Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Vancouver Granville for the overview that he gave of Bill C-39, which is extremely important legislation for our country and Canadians during this time. During the member's summary, he talked about the consultation that took place over the summer. I am wondering if he would be able to elaborate for Canadians listening the type of consultation that has taken place to ensure that we got this bill right.

Mr. Speaker, I was not aware of that standing order. Before I get started, I would like to take a moment to say that I will be sharing my time with the member of Parliament for Pickering—Brooklin. I, too, would like to take a moment to offer my support to the member for Côte-du-Sud—Rivière-du-Loup—Kataskomiq—Témiscouata. I wish him a speedy recovery and send my best wishes to him and his family during this very difficult time. I rise today not just as a parliamentarian, but as someone who has spent over two decades on the front lines as a social worker working with victims of crime. Before I ever walked the halls of this House, I walked the halls of RCMP detachments, emergency shelters, local hospitals, etc. I sat in cramped interview rooms. I held the hands of women shivering in police station lobbies at all hours of the day and night. At the time, before entering politics, I was a frontline social worker with the Codiac Regional RCMP in Moncton, New Brunswick. Part of my job as a victim services coordinator was providing assistance and guidance to those dealing with very difficult situations. We provided crisis support and crisis intervention, and also ensured that victims and family members were aware of their rights and what they had to expect. I know first-hand what intimate partner violence looks like before it becomes a file on a prosecutor's desk. I also know what it looks like before it becomes a statistic in a report. Because of that lived experience, that professional experience, I stand here today to speak about Bill C-16, the protecting victims act. When we look at this bill, we see legal text. We see legal jargon. We see clauses and so on, but as a former social worker, when I read this bill, I see the names and faces of people I worked with over the years. I see Jacqueline, which is not her real name, who was a former client of mine. She never had a black eye, never had a bruise and never had broken bones, but her husband controlled her vehicle keys, monitored how many kilometres she drove, monitored her phone location every second of the day, and also decided when she could sleep and when she could not. Under the current framework, it was agonizingly difficult to get the criminal justice system to intervene in her case, because the terror she lived under did not leave physical marks. This is why Bill C-16 is so vitally important. The first pillar of Bill C-16 is the criminalization of coercive control. For too long, our legal system has viewed intimate partner violence as a series of isolated physical incidents. Frontline workers know the truth. As a client told me in the past, “Abuse is a continuous pattern of trapping a human being almost in an invisible cage.” By formally defining and penalizing coercive control, this bill would finally align Canadian laws with the psychological reality of intimate partner violence. Elevating intimate partner violence and femicide to first-degree murder reflects the grim truth that these tragedies are rarely sudden crimes of passion; they are predictable and escalated conclusions of long-term patterns of control within relationships. We must also look at the structural changes this bill proposes. As someone who has accompanied survivors and also many family members through the gruelling court process, I know that delays are often a secondary victimization. When cases are thrown out due to the Jordan framework, a victim is left entirely unprotected, looking over her shoulder and feeling abandoned by the criminal justice system. Modifying these rules to prevent administrative breakdowns from collapsing an intimate partner violence prosecution is a vital step forward. However, my background also forces me to look at this legislation with a critical and pragmatic eye. Bill C-16 reintroduces mandatory minimum sentences. Through a strictly political lens, we might see this as just being a tough-on-crime approach, but through a frontline social worker lens, I asked myself what this actually does to victims. In my years of practice, I saw many, many victims refuse to call the police because they feared the absolute destruction of their family's economic survival. If a victim knows that a call to police automatically triggers a mandatory multi-year prison sentence, they may choose silence instead of making a complaint. The inclusion of the safety valves allowing judges discretion in exceptional circumstances, and I stress “exceptional”, is not a weakness of this bill. To the contrary, I would argue, it ensures that we punish perpetrators without inadvertently forcing vulnerable victims deeper into the shadows. We also need to acknowledge that the nature of abuse has mutated over the years. When I began my career, many years ago, as a social worker, we worried back then about landlines. We worried about letters being sent and physical stalking, or, as we refer to it now, criminal harassment. Today, however, abusers use technology as a weapon of absolute humiliation of their victims. Provisions in Bill C‑16 address AI‑generated deepfakes and digital exploitation of minors. These are not futuristic hypotheticals. They are happening right now. Abusers are creating non-consensual, synthetically generated, explicit images to ruin a victim's career, destroy their custody cases and shatter their mental health. Our laws must evolve as fast as the technology that is used to inflict this cruelty. Bill C‑16 is a powerful, overdue evolution of our justice system. It validates what social workers, shelter staff and victims have been saying for decades: that abuse is systematic, that psychological abuse is dangerous and that our courts must be modern, efficient and compassionate. In closing, I would be remiss if I did not highlight the wonderful services that exist within my community in Moncton, New Brunswick. First and foremost, I have to give a shout-out to our local shelter, called Crossroads for Women, and Renée and all of her team there. Crossroads for Women has been in operation for more than four decades now. It provides emergency shelter for victims who are fleeing domestic violence. It also provides a 24‑hour crisis line for those who need support. It also provides supportive housing and services for those facing not only intimate partner violence, but also sexual violence. Let us not forget our youth in these situations. The shelter also provides child and youth support services. If we want this intergenerational cycle to cease, we have to make sure that we provide services to the young who are exposed to this. Again, I want to give a big shout‑out to our local shelter. As well, we have another great organization, which started off just a few years ago, called Shelter Movers, in my town. Shelter Movers is just that: When victims are fleeing domestic violence and they need someone to go to their home and provide them with moving and storage services for their furniture, or whatever they need, we have volunteers who are called within our community. They may be called out at any hour during the day and night, and they provide that service free of charge. Again, hats off to them. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not speak about the Beausejour Family Crisis Resource Centre. Again, this is a wonderful organization that provides shelter and counselling services to those in need. As well, within the province of New Brunswick, they provide justice facility dogs for those who have to appear in court or those who have to meet, perhaps, with a police officer and are feeling anxiety. These facility dogs will accompany them either in the courts or in the interview rooms. It has made a huge difference for many victims within my community. Again, I have to give a shout-out to them and their team at the Beausejour Family Crisis Resource Centre. Kristal, Chantal and all of the team provide tremendous work, and for that I am very grateful. Finally, if there are any survivors who are watching us this evening, I want to encourage them, if ever they need any help or support in the province of New Brunswick, to call 211. This is a free information and referral service that provides needed information to those who are fleeing difficult situations. Let us not forget the 988 service that our federal government put in place just a few years ago. Again, if any folks in the entire country need any mental health supports, those essential services are there to help them along the way. Again, with respect to Bill C‑16, this is a wonderful step forward in making sure that we are there to support victims. I encourage all of my colleagues on both sides of the House to support this bill and move it forward as quickly as possible.

Madam Speaker, I really appreciate working with my friend and colleague on the other side on the NSICOP committee. I appreciate his service as an RCMP member for more than three decades over the years. Hats off to him for a job very well done. I have to say that there is no black and white situation when it comes to this type of situation. I met with probably thousands of victims of intimate partner violence. These were very difficult situations when people came forward to make a complaint to the police. I think the inclusion of safety valves within Bill C-16 to allow judges, in exceptional circumstances, to use their discretion is absolutely a good idea. I really think it is important to make sure that when we are meeting with victims and survivors, they know that the decision they make is going to have an impact and also that there are going to be serious consequences for the offenders if and when a charge is laid.

Madam Speaker, I completely agree. My colleague's riding has a very long name. I had to practise saying it many times before today. To answer my colleague's question about coercive control, I think that, once again, it is important to recognize all the circumstances that lead to this type of intimate partner violence. As a frontline worker, I often met with people who would tell me a bit about their situation, and I think that before laying charges, it is absolutely essential to understand the full situation. Again, that is to determine the most appropriate charges to lay before the case is brought before the court.

Madam Speaker, further to the question that was asked by my friend and colleague from Acadie—Bathurst, we were extremely pleased this year that the minister came to New Brunswick and that we were one of the first provinces to sign the housing agreement. We certainly recognize that New Brunswick is a very rural province, and the provincial government had a key role in making sure the plan was brought forward. I am wondering if the minister would be able to explain how imperative it was that the province played a key role in ensuring that New Brunswick was able to sign an agreement in a fairly short period of time.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the following reports: the report of the Canada-France Inter-parliamentary Association regarding its mission to Paris, France, from March 4 to 8, 2024; the report of the Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association regarding the 80th anniversary of D-Day at Juno Beach in Normandy, France, from June 2 to 8, 2024; the report of the Canada-France Inter-parliamentary Association regarding the 50th annual meeting held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Montreal, Quebec, from September 1 to 6, 2025; and the report of the Canada-France Inter-parliamentary Association regarding the ninth Paris conference held in Paris, France, from December 15 to 17, 2025.

Mr. Speaker, today, social workers from across Canada are gathered in Ottawa to celebrate the profession and mark 100 years of the Canadian Association of Social Workers. Having worked in the field myself before entering politics, I fully appreciate the vital role that social workers play in supporting the delivery of health and social services in our communities, to our families and among the most vulnerable. At a time when Canada continues to face overlapping social, economic and public health challenges, the role of social workers has never been more crucial. Throughout 2026, CASW and its 11 provincial and territorial partners will celebrate the centennial with the theme “Reflecting on Our Past, Reimagining Our Future”. This theme is intended to guide the profession as it reflects on the evolution of social work, uplifts the voices of leadership shaping the profession today and envisions the next 100 years grounded in equity and reconciliation. Please join me in celebrating social workers and the next 100 years of the profession in Canada.

Mr. Chair, I am pleased to speak today about the main estimates 2026-27 for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. I would also like to take a moment to thank my friend and colleague, the minister of this department, who works tirelessly, puts in a tremendous amount of effort and manages a very complex portfolio. I was very pleased to welcome her to Moncton in January when it was announced that we had surpassed our francophone immigration targets. We can talk more about that later, during questions and answers. Immigration affects every region of the country. It bolsters our economy, supports community growth, reunites families and helps Canada attract the people and skills we need. It also reflects Canada's values, including our commitment to protecting people fleeing persecution, violence and serious harm. As global conflicts, climate pressures and changing migration patterns continue to displace people around the world, Canada must respond with compassion and through an orderly, fair and sustainable system. These main estimates support that balance by helping to maintain the services, safeguards and partnerships needed to respond to humanitarian and asylum pressures in a very responsible way. Over the past few years, the increasing number of asylum claims has really strained the system. The number of claims exceeded processing capacity. Delays got longer and costs went up. The delays are significant. They can make the process unfair for people who need protection and certainty about the future. They also put pressure on housing, health care and legal and community supports, and they can make a system more vulnerable and prone to abuse. That is why our government is working hard to ease that pressure, strengthen integrity and make our asylum system more sustainable. We introduced measures to strengthen the integrity of migration and we modernized the asylum system. Measures to better manage the number of temporary resident applications and improve the integrity of temporary programs also contributed to reducing the number of asylum claims entering the system. I have to say that these measures are working. From January to March 2026, the number of asylum claims was about one-third lower than in the same period in 2025 and almost two-thirds lower than in the first quarter of 2024. Here again, things have clearly improved. Bill C‑12 created new eligibility rules to protect the system from a sudden influx of applications, to discourage abuse and to support timely decisions. These rules apply when an application is submitted more than one year after a person first arrived in Canada or after an irregular crossing of the U.S. border. At the same time, safeguards are in place. If an application is inadmissible, the applicants can still go through a pre-removal risk assessment to determine whether they would face risk if they were sent back to their country of origin. Over the coming months, the government will continue to improve the way asylum claims are received, handled and decided. With the new inadmissibility rules, these reforms will help make the system more efficient, more sustainable and better managed. The main estimates support this work. They provide the resources to support better processing, faster decisions, and essential services while applications are being considered. Timely decisions offer certainty to applicants who need and deserve Canada's protection. They also help resolve cases where individuals are not eligible to remain, so the system can continue to focus on the people who are most in need. The main estimates also support essential services for eligible asylum seekers and other vulnerable groups while their status is being determined. People fleeing persecution, violence or serious harm may arrive with urgent needs. Canada has a responsibility to respond with dignity and care, while ensuring that these services remain reasonable, temporary and well managed in the long term. This balance is important, especially at a time when health care, housing and social services are under strain across the country. By providing a clearer plan and a more sustainable path forward, we can maintain the public trust needed for the system to function more effectively. Once again, as I clearly mentioned at the beginning, in Canada, when we talk about immigration and the French-speaking community, we want to ensure that we maintain a level of French-speaking population that will at least offset the loss, if you will. I was wondering if the Minister of Immigration could discuss the immigration targets that have been set, tell us whether we have met those targets, and explain what measures and objectives we have put in place to ensure that we can still achieve those goals.

Mr. Speaker, with the death of Robert K. Irving earlier this month, New Brunswick has lost one of its greatest business and community leaders. Mr. Irving and his brother, Jim, were co-chief executive officers of J.D. Irving, Limited, which employs more than 20,000 New Brunswickers and drives economic activity that employs thousands more. At the time of his death, Robert Irving had been the face of JDI's operation in the greater Moncton area for nearly 50 years. He was often the face of philanthropy in our community as well, publicly and privately contributing to more good causes, large and small, than anyone could count. Mr. Irving will also be remembered for his founding and ownership of the Moncton Wildcats, the Québec Maritimes Junior Hockey League team that delighted and inspired hockey fans from around New Brunswick and also across Canada. On behalf of the people of Moncton—Dieppe and the entire community, I want to offer my sincere condolences to his wife, Jill, to his four children and to his entire family. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, one thing that I would agree with my colleague on is the issue of affordability. Over the past two weeks, I have been in my riding and have met with many of my constituents, and affordability continues to be an area of concern. What does the member say to his constituents when he tells them that he voted against the dental care program, the child care program and many of the affordability measures that we have brought forward? I wonder if he could just elaborate on the response that he gives them, because this side of the House has brought forward many measures to make sure that life is more affordable for Canadians. Again, that continues to be our number one priority, and that is not the message I seem to get from the other side of the House.

Mr. Chair, I want to thank my colleague, the Minister of Finance, for his hard work and for the economic update he provided in the spring. I also want to thank him for his recent visit to Moncton. I was very pleased to be able to welcome him. He gave my community a very good briefing with some highlights from the spring economic update. I thank him. We all know that the world is changing. With the new geopolitical dynamics, the supply chain disruptions and the rapid technological breakthroughs, including in artificial intelligence, the world is changing quickly, and Canada must adapt to thrive. In budget 2025, our government seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, making generational investments to foster vibrant communities, empower Canadians, protect our country and build the strongest economy within the G7. Many of these initiatives were reflected in the main estimates tabled earlier this year, one of the reasons we switched to the fall budget cycle. Now, though, with the spring economic update 2026, we are staying the course with further measures to build a stronger, more independent and more resilient Canada, to advance our progress of building more affordable homes and major infrastructure, and to bring down the costs to help all Canadians get ahead. I look forward to speaking today to some of these key investments with both publications that we have made. When the Minister of Finance tabled the budget in 2025, he presented Canadians with a plan to build a single Canadian economy powered by major projects of national interest that will connect our regions, diversify our markets and create hundreds of thousands of well-paying jobs. This plan includes a $115‑billion investment in infrastructure to strengthen public services, such as public transit and water systems, to build hospitals, to support indigenous communities, and to build trade and transportation infrastructure that will ensure that our goods and services move efficiently across the country and around the world. At the same time, we have invested $25 billion to build affordable housing at scale. Through initiatives such as Build Canada Homes, targeted tax measures and strategic incentives, these investments form the cornerstone of the most ambitious housing supply plan that Canada has seen in a generation. Budget 2025 also introduced a five-year, $110-billion framework to strengthen Canada's productivity and global competitiveness. The productivity superdeduction is a central part of this framework. It is a set of accelerated tax deductions that allow businesses to immediately write off a larger share of the cost of any capital asset, including an immediate deduction of 100% for investments in manufacturing or processing machinery and equipment, digital infrastructure, scientific research equipment, and clean energy technologies. This is complemented by the enhancements to the scientific research and experimental development tax incentives, increasing the maximum amount of expenses eligible for the refundable tax credit to $6 million, simplifying eligibility criteria and reintroducing capital expenditures as eligible costs. Taken together, these measures support both innovation and capital investment and are a coordinated strategy to drive long-term economic growth and competitiveness. We know we cannot build Canada strong without protecting our people and also protecting our values. This is why budget 2025 also included generational investments to secure our sovereignty, including meeting NATO's 2% of GDP core defence spending target this year, five years ahead of schedule, and putting Canada on a path to meeting NATO's 5% defence investment pledge by 2035. To keep Canadians safe at home, we are strengthening border security, taking action against organized crime and illegal trafficking, and upholding the rule of law in every region. We are doing so by implementing Canada's border plan and delivering key investments in budget 2025, such as hiring 1,000 additional Canada Border Services Agency officers, upgrading border technology and enhancing intelligence sharing to combat the smuggling of illegal firearms, drugs and people. Canada's government is making all of these investments possible by changing how government works. We have cut back on operational expenses, including by rightsizing the public service, cutting red tape and eliminating wasteful spending to prioritize long-term investments and to deliver better services to all Canadians. In fact, we are slowing the average growth in direct program expenses from 8% over the last decade to 2.2% from 2025-26 to 2030-31. These efforts are reinforced by the government's comprehensive expenditure review, which is systematically reducing inefficiencies and refocusing spending on core priorities, contributing, along with other measures, to a total of $60 billion in savings and revenues over the next five years. At the same time, we introduced a new capital budgeting framework, detailed in budget 2025, that distinguishes day-to-day operational spending from capital investment, helping guide decisions and investments that generate long-term benefits for Canadians. This new approach will enhance, not replace, existing financial reporting while providing a clearer picture of the investments that will strengthen Canada's economy in the years ahead. Rightsizing government through the discipline brought by the comprehensive expenditure review is critical in realigning resources for generational investments that build more and deliver results, because that is how we invest in Canada's future. This brings me to the spring economic update, which maintains this fiscal discipline while investing in Canadians. I want to highlight one of the main measures, namely the Canada Strong fund, a sovereign wealth fund designed to deliver infrastructure projects and historic projects of national interest and to grow wealth for future generations. This new fund will invest in key strategic Canadian projects and companies alongside the private sector, creating jobs, supporting innovation and making Canada more competitive. What is more, Canadians themselves will have the opportunity to invest in the fund, sharing in its success. We are also launching team Canada strong, a nationwide effort to recruit, train and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal skilled trade workers. This innovative program will be especially useful for Canadians pursuing apprenticeships, because it offers up to $16,000 in weekly income top-ups during their training and a $5,000 completion bonus. It should also interest employers, because they are eligible for direct incentives of up to $10,000 in wage subsidies per apprentice. To provide greater support for young people, our government is making education more affordable by extending the increases to Canada student grants and interest-free Canada student loans for another year, which will benefit thousands of students across the country. The economic update also continues the work of Build Canada Homes with a plan to increase supply, lower costs and help more Canadians find a safe, affordable home. The plan also involves cutting red tape to build homes faster, supporting innovation in construction, quickly unlocking over $7 billion in low-cost financing, boosting the housing supply and protecting construction jobs across Canada. It will help those most in need by extending support for people experiencing homelessness and ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence have access to safe housing. That is not all, but since my time is almost up, I want to take a few minutes to ask some questions to my dear friend and colleague, the minister. Can the finance minister tell us more about the sovereign wealth fund? More specifically, can he explain how it will support government investments and help Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, I listened to my colleague's speech quite intently, and I want to thank her for her hard work, because we certainly know that a lot of work has been done. As opposed to what the member opposite said, the government certainly has prioritized housing for the north. During the speech, she also indicated that Build Canada Homes has established and elaborated some partnerships with people in the north. It is my understanding the partnerships are to ensure that the housing is built for the people and by the people. I am just wondering if the minister could elaborate on those partnerships.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to thank my colleague for his service to our country. I would also to thank his family, because when a member serves, their family serves with them. My colleague talked a bit during his speech about deliberate policy choices. I am wondering if he could elaborate on why the Conservative government, in 2014, closed nine Veterans Affairs offices, slashed the jobs of Veterans Affairs staff who provided direct services to veterans and cut the benefits budget. I am just wondering if the member could elaborate on the deliberate policy choice that was made at that time.

Mr. Speaker, former mayor George LeBlanc, who passed away on February 3 after a long illness, was a leader in every way. We saw it through his charity work with great organizations like the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation, The Moncton Hospital, Moncton Headstart and Moncton Youth Residences, to name just a few. We saw it in his two decades serving on city council and, for eight of those years, being the mayor. Mayor LeBlanc led our city through an unprecedented building boom in our downtown, which still continues today. When a shooting rampage rocked our normally peaceful community, George articulated our grief and our strength to the nation. George LeBlanc led by example, with his honesty, his empathy and his quiet resolve to always make our city better. I want to offer my deepest condolences to his wife Kathy, his son Jordan, his daughter Brittany, his grandchildren and also his extended family and friends. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I am extremely pleased today to stand in the House in support of Bill C-234, which calls for the creation of a living donor recognition medal. Let me start by telling members why I am supporting the bill. For starters, how can anyone not be moved by the experience of the member for Edmonton Manning, who as a father of a child stricken by a critical illness, donated part of his own liver to save his son's life? Many brave Canadians over the years have also been willing to do the same by being a living donor to save someone's life, whether it be a family member, a friend or sometimes even a stranger. That is completely inspiring. In my estimation, that kind of selflessness and courage captures the best of Canadian values and of human values, and it should be justly rewarded. We already reward selflessness of a different sort with the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers, for example. We also bestow several military and civilian honours on Canadians who have risked danger to come to the aid of others in emergencies. Creating this type of award to celebrate these qualities, particularly in the context of living organ donation, seems to me to be the next logical step. I support the bill also because of the experience of two friends of mine, Mr. Dan McLaughlin and Michael Walsh. Just a few months ago, Dan McLaughlin lived a thrill of a lifetime. During the Second World War, his father joined the RCAF, and like thousands of airmen from across Canada and the British Commonwealth, he honed his flying skills here in Canada in a Harvard trainer aircraft. Just a handful of Harvards are still flying today, but Dan recently had the chance to fly one of them, eighty-four years after his dad first climbed into a Harvard cockpit. He kindly showed me the photos of that amazing experience, and I have to say that the expression on his face as he was flying through the air in a plane just like the one his dad piloted almost a century ago was absolutely priceless. I tell this story because absolutely none of this would have happened if Dan had not received a life-saving kidney transplant six years ago. My friend Mike Walsh received a kidney transplant seven years ago, and today he is managing his health and making the most of the years he thought he would never have. Mike and Dan, who know each other well, went through similar trials as each waited for the donation of a kidney. They both did everything they could to stay positive and hopeful, but they also did what a reasonable person would do when the odds are stacked against them: They got their affairs in order. They said what needed to be said to their family members and friends, and they also made their funeral arrangements. At one point Dan was so desperate to find a donor that he even put an advertisement on his car and drove around the city in hopes that someone would see it. At last, after what seemed like a never-ending wait during which he had almost given up hope of his prayers being answered, against all odds, Dan received a kidney just in time, just as his time was running out. Just like that, Dan suddenly received a new lease on life because of another family's tragic loss. This is where Mike Walsh's case is very different. Mike had the extraordinary luck of finding a living donor thanks to his membership and active involvement in a local Rotary club. Mike lives just a few blocks from me in Moncton, but he happened to be far away from home at a Rotary event in Seattle, Washington, when a chance conversation with a fellow Rotarian from Washington state led to the man's giving Mike one of his kidneys. Both my friends beat extraordinary odds in their own journey, but unfortunately, too many of the friends they made in the transplant community of people who were also waiting on the organ transplant list were not as lucky. I think most members of the House, and indeed most Canadians in general, may have friends or loved ones like Mike and Dan. Most of us also probably know someone who did not survive because they did not get the transplant they needed. The saddest part of all of this is that, as we all know, the kidney is an organ that can be transplanted from a living donor. Living donors could greatly increase the life-saving transplants we could do in Canada, but only, of course, if we have more people stepping up. The fact that Mike received his transplant kidney from a living donor did not speed up the process. In fact, just like Dan, he waited many years before the stars aligned and a match was found. Just think of how many Canadians' lives could be saved if we encouraged more people to donate a kidney or even a piece of their own liver while they are still alive. I believe that Bill C-234 could help raise awareness, as my fellow colleague indicated, and encourage more Canadians to step forward to make this important gift. I also support the bill because I strongly believe it is simply the right thing to do. We should show our gratitude as a society to the people who make the sacrifice to save Canadians lives. In conclusion, I just want to say that donations from all living donors are truly gifts of life. They are, by definition, priceless. We could never pay someone enough to be a living donor. No amount of money could ever reimburse someone for giving so much of themselves to someone else, and that is why I personally support the idea of the member for Edmonton Manning, someone I also consider a dear friend, who proposed the bill, because the gift of life is truly priceless. We should reward living donors with a token of gratitude that is also priceless, a medal that can serve both as a tangible symbol of our nation's gratitude and also as a mark of recognition to ensure that the donor's selflessness, courage and honour are underlined. Once again I offer many thanks to the member for Edmonton Manning. My friend has done well.

Mr. Speaker, all children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads, but for some families, a bed for each child is a luxury they simply cannot afford. Since 2018, Sleep in Heavenly Peace Canada has put out a motion for change, as volunteers donate material and their time to help build beds and distribute them in communities across the country. Our local Moncton chapter was founded just this past June and has already built and delivered 52 beds. Nationwide, the objective is to deliver 3,000 beds by the end of this year. My husband, Brock, and I recently accepted an invitation to join local leaders at Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Jim Merzetti and Marie-Claire Pierce, and helped build some beds with a group of local volunteers. I thank Jim and Marie-Claire for their invitation and for their tireless devotion to this cause. I encourage all Canadians to look for their nearest chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace or even to start a chapter in their area to support this wonderful charity.

Mr. Speaker, in honour of Brain Cancer Awareness Day happening this October 24, I would like to pay a special tribute to an incredible family who is near and dear to my heart. The Boyle family was forever changed when Andrew Boyle lost his 10-year long battle with brain cancer back in 2022. Undeterred by such a devastating loss, his amazing wife Danielle, a friend and former colleague of mine, and their two beautiful children Austin and Naomi have channelled their grief into hope and action by becoming remarkable ambassadors for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. Their team, Boyle's Brainiacs, have knocked on countless doors in their community, sharing their journey with everyone and raising an amazing $6,000 for the cause in the process. Naomi and Austin have raised $1,000 each. They have not only kept the memory of their late father alive, but also serve as shining examples of youth who deserve recognition in the House. I say well done to Naomi and Austin. Their dad would be proud.

Mr. Speaker, I listened attentively to my colleague's speech today. He questioned at one point if we signed up to support this bill. My question for the member opposite is this. Having worked for the RCMP for 23 years as a civilian member, I have seen the hard work of the many women of the RCMP, day in and day out. I have seen them put their lives on the line. I wonder if my colleague agrees with the leader of his party when he questioned the independence of the RCMP. Also, when the Leader of the Opposition indicated—

Mr. Speaker, during my colleague's remarks today, he mentioned talking the talk. Having worked with victims of crime for over 23 years before I became a parliamentarian, I have seen first-hand the impacts of sexual violence on many victims. Today, I was listening attentively and really hoping to hear comments about how important it is to have a trauma-informed response and rights for victims. Instead, we heard partisan garble. If there are any victims at home today listening to us, I think they would be extremely disappointed with the debate going on with respect to that. I have a simple question: Does the member not agree that Bill C-11 is an important step forward if we want to make sure that victims have access to justice?

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my Bloc Québécois colleague for his excellent speech. I greatly appreciated his overview of the bill. I think we all agree that we want to ensure that victims will have access to justice. We also want to ensure that victims will have access to the services and resources they need when they file a complaint because we acknowledge what a difficult and traumatizing process that can be. In addition, we want to ensure that we continue to maintain a trauma-informed approach. I also understand that the member and the Bloc Québécois will be supporting Bill C‑11, but he said he would reserve judgment. Can my Bloc Québécois colleague tell us what changes he would like to make to Bill C‑11 to improve it?

Mr. Speaker, I know that veterans and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces are my friend and colleague's top priority. During your speech today, you indicated that Justice Arbour consulted with over 16,000 individuals. I am just wondering if the department and the minister himself consulted with victims as well. How do we anticipate the reaction of survivors with respect to this legislation? We all know that making a complaint of this nature is very difficult. I am just wondering if we have received any feedback from survivors.

Mr. Speaker, I wanted to thank my colleague for sharing what she has been hearing in her community over the summer. I think as members of Parliament we all want to make sure that we are doing active listening in our community, and we want to ensure that the legislation we bring forward really reflects what we are hearing from our constituents. I think one thing we can all agree on in the House is that we want to ensure that the Canadian Coast Guard has the authorities and tools it needs to do its job. During the member's speech today, she indicated that part 5 of Bill C-2 will ensure that the Canadian Coast Guard has the tools it needs. I am wondering if my colleague could elaborate a bit on that.

Madam Chair, let me begin by thanking you for the opportunity to speak this evening before the committee of the whole. I would like to use my time today to describe some of the ways that our government can maximize investments to stimulate growth and produce positive results for our country. The main estimates tabled in May outline priority investments in housing, the Canadian Armed Forces, indigenous communities, dental care, border services and veterans' benefits. They also include transfer payments to the provinces and territories, such as payments for health care and payments to individuals, like benefits for seniors and persons with disabilities. Today I will highlight some of these important investments that our government believes will have a lasting impact. The federal government provides significant ongoing financial support to provincial and territorial governments to help them deliver programs and services through four main transfer programs. The largest overall federal transfer is the Canada health transfer, which has increased by $2.6 billion for 2025-26. This will provide predictable long-term funding for health care and supports the principle of the Canada Health Act. This important federal transfer is provided to the provinces and territories to support health care. It increases every year based on a three-year moving average of nominal gross domestic product growth, with guaranteed funding that will increase by at least 5% per year until 2027-28, and 3% per year thereafter. We all know that a strong and effective health care system is essential to a strong and healthy Canada. We need to work together to improve health care for all Canadians. The second-largest overall federal transfer to the provinces and territories is the fiscal equalization program. This important program ensures that less prosperous provinces have sufficient revenues to provide reasonably comparable levels of public services at reasonably comparable levels of taxation, thereby reducing fiscal disparities between the provinces. Total equalization payments increase each year based on a three-year moving average of nominal GDP growth. The $917-million increase reflects the 3.6% escalator based on GDP for 2024-25. The Canada social transfer, or CST, is the third-largest federal transfer to the provinces and territories. It supports three broad areas of social programs: post-secondary education, social assistance and social services, as well as early childhood development, early learning and child care. The 2025–26 main estimates increase the CST by just over $507 million, reflecting the 3% annual growth rate provided for in the legislation. The fourth federal transfer is made through the territorial formula financing, which enables territorial governments to provide their residents with programs and services comparable to those provided in the rest of Canada, at comparable levels of taxation, taking into account the higher costs of services and the unique circumstances of the north. The $330-million increase reflects the indexation of the program, which is based on total provincial, local and territorial government spending, adjusted to account for differences in population growth and changes in revenue-raising capacity in the program formula set out in the legislation. This important program helps territorial governments fund essential public services such as hospitals, schools, infrastructure and social services, and recognizes the high cost of public services in the north and the challenges territorial governments face in delivering services to many people in small, often very isolated communities. In these uncertain times, it is especially important that we invest in major national interest infrastructure projects to help make Canada an energy superpower. We want the government to become that superpower. The federal government can provide the Canada Infrastructure Bank, or CIB, with up to $35 billion to support infrastructure projects across the country. The CIB focuses on priority areas of investment, including public transit, green infrastructure, clean energy, broadband access, and trade and transportation. The $26.1-million increase reflects payments made to the CIB to carry out approved activities outlined in its 2024-25 to 2028-29 corporate plan. In addition, we are committed to expanding the types of projects the CIB can support to be more aligned with first nations, Inuit and Métis priorities, because we know that efforts to build a strong Canada must include all indigenous communities. In addition to the important investments we are making at home, we are committed to remaining united with our allies and partners to support Ukraine as it fights for its freedom and security. The $200-million payment to the World Bank Group's financial intermediary fund in support of Ukraine is part of Canada's contribution through the G7 leaders' Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loan initiative, which will be used to support projects, programs and activities that meet Ukraine's budget, recovery and reconstruction needs. In conclusion, the measures in the main estimates that have been put forward today are a very important part of the government's commitment to transparency and the responsible use of public funds to produce results for Canadians. After the election, not so long ago, we took immediate action to support Canadians. This includes building a more affordable Canada by cutting the goods and services tax, or GST, on new homes up to $1 million for first-time homebuyers to help them save up to $50,000, by lowering the GST on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million, and by providing tax relief to nearly 22 million middle-class Canadians. Finally, it means that millions of Canadian workers will be able to keep more of their hard-earned money to build a better future. Responsible spending is about making prudent investments in the priorities that matter most to Canadians. Canada has the tools it needs to succeed, and we remain committed to working every day to protect our workers, families and businesses. The main estimates clearly describe how the government, our government, is responding to the priorities of Canadians who are taking up challenges and seizing opportunities. With these important investments, we will help build a stronger Canada from coast to coast to coast. Again, I am thankful for the opportunity to speak today. Now, I have a few questions for the Minister of Finance. First, I want to thank my colleague and friend, the Minister of Finance, who is doing incredible work, hard work, to support Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Lastly, a key aspect of our government's plan is a tax cut for nearly 22 million Canadians from one end of the country to the other. I wonder if the Minister of Finance could explain to the committee the importance of this tax cut.

Madam Chair, I want to thank my hon. colleague, the Minister of Finance, for his work. In my speech, I mentioned the issue of affordable housing. We recognize that here in Canada, and especially in my riding of Moncton—Dieppe, creating more housing continues to be a top priority. I wonder if the minister could elaborate further on the importance of the policies we have put forward to create more housing in New Brunswick and across Canada.

Madam Chair, once again, I would like to thank my hon. colleague for his comments and the work he does on an ongoing basis to help Canadians with the whole issue of affordability. The minister introduced a measure in the House that eliminated the carbon tax for consumers. I was wondering if he could explain to the committee what steps the government is taking to build the strongest economy in the G7 while investing in making that economy clean.

Mr. Speaker, once again, let me congratulate you on your new role in the House. I always appreciate the interventions of my hon. colleague from Laurentides—Labelle in the House. I look forward to working with her during the 45th Parliament. The member mentioned that she had been involved in community work for the past two decades. I also engaged in community work as a social worker back home in the beautiful region of Moncton—Dieppe. That said, the member says that the government is handing out goodies. I dare say that, for the people back home, the tax cut that takes effect on July 1 is not a goody. It is real help. Does my colleague not think that this tax cut will truly help families in Quebec and across Canada?

Mr. Speaker, I have a lot of respect for my colleague from Québec Centre, who did an incredible job with the Canadian dental care plan. I want to ask him a question about affordability. Over the past few years, our government has implemented a number of programs to help families. I would like my colleague to talk more specifically about how the Canadian dental care plan has changed the lives of families in Canada and Quebec.

Mr. Chair, before I begin my formal speech, I would like to take a moment to thank the people of Moncton—Dieppe, who have given me the privilege of serving them in the House of Commons for a fourth time. I would also like to take a moment to thank my team of volunteers, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the election went well once again. I also want to thank my campaign co-managers, Jake and Dan, and the hundreds of volunteers who made calls, knocked on doors and put up signs throughout our wonderful riding. Lastly, I would like to give a special shout-out to my husband, Brock, who has been by my side for over 30 years. He is probably my hardest-working volunteer, and I want to thank him once again from the bottom of my heart. This evening, I am pleased to have the opportunity to discuss Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's funding requests in the main estimates for 2025-26. Canada's ability to attract global talent, fill critical labour shortage and grow our economy depends on a well-run, forward-thinking immigration system. Whether supporting workers in health care and construction or helping businesses find people with the skills they need to grow, immigration remains a vital economic lever across our country. At the same time, the system must also be equipped to respond to growing humanitarian pressures. This dual responsibility is reflected in the main estimates that are before us. More people are being forced from their home countries by conflict, persecution and climate disasters than at any time in recent history. At the same time, we are decreasing our immigration targets to more sustainable and responsible levels. This creates a challenge. As volumes grow and application streams diversify, the department must maintain timely and fair decision-making, while investing in tools and systems that support greater efficiency and long-term capacity. The investments the government is requesting are designed to meet urgent humanitarian needs, while creating operational improvements and long-term savings. Today's main estimates reflect these realities. They include both critical funding increases in areas under acute pressure and reductions in areas where demand has stabilized or where the department has achieved efficiencies. Let me talk members through both sides of this equation. First of all, the department seeks additional funding for the interim federal health program. This program provides basic but essential health care coverage to a range of vulnerable individuals, most notably asylum claimants, from the time they make their claim until they either transition to provincial health care or leave Canada. However, this is not just about managing current caseloads. The investments the government is making in system modernization and processing efficiency will reduce the time people spend in Canada's asylum system, which directly reduces per case costs over time. Faster, fairer decisions lead to a range of benefits, from more efficient use of interim health services to quicker outcomes for individuals and better planning for provinces as people transition through the system. Second, the interim housing assistance program, or as we like to refer to it, IHAP, provides funding to provinces and municipal governments to address interim housing pressures due to increased volumes of asylum claimants. This program has evolved significantly from its original form, which was focused on emergency shelters and hotel placements. Crisis response is not only more expensive; it is less helpful for both claimants and communities. The renewed IHAP model prioritizes building reception centres and sustainable temporary housing. The shift represents a fundamental change in how we think about these investments. Instead of paying recurring emergency costs year after year, the government is supporting jurisdictions in building infrastructure that serves multiple purposes and creates lasting value. Our collaborative approach with provinces and territories has enabled innovative solutions. Take the voluntary relocation initiative, for example, in partnership with Newfoundland and Labrador and my home province of New Brunswick. Supporting asylum claimants who choose to relocate from where they initially arrived is helping to address housing pressures in high-demand areas like Ontario and Quebec, while providing claimants with more stability and opportunities during their time in Canada. This program has been very beneficial in my home province of New Brunswick. Both claimants and the communities that welcome them benefit. Claimants get appropriate housing and employment opportunities through access to temporary work permits, while communities get a chance to address their short-term labour needs. We certainly know, in Atlantic Canada, we are always facing labour force challenges. Crucially, the interim housing assistance program helps distribute the responsibility for supporting asylum claimants more equitably across the country. Rather than allowing unsustainable pressure to build in a few jurisdictions, we are creating a system that works for everyone. Third is digital platform modernization. This initiative represents exactly the kind of upfront investments that generate significant operational savings downstream. Through this initiative, IRCC has been introducing streamlined online platforms that offer clients simpler application processes and real-time updates. The online passport renewal service is a perfect example. It is proving to be a convenient alternative that reduces the pressure on clients to go to physical offices and endure long lineups. The efficiency gains go well beyond the client experience. Digital solutions like automation and smart technology reduce paperwork, speed up decisions and build the department's capacity to handle surges in demand without proportional increases in staff. These system improvements will pay dividends for years to come. Finally, the department seeks to increase funding to sustain and expand its biometrics collection capabilities. This investment in secure identity verification would help prevent fraud and processing delays, which are far more expensive to address after the fact. As the department extends fingerprint and photo requirements to more programs, including citizenship, both security and processing efficiencies will be enhanced. The necessary increases in funding requests are offset somewhat by reductions in spending in overall key areas. As expected, Canada's lower immigration targets mean the department can reduce its operational spending over the next three years. The cap on study permits and study applications, tightened controls on various permit streams and changes to the temporary foreign worker program are all reducing processing demands in these areas. This is not just about fewer applications. It is about more manageable and sustainable volumes that allow the department to maintain service standards under less pressure. IRCC's crisis response programs are also maturing in ways that reduce costs. The programs supporting Afghan and Ukrainian nationals have evolved to require less operational support as the initial surge phase is behind us. The approach to new and ongoing situations, like in Gaza and Sudan, reflect lessons learned. These tailored approaches, combining family reunification pathways, work permits, study permits and status extensions, balance humanitarian needs with operational efficiency. The pattern here is clear: IRCC is requiring less in the way of reactive, crisis-driven funding and more for strategic investments that build capacity and create efficiencies and savings over the long term. The interim housing assistance program is moving from expensive hotel stays to sustainable infrastructure. Digital modernization reduces the need for time-consuming manual processing as semi-automated systems become more reliable tools. Better biometric capabilities prevent problems rather than fixing them after they occur. This is not just about managing the current situation. It is about building systems that will serve Canada well as the global landscape continues to evolve. Every dollar we invest in sustainable infrastructure and digital efficiency reduces the cost to Canadians in future years. These estimates represent a responsible approach to managing unprecedented challenges when it comes to immigration. They are designed to maintain Canada's humanitarian leadership while building the efficient, modern and fair systems that Canadians expect and newcomers deserve. The investments the department is requesting would help Canada respond to global displacement pressures while creating the operational efficiencies that reduce long—

Mr. Chair, as we all know in the House, immigration is certainly crucial to our communities. In Atlantic Canada, we certainly see that we are in need of a population increase, because we are seeing a population decline, but we also want to ensure that we set up our immigrants for success. I understand that we are stabilizing immigration levels in the next few years while also committing to reducing temporary immigration to less than 5% of total national population by 2027. Could the minister outline the work we are doing to achieve this commitment and explain why it is so important for Canada?

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to thank the members of the Canadian Armed Forces for their service. When a person serves in the military, we all recognize their family serves with them. Our government is sensitive to the situation of widowed spouses who had married veterans after the age of 60, and our government is committed to improving and to supporting members of veterans' families as we move forward.

Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, we have always been there to help support veterans. Since 2016, we have invested more than $11.5 billion in additional money to help support veterans and their families. Unlike the Conservative Party of Canada that closed nine Veterans Affairs offices, on this side of the House, we opened them. We also hired additional staff to make sure that the appropriate assessments and adjudications were done in a timely fashion. When it comes to mental health benefits, we have made improvements to ensure that when veterans apply for benefits, they have access to them immediately. On this side of the House, we will always be there to help support our veterans and their families, as they deserve it.

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank my friend and colleague from Madawaska—Restigouche. Unlike the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, who is always thinking about cuts and austerity, on our side of the House, we want to support Canadians from coast to coast to coast. That is why we announced the GST break. We want to make sure that Canadians get the chance to really save money. This tax break will help them buy diapers, prepared foods, Christmas trees, toys, books, even restaurant meals. We will always be there to support Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his question. I will say that, as the new Minister of Official Languages, I am eager to work with my Quebec counterpart. Protecting and promoting our two official languages, including French, is a top priority for our government. That is why we implemented Bill C‑13. We have also made historic investments in our action plan to the tune of $4.1 billion over five years. Our priority will always be official languages, and I repeat that I am eager to work with my counterparts.

Mr. Speaker, I have to be honest. I am a bit offended to hear my hon. colleague say that a woman from New Brunswick, from an official language minority community, is harming the advancement of French in this country. It is quite the opposite. I am very proud to be part of a government that has made historic investments in official languages, and I will continue to work with Quebec to ensure that the necessary investments are made.

Mr. Speaker, today being the first day of Veterans' Week, I first of all want to take a moment to thank all the men and women who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces and continue to serve with bravery. We owe them a debt of gratitude. As we attend Remembrance Day services throughout Canada, we certainly want to make sure that Canadians have a moment to thank the veterans who have served. I encourage them to attend legions and the many commemorative services that will take place all over Canada to thank both men and women who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the services we have provided to veterans across this country, since 2016 our government has invested more than $11.5 billion in additional services and supports to help our veterans and their families. Unlike the previous Conservative government, we have acted. The previous Conservative government closed veterans affairs offices across this country, and the first thing we did was reopen all nine offices. Plus, we opened an additional one. The Conservatives also slashed the public service by 1,000 people, a public service that provided direct supports to veterans. We will absolutely always be there for veterans and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from Ottawa—Vanier for her important question and her hard work with veterans and their families. This year, the Veterans' Week theme is “Canadian Armed Forces Around the World”. The theme reflects Canada's long-standing role in promoting defence and peace and in security around the world. I encourage all Canadians across the country to attend a Legion this week to thank a veteran and also to make sure they take part in a commemorative service in their community.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, as we approach Veterans' Week and Remembrance Day, I stand before the House a very grateful Canadian. We come together to recognize the remarkable Canadians who have served and proudly worn the maple leaf on their shoulders, including some of my colleagues here in this place today. This upcoming week is not only an opportunity to commemorate their sacrifice, but a chance for all Canadians, young and old, to reflect on the freedoms and rights we enjoy today thanks to the service of these brave individuals. Every year, especially in November, people across the country gather to pay tribute to those who have served or are still serving Canada. From the hills of Beaumont-Hamel to the Persian Gulf and the skies above it, from the mountains of Afghanistan to places right here at home, our veterans have demonstrated unwavering courage and resilience. Their stories remind us of their strength and the profound impact of their service. This week, as we close Women's History Month, I am thinking of women veterans and what so many of them have had to overcome in the service of our country. Over the past year, I have had the privilege to meet many of these women, who have shared moments with me of their time in the military. They have shared stories of pride in service, of hardship and of how they fought and continue to fight through it all. Although women only began to serve in combat roles during the Persian Gulf War, the legacy of their service to Canada is much longer: as nursing sisters during the First World War, as decoders and “Wrens” during the Second World War, and, to fast-forward to today, as captains leading combat missions, flying squadrons and even leading the entire forces as the chief of the defence staff. I encourage all Canadians to learn more about them. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of Canadian peacekeepers joining the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus, and the 50th anniversary of the 1974 war, the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. As we mark this anniversary, I am thinking of the group of veterans who are preparing to return to Cyprus to rekindle memories with their fellow service members and to share this history with Canadians. I am reflecting on the service of the 36,000 Canadians who participated in Operation Snowgoose, and those who remain there today in what is one of Canada's longest overseas military commitments. Many veterans continue to live with physical and psychological scarring from their time in Cyprus and in other operations around the world. We cannot ignore the heavy toll service takes on the men and women, and also their families, who sign up to serve no matter the risk. This Veterans' Week, I ask each of us to pause and reflect on what service means to us. This Veterans' Week, I encourage all Canadians to participate in local activities, volunteer their time and reach out to veterans in their community. Simple acts of kindness, such as a conversation, a shared meal or even a friendly ear, can go a long way. We have a collective responsibility to educate future generations about RCMP and CAF veterans and their families. By sharing the stories of those who served and what they gained from their experiences, we foster gratitude, pass on history and, most importantly, leave them with lessons that have endured for more than 100 years. As the air force motto says, “Through adversity to the stars”. Let us also take the time to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of equity-deserving veterans, such as indigenous and 2SLGBTQI+ veterans, as well as those of people who have served in non-combat roles. I have met so many veterans from these groups over the past year, and all of them are very proud of their military careers and their contributions to maintaining peace and security around the world. This Veterans' Week, let us be united in a common goal to be there for veterans and their family members. Above all, let us make sure they know and that Canadians know how much we value their service and contributions to our country. Together, we will never, ever forget their sacrifices.

Mr. Speaker, the Invictus Games offers a very unique rehabilitation opportunity to ill and injured veterans and to members of the Canadian Armed Forces. It is important to make sure that the well-being of veterans is taken care of during the games and after the games. That is why we will continue to work with the Canadian Armed Forces, Soldier On, the Invictus Games and other stakeholders to ensure that the well-being of our veterans is always taken care of. I want to assure members that this situation will be rectified before Invictus Games 2025.

Mr. Speaker, with regard to part (a), the mental health and well-being of those who selflessly served Canada is a priority for the Government of Canada. Veterans Affairs Canada, VAC, is committed to ensuring eligible veterans, Canadian Armed Forces, CAF, personnel, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, RCMP, members, and their families have access to the mental health support they need, when they need it. The VAC assistance service has mental health professionals who are indigenous or have extensive experience working with the indigenous community, approximately 5.09% of the network. Should individuals choose to, they may invite a person of their choice such as an elder, a family member, community member or other to accompany them and offer emotional support at their counselling sessions with a mental health professional. Additionally, a complete suite of mental, physical and family well-being solutions is available with LifeSpeak. It offers videos, blogs, articles and self-help for the indigenous community. A variety of topics include cultural sensitivity, building resilience, empowerment, history and mental health. Operational stress injury social support, OSISS, is a peer support network that offers serving and former CAF members, Canadian Rangers and their families someone to talk to who has first-hand experience. OSISS offers a national indigenous group. This is a sacred safe space for indigenous veterans with an operational stress injury, OSI, to come together and share unique lived experiences, all through an indigenous lens. The network of OSI clinics is composed of 10 OSI clinics and 11 OSI satellite service sites located across Canada. These are funded by Veterans Affairs Canada and operated by provincial health authorities. OSI clinic services are available to eligible veterans, including indigenous veterans, as well as currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, active and former members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and their family members. These services are offered both in-person and virtually, and include educational sessions, comprehensive assessments for disability benefits, assessments for treatment, individual and group treatments, and couples and family interventions. Since April 1, 2022, veterans and serving reserve force members who apply for a disability benefit for certain mental health conditions can now receive immediate mental health coverage under the mental health benefit. Mental health first aid, which provides mental health literacy to the veteran community at large and a variety of online tools, including the PTSD coach Canada mobile application, and the interactive resource caregiver zone, which provides instruction, education, videos and tools on a wide range of caregiving topics to family members taking care of veterans, are supported and funded by Veterans Affairs Canada. The veteran and family well-being fund provides grants and contributions to private, public, academic and indigenous organizations to conduct research and implement initiatives and projects that support the well-being of all veterans and their families. This includes projects and initiatives that address mental health, employment/retraining, transition to civilian life and homelessness. The joint federal research funding program provides grants and contributions to conduct research with the goal of driving progress on new knowledge and understanding of military member, veteran and family well-being. Indigenous organizations are eligible recipients under the terms and conditions of both programs. With regard to part (b), the veteran and family well-being fund and the joint federal research funding program funding have not been unspent, uncommitted or undelivered in any fiscal year. With regard to part (c), Veterans Affairs Canada has no record of any applications from the Burns Way program to the veteran and family well-being fund or the joint federal research fund.