Routine Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the following two reports from the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights: the 20th report, in relation to the motion adopted on Thursday, February 8 regarding the hate and violence directed toward the 2SLGBTQI+ community, and the 21st report, regarding the proposals for the 2023 corrective act.
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Mr. Speaker, today I wish all Maronites around the world happy Saint Maroun Feast Day. I also acknowledge World Interfaith Harmony Week, which spreads the message of unity and goodwill in the world's churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship. I am blessed to represent a riding with incredible diversity, and I cherish the close connections I have with our many different fai…
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Mr. Speaker, I too would like to congratulate my colleague for her very nice speech, even if it was in English. I will mention that I have sat on the Standing Committee on Science and Research since its inception. We have studied this tremendously. However, she said something that really struck a chord with me. She said that the more non-French-speaking people can recognize that this is an issue f…
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Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 19th report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in relation to Bill C-40, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, to make consequential amendments to other Acts and to repeal a regulation (miscarriage of justice reviews). The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House wi…
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Mr. Speaker, tourism is an economic anchor in Nova Scotia, and in Halifax the sector is recovering faster from COVID than expected. This is not surprising, perhaps, as we were the only Canadian city on Forbes' top 24 places to visit in 2024 list. People want to visit us, and now, with the grand opening of the very first Marriott brand Moxy hotel in Canada, they are going to have a fabulous new opt…
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Madam Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to speak again on housing. Listen, since I have become a member of Parliament, not even two and a half years ago in September 2021, I can say that the work I have seen that this government has done on the ground in Halifax West and in the Halifax Regional Municipality has been unprecedented. People need to go to that area and see all the cranes, all the …
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Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague with whom I serve on the Standing Committee on Science and Research. We work together in a very collegial way. I agree that Canada needs more housing. That is the truth. In that regard, the government is doing excellent work across the country to build more housing more quickly. I am seeing that every day where I live these days.
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Madam Speaker, that is an important question. The cost of housing is top of mind for the residents in Halifax West, for renters, mortgage holders, prospective first-time buyers and of course the first nations community. In fact, I was proud to be part of an announcement in Hammonds Plains to announce the building of the Acadia First Nation indigenous shelter for women, specifically in the Hammonds…
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Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak to Bill C-59, the fall economic statement implementation act, 2023. This legislation, which would deliver on key measures from our fall economic statement, would advance our plan to make life more affordable, build more homes faster and develop a cleaner economy that works for everyone. This is the next step in our economic plan that, since 2015, …
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Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the MP for Dufferin—Caledon applauded the housing minister for moving quickly on his file. He said that there were new programs, new initiatives and new plans, despite the fact his own leader has obstructed every measure we brought forward to support Canadians. Can the Prime Minister stand in support of the MP for Dufferin—Caledon and update Canadians on what new housing pr…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice the concerns of constituents of Halifax West who have written to me about the heartbreaking humanitarian situation in the Middle East. Some of them have close family members, like parents, brothers, sisters and grandparents, who are trapped in Gaza. I have spoken about this with the Minister of Immigration, and I want to echo the voices of my constituents who say that …
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Mr. Speaker, our women entrepreneurship strategy is reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape in Canada. With $7 billion in investments spanning over 20 federal departments, the program is not just a gesture; it is a resounding declaration that we recognize the untapped potential of women entrepreneurs. In my community of Halifax West, funding empowers the Centre for Women in Business to continue it…
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Mr. Speaker, I have been waiting all night. I request a recorded vote. Before the Clerk announced the results of the vote:
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Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise for the social sciences and humanities to request a recorded vote.
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Madam Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, two reports from the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. The first is the 17th report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in relation to Bill C-321, an act to amend the Criminal Code, assaults against health care professionals and first responders. The committee has studied the bill and has decid…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Hon. Arthur J. LeBlanc on his successful term as the 33rd Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Appointed to the post in 2017, he is the first Acadian to represent the Crown in the province, and the first francophone since 1713. His Honour practised law for more than 30 years, specializing in civil matters. Among his many notable distinctions, I would li…
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Madam Speaker, when Canadians needed support during the pandemic, community groups and charities stepped up to provide crucial assistance. Now many are having difficulty generating revenue, managing increased costs and demand for services, and attracting and retaining paid staff and volunteers. Can the parliamentary secretary update the House on what is being done to support these organizations?
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Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Maskwa Aquatic Club, which in September won the national Sprint Canoe Kayak Championships for the third time and the Canadian masters championship for the first time in the club's history. Also, at nationals, every Maskwa para-athlete finished on the podium. This national success came on top of Maskwa athletes winning Atlantic championships in every …
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Mr. Speaker, our government continues to support Canadians during this ongoing period of inflation, where some prices remain too high. Yesterday, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change talked about some new measures that are set out in the fall economic statement that will help more Canadians put a roof over their heads, while helping them reduce their home energy costs. Can the minister t…
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Mr. Speaker, today marks a historic occasion as we proudly raise the Lebanese flag on Parliament Hill for the first time, marking the inaugural Lebanese Heritage Month in Canada. [Member spoke in Arabic] [English] This momentous event holds even greater significance, as it coincides with Lebanon's 80th Independence Day. Every November, we encourage all Canadians to join us in celebrating Lebanese …
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Mr. Speaker, November 1 marks the beginning of our first national Lebanese Heritage Month in Canada. I am proud to mark this special occasion alongside my friends, my constituents and all Canadians. I encourage my colleagues to take this weekend to connect with their local Lebanese community. I encourage people to find events near them and carve out some time to attend. In my corner of the country…
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Mr. Speaker, many Canadians across the country are worried about their future. Groceries are more expensive, so are housing and basic amenities. Many students and recent graduates are among those who are worried. They are just starting out in life, facing these uncertain and inflationary times without much in terms of savings to fall back on. Can the minister tell us what meaningful steps our gove…
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Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 16th report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. It is in relation to Bill S-12, an act to amend the Criminal Code, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the International Transfer of Offenders Act. The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House with ame…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Alliance Française Halifax on its 120th anniversary. This organization has been promoting the French language and culture, including Acadian culture, since 1903. Thirty years ago this year, I began working with people in this organization and we have been working together ever since. Their hard work has led to a stronger economy, better public services and…
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Mr. Speaker, on October 18, we celebrate the courage of the Famous Five, trail-blazing women who, in 1929, succeeded in the challenge to the Supreme Court, when they referred the matter to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, thus leading to the historic decision that, yes, women were indeed persons and could become senators. The new definition was then adopted by many countries, that the …
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Mr. Speaker, I rise to praise a life well lived and loved and pay tribute to my godfather, Anthony Wadih Metlege, a great man with an unshakable commitment to our family. Born in Diman and immigrating to Halifax through Pier 21, he was an entrepreneur, a storyteller, and a loving husband, father and grandfather. From my youngest years, I looked up to Uncle Tony. Our families lived together at seve…
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Mr. Speaker, this is what I know. When the bill was announced, I was in the foyer and partook in the announcement. I also know that the minister from Nova Scotia was at the announcement and represented Nova Scotia's interests. I know Nova Scotia is on board with this. I have also had the opportunity to speak to chiefs from my province from the indigenous communities, and they are on board with thi…
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Mr. Speaker, I have the same passion that my colleague from Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook has, except I also have my own Lebanese and Arabic kind, which I am not going to go through here. I believe the environment and the economy work together, and I believe this is a good piece of legislation for Nova Scotians and for Newfoundland and Labrador. It is one that has been built on. When it is passed,…
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Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise in the House to say a few words on behalf of the people in my riding, Halifax West. Bill C-49 would modernizes the mandates of the offshore boards, including Nova Scotia's, to unlock the full potential of offshore renewable energy. Just two years ago, the Nova Scotia government announced its intention to stop using coal to generate electricity by the year 203…
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Mr. Speaker, that is a good question. Before this bill was introduced, we worked for months with Nova Scotia, with Newfoundland and Labrador and with other stakeholders. I am confident that we will be able to work together to improve the bill in committee.
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Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise, particularly as the only female member of Parliament from Nova Scotia, to raise awareness of the distinct health needs of women and advocate for improving access to services. Today I want to highlight the Orchid Gala, which was organized to support the creation of the Deanne Reeve Pelvic Health Suite at the Dartmouth General. Deanne Reeve lost her life to a …
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Mr. Speaker, yesterday was National Sickle Cell Awareness Day. Sickle cell disease is a debilitating, inherited blood disease that causes those impacted to suffer from chronic pain, fatigue, social rejection and discrimination. Thousands of Canadians suffer from it, and support and treatment options have not improved for decades. Research and increasing awareness are critical. Last week I attended…
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Mr. Speaker, this is very emotional. To be frank, what I will say is this: I think I speak for all the Lebanese in this country but also for those in Lebanon. This is like being nominated for the biggest Oscar possible, and going and receiving that trophy or award. I just feel like I want to stand here, thank my God, my family, community and everybody. Honestly, I want to thank everyone from the H…
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Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with my colleague and across all party lines to ensure that all people of Lebanese heritage in this country see themselves not only in this Parliament but also in all fields in all the life of this country.
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moved that Bill S-246, An Act respecting Lebanese Heritage Month, be read the second time and referred to a committee. Mr. Speaker, it is always a privilege to speak on behalf of the people of Halifax West. Today, as a proud Lebanese Canadian, I am honoured to speak on Bill S-246, which would designate the month of November as Lebanese heritage month across Canada. First I want to thank Senator Ja…
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Mr. Speaker, my thanks to all colleagues in the House.
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Mr. Speaker, last week I was supposed to lead off in the debate on Bill S-246, which seeks to designate November as Lebanese heritage month in Canada. Unfortunately, that did not happen. I would like to point out the importance of this bill for Quebec in particular, because I am giving my speech today in French. According to Statistics Canada, Quebec's Lebanese community accounts for more than a t…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House to raise a point of order for the first time. I was scheduled to speak to my private member's bill tonight. It is a bill that I believe everybody in the House favours, and it is to declare November as Lebanese heritage month. I would like to second the motion from the member for New Westminster—Burnaby to investigate these ridiculous tactics, which are wasting reso…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the achievement of my predecessor and yours, the Hon. Geoff Regan. I first met Geoff in 1990 when I was articling and he was a practising lawyer. We stayed in touch and our paths have crossed often. For 27 years, Geoff was an honest and dedicated representative for the people of Halifax West. He served in a number of parliamentary capacities, including as Min…
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Mr. Speaker, Upper Hammonds Plains and Upper Tantallon have been rocked by ongoing wildfires, which have impacted thousands of residents of Halifax West. I would like to thank all the first responders and firefighters who have been battling the blaze. My heart goes out to the families who have lost homes, and to those evacuated. I have spoken with so many who have been affected. I am grateful that…
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Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, thousands of Nova Scotians had to flee their homes as wildfires spread across the province. One fire is ongoing and still not under control in the Upper Tantallon and Hammonds Plains areas of my riding of Halifax West. People's homes have been put at risk in the blink of an eye. The situation is so serious that Halifax regional municipality has declared a state of lo…
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Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the students at our Canadian post-secondary institutions on their convocations, including those at Dalhousie in Halifax. In particular, I want to recognize my daughter, Monica, who is receiving her doctorate in philosophy, a Ph.D., in chemical engineering, specializing in fire dynamics. As a member of the Standing Committee on Science and Research, I know the …
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Mr. Speaker, the season for handing out diplomas has come. I applaud the hard work of the students graduating from our post-secondary institutions, including Saint Mary's University in Halifax. My daughter Marena is one of them, as she is about to receive her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology and a minor in French. I also applaud the dedication of the faculty and staff who guide o…
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Mr. Speaker, in my riding of Halifax West, we know that search and rescue capabilities are critical to those in our fishing industry and tourism, and for the safety of Atlantic Canadians. Canadians need to know that no matter where they are, the Canadian Armed Forces will always answer the call. Could the Minister of National Defence please provide an update on the Cormorant helicopter fleet annou…
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Mr. Speaker, dating back to 1873, 150 years ago, Mount Saint Vincent University was one of the few institutions of higher education for women and girls in Canada at a time when women could not vote. Today the institution prioritizes access and impact for all underserviced groups. That is why I am proud to see that the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry award the Mount with one of this ye…
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Mr. Speaker, our official language minority communities are facing multiple challenges. As a proud former provincial minister of Acadian affairs and francophonie, I am well aware of what community organizations need in order to address labour shortages, educational requirements, and so much more. I was pleased to attend this morning's announcement regarding the new action plan for official languag…
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Mr. Speaker, this week is National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week in Canada. It is a moment to start critical conversations with our families and communities about the importance of organ donation. It is hard to capture how life-changing and life-saving organ donors can be. We know we need more Canadians to step up as donors and that means we must sometimes have difficult conversations w…
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moved that Bill S-246, An Act respecting Lebanese heritage month, be read the first time. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honour for me today to officially sponsor Bill S-246 on behalf of the people of Halifax West, all Lebanese Canadians and all Lebanese. It has been an immense privilege to work closely with Senator Jane Cordy on this piece of legislation, which complements the Lebanese heritage month…
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Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak to the report entitled “Development and Support of the Aerospace Industry”, which was tabled in the House of Commons on June 16, 2022. Let me first say that I very much value the aerospace industry. The industry is critical to Canada. Before I continue, I will be sharing my time with the member for Lac-Saint-Louis. As I was saying, I value the aerospace industr…
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Madam Speaker, I absolutely agree. Any time we can invest in anything that we can grow locally, we should be doing so. I am definitely for everything local that we can do. It is better for our people, our communities and our country.
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