Maggie Chi
Don Valley North, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today with deep sadness to advise the House that Constable Marc Pinizzotto of the Toronto Police Service emergency task force was killed in the line of duty. For 18 years, Constable Pinizzotto served with courage and commitment, putting himself in harm's way to make Toronto a safer place.”
“Mr. Speaker, this is an important issue. We have worked on many fronts to address many issues in this respect, and I look forward to working with the member as well. Through budget 2025, we have made investments in health research through CIHR, and we will continue to do that.”
“Mr. Speaker, it was 47 years ago that The Log Driver's Waltz was first screened and won a best animated film award at an international film festival in France. The Log Driver's Waltz is a Canadian folk song originally written by Wade Hemsworth and performed by The Mountain City Four.”
“Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, the minister has answered this question many times in question period and many times during committee work. We have been very open and transparent. Infoway has dismissed the CEO. We supported that decision.”
“Mr. Speaker, as the Conservatives farm outrage, we are working hard on behalf of Canadians. I am glad that member brought it up. That party has spent over 20 hours obstructing a Liberal motion to study HIV in Manitoba. How can they claim they care about Canadians' health when they block motions like that?”
“Mr. Speaker, the allegations against the previous vendor for the vaccine injury program were absolutely unacceptable. That is why we made the administration of the program internal, to ensure money is spent appropriately.”
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“Our work is guided by three priorities: expanding access, improving quality and advancing equity. We know that youth are facing disproportionate challenges, especially indigenous and Black youth, youth in rural and remote communities, and young men and boys. That is why we are delivering the youth mental health fund, a $500-million investment over five years to enhance and expand mental health supports across the country. A core component of that work is strengthening integrated youth services. These hubs provide a one-stop shop where young people can access mental health care, primary care, substance use support, and help with education and employment. Today there are more than 110 hubs operating in nine provinces, with 50 more in development.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by sincerely thanking my hon. colleague for the very important question. I have tremendous respect for his work on mental health and for the work he does on behalf of his constituents. His commitment to the issue elevates our conversation in the House, and I am grateful for his leadership. I rise today to reaffirm our government's commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of Canadians. Mental health is health, as my hon. colleague mentioned, and we know that too many people still face barriers to accessing the care they need. This is why our approach is rooted in collaboration. We are working closely with provinces and territories, those who deliver care on the front lines, because meaningful, lasting change requires coordinated partnerships across all orders of government.”
“Mr. Speaker, budget 2025 meets the moment Canada finds itself in with a responsible fiscal plan that would build Canada as an economic force for decades to come. The world is changing, and we must meet the moment by building on the solid foundation of strong Canadian industries bolstered by diverse international trade partners and the undeniable fact that we have exactly what the world needs. By becoming our own best customers, we will transform our economy from one of reliance on specific trade partners to the one that is more resilient to global shocks. With budget 2025, we will spend less, invest more and build Canada as an economic force for decades to come. We will make life more affordable for Canadians from coast to coast to coast, and we will build Canada strong.”
“It will rein in government spending, saving Canada $13 billion annually by 2028 to 2029, for a total with other savings and revenues of $60 billion over five years. Savings will be achieved by restructuring operations and consolidating internal services and rightsizing programs to realize efficiency. This will allow the government to invest more in the workers, businesses and nation-building infrastructure that will build Canada strong. By making these adjustments now, we are making it possible to build the strongest economy in the G7.”
“This includes a new framework for budgeting, the cornerstone of which is a new capital budgeting framework that prioritizes spending that stimulates public and private sector capital investment while reining in day-to-day operational spending, which rose significantly during COVID and the post-COVID era. In doing so, we are creating a more efficient and productive government for the future. The government will balance day-to-day operating spending with revenues by 2028 to 2029, while maintaining a declining deficit-to-GDP ratio. We will do this while enabling $1 trillion in total investment over the next five years through smarter public spending and stronger capital investment. A key part of this process is the comprehensive expenditure review, which will reduce inefficiencies and refocus government spending on core priorities.”
“We will protect what matters most, which are our people, our community and our sovereignty, by investing in our Armed Forces and border security and by rolling out bail reforms to ensure safer streets for all. We will empower Canadians with better careers, strong public services and a more affordable life with measures to drive down competition in key sectors, automatic federal benefits that will reach up to 5.5 million low-income Canadians and a permanent national food program. With budget 2025's new trade diversification strategy, supported by a trade diversification corridors fund, we will explore new markets and sell more of the best that Canada has to offer. We know that to make these generational investments, our government must make certain adjustments.”
“Mr. Speaker, the international orders and trading systems that powered Canada's prosperity for decades are quickly being changed and drastically reshaped, threatening our sovereignty, our prosperity and our values. Faced with these realities, where others would simply endeavour to weather the storm, our government is rising up to meet the moment with humility, vigour and confidence. Budget 2025 is the generational plan Canada needs to build our economy, protect our way of life and empower Canadians like never seen before. We will build here at home, including supports for industries impacted by tariffs, nation-building infrastructure through the new Major Projects Office, and millions more homes for Canadians, including through a new agency, Build Canada Homes.”
“Madam Speaker, the gravity of this crisis requires a measured and serious approach. We owe it to Canadians and to the dignity of this House to do better. Our government continues to work closely with provinces and territories, supporting them through the emergency treatment fund and the substance use and addictions program, and strengthening enforcement to disrupt the illegal drug supply. These priorities are not mutually exclusive, and responsible leaders do not pretend they are. This crisis requires empathy, evidence and action, not division. Let us bring more honour to this House by meeting this moment with the seriousness, compassion and integrity Canadians expect of us.”
“Families that have lost loved ones deserve to see us rise to that responsibility. Every community is hurting. Every family touched by this crisis is grieving. They are looking to this House for clarity, compassion and a thoughtful, evidence-based plan forward. Our government understands that we can protect communities and care for people struggling with addiction. Responsible leadership requires both.”
“If they cannot do that, the application does not proceed. Our role is to support communities through targeted investments, including the youth mental health fund, giving young people earlier access to care and reducing emergency room pressures; expanded funding to the substance use and addictions program for prevention, treatment and harm reduction; continued support through the emergency treatment fund for urgent provincial and territorial needs; and, through budget 2025, strengthened enforcement and border measures to disrupt the illegal drug supply poisoning Canadians. These are the investments that save lives and support communities; they are not shortcuts and not slogans. Safe consumption sites are one tool in a much broader response. This crisis does not lend itself to theatrics. It demands seriousness and leadership.”
“Madam Speaker, at a time when every community in this country is grappling with the devastating impacts of the toxic drug and overdose crisis, it is profoundly disappointing to see this issue reduced to clips and outrage instead of serious dialogue. Canadians expect better from us. They deserve a conversation rooted in facts, not theatrics, and the facts are clear: It is provinces and territories, not the federal government, that decide whether safe consumption sites may operate. Every provincial and territorial minister of health can issue or refuse exemptions under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Health Canada reviews applications only after applicants demonstrate full compliance with local, municipal and provincial requirements, and show robust safety measures to protect clients and surrounding communities.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government remains firmly committed to reducing smoking rates, especially among youth. While nicotine pouches may have a role for adults who are trying to quit smoking, evidence shows they are not risk-free. These products contain nicotine, which is addictive and can harm the developing brain. This is why clear guidelines are in place to ensure they are used appropriately and not marketed or flavoured in ways that attract youth. Our priority is to protect the health of Canadians, especially our next generation.”
“Mr. Speaker, here is one number: 67,000 jobs created. How are we supporting them? We are supporting them by investing in their health. Through budget 2025, we are investing $5 billion to renew hospitals and health care centres, as well as $97 million to recognize skilled professionals faster, and giving new supports for personal support workers. Do not just take it from me, Mr. Speaker; take it from the CMA, which says this is a “[right] step in the right direction” to support the health of our nation.”
“It is about people, families and communities, and we will continue to stand with them in the fight to save lives and build safer, healthier communities for all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will close by saying this. Addressing the toxic drug and overdose crisis requires compassion, collaboration and commitment. This means continuing to listen to community voices, to families and to health and safety experts. Anyone proposing to open a safe consumption site must demonstrate that they have spoken to their community and that they have a thoughtful plan in place to address local concerns. It also means working closely with provinces and territories to ensure they have the resources and flexibility they need to respond effectively. If a province or territory wants to work with us to prevent overdoses, reduce the spread of infectious diseases and save lives, our government is always ready to partner with them. At the end of the day, this is not about ideology or politics.”
“The toxic drug and overdose crisis has touched every corner of this country, from large cities like Toronto to smaller communities across Manitoba and beyond. Every lost life is someone’s child, someone’s friend, someone’s neighbour. This is why our government believes we must use every tool available to respond in a way that balances public health with public safety. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. For some communities, that means expanding access to treatment and recovery. For others, it means supporting community-led prevention and harm reduction programs. Across the board, it means investing in the people and organizations that are saving lives every day through programs like the substance use and addictions program and the emergency treatment fund. Our goal is simple: to keep people alive and to keep communities safe.”
“While Health Canada may approve an application, every organization must first demonstrate it has complied with all local laws and regulations, in its municipality, its province or territory and its own community. If it cannot meet these standards, its applications are not approved. Just as importantly, each applicant must show they have done meaningful community engagement. This includes demonstrating that they have spoken with local residents, law enforcement and service providers; developed strong public safety measures to protect staff, clients and the surrounding community; and built relationships of trust before opening their doors. We know this is a difficult and emotional issue.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague opposite for raising this issue. I know it comes from a place of genuine concern for community safety and public health. These are concerns I share deeply as well. When it comes to safe consumption sites, I think it is important that Canadians understand how these sites are established and how decisions are made. The reality is that the decision to allow a safe consumption site or other urgent public health need site to operate ultimately rests with the provinces and territories. Each provincial and territorial minister of health has the authority to issue exemptions under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Health Canada's role is limited to reviewing applications, but the final say on whether these services can operate and how they operate belongs to those jurisdictions.”
“Mr. Speaker, this past weekend I had the pleasure of joining the Toronto Netralya Lions Club for their wonderful Diwali and Thanksgiving celebration. I want to take this occasion to acknowledge the Netralya Lions Club for their dedication to humanitarian causes and charitable organizations. I commend them for fundraising an incredible $143,500 to help equip North York General Hospital in my riding of Don Valley North with more cancer care and emergency beds. I advise the House of this great community-minded group of neighbours, professionals and retirees, who volunteer their time and effort to keep making Don Valley North a better place for everyone. Colleagues can see that when the community calls, the lions roar.”
“Mr. Speaker, at a time when women's rights are being rolled back around the world, Canada is moving forward. For too long, women's health has been under-researched, underfunded and too often dismissed. That is changing. Our new government is closing data gaps, modernizing breast cancer screening and improving access to reproductive care, so women are heard, believed and supported, because a strong Canada depends on healthy Canadians, and when women are healthy, families and communities thrive.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to reiterate that our government understands the devastating impact the drug and overdose crisis has had on families and communities in every corner of the country. I also want to continue to say that we will continue to work with partners across the board to tackle this public health crisis. I invite the member opposite to work with us on this instead of fighting us.”
“Mr. Speaker, no parent should worry about their child picking up a broken needle or a broken pipe. While evidence shows that safe consumption sites help reduce public drug use and stop the spread of infectious diseases, we recognize the impact these sites have on these communities. As we continue to work with parents and partners to tackle this public health issue, service providers must engage with our communities and have mitigation measures in place to address community concerns about public safety.”
“Mr. Speaker, Conservatives talk a big game about supporting young people and young families, but they voted against every single measure that actually helps them. Our government is delivering real results, from child care to national food programs and the Canadian dental care plan, which is now reaching more than five million Canadians and saving families $800 a year. This is money that stays in Canadians' pockets while giving them timely access to quality care. We are lowering costs for young Canadians while the Conservatives are just lowering expectations.”
“Madam Speaker, there is no evidence to suggest that Canadian Blood Services is not working in the best interest of Canadians. It operates at arm's length from the federal government, but we have confidence that Canadian Blood Services is making sure Canada's blood supply is there for Canadians. We hope the Conservatives will stop trying to discourage Canadians from donating blood to Canadian Blood Services and focus on saving lives rather than getting clicks.”
“A manufacturing facility for plasma products recently opened in Saint-Laurent, Montreal. This will establish Canada's first end-to-end domestic blood supply chain. At a time when provincial and territorial partners need to increase their blood and plasma supplies, it is deeply disappointing that the Conservatives would rather spread misinformation and fear via social media clips. Canadians can rest assured that if they have donated plasma to Canadian Blood Services or Héma-Québec, it is going to Canadians.”
“Canadian Blood Services operates independently from the federal government, working with the provinces and territories, outside Quebec, to collect plasma. The provinces and territories determine how plasma is collected in their jurisdictions, including the role of paid plasma collection. Canadian Blood Services has confirmed again and again that it does not sell the blood or plasma it collects from Canadians. It is selling a waste by-product called albumin to Grifols. Canada has more than enough albumin to meet the needs of Canadians. Grifols turns this waste by-product into life-saving plasma. Canadian Blood Services then buys back the plasma at a significantly reduced rate, increasing our domestic blood supply. In fact, not only does this increase our blood supply, but it also creates jobs.”
“Madam Speaker, two weeks ago the member opposite raised this question and used it as an opportunity to spread unfounded conspiracy theories and get clips for social media. Here we go again today. Once again, the member opposite is using his time to spread unfounded conspiracy theories and get clips for social media. The answer today is the same as it was two weeks ago. I will spell this out clearly, even though we know the Conservatives will continue to spread incorrect information. Despite what the Conservatives would have us believe, Health Canada has no role in the day-to-day operations of Canadian Blood Services. It regulates the safety of blood and plasma collection and products made from blood and plasma.”
“Mr. Speaker, again, the reality is far different from the complicated misinformation the Conservatives would have Canadians believe. Canadian Blood Services operates at arm's length from the federal government and is working to increase the supply of blood and plasma for Canadians. We will encourage Canadian Blood Services to make sure Canada's blood supply is always there for Canadians, and there is no evidence to suggest it is not working in the best interest of Canadians. It is disappointing that Conservatives would try to discourage Canadians from donating blood to Canadian Blood Services.”
“Again, it is a waste by-product. Canadian Blood Services then buys it back at a significantly reduced rate, increasing the Canadian blood supply. In fact, because of agreements such as this one, Grifols is opening the very first manufacturing facility in Canada for plasma products, in Saint-Laurent, Montreal. That will establish Canada's very first end-to-end domestic blood supply chain. To state this clearly: Canadian Blood Services is not selling Canadian blood overseas. It is working to increase our blood supply. Selling off excess waste products has no impact on Canada's blood supply. Canadians can rest assured that if they have donated plasma to Canadian Blood Services or Héma-Québec, it is being used exclusively to make products for Canadians, and these products are not being sold abroad.”
“Second, as the Conservatives are all very well aware, Canadian Blood Services has stated time and again that it does not sell the blood or plasma it collects from Canadians. For the Conservatives to imply otherwise will only spread misinformation and fear at a time when our provincial and territorial partners are working hard to increase their blood and plasma supplies. Lastly, Canadian Blood Services has made it very clear that it is selling a waste by-product called albumin to Grifols. Canadian Blood Services has stated publicly and repeatedly that Canada already has sufficient albumin for the needs of Canadians and is therefore allowing Grifols to sell excess albumin. What this means for Canadians is that Grifols takes albumin, sends it to a manufacturing facility outside Canada and turns it into life-saving plasma.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives try to spread misinformation, but the reality is very different. First, Canadian Blood Services manages Canada's blood supply, outside Quebec, independently and at arm's length from the federal government. Héma-Québec operates the same way within Quebec. Both work with the provinces and territories; in turn, they determine how plasma is collected in their jurisdictions, including the role of paid plasma collection. Health Canada is involved in only the regulation of the safety of blood plasma collection and products made from blood and plasma. It has no role in the day-to-day operations of Canadian Blood Services, no matter what the Conservatives insinuate.”
“We owe police and peace officers an enduring debt of gratitude, and I thank them for their dedication to keeping our communities safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Police and Peace Officers' National Memorial Day, which falls on the last Sunday of September. Over 900 brave officers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their communities, and we commemorate those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We honour their sacrifice and their families by building a safer Canada. I am thankful to be able to advise the House that no police or peace officer was killed in the line of duty in 2024. Our profound hope is that we may say the same every year, yet every day, brave officers stand ready to face danger to keep us safe. Throughout the summer, I had the pleasure of meeting the fine officers of Toronto Police Service 33 Division in my riding of Don Valley North. I commend their professionalism, compassion and commitment.”
“Madam Speaker, as I mentioned, Canadian Blood Services is responsible for managing Canada's blood system outside Quebec at arm's length. It operates on behalf of the provinces and territories. As Canadian Blood Services moves forward in its agreement with Grifols, we would strongly encourage it to follow the promises made when it signed the contract in 2022.”
“Madam Speaker, Canadian Blood Services is responsible for managing Canada's blood system outside Quebec at arm's length. It operates on behalf of the provinces and territories. As Canadian Blood Services moves forward in its agreement with Grifols, we would strongly recommend and encourage it to follow the promises made when it signed the contract in 2022, to ensure that blood products are manufactured exclusively for Canadian patients and to establish the in-Canada supply chain necessary to produce them.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to improving the overall health and well-being of the people of Canada. Healthy habits, such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity and an active lifestyle, are essential to supporting quality of life and the long-term well-being of Canadians. We are collaborating with all partners, and I look forward to working with the member directly on advancing any of the issues that he is experiencing in his community.”
“Mr. Speaker, the program was created to provide support to vulnerable Canadians and, as I mentioned before, the alleged behaviour is unacceptable. The Public Health Agency of Canada is accelerating the audit of Oxaro and its management of the support program, and we will make sure the result of this audit is made public once available. We are bringing about the internal administration of the program, which aligns with G7 countries, to make sure that taxpayer dollars are well spent.”
“Mr. Speaker, the vaccine injury support program was created to provide support to vulnerable Canadians. The alleged behaviour is completely unacceptable. The Public Health Agency of Canada is accelerating the audit of Oxaro and its management of the program, and we will make the result of this audit public once available. We are bringing about the internal administration of the program, which will align with other G7 countries and Quebec. We will ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent appropriately, and we will support Canadians who have been negatively impacted.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government understands that this is really impacting our community. We share the compassion and empathize with the situation. As I mentioned before, we will continue to work with partners at all levels to make sure we provide the supports that are needed to end this public health crisis.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government understands the devastating impact the drug and overdose crisis has had on families and communities in every corner of the country. We must use every tool at our disposal to fight this crisis. That means cracking down on drugs, prosecuting drug trafficking and making sure communities, indigenous people and community health care organizations have the tools they need to connect more people to treatment and vital services faster. We will work with all partners at all levels to put an end to this tragic public health crisis.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Firefighters' National Memorial Day, which falls yearly on the second Sunday of September. Across Canada, more than 1,000 firefighters have died in the line of duty, including 353 Toronto firefighters. They will not be forgotten. This summer, I had the pleasure of visiting fire stations and meeting firefighters across my riding of Don Valley North, a community fortunate enough to have four fire stations. I want to take this occasion to acknowledge their professionalism and commitment to keeping us safe. Every day, they stand ready to run into danger to save lives and livelihoods. We owe firefighters and their families an enduring debt of gratitude, and I thank them for their service, their sacrifice and their unwavering dedication to safeguarding Canadians across the country.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is true that we are experiencing workforce issues in the health care space. Our government is doing a lot of work in this space to make sure that we play a leadership role in supporting solutions to challenges facing health systems across the country, including those related to our workforce. We do have investment. As I stated in my first statement, we are creating new family physician residency training positions for international medical graduates. We are increasing assessment capacity to support accelerated processes. We are helping folks navigate a very complex system. We do recognize the important role that internationally educated health professionals play in our health care system. I look forward to working with all members to address this issue.”
“Finally, our government understands that Canada must not only attract health care workers from around the world, but also make sure they are properly integrated into the health care workforce. Further, with health care workers facing burnout, we need to ensure they have the support they need to stay on in their jobs. Earlier this year, our government published the “Ethical framework for the recruitment and retention of internationally educated health professionals in Canada”—”
“The foreign credential recognition program also continues to fund various initiatives to support the labour market integration of skilled newcomers. Provinces and territories are also making individual action a part of the working together to improve health care for Canadians plan. As a result, differentiated, innovative pathways for internationally educated health professionals to enter the health system are rapidly emerging at the provincial and territorial level. For example, Nova Scotia created the Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence, which allows internationally trained physicians to provide supervised primary care in a collaborative-care setting while being assessed for licensure.”
“This includes ensuring immigration policy support, recruiting internationally educated health professionals, working to help streamline foreign credential recognition and supporting retention efforts to have long-term success and integration within the health system. This is why, beginning this year, our government is funding a number of projects to better integrate internationally educated health professionals into Canada's provincial and territorial health care systems. This funding will create new family medicine training positions for international medical graduates, increase assessment capacity to support accelerated licensure processes for internationally educated health professions and provide support to help newcomers navigate the credential recognition system.”
“As we know, health care is a shared responsibility between the federal government and our provincial and territorial partners. While the federal government provides financial support for health care services, responsibility for matters related to administration and delivery of the services, including health profession regulation, licensure and foreign credential recognition, falls within provincial and territorial jurisdiction. However, our government understands we have a role to play and we are actively working with our provincial and territorial partners to address current challenges for Canada's health workforce.”
“Recent estimates project that there could be shortages of over 23,000 family physicians and 28,000 registered nurses. These shortages are projected to deepen over the next 10 years if there are more pressures added to the health care system, such as increased incidence of chronic illnesses and a growing population. Internationally trained, educated health professionals are key to addressing these challenges; however, current processes to validate foreign credentials are long, costly and complex. They are creating barriers for the successful recruitment and retention of these professionals in our health care system. There are an estimated 198,000 internationally educated health professionals employed in Canada, but only 58% work in the field they are trained in.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to return to the House after a summer in Don Valley North and meeting with neighbours to talk about how we can keep making our community a better place for everyone. I look forward to working with all MPs to do good by Canadians. I know my colleague put on notice a question regarding workforce planning and health care in the health care sector, so I will be responding to that. I am pleased to rise in the House today to speak on a subject that I know is of concern to many of us: the urgent need to strengthen Canada's health care workforce by integrating internationally educated health professionals into the health care system. Canada's health workforce is currently facing some critical challenges, including long-term shortages, low retention and workplace conditions that put additional pressures on workers.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member opposite and I both sit on the health committee, and I look forward to working with him on this very important issue. The health and safety of Canadians is the top priority for this new government. We will put in every measure possible. We will work with provinces and territories to make sure we have support for children with diabetes. I look forward to working with the member opposite on this very important issue.”
“Mr. Speaker, as they say, the best time to plant a tree was yesterday. Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the annual tree giveaway held by the Bayview Village Association. Each year, the BVA offers residents trees and shrubs that are native to Toronto and suited for our urban environment, and it holds a workshop on how to properly plant them. I advise the House of this great community effort because trees reduce flooding and erosion, provide shade, decrease heating and cooling costs and clean the air. I want to take this occasion to thank the Bayview Village Association and acknowledge the natural care and strong community spirit that exist in the BVA. I commend the team of volunteers involved for helping us breathe a little easier. In my riding, it is not just trees that are growing; it is the community spirit.”