Statement of Mourning

Mr. Speaker, on the morning of July 25, residents in our community awoke to an emergency alert. It was only the second time it has been used in British Columbia. This alert was the result of a series of targeted shootings that occurred throughout the night of July 25 in parts of the Langleys. 

This tragic event left two people dead and two people injured. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Paul David Wynn and Steven Furness, who were killed in these senseless shootings. Our community continues to mourn the loss of these two individuals, who were sons, brothers and friends to many. 

These shootings highlighted the ongoing danger the vulnerable and homeless population faces. When one person is forced to live on the streets, we are all diminished. Homelessness is a reality for too many Canadians and a challenge for every Canadian community. We must continue to work together with all levels of government, NGOs, indigenous partners and communities across Canada to increase support for vulnerable groups. 

Through the Reaching Home strategy, I am pleased that many organizations in my community have received support for these vulnerable populations, but more work must be done. Only by working together can we end chronic homelessness for all Canadians.  

Statement on Three Dear Friends and Amazing Team Members Passing Away

Mr. Speaker

As politicians, I know we all appreciate those who help us in performing our duties once elected, as well as in getting elected.  Today I’d like to recognize three of those individuals from my team who have passed away since I entered politics in the 42nd Parliament.

Gunraj Gill came to me in 2014 as a campaign volunteer, still a teenager.  I asked what role he wanted to play.  He responded, “Campaign Manager”.  I hired him.  After my election, he came with me to Ottawa and oversaw both my Ottawa and constituency offices.  He had a passion for democracy, and a passion for politics.  Gunraj tragically passed away in July, 2019 as we were preparing for the 2019 election.

Lynn Whitehouse worked for, and managed, the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce for more than 30 years.  She was a fierce advocate for good public policy that would support the small businesses in our community.  She ran campaigns against governments of all stripes to change what she felt were missing or bad directions for our country.  After Lynn’s retirement, she decided she couldn’t simply stay at home.  She joined my constituency team and was there to ensure I never forgot the needs of our business community.  Lynn lost her battle to cancer just before Christmas of 2021.

 Charity Amouzou, also known as Charity May, was a volunteer on campaigns in 2015 and 2019.  She played a key role with my Religious Leaders’ Roundtables that I ran during the 42nd Parliament, as well as my Youth Council.  She had  a passion for youth, for politics, for law.  Charity lost her battle to cancer in January, 2022, leaving behind her son Malaki, whom she loved more than anything else in the world. 

Thank you for allowing me this moment to recognize these 3 individuals who played a significant part of my political life.  Gunraj, Lynn, Charity – you are all missed daily.

Debate on Bill C-3, Protections for Healthcare Workers and Paid Sick Leave

Mr. Speaker, Bill C-3 will protect healthcare workers, Canadians seeking health services, and Canadians deciding between their well-being and paying bills. Delivering protections for healthcare workers and 10 days paid sick leave were top priorities for us. It is why I stand here today, just weeks into the 44th parliament, speaking in favour of bill C-3 so we can ensure Canadians receive the protections their deserve as quickly as possible.

Throughout this pandemic we have commended our healthcare workers. They have been true heroes, working on the frontline tirelessly. Calling healthcare workers heroes and commending their bravery, well entirely deserved, is not enough. We need to provide real protections to them. The amendments to the criminal code in this bill will afford healthcare workers security against obstruction from accessing their workplaces safely.

Unfortunately, we have seen terrible incidents where doctors and nurses have been intimidated, threatened, and in some cases spit on. All because they are saving the lives of COVID-19 patients.

No one should feel unsafe at their workplace and this legislation will provide healthcare workers the confidence and legal protections to safely access their workplaces.

We also know that intimidation can also manifest through online forums, not only in person. We are protecting healthcare workers here as well. In the age of social media and digital technology we know that online threats can be just as real as those faced in front of a workplace. No individual should be able to use fear to stop a health care worker or those who assist them from performing their duties.

Our legislation will not only protect healthcare workers, but those accessing healthcare as well. In many cases, those accessing healthcare are the most vulnerable, particularly during this pandemic. This summer, an individual went to Toronto from Prince Edward Island to wait for a lung transplant, was leaving their hospital after a physiotherapy session. They had to be escorted by police to protect them from an unmasked group blocking access to and from the hospital. We cannot accept this behaviour, which is placing our most vulnerable at risk.

This behaviour is not new either, the pandemic has only magnified it. Those working at, and accessing, abortion services have had to deal with this for many years. Now, under this legislation, will protect these healthcare professionals and their patients from threats and violence.

Before my some of those in the opposition falsely begin calling foul by claiming charter violations or restrictions on labour action. This legislation clearly ensures Canadians have the freedom to voice their concerns and protest in a safe and peaceful manner. It also ensures workers’ freedom to take labour action including picketing. These will be respected by these proposed changes to Canada’s criminal law.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a number of issues facing Canadians in their workplaces. Too many Canadians have been forced to choose between staying home when they are sick or being able to afford rent and groceries. Too many health care workers, those who assist them and Canadians seeking medical care have experienced or feared intimidation while attempting to provide or access health services.

This legislation’s other change, 10 days of paid sick leave, will protecting Canadian’s well-being, support them economically, and avoid pressures on our healthcare system. While this only applies to federally regulated workers that is almost 1 million workers and it will contribute to a wider discussion about paid sick leave across the country.

The pandemic has demonstrated the effect that illness can have on our economy and the cost for individuals and families. With isolations and quarantines lasting up to two weeks, workers need to know that if they contract COVID-19 that they can take the necessary time off work without risking losses to their income.

Not only will this ensure workers do not need to choose between their income and their well-being, but this will also avoid spreading COVID-19 or other contagious illnesses in the workplace. There have been too many stories of outbreaks in workplaces that happened because individuals felt they had to come into work because they could not afford to take unpaid time off. This often results in negative economic effects for companies as well.

Not only will this help workers but be a preventive measure for our healthcare system. We have all experienced lockdowns throughout the last 20 months to avoid our hospitals from being overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases. This is another measure to prevent outbreaks at workplaces from driving up case numbers, putting our healthcare system at risk now or in the future.

For Canadians not employed in a federally-regulated industry, our Government will be engaging in consultations with federally regulated employers and workers towards the implementation of this legislation. Additionally, the Government will convene provinces, territories and other interested stakeholders to develop a national action plan to legislate paid sick leave across the country, while respecting provincial-territorial jurisdiction and clearly recognizing the unique needs of small business owners.

10 days paid sick leave is another tool in creating a more resilient economy as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emergency Debate on Catastrophic Flooding in BC

Mr. Speaker, this is my first speech in the House of Commons since 2019 and it is good to be back. I am proud to say I am visiting the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation from the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples including the Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations. I would like to begin by thanking the voters of Cloverdale-Langley City for returning me to Parliament – a testimony to the kind of representative that they want from their Member of Parliament, and Government.

I must thank all the volunteers who helped me over many months – I would not be sitting here if it were not for you all. Also, to my wife Elaine and children Kai, Hattie, and Kalani, thank you for always supporting me.

The devastating flooding in B.C. last week was heart-breaking to watch and continues to weigh on my mind as this parliament begins. This is especially true of the five individuals who lost their lives, two of whom were parents of a toddler they were on their way home to see – and those still missing. Considering how to avoid loss of life in the future should be the first priority as we rebuild.

Henry Braun, Mayor of Abbotsford – one of the worst hit areas – estimated that damaged caused to his city is $1 billion. $1 billion is the cost to just one city alone in the region. The most recent estimate for the total damage is over $8 billion. The economic impact on our infrastructure, to farmers, including half of B.C.’s dairy farmers, businesses, and to personal property is distressing. The scale alone should be cause for concern regarding our economic future. We need systems to mitigate economic disruptions during extreme weather.

The loss of animal life must be considered as well. Thousands of animals drowned from the flooding and died from being stuck in transports with no access to farms or feed. For farmers this is costly and to our domestic food security, disruptive, but also a sad state of animal welfare. Farmers and farm animals need emergency procedures for protecting animal welfare during these events.

The losses to our critical infrastructure, particularly bridges and segments of railroad are causing shortages in key household goods.  Gasoline is being rationed. Some of this infrastructure will take months to repair, posing challenges for our communities, provinces, and country.  Many of these routes move goods to and from Canada’s biggest port – the Port of Vancouver – and the rest of the country. For our food security and supply chains, how to withstand another event such as this needs to be central to the reconstruction of this infrastructure.

I must acknowledge how my constituency managed during the flooding. While Cloverdale – Langley City is close to Abbotsford and many of the hardest hit areas, it avoided the devastating flooding – this time. However, residents did face property damage that, as we emerge from COVID-19, is another economic hurdle to overcome. Some parts of my riding, are playing an important role in food security, including Hepple Farms. Working sandy loam soil, their crops withstood the rains and will be able to provide for the greater region as we experience losses in BC’s interior.

The effects of the flooding go far beyond the Lower Mainland though. Much of B.C.’s coast was impacted by flooding last week and is again, as I speak, experiencing further downpours of rain. Communities in the interior including Merritt and Princeton were also negatively affected.  Extreme weather events are not restricted to B.C. either. Atlantic Canada is simultaneously being subject to unprecedented rainfall and the prairies have suffered a terrible drought this year. Recovering from these events will take commitments from all levels of government.

Inaction will continue to cost society. Insurance claims will drive up insurance costs, and in some areas, insurance isn’t available if property is in a flood plain. This puts pressure on governments to help homeowners rebuild following these types of catastrophic weather events. No human life should ever be lost. Farm animals need to be protected. As does personal property.

With loss of life, economic impacts, animal welfare, and supply chains in mind, the catastrophic flooding last week is the most recent illustration, and perhaps the most significant, of how necessary climate adaption, mitigation, and resiliency are to Canada. Our country is warming at twice the rate of the global average. In the Arctic, it is three times the rate. Preventing warming past 1.5 degrees Celsius will mean for us, 3 degrees, and the Arctic, 4.5 degrees.

These effects are why our Government is ready to move faster of climate initiatives than we have before. We that demonstrated this year with our ambition targets of 40-45 percent reduction in our emissions; at COP26 by committing to ending thermal coal experts by 2030, capping and reducing the oil sectors emissions to net-zero by 2050, and aiming to cut our methane emissions by 30 percent no later than 2030.

Without these actions, the $8 billion cost of a single extreme weather event, will be more frequent and more costly. $8 billion dollars is about 3% of my province’s economy. It is simply not sustainable to be unprepared for extreme weather and climate change.

Our government is addressing this directly by including Canada’s first-ever National Adaptation Strategy in the Speech from the Throne. Reconstruction of infrastructure will need to include funding to ensure that future infrastructure can withstand extreme weather events like this and likely stronger. Our national strategy will need to include processes for protecting businesses and farms, including their animals. It will need to support stronger implementation of warning systems to avoid loss of life.

The floods last week were devastating, catastrophic. There is no other way to describe them, but they serve as a terrible reminder of the urgency and fortitude that our government, and every MP here, must act with to implement strong climate action to avoid such events in the future.  Our government has committed to assisting British Columbians with recovering, and with preparing for future extreme weather events.

John’s Address to the Speech from the Throne

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say I am visiting the unceded Territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation from the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples including the Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations.

I will be splitting my time today with my colleague, the member from St. John’s East.

Mr. Speaker, this throne speech echoes so much of what I heard at the doors this past summer, including:

-        pushing forward positive, diverse, and inclusive politics;

-        getting beyond the pandemic;

-        moving forward faster on the path to reconciliation;

-        addressing biodiversity loss through increased protection of our lands and waters;

-        setting and acting on ambitious climate targets; and

-        addressing inflation and the rising cost of living including 2 priorities:

o   creating $10 a day childcare;

o   implementing a comprehensive plan on housing.

This last issue, the issue of affordability, is a top priority in Cloverdale-Langley City.  As the second-youngest riding population-wise in British Columbia, action on housing affordability and $10 a day childcare will have huge positive impacts on our community.

As someone with an extensive background with Parks Canada, and as a resident of BC – an area that has been seriously affected this past year by extreme heat, fires, and now floods caused by back-to-back-to-back atmospheric rivers - climate change has never been so urgent. The heat dome, wildfires, and as I speak, the devastating floods in B.C. demonstrate that we cannot afford to wait.

Cloverdale – Langley City is a diverse riding – consisting of many faith groups, cultural and linguistic identities, and people from backgrounds from around the country, and around the globe. In the last election, voters called for their next MP and Government to create an inclusive future that holds diversity as a symbol of strength – and our cabinet is the most reflective of Canada in our history.

I heard loud and clear that our Government needs to be more ambitious on climate change – and we demonstrated that ambition at COP26. Voters called for more affordable and accessible childcare – and our Government is ready to work with B.C. to cut costs in half by 2022 and create 40,000 additional spaces.

I heard door after door that a legitimate housing plan, which addresses the insufficient housing supply and makes buying a house more affordable is needed – and we created a housing minister to act swiftly on our housing plan. We’re going to help put home ownership back in reach for Canadians with a more flexible First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, a new rent-to-own program, and by reducing closing costs for first-time buyers.

The Throne speech reiterated and advanced our commitment to reconciliation. It recognized that, and I am quoting, “reconciliation is not a single act, nor does it have an end date. It is a lifelong journey of healing, respect and understanding. We need to embrace the diversity of Canada and demonstrate respect and understanding for all peoples every day.” This is the commitment we need.

When I was elected to the 42nd parliament, my private member’s bill, C-374, passed unanimously and was to implement a call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 79. Unfortunately, my bill died in the Senate, but I am committed to continue pushing along and participating in initiatives to further reconciliation.

The Speech from the Throne also illustrates the urgency in finishing the fight against COVID-19. We acted quickly with the federal vaccine mandate and we will act quickly to support those who are still financially impacted by COVID-19 while ensuring businesses continue to drive our country’s economic recovery. We will continue to support provinces in the delivery of vaccines including for children to ensure we get everyone who wants a vaccine vaccinated as quickly as possible.

Mr. Speaker, Immigration is another focus on the Speech from the Throne that is so important for my riding. Whether it is increasing immigration levels to meet labour demands, reducing wait times to make the process easier for approved applications, family re-unification to bring families together again, or a world-leading refugee resettlement program that helps the most oppressed.

Business owners in my riding, like many throughout the rest of Canada, have come to me about labour shortages. I have already had conversations with them about how we can use our immigration system to help ease their shortages. Family re-unification continues to be important for my constituents and is a policy I continue to fully support. Reducing wait times is a particularly important now. The beginning of COVID reasonably, caused a significant slowdown, but now we must reduce those wait times. This is critical for driving our economy and for brining reuniting families.

New Canadians deserve to be reunited with their families and loved ones, they bring economic empowerment and strengthen diversity and inclusion. I have witnessed this firsthand in my community. Over the last several years, my community has grown to be one that is culturally diverse. We have benefitted from this. As MP in the 42nd Parliament, I held inter-faith meetings in Cloverdale – Langley City where we learned from each other and grew stronger as a community.

This throne speech reflects many of the commitments I made to Cloverdale – Langley City in my local platform. Our government’s infrastructure investments will help deliver Skytrain to Langley City, a much-needed transit lane that will shorten commuting times, reduce emissions, and better connect the lower mainland. I will work with provincial and municipal partners to ensure the Skytrain and other projects that support the current and future needs of Cloverdale – Langley City are prioritized and completed.

This throne speech reaffirms our government’s support for positive politics. I will take immediate action to restore positive, progressive, and inclusive politics to Cloverdale – Langley City so everyone can feel safe, respected, and included, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability or income.

I am working to convene a Fairness, Diversity, and Inclusion Council to create solutions that reduce inequality in our community. The council will provide advice and insights so I can tackle the inequalities that Cloverdale – Langley City residents are facing.

The throne speech highlighted the urgency backed by investments to transition to a green economy. With these announcements, I will ensure Cloverdale – Langley City is included and leads in the emerging green economy. I’ll promote real climate change solutions and work with the BC Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy to secure investments in clean, zero emission technologies, and create sustainable jobs in Cloverdale – Langley City. This year, more than ever, has illustrated how both adaptation and mitigation policies are needed in our riding of Cloverdale-Langley City, in our province of B.C., in our country of Canada, and indeed globally.

Our government is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous communities. I have the same commitment for Indigenous Peoples in the constituency for whom I have been elected to represent. I will be pursuing, with appropriate consultations, an Indigenous-led urban cultural space and service delivery centre in Cloverdale – Langley City for Indigenous Peoples, particularly Indigenous persons living in our urban and suburban neighbourhoods. I’ll work with Indigenous leaders and local partners to create a place for delivery of Indigenous services and celebration of Indigenous culture in Cloverdale – Langley City. I’ll also advocate for federal support for local Indigenous history education programs and cultural celebrations.

We have committed to supporting communities thrive as our economy roars back from COVID-19. Part of the strategy, in my community, will be supporting the development of the Performing Arts in our region. I’ll secure federal support for accessible, sustainable spaces where the residents of the lower Fraser Valley can celebrate and experience our vibrant performing arts community. This will become a cultural and arts centre for the greater region, and fill a much-needed void in our rapidly-growing community.

Fighting for the needs of the agricultural sector and farmers will continue in this Parliament. In Cloverdale – Langley City, I will convene an Agricultural Advisory Council of farmers and other agricultural industry partners to share insights and advice to ensure that there is support for strong and sustainable agriculture in Cloverdale-Langley City.

Our government’s support for mental health and drug addiction was re-iterated in the Throne Speech. Both, especially finding solutions to drug addiction is critical for my province and many in my community.  We must work quickly and fiercely to end the opioid crisis that has taken too many lives.

This throne speech represents our ambitious plan to make life more affordable, reduce our emissions while building an economy for the future, and act on reconciliation. As we resume this work in parliament, I will be listening to and advocating for my constituents. For every step of progress we make in this House, I will fight to have that progress delivered to Cloverdale – Langley City.

Most important to me, is that this is the moment to stand up for diversity and inclusion. When I heard the former Conservative Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City use scripture to attack the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community in this very Chamber, I knew that my work was not done. This is why I am proud to see our government commit to diversity and inclusion. That is why I am proud to be returned to this chamber, to support this Speech from the Throne and legislation that will flow from it including yesterday’s strengthened bill to ban conversion therapy.

For Cloverdale – Langley City I will, once again, advocate for, not degrade, vulnerable individuals and communities within our riding and across Canada.

Mr. Speaker, for all the reasons mentioned today, I am glad to be back as the representative for Cloverdale-Langley City as part of a government that both recognizes and acts on the needs of Canadians in 2021 and beyond.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Statement on BC Flooding and Remembering Jan Rustad

My heart goes out to the families and communities affected by the extreme flooding last week in British Columbia. This 100-year flood brought catastrophic damage, laying bare the shortcomings in our current system. As climate change worsens, this will happen not every 100 years, but every 10 – or less. We need to invest in adaptation and mitigation against climate change, so we are better prepared in the future. The inclusion of a National Adaptation Strategy in the Throne Speech a significant step forward. 

It is also with great sadness that I inform the House of the passing of Jan Rustad of Kaleden, British Columbia.  Jan was well known and considered by many to be the global expert on rotary wing advanced flying techniques. Jan trained many pilots from the Canadian Armed forces, RCMP and from many other countries. Known as skilled, patient and humble, Jan Rustad will be missed by his family and several generations of helicopter pilots from around the world. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debate (M-192 Episodic Disabilities)

Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by saying that our government takes very seriously the challenges faced by people with episodic disabilities.

Episodic disability is a health condition that we all know about but that is difficult to measure and manage because of its unpredictable manifestations. It is for this reason that we take into account the needs of people with episodic disabilities in the development of our legislative programs and policies.

Episodic disability is characterized by moments of well-being and periods of illness or disability. These periods can vary in duration, predictability and severity. It is because of their condition that people with episodic disabilities may have to take time off work and thus use income replacement programs.

In 2012, nearly 3.8 million Canadians aged 15 and over reported having a disability limiting their daily activities, including those with episodic disabilities. People with episodic disabilities often face more employment challenges than people without disabilities. In 2011, almost half, or 47%, of respondents with disabilities aged 15 to 64 reported having a job, but for non-disabled respondents, this proportion was 74%.

Many of us know someone who has an episodic disability, and many people have episodic disabilities as they get older.

Motion No. 192 proposes that the House of Commons request the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills Development, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities to make “recommendations for legislative and policy changes necessary to ensure that the needs of persons with episodic disabilities caused, among other things, by multiple sclerosis, be adequately protected to ensure equity in government policy to support Canadians across all types of disability.”

Our government is well aware that people with disabilities face unique barriers that may limit their participation in our society and economy.

Our efforts to support and advance the integration of people with disabilities are not new. Since day one, we have been committed to this goal. In addition, we have improved and adjusted our programs accordingly. That is also why we have a minister dedicated to accessibility.

Our approach is based on collaboration and communication. That is how the government implements its commitment to people with episodic disabilities. We are committed to supporting people with episodic disabilities through many programs and benefits, such as the Canada pension plan disability program, the disability tax credit and the Canada health and social services disability benefits.

We have heard from people with episodic disabilities and the organizations that represent them that they are not always eligible for benefits of this nature because of the nature of their illness. For example, in June 2018, the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology presented concerns such as these in its report, “Breaking Down Barriers: A critical analysis of the Disability Tax Credit and Registered Disability Savings Plan.”

We are constantly evaluating the extent to which our programs meet the needs of people from diverse groups, including people with episodic disabilities. We also regularly ask for advice on how our programs and policies could be more inclusive and better help Canadians. We appreciate the work of the organizations involved in this regard.

We have already taken important steps to provide better support. For example, in budget 2018, our government announced that it would expand labour provisions for a period of El benefits, maternity and sickness benefits. The purpose of this measure is to provide claimants who have an illness or injury more flexibility to manage their return to work and retain a larger portion of their El benefits.

Of course, I would be remiss if I did not mention Bill C-81. On June 20, 2018, we tabled the accessible Canada act in Parliament. Under this new legislative proposal, our government would require organizations under federal jurisdiction to identify, eliminate and prevent barriers to accessibility, particularly in the area of employment. In addition, Bill C-81 would require consideration of the particular accessibility needs of people with a variety of disabilities, including those with episodic disabilities.

Before we introduced our bill, we talked to and listened to stakeholders. During the “accessible Canada” consultations, we heard from more than 6,000 Canadians and 90 organizations.

Our Government recognizes that it is important to ensure that people with episodic disabilities benefit from the proposed accessibility act in the same way as other people.

In response to stakeholder recommendations, Bill C-81 includes a broader definition of disability and specifically includes episodic disabilities. This addition is a clear sign to those with an episodic disability that our government is working to remove the barriers they face on a daily basis. Our government will continue to work with persons with disabilities, including those with an episodic disability. Our goal is to ensure these people are recognized and supported by our policies, programs and laws. Our commitment to inclusion and accessibility is unwavering.

I want to express my appreciation to our colleague for bringing this issue to the House. There is no reason why all Canadians cannot showcase all of their strengths and talents. People with disabilities share the same contributions to Canada's prosperity as the rest of Canadians. Canada is a country where everyone should be able to benefit from our collective prosperity. We will continue our work to shape an all-inclusive Canada.

Statement by Member (Government Performance)

Mr. Speaker, looking back on the summer, it is clear that our government is delivering for the people of Cloverdale—Langley City. We are investing in families. The enhanced, tax-free Canada child benefit means more money for over 12,000 families in my communities, making things like school supplies and sports more affordable for kids.

We are investing in transit. Three billion dollars in federal and provincial funding will shorten commute times for people in my communities and ensure that residents get to spend more time at home and not stuck in traffic.

We are tackling gun and gang violence, which continues to affect my region. The Prime Minister, the Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction, and the Minister of National Defence all visited my riding recently to discuss how we tackle this persistent issue and make our communities safer for everyone.

I am proud of the work we do for the people of Cloverdale—Langley City as a part of a government delivering on its commitments to Canadians.

e-Petition 1597 (Labelling of Food Products)

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table e-petition 1597, labelling of food products. In part, the petition notes that recent studies all concluded that a moderate amount, three to five grams daily, of sodium is an optimal population-wide recommendation. Below this amount, an increased risk of disease and death is seen. It goes on to note that saturated fats were condemned in the 1950s based on weak and unreliable data. The evidence since then has failed to support the diet-heart hypothesis. Limiting saturated fats may cause harm. The largest observational study to date found that low consumption of saturated fats was associated with higher rates of mortality and stroke. Finally, good science is the best way to inform good public health policy.

Second Reading (Bill C-81 Accessible Canada Act)

Mr. Speaker, I was in the House last week when the minister responsible for Bill C-81 introduced the legislation. As someone who has spent my career in the federal public service, I was really pleased to see that the legislation called for the federal workforce to become more representative of the Canadian population by including persons with disabilities, and different abilities, within the workforce.

I was also really pleased to hear about the funding that would be available to make improvements for accessibility across federal assets. I know the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands has a place within her riding very near and dear to me, the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Perhaps the member could speak to some of the great benefits we would see at Gulf Islands National Park Reserve arising from Bill C-81, because I think it would help workforce and visitors to that area to have inclusive experiences. I would like to hear the member's thoughts on how this legislation might benefit her own backyard.