Vandenbeld returns to women veterans’ concerns, pressing for action on the “Invisible No More” report’s 42 recommendations, and to girls’ safety and schooling in conflict zones. She speaks mostly in thanks and personal stories — “I thank all women veterans”, “Because of their kindness, we have our beloved Coco” — more than making claims or asks.Written by AI from their statements. Updated .
“Today is the International Day of the Girl Child. Wars around the world hurt girls the most, keeping them out of school and putting them in danger. Canada's foreign aid must protect these girls, help them go to school, and include them in peace talks.”
“Madam Speaker, as we approach October 11, the International Day of the Girl Child, we must remember the devastating impact of armed conflict on girls and women around the world. UNICEF estimates that more than 473 million children live in conflict-affected areas. Girls in these countries are nearly two and a half times more likely to be out of school. They face sexual violence, trafficking, forced marriage and displacement, often without essential supports. However, girls are not simply victims. They are courageous individuals, leaders and agents of peace. Canada’s international development policy must protect these girls, support their education, help survivors and ensure their voices are heard during peace processes. On this International Day of the Girl Child, their rights, safety and dreams must remain a priority.”
Official Hansard
Madam Speaker, as we approach October 11, the International Day of the Girl Child, we must remember the devastating impact of armed conflict on girls and women around the world. UNICEF estimates that more than 473 million children live in conflict-affected areas. Girls in these countries are nearly two and a half times more likely to be out of school. They face sexual violence, trafficking, forced marriage and displacement, often without essential supports. However, girls are not simply victims. They are courageous individuals, leaders and agents of peace. Canada’s international development policy must protect these girls, support their education, help survivors and ensure their voices are heard during peace processes. On this International Day of the Girl Child, their rights, safety and dreams must remain a priority.
“Two years ago, a committee released a report on the challenges women veterans face. It recommended ways to fix health gaps, sexual trauma, and barriers to services. Today, I am hosting a discussion with women veterans to talk about our progress and the work left to do.”
“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.”
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.
“My cat, Coco, won first place in the Cutest Pets on Parliament Hill contest. I want to congratulate the other winning pets and the people who fostered Coco before we got her.”
“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.”
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.
“I am celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Soloway Jewish Community Centre in my riding. Welcoming places like this are important, especially with the rise in people hating Jews.”
“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.”
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.
“Survivors worry about moving cases from military courts to civilian courts. Will the minister support changing the bill to include an end date, as our committee agreed?”
“Mr. Speaker, during committee testimony on Bill C-11, we heard from many survivors about concerns with the transfer of cases from the military system to the civilian court system. Would the Minister of National Defence tell the House whether he would be supportive if the Senate were to amend Bill C-11 to include the sunset clause as passed at the committee stage?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, during committee testimony on Bill C-11, we heard from many survivors about concerns with the transfer of cases from the military system to the civilian court system. Would the Minister of National Defence tell the House whether he would be supportive if the Senate were to amend Bill C-11 to include the sunset clause as passed at the committee stage?
“I want to thank Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue. It is run by volunteers and saves over 750 cats each year.”
“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.”
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.
“Athletes need good mental health to succeed. What is the government doing to support the mental health of our national athletes and coaches?”
“Mr. Speaker, we know that mental health and physical health are closely connected. Both are equally important for our well-being, especially for athletes competing at the highest levels. Mental health is key to a balanced life and long-term success in sport. Can the Secretary of State for Sport update the House on what our government is doing to support the mental health of national team athletes and coaches?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, we know that mental health and physical health are closely connected. Both are equally important for our well-being, especially for athletes competing at the highest levels. Mental health is key to a balanced life and long-term success in sport. Can the Secretary of State for Sport update the House on what our government is doing to support the mental health of national team athletes and coaches?
