Sameer Zuberi

Mr. Speaker, it is good to be back in the House with colleagues from across the country. We are here to build Canada strong. This summer, I visited organizations across my riding that were supported through Canada summer jobs. Our government invested $1.4 million in Pierrefonds—Dollard. That helped create 271 youth jobs in 72 community organizations. Many organizations, including community pools, youth centres like À-Ma-Baie, food banks like On Rock, the Cloverdale family centre and Éco-quartier, all gave young people the chance to develop their skills. When young people succeed, Canada does too. Congratulations to all the young people who worked hard at their jobs. I wish them a great school year.

Mr. Speaker, our government is taking action to make housing more affordable. Our communities also want more housing. We are responding to a growing demand and supporting their development. Can the minister explain how our government is helping to build more housing faster?

Mr. Speaker, today is Red Shirt Day, which we also mark during national disability week. This week, we are highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities and the need to promote a barrier-free Canada. This year's theme is “Building a Strong, Accessible Canada.” The Canada disability benefit and the disability inclusion action plan are building a more accessible and inclusive society for all. Can the Minister of Jobs and Families highlight how the spring economic update is helping to build a barrier-free Canada?

Mr. Chair, I rise today to speak about Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's 2026-27 main estimates as a member of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. Canadians have asked us to bring balance to the immigration system while upholding the values of compassion and respect. To that effect, our committee has examined several important themes this parliamentary session. We have heard from government officials on the concrete progress they have made to bring balance and transparency to our immigration system and from frontline workers across our beautiful country about the unique regional challenges they are facing. We have heard from academics about ways to improve our immigration system and from deeply vulnerable communities that have come to Canada seeking safety and protection. We are living through a period of significant global change and, dare I say, turmoil. Presently, 120 million people are displaced from their homes because of climate change, conflict and persecution. Canada has a strong and proud humanitarian tradition. This reflects our values and our international obligations. We believe that everyone in need of protection deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. They deserve a chance to rebuild their lives. They deserve a chance to work, to study and to contribute to the Canadian family while here. In line with our latest humanitarian commitments regarding protected persons, we have announced a new initiative aimed at facilitating the transition to permanent residence. This initiative affects approximately 115,000 protected persons in Canada. These are particularly vulnerable individuals who have been recognized as needing protection. They have met very strict legal criteria. They cannot return to their countries of origin. If they were to return, it would mean persecution and a potential threat to their lives. These people are already contributing to communities across Canada. They are becoming neighbours, workers, students, volunteers, business leaders and members of the community—our community. They are helping to build the country we share. This initiative involving protected persons is also a matter of compassion. Many constituents in my riding, Pierrefonds—Dollard, have told me of the pain caused by family separation and the difficulty of reuniting with their loved ones. This measure will help to remedy these difficult situations. It is a good example of the necessary balance between compassion and the system's capacity. We are restoring order to the system while continuing to protect those who need it most. We have seen in the last years how quickly humanitarian situations can evolve or devolve. We have been responding to a range of international crises and displacement situations; however, behind every crisis are countless human stories. Take the case of Sudan. The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is the largest crisis in the world, with an estimated 13.6 million people uprooted by fighting and extreme violence. Community advocates have testified at the immigration committee about the Sudan family reunification program. Sudanese Canadians have sought to bring their family members to safety. They have also worked closely with IRCC and the international crisis response team to help restart biometric collection in Sudan, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration, the IOM. This is an example of what collaboration between government and advocates can achieve. Take the crisis in Gaza. It continues to be a nightmare, with staggering humanitarian needs. Palestinian Canadians who have loved ones in Gaza continue to endure heartache while trying to bring their family members to safety. Those who have found safety in Canada are deeply grateful. They have started to rebuild their lives but are still worrying about loved ones they have left behind. Canada's humanitarian tradition is built on partnerships. We do not go at it alone; we rely on international partners, such as UNHCR and others, to help identify people in need of protection. One such example is the partnership in the special immigration program of motion M-62. It was created to resettle vulnerable Uyghur refugees here in Canada. The Uyghur people are facing mass arbitrary detention, forced separation of children from their parents, forced sterilization and forced labour. At the immigration committee, we have heard from officials about the progress made through the resettlement program. Advocates have also testified about the value of the program and the need for it to continue at an increased scale. I have met with vulnerable people who are Uyghur, Palestinian, Rohingya or Ukrainian, and many others, people who have been welcomed here to Canada with open hearts and compassion. They are deeply grateful to all Canadians for providing them with refuge and safety. Their stories are human stories that remind us about our best selves, of our duty to protect people in need and of what it means to be Canadian and to be a humanitarian. In our immigration system, we work in partnership with the provinces and territories, municipalities and local communities. This collaboration is essential to welcoming newcomers. We rely on settlement organizations that provide essential integration services, including language training, employment assistance and housing supports. We also rely on civil society organizations and volunteers. They help make Canada's humanitarian tradition a daily reality for everyone. This collective effort is one of our strengths as Canadians. It is also important to remember the positive contributions made by newcomers to our communities. Immigrants contribute to our economy and help address labour shortages. They set up businesses. They build homes. They care for our sick and elderly. They also enrich our communities through their diverse backgrounds. Every generation of Canadians has been shaped by people from other places. These are people who arrived here with little to their names, people who worked hard to build a better life for their families. This story continues today. It continues in Pierrefonds—Dollard and across the country. Our government is committed to continuing to build an immigration system that is fair, sustainable and true to Canadian values. I thank the minister for being here today; for responding to the questions of all members, from both the governing party and the opposition parties, with respect to our immigration system; and for taking the time to provide thorough and accurate answers. With that, I will ask my own question. Can the Minister of Immigration share with us how these main estimates will continue to support our refugee and humanitarian immigration system while making sure that it reflects our values as Canadians, respects our international obligations and inspires confidence among Canadians for years to come?

Mr. Speaker, the dental care plan is having a real impact on the lives of Canadians. Across our beautiful country, 4.3 million people have received dental care since the program's launch, and over 21,000 residents in Pierrefonds—Dollard are benefiting from the plan. This week at my constituency office, we are hosting our fourth open house to help residents renew and enrol in their dental coverage. Oral health is a fundamental right. That is why our team is there to provide individual support. Programs like the dental care plan show what we can achieve when we put Canadians first. Canadians no longer have to compromise on dental care. Our government will continue to work to improve everyone's quality of life. This week, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., residents of Pierrefonds—Dollard are welcome to drop by my office without an appointment to renew their dental plan.

Mr. Speaker, the war in Sudan is still the world's worst humanitarian crisis, and 34 million people, nearly two-thirds of the country's population, are currently in need of humanitarian assistance. The war has had a devastating impact on the civilian population in Sudan. Our government is leading on the international stage. We are helping with humanitarian and development assistance to help the people of Sudan. Can the Secretary of State for International Development tell us how Canada is supporting the most vulnerable, the most affected by this devastating conflict?

Mr. Speaker, three years ago today, a wave of extreme violence broke out across Sudan. What began as a power struggle has become the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with 13 million being forced from their homes, half the population facing food insecurity, and women and girls being deliberately targeted with sexual violence. Today our government announced new funding for life-saving aid in response to this crisis, more than $120 million to support the most vulnerable. At the Subcommittee on International Human Rights, we heard from members of the Sudanese community. Their message was clear: The violence has to stop. The Sudanese community is working with the government to save lives by providing refuge in Canada. This immigration program is critical and must continue. This devastating war must come to an end.

Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of a wife and a mother, Kamila. Her husband, Huseyin Celil, a Canadian citizen of Uyghur origin, was detained 20 years ago. He was on a family trip overseas and was forcibly transferred to China. He has been imprisoned ever since, without a fair trial or access to consular officials. It has been two decades since Huseyin's wife and children have heard the sound of his voice. His youngest son, who is currently 19, has never even met his father. Imagine that. Today, we ask for clemency for Mr. Celil on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. His family deserves a phone call. Huseyin's children deserve to have their father back. Twenty years of incarceration is enough. Let humanity speak.

Mr. Speaker, four years ago, Russia launched its unjustified and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This war remains a serious humanitarian crisis. On Saturday, in Montreal, I attended the Global Rally for Ukraine in frigid temperatures. We gathered in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. We stood against aggression and annexation, to protect children and to keep families together. My thoughts, along with those of the Ukrainian families, are with the wives and children whose husbands and fathers stayed to fight on the front lines. They are there defending Ukraine. This is a just cause. I say to Ukrainians in Canada and across the world, their resilience and bravery inspire. Canada will stand with them. We stand for accountability and for a lasting peace grounded in justice, fairness and international law. Dyakuyu.

Mr. Speaker, this February marks 30 years of Black History Month in Canada. We reflect on the historic barriers Black communities have faced in North America. We recognize the sacrifices made during the civil rights movement. It is because of these men and women that we now have our fundamental rights and freedoms. Today on Parliament Hill, we have many representatives from my riding: WIBCA, Youth Stars Foundation, Overture with the Arts, Playmas and many others. I want to thank them for their contributions to our community. The leaders of these groups, like many others, are mentors for future generations. They empower the next generation of Black leaders, and they pass on the legacy of the giants who came before them. This work cannot be done alone. I encourage everyone to participate. Support and lift others up, and help youth dream big and reach their full potential.

Mr. Speaker, today marks the national day of remembrance of the Quebec City mosque attack. Nine years ago, six people were killed because they were Muslim. These men were fathers, sons and neighbours. We honour their memories. We stand with the families who continue to carry this loss. This day not only reminds us of those we lost. It also reminds us of the ongoing need to confront Islamophobia. Since this tragedy, more people have fallen victim to hate-motivated crimes. While police-reported hate crime incidents have increased, many ethnic and religious communities remain hesitant to report hate, leaving too many crimes unaddressed. Today, I encourage Canadians to take action. Reporting hate to police makes the problem visible. It ensures that support reaches the communities that need it most. Together, we need to build safer, more inclusive communities for everyone.

Mr. Speaker, in the great north Arctic, families face some of the highest costs of living for housing and basic necessities. In just a few months, the new government has announced several affordability measures for Canadians, as well as for those in the north. Can the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs share how our government is working, including through Bill C-4's affordability measures, to deliver financial relief to the northern communities that need it most?

On November 18 a fire destroyed an apartment building in Pierrefonds on the corner of Gouin and des Sources boulevards, injuring one person and displacing 92 of our neighbours. My thoughts go out to all of the residents and families affected. I want to recognize the courageous response of our firefighters. A number of local restaurants offered free meals. My team and I have been conducting a food and clothing drive with local groups. Sun Youth has contacted the people impacted and put them in touch with On Rock Community Services. Thanks to our residents' generosity, donations have already started coming in. More than 50 large bags of essential goods have already been collected. I give a big thanks to everyone who stepped up and donated. It is beautiful how our community has come together in this moment of crisis.

Mr. Speaker, in February 2023, this House voted unanimously to welcome and resettle 10,000 deeply vulnerable Uyghurs. That vote was a historic moment for this Parliament and for the Uyghur people. According to the United Nations, the Uyghur people are still subject to grave and serious crimes against humanity. We must say this. We must acknowledge it. We must recognize it. Thankfully, a few deeply vulnerable Uyghur people have arrived in Canada. The refugees I have met are deeply grateful to Canada and Canadians. They have told me that for the first time, they know what safety and security are. Some of those Uyghur refugees are here on the Hill today. We will be holding a reception, and I ask all parliamentarians to attend. I ask the Uyghur people listening to remain steadfast and resilient, and to continue speaking up and sharing what is happening to their people. I thank the MPs who have supported this just cause.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight women's history month. Women shape our communities across Canada every day. In my own family, I have seen women of different generations contribute in so many different ways. Each one chooses a different path. It is challenging for men to fully understand the lived experiences of women. However, we must show them respect, not only this month, but every moment of every day. As a father of two daughters, I want Canada to remain a country that supports and uplifts women and girls. It is a country that promotes respect for women everywhere.

Mr. Speaker, this Sunday was the International Day of Peace. It was also the day the government, under the Prime Minister's leadership, recognized the state of Palestine. We did this with our allies, the U.K., France and Australia. This was a historic moment. The recognition of Palestine is in full keeping with Canada's long-standing support of the two-state solution. Since 1947, Canadian governments of all stripes have stood by this. Our foreign policy seeks to ensure that all in the region, regardless of ethnicity, faith or the borders one happens to be born within, can live in peace and security. What is happening in Gaza is gut-wrenching. Children are being killed in the tens of thousands. Families are being repeatedly displaced. Starvation is settling in. The nightmare in Palestine has to stop. We need an end to this war and the release of all hostages and prisoners. We need peace for Palestinians, Israelis and all in the region.

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is National Indigenous Peoples Day. Every June 21, Canadians take the time to reflect on our past. We also celebrate the significant contributions of first nations, Inuit and Métis people from coast to coast to coast. After generations of pain and suffering, our country has chosen to deliberately walk the path of reconciliation. We must do this together. Can the Minister of Indigenous Services reflect on the importance of National Indigenous Peoples Day here in Canada and across Turtle Island?

Mr. Speaker, this Friday is World Refugee Day. The day highlights the plight and dreams of those seeking refuge because of threats to their lives. The fate of refugees concerns us all. Two years ago, this House unanimously adopted M-62, my motion to welcome 10,000 vulnerable Uyghurs to Canada. This was a historic vote. It was a vote of parliamentary solidarity. Since then, I have been working to ensure our government honours the will of this House on that day. Refugees, once settled in Canada, make countless economic and social contributions to our country, making Canada better off. Our government has historically been and must continue to be a leader in refugee resettlement. It is our duty toward the most vulnerable. World Refugee Day is an opportunity to recognize the challenges facing refugees and to appreciate the richness that these individuals bring to Canada.

Mr. Speaker, over the last several months, Canadians have felt the impacts of the groundbreaking dental care plan introduced by the previous Liberal government. The program is now open to Canadians of all ages. For the first time, a wide cross-section of households do not have to choose between fixing their teeth and putting food on the table. To help Pierrefonds—Dollard residents get coverage, Justin Myers, a PIP intern in my office, called hundreds of households to help them enrol. Already, nearly 10,000 people in my riding are registered and eligible to receive dental care. The dental program is helping people, and that is because of collaboration within Parliament. If someone living in Pierrefonds—Dollard wants info on the plan, they can call my office or visit canada.ca/dental.