Parliamentary Speeches

Government Orders

Madam Speaker, more women are getting back into the workforce and starting their second career. I am wondering if the hon. member can expand on how this bill supports economic growth and women who are going back to a second career. Can the member explain that?

Government Orders

Madam Speaker, when I met with residents, I met with women and heard positive feedback. They love the child care idea. We saw that, and there are stats out there. When women get into a second career and go back to the workforce—

Statements By Members

Mr. Speaker, first I want to congratulate our new Peel region colleague, who was elected last night in Mississauga—Lakeshore. This is a strong sign of support from Peel residents for our plan focused on affordability and growing our economy. Soon it will be a very special time of year. This parliamentary session is about to come to a close, and we have passed some very important legislation. On be…

Private Members' Business

Madam Speaker, I want to start by expressing my sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Jim Carr. He was a devoted parliamentarian who worked tirelessly for his community. He will be missed forever. I am pleased to join the debate on Bill C-291, an act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other acts, regarding child sexual abuse and exploitation m…

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, today marks day 11 of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. Preventing and responding to gender-based violence is essential and we all have a role to play. At the Safe Centre of Peel in Brampton, 16 partner organizations work together under one roof to provide integrated service delivery for survivors. The family justice model has been identified as an innovative prac…

Statements By Members

Mr. Speaker, yesterday Canada played its first World Cup game in 36 years. What a game. I think everyone can agree that Canada played stronger. Yesterday Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan Osorio, Iké Ugbo, David Junior Hoilett, Liam Millar and team captain, Atiba Hutchinson, showcased their talent on the field. In our city, they are hometown heroes. They found their passion, and now they are ru…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, we know that the Canada-wide early learning and child care system is now up and running across the country. Families in my home province of Ontario are already seeing the benefits of the significant investments that Canada and the province are making. Can the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development update the House on the progress that Ontario has reached as this nationa…

Government Orders

Madam Speaker, this is a targeted and responsible plan. I want to highlight the fall economic statement is a top-up of measures already taken, it is permanently eliminating interest for federal students, launching the new Canada growth fund and creating a new quarterly Canada workers benefit. All these benefits are helping Canadians, and this is a fiscal plan that will help Canadians in this diffi…

Government Orders

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House on behalf of the residents of Brampton South in favour of the fall economic statement, as tabled by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. The past two years have been challenging for residents in Brampton and for all Canadians. We worked together and Canadians rolled up their sleeves to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and now the governmen…

Government Orders

Madam Speaker, the hon. member is a great advocate in the health committee for his residents, but today I want say to members that this is why the fall economic statement is focused on making life more affordable for workers by increasing the Canada workers benefit with up to $2,400 for low-income families and ensuring truck drivers are protected with the Canada Labour Code. The fall economic stat…

Government Orders

Madam Speaker, the government is presently doing consultations to ensure employers and employees have access to a high quality EI system. What we are debating today is the fall economic statement. We have already announced top-ups and support measures that will make a big difference in the lives of Canadians. For example, rental and dental supports, and doubling the GST credit, will all support wh…

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, yesterday was World Diabetes Day. I want to recognize the patients, advocates, health care professionals and others who are working hard to fight diabetes. Yesterday, I was pleased to meet with JoJo and Martin who are advocating as part of Kids For a Cure. I want to thank all researchers who are working across the country to defeat diabetes. Through the national framework for diabetes…

Statements by Members

[Member spoke in Punjabi] [English] Mr. Speaker, on November 8, Sikhs in Canada and across the world will be celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first guru and the founder of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Dev Ji emphasized the importance of hard work, kirat karni, sharing with those in need, vand ke chakna, meditating, naam japna, and selfless service, seva. He was a strong advocate for gender e…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, handguns have ripped our communities apart. We have seen this first-hand in Brampton and in the greater Toronto area. The Toronto Danforth shooting, the Quebec City mosque attack and the Edmonton shooting all involved senseless handgun violence that claimed loved ones too soon. While Conservatives are trying to make assault weapons legal again, the Prime Minister and Minister of Publi…

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, this month marks Women's History Month in Canada. It is a time to reflect on all of the incredible women who make our communities proud. Whether by breaking barriers in areas like politics, business, arts and culture, or sports, we must celebrate them and reflect on their courage. Today is Persons Day, marking the historic victory of the Famous Five, who paved the way for women in pub…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, diabetes is a serious chronic disease, and it is one of the most common, affecting millions of Canadians. It poses extensive challenges for those living with it, and for their families and communities. Yesterday, a framework for diabetes in Canada was tabled, marking a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to support Canadians impacted by this disease. Can the Minister of Health tell …

Statements By Members

Mr. Speaker, September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. More than 3,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year. I know the impact of this terrible disease on the families and loved ones of those fighting cancer. A very special person in my life is a fighter, and every fighter's story is an inspiration to all of us. Many researchers and advocates in Canada are determined to sav…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, our hearts were with Atlantic Canadians this weekend as their region was hit by hurricane Fiona. With hundreds of thousands of people affected, it will take weeks, maybe months, before things can get back to normal for the worst hit communities. Could the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs tell us how the government is stepping in to help people and businesses recover from this dev…

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to address the House on behalf of the residents of Brampton South to commemorate the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As a nation, we express our sincere condolences to the royal family, the people of the United Kingdom and the entire Commonwealth. The Queen will forever be remembered for her devoted service to the Commonwealth and its people. Over generation…

Private Members' Business

Madam Speaker, I am rising today to speak on something residents told me is their clear priority. I will be speaking in support of the private member's motion of my colleague for Avalon on improvements to long-term care We know residents in long-term care homes disproportionately suffered during the early stages of the pandemic. That was true in Brampton, but also from coast to coast to coast. Sen…

Routine Proceedings

Madam Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fourth report of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women, entitled “Towards a Violence-Free Canada: Addressing and Eliminating Intimate Partner and Family Violence”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to the report. I would like to thank our cler…

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, summer is right around the corner and so is Brampton's annual Bike the Creek event, coming up on June 18. Bramptonians of all ages have a chance to bike through the beautiful valleys, trails and landmarks in Peel. This year marks the eighth annual ride. I want to thank all BikeBrampton board members, volunteers and organizers, and I send a big shout-out to David and Dayle Laing and Ke…

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize in this House someone who worked very hard in the region of Peel to ensure the good health of our residents. Peel was one of the hardest-hit regions in this pandemic, and our medical officer of health, Dr. Lawrence Loh, worked tirelessly on vaccination, isolation centres, mental health and wellness. I had the opportunity to work with him through the health co…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, we know that a dangerous situation can quickly turn deadly when a firearm is present. Canadians deserve to feel safe from gun violence. Unfortunately, Conservative politicians are more focused on fulfilling their promises to the gun lobby than actually keeping our communities safe. On our side, I know we are taking real action to tackle this issue. Can the Prime Minister update the Ho…

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, today I am wearing my green ribbon for Celiac Disease Awareness Month. Celiac disease affects more than 400,000 Canadians. Yesterday, I met with Melissa Secord from the Canadian Celiac Association to speak about the importance of early detection of celiac in our community. Some people with celiac do not have symptoms at all, which makes diagnosis difficult. This is why getting screene…

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, we all have someone in our life who has been touched by cancer. This month, we spread hope to cancer fighters, including my mom, and we pray for those who have lost their lives battling cancer. Last month, I met Dhara Vachhani from Brampton South just weeks before she lost her battle to stage 4 breast cancer. Time is so precious and Dhara conveyed that every day. Health care workers a…

Statements By Members

Madam Speaker, April marks national Sikh Heritage Month in Canada. During this month, we learn about the rich history, culture and religion of Sikhs in Canada and around the world. It is also a time to celebrate the journey of Canadian Sikhs in building a diverse Canada with their everyday contributions. In April, the Sikh community celebrates Vaisakhi and Khalsa Day. This joyful day marks the sta…

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, every year in March, we celebrate women's contributions to making Canada and the world better. For International Women's Day this year, I had the opportunity to join a panel at Brampton city hall with Constable Joy Brown from the Peel Regional Police and Tricia Sampson from the Elizabeth Fry Society for a special panel where we discussed how to uplift women and break down the barriers…

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, last month, my community of Brampton South experienced some widespread flooding that impacted approximately 100 families. I met with families in Churchville, together with Brampton's fire and emergency services chief, Bill Boyes, and Councillor Palleschi, to see the damage first-hand and to speak to the residents. I would like to thank all the first responders, city workers and commun…

Orders of the Day

Madam Speaker, I am also thankful that the appropriate measures are being taken to ensure safety and security. Before, we were hearing about limited police enforcement capabilities, and now we are hearing from law enforcement that these additional supports are helping to bring this matter to a peaceful end. Does the hon. member agree that the Emergencies Act is helping bring this unlawful protest …

Orders of the Day

Madam Speaker, it is sad to see protesters spitting on police officers and harassing journalists. I am concerned about the spread of misinformation generally around the act as well. We have heard some of the protesters, and even members of the opposition, refer to the measures we are discussing as if this is the War Measures Act, which it is not. Could my hon. colleague explain how this is not the…

Orders of the Day

Mr. Speaker, the mayor supports the Emergencies Act. The local police force supports the Emergencies Act. Why does my colleague not think this is necessary when peoples lives have been impacted and business supply chains have been impacted? Why does he not think it is important?

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, we take housing seriously. During the campaign last summer, our government introduced an ambitious plan to increase home ownership, as well as to make the overall housing market more affordable. That included helping cities to increase supply, building affordable housing and converting office spaces into housing, as well as stopping excessive profits from the housing market. These wil…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, to the contrary, our government did not wait to provide support to seniors. That is why one of the first things the government did in this Parliament, as part of the fall economic statement, was to announce that funds would be given to compensate for the full amount of the reduction. A one-time support for seniors was announced before, for example. I also know that the Minister of Sen…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Calgary Skyview for sharing his time with me. I am pleased to rise today virtually to support Bill C-12, an act to amend the Old Age Security Act, a bill to support seniors in Canada presented by my colleague from Brampton West, the Minister of Seniors. The issues the bill raises are some that I have heard about from my constituents. Last year and earlier this y…

Government Orders

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is very passionate about the diabetes issue too. I thank him for this passion. He is a great member of his riding. We can all agree with how challenging this pandemic has been for seniors and we know that we are always there for our respectable seniors. We are helping seniors by issuing a one-time payment to those on GIS allowance to reduce the loss due to pandemic ben…

Statements by Members

Mr. Speaker, supporting small businesses is very important, especially during COVID-19. Last month, my city received a grant of $945,000 from the “My Main Street” local business accelerator program. This will go toward supporting and improving six main street business communities in Brampton. Residents of Brampton know how important our small businesses are to our city. People go to them for a cup…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, our government announced the first-ever women entrepreneurship strategy, a now $6-billion program to advance women's economic empowerment. Supporting women entrepreneurs and small business owners is now more important than ever, especially for our economic recovery from COVID-19. Can the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development update …

Speech from the Throne

Mr. Speaker, it is great to join the debate in the 44th Parliament. I will be splitting my time with the member for Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill. First, I want to congratulate you, Mr. Speaker, on your election to the chair. We worked closely in the past on the Standing Committee on Health. I know you will do a good job. I also would like to thank the people of Brampton South for putting their …

Speech from the Throne

Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the member opposite that the previous Liberal government was in the process of implementing a child care program, but we needed the remaining provinces and territories, including Ontario, to sign the agreement. This agreement will help young families in Brampton and all across the country to save money and help women enter the workforce. Our government will cont…

Speech from the Throne

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member's passion on this issue. We have worked closely in the past, and I share her passion for seniors. In this pandemic, seniors have been hit very hard, especially in long-term care. Seniors' issues are very close to me and our government. During this pandemic, in my riding, one of the nursing homes had the Canadian Armed Forces step in to support the seniors livin…

Speech from the Throne

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the member on his election. This is an issue I care very much about, and I know that the member shares that passion. If the provinces are in agreement that these areas need to be improved, then they should welcome the strategy. Overwhelmingly, we hear from constituents who want to see national action. We are prepared to work with the provinces and make sur…

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin in Canada, we raised the World Diabetes Day flag in Brampton to raise awareness. In June, the House passed Bill C-237, which will lead to a national diabetes strategy. Can the Minister of Health tell us what steps the government is taking to ensure that Canada is leading in the fight against diabetes?