Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the upcoming 95th birthday of Johnny Virani, a respected elder in Burnaby Central and the uncle of former minister of justice Arif Virani. Born in Uganda, his life is a testament to resilience, service and the lasting contribution of seniors to our communities. His legacy shows that our country is strengthened by the wisdom and dedication of those who came before u…
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Mr. Speaker, Build Canada Homes is Canada's affordable housing builder, and it is already delivering real results. It continues to support projects that provide Canadians with safe, stable and affordable homes, including homes coming to British Columbia through a recently announced partnership. Can the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure update the House on how this new partnership will help de…
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Mr. Speaker, how do we ensure that fear will never defeat us as Canadians? Families in Tumbler Ridge have faced every parent's worst nightmare. Innocent lives were taken, and many other people were injured. To the grieving families, we offer our deepest condolences. Their loss is felt across this country. To the people recovering and to the students and teachers carrying trauma, we stand beside th…
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Mr. Speaker, last week in South Korea, I joined parliamentarians and activists from around the world at a conference on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, where I was proud to share our Canadian experience. At a time when democracy, inclusion and fundamental freedoms are under attack globally, Canada must lead with clarity and resolve. As the Prime Minister affirmed in Davos, our path forward must be both “princi…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Bullying, discrimination, homophobia, racism and hate have no place in the House or in any corner of Canada. During the justice committee meeting on Tuesday evening, I experienced mocking comments directed at the way I speak English and other remarks that undermined and attacked my intelligence. In addition, a non-permanent member moved my nameplate without…
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Mr. Speaker, these actions, whether intentional or not, undermine the standard of respect and decorum expected in parliamentary committees. They affect not only my ability to participate fully but also the principle that all members of the House, including those from minority and newcomer communities, deserve to be treated with fairness and respect. I ask you to remind all members, permanent or su…
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Mr. Speaker, victims' groups, police chiefs, police associations, provinces, territories and municipalities have all called for the quick passage of Bill C-14, the bail and sentencing reform act. As hate crimes continue to rise, communities across Canada are urging us to move forward on Bill C-9, the combatting hate act. However, instead of helping advance this important work, Conservatives have b…
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Mr. Speaker, on November 25, we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a reminder that gender-based violence continues to threaten women, girls and gender diverse people across Canada, and on November 27, we mark the eighth anniversary of the historic apology delivered to 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians, an affirmation that equality, dignity and inclusion must guide us al…
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Madam Speaker, our seniors helped build this country, and budget 2025 would ensure they can age with dignity, safety and respect. We are expanding the new horizons for seniors program and supporting local and national initiatives that help seniors stay active and connected. We are strengthening our community services and ensuring seniors have the programs they need to maintain their quality of lif…
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Madam Speaker, Canadians want more homes built faster, and this budget would deliver exactly that. We are building deeply affordable community and co-op housing, partnering with private and non-profit builders to increase middle-class supply. We will eliminate the GST for first-time homebuyers on homes under $1 million, reduce it for homes between $1 million and $1.5 million and expand Canada mort…
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Madam Speaker, our government is reducing personal income tax, we are reducing GST on first-time homebuyers and we are doing our best to protect the everyday Canadians who work hard in our country.
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Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Halifax. I rise today to speak in strong support of budget 2025. This is a budget that strengthens our economy, advances a fair society and ensures safer, more resilient communities for all Canadians. Last week, I received a letter from Emma, a 13-year-old student in Burnaby Central. After reading my September mailer, she urged her gover…
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Mr. Speaker, this week, we are honoured to welcome members of Burnaby Firefighters IAFF Local 323 to Ottawa, these brave women and men on the front lines of public safety. I welcome them to Ottawa. I remember visiting Fire Station 8 in Burnaby, a modern, purpose-built facility where our firefighters have the best tools to return home safely after every call. Day after day, they face danger with co…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Antonia Beck, an inspiring community leader from Burnaby, on the occasion of her retirement as CEO of the Burnaby Neighbourhood House. Nearly 30 years ago, Antonia helped to establish a small volunteer program, with five people, $25 and a shared Canadian dream. Today, BNH has nearly 150 staff members and hundreds of amazing volunteers. Through her extraordinary lea…
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Mr. Speaker, last week, I had the honour of welcoming the Nibun Chorus to Burnaby Central. This award-winning indigenous youth chorus from Kaohsiung, a city in southern Taiwan, represents the proud Bunun people. Through their extraordinary harmonies, they share stories of identity, resilience and belonging, offering songs that cross oceans and awaken the hearts of those who listen. Their visit rem…
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Mr. Speaker, I understand that it is the Criminal Code that we are talking about today, but can the member opposite elaborate on whether or not the Province of Ontario has enough resources to manage increased detention or stricter bail conditions?
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Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his hard work. Can my hon. colleague please share with us how our federal climate programs are helping farmers build resilience to climate change and, in turn, keep food prices more stable for Canadian families?
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge an important part of Taiwanese culture. This summer, I had the privilege of sharing my heritage with Burnaby Central by welcoming a statue of Mazu from a respected temple in Taiwan. Like the good people of Burnaby Central, those in Taiwan carry the resilient spirit long-symbolized by Mazu. Also known as the goddess of the sea, Mazu is honoured across Asia f…
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Mr. Speaker, today, leaders from around the world are meeting at the G7 summit in Alberta to tackle some of the most complex challenges. I understand that the Prime Minister met with President Zelenskyy today, to understand what Ukraine needs to secure its victory. Can the Minister of National Defence please update this House on the discussion Canada is having regarding Ukraine at the G7 summit to…
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Madam Speaker, I share the hon. member's concerns. These are the issues that I hear about very often when I speak with residents of Burnaby Central. Whether it is public safety, affordability or building a stronger economy, our government is focused on practical solutions that deliver real, measurable results for Canadians. People expect—
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Madam Speaker, our government is attracting investment, growing our resource sector and protecting our environment. At the same time, it is using Canadian innovation and Canadian technology to create more Canadian jobs. In my riding of Burnaby Central, there are many companies focused on carbon capture technology, renewable energy and solar power. These companies are hiring hundreds of Canadian wo…
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Madam Speaker, Canadians are working harder than ever, but so many feel as if they are falling behind. In Burnaby Central, I have spoken to families struggling with rising rent, students worrying about groceries and seniors stretching every dollar. That is why our government is focusing on real, measurable relief by lowering taxes for the middle class, investing in housing and in child care, and h…
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Madam Speaker, I rise today in the House of Commons to deliver my very first speech deeply humbled and honoured. I want to begin by thanking the people of Burnaby Central for giving me this extraordinary privilege. I am grateful for their trust, confidence and belief in me. The seat I occupy in this chamber belongs to them. I would like to take a moment to thank Jagmeet Singh for his years of serv…
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Madam Speaker, as a gay Asian Canadian, I know what it means to live in a country where inclusion is not just principle but a lived promise. In Burnaby Central, I see promise every day in churches, temples, mosques, Pride parades, seniors homes, newcomer classes and small businesses run by people whose first language is not English or French. Multiculturalism is not a side project of the Canadian …
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Mr. Speaker, illegal fishing in international waters leads to damage here at home and abroad. In the Pacific Ocean, dark vessels fish indiscriminately, using illegal gear and catching endangered and at-risk species. This hurts wild Pacific salmon, as well as global supply chains that we and our allies rely on. Can the Minister of Fisheries tell us what Canada's new government is doing to combat il…
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