Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, for far too long, first nations leaders and communities in Ontario have called for a child and family services system that reflects their cultures, their priorities and the right to care for their own children. Can the Minister of Indigenous Services update the House on the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal's decision on the Ontario final agreement and how this historic milestone advances first nations‑led child and family services reform?

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the second report of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources, entitled “Main Estimates 2026-27: Vote 1 under Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Vote 1 under Canadian Energy Regulator, Vote 1 under Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Votes 1, 5 and 10 under Department of Natural Resources, Vote 1 under Northern Pipeline Agency”.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to table e-petition 7165, signed by hundreds of Canadians, in support of Canada water week. Last month, people from around the world celebrated World Water Day on March 22, and petitioners are calling on the House to recognize every week in which March 22 falls as Canada water week Leading up to World Water Day, a group of students at Toronto Metropolitan University affiliated with the Geoffrey F. Bruce Fellowship in Canadian Freshwater Policy led this petition to establish Canada water week, and I am happy to table it.

Mr. Speaker, today we get to correct a historic wrong. I want to thank the minister for bringing Bill C-21 to the House, the self-government treaty. I want to applaud her, and I also want to applaud our Minister of Public Safety, who did a lot of the work to bring this to fruition. I know that a number of the Manitoba MPs were at a special signing ceremony last year, and the parliamentary secretary to the leader of the House was one of those there. Today, indeed, is a very special day. I give a big shout-out to the Manitoba Métis Federation, particularly President Chartrand for his persistence and collaborative spirit in bringing us to today. I am wondering if the minister could respond to how signing this treaty and implementing this legislation would show the way on the reconciliation journey that all Canadians are on.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday was World Water Day, a moment to reflect on an extraordinary truth, which is that Canada is a water nation. We are home to 20% of the world's fresh water. This abundance shapes our lives, provides safe drinking water, sustains agriculture and fisheries, and supports our economy. For indigenous peoples, water holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning. For all Canadians, it is part of who we are, yet we have too often taken it for granted. Climate change is bringing more floods and droughts, while pollution and invasive species threaten our waters. That is why we are taking action through the new Canada Water Agency and a strengthened freshwater action plan. I want to recognize the Bruce fellows students at Toronto Metropolitan University who will be presenting a petition calling for a Canada water week. It is a reminder that the next generation is stepping forward to protect this vital resource, because protecting our water is a shared responsibility between this generation and those that follow.

Mr. Speaker, our national parks are national treasures that all Canadians take pride in. Two years ago, Canadians across the country watched in horror as a monster fire ripped through Jasper National Park, causing thousands to evacuate and leaving many without their homes and businesses. In this crisis, the town has shown all of us how strong, united and resilient Canadians are. Can the minister responsible for Jasper recovery speak to the whole-of-government co-ordination that is moving critical recovery and rebuilding projects forward?

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honour the life and legacy of Bill Loewen. For many years, he was a proud resident of St. Norbert and a true community builder in Winnipeg South. Bill was a successful business leader whose entrepreneurial drive was matched only by his generosity. Through his philanthropy, he strengthened institutions across Manitoba, including the Behavioural Health Foundation, and quietly supported initiatives that continue to serve families to this day. St. Norbert was at the heart of his life. He understood its historic significance and worked tirelessly to preserve its distinctive character. As a co-founder of Heritage Saint-Norbert, he helped safeguard its history and championed projects like the St. Norbert Farmers' Market, which is now a cherished gathering place for so many. I extend my sincere condolences to Bill Loewen's family and to all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Canada has lost a remarkable community leader, and his legacy will endure for generations.

Mr. Speaker, this week, the Assembly of First Nations met here in Ottawa to advance economic sovereignty, and ministers from our government were at the table because reconciliation requires real partnership and real results. Can the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs outline how our government is turning commitments like section 35 and the duty to consult into action, ensuring first nations are not just consulted but leading major projects and driving prosperity across the north?

Mr. Speaker, in the last election, we committed to build Canada strong, to make Canada an energy superpower, to grow the strongest economy in the G7 and to strengthen industrial carbon pricing. Last week's memorandum of understanding between Canada and Alberta provides a framework to advance those goals. Can the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources explain how Alberta and Canada will work together with indigenous rights holders in British Columbia to get projects built, create good jobs and diversify our exports beyond the United States?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the life of Colleen Jones, a Canadian curling great and a fixture in Canadian broadcasting for decades. A six-time national champion and two-time world champion, Colleen was a trailblazer whose excellence inspired generations, especially young women who saw in her what was possible. Beyond the rink, she brought warmth, humour and unmistakable energy to television, connecting with viewers as naturally as she competed on the ice. On a personal note, I fondly recall the lighthearted banter Colleen once shared with my father, Don Duguid, during major curling broadcasts, moments that captured the camaraderie and joy at the heart of our sport. Canada has lost a champion, a storyteller and a role model. I ask all members to join me in offering condolences to her family, her teammates and the many Canadians she inspired.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak to Bill C-224 this morning. This is an important bill that would impact millions of Canadians who rely on natural health products as part of their daily health and wellness routines and want to know that the products they are using and consuming are safe. Unfortunately, the bill as it is currently written would make it harder for Canadians to trust the safety and quality of their natural health products, and it would make it harder to make sure that harmful products could be taken off the shelf. However, even with those flaws, I think we can all agree that this bill has some ideas worth exploring. One of our new government's top priorities was to remove burdensome red tape and regulations. We have seen this promise in action in the natural health products sector. Our government heard from natural health product companies that some of the regulatory burdens added by the previous government were too onerous or did not do what they set out to do, so we paused some of those regulations and limited the scope of others. Canada's natural health products industry is a huge part of our economy, and we want to make sure that these companies can thrive. We also want to make sure that Canadians can trust that the natural health products they rely on are safe and that what is on the label is actually what is in them. After all, the term “natural health products” encompasses all sorts of things. It includes vitamins, minerals and supplements, but it can also include products like sunscreen, deodorant and toothpaste. It even includes products that contain addictive substances, like nicotine in the form of nicotine replacement therapies. In other words, there is a wide range of products. We need only look at the Health Canada recall page to see that sometimes, mistakes are made. There can be mislabelled products or undeclared ingredients. In one extreme case last year, a range of multivitamins and supplements had to be recalled across Canada because they contained metal fibres. These recalls are rare, but they show that even seemingly safe products that are authorized and widely used can still have some risks. Having this oversight in place, with food and drug safety regulations that ensure that the products on store shelves are safe, effective and of high quality, helps Canadian consumers and Canadian companies alike. These regulations build trust and confidence in the system. Consumers trust that the products on store shelves are what they say they are, while businesses get to operate on a level playing field. This oversight also makes Canada a more attractive destination for companies looking to expand, because they know we have a regulatory system in place that maintains some of the highest food and drug safety standards in the world. It is important to note that in its current form, Bill C-224 would undo many of these regulations. In trying to lessen the regulatory burden on natural health product companies, it could open the door to companies that do not have the best interests of Canadians at heart. Under the current laws and regulations, the Minister of Health has a number of important powers. They can order a product recall. They can require changes to labels or packaging. They can request additional information about a product when they suspect that it poses a serious risk to human health. They can also issue fines against companies that refuse to take unsafe products off the shelves. These are all important tools to protect consumers, and Bill C-224 would get rid of them. I do not think that was the goal of Bill C-224. The bill's sponsor, the member for Ponoka—Didsbury, has been very passionate about this. He has been an advocate for natural health products going back to the previous Parliament, when he introduced the forerunner of this bill, Bill C-368, which had many of the same provisions. I will pause here to note that one important difference between Bill C-368 and Bill C-224 is that Bill C-224 does not exempt nicotine products from the Food and Drugs Act, which is a significant improvement. Both bills are understandable attempts to help natural health product companies continue to grow and thrive. This is a goal that all of us in this House share. It is certainly a goal of our new government. It is why we have been working closely with natural health products industry stakeholders as part of our red tape review to streamline and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden. Thanks to the red tape review, Health Canada is shifting to a risk-based approach to oversight that will reduce premarket requirements for natural health products, while shifting direct oversight and resources to higher-risk areas. It has also put a pause on new labelling requirements and continues to work with natural health product companies to address their concerns. We recognize that a key part of working with the natural health products industry is flexibility. We cannot apply a one-size-fits-all regulatory approach. One of the important pieces of legislation passed by the previous government was Bill C-69, which gave the Minister of Health the flexibility to respond to urgent and emerging regulatory challenges as they arise, with tailored solutions. In a world where both industry and the government are constantly facing evolving challenges, this kind of flexibility is essential. This important work needs to continue, and I think there is room within Bill C-224 to allow it to continue. We also need to make sure that there are rules and regulations in place to protect Canadian consumers. When Canadians reach for products on store shelves, they need to have confidence in their safety and trust that the labels accurately represent the products. If they do not have that confidence and they cannot trust the products they are buying, it will hurt the entire natural health products industry and, by extension, our economy. There is an important balance that we need to find. I have heard that word a lot in the debate today, and I hope we can find it in this bill at the committee stage. Let us make sure that it strikes the right balance to ensure that Canadians can have peace of mind when it comes to the products they buy and that Canadian natural health product companies have the tools they need to grow and thrive.

Mr. Speaker, Kap Paper is an integral part of northern Ontario's economic security, supporting over 2,500 skilled, local careers in the region. However, a few weeks ago, the community was rocked by the news that Kap Paper would be shuttering its doors. This is devastating for the community and for workers and families throughout northern Ontario. Can the Minister of Industry please tell the House how we are supporting Kap Paper and other industries and how our government is standing up for skilled careers and stronger communities?

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the late Dr. Jane Goodall. Dr. Goodall was a world-renowned primatologist, conservationist and United Nations messenger of peace. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute, which continues her global mission to protect wildlife and inspire hope. Her groundbreaking discoveries about chimpanzees transformed humanity's understanding of our closest relatives and reminded us of a truth long held by indigenous peoples: that we are not separate from nature but deeply connected to it. Her life's work sparked a revolution of empathy for animals, for the environment and for each other. In this time of climate crisis and biodiversity loss, her message has never been more urgent. Dr. Goodall gave hope to generations, especially young people, who carry forward a vision of a planet where all creatures are treated with compassion. May her legacy continue to guide us and may we honour her memory through action to protect the natural world we all share.

Mr. Speaker, during the summer, I heard, loud and clear, from workers and investors across Canada that we have what the world needs. They support the goal of our becoming a clean and conventional energy superpower to build our future prosperity. Can the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources share how the government is advancing energy and natural resources projects with indigenous rights holders across Canada and diversifying our exports so that we win this trade war?

Mr. Speaker, next week, Canada will host the leaders of the world's advanced economies at the G7 leaders' summit in Kananaskis. This meeting comes amid rising geopolitical tension and increasing disruption to global supply chains. As global challenges intensify, the G7 must meet this moment with purpose and with force. Can the Minister of Foreign Affairs share with the House Canada's priorities for this critical summer?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the devastating wildfire crisis unfolding across Manitoba and western Canada. Over 100 fires are burning, many of them out of control. Communities like Flin Flon, Lynn Lake and Pimicikamak Cree Nation are under mandatory evacuation orders that are displacing an estimated 17,000 Manitobans. The scale of these fires is immense, destroying homes and infrastructure, as well as disrupting every aspect of community life. Let us extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters, emergency responders and volunteers working tirelessly on the front lines to battle the flames that surround many of our northern communities. Their courage and commitment are nothing short of heroic. Finally, let us also ensure that all orders of government are working together to provide seamless support for evacuees as they wait for a safe return home when the danger has passed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak to the wildfire crisis taking place in the heart of our country. The raging fires in my home province of Manitoba and across the Prairies are displacing thousands of residents, destroying homes and infrastructure, and threatening the very safety of our communities, but as we face this crisis, we are also seeing something extraordinary: the strength and resilience of our communities and citizens coming together in support of one another. First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the first responders, firefighters, paramedics and Canadian Armed Forces personnel who have been working tirelessly to protect lives and property. These brave men and women are on the front lines, selflessly putting their safety at risk. The work they are doing is nothing short of heroic, and we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude. Equally inspiring is the response from our communities. Local organizations, neighbours and volunteers have come together in a way that speaks to the very best of who we are as Canadians. From organizing shelter and food for evacuees to providing emotional support for those affected, Manitobans are showing incredible compassion and solidarity. I want to take a moment to also give thanks to the groups, associations and individuals who have stepped up in my hometown of Winnipeg and across Manitoba as we face this crisis. There are many powerful examples that showcase who we are as Winnipeggers and Manitobans. The Winnipeg Humane Society, for instance, has set up a temporary shelter for evacuees with pets. This facility, located at the St. Norbert Community Centre in my home riding of Winnipeg South, opened today and will be a vital support for families with pets. The Manitoba Métis Federation has opened a command centre to support evacuees with donations and supplies while also coordinating volunteers to transport those who have been displaced, provide temporary housing and prepare hot meals. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has also mobilised quickly, establishing a donation centre at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg to collect supplies for evacuees. There are community centres, along with university and college campuses. My riding is the home of the University of Winnipeg and a number of technical colleges. These facilities across Canada have also contributed by providing shelter and safe spaces for those who have been displaced. It is through the amazing efforts of these groups, and countless others across Manitoba, that we are reminded of the power of community, the importance of unity and the unwavering commitment to helping one another in times of crisis. As of today, more than 17,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. In some cases, entire communities have been evacuated. In northern Manitoba, Flin Flon, Lynn Lake, Pukatawagan, Pimicikamak Cree Nation and Poplar River have been some of the hardest hit. On Wednesday, Premier Wab Kinew from Manitoba asked for federal assistance to deal with the wildfire crisis, and Prime Minister Carney immediately agreed.

Madam Speaker, I am sorry. That was a rookie mistake, made by a 10-year veteran. The Canadian Armed Forces have now been deployed in the province to help with evacuations, and thousands of firefighters and other personnel are on the ground and in the air doing their best to protect people and property. We have seen other communities across Canada face similar crises. The town of Jasper, Alberta, suffered a devastating wildfire in July 2024. Tragically, one-third of the town burned to the ground. Families were forced to flee, some now without homes or businesses to go back to. Jasper's experience reminds us that no region is immune to the growing threat of wildfires, and it underscores the urgent need for long-term solutions related to fire prevention and building community resiliency. In the aftermath of the Jasper fire, the Government of Canada provided vital assistance to allow the town to recover and rebuild, and that is a work in progress. A significant portion of that support has been dedicated to strengthening wildfire response and recovery efforts within Jasper National Park, enhancing the region's ability to respond to future emergencies. Furthermore, the funding has supported new initiatives to help local businesses reconnect with their customers, retain their workforce and revitalize Jasper's vital tourism economy. Jasper's experience serves as a powerful reminder of what is possible when all governments work together, and perhaps provides a model we can look to as we confront the growing wildfire emergencies across Manitoba and the Prairies. Today, our government, alongside our provincial counterparts in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, announced that we will match all individual donations to the Canadian Red Cross to provide emergency shelter, food and essential supplies to those impacted by wildfires. We are deeply grateful to the Red Cross and to all its volunteers, who are there for us in difficult times like today. This disaster is a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by climate change. Wildfires, like those we are seeing in Manitoba, are becoming more frequent, more intense and harder to predict. We must adapt to this new reality. This means strengthening our fire prevention efforts and investing in emergency preparedness, and doing more to help communities prepare, adapt and recover from these disasters. This is why our Prime Minister has created a new ministry in government and named a very able Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience from the province of Alberta. I know all of us in the House are thinking of those torn from their communities, some who have lost their homes and businesses. By virtue of this debate tonight, we are letting them know that we are thinking of them. We are thinking not only of their needs today, but also of what we need to do tomorrow to build resilient communities that provide for their safety and quality of life in the future. I want to thank the hon. member for Winnipeg Centre for requesting this emergency debate tonight so we could prove that point.

Madam Speaker, I welcome the new member to the House. We do have a national adaptation plan in light of this new normal we are experiencing from coast to coast to coast. We know we are going to see more wildfires. We are going to see more droughts. We are going to see more extremes in weather. It is certainly my view and, I believe, the view of the government that we have to beef up those adaptation plans and prepare our communities for the future.

Mr. Speaker, on November 30, our government signed the first-ever modern treaty with the Métis government, the Manitoba Métis Federation. It was a historic day of celebration, reflection and progress, a day that honoured Louis Riel and all that he fought and gave his life for. This achievement would not have been possible without the exceptional leadership of President David Chartrand, the greatest Métis leader since Riel. Today we acknowledge the pivotal role of the Red River Métis in bringing the Province of Manitoba into Confederation. Today we recognize the rights and self-government of the Red River Métis Nation, as well as affirm our commitment to reconciliation and collaboration. Working together, this agreement demonstrates the power of partnership, benefiting everything from housing to health care to cultural preservation. Finally, I want to acknowledge Canada's Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and the Minister of Northern Affairs, who worked tirelessly to move this treaty forward, marking a victory for the Red River Métis Nation, for Manitoba and for Canada. Marsi.

Mr. Speaker, following the 15th meeting of the Canada-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, JWGCT, in February 2018, the Framework for Cooperation on Counter Terrorism was published through a joint statement. It remains in effect. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, RCMP, as the national police force, has the authority to share information with other international police forces to further investigations in accordance with existing policy and applicable legislations. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Act, with the Minister of Public Safety’s approval, also allows for information sharing with foreign partners, including police forces. The scope of sharing for all agencies depends on a number of requirements, including compliance with the Avoiding Complicity in Mistreatment by Foreign Entities Act (ACMFEA). Given the specific mandate and operational requirements, and in order to protect the safety and security of Canadians, CSIS and the RCMP cannot disclose any details related to information sharing. In order to respect and preserve the integrity of ongoing investigations and prosecutions, details related to co-operation between law enforcement and security agencies of Canada and India cannot be disclosed.

Madam Speaker, I am responding to the question the member asked in the House not long ago. I would just remind him that in recent years, climate change has had unprecedented effects on Canadians. Impacts from climate change are wide-ranging, affecting our homes, the cost of living, infrastructure, health and safety, and economic activity in communities across Canada. Released yesterday, “Canada's Food Price Report 2025” states that extreme weather and climate change pose significant challenges to the cost of food, something I know the hon. member is very interested in as someone from an agricultural community. The science is clear: We must continue taking ambitious actions to combat climate change before it is too late. This includes using all of the tools in our tool box, including putting a price on pollution. Despite what the Conservatives may think, the Bank of Canada has confirmed that carbon pricing contributes less than 1% to inflation. In fact the impact of carbon pricing on inflation is just 0.15%. Our government's plan to combat climate change is working. For the first time in Canadian history, we are on track to meet a climate goal, in 2026. We are focused on building a stronger economy, combatting climate change and making life more affordable; that is exactly what putting a price on pollution does. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has confirmed multiple times that the vast majority of Canadians are better off with the Canada carbon rebate. A family of four in the riding of Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa, a very beautiful part of my home province, the member's home province of Manitoba, with the Canada carbon rebate, will receive $1,200 a year. That is not all; in rural communities, residents will receive an additional 20% top-up. We remain focused on the bigger picture: protecting Canadians from the devastating impacts of climate change and ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come. I know that the hon. member is a strong environmental advocate. I would like to hear him and his party, for once, talk about climate change, the opportunities it has for our economy and the impacts it is having on agriculture and on people's lives from coast to coast to coast.

Madam Speaker, my answer is an unqualified yes, and we are getting good value from the measures that we are introducing to combat climate change. As I mentioned earlier, the Parliamentary Budget Officer has confirmed that carbon pricing does not contribute to inflation. We know that the impacts of climate change are something in the order of $25 billion a year. They are impacting our farmers. They are impacting people in cities and in rural Canada alike. I was very happy to hear the hon. member say that climate change is real. I think he is one of the few members from his party across the aisle whom I have heard say that.

Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague, whom I respect greatly. I am happy to respond to his comments regarding Sustainable Development Technology Canada, or SDTC. The government remains committed to providing the documents sought in the House of Commons motion from June 10. In fact, the government has already submitted thousands of pages of records to the law clerk for onward distribution to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or the RCMP. I suspect the member opposite knows this, but the Conservatives would rather filibuster their own motion and hold up the important business of the House than move forward with the important work of helping Canadians. Quite simply, to say that the government is intentionally withholding documentation is a serious accusation, and it is simply false. The government has been very forthcoming since the allegations against SDTC first came to light in early 2023. In fact, as soon as the allegations were made, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry took immediate action to investigate and undertake proper due diligence to understand the facts and get to the bottom of the issue at hand. As part of that process, the government worked diligently to respond to the findings of multiple independent reviews of SDTC, including third party audits, committee studies and a report from the Office of the Auditor General. I would like to remind the member opposite that SDTC was created by Parliament as an arm's-length organization. This model allowed for oversight but emphasized that the work of identifying clean tech projects would lie with those within the independent organization with the appropriate expertise. To claim that the government was directly involved in SDTC is inaccurate; not only that, but it runs contrary to the arm's-length mandate that existed with SDTC. That being said, at the conclusion of the various reviews and audits, it became apparent that the arm's-length nature of SDTC was no longer working and necessitated change. That is why we announced a new delivery approach for SDTC programming to enhance due diligence. It is the prerogative of the RCMP to undertake an investigation, and no one in this room is privy to its nature. The government is prepared to offer its full co-operation with the RCMP if and when required. At the same time, we listened to the RCMP when it confirmed that handing over documents to the House to be transferred to the RCMP could jeopardize any ongoing investigations. That, I think, gives us all pause for thought. Instead of continuing to hold this place hostage with a Conservative filibuster, we should let the RCMP investigation continue, free of political interference and involvement, while also referring this matter to committee as directed by the Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I want to be clear: The government has zero tolerance for the misappropriation of public funds. The member opposite's accusation that the government has funnelled taxpayer money and is obstructing justice is completely false. The Auditor General was clear in her findings and highlighted several areas where SDTC's governance and rules were not followed. This and the other reviews conducted by the department signalled that there were weaknesses in SDTC governance and delivery, and the government took clear and decisive action. The government fully supports Canada's clean technology industry and appreciates the important role these companies are playing in shaping Canada's economic future. The steps we have taken will ensure that these companies can continue to succeed while simultaneously ensuring the proper stewardship of public funds.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to take part in today's debate and discuss the measures the government is taking to make life more affordable in Canada, especially as the holiday season approaches. Inflation is way down and has been back within the Bank of Canada's target rate for 10 months in a row. Wage growth has now outpaced inflation for 21 consecutive months. Earlier this summer, the Bank of Canada lowered interest rates for the first time, making Canada the first G7 country to do so. It has since lowered interest rates three more times. Although inflation and interest rates are falling, we know that Canadians are not yet feeling the effects on their household budgets. This is particularly true during the festive season. That is why, starting December 14, the government wants to give a tax break to Canadians, which the Conservatives oppose. The temporary two-month GST/HST exemption for select expenses means Canadians would be able to buy items like prepared food, snacks, children's clothing and toys, all tax free. This means that a family spending $2,000 on qualifying goods during the relief period between December 14, 2024, and February 15, 2025, would realize GST savings of $100. This tax break would last until February 15. This would deliver meaningful savings for Canadians by making essentially all food GST/HST free and providing real relief at the cash register.

Madam Speaker, thanks to the measures we recently announced, Canadians will be able to concentrate more on celebrating the festive season with family and friends and to start the new year with a little more money in their pockets. Canadians can continue to count on the government to make life more affordable in this country on an ongoing basis. As Canadians, we have so much to be thankful for. Canadians work hard and they deserve to celebrate their achievements. That is what the new holiday-season support is all about.

Mr. Speaker, as the member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, I am proud to represent a large and growing Indo-Canadian community where Sikh and Hindu families live side by side in harmony as neighbours. Unfortunately, there are those who seek to promote extreme views, create division and sow discord. Let me be clear, there should never be disruptive protests at places of worship, like we saw recently in Brampton and Vancouver. The defacing of Hindu temples, as we have regrettably seen at the BAPS mandirs in Toronto and Edmonton, is absolutely unacceptable. As well, inflammatory statements and incidents of grave violence targeting Sikh Canadians have no place in our country. Acts of hate and the creation of disharmony do not reflect the Canada we know and love, which is a multicultural mosaic that is the envy of the world. In Winnipeg South and beyond, let us work hard to foster unity, keep community members safe, live together in peace and build a better Canada for all.

Mr. Speaker, over the past year, we have discovered that several countries, including China, Iran, Russia and India have been engaging in foreign interference in Canada. The Justice Hogue inquiry has made it clear that every member of the House has a responsibility to combat foreign interference. It is time for all political party leaders to put country before party and be vigilant in protecting democracy and the values we hold dear. However, the leader of the Conservative Party is deliberately choosing to stay in the dark and is refusing to take the necessary security briefing. It is high time for him to step up, so let me put this in simple terms he will understand: Get the clearance, get the briefing and protect the country.

Mr. Speaker, I am deeply troubled by the recent series of harassing and Islamophobic phone calls made to a Winnipeg mosque over the past several weeks. Places of worship should always be spaces of peace, safety and community. The targeting of any religious group is an attack on all of us, and we must be united in denouncing such hatred. I stand with Winnipeg's Muslim community and, indeed, all communities facing hate speech during these challenging international times and conflicts worldwide. Our government recently launched our action plan on combatting hate, which includes helping communities prevent and address hate, while protecting vulnerable individuals and raising public awareness. Together, we all have a responsibility to promote unity and understanding and build a more inclusive society where everyone is free to practise their faith without fear.

Mr. Speaker, Manitobans believe in building up, not tearing down our public health care system, as the Conservatives have always done over the decades. That is why we are taking action to strengthen it for the long term. Our government is making significant progress in dental care, with more than 62,000 Manitobans now eligible to receive care. Across the country, 750,000 Canadians have already accessed the dental care they need, relieving families of the burden of high out-of-pocket expenses. This program is already making a real difference in the lives of Canadians. We have heard loud and clear from Manitobans that they want to see us make meaningful investments in health care, and we are doing exactly that. This is about creating a stronger, more inclusive health care system that reflects the values of Manitobans: equity, accessibility and a commitment to leaving no one behind.

Mr. Speaker, Phil Fontaine, one of the greatest indigenous leaders in Canadian history, will be celebrating his 80th birthday. He rose from poverty and the cruelty of residential schools to challenge discrimination and colonialism at the highest levels of political and religious power. As national chief, Phil Fontaine attained apologies from both our Parliament and the Vatican for their destructive treatment of indigenous children and played a key role in negotiating the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Under his leadership, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission paved the way for a national dialogue on healing and justice. Fontaine helped to reshape how Canada confronts its past, promoting understanding, respect and mutual recognition. His legacy will be the inspiration for a new generation to continue the reconciliation journey toward a fair and inclusive future for all Canadians. I invite the House to join me in honouring Phil Fontaine's lifetime of service and achievement.

Madam Speaker, let me start by saying that the government shares the member's concerns and his desire to hold those responsible to account. This is an issue that the government is not taking lightly. The members of this House and all Canadians are justifiably concerned by what they have been hearing in the media and at committee. We are using many tools and following many avenues of inquiry to understand what went wrong in the case of ArriveCAN. These avenues include the rare and extraordinary measure of a public rebuke in the House, for which the government did vote in favour. This speaks to how seriously we take this issue. It is why we voted for Mr. Firth to present himself here in the House and why we will continue to support the various investigations and inquiries into this matter. While we await the responses that Canadians need and deserve, I can tell everyone about the swift and decisive actions this government is taking to strengthen and protect the integrity of government procurement so that something like this can never ever happen again. When something goes awry, the government takes decisive action to restore trust in the system. That is exactly what our government is doing. Budget 2024 clearly outlines the actions we are taking to enforce and uphold the highest standards of procurement to ensure sound stewardship of public funds. They include new steps to strengthen the government's procurement and conflict of interest regimes and updated procurement guidance for managers to reinforce the prudent use of public funds. This means examining human resources and staffing strategies before procuring professional services, strict evaluation criteria when a supplier is selected, clear due diligence protocols to ensure no conflict of interest and ensuring all contractual obligations are upheld by third party vendors. It also includes government-wide audits to ensure governance, decision-making and controls associated with professional service contracts uphold the highest ethical standards. The results of these audits are expected by the end of this year. Changes are also under way to modernize the new master-level user agreements for a professional services supply arrangement to improve transparency regarding costing and subcontractors. We will launch a new risk and compliance process to ensure government-wide trends, risks and departmental performance meet the highest standards and take corrective actions whenever necessary as soon as possible. We are also bringing forward stronger accountability guidelines for managers when procuring professional services, which include robust validation that a potential contractor is the best fit for the requirements. In closing, our government is committed to ensuring that Canadian tax dollars are used wisely and responsibly. We recognize the seriousness of the ArriveCAN issue, and I want to assure Canadians that we will be acting swiftly and decisively to ensure that it cannot happen again.

Madam Speaker, perhaps the hon. member did not hear me. Just to repeat what I said, the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Canadian tax dollars are used wisely and responsibly. The issues that have emerged around the procurement of professional IT services and the management of the ArriveCAN application are indeed deeply troubling. We know from the reports of various investigations into the matter that Canada's procurement system can be strengthened and improved, and that is exactly what we are doing. Budget 2024 outlines the important steps we are taking to enforce and uphold the highest standards of procurement to ensure sound stewardship of public funds. We will continue to actively explore all possible ways to further bolster our processes. We are working relentlessly to make sure that what happened in the case of ArriveCAN does not happen again.

Mr. Speaker, with regard to the change announced by the Prime Minister on May 24, 2024, that Catherine Blewett, the Secretary of the Treasury Board, was being reassigned to become a Senior Official at the Privy Council Office (PCO), the response is as follows to part (a) of the question, senior official positions at PCO are determined on a case-by-case basis in response to organizational needs and are often employed for transitions in the senior ranks of the public service. As for part (b), senior official positions at PCO are not listed in the organizational structure chart, due to the temporary nature of the role. With regard to part (c), senior official positions generally report to the Clerk of the Privy Council, including the position Catherine Blewett is holding. With regard to part (d), pursuant to the Privacy Act, details of an employee’s work agreement are considered personal information and therefore cannot be disclosed.

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend marked the beginning of Eid al-Adha. During Eid, families come together to pray, share meals and distribute food to those in need, stressing the importance of unity, charity and sacrifice. It is a time to deepen bonds with family and friends, to show kindness to others and to reflect on the blessings of life. As Eid passes this year, let us recognize the contributions of the Muslim community to our society and reaffirm our commitment to promoting diversity, understanding and respect for all faiths. Let us acknowledge the challenging times faced by many in our communities. As politicians, we must do more to combat all forms of racism, including Islamophobia, while ensuring all have access to proper mental health supports as we feel the devastating impacts of conflict and loss of innocent lives throughout the world. May Eid usher in a year of joy, peace and understanding. Eid Mubarak.