Gurbux Saini

Madam Speaker, as students across Canada return to their classrooms this fall, I would like to wish all students, teachers and school staff a successful and rewarding school year. Our government's national school food program is an important investment in our children and their future. This year, it will help provide nutritional meals to up to 400,000 more children. Thanks to the increased federal investment, more than 10,000 schools across Canada are now offering school food programs, and participating families with two children in school could save an estimated $800 annually on grocery bills. By helping students stay healthy and focused, we are giving every child a better opportunity to succeed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the deeply disturbing incident that took place on August 28 at Fleetwood Islamic Centre in Surrey. Members of the community arrived for prayers to find their mosque had been vandalized with hateful and Islamophobic graffiti, including explicit death threats, along with raw animal remains left at the site. These acts are completely unacceptable. Places of worship must remain safe and welcoming spaces for everyone. Islamophobia and racism have no place in Canada. Every Canadian deserves to live and worship safely, freely and without fear.

Mr. Speaker, my colleague opposite talks about the notwithstanding clause. Your government has said publicly that it would use the notwithstanding clause to take away the rights of Canadians, whether it is religious freedom or any others. This is why your party voted in favour of Bill C‑21, which would take rights away from Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kaur Collective Foundation, a national organization advancing South Asian women's health equity and collective care. Founded and led by Jessie Kaur Lehail, Kaur Collective Foundation works at the intersection of women's health, culture and power. It leads health equity research and projects that improve access to culturally safe care for South Asian women. Kaur Collective Foundation also pushes government and institutions to see intimate partner violence, human trafficking and food security labour through a cultural lens. I ask all members to join me in thanking the Kaur Collective Foundation for its vital work supporting South Asian women.

Mr. Speaker, this summer, organizations across Fleetwood—Port Kells are creating valuable opportunities for young people through the Canada summer jobs program. Through this program, we were able to connect and fund 221 youth jobs in my riding, representing a total of 59,320 hours of valuable work experience to prepare for future careers while supporting important community organizations. This year, more than 45 organizations in Fleetwood—Port Kells are participating, including non-profits, sports groups, and cultural and religious organizations. I would like to thank all the organizations that applied and that continue to invest in young Canadians.