Mona Fortier

Mr. Speaker, glory to my fair flag, the flag of Ontario's francophones. Today, we are celebrating the 51st anniversary of our beautiful Franco-Ontarian flag, which was recognized 25 years ago by the Ontario legislature as our official emblem. The flag remains a powerful and unifying symbol of the Franco-Ontarian community. As a proud Franco-Ontarian, I want to pay tribute to all the francophones and francophiles who contribute to enriching our culture and promoting our identity. Preserving our heritage, making our voices heard and asserting our place within Ontario society remain collective responsibilities. Today is a day to celebrate our community's vitality with confidence and determination, while looking ahead to tomorrow. To put the focus where it belongs, we need to stand up and celebrate. Long live the Franco-Ontarian community, long live the francophonie and happy Franco-Ontarian Day.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure you are one who appreciates a great shawarma. On June 7, the second edition of the shawarma festival was held in my riding in the Byward Market. More than 20,000 people attended. It was a massive success and a very tasty one. A major highlight was the successful attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest shawarma wrap in the world, which reached an impressive length of 373.53 metres. Imagine that. This remarkable effort resulted in a total of 2,451 sandwiches that were donated to the Shepherds of Good Hope. What is more, I had the privilege of serving as a judge to crown the best shawarma in Ottawa. After tasting nine shawarmas, Boustan took first prize, with 3 Brothers and Shawarma Palace coming in second and third, respectively. I want to thank Moe Mosalam and the Giza Entertainment team for hosting an incredible event. This is proof that when our community comes together, we do not just break records. We build a stronger, more caring city for everyone.

Mr. Speaker, I have some good news for the national capital region and eastern Ontario. Collège La Cité has received an investment of over $1.6 million to improve access to oral health care. This funding will be used to establish a mobile dental clinic providing services directly in our communities, including services for seniors and children, to reduce barriers to care. Each outreach visit will be staffed with two dental technologists and two to four students, for whom this initiative will provide a valuable, hands-on internship experience. The Collège La Cité clinic will also get a treatment room adapted for neurodivergent young people or those with other special needs. Through this initiative, families will be able to get care close to home in a welcoming, inclusive environment adapted to their needs. The investment shows the engagement of the Government of Canada to make health care more accessible and equitable for all. That is how we are building Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, let me be clear, Canada and the United States share the goal of keeping goods produced through forced labour out of our supply chains. Canada already has strong protections in place, and we will take further action to strengthen them through new legislation. We will continue to work closely with our partners to uphold high labour standards and ensure fair rules-based trade.

Mr. Speaker, Canada has been taking concrete action to combat forced labour through the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, which the Liberal government passed in 2024. Under this act, government institutions and businesses must report on the risks of forced and child labour in their supply chains, and outline the steps they are taking to address them. This is about increasing transparency, strengthening accountability and ensuring Canadian supply chains reflect Canadian values.

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to share the fact that Canada is taking concrete steps to support a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. We have joined forces with Australia and the United Kingdom to establish a new International Peace Fund. Canada will contribute $2 million over three years alongside its partners, and the funding will be provided to recognized and trusted civil society organizations. This initiative demonstrates our firm commitment to a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side.

Mr. Speaker, Canada has some of the most rigorous forced labour laws in the world, and we have been clear that we condemn forced labour everywhere it exists. Every good that enters the country is subject to rigorous import controls and screening. For example, Canada's new government is—

Mr. Speaker, as I was saying, Canada's new government is hiring 1,000 new CBSA officers and investing over $670 million in the CBSA to keep our borders secure. We will continue to protect Canada's interests while upholding labour standards for all workers.

Mr. Speaker, let me be clear. Canada and the United States share the goal of keeping goods produced through forced labour out of our supply chains. Canada, right now, already has strong protections in place. We will take further action to strengthen them through new legislation. We will continue working closely with our partners to uphold high labour standards and ensure fair, rules-based trade.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the tabling of a white paper by the Réseau d'enseignement francophone à distance, or REFAD, on inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in distance education. This document is the product of a collective effort. It highlights concrete issues facing francophone learners and institutions, especially in a minority context. In today's digital age, we have to ensure that no one is left behind. This white paper contains practical recommendations for building a more inclusive, equitable and accessible education system for all of Canada's francophones. I congratulate REFAD, its partners and the working group for their efforts and contributions to this analysis of a topic of vital importance to Canada's francophonie. Through these initiatives and the Government of Canada's commitment to official languages and accessibility, we are building a more inclusive Canada where everyone has full access to learning opportunities, regardless of their circumstances or background.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to pay tribute to Gérard Lévesque, who passed away recently. He was a committed Franco-Ontarian and active member of the community in my riding of Etobicoke—Lakeshore. Gérard dedicated his life to defending and promoting Ontario's francophone community. As a seasoned lawyer, he was a strong advocate for access to justice in French and for French-language education in Ontario. We owe him a debt of gratitude. Gérard was a man of courage and conviction who never hesitated to take decisive action to advance language rights. His commitment has had a real and lasting impact on our community. I had the privilege of working with him, and he really believed in advancing the cause of the francophonie. Beyond his career, Gérard also was a brilliant writer whose words inspired reflection and dialogue. Today, we deeply feel his absence, but his legacy remains very much alive. It will continue to inspire future generations. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, his friends and the entire community. We thank Gérard for everything he did.

Mr. Speaker, it is tax season time, and this weekend we are once again supporting families in Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester through our free tax clinic, by helping them complete their income tax returns. This is an opportunity to support people who need some help filing their tax returns, because filing a return is essential for accessing important benefits like the Canadian dental care plan, the Canada child benefit, the Canada groceries and essentials benefit and the GST/HST credit, to help with the cost of living. I thank Lucille Collard, MPP for Ottawa—Vanier; our teams; and all the volunteers for their time and commitment during the four tax clinics that were held this month. Thanks to them, we are making it easier to access essential programs to improve quality of life. Through this collective effort, we have helped over 160 families. Together, we are making a real difference for our community.

Mr. Speaker, Canada does not support Iran for positions of influence in the United Nations. Iran was nominated to the UN Committee for Programme and Coordination by acclamation. As the position was uncontested, there was no opportunity for a vote. The vote to elect nominated candidates will take place in the UN General Assembly in November. Canada works closely with partners to actively counter Iran's candidacies in UN bodies and will continue to do so on all occasions.

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has been very clear. We are currently supporting and making sure that civilians and civilian infrastructure are protected and that international law is respected, and we will stand for the safety and security of Canadians wherever they may be around the world. We will continue to monitor the efforts that are being made in Iran.

Mr. Speaker, Canada is deeply concerned by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is threatening global energy security and economic stability. As we have emphasized, Canada's focus is on ensuring the safe and unimpeded flow of energy and commerce in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. We urge all parties to de-escalate the conflict, and we will continue to work alongside our G7 and like-minded allies to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open and secure.

Mr. Speaker, I am truly honoured to rise in the House to recognize the remarkable career of Saint‑Phard Désir. Mr. Désir served for 14 years as the executive director of the Centre d'établissement, de soutien et d'orientation communautaire, the CESOC. As he embarks on his well-deserved retirement, he leaves behind a legacy deeply rooted in service, engagement and compassion. Under his leadership, the CESOC experienced significant growth, expanded its services and strengthened its vital role in supporting thousands of francophone newcomer families in the area. Thanks to his vision, unifying leadership and integrity, Mr. Désir transformed complex challenges into opportunities to build a more inclusive, more united and stronger society. Saint-Phard Désir's departure marks the end of an era, but his legacy remains indelible. On behalf of our community, we wish to express our deep gratitude for his exceptional dedication and invaluable contributions. We welcome the new director, Ms. Jephtée, and I reaffirm my commitment and willingness to collaborate with her in her new role.

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister was clear. First of all, Canada was not consulted, did not participate, and has no plans to participate in the offensive actions against Iran. We support efforts to end Iran's nuclear program and decades of state-sponsored terrorism. Canada's priorities are clear. As the Prime Minister said, civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected, international law must be respected, and we will stand for the safety and security of Canadians wherever they may be in the world.

Mr. Speaker, I believe the Prime Minister has been very clear: International law must be respected. There is a situation unfolding. I am not sure if we are talking about the sanctions lifted by the Americans on Russian oil, but we obviously condemn the strikes carried out by Iran against civilians and civilian infrastructure, specifically energy and maritime infrastructure in the Middle East. We know that Russia is attempting to capitalize on these price increases, and Canada is opposed to that.

Mr. Speaker, I am truly honoured to rise today in the House of Commons to mark International Women's Day, which took place on March 8. On Saturday, in my riding, we had the honour of celebrating and recognizing, for the fourth consecutive year, 19 exceptional women from Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester who actively contribute to our community. Through their commitment, leadership and dedication, they strengthen our communities and inspire us all to continue to take meaningful action. International Women's Day reminds us of the importance of recognizing women's achievements and continuing our efforts to promote gender equality and equity. On March 8, we honour the women who built, the women who resisted, the women who innovated, the women who make a difference in their community and the women who, every day in their personal and professional lives, create a more humane, more united and more courageous world. When women succeed, everyone succeeds.

Mr. Chair, I will be sharing my time with the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands. Tonight's debate comes at a time of profound uncertainty in the Middle East. Canada's position on the current situation is clear: We are calling for de-escalation, we urge all parties to exercise restraint, and we reaffirm that the security and sovereignty of partners in the region must be protected. At the same time, Canada has long been clear-eyed about one of the central drivers of instability in the Middle East: the actions of the Iranian regime. For decades, Iran's leadership has pursued policies that undermine regional security. The regime has supported armed proxy groups throughout the Middle East, advanced its ballistic missile capabilities and continued activities related to uranium enrichment that raise serious concerns for the international community. In recent days, those destabilizing patterns have been on full display. Although the geopolitical dimensions of this crisis are considerable, we must also acknowledge its deeply human dimension. Tens of thousands of Canadians live, work and travel throughout the Middle East every year. Many of them now find themselves in a rapidly changing security situation. For our government, protecting Canadians abroad is the most urgent priority. As soon as tensions began to escalate, we activated our crisis response mechanisms. Consular officers throughout the region are working tirelessly to assist Canadians seeking information, advice and support. Global Affairs Canada has launched a major consular operation. Additional staff have been deployed throughout the region. Our diplomatic missions have strengthened their consular capacity, and the 24-hour Emergency Response and Watch Centre has been actively co-ordinating assistance for Canadians seeking to leave the affected areas. This effort is based on several departure options. Where airspace remains open, Canada has secured seats for Canadians on commercial flights and has also arranged charter flights to ensure safe departures. For example, the Government of Canada has chartered flights from Dubai and secured seats on flights out of Lebanon to help Canadians leave the region. These efforts have already produced results: Over 900 Canadians have left the region thanks to flights and buses organized or facilitated by the Government of Canada. One particular chartered flight transported some 180 Canadians out of Dubai, and hundreds more seats on commercial flights have been reserved to enable Canadians to depart in the days to come. In areas where no flights are available, Canada has worked with partners to support departures by land. That includes helping Canadians who crossed borders by ground transportation to reach neighbouring countries where Canadian consular officials are ready to assist them on the next leg of their journey. Canadian officials have been deployed to countries such as Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan to get Canadians across borders and provide them with immediate support, assistance with their documents and, of course, help arranging travel back to Canada. This is complex work that requires dedicated public servants working tirelessly to make it happen. Airspace closures, flight cancellations and rapidly changing security conditions prevent evacuation operations from following a single, predictable path. However, the guiding objective remains clear: to ensure that Canadians who want to leave the region have access to safe departure options, provided that leaving is possible and safe. We will continue to do everything in our power to keep Canadians safe, and that includes bringing them home. These are the responsibilities of a country that takes its international role seriously, and they are responsibilities that Canada will continue to perform with determination, diligence and resolve.