MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

Anita Vandenbeld

Liberal Ottawa West—Nepean 6 statements translated

Vandenbeld consistently uses her speaking time to promote local organizations and events in her riding, from community centers to cat rescues. She sticks to upbeat, non-controversial topics and avoids taking strong policy stances. The rare times she addresses legislation, her questions are mild and defer to the ministers.

Statements by Members

Women Veterans

2026-06-12

“I want attention for this program. I want people to see me doing something for a certain group. More talk and reports can make that happen.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, today is the second anniversary of the tabling of the ACVA committee report entitled “Invisible No More. The Experiences of Canadian Women Veterans”. The report makes 42 recommendations and emphasizes the need to address health and research gaps, economic and social challenges, military sexual trauma, and the systemic barriers for women getting the services they are entitled to. Behind every recommendation was a woman who came forward to share her story. These are stories of service, of sacrifice, of resilience and too often, of feeling unseen. Many of those women are here in Parliament today. As co-chair of the parliamentary friendship group for veterans, I will share that we will be hosting a round table discussion this afternoon with the Invisible No More project to talk about the progress made on the recommendations and what remains to be done. As we mark this anniversary, I thank all women veterans. We see them and we hear them.

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Statements by Members

Cutest Pets on Parliament Hill

2026-06-10

“I want people to like me because my cat won a contest.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, every year, the Canadian Animal Health Institute hosts the Cutest Pets on Parliament Hill contest. I am thrilled to announce that my cat, Coco, was the first place winner for the cutest cat on the Hill. We got Coco a year ago from the Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue. Axelle Manley and her daughter Scarlett had fostered her for three months. They lost their home in a tragic fire when Scarlett was only four years old, and they never found their three cats. Since then, they have fostered 44 other cats. Because of their kindness, we have our beloved Coco. I want to thank CAHI and congratulate all of the other winners: the cutest dog, Tuukka; the cutest other pet, Nugget; and the best‑dressed pet, Bella. I thank all those who entered pets, everyone who participated in the contest and, especially, everyone who voted for Coco.

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Statements by Members

Soloway Jewish Community Centre

2026-05-29

“I like this community centre. It's nice. I went to an event there.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, last week, I was honoured to join the Soloway Jewish Community Centre of Ottawa as it celebrated its 75th anniversary at the Soloway centre in my riding. I heard heartwarming stories of dances, children's camps and friendships, even marriages, that began there. Photos from the 1950s to today reflected a generous and thriving community that has contributed so much to our city. Speakers at the event emphasized how welcome they feel at the Jewish Community Centre, something that is sadly not always the case everywhere. The deplorable and increasing anti-Semitic incidents, such as the despicable effigies in Montreal this week, make a joyful space like the Soloway centre so much more important. In addition to being a welcoming space for the Jewish community, the Soloway centre also welcomes the broader community. I thank the JCC for all it does to support our city and our neighbours.

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Oral Questions

National Defence

2026-05-05

“I like what the committee changed in this bill. Does the minister agree with me?”

Statements by Members

Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue

2026-04-30

“I'm using my speaking time to cheer on a local charity. A charity that rescues stray cats is doing good work. They have volunteers, they save cats, they help cats get adopted. I adopted a cat from them. Thank you to the volunteers and donors.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important work of Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue. It is a 100% volunteer-run organization that rescues cats in need, cares for them through a network of foster homes and helps them find safe, loving families. For those cats too feral for adoption, the rescue owns a barn where the cats can live safely and be fed under a vet's care. Each year, Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue saves over 750 cats. Foster families play an especially important role in helping cats to heal, socialize and prepare for adoption. Last year, I adopted my own little Coco through Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue. She had been lovingly fostered by Axelle and Scarlette, and we are so grateful. I want to thank all the volunteers, foster families and supporters of Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue for their outstanding service to our community.

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Oral Questions

Sport

2026-04-27

“I want the Secretary of State for Sport to talk about mental health programs the government has funded.”