Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my constituents in New Scotland, proudly wearing the Nova Scotia tartan thoughtfully given to me by my sister-in-law at Christmas, to recognize that this past Sunday, January 25, was Robbie Burns Day. This tradition honours the bard, who was an 18th-century giant of poetry and literature. At a time when Scottish culture was on the decline, Robbie Burns reinvi…
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Mr. Speaker, during the election campaign, I knocked on thousands of doors throughout Halifax. I kept hearing the same concerns about access to health care. My voters know that the federal government can and must be at the table with solutions to improve our health care system. Can the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship tell the House how our government will contribute to this essen…
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Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of a true Nova Scotian legend. Throughout her decades-long careers in curling and journalism, Colleen Jones broke down barrier after barrier, smashing through glass ceilings. A two-time world champion, six-time national champion, and 16-time provincial champion, having played more Scotties games than any curler in Canadian history, she was a s…
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Mr. Speaker, Halifax is a hub for vibrant and talented artists. We are home to a renowned art and design school, more than 65 galleries, dynamic performing artists and an industry that supports thousands of jobs. Earlier this month, much of my community came together for Nocturne, a city-wide event celebrating Halifax's art scene. Each October, Nocturne presents its Art-at-Night Festival, a free a…
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Mr. Speaker, women's health has consistently been a blind spot in our health care system. We use data to make critical decisions. When research fails to account for gender differences, the results are biased, and women pay the price. From heart attacks to endometriosis, from menopause to cancers, there is a lack of focused research and a deficiency in critical data. Can the Parliamentary Secretary…
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Mr. Speaker, this week, 400 community leaders from across Canada, including municipal governments, indigenous communities and community organizations, are gathered in Halifax for the Livable Cities Forum. Hosted by ICLEI Canada and the Halifax Regional Municipality, the forum’s purpose is clear: to accelerate climate action in our communities by working together through creative and ambitious part…
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Mr. Speaker, the need for this commissioner comes from the relationship that we have now and are continuing to grow with our indigenous partners across this country. This bill was in the last Parliament and up for debate, but it did not get passed. We have been asked specifically to consider passing it without amendment, because it is a top priority. Part of a healthy relationship is listening to …
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Mr. Speaker, it is pretty clear from some of the details in the bill that there are not teeth like there are in a court. This is more about holding the government to account, being transparent, making sure that we are what we have committed to doing in this relationship, and progressing truth and reconciliation in this country. The bill is not intended to have those teeth, but it is intended to be…
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Mr. Speaker, I 100% agree that we need this independent commissioner, who would be chosen in collaboration with our indigenous partners, with whom we have been working on this for so long.
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Mr. Speaker, we have been consulting indigenous communities across this country on Bill C-5. We have been in these conversations for months now. I disagree with that statement.
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Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Yellowhead. Kwe. Ullukkut. Taanshi. Hello. I would like to begin by honouring the Algonquin Anishinabe nation, on whose traditional, unceded and unsurrendered territory Canada’s Parliament is established. I am honoured to rise and speak today in support of Bill C-10, which would establish a commissioner for modern treaty implementation. Th…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Canada's skilled tradespeople, who build our homes, our infrastructure and our future. From ironworkers and welders to electricians and painters, along with all the apprentices starting their careers, tradespeople are the backbone of our economy. Through our government's focus on major projects, we are creating more opportunities for Cana…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Discovery Centre, a pillar of the Halifax community, which has evolved into a flagship Canadian export and global success. The Discovery Centre model, designed and engineered in Halifax, provides an accessible way for youth and community members to experience science and technology up close through immersive Canadian-made exhibits. Under the leadership of…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge World Environment Day and join the global community in recognizing the urgent need to end plastic pollution, which is this year's theme. In Halifax, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, we feel the impact of plastic pollution first-hand. Our marine heritage, vibrant coastal communities, fisheries and rich ecosystems depend on a healthy environment. We do not s…
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