Salma Zahid

Mr. Speaker, as the leaves turn and children head back to school, fall has officially arrived. This summer, I had the privilege of connecting with families across my riding at our community barbecue and ice cream socials and on their doorsteps. As we return to Ottawa, their priorities are my driving force. Our constituents are watching our relationship with the United States very closely. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, our government stood firm and walked away from a deal that surrendered too much. We remain ready to negotiate, but never at the expense of Canadian jobs or Canadian sovereignty. Instead, we are actively diversifying our trade to grow a resilient economy and seeking deeper partnerships with our allies. Closer to home, we are tackling affordability head-on, building more homes people can afford, eliminating the excise tax on gas and lowering grocery prices. Together, we will build Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fourth report of the Standing Committee on Science and Research, entitled “Impact of the Criteria for Awarding Federal Funding on Research Excellence in Canada”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present petition e-7435, signed by 3,308 Canadians, concerning the lengthy processing delays for African refugees. The petitioners note that reports from the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, the Auditor General and the Canadian Council for Refugees have documented inappropriately long processing times and significant backlogs affecting African refugee applicants. They express concern that these delays place vulnerable individuals at continued risk and undermine Canada's refugee protection commitments. The petitioners call on the government to take action by addressing the existing African refugee backlog, including prioritizing those people displaced by the conflict in Sudan, and by establishing clear service standards, equitable resourcing and emergency measures for refugees facing immediate danger.

Mr. Speaker, June is Filipino Heritage Month in Canada, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions of Filipino Canadians to communities across the country. Since the arrival of the first Filipino immigrants, generations have helped shape Canada's social, economic, cultural and political landscape through their hard work, resilience and commitment to service. Filipino Heritage Month provides an opportunity to honour the vibrant traditions, languages, arts and values that form an important part of Canada's multicultural identity. It is also a chance to reflect on the achievements of Filipino Canadians in every field, while acknowledging the challenges many have overcome in building new lives and stronger communities here in Canada. As we celebrate this month, let us recognize the enduring contributions of Filipino Canadians and reaffirm our commitment to inclusion, diversity and mutual understanding. Mabuhay, Canada. Mabuhay, Philippines.

Mr. Speaker, on the weekend, the Pakistani community in Canada lost a giant with the passing of Khalid Usman, and for me, he was Khalid Bhai. A friend and mentor to so many, he always had a smile on his face and never lost his sense of humour. A Markham city councillor for 14 years, he lived a life of public service and gave back to the community in so many ways. As a dedicated philanthropist, he raised millions for charity, including Markham Stouffville Hospital and Shaukat Khanum, a cancer hospital in Pakistan. For Canadians of Pakistani origin, he was a trailblazer, showing us what a career and a life dedicated to building a better Canada could be. I appreciated his encouragement and support from the earliest days of my career. My prayers are with his wife, Dr. Abida Khalid, his three daughters, Hina, Rabia and Maria, his grandchildren and all the extended family members, and all those whose lives he touched. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the third report of the Standing Committee on Science and Research, entitled “Antimicrobial Resistance”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite everyone to join us tonight as the Canada-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Association of Palestinian Arab Canadians celebrate the 10th annual Palestine Day on the Hill. This year's theme, “Root to Justice”, highlights the deep connection Palestinians have to their homeland and the importance of dignity, rights and belonging. It also reflects on the challenges of dispossession and hardship, emphasizing that the pursuit of justice must be shared by communities, allies and policy-makers working toward a meaningful and constructive engagement. This is the first Palestine Day on the Hill since Canada recognized the state of Palestine. It is an opportunity for reflection on the progress made and the work that remains to support peace, justice and mutual understanding. Whatever our background or our faith, we can all work together to build a world where everyone lives in peace, security and harmony.

Mr. Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to meet Superintendent Locke and Sergeant Peterson of the Toronto Police Service 33 Division, join a ride-along and see first-hand the important work our officers do every day to keep our community safe. Given heightened tensions, local police are increasing patrols around places of worship. We visited Temple Emanu-El synagogue, which faced multiple gunshots last month. Whether at a mosque, synagogue, church or gurdwara, everyone should be able to practice their faith in peace and safety. I am grateful for the dedication of officers in protecting residents and responding to incidents with care and diligence. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking our frontline police officers, firefighters and other first responders for their hard work to keep our communities safe.

Mr. Speaker, at a time when girls and women in Afghanistan are being denied the basic right to education, Canadians are stepping up to help. The Ottawa-Kabul Global Education Centre, a Canadian registered not-for-profit founded in 2024, is working to restore educational opportunities for Afghan girls and women forced out of classrooms. Through a fully online academic ecosystem, the organization now supports more than 18,000 students, including over 7,000 former female medical students continuing their studies with volunteer professors from around the world. With over 900 educators and professionals, many Canadians are helping ensure these young women can continue their education and pursue their careers in fields such as medicine, nursing and public health. This initiative reflects the best of Canadian compassion, leadership and commitment to gender equality. I would like to recognize the volunteers and leaders behind this important work, many of whom are from Scarborough, and thank them for standing with Afghan girls and women.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present petition e-7167, signed by nearly 5,000 Canadians from coast to coast to coast. They draw our attention to the fact that Israel has suspended 37 international humanitarian organizations operating in Palestine, including Canadian-based organizations such as Oxfam-Québec. They note that this severely impacts aid and medical services for Gaza. They call on the Government of Canada to respond to this expulsion of humanitarian aid groups from Palestine by publicly condemning, as unlawful, Israeli and U.S. sanctions against Palestinian human rights organizations; to ensure the safe and uninterrupted passage of humanitarian aid to Gaza; to provide all necessary support to UNRWA; to revoke the status of Canadian charities and other entities supporting illegal settlements on Palestinian territory and Israeli military infrastructure; and to co-operate in forcing International Criminal Court arrest warrants.

Mr. Speaker, we have already seen examples of the government supporting new housing projects, such as the 612 new co-op homes near the Kennedy TTC Station in my riding of Scarborough Centre—Don Valley East. Could my colleague share how projects like this demonstrate the kind of community-focused housing the legislation is aiming to deliver?

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of Bill C-233, the no more loopholes act. Introduced by my colleague the hon. member for Vancouver East, the bill seeks to amend the Export and Import Permits Act to close dangerous loopholes in Canada's arms export regime, loopholes that leave us complicit in human rights abuses abroad. At its core, the bill is about consistency, accountability and conscience. It is about ensuring that Canada lives up to its international obligations and that our industries act responsibly within the global defence trade. The bill is not anti-industry, and it is not anti Canada's defence sector, but it is anti complicity in violence against civilians. It is pro human rights, pro social justice and pro principled global leadership. Let us be clear that Canada already has strong export controls intended to prevent military exports from contributing to human rights abuses or violations of international humanitarian law. Under the Export and Import Permits Act, exporters are generally required to obtain a permit after a risk assessment. If a substantial risk exists that an export could contribute to human rights violations, the export must be refused, but there is a loophole and a large one, which is that Canada's current system exempts most exports destined for the United States from meaningful permit requirements. Because of this, hundreds of Canadian-made military components, ammunition, aircraft parts and explosive materials cross the border with no individual risk assessment, no transparency and no public reporting. Once in the U.S., these Canadian components can be, and have been, incorporated into weapons systems used in conflicts where civilians have been killed or injured. Independent reports have traced Canadian-origin components into U.S. facilities and then onward to militaries engaged in hostilities with documented civilian harm, notably in the Middle East. The so-called U.S. loophole thus enables a pipeline by which Canadian arms can travel into contexts that we as Canadians would never knowingly support. This is not political theatre; it is a documented reality. Canada is a signatory to the Arms Trade Treaty, which prohibits exports of conventional arms if there is a substantial risk that they will be used to commit serious violations of international human rights or humanitarian law, yet our regulatory framework, with its blanket exemption for U.S.-bound shipments, is out of step not only with Canada's international obligations but also with global standards. We have legal obligations under international law, not just of intent, but of due diligence, risk assessment, end-use monitoring and transparency. Without these safeguards, the very values we espouse, such as human dignity, the protection of civilians and international justice, are hollow. Let us be honest. We should not profit from war, repression or attacks on civilians anywhere in the world. Whether the suffering is in Gaza, Yemen or elsewhere, it matters. Human rights are not situational, and they should least of all be overridden by an arbitrary geographic exemption. Opponents of Bill C-233 have claimed that closing the loopholes would decimate Canada's defence industry or jeopardize our economic relationships. I reject that framing. Bill C-233 would not impede production, innovation or legitimate defence trade. It would simply ensure that Canadian goods destined for the United States receive the same due diligence of permit requirements, risk assessments and reporting as goods going to other destinations. Industry thrives on predictability, trust and a reputation of integrity. Strengthening our export controls and aligning them with international partners would enhance confidence in Canadian products. Many of our allies already apply similar controls to U.S.-bound exports. Canada's current practices are the outer, not the global, norm. Jobs are not at risk here. What is at stake is our moral authority and Canada's global brand as a principled exporter. There is room in this Parliament to simultaneously support both Canadian industry and human rights, and this bill strikes that balance. Let me bring this principle closer to home. Recently, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement awarded a contract to a Canadian firm to buy 20 armoured tactical vehicles built to withstand bullets and blast effects, and there was no robust Canadian oversight of their end use. This is more than an abstract trade detail. ICE is not a combat military force. It is a law enforcement agency with a documented history of enforcement practices that harm civilians, including migrants and vulnerable communities. These armoured vehicle have been deployed in ways that raise serious human rights questions, yet under our current framework, these sales can proceed with minimum transparency or human rights scrutiny. This example illustrates the broader point that Canadian products should not be exported in ways that contribute to violence, repression or human rights abuses, whether abroad or within communities in North America. We are a country that has historically championed refugee protections, human dignity and equitable justice. That legacy is undermined when our goods are put to harm in contexts that we ourselves would reject. I want to underscore an important point about context. The political, economic and security environment in which Canada's arms export regime was first structured has shifted dramatically. As the Prime Minister has noted, “The old relationship we had with the U.S. based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military co-operation is over.” In other words, the assumption that we can treat U.S.-bound military exports differently from all other reflects a bygone era, an era that predates the protectionist trade actions and broader geopolitical shifts under the current U.S. administration. This raises a vital question: Is the America of today the same America that justified this exemption? If it is not, then surely Canada should not anchor its export control policy on absolute premises. Closing this loophole would strengthen Canadian sovereignty and align our foreign policy instruments with contemporary realities. Bill C-233 would help ensure that Canadian exports, including those that could find their way into law enforcement operations abroad, are subject to meaningful human rights, due diligence and end-use monitoring. Another core strength of this bill is its commitment to transparency. Right now, data on U.S.-bound military exports are not publicly reported and are tracked only when permits are required, leaving large swaths of the Canadian arms trade opaque. There is no public record of end-users or risk assessments for most of the U.S.-bound exports. Bill C-233 would require elimination of country-based exemptions and ensure meaningful risk assessments on all exports, end-use certificates to prevent diversion to human rights abuses and increased parliamentary reporting on Canada's compliance with the Arms Trade Treaty. These are not radical reforms; they are responsible governance. They are reforms that would enhance public trust and ensure that Parliament has oversight over how Canadian goods are used around the world. In supporting this bill, we are affirming that Canada will not consign its moral compass to convenient legal loopholes. We are saying that human rights matter more than trade loopholes, that social justice matters more than export exemptions and that Canadian industry can and should flourish without being implicated in violence against innocent civilians. We are also strengthening Canada's credibility on the global stage, particularly among other nations that have already implemented similar safeguards and view human rights compliance as integral to defence trade. This is not about isolationism. It is about principled engagement. It is about making sure that when Canada says never again, we mean it, not just in rhetoric, but in law.

Mr. Speaker, as we observe the blessed month of Ramadan, I rise to reflect on its enduring values of compassion, self-discipline and service to others. Ramadan is a time when Muslims recommit to justice, generosity and care for the vulnerable, principles that speak to the best of our shared humanity. This month also arrives as millions around the world endure profound hardship. We cannot ignore the suffering of the Palestinian people who continue to face violence, displacement and persecution in the West Bank and Gaza. As families there struggle for safety, dignity and hope, Ramadan reminds us that indifference is not an option. At its heart, Ramadan calls us to reflection, empathy and moral responsibility. It urges us to listen to the oppressed, stand with those in pain and renew our commitment to human dignity. May this holy month inspire compassion in our words and conscience in our actions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Black History Month and the vital contributions of Black Canadians to our nation. The 2026 theme of honouring 30 years of Black brilliance across generations celebrates both our history and the promise of the future. This past Sunday, I had the honour of hosting a community Black History Month celebration in Scarborough Centre—Don Valley East. The event was inspiring, full of performances, reflections and recognition of the richness of Black culture, heritage and leadership. It reminded us that Black history is Canadian history. Black History Month also calls on us to continue addressing systemic barriers and creating a more inclusive society. I thank all the participants for sharing their stories and their talents. Let us carry the lessons of this month forward, celebrating achievements, fostering understanding and building a stronger, more equitable Canada for all.

Mr. Speaker, on November 29, the United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, we reflect on the urgent need for justice, dignity and lasting peace. The people of Gaza are enduring what many international legal experts have identified as a genocide, with unimaginable loss of life and suffering. In the West Bank, escalating settler violence continues to displace families and deepen fear and instability. Canada and the international community must demand that the ceasefire be fully respected and that humanitarian aid reach those in need without any delay. Every person, Palestinian or Israeli, deserves to live in peace, security and freedom. Solidarity means action, upholding international law, protecting civilians and supporting a just political solution. We must not look away. Today and every day, we stand for human rights and a future where all can live in safety and hope.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of Bill C-15, the budget implementation act. The legislation is more than a collection of policies and tax changes; it is a blueprint for building a stronger, more resilient Canada at a time when we face major global and economic challenges. For decades, our prosperity has relied on stable international trade rules and open markets. However, today, the rules-based system and long-time trade relationships, including with our closest partner, the United States, are being disrupted. Canadian firms are facing new barriers. Supply chains are under pressure. Jobs and livelihoods depend on our ability to adapt. This means that Canada must build a bigger, more innovative economy here at home, faster than ever before. We must diversify our markets, mobilize investment and unleash the full potential of Canadian workers and businesses. Bill C-15 moves us decisively in that direction. It would grow our economy, build homes people can afford, make life more affordable and protect the environment while opening the door to a new generation of clean economic growth. Budget 2025 is unapologetically an investment budget. We are making generational investments in infrastructure, clean technology, housing and the skills Canadians need to thrive. We must do so while maintaining higher environmental standards. The legislation helps unlock the goal of catalyzing $1 trillion of investment over five years from provinces, municipalities, indigenous partners and the private sector. We are attracting capital by creating certainty, providing incentives and fast-tracking the infrastructure that will power our economy for decades to come. We are doing it responsibly. Canada enters this moment with the strongest credit rating in the world, the lowest long-term interest rates in the G7 and the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio of any major economy. International experts, including from the IMF, have said that Canada is pursuing strategic progrowth investment, and they project that we will have the second-strongest economic growth in the G7 in 2026. In a changing world, we cannot rely on any single market. That is why the government is launching a trade diversification strategy that will double Canadian exports beyond the U.S. within a decade. Bill C-15 supports that goal by aligning our tax system with global competitiveness, boosting innovation and giving businesses the tools they need to grow and survive. The bill would support small- and medium-sized businesses, the backbone of our economy. This is an economy built by Canadians for Canadians. Budget 2025 delivers the support our communities have been asking for through the new build communities strong fund, a $51 billion investment in local infrastructure over the next decade. This fund will help municipalities build the roads, water systems, community centres and, importantly, the health care facilities that growing communities desperately need. Within this fund is a dedicated health infrastructure fund, providing $5 billion over three years to upgrade and expand hospitals and urgent care services. In Scarborough Centre—Don Valley East, residents rely on nearby hospital systems, such as the Scarborough Health Network and the Toronto East Health Network. These systems often depend on extensive community fundraising just to modernize the emergency departments or to replace aging equipment. That model is not sustainable on its own. This fund will help ensure frontline care is not dependent on charity but backed by strong federal partnership. We cannot build a strong economy without building homes people can afford. Housing is not just a social need; it is an economic necessity. Businesses will not invest if workers cannot live near where their jobs are. I have spoken to many families in my riding of Scarborough Centre—Don Valley East for whom home ownership seems to be a dream that is increasingly out of reach and for whom finding sustainable and affordable rental housing is difficult, if not impossible. Bill C-15 would tackle this head-on. It would provide an accelerated capital cost allowance for purpose-built rentals, would make new investments through Build Canada Homes and would extend the enhanced GST rental rebate to co-operative housing and student residences. These measures would help get shovels in the ground faster. Through budget 2025 and this legislation, we would create pathways for major housing investments and unlock municipal partnerships. We would support agricultural co-operatives, indigenous communities, students and working families. We know Canadians are feeling squeezed. Bill C-15 would bring relief. It would extend eligibility for charitable donations, would expand the disability supports deduction and would exempt the Canada disability benefit from taxable income. Many of my constituents have asked for this and have told me how important it is that we strengthen and safeguard the Canada disability benefit from provincial clawbacks. Bill C-15 would also introduce a temporary tax credit for individuals whose non-refundable tax credits exceed the first income bracket, putting more money back in the pockets of lower- and middle-income Canadians. Affordability is not just about taxes; it is also about care. That is why I will push to ensure that our work does not stop with respect to child care. We must continue to expand access, improve wages and workplace standards in this sector, and ensure that families in every region benefit from $10-a-day child care. We must also protect and expand pharmacare. Canadians should never have to choose between groceries and prescriptions. Bill C-15 would lay the groundwork to ensure pharmaceutical manufacturing here at home in Canada and ensure better access to essential medicines. I will fight to make sure this momentum continues because health care must include pharmacare. Climate action is not just a moral duty; it is an economic strategy. Countries that lead the clean economy will lead the 21st century. Canada already has an 85% clean electricity grid and some of the world's richest critical mineral deposits. The clean economy should be Canada's economic advantage, and this bill would help to make that vision a reality. We would extend investment tax credits for clean technology until 2035, support clean electricity generation from waste biomass and create incentives for polymetallic manufacturing. This would power a clean economy while cutting emissions and protecting our environment. We must do this responsibly. We must build, but build right. That is why I will continue to insist that every major project meets the highest environmental standards. We can and must have economic growth and environmental protection together. We would accelerate nation-building infrastructure. The high-speed rail network act would move forward faster rail transportation between Quebec and Ontario under full Impact Assessment Act oversight, ensuring transparency, consultation and strong environmental protection. This legislation is the foundation for a new era of nation building. It supports child care and pharmacare. It would build clean-energy projects. It would fast-track critical infrastructure, and it would protect Canadians from consumer fraud, environmental risk and financial instability. Bill C-15 would also establish the consumer-driven banking act, giving Canadians secure control over their own financial data and making our banks more competitive and responsive to consumer needs. Across this bill, the message is clear: Canada will depend less on others and build more at home. We will build projects faster, train workers better, attract investment earlier and open more markets for Canadian goods and services. We are not seeking to simply weather the uncertainty that surrounds us; we are choosing to meet it with confidence, resilience and ambition. This is our moment to build. We cannot wait for the world to settle. We must build Canada's strength now by investing in our people, our infrastructure, our innovation and our environment. Bill C-15 would build housing Canadians can afford. It would make life more affordable. It would protect health care and move us toward stronger pharmacare and child care. It would put workers first, and it would turn climate action into a competitive advantage for Canadians. In the face of global uncertainty, this government is focused on what we can control. What we can control is our ability to build an economy that is more independent, more innovative, more inclusive and more resilient than ever before.

Mr. Speaker, for any pipeline project to go forward, there should be consultations. All projects should meet our strict environmental standards. I will make sure that any projects that move forward go ahead with proper consultation and after looking at environmental impacts.

Mr. Speaker, of course, on this side of the House, we are committed to making sure that crime levels go down, because it is very important that every Canadian live safely. Every mother should have the satisfaction of knowing that if their young children go out, they will return home safely. That is why we want to get guns off our streets. I hope hon. members will join me in supporting the bail and sentencing reform act, which would make Canadians safer. I hear from my constituents about it every day, and we will do the work necessary to make sure we put an end to crime.

Mr. Speaker, I want to reaffirm that this is an investment budget. We were elected in April on the promise of investing in Canadians and reducing our operating expenses. The build communities strong fund is a great example of how we are investing directly in our communities. It is the first time in the history of Canada that there is money dedicated directly to investment in the health care sector. It will put investments in the health care system and in local hospitals, which my constituents rely on. We will see investments in our community centres, in better infrastructure and in better roads. These are investments that our community members rely on. It is important that right now, in these circumstances, we invest in Canadians and make sure that we build a bolder, stronger Canada.