Ahmed Hussen
York South—Weston—Etobicoke, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the 11th report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development concerning Bill C-219 , an act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law…”
“Mr. Speaker, I just want to thank all members of the House for passing Bill S-227 , an act respecting Arab heritage month. This is an important bill for the community and for Canada, and I really want to express my sincere gratitude to all colleagues for supporting Bill S-227.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart, because a member of the Toronto Police Service has died in the line of duty in my community of York South—Weston—Etobicoke.”
“Arab heritage month would provide Canadians of all backgrounds with an opportunity to learn about the history, contributions, traditions and languages of Arab Canadians.”
“Third reading moved that the bill be read the third time and passed. He said: Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a profound sense of gratitude and optimism as we approach the final stage of Bill S-227, an act respecting Arab heritage month.”
“For more than 140 years, Arab Canadians have helped build this country. They have served as entrepreneurs, teachers, physicians, engineers, artists, public servants, military personnel, community leaders and, indeed, elected representatives.”
The complete record
Every one of 57 lines we hold for Ahmed Hussen, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 2.
“When our colleges deliver digital skills training, we not only empower youth in the developing world, we also continue to enhance Canada's reputation as a leader in education. This pillar ensures that Canadian innovation becomes part of the world's solution to global challenges while ensuring that Canadians share in the opportunity that innovation creates. The second pillar proposes the creation of a dedicated economic partnerships window. This window would bridge Canada's development priorities and our domestic economic strengths. lt would support projects that advance poverty reduction and sustainable development abroad. It would strengthen Canadian sectors such as clean energy, agriculture, digital technology and education. It would mobilize small and medium-sized enterprises to become global problem-solvers.”
“In these regions, Canada has a depth of credibility. We are seen as long-term partners who have been there through thick and thin. The first pillar of Motion No. 14 calls on us to embed reciprocal economic benefit within Canada's international assistance program. This is not about turning aid into trade. lt is about aligning our compassion with our capabilities. When a Canadian clean energy start-up helps deploy solar microgrids in a Caribbean country, it not only lowers emissions abroad but it helps create skilled jobs right here in Canada. When a Canadian agri-tech firm supports farmers in producing more and higher yields in East Africa, we not only get to tackle hunger over there but we also help Canada's agricultural innovation sector.”
“Several major countries facing domestic pressures have cut back their international development dollars to the tune of billions. Canada must not follow that path. We must do what we do best but do it even better. We must stay engaged, stay innovative and make our international assistance work for both our partners and our people. The global economy is shifting. Emerging markets are no longer just recipients of aid; they are engines of growth. They are innovators. They are our trading partners. Nine out of the top 20 fastest-growing economies this year are in Africa. Countries like Rwanda, Niger, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire are experiencing growth rates of between 6% to 11% per year. ln Asia, the ASEAN region is now the fastest-growing economic bloc in the world, even surpassing the G7 on a per capita basis.”
“He said: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Motion No. 14, a motion that embodies a simple but powerful idea, that Canada's generosity abroad should also help build opportunities at home. For decades, Canadians have led with compassion, building schools, strengthening food systems, empowering women and literally saving lives across the world. We have done so not for recognition but because it is who we are. As the world changes, our development approach must change with it. We must continue to be generous but we must also be strategic, innovative and accountable. The global development landscape has evolved dramatically. Today, many donor countries are pulling back, according to the OECD's 2024 report. International development assistance dollars have declined for the first time in years.”
“moved: Motion That, in the opinion of the House, the government should strengthen the accountability, effectiveness, and mutual benefits of Canada’s international development assistance by: (a) implementing new policies to ensure that Canadian international assistance programming integrates opportunities for reciprocal economic benefit, including through the participation of Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises, innovators, and workers; (b) establishing a dedicated Economic Partnerships Window to support projects that align poverty reduction abroad with economic security at home, and that utilize Canadian economic strengths such as clean energy, agriculture, digital technology, and education; and (c) requiring the Minister of International Development to report to Parliament annually on the extent of Canadian participation in international assistance projects, the measurable benefits for partner countries, and the economic opportunities created for Canadians.”
“It is diverse in geography, climate and culture, yet united by shared traditions and the Arabic language. The first recorded Arab immigrant to Canada, Ibrahim Abou Nader, of Lebanese origin, arrived in Montreal in 1882. Today, over one million Canadians proudly trace their roots to the Arab world. I urge all colleagues to support Bill S-227 . By supporting this bill, we affirm that Arab Canadians are an olive branch on the Canadian family tree. Let us come together to ensure that Arab heritage month becomes a permanent fixture in our national calendar. Shukran . (Motion agreed to and bill read the first time)”
“Bill S-227. First reading moved that Bill S-227, An Act respecting Arab Heritage Month , be read the first time. He said: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce Bill S-227 , an act respecting Arab Heritage Month. If passed, this bill would designate April of every year as Arab heritage month across Canada. I want to thank Senator Mohammad Al Zaibak for reintroducing this important bill in the other place, and the member for Winnipeg North for seconding it. I also want to thank the member for Ottawa South , who first introduced it in this House during the 44th Parliament, where it passed unanimously on March 8, 2023, before unfortunately dying on the Order Paper in the other place. The Arab world spans 22 nations, from the Arabian Gulf to the Atlantic Ocean.”