Julie Dzerowicz
Davenport, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I have exciting news. June is Portuguese Heritage Month and today we also celebrate Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas . Can the hon.”
“Mr. Speaker, conflicts around the world are intensifying, and Canadians are feeling their impact here at home. Meeting this moment means delivering on our security commitments and reinforcing the alliances that keep us safe. The Minister of Foreign Affairs recently came back from the NATO foreign ministers meeting in Sweden.”
“Mr. Speaker, 52 years ago this month, on April 25, 1974, the Portuguese people ended nearly 40 years of dictatorship, and they did it almost without firing a shot. Soldiers placed carnations in the muzzle of their rifle. People then walked into the streets, and they chose democracy.”
“[ Member spoke in Spanish, interpreted as follows: ] Mr. Speaker, as the proud daughter of a Mexican immigrant, I rise on April 23 to celebrate Spanish Language Day, recognized by the United Nations and 21 countries around the world.”
“A judge can issue an order, and a company can simply reply that it is not technically able to provide the information. Bill C-22 would fix that with requirements tailored to each class of provider and with oversight from the independent intelligence commissioner.”
“They need to know which telephone company, whether it is Rogers, Bell, Telus or anyone else, actually services that number so they know where to send a court order. Under Bill C-22 , they can ask that single question: “Do you or do you not service this number?” That is it. There is no name, no address, no content, just yes or no.”
The complete record
Every one of 255 lines we hold for Julie Dzerowicz, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 5 of 6.
“As we move forward, we need to make sure this transition is fair and inclusive. That is what we are doing, because we believe that everyone in Canada should be able to benefit from electric vehicles, not just people in big cities or with higher incomes. This means making sure there are charging stations in rural, remote and northern communities. It means working with first nations, Métis and Inuit communities so they are partners and leaders in this work, not just participants. It also means supporting the workers whose jobs are changing. That is what we are doing. From the oil patch to auto assembly lines, we are making sure people know there is a place for them in this new economy. When we invest in retraining, local manufacturing and green jobs, we are working for those Canadians.”
“Scientists and engineers are developing solid-state batteries that charge faster, last longer and are even safer. That means EVs will soon go further on a single charge and cost less to maintain. (1310) Second, EVs are becoming part of a smarter energy system. With vehicle-to-grid technology, EVs can actually help power homes and stabilize the electricity grid. This is a big step toward a cleaner, more resilient energy system, and it puts more control in the hands of everyday people. Third, the electric shift is not just about personal cars. Buses, delivery vans, taxis and trucks are also going electric. This means cleaner air in our cities, less noise pollution and a big win for public health, especially in areas that have suffered most from traffic and emissions.”
“This is a key piece of the puzzle for making electric vehicles better and more affordable. Of course, Canada is making important contributions, too. We have the natural resources the world needs, like lithium, cobalt and nickel. We also have skilled workers, strong research institutions and companies that are pushing the boundaries of clean technology. Across the country, Canadian businesses are working on things like vehicle automation, smart charging and cleaner battery production. We have also seen amazing work in indigenous communities, where clean energy and innovation go hand in hand with local leadership and sustainability. Where is EV innovation headed? Let us talk about the future, because this is just the beginning. First, we are going to see better batteries.”
“It is not just about how many electric vehicles are on the road; it is also about who is coming up with the best ideas, the best technology and the smartest ways to build these vehicles. Innovation matters. Germany continues to be a global leader in automotive engineering. Its companies are working on better batteries, more efficient manufacturing and high-quality electric cars that people want to drive. Japan was an early leader in hybrid technology and continues to work on alternatives like hydrogen-powered vehicles. These could play a role alongside battery EVs, especially for long-distance transport. South Korea is a powerhouse when it comes to batteries. Its companies are helping improve how fast batteries charge, as well as how long they last and how safe they are.”
“China is another huge player. In fact, it has more electric vehicles on the road than any other country in the world. The Chinese government has made major investments, helping local companies grow and making EVs more affordable. It has also built strong supply chains, especially for batteries and key materials. Other countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, are also moving quickly. In these countries, people can see the benefits of cleaner air, lower fuel costs and quieter cities. Their governments are also thinking long-term, making public transport electric and improving infrastructure so that EVs are practical for everyone. In the United States, EV adoption has grown quickly as well, especially in states like California.”
“That change is driven by the need to cut pollution, slow down climate change, make our communities healthier, save money and build cleaner, smarter economies. Around the world, people are choosing electric vehicles more than ever before. Governments, businesses and families are all getting behind this movement. This is not just about cars; it is also about jobs, innovation, energy and fairness. This is about the kind of country and planet we want to leave behind for the next generation. Let us take a look at what is happening around the world. When it comes to EV use, Norway is leading the world. Nearly nine out of 10 new cars sold there are electric or hybrid. This did not just happen on its own; Norway made it much easier for people to make the switch, with things like tax breaks, toll-free roads and lots of charging stations.”
“Madam Speaker, it is a great honour, as always, to stand in this House and speak on behalf of the residents of my riding of Davenport. Before I continue, I want to say that I will be very happily sharing my time with my colleague, the member for Kingston and the Islands . I will be speaking to the opposition day motion today. I am also going to be speaking a lot about innovation and a lot of things that I think are shaping the future, not only in Canada, but for the whole world. What I am talking about is electric vehicles, also known as EVs. Before I go further, I want to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people. The way we get around is changing fast.”
“Mr. Speaker, I was reading a few things, so I am not sure if I heard the question correctly. I will say to the hon. member that our government is absolutely committed to ensuring that federal procurement is always conducted in an open, fair and transparent manner, and that we, at no point, will ever accept misconduct of any kind. We will constantly be improving our procurement process.”
“Mr. Speaker, I agree with the hon. member that we should always be shopping locally. As someone who lived in Quebec for four years, I am very fond of the great businesses there, and I think it is great that she shared with us today that she had bought something local from Quebec. On just procurement and best practices, this is why we have an Auditor General. There are a number of oversight measures that we have in place in our government to ensure that, when things are not working, we try to root out the problem, and then, when we realize that things are not going well or things have gone badly, we take immediate action to correct it. That is what we—”
“Mr. Speaker, I know the hon. member has heard numerous speeches today. He might have to hear a few more speeches because we are reiterating, in the absolute strongest terms, that misconduct of any kind in the procurement process is never acceptable. Absolutely, we have taken action. We have taken action directly against GC Strategies. We have revoked the security clearance of GC Strategies. We have terminated all contracts with GC Strategies. We have barred GC Strategies from future contracts with the Government of Canada. We have taken, and are taking, legal action against GC Strategies. On top of that, we are improving our overall procurement process. We are taking action.”
“In the last Parliament, parliamentarians, the Auditor General, multiple parliamentary committees and others undertook extensive work to examine and hold to account those who were found to have acted inappropriately. With new safeguards in place, and serious action being taken to hold GC Strategies accountable, it is time for us to move forward and focus on the work ahead of us. I am thankful for the opportunity to have my say on behalf of the residents of my great riding of Davenport on this important debate that we are having today.”
“This means that, as of June 6, 2025, GC Strategies is disqualified from receiving Government of Canada contracts for seven years, ending on June 6, 2032. This period is justified, based on the severity and the duration of the misconduct, as well as the significant impact on the federal procurement system. Our government has also launched legal action against GC Strategies to recoup payments made for work that was not completed. I believe all of this illustrates how our government is committed to establishing and improving sound contract and procurement practices. Our new government believes that misconduct of any kind is completely unacceptable.”
“As of June 2025, the agency has implemented 21 of them, with the remaining four in progress. The government takes these matters very seriously. From the beginning, Public Services and Procurement Canada acted swiftly in response to the allegations against the company. In February 2024, GC Strategies was suspended from participating in procurement practices, including standing offers and supply arrangements. It was also barred from participating in new procurement opportunities undertaken by Public Services and Procurement Canada. Furthermore, in March 2024, the security status of GC Strategies Inc. was suspended. At that time, PSPC informed the RCMP of its initial concerns related to some procurement irregularities. GC Strategies was declared ineligible pursuant to the ineligibility and suspension policy.”
“This committee oversees contracts worth up to $1 million. Contracts larger than $1 million must receive approval from the agency's executive committee, which is made up of senior CBSA leaders. The plan also calls for employees with financial authority to stay up to date with mandatory procurement training, and all employees must disclose interactions with potential vendors. The CBSA has taken many other internal steps, including creating a branch dedicated to monitoring management activities and building a culture of service and program delivery excellence, including in procurement activities. (1720) In recent years, the CBSA has been subject to several audits and reviews that covered procurement, including an internal audit of contracting and procurement. These projects resulted in 25 recommendations.”
“Most of all, they are meant to strengthen oversight and accountability in procurement activities. The Government of Canada has also taken steps to hold GC Strategies accountable. With regard to ArriveCAN, where specific allegations of misconduct have been made, the CBSA has launched an investigation that is still in process and has referred all allegations to the RCMP. The CBSA has already taken steps to strengthen the management and oversight of its work. One of these steps is to implement a procurement improvement plan. Anyone can see this plan on the CBSA website. The plan ensures that all CBSA procurement follows Government of Canada contracting rules, supports the agency's mandate and provides value for Canadians. In addition, the CBSA has put in place an executive procurement review committee to approve contracts.”
“To date, the department has taken the following actions on previous recommendations from the Auditor General: improving evaluation requirements to ensure that resources are appropriately qualified; ensuring increased transparency from suppliers around their pricing and use of subcontractors; improving documentation when awarding contracts and issuing task authorizations; and finally, clarifying work requirements and activities and specifying which initiatives and projects are being worked on by contractors. All these measures are meant to strengthen the integrity of the procurement system. They are meant to improve data collection. They are meant to increase transparency in procurement decisions. They are meant to clarify roles and responsibilities.”
“The Government of Canada has accepted all of the recommendations previously made by the Auditor General. In her most recent report, she made no new recommendations, but she urged the government to continue to implement previous recommendations, which is currently under way. I will go through some of the efforts that are happening right now. Public Services and Procurement Canada, or PSPC, is in the process of transforming and modernizing how the department procures professional services by simplifying existing mandatory procurement tools.”
“If and when concerns are raised, we listen to them and we act. That brings me to the audit tabled by the Office of the Auditor General on Tuesday regarding professional services contracts awarded to GC Strategies. I want to thank the Auditor General and her team for their hard work on this audit. I can tell hon. members that public servants are committed to improving procurement practices. It is important for members to remember that the Office of Supplier Integrity and Compliance has declared GC Strategies ineligible from being awarded Government of Canada contracts for seven years, specifically from June 6, 2025, until June 6, 2032. This is a severe sanction. It reflects the seriousness of the misconduct of the supplier in its dealings with the federal government.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Mississauga Centre . On behalf of the residents of my great constituency of Davenport, which is located in downtown Toronto, I am very pleased to join the debate on this opposition day motion about ArriveCAN contractor GC Strategies. It is truly an important matter for us to discuss. Effective management in government procurement is a fundamental responsibility to Canadians. Every dollar spent by the government must reflect a commitment to transparency, accountability and value for money. Robust procurement practices ensure that taxpayer funds are used wisely. The practices must cultivate trust and deliver essential services to benefit communities. This is precisely what our government strives to achieve. We can always improve the way we work.”
“Mr. Speaker, defending Canadians is one of our government's top priorities. Given the increasingly volatile global landscape, it is vital that our Canadian Armed Forces are properly equipped to meet the challenges we ask them to face. It is urgent that we take immediate action to strengthen our armed forces and support those who are serving our country. Can the Secretary of State for Defence Procurement update us on the government's plans to meet our NATO commitments and ensure we are doing everything possible to protect our country?”
“I invite all members of the House and all Canadians to join in the celebrations today and every day this month, whether it is by listening to fado, drinking vinho verde or eating a bifana or pastéis de nata . Feliz Dia de Portugal. Feliz mês de Portugal.”
“Mr. Speaker, olá . As the member of Parliament for Davenport, the riding with the largest number of Portuguese Canadians, I am proud to rise in the House today to celebrate Portugal Day in Canada and to celebrate June as Portuguese Heritage Month. It has been 72 years since the first group of Portuguese immigrants arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax. Today, Portuguese Canadians are almost half a million strong, representing one of the largest Portuguese diasporas in the world. Living in communities across our fair country, Portuguese Canadians are leaders in every single sector: business, politics, science, sports, arts, health care, construction and so much more. Through their perseverance and hard work, they have enriched Canadian society and transformed Canada into a stronger and better country.”
“Madam Speaker, the hon. member's words were kind. I invite him to come back to my great constituency of Davenport any time. He was very popular and very well loved. I will say that the dental care program is one of the life-saving programs in my community. I have a largely working-class constituency, so a program like the national dental care program is a life-saver for many of them. The fact that it has been extended now to all Canadians who qualify and are eligible under the criteria is, I think, going to save them money. Again, it is going to ensure that we are providing the support Canadians need during this time of high prices.”
“Madam Speaker, when we talk about having one economy instead of 13, from my perspective what we are talking about is something I think many Canadians have been hoping we would do for a really long time, which is to ensure that we have a very strong internal Canadian economy, that we have such a strong foundation and economy that we are able to withstand a lot of the uncertainty and unpredictability in the world. The more we eliminate interprovincial trade barriers, the more our small, medium and large businesses are able to expand and grow across our country to create high-paying jobs and to ensure that all our kids and grandkids have great-paying jobs both now and into the future.”
“Madam Speaker, as the hon. member knows, we do have a plan. We were discussing that plan with provincial and territorial leaders earlier this week. We have talked and have agreed that we are going to have one Canadian economy. We are going to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers. We are going to ensure the free movement of people, goods and services. We are going to invest in nation-building projects. We are going to determine what those projects are. We are going to continue to invest in Canada. We are going to continue to invest in Canadians, and we will have a strong country, strong and free.”
“We have made a commitment to fulfill our NATO commitment of 2% of our GDP and we will achieve this with haste. I also believe that we will commit to even greater NATO spending, but we have to wait for NATO meetings in June for the total number and commitments. In conclusion, Canada is in crisis. It is time for Canadians to continue to stay united. It is time to build a resilient Canadian economy, to invest in national building projects and to spend less but invest more. It is time for us to secure our borders and protect our sovereignty, to build more affordable housing and put more money in the pockets of Canadians. These measures and more, as well as working together, will continue to ensure a prosperous Canada, the strongest economy in the G7 and an economy that truly serves everyone. Canada is the greatest country in the world.”
“I know that Davenport residents will be happy to know that our government, just yesterday, introduced Bill C-2 , which would enhance security at the border. When passed, CBSA officers who work at our borders will have new powers to stop stolen products, like cars, from leaving our country. They will also ensure the deployment of more scanners, drones and helicopters, additional personnel and canine teams, which will help stop guns and drugs from coming into our country. Finally, our government has committed to toughen the Criminal Code, to make bail harder for repeat offenders charged with violent crime and/or major offences. We have made serious commitments to spend more money to protect Canada's sovereignty. We have to do more to secure borders, to secure the Arctic and to secure Canada from coast to coast to coast.”
“All of this will rapidly increase housing supply and bring housing costs down. Members will be happy to learn that our additional funding and ambitious housing plan will use Canadian technology, Canadian skilled workers and Canadian lumber. All these measures, in addition to the ones we have already had in place over the last seven to eight years, will go a long way in ensuring greater housing supply and affordable home prices for the residents of my riding of Davenport and, indeed, for all Canadians. Community safety is vitally important to Davenport residents. For us, there are way too many American handguns on the city streets of Toronto. While the numbers have gone down, we still have far too many car thefts in Canada's largest city.”
“In addition, we are spending a lot more to build houses. Our federal government has committed to double down, with an ambitious new housing plan that will double the rate of homebuilding in Canada. We have learned a lot over the last few years about what worked and what we can do better. Based on this data, we have announced the most ambitious housing plan since World War II. These measures will include the creation of “build Canada homes” to accelerate the development of new affordable housing. We will invest in innovation. We are going to invest in the growth of modular and prefabricated housing. We will increase the financing for affordable home developers. We will eliminate red tape and development costs by cutting municipal development charges in half for multi-unit housing.”
“We are located in downtown west Toronto, and Davenport residents are worried that they are not going to be able to continue to live in the city that they love, that their kids and their grandkids will not be able to live in the city where they were raised. Our government has committed to a number of measures that will greatly benefit Davenport residents. We are going to provide more support for Canadians who are trying to buy homes. We will cut the GST on homes under $1 million for first-time homebuyers, which will deliver savings of up to $50,000. We are going to lower the GST on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. Davenport is a multi-ethnic working-class/middle-class riding, and most of our homes are in these price ranges, so both of these measures are very welcome and will be very helpful.”
“Many Davenport residents, like so many Canadians, are having such a hard time making ends meet, and so we are responding by introducing a middle-class tax cut, which will save two-income families up to $840 a year. Our government has also committed to continue to fund programs that we introduced over the last almost 10 years. This includes national child care, national dental care, pharmacare, the Canada child benefit and the Canada disability benefit. All these programs and more are life-changing programs that the residents in my constituency of Davenport love. I know they will be delighted that we will continue to support them. (1720) Our Speech from the Throne also contains a clear commitment for our government to build more housing.”
“The focus will be on projects of national significance and projects that will connect Canada, which will deepen Canada's ties with the world and will create high-paying jobs for generations of Canadians. Of course, all of these projects of national significance will have to ensure meaningful consultation with indigenous peoples, and all projects must adhere to our climate commitments. Best of all, Davenport residents are so excited by the ambition of our government. We truly believe that if we implement these measures and more, we can become not only a resilient economy, but also the strongest economy in the G7. As our Speech from the Throne says, the economy is only truly strong when it serves everyone.”
“The impact will be the freer movement of people, goods and services across our country. This will also allow our small and medium-sized businesses as well as our innovators to expand and grow across our country, which is something Davenport businesses will be very happy and very excited about. Best of all, lifting these barriers has the potential to add $200 billion to our economy each and every single year. Second, we will unite the country by investing in nation-building projects, primarily infrastructure, transportation and supply chain corridors. This would mean more supply chain options in Canada, which would mean more railroads, ports, highways, etc.”
“Key segments of our plan are outlined in the Speech from the Throne, and I will highlight some that I believe are particularly meaningful to the residents of my constituency of Davenport. At a time of global uncertainty and economic threats, Davenport residents are very happy that part of our plan is to ensure a more resilient Canada, one that is anchored in our own internal economic strength. We have virtually everything in this country. We now need to eliminate the roadblocks and ensure the resources to build us up. How do we do this? Our Prime Minister is clear: We will have one Canadian economy, not 13, which is what we have now. We will eliminate interprovincial trade barriers. Our federal government has promised to pass legislation to remove all remaining federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility by July 1.”
“They also know that the world is a more dangerous and a more uncertain place than at any other point since World War II. They feel that Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes, and so they voted for a leader and a party with a plan to make Canada more economically resilient. We have a plan to unite our country, and to defend and secure our country. We have a plan to turn the challenges that we face today into incredible opportunities so that Canadians can face the future with confidence, strength and the resources we need to succeed and prosper in the 21st century. Canada is the greatest country in the world. We are a strong and brave country, and our potential is unlimited. We are also a country that is in crisis, and we must act urgently and immediately to ensure that Canada remains strong and free.”
“Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands. It is my enormous pleasure to rise in this House to respond to the Speech from the Throne. However, before I begin, I want to thank the residents of my constituency of Davenport for their faith and trust in me. I am enormously grateful that they have re-elected me for a fourth term to serve them as well as serve our great country. I give a special thanks to my incredible team and my created family. There is no way I could do this job without their love and support. Davenport residents came out in full force to vote in this election, because they are worried. They are worried about the threats by the President of the United States to our sovereignty, to our economy and to our future prosperity.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience said earlier this evening that every single time we tackle wildfires in this country, we continue to learn from each and every single event. We are going to continue to work closely with all of our partners, our provincial partners, indigenous communities and non-profit partners, to make sure that we continue to keep—”
“Mr. Speaker, I understand that today, our government, alongside the governments of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, announced that we will match all individual donations to the Canadian Red Cross in support of those impacted by wildfires in each province. That means every dollar Canadians give will go further, to provide emergency shelter, food and essential supplies. We are deeply grateful to the Red Cross and all the local volunteers who are stepping up to this difficult moment. I know that Canadians, as they always do, will rise to the occasion and support these efforts.”
“We have worked in coordination with all levels of government, with indigenous people and with the non-profit organizations that are so important.”
“Mr. Speaker, while I am a member from downtown Toronto, I care just as much about what is happening in our country as others do. Not only do I proudly represent Davenport, but I represent all Canadians. I do everything in my power to make the best decisions I can for this country, so I absolutely care about the wildfires that are under way. I am very proud to be a part of the important debate and discussion this evening. I disagree completely with the member opposite. As I mentioned earlier, I am very proud of the Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and very proud of the Minister of Indigenous Services , both of whom spoke earlier. They talked about how they have been on top of dealing with all the wildfire responses and requests. We have addressed these issues urgently.”
“In times of crisis, Canadians come together to show the strength of our partnerships, the depth of our compassion and the resilience that defines us as Canadians.”
“I would also say that interoperability is a core principle in emergency management. A cohesive response is only possible when all partners can communicate effectively, operate within compatible systems and understand each other's capabilities. That is why we continue to invest in joint training exercises, shared information platforms and harmonized response protocols. Finally, our commitment goes beyond the current crisis. We are working to build a Canada that is not only capable of responding to today's emergency but also prepared for tomorrow's floods, storms, extreme heat and other climate-driven emergencies. This involves aligning emergency management planning with climate adaptation strategies to withstand extreme weather events and equip indigenous partners with the necessary tools to protect communities.”
“Our government is working to strengthen Canada's emergency systems to meet these evolving challenges and increase our country's collective resilience as it will continue to face increasingly severe climate events. The amount and frequency of climate-related disasters has placed growing demands on the Canadian Coast Guard's response capabilities, but by leveraging investments from the oceans protection plan, the Canadian Coast Guard is amplifying its capacity through community partnerships and enhanced training and exercises. The government also remains committed to advancing reconciliation and supporting indigenous self-determination through partnerships that enable indigenous communities to participate in marine response planning and emergency preparedness. We are building a more inclusive and resilient response system.”
“In response to record snowfalls in Sydney, Nova Scotia, in February 2024, the Canadian Coast Guard cadets and helicopters swiftly acted following a request for federal assistance from the Province of Nova Scotia. Another example is when, in the summer of 2023, the Canadian Coast Guard supported the Northwest Territories in responding to the devastating wildfires threatening Hay River and Yellowknife. Finally, in the aftermath of hurricane Fiona's destruction across the Atlantic provinces in 2022, the Canadian Coast Guard was there to support Canadians in need. In the face of climate-driven emergencies, our commitment is to not only respond and support but also adapt.”
“Our government is working closely with provincial authorities, indigenous leadership, local governments and non-governmental partners, such as the Canadian Red Cross, to ensure that the federal response is not only timely but also integrated and responsive to the realities our communities are confronting. Beyond delivering its own programs, the Canadian Coast Guard plays a vital role in supporting the mandates of other federal organizations during major incidents, such as wildfires, floods and other natural disasters. As a first responder agency, it contributes air and marine resources, emergency management expertise, and humanitarian support, including assistance to community evacuations. I will give members a few examples.”
“As emergency management in Canada is a shared responsibility, our systems are built on partnerships, co-operation and respect for jurisdictional roles. Provinces and territories lead in response to emergencies within their jurisdictional mandate, and the federal government supports them when the situation exceeds their capacity or when specific federal assistance is requested. As a national government, our role is clear. We are to respond swiftly and effectively to requests for federal assistance from provinces and territories when asked and stand with Canadians in times of need. Our government has responded with urgency and a coordinated whole-of-government approach. This is not just about responding to requests for assistance or respecting jurisdictional roles, but about supporting each other as people and as Canadians.”
“John Ambulance, played an important and vital role, while dynamic weather and smoky conditions in the area continued to challenge evacuation efforts. From May 29 to June 2, 3,612 people were evacuated and brought to safety from Mathias Colomb, Cross Lake and Norway House. Sadly, Canada is currently facing approximately 180 active wildfires nationally, with 72 classified as out of control. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre has arranged for out-of-province domestic and international surge support to firefighting efforts in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Nunavut. (2230) The Canadian Coast Guard is part of the integrated whole-of-government federal response system. Our marine and air assets are deployed in coordination with other departments to maximize impact and meet the needs of Canadians.”
“The next day, on May 29, the Canadian Armed Forces mobilized up to 18 aircraft to assist and immediately begin evacuating communities at risk, particularly the Mathias Colomb first nation's approximately 3,500 residents. On May 30, the Canadian Coast Guard joined the evacuation effort and mobilized an additional two helicopters, which were operational as of June 1. Led by Public Safety Canada, various departments, including Indigenous Services Canada, Transport Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and the Public Health Agency, all contributed to both the evacuation of communities and the care of the host communities to which they were relocated. In addition, non-governmental organizations, such as the Canadian Red Cross, the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada and St.”
“I join all members of the House in expressing deep gratitude to the firefighters, first responders, volunteers and members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are working tirelessly to protect lives and communities during this incredibly challenging time. I am pleased and relieved to share that, over the weekend, the Canadian Coast Guard helicopters were deployed to support the evacuation efforts in Manitoba. Once again, I want to thank my colleague the Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience for her leadership in coordinating the federal response to this crisis. On May 28, the province of Manitoba submitted a request for federal assistance due to wildfire impacts.”
“I am also proud of the work Canada is doing to support those impacted by the wildfires in each province. Our thoughts are with Canadians from coast to coast to coast who are once again facing the devastating impacts of severe climate events, including the wildfires currently affecting Manitoba, Saskatchewan and surrounding regions. People have been forced to flee their homes, many from remote and northern indigenous communities. These are not abstract figures. We are talking about families and entire communities facing danger, hardship and uncertainty. Climate events are displacing families and challenging our emergency response systems in ways Canada has not experienced until recently.”