Arielle Kayabaga
London West, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Madam Speaker, earlier a member of the opposition talked about the fact that they were not filibustering, yet she was the one who actually told the story about an elephant in a discussion of Bill C-30 , where there is money that has to go out to people who need more housing in a faster way.”
“Mr. Speaker, obviously, the member has been at the municipal level before, and we know that we cannot build homes without cities and without partnerships with the provinces and municipalities.”
“Earlier, Mr. Speaker, the member's colleague who sits on committee with me said he feels we are not listening. I talked about the fact that we did extensive collaboration.”
“Mr. Speaker, I really appreciated my colleague's speech. Of course, we all know that our systems and institutions are very robust in Canada, and I know my hon. colleague touched on that in his speech. Can he tell us more about what Canadians stand to gain from this bill?”
“Mr. Speaker, what I find interesting from the member opposite, who also sits on the committee with me, is the fact that he said he is not buying what we are selling, though we worked in collaboration with their team to bring the bill forward as quickly as possible.”
“Bad actors may try to interfere with our democratic processes and our elections from anywhere in the world at any time. Despite these challenges, the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions confirmed that our elections are safe.”
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Every one of 419 lines we hold for Arielle Kayabaga, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 9 of 9.
“Mr. Speaker, four years ago, in London, Ontario, the Afzaal family was targeted and killed in a horrific act of Islamophobic violence. It was not only an attack on a Muslim family; it was also an attack on the very foundation of our shared democracy and our right to live, to walk and to belong without fear. In the wake of the tragedy, Londoners responded with unity. Canadians across our country demanded not just remembrance but resolve. Building a resilient society means embedding safety, equity and trust in our institutions. It means we ensure that public spaces are truly public and that no child ever fears walking on a sidewalk because of how they pray, how they look and how they live. Our job now is to strengthen our systems that protect our democracy through education, policy and action grounded in evidence and justice.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to start, before I ask my question, by saying that members should not mention the names of other colleagues, but I do want to congratulate my hon. colleague for his re-election. I am sure that he came back to the House with the mandate his electors gave him, as electors gave the Liberal Party, and that was a mandate to come back to talk about the tax cut, dental care and all the programs that help young families, which I am sure the member has in his riding, to have a better life in Canada. Can the member expand on that?”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by congratulating my hon. colleague on his return to the House of Commons. I had the chance to visit his riding in the last session. I saw how much his constituents support him. I would like to ask my colleague a question. What does he think about the Canadian dental care plan, which will be expanded to many people in his riding, people who sent him here again to ensure that the government can keep working on these kinds of issues? Can he tell us a bit about what he plans to do in that regard?”
“Mr. Speaker, I also want to extend congratulations to my colleague. I have had the opportunity to work with her on a number of issues. I look forward to continuing that collaboration. I also appreciate the member's nod to the short-lived position I was in as minister of democratic institutions. From while I was there, I can confirm for her that our institutions are strong. Our elections went really well, and as Canadians, we should trust our institutions. I have long been a strong advocate of electoral reform and will continue to be so. I hope to continue to work with the member.”
“I appreciate the member's question and look forward to continuing to work with him, as he is a strong member of our team.”
“Mr. Speaker, I welcome my colleague's question and want to congratulate him on being re-elected. He is one of the most precious members of the House of Commons. As the Prime Minister laid out today, we need a tax break for families. We need to make sure we are taking care of Canadians. That is the mandate they gave us. Southwestern Ontario, like the rest of Canada, is an important part of that. I am here to be a strong voice for young families in London West and all young families in southwestern Ontario. When there are pressures in our economy, our workers feel it most. They are the people in southwestern Ontario we are targeting with the tax break that we are talking about. It is creating opportunities for young families. It is creating a future for young people who are going to leave school and go into the workforce.”
“We will continue to work together to increase francophone immigration to ensure that everyone in Canada can express themselves in the language of their choice.”
“Mr. Speaker, I congratulated you earlier but you missed it, so I will offer my congratulations again. I would also like to congratulate my colleague on the other side of the House on his re-election. As we know, there are francophones all over Canada. It should come as no surprise that I can speak French. I am a proud Franco-Ontarian. Once again, as we know, there are francophones all over Canada. In the Speech from the Throne, our government clearly said that communication in French, francophones and francophone culture across the country are very important. That was included in our plan. We will continue to ensure that we respond. As my colleague opposite just learned, there are francophones outside Quebec.”
“It is a challenge, calling on us to meet the moment with clarity, courage and ambition. That is why we are back in government today. In London West, as in all of southwestern Ontario and across Canada, we recognize both the urgency of the issues and the opportunities before us. We cannot afford to slow down progress, whether we are talking about addressing the housing challenge, growing our economy or developing new industries. [ English ] To build Canada strong, we have to stay focused. We have to be collaborative, and we have to stay connected to the people who sent us here. That is why I am excited to be back in the House of Commons, speaking for the people of London West and making sure that their voices are not left behind.”
“As AI, automation and climate policies reshape our economy, we have to invest in people along with technology. What I am saying is that southwestern Ontario is a place that many call home, and we want to keep it that way. Southwestern Ontario is not just a collection of ridings; it is a powerhouse of innovation, agriculture, industry and community. We need policies that reflect our strengths and challenges, not a one-size-fits-all solution. That is why I welcome the idea of deeper engagement with the region. Southwestern Ontario should be at the table when we talk about infrastructure, immigration, rural connectivity, climate adaptation and mid-sized cities. I look forward to engaging with my colleagues on both sides of the House to get this work done. (1330) [ Translation ] The Speech from the Throne is more than just a plan.”
“Our region is home to world-class researchers and start-ups that will benefit from simplified approvals, stronger intellectual property protections and better access to capital. We need support for our small businesses, which are the backbone of London West's economy, from local shops in Byron and Hyde Park to tech start-ups and social enterprises. These entrepreneurs need access to capital, support in navigating government programs and relief from inflationary pressures. Just as importantly, workers whose jobs are being transformed or lost right now need to be able to retrain, be protected and have new pathways into new industries. Relief for workers cannot be a footnote. It has to remain a top priority for our entire region of southwestern Ontario.”
“London West needs consistent, fair access to global markets, but we also need a government that understands that when trade disruptions hit, our workers and small businesses are the ones that bear the biggest brunt. The proposed reforms and domestic investments are a welcome sign of support. We know that building a resilient economy means that we have to invest in skilled trades. London's skilled trades programs have long been leaders in training the next generation of workers, but right now, they need support. They need continued support, especially in attracting young people and under-represented groups, and we must invest in restoring the jobs that are being lost right now in places like Fanshawe College in order to train the next generation of skilled workers. We also welcome the commitment to make Canada a hub for innovation.”
“With the expansion of the Canadian dental care program to cover up to eight million Canadians, more of our neighbours will be able to access preventative care without sacrificing any of their essentials. That means there will be more money for parents to do more things with their children. Continuing to fund and protect these programs is not just good policy; it is building a healthier and more equitable Canada by building healthier cities. Now I move to the big challenge. Tariffs and trade volatility have shaken southwestern Ontario's export-based industries. Agriculture, auto parts and advanced manufacturing have all felt the impact, and that is why the throne speech's commitment to strengthening trade relationships and building new ones is absolutely essential.”
“These initiatives build on the over $108.3 million that the government has already invested toward housing projects in London West, but success in housing also depends on speed. The promise to reduce project approval times from five years to two could be transformative in our community. London West has shovel-ready projects waiting, and we will do just that with our new government, which is ready to deliver for Canadians. Almost 9,000 families in London West have already felt the impact of the national dental care program, and we have seen the positive impact of the child care program. These are not abstract policies. They save families thousands of dollars every single year.”
“These industries are eager to grow, and they need stable supply chains, regional infrastructure and policies that reflect their role in Canada's economy. The commitment to double homebuilding and invest in Canadian materials and talent aligns perfectly with the capacity and ambition of our region. We welcome the launch of “build Canada homes” and the focus on affordable, modular and prefabricated housing. In London, housing demand continues to outpace supply. Young families, students and new Canadians struggle to find secure and more affordable places to live. Cutting the GST for first-time homebuyers and municipal development charges for multi-unit homes will have a direct impact on our families, and it will have a direct impact on affordability in our city.”
“[ Translation ] The government's promise to build one Canadian economy by removing internal trade barriers across the country and investing in national infrastructure will directly benefit southwestern Ontario. In London, we know how interprovincial bureaucracy can delay job-creating projects and limit labour mobility in certain sectors and trades. I can say that because I used to be a city councillor. Now, as a member of Parliament, I understand the issues that lead to these challenges for people in London and northern Ontario. To remove those barriers, we are going to provide new opportunities for businesses and workers in my riding. [ English ] London is home to advanced manufacturing, health sciences, education and a growing agri-tech sector.”
“London West sent me so that I can fight for them on issues like housing, fight for our families, our workers and our small businesses, and make sure that their voices are heard in the House. Southwestern Ontario is not unique in facing intense economic disruption, housing instability and the pressures of a rapidly changing world, but we represent something uniquely Canadian. We are resilient. We are diverse. We are honest and we have hard-working people. We have innovation and a deep-rooted commitment to one another. The throne speech calls this a moment of renewal and an opportunity to build a bold, ambitious and more inclusive Canada, and I could not agree more. I believe that London West stands ready to be a leader in this national renewal.”
“That being said, I also want to take the time to thank my family, my mom, whom I know is watching today, my son Noah, my brothers, my entire extended family and my cousins, who continue to support me to be the member of Parliament for London West. I also want to thank my amazing team, my volunteers and the London West Federal Liberal Association, which worked really hard to make sure that I could be here today and be a strong voice for London West and for London. (1325) [ Translation ] It is with gratitude that I rise today to respond to the Speech from the Throne and to reflect on what it means for the people of London West, as well as for all of southwestern Ontario. [ English ] In London West, I saw the largest vote share in the history of the riding, and for that I am very grateful. That means we are ready to go to work.”
“Mr. Speaker, I had hoped to have the opportunity to wish the Deputy Speaker my warmest congratulations on his new role. He is someone I worked with on the immigration committee. I am sure many people will have appreciated his work and will very much miss him on that committee. We are very proud of him, and I send him my greatest congratulations. I would also like to thank the people of London West. I am rising for the first time in the House of Commons post my second re-election. I want to thank them for their confidence in me and for allowing me to represent them again as their member of Parliament.”