Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, February 15 marks the beginning of Non-Profit Sector Appreciation Week, and I am proud to rise today to celebrate the heart of our communities: our non-profits and the people behind them. These are our neighbours. They are the friendly faces who step up when someone needs a ride, a meal, a place to call home or a caring professional to talk to. Their dedication does not make headlines…
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Mr. Speaker, today is Canada's Agriculture Day, a time to recognize the farmers, producers and food processors who sustain our communities and our economy. In Kitchener—Conestoga, across Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich, agriculture is a part of everyday life and is a year-round commitment. From the first harvest of maple syrup in early spring, through planting and the fall harvest to the daily care…
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Mr. Speaker, Canada's food sovereignty begins with the people who grow and produce our food. In Kitchener—Conestoga, we see that every day. Agriculture is at the heart of our community and farmers feed families across our country. Recently, I joined the Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade and the Canadian ambassador to the U.S. for a national round table with Canadian dairy farmers and prod…
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Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honour Adolph Hafemann of Wellesley Township, who passed away this fall at the age of 95. Adolph's life is a story of resilience and of service. Born in Poland, he fled with his family during the Second World War, immigrating to Canada with just 15¢ in his pocket. He worked on farms, then in Kitchener's manufacturing sector, before building a new life in Wellesley Town…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an incredible achievement by the Woolwich Thrashers sledge hockey team. At the recent Cruisers Cup tournament, our junior Thrashers struck gold, going undefeated and capping it off with a 4–0 shutout in the finals. Their determination, teamwork and heart were on full display, with Wilder Sutter-Ruston scoring all four goals and goalie Hadley Deckert earning a…
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Mr. Speaker, I would like the member to know that our government knows that forestry matters. These tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber are unjustified. We are working at every level to fix this dispute. In the meantime, our government is going to continue supporting workers. We are going to prioritize Canadian materials in construction, and we are going to change the federal procurement process t…
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Mr. Speaker, this past Friday, history was made in Ottawa. For the first time, the “lest we forget” poppy flag was raised on Parliament Hill to mark the beginning of Veterans' Week and the Royal Canadian Legion's annual poppy campaign. This powerful moment was driven by the dedication of Donald Eenkooren, a proud Canadian Armed Forces veteran and member of the New Hamburg Legion in Kitchener—Cones…
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Mr. Speaker, as the vibrant colours of autumn signal the end of harvest, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible farmers in Kitchener—Conestoga and across our country, whose dedication helps feed us all. From the fields of Wellesley and Wilmot to the barns and greenhouses of Woolwich, farmers work tirelessly, feeding our families, fuelling our economy and stewarding the land with care …
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Mr. Speaker, Kitchener—Conestoga recently celebrated the Wellesley and New Hamburg fall fairs, two events that showcase the best of rural life and bring neighbours together. These fairs connect us to our agricultural roots and highlight the values of hard work, community and tradition. They also help bridge urban and rural communities, raising awareness about agriculture and inspiring future farme…
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Mr. Speaker, this Gender Equality Week, I rise not just to celebrate progress but also to challenge us to go further. Despite women making up half our population, their voices are still too often dismissed or diminished, even in places of leadership like the House of Commons. Research shows that women are interrupted significantly more than men, and when they do speak their ideas are often only re…
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Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague talked about co-operation. I think we can all agree that Canada has the potential to be an energy superpower in the world, in both traditional and clean energy. The Major Projects Office is something he talked about. This is a place where stakeholders, projects, federal government, provincial and territorial governments and indigenous nations, anyone, can come togeth…
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Mr. Speaker, 2.6 million Canadian jobs rely on exports to the United States, and Canada has the strongest trade deal of any U.S. partner. Our government is working closely with both the U.S. and Mexico to modernize our supply chains and support Canadian exporters. We are focused on maintaining the benefits of CUSMA, preventing future tariff threats and expanding market access. Standing up for Cana…
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Mr. Speaker, Canada and the U.S. share the world's most integrated and mutually beneficial trade partnership. That is not up for debate. Millions of jobs in Canada and the U.S. depend on our trading relationship. Canada already, and it is unequivocal, has the best deal among U.S. trading partners. While we continue to negotiate with the U.S. and with Mexico, our government is focused on what we co…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a local organization making a powerful impact through sport, the Southern Ontario Cricket Association, SOCA. Founded by Parveen Sharma and now led by Giridhar Bannaravuri, SOCA began in 2019 with just 12 teams. Today, it is Canada's second-largest cricket league, expanding to 78 teams. SOCA's heart lies in youth development, Their Little Champs junior club em…
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Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to speak in this House about one of the first bills of this new government, which is foundational for our vision and ambition, groundbreaking in scope and unifying in its promise. I refer to the one Canadian economy act. Today, I want to share a bold vision with members, a vision for unity, for growth, for a Canada that does not sit on the sidelines or take our destiny f…
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Mr. Speaker, the member is passionate and very knowledgeable about this subject. She mentioned the OGGO committee. I have never had the privilege to sit on that committee. The committees are important. They are part of the oversight for government, and they play an integral part. We need to continue to work together, whether it is in this chamber or in committee. I also want to thank the Auditor G…
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Mr. Speaker, my colleague is right; Canadians sent us here to address affordability issues and to make life better for Canadians. We have legislation before us that, if we work together, we can pass quickly. That would help 22 million Canadians with a tax cut, and it would help with the GST rebate. I look forward to working across the aisle as fast as possible to make sure that we can do what Cana…
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Mr. Speaker, it is always an honour to rise on behalf of the people of Kitchener—Conestoga. I will be sharing my time with the hon. member for Bourassa. For any government, there is perhaps no more central responsibility than the duty to spend taxpayer dollars with transparency and a clear commitment to achieving value for money. Canadians work hard to earn a living, and part of those earnings com…
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Mr. Speaker, we have talked about strengthening accountability, and I think that is what is happening. Government should be in a role of constant improvement, and strengthening accountability is something that we are doing. We are strengthening the oversight, which has already happened, and we are clarifying responsibilities, which is a big part of that, by taking legal action against GC Strategie…
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Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for his questions, but I am not yet able to respond in French. On the legislation, we need to work together to have that passed. We do know we need to support, both in legislation and in funding, our security, like the CBSA and RCMP. That will be in the legislation. I look forward to having that conversation. The short answer is as soon as possible…
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Madam Speaker, it is wonderful to see you in the chair, and I just want to let you know that I will be sharing my time with the member for Mississauga East—Cooksville. It is with deep gratitude that I rise today on behalf of the people of Kitchener—Conestoga and give my first speech in the 45th Parliament. Standing and speaking in the chamber reinforces the responsibility that I carry as a parliam…
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Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for that question. I would also thank her for all her service in the House. In addressing the idea about splitting the bill, I would have to talk with the House leaders and have that conversation. I am not sure. The bill is extensive because we need to protect Canadians. We need to make sure we are doing it in a way that gives law enforcement the tools it needs …
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Madam Speaker, I want to thank the member for Chatham–Kent—Leamington. We have worked well together on the agriculture committee for years. He is just down the road from me. I appreciate the question and that he cares about the security of Canadians. A secure Canada starts with secure borders. As far as moving fast on this bill, Bill C-2, other than the ways and means committee motion, which is Bi…
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Madam Speaker, it is difficult to say the bill is too big and not big enough at the same time. The Liberals are trying to strike that balance. I believe we need to work on legislation that addresses what we said we would do, which is sentence reform as well as bail reform.
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Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the government announced its intention to split the online harms act into two parts, to move quickly, to act now and to advance child protection measures. We have lost too much time because of Conservative stalling tactics. I find it unconscionable that the Conservatives are opposed to forcing the removal of child sexual abuse material from the Internet. Can the Minister of…
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Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives spend their time amplifying anger and fanning the flames of division without offering specific solutions. In contrast, last week our government announced measures to support Canadians during the holiday season and into the new year. Could the President of the Treasury Board provide more details about our plan to help Canadians save money this holiday season and beyon…
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Mr. Speaker, Canadian veterans have bravely stood on the front lines, often at significant personal sacrifice, to protect the values that Canadians hold dear. They deserve our unwavering and ongoing support. Veterans still recall the severe cuts made by the previous Conservative government, which dismantled the very institutions meant to support them. Can the Prime Minister inform the House about …
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Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the public safety committee heard from top national security and law enforcement officials on Indian interference in Canada. Despite the concerning evidence, the Conservative leader refuses to speak directly on this issue, choosing instead to hide behind his MPs. The government has been clear that all responsible leaders need security clearances so they can make responsible…
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Mr. Speaker, as the leaves turn to their brilliant autumn hues, it reminds us that Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is here once again. I am thrilled to invite everyone to the 56th annual celebration of this iconic festival, which is running until October 19. For over five decades, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has been a cornerstone of our region. It is the largest Bavarian festival in North Ameri…
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Madam Speaker, I was fortunate to be elected by the people of Kitchener—Conestoga in 2019 and 2021 with a clear mandate to work together across party lines. The pandemic was an example of all parties working together very well to get us through. However, something changed when the current Conservative leader happened, and now, all of a sudden, there is obstruction at every step of the way, includi…
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Madam Speaker, it is fall fair season in Kitchener—Conestoga. Our community always looks forward to the Wellesley Township Fall Fair, the New Hamburg Fall Fair and the upcoming Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival. These fairs bring us a sense of nostalgia, connecting us with our roots and the values of hard work and community, which have defined Canadians for generations. Fairs help build c…
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Mr. Speaker, I have been studying French for three years now and I just want to say that it is never too late to learn. I want to thank my teacher, Jacinthe Parisé, and all the teachers helping us here in Parliament learn French or English. I also want to thank the interpreters who work hard to share their talent and help us communicate with one another. I appreciate their patience with my pronunc…
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Mr. Speaker, today I rise in tribute to a resident of Kitchener—Conestoga, Stan Smurthwaite, a Royal Navy signalman who on D-Day sailed the SS Cresco, one of almost 7,000 vessels that were the largest amphibian invasion ever assembled, in an operation that changed the course of history. Signalman Smurthwaite, affectionately known as “steady light” by his D-Day comrades, risked his life to deliver …
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Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his speech, and also thank him for the work he has done. We worked well together on the agriculture committee. We talked about a school food nutrition program and the importance of that. We talked about it for people who are food-insecure. Can the member expand on how this can also help our local farmers to supply food to our local communities, which w…
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Mr. Speaker, in conversations, women more than men face being constantly interrupted. When women express their ideas, those ideas often go unrecognized until reiterated by a man. When women push back, they are seen as less likeable, and negative labels are disproportionately applied to them. It is critical now more than ever that men speak up to defend women's rights and underscore their support f…
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Madam Speaker, in closing, I want to thank my colleagues from all parties for getting together. I sit on the agriculture committee as well. We did this in a thoughtful process. We heard from everyone concerned. We responded to concerns. This bill is very specific in its nature in that it focuses on exporting horses only, not domestic products for horses. Canadians sent us here to represent them an…
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moved that the bill be concurred in. (Motion agreed to)
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Madam Speaker, I want to thank the member for Cowichan—Malahat—Langford for his advocacy, for carrying the torch. It was his petition that garnered tens of thousands of signatures across Canada. I do appreciate the work that he has done. Yes, there were easier ways to do the bill. It could have been written by slightly amending other legislation. That might have been easier to write, but it would …
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moved that the bill be read the third time and passed. Madam Speaker, I proudly stand here to discuss my private member's bill, Bill C-355. This legislation seeks to prohibit the export of live horses for slaughter by air, and I firmly believe that it is our duty to protect these magnificent creatures from unnecessary suffering. Our relationship with horses runs deep in Canada. Throughout history,…
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Madam Speaker, I also sit on the agriculture committee and we have been working together well for years. I am glad this bill went right through that committee. As I mentioned, this bill proposes an 18-month period for coming into force. This would allow industry stakeholders the time they need to make those adjustments. We heard from the exporters, we heard from breeders and we heard from stakehol…
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Mr. Speaker, small and medium-sized businesses are an integral part of Canada's economy. They employ about 65% of Canada's workers. Recognizing that small businesses deserve additional supports, it is important for us to make doing business more affordable for entrepreneurs. Can the Minister of Small Business tell us about the measures in budget 2024 that will help entrepreneurs in Kitchener—Cones…
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Mr. Speaker, Canada has over 90,000 volunteer firefighters, who put their lives on the line for us every day. We depend on them as the first line of defence in many types of emergencies; they provide essential fire and emergency services to our communities. Their dedication deserves our continued support. This is why I advocated for an increase in the tax credits for volunteer firefighters and sea…
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Mr. Speaker, I invite everyone to join us in Kitchener—Conestoga on Saturday, April 6, as we celebrate the 60th annual Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. Since its start in 1965, the festival has grown to become the largest single-day maple syrup festival in the world. The community of Elmira, with a population of 12,000, will welcome up to 80,000 guests. Individuals and families can take part in the pa…
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Madam Speaker, the last question was much the same, but I would like to hear more of an explanation. In Kitchener—Conestoga, I have talked to many parents to whom the affordability and accessibility of child care are very important. At the same time, there is a labour shortage right now. I was hoping the member could expand on how early learning and child care that is affordable and accessible is …
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Mr. Speaker, in Kitchener—Conestoga, the township of Wellesley ranks as one of the best places to live in Canada. There is a close-knit bond forged among neighbours and a sense of community and meaningful relationships in every aspect of daily life. Small and rural townships hold an undeniable charm, encapsulating the essence of tranquility and interconnectedness with nature. With living in a rura…
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Mr. Speaker, last week the government announced that eligible Canadian residents aged 72 and older can now apply for the Canadian dental care plan. Over 500,000 applicants have been approved for the Canadian dental care program, making dental care more affordable and accessible. This is great news for seniors in Kitchener—Conestoga and across Canada, as more and more seniors have access to afforda…
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Mr. Speaker, over 400,000 seniors aged 77 and over have successfully applied to the Canadian dental care plan since the government launched the plan in December. These numbers, which include seniors in my riding of Kitchener—Conestoga, demonstrate strong support for the plan. Conservatives voted against funding for the dental plan, despite one in four Canadians having reported they could not affor…
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Madam Speaker, I request a recorded vote.
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Madam Speaker, we are here today to discuss an issue that is important to me and to many Canadians, my private member's bill, Bill C-355, which seeks to ban the export of live horses for slaughter. I tabled this private member's bill in September and I continue hearing from and consulting with stakeholders and receiving calls and emails as recently as today. I commit to continue this dialogue and …
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Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 14th report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, entitled “Supplementary Estimates (B), 2023-24: Votes 1b, 5b and 10b under Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food”.
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