Wade Chang
Burnaby Central, British Columbia · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, this year, the Burnaby Hospice Society celebrates 40 years of caring for Burnaby. For me, this anniversary is deeply personal. My mom battled cervical cancer for three years. In the final months of her life, she received hospice care. It gave her comfort and peace.”
“Mr. Speaker, happy Pride. Today the Prime Minister and parliamentarians gathered on Parliament Hill to raise the Pride flag and mark the beginning of Pride season in Canada. Pride is more than a celebration. It is a reminder that the rights and freedoms of 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians cannot be taken for granted.”
“Mr. Chair, I will be sharing my time. I am pleased to rise today to discuss how IRCC's main estimates will drive our economy. The budget, the spring economic update and now the main estimates are guiding our country forward during a very challenging period.”
“We recently announced more details about the one-time in-Canada workers initiative, which will accelerate the processing and approval of 33,000 temporary workers for permanent residence. They are already here, paying taxes and taking part in our communities. They deserve to feel like Canada is their home.”
“This includes the provincial nominee program, the Atlantic immigration program, and pilot programs that support rural and francophone communities.”
“The department's digital modernization effort will allow newcomers to understand their applications better and have access to support when needed. New digital tools will help train officers proactively to identify issues and verify information. These tools will also help them process applications faster.”
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“When a young person feels safe and empowered to speak up about trade and protecting 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians, it speaks volumes about our country and our responsibility as lawmakers. This is why I am so proud that budget 2025 provides long-term, stable funding to the Department of Women and Gender Equality to advance women's equity, prevent gender-based violence and protect 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians. We owe it to Emma and to every young Canadian to build a society where they are free from fear and free to dream. I recently visited Nelson Avenue Community Church in my riding, where members shared one concern I hear every day: the high cost of housing and ensuring seniors can live with dignity in their communities. Budget 2025 delivers real, practical solutions.”
“Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Halifax . I rise today to speak in strong support of budget 2025. This is a budget that strengthens our economy, advances a fair society and ensures safer, more resilient communities for all Canadians. Last week, I received a letter from Emma, a 13-year-old student in Burnaby Central. After reading my September mailer, she urged her government to stand up against unfair U.S. tariffs and policies that would hurt Canadian workers and families. However, Emma's letter did not stop there. She is openly queer and wanted a government that stands for equality, fairness and inclusion. Her voice reminds us that the work we do in Parliament matters to the next generation.”
“On behalf of the people of Burnaby Central, I honour these women and men, whose courage turns fear into hope and duty into commitment. Let us stand together and applaud our true heroes, and let us make sure they are well protected by the law of our country.”
“Mr. Speaker, this week, we are honoured to welcome members of Burnaby Firefighters IAFF Local 323 to Ottawa, these brave women and men on the front lines of public safety. [ Translation ] I welcome them to Ottawa. [ English ] I remember visiting Fire Station 8 in Burnaby, a modern, purpose-built facility where our firefighters have the best tools to return home safely after every call. Day after day, they face danger with courage and compassion, often at great personal risk. Beyond facing emergencies, they are pillars of our community, supporting families in need and volunteering for local charities. I want to recognize president Doug Petti for his years of service and for leading by example through every challenge.”
“On behalf of Burnaby Central and the House, I thank Antonia for proving that, when we invest in each other, we strengthen the very fabric of Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Antonia Beck, an inspiring community leader from Burnaby, on the occasion of her retirement as CEO of the Burnaby Neighbourhood House. Nearly 30 years ago, Antonia helped to establish a small volunteer program, with five people, $25 and a shared Canadian dream. Today, BNH has nearly 150 staff members and hundreds of amazing volunteers. Through her extraordinary leadership, her dream has grown into a vibrant network serving families, newcomers, youth and seniors. Because of her work, children have a safe place to learn, newcomers have built lasting connections and seniors enjoy a renewed sense of purpose. Antonia has shown what is possible when we lead with heart. Because of her vision, Burnaby stands stronger, more compassionate and more connected than ever.”
“Thanks go to the Tian-Jin Temple and Jeffrey Yu in Burnaby for organizing this tour and allowing Canadians to experience the beauty of Bunun culture and the unifying power of music. I invite all members of the House to answer the call to listen, to learn and to stand together with indigenous people, so that we may honour their legacy and build a future defined by mutual respect.”
“Mr. Speaker, last week, I had the honour of welcoming the Nibun Chorus to Burnaby Central. This award-winning indigenous youth chorus from Kaohsiung, a city in southern Taiwan, represents the proud Bunun people. Through their extraordinary harmonies, they share stories of identity, resilience and belonging, offering songs that cross oceans and awaken the hearts of those who listen. Their visit reminds us that reconciliation and respect for indigenous people are not bound by geography, but are universal values. From the Bunun people in Taiwan to the first nations, Inuit and Métis here in Canada, indigenous communities teach us the meaning of courage, culture and harmony with the land.”
“Mr. Speaker, I understand that it is the Criminal Code that we are talking about today, but can the member opposite elaborate on whether or not the Province of Ontario has enough resources to manage increased detention or stricter bail conditions?”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his hard work. Can my hon. colleague please share with us how our federal climate programs are helping farmers build resilience to climate change and, in turn, keep food prices more stable for Canadian families?”
“Mazu's legacy reminds us that in our diversity lies our strength to build a Canada that is safe, inclusive, strong and free.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge an important part of Taiwanese culture. This summer, I had the privilege of sharing my heritage with Burnaby Central by welcoming a statue of Mazu from a respected temple in Taiwan. Like the good people of Burnaby Central, those in Taiwan carry the resilient spirit long-symbolized by Mazu. Also known as the goddess of the sea, Mazu is honoured across Asia for her strength, courage and hope. For centuries, she has guided travellers through turbulent waters, inspiring generations and offering protection equally to all. Canada itself has been defined by the sea through migration, international trade and the courage of those who journeyed across seas to call the true north home. Just like Mazu offers safe harbour, we must lead Canada with vision, care and responsibility in uncertain times.”
“Mr. Speaker, today, leaders from around the world are meeting at the G7 summit in Alberta to tackle some of the most complex challenges. I understand that the Prime Minister met with President Zelenskyy today, to understand what Ukraine needs to secure its victory. Can the Minister of National Defence please update this House on the discussion Canada is having regarding Ukraine at the G7 summit today?”
“Madam Speaker, I share the hon. member's concerns. These are the issues that I hear about very often when I speak with residents of Burnaby Central. Whether it is public safety, affordability or building a stronger economy, our government is focused on practical solutions that deliver real, measurable results for Canadians. People expect—”
“Madam Speaker, as a gay Asian Canadian, I know what it means to live in a country where inclusion is not just principle but a lived promise. In Burnaby Central, I see promise every day in churches, temples, mosques, Pride parades, seniors homes, newcomer classes and small businesses run by people whose first language is not English or French. Multiculturalism is not a side project of the Canadian government; it is essential to who we are and how we grow. Our government will continue to support programs, protections and partnerships that ensure that everyone can live safely, speak freely and participate fully in Canadian life. That is how we build a country where no one is asked to choose between who they are and where they belong.”
“Madam Speaker, our government is attracting investment, growing our resource sector and protecting our environment. At the same time, it is using Canadian innovation and Canadian technology to create more Canadian jobs. In my riding of Burnaby Central, there are many companies focused on carbon capture technology, renewable energy and solar power. These companies are hiring hundreds of Canadian workers in Burnaby. The choice between the environment and the economy is a false one. We are focused on growing Canada into an energy superpower while protecting our environment at the same time, and that is what Canadians expect us to do.”
“Madam Speaker, Canadians are working harder than ever, but so many feel as if they are falling behind. In Burnaby Central, I have spoken to families struggling with rising rent, students worrying about groceries and seniors stretching every dollar. That is why our government is focusing on real, measurable relief by lowering taxes for the middle class, investing in housing and in child care, and helping people hold on to more of what they earn, because a strong economy is measured not just in numbers alone; it is measured in whether people can build a good life for themself and their family.”
“We come to this country with almost nothing, but then we build something better, not just for ourselves but also for our communities and for our future generations. As Professor Dumbledore said in Harry Potter, “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” I am here to help turn on the light for Burnaby Central and for every Canadian still waiting in the dark. Let us do this together. This is her story. This is his story. This is my story. Above all, it is our Canadian story, the story of a nation built on courage, compassion and the strength of many voices coming together as one.”
“Nothing prepares someone for news like that. My family watched my mom fight through rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. We prayed. We hoped. Less than two years later, she was gone. She was the heart of my family. Her life was far too short, but she left behind something powerful: her example. As a child, I believed I could be anything. Through every challenge, my mom would remind me to be the blessing that others need. That is why I became a lawyer; I wanted to help people, especially those who could not fight for themselves, and that is why I am here in the House of Commons today. I want to use every skill I can, every hardship I have lived through, to be a voice for those who are still waiting for change. This is the power of immigrant families. We endure hardship, but we pass on hope.”
“From her childhood roots on east Vancouver's Commercial Drive to raising her daughter in Burnaby, Rose found what so many newcomers hope for: a place where neighbours still greet each other with warmth, where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated and where families can build life with stability and purpose. Her story is a powerful reminder that Burnaby is not just where we live; it is where we grow, connect and dream. I would like to share a personal story to conclude my speech. In 2010, my mother noticed blood in her urine. The doctors thought she could have bladder cancer. What followed was a long series of delays and tests. There were delays in referrals, delays in diagnosis and delays in getting answers. Then came the MRI. It changed everything. It was not bladder cancer; it was stage 3 cervical cancer.”
“(1610) I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Christine Cunningham for her thoughtful support during my campaign and for her deep passion for protecting Burnaby's natural environment. Christine has been a tireless advocate for biodiversity. Her leadership has inspired so many of us in the community, including me. She reminds us that loving wildlife also means protecting the ecosystem that it and we rely on. One of my constituents, Rose, a first-generation Italian-Canadian, has proudly called Burnaby home for over 25 years. She moved here seeking not just a house but a community, one where opportunity, belonging and dignity could thrive.”
“One of those stories belongs to Monica Tsai, a proud resident of my riding and the chairperson of the Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Society. Since 1991, this association has been a tireless champion for cultural exchange, civic participation and community building. The association brings people together. It offers language classes, senior services, youth programs and cultural events that celebrate Taiwan's rich history and heritage, while helping newcomers find their place in this beautiful country of Canada. Whenever I visit the association, I see reflections of my own journey. I see new immigrants learning English while holding on to their mother tongue. I see volunteers preparing for the Lunar New Year celebration, Latin festivals and Canada Day flag-raising ceremonies, all under one roof. That is what Canada looks like.”
“To deliver vital health care, cybersecurity and AI services, we need BCIT's graduates. To move goods across provinces and territories, we need BCIT's transport training in rail, air, marine and land. As one of B.C.'s largest post-secondary institutions, its students work on innovative solutions in areas such as energy efficiency, agricultural technology and robotics. This is proof that the future of Canadian innovation is in good hands. BCIT, along with its remarkable students and faculty, is empowering people, shaping B.C. and Canada and inspiring global progress. I am proud that it calls Burnaby Central home. Burnaby is also home to many vibrant immigrant families whose stories are deeply woven into the fabric of Canada.”
“What they cherish most is the freedom to live openly, honestly and without judgment in a community that accepts and embraces them. Their story is one of courage, love and the quiet strength of being seen. Happy Pride, Canada. Next, I would like to talk about the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Located in the heart of my riding, BCIT has been delivering flexible, relevant and future-focused education for over 60 years. BCIT prepares learners to lead innovation in their workplaces and communities, and its impact is felt across B.C. and beyond. Polytechs like BCIT are uniquely positioned to support this government's mandate to make Canada strong. To meet the demand for housing, infrastructure and major projects across the country, we need BCIT's apprentices.”
“That is what it means to build Canada strong: an economy that works for everyone from coast to coast to coast. I am here for Burnaby Central and I am here because of Burnaby Central. Allow me to share some stories of Burnaby Central. One story that I carry with me to this House is of a biracial same-sex couple. Cindy and Debra first met as classmates in junior high school, and although life took them in different directions, they reconnected decades later at their 30-year school reunion in 2010. At that time, both were married to men and raising children. Their lives were full, but not truly fulfilling. That reunion sparked a reconnection that would eventually change everything. Fifteen years later, they are now retired from meaningful careers in health care and share a home in my riding.”
“Most of all, I would like to thank my dear husband Van and our beloved fur baby Marshmallow for their unwavering support, understanding and sacrifices as I take on this responsibility to serve. As the first gay Asian member of this House, I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me. I carry with me the hopes and dreams of countless immigrant families who came to Canada with so little, yet gave everything to build a better life. When I knocked on doors in Burnaby Central, I heard the same message: The cost of living needs to come down. That is why our government is committed to a middle-class tax cut and targeted investments that make life more affordable. We are building more homes, growing the number of high-quality jobs and cutting costs for everyday Canadians.”
“Madam Speaker, I rise today in the House of Commons to deliver my very first speech deeply humbled and honoured. I want to begin by thanking the people of Burnaby Central for giving me this extraordinary privilege. I am grateful for their trust, confidence and belief in me. The seat I occupy in this chamber belongs to them. I would like to take a moment to thank Jagmeet Singh for his years of service to our community and to Canada. His passion for justice, compassion for working families and commitment to equality have left a meaningful legacy. While we come from different political paths, I deeply respect his contributions, so I thank him. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my amazing volunteers and campaign team, who worked tirelessly to ensure that Burnaby Central had a strong Liberal voice in Ottawa.”
“Mr. Speaker, illegal fishing in international waters leads to damage here at home and abroad. In the Pacific Ocean, dark vessels fish indiscriminately, using illegal gear and catching endangered and at-risk species. This hurts wild Pacific salmon, as well as global supply chains that we and our allies rely on. Can the Minister of Fisheries tell us what Canada's new government is doing to combat illegal fishing in international waters?”