“Employment insurance does not work for people with part-time, contract, or gig jobs, even though they pay into it. Food bank use is at record levels. I want to know if the Conservatives agree that we need to fix employment insurance so these workers can get the benefits they pay for.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am glad my colleague talked about food banks, because Food Banks Canada is here on the Hill today. Food Banks Canada made it clear, and actually warned us, that our employment insurance system no longer reflects the reality of work in Canada. This is impacting people. More Canadians are working multiple part-time jobs, contract positions and gig work. Yet, they are paying into a system that often denies them support when they need it most. It highlighted that while food bank use continues to reach record levels and families struggle with the rising cost of living, millions of workers are being left behind by an outdated EI system designed for a workplace that no longer exists. Do the Conservatives and my colleague agree with Food Banks Canada in their call for comprehensive EI reform so that gig workers, part-time workers and precarious workers can actually access the benefits that they pay for?”

“People in Alberta do not have a public plan to cover diabetes medicine or birth control. I want my colleague to tell me if he blames the Premier of Alberta or the Prime Minister for that.”

“Mr. Speaker, I have a lot of respect for my colleague the member for Calgary Centre, despite our differences. I also have respect for my colleague the member for Calgary Confederation, who on May 27, 2025, in the House said, “We will ensure the future sustainability of programs that have already saved families thousands of dollars a year. This includes child care and pharmacare.” I am going to talk about pharmacare, because right now in Alberta there is not a pharmacare plan, something we fought really hard for as New Democrats. Does my colleague think that people in Alberta’s not having diabetes medicine or birth control is the responsibility, or blame, of his premier, Danielle Smith, or is it the Prime Minister’s fault?”

“I want to thank the member for North Vancouver—Capilano for his service and wish him well as Canada's next ambassador to the European Union. He did great work for the country and for British Columbia, especially on protecting salmon and fighting plastic pollution.”

“Mr. Speaker, it is a genuine privilege to pay tribute to the hon. member for North Vancouver—Capilano on behalf of Canada’s New Democrats and to wish him well in his upcoming post as Canada’s ambassador to the European Union. I was told I had a minute and a half to say what needed to be said. I find myself with a little bit more time, so I am going to use that time because there is much that can be said about this member. He has always brought intelligence, collegiality and dedication to service to this place. As a cabinet minister with several critical portfolios, he has made significant contributions to our nation. His voracious reading, attention to detail and commitment to hard work are now the stuff of legend. He centred much of his efforts on preparing Canada for a sustainable future. We know that through his efforts, we have made profound progress on salmon conservation and plastic pollution. In fact, the largest investment in Canadian history in salmon preservation was done because of his efforts. The House, in its wisdom, has already anticipated my next line, which is that I applaud him for his vision and passion in this regard. As B.C. members of Parliament, I can say for us that we deeply appreciate the positive impact he has had, in particular, on our province and our coasts. I think the very best that can be said about any elected representative is that they made a difference. Well, the hon. member has certainly done that here in spades. We wish him all the best in his new duties, filling a critical role that will benefit greatly from his skills and talents. I know that he will make a difference in Brussels and do Canada proud. As he does so, I urge him to hearken back to his early days as a Saskatchewan Young New Democrat, an excellent pedigree, and in times of doubt or difficulty, never hesitate to ask, what would Tommy Douglas have done? I thank the member for his service, and we wish him all the best.”