Yasir Naqvi

Madam Speaker, it gives me great joy to celebrate the St. Luke's Family Fun Fest and Ottawa Centre Cup. It is one of the largest community events in my riding during the summer. It is about basketball and bringing community together, but we do not just stop at basketball. Of course, we have a barbecue and ice cream and activities for the kids. It has been such an amazing gathering year after year in my community. This year was special because we got to partner with the St. Luke's basketball community. They really have taken charge of this incredible community event. I want to give special thanks to Mahamat Haggar, Aman Ehdego, Achuil Lual and the entire team for partnering with my community office and putting this incredible event together. I am really looking forward to celebrating our community in Centretown once again next year with St. Luke's Family Fun Fest and Ottawa Centre Cup. Do not miss it.

Mr. Speaker, it is good to be back in the House. I hope all members had a good summer. Our government is focused on making sure that we are not only building Canada from coast to coast to coast, but also building partnerships around the world. We are diversifying trade like we have never seen in the history of our country. Our businesses have access to 1.5 billion consumers through tariff-free partnerships at this moment, and we plan to double that. That is our plan. The Minister of International Trade, the Prime Minister and the entire government is focused on building those partnerships so we can help grow our businesses around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I completely disagree with the premise of the member's question. I think we are seeing results. If we look at the first-ever Canada investment summit, in just one year, we a saw a $500-billion commitment, that is half a trillion dollars, to invest right here in our country. What does that mean? It means good-paying jobs for Canadians coast to coast to coast. Similarly, we are seeing the results of the trade agreements we have been signing. With United Arab Emirates alone, we were able to sign a trade agreement within 45 days. We have never seen those kinds of action before. This is how we are going to build Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and in accordance with the transparency requirements set out in the amended policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I am pleased to notify the House of Commons of the government's intent to initiate negotiations for a free trade agreement between Canada and Turkey. The Government of Canada intends to commence negotiations with Turkey as soon as practicable, but in accordance with the policy, the commencement of negotiations will take place no earlier than 30 days from today.

Mr. Speaker, let me start by wishing you a restful summer. I know it has been a very busy sitting. I want to thank the entire House of Commons staff for their remarkable work in supporting us in the important work we do on behalf of our constituents. It is a great honour for me to serve Ottawa Centre.