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Hon. Judy A. Sgro (Humber River—Black Creek, Lib.)

Jun/13/22 2:01:41 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, the past two years have been difficult, fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, but none more so than for our health care professionals, who have been challenged both personally and professionally. Situated in the traditional lands of the Anishinabe, Humber River Hospital has cared for more COVID patients than many other hospitals in Toronto. It played a key role in keeping the northwest community safe and healthy, delivering close to 400,000 vaccines at the clinic and raising over $2 million for local COVID response. With a greater mission in mind, Humber River Hospital continued to save lives, improve patients' journeys and foster innovations, while nurturing the culture of philanthropy and playing an important role in bettering the community. The pandemic has been tough, but Humber River Hospital employees were up to the fight to protect residents of Humber River—Black Creek, showing further leadership on how to foster a positive work environment, something that was vital for our health care professionals. To the CEO and president, as well as every employee and volunteer at Humber River Hospital, our community thanks them. We are forever grateful.

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Mrs. Claude DeBellefeuille (Salaberry—Suroît, BQ)

Jun/13/22 2:02:50 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I have the honour to rise in the House today to mark the 30th anniversary of the Table de concertation des aînés de Beauharnois‑Salaberry, a round table on seniors' issues in Beauharnois‑Salaberry. I applaud the work done by all of the partners to highlight the reality of seniors in the Beauharnois‑Salaberry RCM. Together, community organizations and the health care system fought hard to address shocking cases of elder abuse and neglect. The partners' involvement has led to all sorts of initiatives to protect seniors from financial abuse. More recently, the round table raised the awareness of elected officials and the community regarding population aging and how long-term improvements can be made to our communities when the public is involved in developing projects. The longevity of the Table de concertation des aînés de Beauharnois‑Salaberry shows just how important the community and the public believe that consultation, teamwork and community participation are in addressing social issues. We wish all of the partners a happy 30th anniversary.

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Mr. Brendan Hanley (Yukon, Lib.)

Jun/13/22 2:04:07 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Pride Month is well under way in the Yukon, and so is planning for Yukon's Pride celebrations this August. Like so many others, Queer Yukon Society has worked hard in the past two years to adapt to the needs of Yukon's LGBTQ2S+ community in response to public health guidelines. We are all excited to gather in person and celebrate what has become one of the largest Pride celebrations north of 60 in the world. Pride celebrations across Canada and around the world are essential opportunities for allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community to stand in solidarity and support a community that still faces discrimination on a regular basis. As the member for Yukon, I am proud of the work our government has done to build a more inclusive and more tolerant Canada. I know there is still a long way to go. I am honoured to be an ally to this community. I hope all of my colleagues will join me in celebrating Pride this month and in Pride celebrations across their communities this summer.

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Mr. Gary Vidal (Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, CPC)

Jun/13/22 2:05:06 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, yesterday in the community of Dorintosh, the local Lions Club had a celebration to recognize the contributions of John Osborne. John Osborne is the definition of a “pillar of the community”. As a business owner, John was someone who valued an honest day’s work. However, his work went well beyond his own business. Being involved in municipal politics for over three decades, including a long run as mayor, John was a “let’s get the job done” type of leader who approached everything with an authentic kindness and integrity. Beyond politics, some of John’s other contributions included being a charter member of the Lions Club and an active member of the Ski-Doo club, and two decades on the Beaver River Community Futures board. He even taught old-time dance lessons to the kids at the school. It was mentioned last night that if John’s years of service to his community were added together, it would be over 150 years or two lifetimes' worth. I think all of us can agree that the world needs more John Osbornes.

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Mrs. Salma Zahid (Scarborough Centre, Lib.)

Jun/13/22 2:06:14 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to join the congregation of Wilmar Heights Baptist Church for Sunday service and to take part in the celebration of its 70th anniversary of worship, fellowship and service in Scarborough. I thank Pastor Tai Adeboboye and his wife Marian for always making me feel welcome, and for their leadership in Scarborough’s multi-faith community. I would also like to congratulate Wilmar Heights Baptist Church on the opening of its new office and gym space, which will allow it to continue its many outreach activities and community services. From its regular services to its Camp Imani summer camps for youth, Wilmar Heights contributes every day to building a better Scarborough. To all the members of the Wilmar Heights family, I say congratulations on their 70-year legacy of faithfulness. I wish them many years of faith and service to come.

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Mr. Tim Louis (Kitchener—Conestoga, Lib.)

Jun/13/22 2:07:17 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the Wellesley Township Community Health Centre will make its home in the new rec complex. The health centre will be a key component of the project, more visible and accessible to the public, and it will help provide primary care services to the people in our rural townships in Kitchener—Conestoga. I want to thank Jeff and Julie Jones from Linwood, who recently donated $500,000 to the construction of the new recreation centre. In recognition of their generous contribution, the health centre will now be called “The Jones Family Health and Wellness Centre”. This is not the first time Jeff and Julie Jones have made significant contributions to our community. They have supported community projects for the Linwood Community Centre, the construction of multiple baseball diamonds, walking trails and memorial forests. On behalf of our grateful community, I want to thank the Jones family for their continued displays of generosity, making Kitchener—Conestoga an even better place to live.

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Mr. Matt Jeneroux (Edmonton Riverbend, CPC)

Jun/13/22 2:08:11 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, in just a few days, we are going to gather here on Parliament Hill in person for our fifth annual Father’s Day on Parliament Hill event. Our event has raised awareness and helps stimulate a conversation with some of the most important men in our lives ahead of this Sunday’s Father’s Day. It also presents an opportunity to discuss a topic that often gets ignored: men’s mental health. Men account for 75% of suicides in Canada. Men are three times more likely to experience addiction and substance abuse, and according to a survey in 2021, right now 17.6% of men are feeling depressed. For five years, we have been able to bring together key stakeholders, members of Parliament, senators and other notable Canadians, including this year’s special guest speaker, HGTV star Bryan Baeumler, to help break down the stigma around mental health and continue the important conversations. I invite all members of this House to attend this Wednesday. Let us continue to work together to break down these barriers and support men’s mental health.

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Ms. Julie Dzerowicz (Davenport, Lib.)

Jun/13/22 2:09:23 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, as chair of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, I led a multi-party delegation to Lithuania for the spring session of the NATO parliamentary assembly. It was a super productive meeting focused on the current geopolitical crisis. We met with and heard from defence and security experts on the situation in Ukraine. We met on Russia and the eastern front, and also heard from Ukrainian parliamentarians about the situation on the ground. After many excellent discussions, the NATO parliamentary assembly unanimously passed two declarations, the first reaffirming our unwavering support for Ukraine's democracy, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the second condemning, in the strongest possible terms, Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine and the horrific war crimes for which it must be held accountable. During the session, Ukrainian political leadership and parliamentarians expressed their heartfelt thanks to Canada for our significant contributions. Canada will be there to support Ukraine every step of the way until this war is won and over. Slava Ukraini.

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Mrs. Kelly Block (Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek, CPC)

Jun/13/22 2:10:34 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the history of the bison is woven into the fabric of our nation, but this year, the Canadian Bison Association is aiming to remind Canadians of the present and future of these great prairie animals. At its international convention in Saskatoon next month, the CBA will be proclaiming an annual national bison week. This event brings together a diverse range of participants, from first nations to ranchers, restaurants to museums and researchers to national and provincial park officials. The contributions of first nations will be especially important as indigenous elders teach Canadians the historical importance of the bison: providing food, shelter and clothing, as well as being an essential part of indigenous spirituality and culture. It will also raise awareness of the growing economic benefits of bison, whose meat is increasingly viewed as a low-fat delicacy around the world. Please join me in wishing the Canadian Bison Association every success in its launch of national bison week.

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Mr. James Bezan (Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, CPC)

Jun/13/22 2:11:47 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am sad to announce the passing on June 2 of Mr. Markus Hess. Markus is the founder of Black Ribbon Day, a global demonstration against human rights violations by the former Soviet Union. As a son of immigrant parents from Estonia and initially angered in the 1980s by Soviet occupation of his parents' homeland, Markus spent much of his life advocating for the rights and freedoms of individuals who suffered greatly at the hands of communist dictators and blood-thirsty murderers. He served his community from the Baltic and central European states as chairman and president of many organizations. As a board member for Tribute to Liberty, he was instrumental in constructing and erecting the memorial to victims of communism right here in Ottawa. Markus received many recognitions for his contributions, including the Gold Cross from the Republic of Poland, and was named to the Order of the White Star by the Republic of Estonia. Because of his human rights advocacy, Markus was banned from Russia early this year. I hope he viewed this as a badge of honour for his life's work. I offer my sincere condolences to Markus' wife Eha and their children and family. Markus' work inspires all of us. We will continue his legacy, because together, our democratic forces for freedom can overcome totalitarianism once and for all.

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Mrs. Élisabeth Brière (Sherbrooke, Lib.)

Jun/13/22 2:13:09 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, I know that mental health organizations are essential to helping the people of Sherbrooke get through tough times. Today I want to talk about Secours-Amitié Estrie, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Secours-Amitié Estrie is a local organization dedicated to the mental health of the people of Sherbrooke. It is there to listen to people and help them deal with personal issues. In 2021, the organization received almost 12,000 calls and spent over 7,400 hours listening to people. Every year, 66 volunteers answer the phones. I would like to thank them for making a difference in the lives of those who call. I encourage everyone who needs help or wants to become a volunteer listener to contact Secours-Amitié. Let us work together to promote wellness and make sure people with mental health issues get the help they need.

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Mr. Taylor Bachrach (Skeena—Bulkley Valley, NDP)

Jun/13/22 2:14:12 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Charlie Pete Tashoots was taken from his home in 1944 at the age of six years old and sent to residential school. His time there changed his life forever and it is told in the 2012 film North Boys. I first met Charlie in 2019 when I visited the village of Lower Post, nestled on the B.C.-Yukon border. At 82 years old, he was still working full time as the village's maintenance supervisor. Last summer, I was back in Lower Post, but this time it was to witness the demolition, at long last, of the residential school there. Deputy Chief Harlan Schilling and the community are replacing it with a new, modern building, and that is wonderful to see. I have many memories from that powerful day, but one that sticks out involves bumping into Charlie. He had woken up at 4 a.m., shot and butchered a moose and had it cooking over the fire in time for the hundreds of guests to arrive. Charlie is now 84, almost 85, and he just recently retired from full-time work with the village. I hope my colleagues will join me in wishing this remarkable man a happy retirement.

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Mr. Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Lac-Saint-Jean, BQ)

Jun/13/22 2:15:28 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, my constituents would say that Lac-Saint-Jean is a great place to live. I am well aware of that. What I did not know, however, is that there is one town in the region that keeps people young. This year, not one, not two, but three residents of Normandin are celebrating their 100th birthday. Lucien Cloutier, a former employee with Quebec's transportation and highways departments, is a tireless walker and has clearly found the secret to staying in shape. Jeanette Baril, a talented gardener, seamstress and cook, is a dedicated mother to her family and to her community. Last but not least is Jérémie Lévesque, who will blow out the candles for the 100th time on October 23. This farmer is still very active on the farm and is surprisingly energetic and jovial. I cannot speak for my colleagues, but I have to think that the fountain of youth is in Normandin. I want to wish Mr. Cloutier, Ms. Baril and Mr. Lévesque a very happy 100th birthday.

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Mr. Eric Duncan (Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, CPC)

Jun/13/22 2:16:31 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to pay tribute to a wonderful community volunteer, Dr. Rachel Navaneelan, who is not only a well-respected dentist in our community, but founder of Rachel's Kids, a charity that provides supports to local children and those internationally as well. The backyard of her Riverdale home was buzzing on the weekend with her 17th annual garden party, which is a fundraiser for the many causes that she supports. COVID has obviously been very difficult for charities, so it is great to see people bidding on auction items and raising funds for a great cause. Whether it is their small moments of joy program, helping hands program or Tech for Talk program locally, or one of their many trips to Sri Lanka helping thousands of children over the years, Dr. Rachel and her team are leading with kindness and support for our most precious resource: our children. I ask all colleagues to join me in thanking Dr. Rachel and all the volunteers for the difference they are making in our community and around the world.

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Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Milton, Lib.)

Jun/13/22 2:17:33 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today, Milton's orange crosswalk was unveiled. This important visual tribute and landmark was created to symbolize the strength and courage of residential school survivors and commemorate the victims, their families and their communities. This is a positive step forward in the path to reconciliation in Milton. This crosswalk is an opportunity for the people of Milton to learn more about indigenous history and culture in our community. My friends at Grandmother's Voice, Sherry Saevil and Jody Harbour, and many others, have helped bring this together. I cannot thank them enough for all the incredible work they have done to provide space, healing and knowledge, while amplifying indigenous voices in our community. June marks National Indigenous History Month, and everyone has a role to play in dismantling the systemic racism, inequality and discrimination that indigenous people continue to face today. I hope that this crosswalk will play a small part in the healing process. I sincerely wish I could have been there in person today, but I am proud to know that our town of Milton is continuing along the path of reconciliation.

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Mr. Luc Berthold (Mégantic—L'Érable, CPC)

Jun/13/22 2:18:49 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, ministerial responsibility is a cornerstone of our political system. It means that ministers are accountable for their departments' actions. With the job comes huge responsibility. Does this principle, which is what gives people confidence in their government, mean anything to the Prime Minister and his cabinet?

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Hon. Mark Holland (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Lib.)

Jun/13/22 2:19:19 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the answer is yes.

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Mr. Luc Berthold (Mégantic—L'Érable, CPC)

Jun/13/22 2:19:25 p.m.
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We shall see, Mr. Speaker. On April 28, the Minister of Public Safety said, and I quote, “the invocation of the Emergencies Act...was only put forward after police officials told us they needed this special power”. No police service acknowledges having asked for the Emergencies Act. Are the minister and the Prime Minister both insisting that police asked the government to invoke the Emergencies Act?

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Hon. Marco Mendicino (Minister of Public Safety, Lib.)

Jun/13/22 2:19:51 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, we invoked the Emergencies Act to keep Canadians safe. It was the right thing to do. Commissioner Lucki herself testified that the Emergencies Act gave them the tools they needed to get the job done fast. Let us be clear. The government decided to invoke the Emergencies Act. That decision was informed by advice we got. We consulted police forces on various issues, including, as Commissioner Lucki said, on the powers in the Emergencies Act that were necessary.

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Mr. Luc Berthold (Mégantic—L'Érable, CPC)

Jun/13/22 2:20:30 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, that is what Commissioner Lucki said after the act was invoked, not before. However, on April 28, the Minister of Public Safety stated, “It was on the advice of [the police] that we invoked the Emergencies Act”. The whole story told by the Prime Minister to justify invoking the Emergencies Act was farfetched, and all the police forces have denied asking the federal government to invoke it. The minister's remarks were clear and unequivocal. He cannot deny having said them. Was it the Prime Minister himself or someone in his cabinet who asked the Minister of Public Safety to use the police to justify invoking the Emergencies Act?

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