Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, when I have travelled around the country, I heard many times that we can do better in research and development. We will continue to build on that. We will listen to the professionals in this regard. We are not going to go down the path of not having science in this country. It is extremely important to our trade. It is extremely important to our agriculture and agri-food communities, …
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Mr. Speaker, from talking to stakeholders across this country, we have a real opportunity to advance our research, and we will continue to do that. The department continues to be the largest agriculture researcher in Canada, but this opportunity for transformation in the research sector is most prominent in our agriculture and agri-food divisions. We are going to continue to invest in agriculture …
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Mr. Speaker, I am not sure if that member's memory serves him correctly, but I will go back to 2011 and 2012, which may jog his memory a little bit: A focused agriculture research presence should move away from scattered soil research, siloed projects and toward a mission-driven, outcome-oriented system that treats food production as a cornerstone of national security, economic resilience and clim…
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Mr. Speaker, let me be clear. Science plays an integral role and will continue to play an integral role in this country for agriculture and agri-food. We are maintaining our research and development presence in every single province, and the department continues to be the largest science service centre in this country, with 17 sites. By streamlining our research, we are prioritizing high-impact ar…
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Mr. Speaker, we know this is going to be a difficult time for some, but this was the mandate that Canadians elected us for: streamlining research, collaboration with academia and the private sector, prioritizing high-impact areas, reducing duplication and aligning projects with the needs of farmers and ranchers across this country. We are going to work with stakeholders and move this industry and …
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Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague gets it as a farmer. Canadians want access to Canadian-grown food, and our world-class farmers, producers and ranchers are ready to deliver. On Monday, our new government announced immediate expensing for greenhouse buildings. This will allow producers to fully write off greenhouses that become available for use before 2030. We are developing a national food security…
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Mr. Speaker, the government is focused on delivering support where it is needed. I cannot understand why the opposition is so against that. By taking action now, we are helping families manage essential costs, improving affordability and strengthening a more resilient food system. Twelve million Canadians are going to be affected by this. It is going to help our domestic production. It is going to…
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Mr. Speaker, our new government was elected to expand and diversify our international trade with reliable partners. We are in a volatile global economy. We are defending our trade interests, we are expanding into new markets and we are working alongside our farmers in every aspect.
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Mr. Speaker, we are working extremely hard to open new markets across the country and around the world. Ninety-six per cent of agriculture products are moving tariff-free across the border into the U.S. We are proud of that. We are going to stand alongside our farmers. We signed a new bilateral agreement with Indonesia and we are continuing to work hard. Next week, when a lot of people in this Hou…
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Mr. Speaker, a couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to tour the Strathcona Imperial Oil complex in Alberta. I can tell members that what it is doing out there to transform canola seed into biofuel is unprecedented. It is one company in Canada working toward reducing GHG emissions and utilizing our own canola seed to present something back to Canada, to our citizens, that is really effective i…
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Mr. Speaker, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, including the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency, does not possess the projected information requested related to Southeast Asia.
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Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, the property title is KD93041, and the parcel is identified as 011-370-963 in the Osoyoos Division Yale District, except plans H397 and 41847. In response to (b), the Penticton Shooting Sports Association, or PSSA, was formally advised through a letter in May 2024 that the lease termination date is December 31, 2025. In response to (c), this fe…
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Mr. Speaker, we have an immense responsibility to address these challenges. We are in a triangular trade war with two other countries. We are doing everything possible to keep the lines of communication open, and we will continue to do that. We are investing in farmers. We are investing in ag stability. We are investing in ag marketing. We are continuing to do everything we can. I had the opportun…
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Mr. Speaker, it has been a little over three weeks, and I am finally getting to my feet. First and foremost, I want to thank the people of Malpeque for putting me here, as well as my wife and my family. This is immensely important for us, and I will be travelling to the prairie provinces this weekend to meet with farmers to see first-hand the effect of the canola tariffs. I will say that we had th…
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Mr. Speaker, this gives me the opportunity to talk about how important farming is in this country. One in nine jobs is related to farming, and 6.75% of our GDP is related to farming. I have spoken to every first minister across the country, and one thing we have in common is that we are united in our front against these tariffs, and we will stay that way because it is going to benefit everybody.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of my good friend Allan Andrews, also known as the “Hockey Prof”. As the founder of Andrews Hockey Growth Programs Inc., Allan impacted the lives of countless athletes around the world. Generations have benefited from his wisdom both on and off the ice and through his mentoring. His innovative curriculum has been emulated across the country and be…
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Mr. Speaker, I think a day like this can bring together ideas and communication. We have a lot of things going on in the fishery across the country. Climate change, for example, is one. There are all kinds of regulated issues that we are dealing with. I think it is important to recognize this fishery. It could be a day perhaps when we can put partisan politics aside and bring out the goodness in t…
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Mr. Speaker, this is a very important issue and a very touchy issue for the fishermen, even in my riding. Some of my family fish, and I hear all about the seals all the time and the amount of fish they are eating. I did attend one of the committee meetings that the hon. member was attending. The Maritime Fishermen's Union, I believe, was at the table, and we were having this discussion. It becomes…
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moved: That, in the opinion of the House, the government should designate the first day in October every year as National Canadian Seafood Day in recognition of the significant contributions of Canada’s fish harvesters and their families from coast to coast to coast, all the processors who help deliver world-class products that are enjoyed domestically and internationally, and all those who work i…
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Mr. Speaker, this is ongoing, obviously. There are consultations taking place as we speak, and I believe there is going to be a decision forthcoming. It is important to hear both sides of the story, and we will continue to monitor it. This is something that the government of the day is digging into. I have heard about this from members from the west coast in our own party as well.
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Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what we are trying to do, to present a day when we can recognize those whom perhaps we do not get to see that often, who work so hard and tirelessly in the processing plants across the country to drive our economy and make us prosperous. It is important that we recognize them and give them a day to celebrate what they do.
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Madam Speaker, I am sitting here reading data from a School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, economist Trevor Tombe. This is not coming from the Liberal government; it is coming from an economist in the hon. member's hometown: “We find that carbon taxes increase air transport costs by about 0.9 per cent. We find that food in B.C is only 0.3 per cent more expensive as a result of carbon tax…
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Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, I was pleased to join colleagues in Halifax for an announcement on the funding for the Ronald McDonald House Charities Atlantic. Ronald McDonald House serves as a place of comfort and stability for many families across Atlantic Canada in time of need. This weekend's announcement will ensure that Ronald McDonald House Atlantic is the first net-zero house in Canada, m…
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Mr. Speaker, my question is to the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The Conservative Party continues to delay Bill C-234. I am wondering if the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Agri-Food and Agriculture can give us an update.
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Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to recognize Nick Green, a constituent of Malpeque and an island beef producer who is in Ottawa today with maritime beef producers for their annual Hill day. Last year, Nick and his operation, Kingston View Farms, earned the Maritime Beef Council's The Environmental Stewardship Award for his commitment to sustainability in agriculture. Nick is the third generation…
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Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the following two reports of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. The first is the 11th report, entitled “Bill C-26, An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts”. The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the…
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Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend congratulations to the Kensington Monaghan Farms Wild, which captured the Atlantic major under 18 men's hockey championship this past weekend in Nova Scotia. This weekend's victory by the Wild followed an impressive performance in the Island provincial championships last month and marks the latest accomplishment in their highly successful season. For the first…
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Mr. Speaker, investments in infrastructure like roads, highways and bridges are crucial for our supply chains, local economies and traditional industries, commuters and all Canadians. Last week, our government, along with the Province of Prince Edward Island, invested over $21 million to improve local roads, benefiting islanders and building on significant infrastructure investments. Could the Min…
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Mr. Speaker, this upcoming weekend, Prince Edward Island will be the proud host of the prestigious 35th annual Joe O'Brien Awards. Standardbred Canada is thrilled to be returning to P.E.I., where the famous Joe O'Brien had his start, just like many other Islanders who are finalists in several harness racing categories this year. The harness racing industry has deep roots in P.E.I. as part of our c…
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Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the tenth report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security in relation to Bill C-320, an act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House without amendment.
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Mr. Speaker, the loss of innocent lives in the Middle East as a result of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has been tragic. There is an increasingly dire need to ensure that aid gets into Gaza, where civilians are suffering. Canadians want to know how the government is helping bring relief to the region. Can the Minister of International Development please update the House and Canadia…
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Madam Speaker, I want to go back a little to when the hon. member was a minister. The deal signed at that time was the Nexen deal. It was signed by selling off Nexen to a Chinese national offshore company for over $15 billion. The deal was signed in Russia in secret by former prime minister Stephen Harper. Does the member have any comments on that?
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Madam Speaker, island farmers are at the leading edge of climate adaptation. They are strong stewards of the environment and they know first-hand the impacts a warming climate has on the future of their industry. Recently, island farmers have been working with the potato board researchers and the living lab in their studying of cover crops. Cover crops assist in retaining nitrogen and nutrients, b…
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Mr. Speaker, Canadian veterans have served and sacrificed in the name of our country, and should never be without a safe and affordable home. As a proud supporter of our veterans, I was pleased to see, last week, our government launch a new veteran homelessness program to help ensure every veteran can have a place to call home. Could the Honourable Minister of Housing, Diversity and Inclusion plea…
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Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, someone in the official opposition referred to us as rats. I think that is pretty unparliamentary.
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Mr. Speaker, as we approach the 2023 Canada Winter Games, I rise to recognize over 5,000 volunteers and organizers who have been hard at work for months and, in some cases, years. The presence of the games has been felt in P.E.I. for months now, with community torch relays and final touches being put on venues. While Mother Nature has proven difficult at times, organizers have done a great job ada…
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Mr. Speaker, for weeks now, the Conservative leader has been saying the Liberal government helped Canadians too much during the pandemic. Let me be clear. The government supports included an additional $72 billion for health care to the provinces and territories. My constituents are left to wonder: How much worse off would their hospitals and health care system have been if the leader of the Conse…
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Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honour a long-term staff person of the Malpeque team, Kim MacDonald, who recently passed away on January 15 at the young age of 52, following a courageous battle with cancer. Kim first started with the Malpeque constituency office in 2011 with then-member of Parliament Wayne Easter. I have had the pleasure of having her on my team since joining federal politics in 2021…
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Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to participate in this debate on Bill C-215, sponsored by the member for Lévis—Lotbinière. The bill is about amending the Employment Insurance Act in the areas of illness, injury and quarantine. This bill would modify existing legislation to extend EI sickness benefits from 15 weeks to 52 weeks. I want to be clear from the outset: The Minister of Employment, Workforce Dev…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Katelyn and Meghan Rogers on recently being named the 2023 Easter Seals ambassadors for Prince Edward Island. Katelyn and Meghan were born with cerebral palsy and are 10-year-old twins who attend Eliot River Elementary School in my home community of Cornwall. Their appointment is also significant as it marks the first time P.E.I. has ever had two Easter Seals…
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Mr. Speaker, for over 30 years my dad was a Lions Club member. For over 100 years, the Lions of Canada have been pillars of Canadian communities, empowering thousands of hard-working volunteers to enrich their neighbourhoods, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international co-operation. Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with past Lions council chairperson Paul Cousins from my…
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Mr. Speaker, indigenous people deserve a justice system that treats them fairly and takes into account their reality. Recently, our government made an important announcement in Manitoba addressing the overrepresentation and overincarceration of Métis people in our justice system. Can the Minister of Justice tell us more about his recent announcement concerning the Red River Métis?
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Mr. Speaker, it is one thing to mislead the House, but I wanted to ensure that the hon. member for South Surrey—White Rock did not mislead my constituents. I want my constituents to know that I love to represent them. I love our country, I love our party, and I am not going anywhere.
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Mr. Speaker, like many other Atlantic-Canadian communities, Malpeque was hit extremely hard in the province of Prince Edward Island. Jobs, livelihoods and infrastructure were destroyed. Can the Minister of Rural Economic Development tell me and the rest of Atlantic Canada how this government is going to help rebuild?
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Mr. Speaker, on September 23, hurricane Fiona made landfall as the strongest hurricane in Canadian history. The 48 hours that followed are some that Atlantic Canadians will not soon forget. Coastal communities where fishing is their primary livelihood have been devastated, with small craft harbours, fishing gear and boats destroyed. Agriculture and farming will take years to build back. In additio…
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Madam Speaker, I believe the evaluation process that this bill has to go through is broad, and it has to be inclusive. We have to get this right. This is a one-shot deal to some extent. I believe that, with all the endorsements from all sides and all parties in this House, we will get it right when it is sent to committee for its policy and regulations.
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Madam Speaker, I believe sincerely in our minister. I think she has lived the experience. I have heard her speak on Prince Edward Island to several groups pertaining to disabilities and organizations. She wears her heart on her sleeve and I appreciate everything she has done. The former hon. member for Malpeque advocated on behalf of persons with disabilities and developing programs for accessibil…
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Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague on the finance committee, and I certainly hope that we reconvene tomorrow at our first meeting. It is always concerning when there are no numbers, but I think that the bill before us today is such an important and broad bill that sending it to committee and evaluating it at that level is most appropriate. Also, dealing with the provinces on an individual ba…
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Madam Speaker, so much passion coming from all sides of the House on a very important issue is extremely nice to hear. I am pleased to rise today and participate in this important debate on Bill C-22. I listened with great care to the remarks of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion. Since her appointment in 2015 as Canada’s first-ever cabinet minister responsi…
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Mr. Speaker, the past two years have shown us the importance of reliable high-speed Internet for everything from work to school, the digital economy, connecting with loved ones and much more. The importance of rural connectivity was recently highlighted as an economic driver in the five-year economic plan outlined by the Partnership for Growth of Prince Edward Island. It is a group that represents…
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