Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, we have lost a great Canadian. Khalid Usman was a legend for his leadership in and dedication to his community. For decades, he served in countless senior roles in organizations in Markham and York region, including 14 years as a Markham councillor. A chartered accountant by profession, he was a champion of the Pakistani and Muslim communities and of interfaith and intercultural dialogue. The first time I visited a mosque, some 20 years ago, it was at Khalid's invitation. He helped raise funds in support of hospitals in Canada and Pakistan, including for the Markham Stouffville Hospital in my riding. Always greeting people with an infectious smile, he gave in so many ways. With kindness, energy, passion and good humour, he was truly larger than life. Many of my colleagues here in this House and I are honoured to have known him and sad to have lost a friend. He will be sorely missed. I give my sincere condolences to Abida, his daughters and their families, and so many friends.

Mr. Speaker, although we call them rare diseases, cumulatively they affect over 3.2 million Canadians. They are debilitating and potentially life-threatening. One Canadian family watched their healthy 14-year-old child suddenly begin suffering from severe headaches, vision problems and exhaustion. After months of uncertainty, the child was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and deadly brain cancer. Through early intervention, surgery, treatment and extraordinary courage, that child survived and today continues to inspire others facing rare diseases. Our government has committed $1.4 billion through agreements with all provinces and territories under the national strategy for drugs for rare diseases, to improve access to affordable and life-saving treatments. The Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders is calling on Parliament to strengthen the next phase of the strategy beyond 2027 by improving access to diagnostics, treatments, research and care for all Canadians living with rare diseases. No family should lose hope because help came too late.

Mr. Speaker, May is Polish Heritage Month in Canada, and Poland's May 3, 1791, constitution is one of the most important events in Poland's history. It has inspired generations of Poles hoping to keep alive aspirations for independence and democracy. Canada's first recorded Polish immigrant arrived in 1752, and since then, waves of immigration have formed Canada's Polish community, which is now a million people strong in communities from coast to coast to coast. As chair of the Canada-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Group, and with my own Polish roots, I am proud to say Canada's polish community is as strong and vibrant as ever. Poland has become Canada's close NATO ally and our largest trading partner in central and eastern Europe, and our ties continue to grow. Join us tomorrow at 9 a.m. for the Polish flag raising on Parliament Hill. Za naszą i waszą wolność, for our freedom and yours.

Mr. Speaker, this week marks World Immunization Week. Immunizations are the most effective tool against preventable diseases such as polio that have ended or changed the lives of millions of people. In Canada, it was only a few decades ago that we were finally able to eradicate polio. Since then, through the efforts of advocates and mechanisms like the global polio eradication initiative, we are on the brink of eradicating polio globally. Nations around the world are pulling back their funding, yet polio anywhere remains a threat to people everywhere. Canada has continued to be a global leader in immunization, but we still need investments like the GPEI to stop outbreaks through surveillance and to ensure polio eradication through vaccinations. This World Immunization Week, we can be proud that Canada's continued support for immunizations and the global polio eradication initiative is helping ensure that future generations can live in a world free of polio.

Mr. Speaker, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada says we are in a national silent health crisis. Cervical cancer has become the fastest rising form of cancer in Canada. Last year an estimated 1,650 Canadian women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 430 will die from the disease. Cervical cancer had been in decline for decades, but in recent years, rates have been on the rise. This is a disease that is almost entirely preventable through human papillomavirus vaccination, easily diagnosed through cervical screening and highly curable when treated early. Last July, our government released an action plan to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. During this April, Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month, Canadian women need to know that HPV vaccination and cervical screening can save lives.

Mr. Speaker, March 4 is World Obesity Day, and we should be aware of the serious situation that Canada is facing. In 1981, just 9% of Canadians lived with obesity. Now, according to a recent study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, this has risen to roughly a third of Canadians. We have one of the highest rates of obesity in the OECD. What is troubling is that obesity is a strong predictor of health complications, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver and kidney diseases and cancer. Obesity is a chronic disease that is placing enormous pressure on an already overburdened health care system, but by taking action to prevent and treat obesity, we can improve our health care systems. Personalized lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise and, when necessary, medical interventions like pharmacotherapy or bariatric surgery can all help to improve the health of Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, we recently lost a great Canadian. I first knew Alan Wells when we worked together at The Regional Municipality of York. A chartered accountant by profession, he served there with dedication for 27 years, including as commissioner of social services and finally as chief administrative officer and my boss. After his retirement, our paths crossed again when I was the member of provincial Parliament appointed to serve on the Rouge Park Alliance, of which he was chair. Under his leadership, along with our colleague the member for Wellington—Halton Hills North, we were finally able to establish the Rouge National Urban Park. Alan was a dedicated environmentalist, Blue Jays fan, fishing enthusiast, former Uxbridge town councillor, engaged supporter of the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust and so much more. His contributions will benefit our communities for generations to come. I offer my sincere condolences to Alan's family and friends, and to everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him. We will miss Alan's twinkling eyes.

Madam Speaker, Canada has what the world needs and wants: the best-educated workforce in the world, free trade agreements with every G7 country, an abundance of natural resources, and world-class innovators, entrepreneurs and exporters. Thanks to budget 2025, Canada will also have the lowest marginal effective tax rate in the G7. Unlike the members opposite, I am proud to have voted in favour of a budget that will boost productivity and attract investments. Can the parliamentary secretary remind the House exactly what those—

Mr. Speaker, today marks the fourth Young Polonia Leadership Summit, hosted in Ottawa by the Canadian Polish Congress, in collaboration with the Polish embassy and the Canada-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Group. This summit brings together over 30 young Polish-Canadian leaders from across the country who represent the future of Polonia in Canada, a community whose contributions have enriched our country for generations. As chair of the Canada-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Group, and with my own Polish roots, I am honoured to be part of it because Poland is Canada's close ally, one of the fastest-growing economies in the European Union and our largest trading partner in central and eastern Europe. Our Prime Minister and Prime Minister Tusk affirmed in August that our countries are committed to strengthening our strategic partnership. This summit supports that effort for the benefit of both Poles and Canadians now and for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, during this Women's History Month, members of this House may be surprised to know that until 1969, it was criminal in Canada for physicians to prescribe oral contraceptives for women for the purpose of contraception. However, some brave physicians who felt that every child should be a wanted child were defying this prohibition before 1969. One of them was Dr. Marion Powell. Dr. Powell established the first municipally funded birth control clinic in Canada in 1966 when she was the country's first-ever female medical officer of health. I worked with Marion in the 1970s and 1980s when she was director of the Bay Centre for Birth Control, a clinic that is still operated by the Women's College Hospital in Toronto to this day. She was my mentor, and she encouraged me to become a medical officer of health. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I wish to express my gratitude to Dr. Powell for her pioneering work in advancing women's health in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be part of a new government that has championed trade diversification since day one. We have broken down internal trade barriers within Canada, and we have signed new trade agreements with Ecuador and Indonesia. We are moving at a pace and an intensity that Canadians expect of us. Can the Minister of International Trade update the House on our government's latest action to expand and grow our trade relationship with the United Kingdom and on what it means for Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me to tell the House about a remarkable constituent of mine from Markham—Stouffville. In 2023, Adam Shah was just nine years old when he came up with the idea of organizing “Adam's ride to recovery”, a charity event to raise money for Markham Stouffville Hospital. He encouraged his family members and his friends at Wendat Village Public School to take part. Now, Adam is 11 and the “ride to recovery” has become an annual event. I was happy to be there this summer to see 150 participants on bikes and on foot. The ride is supported by the phenomenal people at the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation. Each year, the ride has raised more money than the year before, now totalling $3,185. Adam has shown an incredible example of leadership and commitment to community service at such a young age. I congratulate Adam and the “ride to recovery” team. Keep up the amazing work.

Mr. Speaker, it is a tremendous honour to rise again in the House as the member of Parliament for Markham—Stouffville. I am thankful to my wonderful campaign team and to the people of Markham—Stouffville for the privilege of serving them. Markham—Stouffville is an extraordinary place due to the contributions of countless exceptional individuals, whom I recognized earlier this year with the King's coronation medals. Congratulations to Mark Atikian, Allan Bell, Lina Bigioni, Shaowen Chen, Mike Clare, Glenn Crosby, Wayne Emmerson, Margaret Grandison, Ray McNeice, Jack Heath, Sivan Ilangko, Dr. Fareen Karachiwalla, Dr. Emilie Lam, Madge Logan, Mayor Iain Lovatt, Jo-anne Marr, Rev. Joan Masterton, Haresh Mehta, Ignacio “Mogi” Mogado, Marlene Mogado, Dr. Najmul Siddiqui, Chief Bill Snowball, Susan Tucker, Dr. Rui Wang, John Webster, Tupper Wheatley. Congratulations to them all.

Madam Speaker, Canadians deserve reliable and safe travel options. That means efficient airports that can adapt to high demand. It also includes targeted investments in regional airports, such as at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport located on the beautiful Toronto Islands. Could the Minister of Transport update this House about a recent announcement that will benefit Canadian travellers and improve connectivity?

Madam Speaker, every year, approximately 4,500 people die by suicide in Canada. That is equivalent to 12 deaths every day. The impacts of suicide extend far beyond the individual. It affects families, friends and communities. Canadians need timely access to suicide prevention supports, no matter where they live. Can the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions tell the House how we are working with all partners to strengthen our suicide prevention framework?

Mr. Speaker, the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care provides high-quality and culturally appropriate services to enable seniors of different backgrounds and needs to live their lives to the fullest. Recently, a very special person, the former CEO of Yee Hong, Florence Wong, passed away. Arriving in Canada in 1987 from Hong Kong, Florence discovered her executive experience was not valued here, but that did not deter her. Hired by Yee Hong in 1994, she led the expansion from one site to a network of long-term care centres and support services across the GTA, including one in my riding of Markham—Stouffville. I sat on their board for a number of years and feel part of the Yee Hong extended family. As Yee Hong's founder, Dr. Joseph Wong, said, “[H]er impact on the senior-care sector [was] unmatched”. I was always impressed by her hard work, resilience and positive attitude. I give my sincere condolences to her family and all her many friends.

Mr. Speaker, our government has made it clear that dental care coverage is a priority, but in this House last week the Conservatives were the only party to vote against funding for the Canada dental care plan. Instead, the Conservatives want Canadians to pay for their care out of pocket. Today, the Minister of Health announced the next steps of our work to provide a historic dental care program in this country. Can he tell Canadians what this means for them?

Madam Speaker, on September 19, Bill C-354, an act to amend the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act regarding the cultural specificity of Quebec and the Francophonie was tabled and read for the first time. From the outset, I would like to thank the member for La Pointe-de-l'Île for giving me the opportunity to reiterate our government's commitment to supporting the French language. Bill C-354 aims to amend the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act, and this is closely tied to the government's ongoing work to ensure a broadcasting system in Canada that reflects the evolution of our digital world and in which all Canadians, including Quebeckers and members of the Canadian Francophonie, see themselves represented. In fact, closely linked is an understatement. The government's efforts have already been going very much in the same direction as the objective of this bill. On February 2, 2022, our government introduced Bill C-11, aimed at reforming the Broadcasting Act so that Canadian laws reflect the evolution of our digital world. The latter aimed to clarify that online broadcasting services fall under the act, to ensure that the CRTC has the appropriate tools, to encourage greater diversity and inclusion in the broadcasting sector and to better reflect Canadian society. The legislative process surrounding Bill C-11 took a very long time. Indeed, one year to the day passed between the initial tabling of the bill in the House and its adoption at third reading by the Senate. Both the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage and the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications spent many hours dissecting, analyzing, hearing from witnesses and refining Bill C-11. During the same legislative process, several modifications were made to Bill C-11 to strengthen the commitment to the French language and official language minority communities. The Broadcasting Act, as recently amended, put in place new guarantees to ensure continued support for the production and broadcast of original French-language productions, the majority of which are produced in the province of Quebec. What is more, the CRTC is required to interpret the Broadcasting Act in a manner that respects the Government of Canada's commitment to promoting the vitality of Canada's French-speaking and English-speaking minorities and supporting their development. Added to this is the fact that the act provides that regulations must take into account regional concerns and needs. It should also be noted that the government is already actively consulting the provinces and territories, particularly when it comes to broadcasting. At each stage of the process surrounding the implementation of the Online Streaming Act, the provinces and territories were consulted. In particular, the government consulted its provincial and territorial counterparts as part of the consultations related to the decree of instructions proposed to the CRTC concerning the implementation of the law. The final decree also contains various instructions to support the official languages of Canada and official language minority communities. The decree recognizes, among other things, the minority nature of the French language in Canada and North America and the fact that the broadcasting system should promote the development of Canada's official language minority communities and promote full recognition and use of French and English in Canadian society. A section was even added to the final version of the decree to support the creation and availability of programming in French. In addition, for its part, the CRTC has published a road map describing the main stages of the implementation of the act and is already actively consulting the public. It should be noted that as an administrative tribunal, the CRTC already holds in-depth consultations before making decisions under the rules of practice and procedure that it adopted in order to respect the principles of procedural fairness and of natural justice incumbent upon it. Provinces and territories have the opportunity to participate in CRTC consultations. To this end, the provinces and territories, including Quebec, can already present observations to the CRTC on issues of provincial interest during hearings and consultations. It is important to specify that the Government of Quebec has the right and already uses its right to intervene in the CRTC's consultative processes. The Broadcasting Act provides for three forms of consultation, depending on the decisions it is considering. They are, in no particular order, one, with official language minority communities on any decision likely to have a detrimental effect on them; two, with CBC/Radio-Canada on its conditions of services; and three, with any interested party for decisions regarding conditions of services. The latter is an open consultation, where provinces and territories and, in fact, any interested intervenor can put forward their opinions and concerns. In other words, the addition of the consultation obligation provided for by Bill C-354 could raise concerns that are being addressed in the course of the work of the CRTC and under the requirements of the Broadcasting Act. An obligation for the CRTC to consult elected provincial governments could also have an impact on public confidence and the independence of the CRTC. It is important that we are all mindful of not just the independence of the CRTC but the importance of that independence. As outlined, “The CRTC is an administrative tribunal that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in the public interest. [It is] dedicated to ensuring that Canadians have access to a world-class communication system that promotes innovation and enriches [the] lives [of Canadians].” Further to this, under the section of the CRTC's own website entitled “We listen and collaborate”, it states that, in order to “fulfill [its] mandate, [it] must understand the needs and interests of Canadians who make use of broadcasting and telecommunications services.” In conclusion, the government supports and will continue to support the French language. The Online Streaming Act and the act to amend the Official Languages Act are concrete examples of our commitment to the French language. Once more, the government regularly consults the provinces and territories, including Quebec. The minister has consulted her counterparts on numerous occasions when it comes to regulating the broadcasting sector. The government will welcome any questions from members regarding Bill C-354 as the debate on this legislation continues.

Mr. Speaker, last year, the UN's Secretary-General wrote, “Violence against women and girls is the most pervasive human rights violation in the world.” Here in Canada, 184 women and girls were violently killed last year, and our government is taking action. In 2017, we launched our whole-of-government strategy to end gender-based violence. We are working with provinces and territories by supporting crisis hotlines in every jurisdiction, and we are funding over 1,400 women's shelters and sexual assault centres. Local organizations in York region and across the country are making a difference, including the 20-plus agencies that are part of York Region's Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee. I would like to salute all those working in this field in York region, including the early pioneers: Yellow Brick House, Sandgate and Belinda's Place. We know that girls and women cannot reach their full potential if they are not safe. Working together, we can help bring about positive change in Canada and around the world.

Mr. Speaker, across Canada, there are phenomenal organizations advocating for and supporting people with disabilities. A great example in the developmental sector is Christian Horizons. Since 1965, it has helped people with disabilities accomplish their goals. I became familiar with its work as Ontario's minister of community and social services and met its CEO, Janet Noel-Annable. It recently changed its name to Karis Disability Services. This new name will help people know everyone belongs. Karis is one of many exceptional organizations in Canada's developmental sector making a difference in people's lives. For decades, the sector has been advocating for a disability benefit to provide people with disabilities with greater financial security. Our government took action. In June, the Canada Disability Benefit Act received royal assent. We are working with the sector to co-design the benefit, and I am hopeful it will make an important difference in the communities these extraordinary organizations serve.

Mr. Speaker, our government's New Horizons for Seniors program provides funding for projects that make a difference in the lives of seniors and their communities. Last year, the Street Art Seniors of Stouffville, also known as SASS, received support from the New Horizons for Seniors grant. SASS is exactly the kind of initiative New Horizons for Seniors was created to support. It provides seniors with an opportunity to express themselves, supports their inclusion in the community, and addresses social isolation and ageism. A few weeks ago, Street Art Seniors of Stouffville received a community impact award for elevating the spirit and quality of life in the community. It is a wonderful example of the incredible talent and innovative initiatives happening in Stouffville. My thanks to Margaret Wallace, Jennifer Onlock and the team at the Latcham Art Centre for their leadership and hard work. My thanks go as well to the seniors who took part and everyone who helped make this project a reality.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a great Canadian, the Hon. Hugh Segal. A Conservative senator, who ran for the leadership of the PC Party of Canada, he was chief of staff to former Ontario premier Bill Davis and former prime minister of Canada, Brian Mulroney. Committed to Canadians and the common good, Hugh was an author, a columnist, on the faculty of the Queen's School of Policy Studies, principal at Massey College and president of the Institute for Research on Public Policy. Known for his generous conservativism and a champion of basic income, I came to know Hugh when I was Ontario's minister of community and social services, when I had the privilege of working with him on our basic income pilot, and we made it a reality. When the pilot was cancelled by the Ford government, Hugh remained positive, saying, “two steps forward, one step back.” To his widow Donna and daughter Jacqueline, who are with us here today, may his life's work inspire Canadians and may his memory be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, I as a physician, with my colleague, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, know first-hand the harm caused by opioid addiction. While the leader of the official opposition continues to oppose safe supply, our government is focused on saving lives and improving our policies to better serve Canadians. For Public Services and Procurement Canada, that means working to improve Canada's integrity regime brought in by the previous government so that we can better safeguard procurement policies and practices.

Madam Speaker, as the member opposite knows very well, Canada Post is a crown corporation at arm's length from government. However, of course, ongoing discussions do occur between me and the chair of the board at Canada Post. As is the case with many other postal carriers around the world, Canada Post is evolving to meet changing customer needs and expectations. There is a top priority in keeping its employees in the communities that it serves, and it will continue to serve Canadians with the service they can rely on.

Madam Speaker, I suppose I need to reiterate that Canada Post is a crown agency at arm's length from government. However, we do work together to always ensure that the corporation provides the high-quality service that Canadians expect, at a reasonable price, and that reaches Canadians across the country. We will continue to work with Canada Post to ensure that the corporation continues to meet the evolving needs of Canadians, including changes brought on by the pandemic.

Mr. Speaker, Public Services and Procurement Canada is always committed to an open, fair and transparent procurement process while also obtaining the best value for Canadian taxpayers. In the case that the member opposite has alluded to, we also have an integrity regime that we consult regularly. It is clear in that integrity regime that civil litigation is not a ground for suspension or departure from the existing integrity regime, which was actually put in place by the previous government.

Mr. Speaker, as I explained to the government operations committee yesterday, there has been absolutely no political interference in the award of contracts to McKinsey. We are, of course, looking very carefully to ensure that all processes, rules and policies have been followed by the department, by PSPC. I know that my colleague, the President of the Treasury Board, will also be examining the policies in that department as well.

Mr. Speaker, as I said yesterday, we are committed to ensuring that government contracts stand up to the highest standards. We ensure value for money. We ensure quality of services for Canadians. We only contract and procure professional services to complement our professional public services when there are unexpected workload fluctuations and when there is a need for specific expertise. Of course, I will elaborate further when I attend the committee next week.

Mr. Speaker, the procurement of professional services is used to complement the work of Canada's professional public service by meeting unexpected fluctuations in workload and to acquire special expertise. We are committed to ensuring that government contracts stand up to the highest standards. The Prime Minister has asked the President of the Treasury Board and me to conduct a review, take a close look at the numbers and look into the circumstances, and we are doing just that.

Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the House that Public Services and Procurement Canada takes its role as the central purchasing department very seriously. We ensure value for money and quality of services for Canadians. Minister Fortier's focus will rest on the policy, while I focus on the circumstances of the contracts. I will be testifying, alongside my officials, at the government operations committee to give more thorough and complete answers.

Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the House yet again that procurement contracts must adhere to Treasury Board policies and directives, which are intended to ensure that contracts are awarded in a fair, open and transparent manner. Given the volume of government procurement, controls are in place at various levels based on contract value, risk and complexity. Following recent concerns about contracts provided to McKinsey, we are undertaking a full review of all procurements with this company. Details are still being finalized but the intent will be to verify if these procurements were conducted in accordance with Treasury Board policies and directives.

Mr. Speaker, as the Prime Minister made very clear today, and the Minister of Public Safety and I yesterday, we also share these concerns around this contract that the RCMP had with Sinclair Technologies. The member will have heard that contract has been suspended. As the central purchasing agent for the Government of Canada, Public Services and Procurement will look very closely at this. I have instructed my officials to examine this issue. We are going to look at our procedures and our processes with the greatest intensity to ensure our security of our infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, we are aware of the concerns surrounding the RCMP contract with Sinclair Technologies, and our government is reviewing them. Public Services and Procurement Canada has a strong track record in managing the procurement of more than $20 billion in goods and services every year according to the requirements set by the client department. We will be taking all the necessary steps to ensure the integrity of our infrastructure.

Madam Speaker, I think most of us in the House know that the Phoenix system has been very frustrating for our employees, and we are working very hard so that those employees are paid accurately and on time. We recognize the stress and hardship it has had on employees and their families, and we are committed to making it right. We prioritize cases that can have a large impact on the employee's pay. We have made significant steps to help stabilize the Phoenix pay system, and we continue to work with all stakeholders, including unions and employment—

Mr. Speaker, transparency and accountability are critically important to our government. The rental agreement was negotiated based on a fair market value to arrive at a competitive price. Disclosing confidential contractual information would violate the agreement we have with the supplier. We will continue to work with the departments and agencies to meet their needs through fair and open contracts.

Mr. Speaker, transparency and accountability are critically important to our government. The rental agreement was negotiated based on fair market value to arrive at a competitive price. Given the location of the land and its proximity to the border, this was an ideal location for CBSA to use for this purpose. Our government is delivering open, fair and transparent procurement processes, while obtaining the best value for Canadians.