Jake Sawatzky
New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville, British Columbia · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of UBC student Kai Smart, whom I worked with on fundraising for mental health. On March 20, at the age of 23, Kai tragically lost his life in an avalanche in Japan.”
“Mr. Speaker, the newly announced Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon National Marine Conservation Area Reserve is a major step forward for marine conservation, indigenous stewardship and coastal communities in British Columbia.”
“Mr. Speaker, today many of us in this chamber wear a vyshyvanka , a symbol of Ukrainian heritage and resilience that has endured through some of history’s darkest moments. For Ukrainian Canadians, these embroidered shirts carry identity and the stories of generations who held on to their culture through hardship and persecution.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to mark one year since I was first elected as one of the youngest members of Parliament, born in the 21st century, to serve the people of New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville. This has been a year of collaboration, listening, learning and showing up for my community, and it is an honour of a lifetime.”
“It will ensure people feel supported and that they are not alone. This year, $1.25 million in federal funding will help nearly 250 young people gain real experience right in my community. This work has been guided by the leadership of the Prime Minister , whose vision continues to inspire us to deliver for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, premiers and MPs from all stripes agree the Sunrise expansion is a major step forward. It will create good jobs, strengthen Canada's energy security and see 38 first nations acquire equity stakes in the project, advancing economic reconciliation while helping us reach new markets.”
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“In his memory, the Smart family is establishing a memorial fund to support young people making a positive impact. Rest in peace, Kai.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of UBC student Kai Smart, whom I worked with on fundraising for mental health. On March 20, at the age of 23, Kai tragically lost his life in an avalanche in Japan. I would like to share some words written by Kai's parents, John and Julia, who said Kai was a mountain man, an explorer of the world and a lover of people from all walks of life. He was an avid skier and adventurer. In his short life, he experienced more than many do in a lifetime. What stood out about Kai was how he moved through the world. He connected with people across borders, languages and cultures. He carried curiosity, courage, kindness and humility wherever he went, making others feel welcome, inspired and more alive. “Live like Kai” has emerged as a mantra in the mountain community he called home.”
“Mr. Speaker, the newly announced Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon National Marine Conservation Area Reserve is a major step forward for marine conservation, indigenous stewardship and coastal communities in British Columbia. Can the Minister of the Environment tell the House how this initiative will help protect our oceans while creating benefits for local and indigenous communities?”
“Today, as Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty and democracy, Canadians stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. To those celebrating, I wish them a happy Vyshyvanka Day. Slava Ukraini .”
“Mr. Speaker, today many of us in this chamber wear a vyshyvanka , a symbol of Ukrainian heritage and resilience that has endured through some of history’s darkest moments. For Ukrainian Canadians, these embroidered shirts carry identity and the stories of generations who held on to their culture through hardship and persecution. Canada is home to one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the world outside Ukraine. For more than a century, Ukrainian Canadians have helped shape our country. These roots also exist in my own family. My grandfather came from Ukraine after his family endured persecution under Stalin's regime. He came to Canada in search of freedom and opportunity, and he was always grateful to live in such a welcoming country that allowed him to give back to the next generations.”
“It will ensure people feel supported and that they are not alone. This year, $1.25 million in federal funding will help nearly 250 young people gain real experience right in my community. This work has been guided by the leadership of the Prime Minister , whose vision continues to inspire us to deliver for Canadians. We are one year in, and this is only the beginning.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to mark one year since I was first elected as one of the youngest members of Parliament, born in the 21st century, to serve the people of New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville. This has been a year of collaboration, listening, learning and showing up for my community, and it is an honour of a lifetime. In my riding, I have had the privilege of working closely with families, local organizations and, especially, young people. From helping constituents who are navigating federal services to advancing priorities such as reducing the cost of living, my work this year has been grounded in service. I constantly hear about the challenges facing youth, particularly mental health challenges. That is why I have been proud to support the building safer communities fund.”
“Mr. Speaker, premiers and MPs from all stripes agree the Sunrise expansion is a major step forward. It will create good jobs, strengthen Canada's energy security and see 38 first nations acquire equity stakes in the project, advancing economic reconciliation while helping us reach new markets. Can the minister speak to why this project is so important for Canadians?”
“Mr. Speaker, today marks the opening of Canada summer jobs 2026, with 100,000 positions that will be posted on the job bank, which Canadians can visit on jobbank.gc.ca/youth. This is the largest number of summer job opportunities ever, with budget 2025 investing in 24,000 more jobs this summer. Can the Secretary of State for Children and Youth please explain what this investment means for young Canadians?”
“Mr. Speaker, there has been an outpouring of grief and support across this country following the Tumbler Ridge tragedy that occurred on Tuesday. The House has come together to honour the innocent lives lost. Can the Secretary of State for Combatting Crime please reflect on the mass shooting in B.C?”
“No words can make this better, but they must know that they are not alone. Let us hold each other a little closer as we face this together.”
“Mr. Speaker, today B.C. is observing a day of mourning to honour the victims of the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting. School should be a place where children learn about the world, a place where the biggest stress is a test they did not study enough for or when they are late for class and the bell is ringing, a place where they make friends and catch up with them every day at lunch. School should never be a place where children fear for their lives. Every kid deserves a place where they can relax and grow. What happened in Tumbler Ridge is absolutely devastating. Innocent lives have been taken and many more injured. All of British Columbia, all of Canada and so many around the world are grieving. We mourn with the families who have lost loved ones and with those who are recovering.”
“He was proud of his family and forever grateful for a country where he could build a new life. Rest in peace, Jacob Sawatzky Sr. He will not be forgotten.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the life and passing of my grandfather, Jacob Sawatzky Sr., whose story embodies the very best of Canada. Born in Ukraine, he survived the Holodomor famine and Stalin's Great Terror, in which his father and many others in the family were killed. At 16 years old, he fled his village to find a new life. All he had was a bag of dry bread that his mother had given him. My grandfather arrived in Canada alone, speaking no English and with little education. Canada gave him refuge, and he gave back. While working in a factory, he learned English, went back to school and earned a science degree from UBC. He then taught math and physics for nearly three decades, shaping generations of young Canadians. Today, I wear my grandfather's old tie in the chamber as a tribute to his values.”
“Are the Conservatives prepared to do the job their constituents sent them here to do, or is their annual holiday party more important than standing up for Canadian businesses?”
“Mr. Speaker, budget 2025 proposes a measure that businesses across the country have been asking for: the productivity superdeduction. It gives companies the ability to grow, drive investment and stay competitive in a rapidly changing global market. Manufacturers want it. Clean-tech firms want it. Small and medium-sized businesses want it. They are ready to invest, but they need Conservatives to get to work instead of blocking these investments from flowing to Canadian businesses. Conservatives have been refusing to study Bill C-15 in committee for weeks, delaying the very tools that businesses need and the economic growth that communities across Canada are counting on. If the opposition were half as serious as its question period theatrics, it would send Bill C-15 to committee.”
“That means it needs to represent young people and the problems they face, whether that is working toward home ownership, addressing climate change, supporting higher education or navigating how AI will affect our world. These are concerns that are critical to address if we want to see our new generation thrive.”
“Mr. Speaker, young people will build our future. We need them to. We do not have an option. Our country will be relying on them, so it is critical that they have the supports they need. I say to young Canadians that their voice matters and they are valued. I encourage them to be clear and organized about their priorities and to become leaders in areas they are passionate about. The young generation brings a refreshing perspective to politics. I am happy that today we are joined by members of the Young Politicians of Canada, which plays an important role in shaping youth-centred policy around the world. The House of Commons represents all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, last week, November 10, marked 50 years since the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald , when a ship and all 29 of its crew members perished in Ontario's waters of Lake Superior. It was one of the biggest disasters on the Great Lakes. Although that happened long before I was alive, the story lives on to this day through Canadian artist Gordon Lightfoot's song, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald . Lightfoot had a large role in bringing awareness of this tragic tale across the world. Lightfoot passed away in 2023. The bell of the ship was recovered in 1995. On November 10 of each year, it is rung 30 times, once for each member of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald and once for Gordon Lightfoot. The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down of the big lake they called Gitche Gumee....”
“Mr. Speaker, November is Movember, a month for men's health awareness. We lose far too many men to suicide every year. I urge the boys and men hearing this today to take care of their health. It is easy to feel alone, but there are many people who care about them very much and they can talk to. Their existence as people is valuable. If they are ever considering self-harm, I ask them to please fight back against that voice in their head. It is okay to reach out for help. That is the brave thing to do. They just need to talk about it. It is brave to be open about these things. I encourage everyone to take part in Movember, whether that is by growing a moustache, fundraising, exercising or organizing men's health events. This is a very important cause.”
“Mr. Speaker, in politics it is easy to attack each other, but Canadians are tired of the divisions. We have seen where that road leads in other countries. Let us take a moment to focus on the topics we can agree on. There are many values that the Liberal Party shares with other parties. For the Conservatives, that is public safety, affordability and innovation. For the NDP, that is protecting workers, indigenous communities and people in need. [ Translation ] For the Bloc Québécois, that is the French language and the voice of Quebec. [ English ] For the Green Party, it is protecting our environment and building a sustainable future. This is a critical moment. Canadians want unity, and they want us to act like leaders. When we work together, we serve Canadians best.”
“Mr. Speaker, all communities have been impacted by the toxic drug and overdose crisis, and those in British Columbia are no exception. Earlier today, this government announced support for 40 projects in western Canada that will give communities more tools to help people struggling with addictions. Can the Minister of Health explain how this government is working with communities to fight the drug crisis?”
“Mr. Speaker, young Canadians are facing unprecedented challenges that are harmful to their mental health and well-being. Too often, the services they need are fragmented, hard to access and not designed specifically for youth. Can the Minister of Health tell us what the government is doing to ensure that young Canadians get the mental health care they need?”
“[ English ] As Parliament takes on the work ahead, I will continue advocating for community-based mental health care so that every young person can thrive.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the residents of New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville for placing their trust in me. I ran on a platform prioritizing mental health, and I am proud to bring that voice into Parliament. New Westminster is known as the recovery city, and one organization living that vision is Dan's Legacy, a local charity supporting at-risk youth through counselling, housing, food security and job training. Its new initiative, Dan's Diner, trains youth to run a restaurant while learning essential life skills. While harm reduction saves lives, Dan's Legacy focuses on harm prevention, intervening early. Last year, it helped over 800 youth avoid homelessness and addiction. [ Translation ] It is an inspiring model that promotes resilience, dignity and compassion.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the people of New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville for the incredible work they do, both locally and globally. In my riding, I have seen organizations having a real impact, from small businesses such as Kozak Ukrainian Eatery to faith-based groups such as Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar. It is organizations like these that play a huge role in the community. Can the minister please share how our government is supporting groups like these to continue making a difference?”
“I would ask the Prime Minister to please elaborate on what material changes the Canadian family can expect in the coming months to help with tightening budgets at home and other areas of affordability. For example, what housing measures will he focus on to increase access?”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to talk more about affordability and the measures our government is proposing to help Canadians across the country. The past five years have seen difficult times. A global pandemic, wars and geopolitical instability have caused market crashes and strained relations between those who have historically been international allies, including our own relationship with our neighbours down south. I welcome the proposal of a middle-class tax cut that would save a two-income family up to $840 a year. This will be a welcome change for all of my constituents and Canadians across the country. I understand that we have made progress toward change this week, which is very exciting. We are getting straight to work to support Canadians, true to the mandate on which we were elected.”