look forward to doing that.

Mr. Speaker, one of the things that I found really inspiring, after being elected and being in this House, is practising my French. I had almost stopped using my French after my university days. I learned French and English at the same time, so both are my second languages. Unfortunately, I did not practise enough. I think we have to do everything possible to protect both of our languages, and we should do everything possible to work hard so that French is protected. I also want to take a moment to say that there are a lot of indigenous languages that may be going extinct, and we should do our part to make sure that we protect them as well.

Mr. Speaker, I only speak a little French. I need to practise. I am learning, and I look forward to doing that in the coming months and years. Maybe my hon. colleague will help me learn and practise as well. I know that our government is taking action to make sure that more money goes into the pockets of hard-working Canadians. That is essentially the aim of every policy and every bill that we pass in this House. I look forward to working with every member in this House to do just that.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise on behalf of the good people of Scarborough Southwest. Our government has now made strategic investments into public safety programs across Canada. Initiatives like the building safer communities fund help combat new and old threats to safety and security, including gun violence, youth crime, violent extremism and more. Can the Minister of Public Safety outline for us the work that he and our government are doing to keep people in Scarborough and across Canada safe?