SoVote

Laurel Collins

Member of Parliament
Deputy whip of the New Democratic Party
NDP

Victoria
British Columbia
Voting Attendance: 61%
Expenses Last Quarter: $127,392.53

Government Page

Oct/3/22 5:28:42 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I want to echo the member's calls around the need to strengthen our sanction regime. I thank her for her incredible work on this. Whether it is turbines or oligarch yachts, the government has not been strong, consistent and transparent. I also want to mention the incredible work of the local Ukrainian Cultural Centre in my region and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in Victoria. Many Ukrainians have fled their country and landed in our city. Many organizations have been vital to supporting these individuals and families as they settle here, but these organizations are actually calling for more support from the government. The Ukrainians arriving after fleeing Putin's violent war have the same needs as refugees, but they are not given the same supports. I wonder if the member can speak to this.

137 words

All Topics

Context: House Hansard - 37 - Feb/28/22

Ms. Laurel Collins (Victoria, NDP)

Feb/28/22 9:21:46 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Chair, I want to thank the member for his speech and for standing in solidarity with the courageous people of Ukraine as they fight for their freedom and for democracy. I asked about visa-free access before, and I did not get a clear answer from the government, so I will ask again. Ukrainians do not require visas to travel to 141 countries, including most European countries. The NDP has been calling for visa-free access for Ukrainians for the past four years. Does the member agree that Canada should offer visa-free travel to Ukrainians? What does the member think is behind the government's hesitancy to offer this to the people of Ukraine?

116 words

All Topics

Context: House Hansard - 37 - Feb/28/22

Ms. Laurel Collins (Victoria, NDP)

Feb/28/22 8:40:15 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Chair, it is great to see MPs across party lines united in their support for Ukraine and united in their condemnation of Putin. That is not the case everywhere. The member mentioned Donald Trump in his speech. It is appalling to see the former U.S. president praising Putin. Putin's government has a track record of using disinformation to target democracies. My question is about how disinformation has been used by Putin and by his regime to destabilize, to undermine support for Ukraine and to justify this unjustifiable war. Could the member speak to what the government needs to do to combat disinformation online, on social media and in our communities?

113 words

All Topics

Context: House Hansard - 37 - Feb/28/22

Ms. Laurel Collins (Victoria, NDP)

Feb/28/22 7:58:40 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for his words in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Whether they are bringing their children to safety or fighting for freedom and democracy, Ukrainians are showing the world what courage looks like, and we have to support them. I have spoken to so many people in my community here in Victoria who are worried about their family members. Parents, grandparents, people with disabilities and people with young children are trying to get to safety and need to get here quickly. We know our immigration and refugee system is broken and extremely backlogged. We are witnessing this unfolding humanitarian crisis. Can the member speak to the urgent need to provide more resources and measures to help those in need of support and resettlement who are fleeing Putin's violence? As well, does he agree that Canada should provide visa-free access to all Ukrainians?

152 words

All Topics

SoVote

Deputy whip of the New Democratic Party

Laurel Collins