Jean Yip

Mr. Speaker, September is a season of new beginnings, new classes, new teachers and new opportunities. For many families in Scarborough—Agincourt, it is also a time to come together and celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Celebrated by Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese and other Asian communities around the world, the festival is a time for family, friendship and reunion. Here in Scarborough—Agincourt, families will gather to share mooncakes, admire colourful lanterns and enjoy time together under the full moon. As students begin a new school year, I wish them every success in the year ahead. To everyone celebrating, I wish them and their families a joyful and peaceful Mid-Autumn Festival. [Member spoke in Cantonese and Mandarin] [English]

Mr. Speaker, known worldwide for its talent and creativity, Canada's cultural industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs nationally and drives economic growth. In 2023, China was Canada's fourth-largest creative export market. During the Prime Minister's visit to Beijing in January, Canada and China committed to advancing further opportunities for cultural exchanges and partnerships. Can the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages please update the House about his recent trip to China?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a historic milestone in my riding of Scarborough—Agincourt. Earlier this week, the Sri Varasiththi Vinaayagar Hindu Temple celebrated the consecration of the first traditional black granite Hindu temple of its kind in Canada. Built according to ancient south Indian traditions, it has been hand-carved by skilled artisans for over five years, with each granite stone carefully shaped and assembled here in Canada. Made possible through the generosity and dedication of its community, this project is a spiritual home for thousands and a lasting contribution to Canada's multicultural fabric. I give my heartfelt congratulations to all those whose vision and devotion made it possible. This remarkable temple will stand for generations as a beacon of unity, culture and faith.

Mr. Speaker, older Canadians are some of the most engaged members of the Scarborough—Agincourt community. Whether advocating on affordability issues, volunteering their time or sharing their wisdom, seniors in my community are always there to strengthen the neighbourhood. Could the Secretary of State for Seniors tell the House how the federal government is helping seniors across Canada with the rising cost of living while also promoting initiatives that keep older Canadians active, connected and thriving in their communities?

Mr. Speaker, the YMCA of Greater Toronto is grounded in six core values: inclusiveness, integrity, kindness, optimism, respect and well-being. Once in a lifetime, we may encounter someone who truly lives and breathes these ideals. Medhat Sabet Mahdy, the former president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Toronto, was one of those rare individuals. Earlier this month, sadly, he passed away. He was an inspiring community builder who was named to the Order of Canada in recognition of his more than 50 years serving the YMCA, which he transformed into a place for social infrastructure and health equity. He championed causes like combatting anti-Black racism and youth homelessness and expanding child care centres. His impact on Scarborough—Agincourt is ongoing through his work on the Bridletowne Neighbourhood Centre, a project that, when completed, will serve as a physical embodiment of his vision, compassion and unwavering commitment. Medhat's life's work will continue to resonate for generations to come. Smile on.