Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, this Saturday, May 30, I will once again be riding my Triumph Bonneville in Winnipeg's Ride for Dad to help raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research. This year's ride is especially meaningful to me because I will be riding in memory of my dear friend Paul Stewart, a long-time participant and organizer of Ride for Dad who passed away from prostate cancer nearly one year ago. Paul dedicated countless hours to this cause and inspired many in our community to join the fight against prostate cancer. More than 5,300 Canadian men die from this disease every year, accounting for approximately 15% of cancer deaths among men in Canada. Behind these numbers are fathers, brothers, friends and loved ones whose lives are cut far too short. Thanks to advances in research, screening and treatment, more lives are being saved, but there is still more work to do. Every dollar raised through Ride for Dad helps support life-saving research, increase awareness and promote early detection. I encourage all Canadians to support a rider in their community and to help us continue to fight against prostate cancer. Together, we can save lives and and make prostrate cancer history.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by saying I will be sharing my time with the member for University—Rosedale. We are living through a period of real global uncertainty. Trade tensions are rising. Conflicts around the world are disrupting supply chains and prices are being pushed up by forces that no single country controls. That is the reality Canadians are living with, but Canadians are not asking for analysis. They are asking for relief. They are asking for it in a way they can feel in their daily lives. In Winnipeg West, people are not focused on global markets. I recently spoke with seniors in Winnipeg West who told me that grocery trips have become like a budget exercise, because they have to make sure that the basics last until the end of the month. This is what people are dealing with. They are focused on whether their paycheque will last the month. They are focused on what gets bought, what gets delayed and what simply cannot wait. I hear it in grocery stores. I hear it from families and from young people trying to get started. The message is consistent. Things are getting harder, not easier. That is where responsibility matters. We cannot control global instability. We are responsible for how it is felt here at home. We are responsible for whether support arrives when it is needed. We are responsible for whether opportunity is within reach or out of reach. We are responsible for whether life becomes more manageable or less so. If it does not show up in people's lives, it does not count. Nowhere is that clearer than in affordability. Families in Winnipeg West are making difficult choices every time they go to the grocery store. They are stretching budgets that are already stretched thin. The Canada groceries and essentials benefit will support approximately 475,000 Manitobans, including over 36,000 people in Winnipeg West. For a family of four, up to $1,890 this year is not symbolic; it is groceries on the table, it is bills paid and it is breathing room where there was none. With a top-up arriving as early as June 5, that support arrives when pressure is being felt, not after it has passed. Affordability support only works if it is timely. We are also making it easier for Canadians with disabilities to access the support they are entitled to. By streamlining the disability tax credit application process, expanding who can certify eligibility and reducing barriers for those with long-lasting medical conditions, more Canadians will be able to access the disability tax credit and the supports connected to it, including the Canada disability benefit. Affordability is not one-size-fits-all and support has to reach the people who need it most. Gasoline is another point of concern. In Winnipeg West, people depend on their vehicles for work, school and daily life. When gasoline prices rise, there is no buffer. The impact is immediate. That is why reducing prices by about 10¢ per litre until Labour Day matters. It is not the full answer, by any means, but it is real relief every time someone fills their tank. Right now, stability matters. Housing pressure is building, rents are rising, vacancy is tightening and ownership is becoming harder to reach. This update responds with scale: more than $7 billion to accelerate rental housing and another $1.7 billion to remove barriers slowing construction. This means stalled projects move forward, more housing gets built in Winnipeg and more people get options instead of uncertainty. Without new supply, affordability does not stabilize; it erodes. However, housing does not get built on policy. It gets built by people. We are also building for the long term. In Manitoba, the talent is there. The barrier is access. That is why a $400 weekly apprenticeship benefit matters, along with supports for employers to take on apprentices. It removes the financial gap that keeps people out of the trades. That means more apprentices on job sites across Winnipeg, more projects completed and more stable, well-paying careers that stay in our communities. That is because opportunity only matters if people can actually take it. The Canada Strong fund is about keeping investment in Canada: building here, hiring here and growing here. Growth only matters if Canadians feel it. In Winnipeg, we can already see how that works. At 17 Wing, and across our aerospace sector, defence is not abstract. It is work, skills and opportunity. Canada has now reached the 2% NATO target, strengthening both our alliances and our economy. Through the defence industrial strategy, more than 125,000 jobs will be supported across the country, and Winnipeg is part of that. That means aerospace work today, and opportunity for the next generation. Strong communities also require safety. In Winnipeg West, people are concerned about fraud, scams and financial crime targeting vulnerable residents. This update includes $75 million for the Canada community security program, along with stronger action against fraud. That means better protection, and it means consequences for those who target people's savings and security. When people do not feel safe, nothing else works the way it should. Strong communities are built through connection, through recreation, through sport and through shared spaces. With $755 million in sport funding, more young people in Winnipeg West will have access to programs that build confidence, discipline and belonging. For many families, that is not secondary; it is foundational. Communities are not built on announcements. They are built one person, one family and one neighbourhood at a time. All of this is being done while maintaining fiscal discipline. We are reducing spending by $60 billion over five years and lowering the deficit. Canadians expect support in difficult times, but they also expect responsibility. We are expected to deliver both. The people in Winnipeg West understand that the world is uncertain. They are not asking us to control it. They are asking us to respond to it, to make life more affordable, to make opportunity more accessible, to make communities safer and stronger, and to ensure that what is decided in this place is felt in their daily lives. In Winnipeg West, if it is not felt, it does not count.

Mr. Speaker, I spent eight years working in Seven Oaks hospital. That particular place is near and dear to my heart. I thought that the provincial government's closing its emergency room was a terrible mistake. However, this spring update is in addition to the many initiatives over the last 10 years that have helped lower-income Canadians, such as the Canada child benefit and the school nutrition program, which is feeding 400,000 children across the country. We are simply adding to the supports for lower-income Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak to Bill C-11 at report stage. I know the impact that our brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces have on operations at home and abroad, and I am pleased to speak to efforts that our government is making to keep them safe. We know that to fulfill our role as a NATO ally, we must have forces that are ready, able and agile. Just this week, we heard that the Canadian Armed Forces has reached a 30-year record high for recruitment. This is fantastic news for Canada and for the Canadian Armed Forces, but we cannot take anything for granted. We must keep up the momentum and work hard to create a safe workplace where our forces and the next generation of forces can thrive and make meaningful contributions to Canada. This starts with making sure we provide our forces with a safe and professional work environment in which to train and to build up their skills for the difficult job we ask of them. This is why I am pleased to rise today to speak about the important work that is being done to modernize our military justice system and to restore trust in the Canadian Armed Forces. Bill C-11, the military justice system modernization act, is a critical step toward lasting institutional reform, as well as toward strengthening trust and confidence in our military justice system. Over the past four years, Canadians, including Canadian Armed Forces members, watched as former Supreme Court justices Arbour and Fish put forward detailed recommendations on how to create meaningful and lasting cultural change in the armed forces. Their recommendations have been compiled into a comprehensive implementation plan, which Canadians can easily access online to track the progress the CAF is making. These reviews and recommendations have helped define how the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces are undertaking changes to the military justice system and cultural change. Today I would like to provide an overview of those recommendations and to speak specifically about the implementation of Justice Arbour's recommendation 5, which is at the heart of Bill C-11. In 2022, Justice Arbour submitted her final report on sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces to the minister of national defence at the time. This report, also known as the report of the independent external comprehensive review, contains 48 recommendations focused on reforming the institutional gaps and structural barriers that have allowed the problem to persist. In her report, her fifth recommendation proposed a transformative measure to move the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences in Canada alleged against Canadian Armed Forces members to the civilian system. I want to take the time to read out the specific wording of Justice Arbour's recommendation for all members: Criminal Code sexual offences should be removed from the jurisdiction of the [Canadian Armed Forces]. They should be prosecuted exclusively in civilian criminal courts in all cases. Where the offence takes place in Canada, it should be investigated by civilian police forces at the earliest opportunity. Where the offence takes place outside of Canada, the MP may act in the first instance to safeguard evidence and commence an investigation, but should liaise with civilian law enforcement at the earliest possible opportunity. In short, this recommendation would codify in law that the Canadian Armed Forces no longer has jurisdiction over Criminal Code sexual misconduct offences committed in Canada. This recommendation would also codify in law that civilian authorities have exclusive jurisdiction for investigating and prosecuting these cases. I want to note that Justice Arbour acknowledged in her report that removing concurrent jurisdiction by amending the National Defence Act would take several years to implement, given the size, scale and scope of the changes needed. In fact, she knew how critical this recommendation was, and she proposed that we adopt an interim directive in the meantime to ensure that the change would take place as quickly as possible. She stated: As previous experience with changes to the military justice system have shown, this will take several years to implement. In the meantime, I expect the [Canadian Armed Forces] and civilian authorities to continue to abide by my interim recommendation. The [Canadian Armed Forces] should cease to investigate and prosecute sexual offences over which it presently has concurrent jurisdiction. Civilian authorities should investigate and prosecute those cases in accordance with their existing concurrent jurisdiction. The interim directive has been in place since December 2021 and has been working well. Since then, every single new Criminal Code sexual misconduct case has been prosecuted in the civilian courts rather than in the military justice system. While the interim directive was in place, the legislation was first introduced in the last Parliament as Bill C-66 and was one of the first bills to be introduced in the current Parliament in the fall of 2025, as Bill C-11. That is precisely because our government recognizes the importance of building a more inclusive, respectful and safe workplace for our Canadian Armed Forces members. The bill would implement Justice Arbour's recommendation 5 and protect our forces. However, the amendments proposed by the opposition parties in the Standing Committee on National Defence run directly counter to recommendation 5. The opposition parties put forward amendments to strike down recommendation 5 and to remove Justice Arbour's recommendation from the bill. The opposition's amendments would make it even more difficult for victims to navigate the justice system, due to the complexity of the new procedures included in the bill. The lack of clarity and transparency would have a negative impact on the military justice system and on victims and survivors. We cannot go backwards and reverse any of the important changes made on military culture change over the last five years. In fact, since December 2021, all new charges of sexual offences covered by the Criminal Code have been brought in the civilian justice system. None of these offences are tried by the military justice system. To accept the opposition's amendments would be to reverse this progress and to move backwards. In conclusion, the bill would establish a clear framework for investigating and addressing allegations of sexual misconduct, in order to foster an environment of accountability and justice. Bill C-11, and the amendment it seeks to codify in the National Defence Act, represents a crucial step towards strengthening the forces' trust in the military justice system. This is not the case with the amendments proposed by the opposition parties to remove Justice Arbour's recommendation 5 from Bill C-11. We are encouraged by the positive changes and cultural evolution in the Canadian Armed Forces in recent years, but we cannot stop here, and we cannot move backwards. The people who serve our country risk everything for us. Members of the Canadian Armed Forces must always answer the call to keep Canada safe, and it is our obligation to keep them safe from harassment and misconduct.

Mr. Speaker, I agree completely with the hon. member that this was Justice Arbour's core recommendation. I am rather disheartened to hear a pattern of members' trying to diminish the results of Justice Arbour by saying, “by this one justice”. It is part of a greater and very disturbing trend of demeaning and diminishing the results of experts and of using “expert” as a pejorative. Justice Arbour was a former Supreme Court justice who talked to hundreds of witnesses, hundreds of victims, and determined that the best course of action would be for these cases to be tried solely by civilian courts.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday Canadians marked Earth Day, a call to action to protect the environment we all share. In my riding, that call is already being answered. At Collège Sturgeon Heights Collegiate, an unused plot of land is being transformed into a thriving native prairie garden thanks to a $1,500 Go Wild grant from the World Wildlife Fund Canada. This project will restore native plants and grasses, support pollinators like bees and help bring back monarch butterflies. These are real and tangible steps to protect local biodiversity. It is being led by the school's garden club and is supported by life skills students, with plans to expand into indigenous studies programming, including traditional medicinal plants. I want to recognize Mrs. Zinn, a dedicated teacher whose leadership turned this vision into reality. This is more than a garden. It is a living classroom and a community coming together. It is proof that protecting our environment depends on action, not words. This is how we will build a sustainable future: One community, one project and one generation at a time.

Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago, a cancer diagnosis shook a school community in Winnipeg West. It also sparked something extraordinary. At École Charleswood School, students and staff rallied around their teacher-librarian Erin Daniels. What began as a simple act of support has grown into a decade-long tradition of generosity that has raised more than $31,000 for CancerCare Manitoba, including over $7,200 this year alone. Erin Daniels was the kind of educator who shapes an entire community. Even after her diagnosis, she returned to the school she loved, continuing to inspire students and colleagues alike. Though she is no longer with us, her presence is still felt in the halls she once walked and in the lives she touched. Each year, this campaign reflects her spirit by bringing people together through creativity, compassion and shared purpose. This year, as the campaign marked its 10th anniversary, the school also dedicated its library in her name. It is a lasting tribute to her kindness, courage and unwavering commitment to others. Her legacy lives on, not only in the funds she raised, but also in the compassion she inspired and the community she helped build.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity to participate in the debate on C-230, an act to amend the Financial Administration Act and to make consequential amendments to other acts. The Financial Administration Act is Canada's foundational statute governing public financial management. It establishes the legal framework and principles that guide financial management across all federal departments and agencies. The act provides the statutory authority for managing public funds and federal assets. It establishes the responsibility of key officials, including the Treasury Board, departmental deputy heads and the comptroller general, in ensuring that government finances are managed effectively and appropriately. The act covers various aspects of financial administration, including the authorization and control of government spending, the management of Crown corporations, and the safeguarding of public resources. It is critical to maintaining public accountability and transparency in government operations. It requires that expenditures be authorized by Parliament through appropriations legislation, and that spending remain within those authorized limits. This ensures that public money is spent as the elected representatives of Canadians have approved. The act establishes the Treasury Board as the central financial authority within government, giving it the power to develop policies and practices for sound financial management. It also mandates that deputy heads maintain systems of internal control and conduct regular audits to verify compliance with the act's requirements. This creates accountability throughout the government hierarchy, from senior management down to individual spending authorities. In doing so, the Financial Administration Act provides the legislative foundation for related accountability mechanisms, including requirements for financial reporting, internal audit functions and the role of the Office of the Comptroller General in promoting best practices. The Financial Administration Act is essential to the operation of the Government of Canada by ensuring that public finances are managed responsibly, transparently and in accordance with democratic principles. The bill before us today seeks to amend the Financial Administration Act to enhance transparency and accountability regarding large debts and obligations forgiven by the federal government. In particular, the bill would require the President of the Treasury Board to establish and maintain a publicly accessible, searchable online database of debt forgiveness. The registry would list any debt, obligation or claim of $1 million or more that has been waived, written off, or forgiven by the Crown in whole or in part, and it would apply to corporations, trust companies and partnerships. Each entry would include the legal and business name of the debtor, the amount forgiven, the time period covered, the statutory authority for the forgiveness, and any additional details deemed necessary by the President of the Treasury Board. Certainly, any effort to increase transparency and accountability should be commended. I want to thank the member for Simcoe North for introducing this private member's bill. As my colleagues indicated in the first hour of debate on it, we look forward to working together on the bill when it reaches the committee stage. However, as with any measure, it is important to consider any unintended consequences that may arise from its implementation. With that in mind, I believe Bill C-230 raises a few issues that would need to be examined in committee to ensure that it would not have detrimental impacts. For example, it is worth considering concerns about privacy and commercial sensitivities, and whether the publishing of company names with specific financial details regarding debt forgiveness could unfairly harm their reputation. We must also ask whether such a registry might expose a company's competitive vulnerabilities. Those are, to be clear, exactly the types of questions committee members should be asking in their careful consideration of any legislation, and I look forward to hearing from experts and stakeholders, as well as from the bill's sponsor, with regard to these important matters. Bill C-230 focuses on corporations, trusts and partnerships. In the case of partnerships, there is not anything in the bill that would prevent the disclosure of a partner's name if the partner is an individual. That may raise potential privacy concerns. There is also a need to clarify the types of amounts owed to the government that the bill would apply to. For example, Bill C-230 would apply to debts or obligations owed to, and claims by, His Majesty that are owed or that arise under federal statutes. This would cover obligations that are the direct result of a statutory requirement, such as taxes and other charges or penalties imposed by statute. It is less clear the extent to which the bill would cover loans or other amounts that arise under contractual obligations between the federal government and the debtor. There is also the issue of administrative burden. Building a secure, searchable online platform would likely involve IT infrastructure, procurement and a requirement for integration with existing financial systems. Ongoing maintenance might require staff and budget dedicated for functions such as program updates and troubleshooting. In addition, departments would need to identify, extract and validate all relevant debt forgiveness transactions over $1 million. Each disclosure would likely need to be vetted for compliance with privacy laws and confidentiality provisions. This might increase the workload on legal staff to manage risk of litigation from companies concerned about reputational harm. It is worth asking whether compliance monitoring or audits to verify accuracy and prevent omissions would also be necessary. In a time when the government is seeking to balance its operating costs in the next three years, we must ask ourselves whether this would be the best use of scarce taxpayer dollars. Given the administrative burden the registry would pose, the monetary threshold should perhaps be increased to focus on truly significant debts. When I look at how the government currently handles tax breaks, fee waivers and debt forgiveness, I am heartened by the degree of accountability and transparency already baked into our system. This is not to say that better is not possible, but a brief overview of our current regime may help inform this debate. The following details of debts forgiven, written off, remitted or waived are already reported publicly in the public accounts: which department made the decision, which law allowed it, how many times it happened and how much money we are talking about. Most remission orders also get published on the Privy Council's order in council website and in the Canada Gazette. I am thankful for the opportunity to highlight a few of the important challenges the bill raises. That said, I believe the merits of the bill outweigh the challenges, which is why I look forward to the next steps in the legislative process, where a committee can examine the bill more closely.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to Bill C-245, an act to amend the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. It is a bill that seeks to exempt the province of Quebec from the application of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. The debate is not merely legislative; it is a fundamental question about who we are as Canadians, how we live together and how we respect the rich tapestry of cultures that make up this great country. Moreover, it is a question about Quebec's place within Canada's shared commitment to diversity, inclusion and unity. As Canadians, we take pride in our nation's diversity and our long-standing commitment to multiculturalism. Canada was the first country in the world to adopt multiculturalism as official policy, in 1971. Canada then became the first country in the world to turn the policy into law, when the Canadian Multiculturalism Act was passed in 1988. The act is more than a legislative framework; it is a statement of our shared values and who we are as Canadians. Multiculturalism affirms the idea that all Canadians, no matter their background, are equal. Multiculturalism also affirms that every person should have the opportunity to preserve, enhance and share their cultural heritage. The act not only promotes diversity but also fosters understanding and respect between different cultural communities. The act encourages Canadians to learn from one another, to work through differences and to participate in civil life. By recognizing and celebrating the contributions of various cultural heritages, multiculturalism builds trust and solidarity. It reinforces our commitment to democratic values and equal rights. It strengthens our resolve to hold together in an increasingly complicated world that threatens to divide us. Multiculturalism does not erase a province's cultural identity; on the contrary, multiculturalism enriches it. Therefore, let me be clear: The Canadian Multiculturalism Act is indispensable to Quebec's social fabric, its linguistic and cultural vitality, and its future prosperity. It is a legal and moral cornerstone that protects the rights, dignity and contributions of all Quebeckers, whether they are indigenous peoples, long-established francophone communities or the many immigrants who call Quebec home. Quebec's diverse population contributes greatly to the economy, civic engagement and cultural vitality of the province and indeed the country. Multiculturalism proudly recognizes Quebec's language and culture while embracing the contributions of the many generations of people from all over the world who have made Quebec their home. To exempt Quebec from the act would be to deny the fundamental truth that Quebec's distinct society is enhanced not diminished by the diversity of its people. According to the 2021 census, nearly 94% of Quebec's population speaks French. Among newcomers to Quebec, French remains a strong and growing language. In fact, recent statistics show that the majority of newcomers to Quebec had French as their first official language spoken. These numbers demonstrate that multiculturalism and the French language can coexist. Society can be open and diverse while remaining deeply connected to its linguistic and cultural roots. Multiculturalism represents a commitment to fairness, respect and a shared sense of belonging to this country. For it to keep working, Canadians count on all provinces and territories, including Quebec, to fulfill this commitment. The Canadian Multiculturalism Act plays a vital role in promoting a shared identity within Canada by upholding Canada's inclusive and democratic values. The act affirms that all Canadians have the right to preserve their heritage while participating fully in Canadian civic life. Allowing a province or territory to reject multiculturalism would weaken our national unity and send the message that our country's values of inclusion are regionally negotiable or optional. Passing the bill would have adverse consequences for minorities in Canada. Communities with a long-standing presence in Quebec would be affected by the bill, and this includes people of diverse backgrounds who strongly identify with Quebec as their home. Without the Multiculturalism Act, these groups may feel pressured to reject the unifying values of multiculturalism. They might question their place in Canadian society and whether they belong. Communities that already face barriers to inclusion could feel even more marginalized. Without multiculturalism, we lose a key tool for maintaining the trust and sense of interconnection that helps us hold our country together, especially during challenging times. As I mentioned earlier, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act does not erase a province's cultural identity; it strengthens our cultural fabric. In the case of languages, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act reinforces the belief that our official languages and multiculturalism can coexist. There are some people who argue that the Multiculturalism Act conflicts with Quebec's language policies. This is a false dichotomy. The act supports the vitality of minority languages and cultures across Canada, including of francophone communities outside Quebec. By upholding the Multiculturalism Act, Quebec ensures the respect of its own language and culture while promoting reciprocal respect for minority languages within its borders. In fact, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act and the Official Languages Act of 1969 both came out of the recommendations from the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism. Through these two pieces of legislation, the Government of Canada continues to recognize Quebec's distinct cultural and linguistic heritage just as strongly as it supports the French language as an integral part of Canada's cultural and linguistic identity. This commitment is not just symbolic; the Government of Canada has made significant efforts to promote and protect the use of French across the country. Over the years, the government has updated and strengthened the Official Languages Act to ensure that the act continues to serve Canadians. Most recently, in 2023, Bill C-13, an act to amend the Official Languages Act, received royal assent. That bill introduced key changes to strengthen the French language in Canada and in Quebec. These changes go to greater lengths to protect French in federally regulated spaces and services, ensuring that every Canadian has access to government services in French. These changes strengthened francophone immigration with the adoption of a francophone immigration policy to ensure that new Canadians who speak French can integrate into francophone communities across the country. Finally, these changes strengthened bilingual operations in the federal public service with a stronger requirement for senior leadership in the public service to be bilingual. The adoption of the act to amend the Official Languages Act reflects the Government of Canada's unwavering commitment to the equal status of English and French. Going forward, the Official Languages Act will be reviewed every 10 years. This will ensure that the regulations and the application of the Official Languages Act align with Canadian society as it evolves. Multiculturalism is not only a reflection of who we are but also a commitment to who we aspire to be as a nation. We must continue to embrace the full range of heritages and linguistic and cultural traditions that have shaped our society. The unity that the Canadian Multiculturalism Act fosters within Canada is especially needed in today's global political landscape. Around the world, we are witnessing rising instability, division and economic uncertainty. Now is the time to reaffirm our common humanity; to stand together across regions, cultures and languages; and to ensure that no one is left behind, because when we are united, we are resilient in the face of challenges ahead. Multiculturalism is not simply a policy; it is assurance for every Canadian in every province and territory that they are valued and they belong. Now is the time for us to pull together as a country. In the face of global uncertainty, economic challenges and shifting political landscapes, our strength lies in our ability to find our common humanity. By standing together, we can protect what matters most: our values, our people and our future.

Mr. Speaker, the early learning and child care program is already providing families across Canada with thousands of dollars of savings each year. In my home province of Manitoba, the program saves families an average of $2,800 a year. Last month, the Minister of Jobs and Families announced an extension of child care agreements with Saskatchewan and Ontario, ensuring that families in those two provinces continue to have access to this incredible program. Could the minister please update us on the status of early learning and child care in Alberta?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the vital role that Deer Lodge Centre plays in our community and to recognize the ongoing support of the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation. As the third-largest health care facility in Manitoba, Deer Lodge has long been a trusted place of care for families, offering rehabilitation, chronic care, dementia care, mental health and bariatric services. Its roots stretch back to 1916, when it first opened to support returning World War I soldiers. That deep commitment to serving veterans continues to guide its mission today. Deer Lodge remains a place where both aging veterans and younger service members receive specialized, compassionate care. The foundation strengthens this connection by raising funds that enhance comfort, expand programs and foster innovative care. I am grateful to the staff, volunteers, families and donors whose dedication ensures Deer Lodge remains a compassionate, community-centred place of healing and dignity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the progress our government is making in expanding dental care across our country, especially in Manitoba. The Canadian dental care plan now covers nearly six million Canadians. In Manitoba, over 150,000 residents are enrolled, and more than 85,000 have already received care. To build on this progress, our federal government is investing over $35 million, through the oral health access fund, in 30 projects nationwide to strengthen training, support outreach and reduce barriers to care. Nearly $6 million will go toward four initiatives at the University of Manitoba, including clinical internships, training modules, support for low-income patients, and stronger ties with local community organizations. These initiatives show the power of community collaboration and are helping more Manitobans access the dental care they need, close to home.

Mr. Speaker, on November 12, the Build Canada Homes program accelerated affordable housing projects across the country, including a major announcement at Naawi-Oodena in Winnipeg. Approximately 320 new homes, 40% of them below market and developed in partnership with Treaty 1 first nations, are now set to move forward. This is exactly the kind of progress my constituents in Winnipeg West are looking for. Could the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure update the House on how the Build Canada Homes projects in Winnipeg and other cities will help deliver affordable homes more quickly?

Madam Speaker, I have one specific question regarding the reference the hon. member made to the budget of 10 years ago by former prime minister Stephen Harper, where the member reported that there was a surplus. We must remember that among the things that government had to do to create the surplus was to cut our military spending to less than 1% of our GDP. The current government has been spending the last 10 years trying to increase that spending. Would the hon. member agree that perhaps cutting our military spending to less than 1% of our GDP was worth it, to say that the Conservatives had a balanced budget?

Mr. Speaker, measles was eliminated in Canada in 1998 and we maintained that achievement for more than 25 years. Today, however, we are seeing a resurgence of this disease, driven mostly by misinformation and growing vaccine hesitancy. In 2025 alone, Canada has reported more cases than in the last 25 years combined, with over 5,000 cases, 169 hospitalizations and, tragically, three infants losing their lives. Measles is a serious disease that can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, hearing loss, developmental delay and death. The positive news is that this is entirely preventable. The measles vaccine is safe, effective and life-saving. We all have a role to play in protecting our communities. I encourage Canadians to ensure that they and their children are fully immunized. By working together, sharing accurate information and supporting public health initiatives, we can protect our most vulnerable citizens and restore Canada’s status as a measles-free nation.

Madam Speaker, an article in last week's Winnipeg Free Press described how Manitoba has been underfunding its Crown attorneys. This has been happening in other provinces as well. We all know that, in order to be denied bail, someone needs a bail hearing, and there are not enough Crown attorneys for timely bail hearings. Under law, then, they have to be released. Would you not agree that there is some responsibility among the provincial governments to make sure this is properly administered?

Mr. Speaker, we agree on this side of the aisle that we do need changes and improvements, which is why we are introducing this bill. However, as reported in the Winnipeg Free Press this week, Crown attorneys are desperately overloaded and understaffed. Many people are out on bail, not because of insufficient provisions in the law but because they do not have enough Crown attorneys to give them timely bail hearings, which is necessary for the denial of bail. Does the hon. member not agree that the federal government cannot solve this alone and that we need better participation from the provincial governments?

Mr. Speaker, I share the member's concerns about why addressing crime is so important. My father was in the RCMP for 24 years, and I work in the emergency department, where I see the effects of crime. I found the statements in his speech rather incongruous. It is almost as though this is Schrödinger's government: at one point being too soft on the population and, on the other side, violating people's rights. The member talked about mandatory minimum sentences, yet the Supreme Court of Canada has repeatedly said that mandatory minimum sentences are a violation of human rights. Does the member think we should not obey the Supreme Court of Canada?

Madam Speaker, I would be the first to agree that many of the examples are of very horrendous things. I practise medicine, and one of the things we have learned in medicine, but this goes for all fields, is that when we describe individual occurrences and anecdotes, we know that the plural of “anecdote” does not equal data. According to Statistics Canada, the crime rate, the crime severity index, the police-reported crime per 100,000, the youth crime rate and the homicide rate in Canada are all decreasing. How is our system not working, when indicators across Canada are showing things are improving?

Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer a tribute to a community advocate and close friend, Paul Stewart. For years, Paul was a tireless advocate for those affected by prostate cancer and a volunteer and participant in Ride for Dad, an annual motorcycle parade that raises funds for research and has improved treatment for prostate cancer. I have had the privilege of joining Paul and thousands of other riders in Winnipeg on the Ride for Dad on several occasions and can attest to the positive impact Paul had on those around him. Sadly, Paul died on June 15, less than one year after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. I offer my sincerest condolences to his wife Jane, his son Donald and the numerous extended family members and close friends whose lives will never be the same without him. Paul has left the world a better place. May his final ride be easy and may the road stretch far and wide.

Mr. Speaker, I will be splitting my time with the member for Burnaby Central. Today I rise in this House to speak to Bill C-4, the making life more affordable for Canadians act, a piece of legislation that stands at the heart of our government's commitment to build an economy that works for everyone, not just for the privileged few. During the election campaign, I heard a clear message from voters; they want a government that delivers real results, not three-word slogans. Today, through Bill C-4, we are doing just that. Bill C-4 addresses one of the most pressing and immediate challenges facing Canadians in every corner of the country: affordability. The cost of living has risen sharply in recent years, whether for groceries, gas or rent. These are not abstract issues. They are the everyday realities faced by families, seniors, students and workers alike. These are the conversations unfolding in homes across every province and territory. Our government was elected on a promise to build the strongest economy in the G7 and to strengthen the middle class and support those working hard to join it. Bill C-4 is a crucial step in fulfilling that promise. It would deliver on three key priorities announced in the Speech from the Throne: a middle-class tax cut, which would provide relief for nearly 22 million Canadians; the elimination of the goods and services tax for first-time homebuyers purchasing new homes valued up to $1 million; and the removal of the consumer carbon price. While each of these initiatives stands on its own merit, together they form a cohesive strategy aimed at reducing the everyday financial burden on Canadians and restoring a stronger sense of economic security. Let me begin with the middle-class tax cut. Canada's personal tax system is structured on the principle of progressivity: Those who earn more pay a higher share. However, even within this structure, we know that relief at the lowest tax bracket has the widest reach. That is why we are reducing the lowest federal personal income tax rate from 15% to 14%, a change that would directly benefit nearly 22 million Canadians. To put this into perspective, with the full effect of this measure taking hold, individuals would save up to $420, and two-income families would see up to $840 in tax relief. That is not just a number. It is tangible, meaningful relief. We are not waiting to act. The Canada Revenue Agency would update its deduction tables by July 1, 2025, ensuring that paycheques reflect this change immediately. This means more money in people's pockets now, not just next year during tax season. Lowering the tax rate is not just a fiscal move. It is a statement of principle. It sends a clear signal. This government is taking action so that Canadians can take care of what matters most: their families, their future and their peace of mind. For far too many Canadians, the dream of owning their first home has become a distant and daunting goal. The soaring prices and limited availability in our housing market have created barriers that seem insurmountable. We understand all too well the deep frustration and disappointment felt by those who have worked tirelessly, scrimping and saving for years, only to find that their hard-earned savings still fall short of turning their hopes into reality. That is why Bill C-4 introduces the first-time homebuyer GST rebate, a bold and transformative measure designed to lift a significant barrier for those striving to enter the housing market. This rebate offers 100% relief of the GST on new homes priced up to $1 million, while homes valued between $1 million and $1.5 million qualify for partial GST relief. In real terms, this translates into up to $50,000 in tax savings for first-time buyers, a substantial financial boost that could make the dream of home ownership a reality. Recently, I spoke with people in my riding of Winnipeg West, who are working hard and saving diligently but feeling overwhelmed by the rising costs and mounting fees just to get their foot in the door. This rebate would make a world of difference for them, turning their hope of owning a home into a real possibility. It would be a powerful catalyst that acknowledges the perseverance and discipline required to save for a first home and rewards that commitment by making housing more affordable and accessible. Moreover, this initiative would send a strong signal to real estate developers, incentivizing the construction of a broader range of housing types, from townhouses and semi-detached homes to condominiums, co-operative housing and even mobile homes, with the aim of expanding supply where it is needed most. Since day one, our government's mission has been unwavering: to confront the housing crisis head-on by building more homes, building smarter and building affordably. This measure is one of the key steps that would deliver just that. Finally, I want to address a measure that has sparked significant discussion across the country, namely the removal of the consumer carbon price. As part of the legislation, our government is proposing to permanently repeal the fuel charge framework outlined in part 1 of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. This repeal would be carefully and responsibly implemented in four phases, beginning with a retroactive repeal of charging provisions, effective April 1, 2025, and concluding with a full wind-down by April 1, 2035. Why are we taking this significant step? It is because responsible government must be attentive and responsive to the lived realities of its citizens. We have listened closely to the voices of Canadians from coast to coast to coast, from hard-working farmers in rural heartlands to families in remote communities and small business owners who face mounting expenses. We understand that the rising cost of fuel, driven in part by the consumer carbon price, has disproportionately impacted these groups, creating additional financial strain that makes day-to-day life more challenging. Let me be clear. Repealing the consumer carbon price does not signal a retreat from our climate commitments. Part 2 of the act, which includes the output-based pricing system for large industrial emitters, remains firmly intact. Our commitment to reducing emissions, advancing clean energy and achieving our net-zero targets remains unwavering and focused. However, for everyday Canadians, especially in communities without reliable transit options or alternative heating sources, this measure would deliver much-needed certainty and relief from rising costs, helping to ease the financial burden while we continue to build a cleaner, more sustainable future. I want to emphasize that the measures outlined in Bill C-4 are not isolated actions and are part of a comprehensive affordability agenda being rolled out by our government. From early learning and child care investments such as the national school food program to national pharmacare and the Canada dental plan, we are taking a balanced approach, one that defends fiscal responsibility while making smart, targeted investments in the lives of everyday Canadians. We also recognize that economic uncertainty persists, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, shifting global trade dynamics and, more recently, tariff threats from our international partners. In the face of these challenges, our government is choosing action. Bill C-4 would ensure that we are proactively reducing costs for Canadians at a time when external pressures are rising. We are not waiting for the perfect moment or for uncertainty to pass. We are acting decisively now to protect the financial well-being of families and workers across the country. By cutting taxes, supporting first-time homebuyers and easing energy costs, Bill C-4 offers real, tangible relief that Canadians can feel in their daily lives. Our commitment is clear: to build a stronger, more resilient economy that works for everyone, even in the face of global economic uncertainty and trade challenges. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Canadian has the opportunity to thrive.

Madam Speaker, I live in Winnipeg. I have been inhaling the remains of much of northern Manitoba for the last two weeks, and I appreciate the catastrophic fires we are dealing with. We are not backing down on our climate commitments. We have made one change to our carbon pricing system. We are still holding large industrial polluters responsible by having them pay a carbon price, and we are going to be investing heavily in non-polluting forms of energy.

Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the hon. member for Richmond East—Steveston. As I rise in the House today to deliver my maiden speech, I do so with deep humility and heartfelt gratitude. On April 28, the people of Winnipeg West honoured me by placing their trust in me once again and electing me to be their voice in this esteemed chamber. Having served from 2015 to 2019, returning to the chamber is more than just a homecoming; it is a renewed call to service. I am profoundly thankful to the constituents of Winnipeg West for entrusting me with the privilege of representing them, and for allowing me to champion their causes, advocate for them and bring attention to the pressing issues facing our community. I would like to give special thanks to my wife, Sowmya. From my very first campaign in 2015 to my return in 2025, she has been my constant source of encouragement, strength and support, and, yes, I have already apologized for, once again, leaving her with the unfortunate duty of dealing with our cats' litter box. As I reflect on the journey that brought me here, I must take a moment to recognize the extraordinary volunteers of Winnipeg West. Their dedication, passion and tireless efforts were the heartbeat of the campaign. As I juggled emergency department shifts alongside the campaign, it was our incredible volunteers who carried the torch and kept us moving forward. From door knocking with me in snowstorms to making countless phone calls, organizing events and spreading our message, they showed up day after day with purpose and resolve. The campaign simply would not have been possible without them, and I am endlessly grateful for their steadfast belief in our shared values and vision for a stronger, more inclusive Canada. Having practised emergency medicine in Winnipeg for over 25 years, I have always believed that a fundamental duty of a society is for us to look out for one another. I had a personal experience that tells me what that means. In 2022, while visiting Vancouver, I suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while running in Stanley Park. I survived because complete strangers stepped in, performed CPR on me for 25 minutes and administered two shocks with a defibrillator before paramedics rushed me to St. Paul's Hospital, where I underwent emergency coronary bypass surgery. I was discharged a week later, and the total medical bill to me was zero dollars. That experience reaffirmed something deeply meaningful: This is what Canada is all about, a country where people step up for each other and a place where our public institutions are there to care for those in need without asking whether they can pay. This is the Canada I believe in and the Canada I am committed to helping preserve. Winnipeg West is a unique riding, a place where diversity, resilience and unity come together. What sets the community apart is its blend of urban vibrancy and rural character. While rooted in the west end of Winnipeg, our riding also stretches across municipalities like Headingley and Rosser, each with its own identity, history and contribution to the fabric of Manitoba. From thriving suburban neighbourhoods to family-run farms and tight-knit rural communities, Winnipeg West represents a microcosm of the province itself: diverse, connected and grounded in shared values. Our riding of Winnipeg West is a true reflection of prairie pragmatism, a place where politics are not measured by headlines but by results. In my riding, people are less concerned with partisan politics and are more focused on real, tangible solutions that improve everyday life. Whether it is advocating for affordability measures, improved infrastructure in our municipalities or support for small businesses and the local agriculture sector, residents want action that makes a difference. Our riding has long been a political battleground, not because it is divided but because its people are engaged, thoughtful and principled. There, people do not hesitate to ask the hard questions, challenge assumptions and expect their elected representatives to earn their trust every single day. This spirit of democratic engagement is not only a cornerstone of Winnipeg West; it is also a strength of our democracy, and it is a responsibility I carry with great humility and purpose. In last week's Speech from the Throne, our government laid out a bold and unifying vision: to build one strong Canadian economy out of 13, and to position Canada as the strongest economy in the G7. At a time when we are facing significant generational challenges, including mounting economic pressures from our closest ally, the United States, our government remains focused on delivering real, tangible results for Canadians. This means making life more affordable for Canadians by implementing targeted measures like the middle-class tax cut that puts more money back into the pockets of people in communities like Winnipeg West, tackling the housing crisis head-on by accelerating home construction at a pace this country has never seen before, and investing in critical infrastructure and nation-building projects that will drive long-term economic growth and unlock new opportunities for every generation of Canadians. One of the key pillars of the plan is securing our borders, as to be truly strong, Canada must be secure. Border security is critical, not only to ensuring public safety but also to safeguarding our economic prosperity and national sovereignty. That is why, earlier this week, the Minister of Public Safety introduced Bill C-2, the strong borders act, a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at strengthening Canada's border integrity and enhancing our capacity to respond to evolving security threats. The strong borders act would build upon Canada's $1.3-billion border plan, the largest single investment in border security in Canadian history. Bill C-2 proposes important measures to modernize our border infrastructure, improve information sharing among Canadian agencies, preserve the integrity of our immigration and asylum systems, and prevent the unlawful movement of goods and people across our borders. It also addresses growing concerns about the illegal fentanyl trade, transnational organized crime, money laundering and terrorist financing, all of which pose serious risks to both our public health and national security. With the legislation, we would be reaffirming our commitment to a secure, resilient and sovereign Canada. In my riding of Winnipeg West, home to the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, the proposed changes would have a direct and positive impact. The bill would help strengthen frontline operations and would ensure law enforcement agents are equipped with the right tools to secure our borders and carry out their duties more effectively, while ensuring accountability and transparency. As I conclude my remarks today, I would be remiss not to acknowledge the devastating wildfires currently sweeping across Manitoba. This year's wildfire season has escalated with unprecedented speed and intensity, displacing thousands of families and putting many first nations communities at serious risk. With a provincial state of emergency now in effect, countless Manitobans have been forced from their home and are facing profound uncertainty and loss. My thoughts are with everyone affected by the crisis. In response to urgent requests from the province, the federal government acted swiftly by deploying the Canadian Armed Forces to support evacuation efforts and ensure the safe relocation of residents. Multiple agencies and organizations are working around the clock in close coordination, to deliver critical aid and assistance on the ground. To support recovery efforts, the Government of Canada has also committed to matching donations to the Canadian Red Cross campaigns, offering Canadians a way to stand in solidarity with those who have lost so much. Finally, I am thankful to all the brave heroes on the front lines: first responders, firefighters, volunteers, humanitarian workers and the local community leaders. Their courage, compassion and unwavering dedication are a source of strength for the entire community. In the face of hardship, they remind us what it means to be truly united.

Madam Speaker, I was proud to have been part of some of the improvements made by this government in the 2015 mandate, including the report that was the building block of our pharmacare program. We have also gone forward with the co-operation and valuable help of our NDP colleagues with the Canada dental care plan. We also had the Canada child benefit, which decreased poverty across Canada. Poverty, as we know, is one of the prime drivers of ill health.