Ernie Klassen

In response to a question from Garnett Genuis

“The Conservative member from Alberta does not understand the fishery. He is twisting the facts about one project that bought crab processing equipment, not jobs. Our fisheries fund has supported over 1,300 projects in Atlantic Canada, and we just agreed to spend another $300 million there.”

“Mr. Speaker, it is interesting that the Conservatives have a member from Alberta asking questions about the fisheries in Atlanta Canada. The member is trying to spin a single project from 2024 that was not even for employment. It was for crab processing equipment. I am sure the member has no idea how the fishery works, but the Atlantic fisheries fund has funded more than 1,300 projects in communities across Atlantic Canada, and our government just signed a new deal with Atlantic provinces for $300 million in new funding.”

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“I am recognizing a new online project that maps the mission of HMCS Vancouver after the September 11 attacks. It uses old ship logs to honour our veterans and protect our military history.”

“Mr. Speaker, I recognize an important Canadian naval heritage initiative marking the 25th anniversary of Operation Apollo and the events of September 11, 2001. A new project mapping Canada’s naval response to 9/11 in the Middle East, HMCS Vancouver’s mission for Operation Apollo, will digitally preserve and share a critical chapter of our nation’s military history. Supported by Veterans Affairs, this initiative is transforming historical ship logbooks into an interactive, web-based map documenting HMCS Vancouver’s 79 days in the North Arabian Sea. I would like to recognize Blue Horizon Geomatics and my constituent, Theresa Fingler, whose experience aboard HMCS Vancouver brings exceptional depth and authenticity to the project. This initiative honours our veterans and ensures that their service is never forgotten.”

In response to a question from Gabriel Hardy

“The government is giving $300 million over five years to the Atlantic fishing industry. The money will support coastal communities, fund science, improve buildings and equipment, and help fishers find new markets.”

“Mr. Speaker, the minister recently announced the renewed Atlantic fisheries fund with her provincial counterparts. This new fund will provide $300 million over five years to our fishing sector to spur innovation, enhance infrastructure, build on science and develop new markets. Our government is here to build, and that includes strong fisheries and coastal communities.”

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In response to a question from John Brassard

“Diana Fox Carney is a climate policy expert, and I thank her for becoming Canada's ocean envoy. The Conservatives are just trying to score cheap political points. We are focused on protecting our oceans and growing our coastal economy.”

“Mr. Speaker, Madame Carney is an expert in climate policy, and we thank her for stepping forward as Canada’s ocean envoy. The Conservatives are trying to score cheap political points, but we are focused on the work. Our Liberal government will protect Canada’s oceans and build our coastal economy.”

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“October 25 was International Artist Day. A Canadian artist from White Rock started this day to honour artists while they are still alive. Art is important because it captures how people see the world and leaves a record for the future.”

“Mr. Speaker, on October 25, Canadians and people around the world celebrated International Artist Day. Founded by White Rock artist Chris MacClure, the day recognizes artists and the work they do. October 25 was chosen because it is the birthday of Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the modern era. Artists often spend years developing their craft, yet the focus is usually on the finished work rather than the person who created it. Chris MacClure created International Artist Day in the belief that artists should be recognized during their lifetimes, not after they are gone. Canadians can take pride in knowing that this international day was founded by a White Rock, B.C., artist whose vision helped draw attention to the lasting impact art has on our lives. Art preserves moments in time, captures how people see the world, and leaves behind a record for future generations. On International Artist Day, Canada took time to recognize the artists whose work enriches our communities and our daily lives.”

“It is Small Business Week. Small and medium-sized businesses make up 99 percent of businesses in Canada and employ most of our private-sector workers. They are facing unfair U.S. tariffs that hurt our economy. I am thanking small business owners for their hard work.”

“Mr. Speaker, today marks the beginning of Small Business Week, a time to recognize the entrepreneurs whose hard work and determination drive Canada’s economy and strengthen communities across the country. As a former business owner, I know that running a business is also about giving back to the community. For eight years, I served as president of the White Rock Business Improvement Association, working alongside local entrepreneurs to build stronger, more self-reliant communities we all call home. Small and medium-sized businesses account for 99% of Canadian businesses and employ approximately 64% of Canada’s private sector workforce. Every dollar spent at a local business supports owners, workers and communities. Small businesses are the backbone of our country. Today they face unjustified U.S. tariffs designed to weaken our economy and undermine our independence. To the entrepreneurs of South Surrey—White Rock and across the country, I give my thanks for their determination and their resilience and for keeping Canada strong.”

“Police officers and community members rode their bikes through my area to raise money for childhood cancer research. They raised more than $270,000. I want the House to thank everyone who took part and supported the event.”

“Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of recognizing the incredible efforts of those involved in the Cops for Cancer tour as bike riders made their way through White Rock and South Surrey. For nearly 30 years, participants have cycled, raising funds for childhood cancer research and support programs. Students from Peace Arch Elementary and White Rock Elementary came out in full force, lining the route with cheers, signs and high fives to welcome the cyclists. Their enthusiasm was a powerful reminder of the strength of community when we come together for a cause greater than ourselves. White Rock RCMP Constable Carly Godlien rode in support of Caitlyn Sears, a courageous young girl undergoing treatment for leukemia. Thanks to the dedication of riders, volunteers, sponsors, educators, students and community supporters, more than $270,000 was raised to help those affected by cancer. I ask members to join me in thanking everyone who participated and supported this event.”

In response to a question from Jonathan Rowe

“Canada will always protect its waters and fishing industry. We will share the details of any future deal with the European Union with everyone. The member is just trying to scare people, while our government is working to grow our seafood economy.”

“Mr. Speaker, Canada will always protect our sovereignty and our fisheries, full stop. The Prime Minister has been clear. Details about any future arrangement with the European Union will be presented to all Canadians. The member is back to his old scare tactics, but our government is focused on growing Canada’s seafood economy.”

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  Government answer in Question Period

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“Over the summer, I saw people in my riding working hard and helping each other. Other countries respect our values. I want all of us in Parliament to work together to make Canada stronger.”

“Mr. Speaker, as Parliament resumes, I am reminded that the strength of Canada is found in our communities. During the last few months, I met with local businesses, community organizations and residents, attended community celebrations, hosted several round tables and saw young people developing valuable skills and experience through the Canada summer jobs program. I had the privilege of participating in the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. Watching my son compete alongside other athletes with disabilities was a powerful reminder that perseverance and teamwork are at the heart of the Canadian spirit. In Amsterdam, I represented Canada at a human rights conference where I was reminded that our country continues to be respected around the world for the values we uphold. As the Prime Minister says, Canada has what the world wants. That strength begins in our communities where Canadians show that when we work together, challenges can be overcome. Let us bring that same spirit of unity, pride, optimism and determination to this House. Let us work together and build an even stronger Canada.”

“It is Pride season in Canada. In many countries, being 2SLGBTQIA+ is still illegal or punishable by death. I am thanking the Canadian Pride Caucus for defending human rights here and around the world. I invite all members of Parliament to join us tomorrow to raise the Pride flag.”

“Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Pride season across Canada, we are reminded that the rights and freedoms many enjoy today should never be taken for granted. Around the world, identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+ remains illegal in 65 countries, and in 12 jurisdictions, individuals still face the death penalty simply for being who they are. I would like to recognize the work of the Canadian Pride Caucus, which is well known for its work here at home, but it is also playing an increasingly important international role. Through engagement with foreign parliamentarians, human rights defenders, diplomatic missions and civil society organizations, the caucus helps advance Canada’s commitment to dignity, inclusion and protection of human rights on the global scale. I invite all colleagues from all parties to join us tomorrow at noon on Parliament Hill for the Pride flag raising. Let us come together to celebrate Pride season and reaffirm Canada’s commitment to equality, inclusion and protecting human rights for all. I wish everyone a happy Pride.”

“This is National AccessAbility Week. More than eight million Canadians have disabilities and face barriers in their daily lives. We must keep working to make our communities accessible to everyone.”

“Mr. Speaker, this week we celebrate National AccessAbility Week, which began in 1988. Inspired by Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour, this week honours the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and reminds us that we can always build a more inclusive and accessible society. This year’s Canadian theme is “Building a Strong, Accessible Canada.” More than eight million Canadians face barriers in everyday life. Many of these obstacles are built into our homes and workplaces. As the father of a son with a disability, and a friend of Rick Hansen and of Canada’s first chief accessibility officer, Stephanie Cadieux, I have seen first-hand the importance of designing our communities equitably. This week, we celebrate the progress we have made so far and acknowledge the work of advocates whose leadership continues to break down barriers and inspire positive change. Together, we can continue building communities where everyone can participate and thrive. Let us create a fair and welcoming society for everyone.”

In response to a question from Gord Johns

“We are working with west coast fishers and First Nations to update fishing rules. We want harvesters to have more control over their work and keep more of the profits. The west coast has unique needs, so we cannot use the same rules as the east coast.”

“Madam Speaker, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting and strengthening the economies of our coastal communities. Fishing is an important part of many coastal communities on the west coast. This government is taking steps to actively work with first nations, harvesters, licence holders and processors to explore potential solutions that reflect the unique realities of the west coast. The Minister of Fisheries recently announced two new objectives guiding work to modernize west coast fisheries. The first is supporting harvesters to have more control over their fishing activities, to keep a greater share of the benefits from fishing. The second is modernizing licensing to support harvesters in pursuing their business objectives. This government will work closely with west coast fishery participants on options for how to achieve these objectives and address the concerns of fish harvesters. Fisheries on the east and west coasts have evolved very differently. We cannot have a one-size-fits-all approach. This is why this government is working with those involved to develop solutions—”

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“Alex House in my riding has served our community for over 100 years. Its yearly festival also turns 50 this year. I want to thank the staff and volunteers who make this work possible.”

“Mr. Speaker, for over 100 years, Alex House in my riding of South Surrey—White Rock has been dedicated to empowering people to build and nurture a strong, connected community by offering programs and services that support individuals and families at every stage of life, from early childhood education and youth programs to seniors’ services, wellness initiatives and community outreach. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Alex Fest, a celebration held on Semiahmoo First Nation land bringing together families, local artists and neighbours from across the Semiahmoo peninsula to share in creativity, learning and community spirit. I would like to thank the board, staff and volunteers for their continued commitment and recognize Penny Bradley for her outstanding leadership. At the heart of Alex House is a simple truth. Its mission would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of volunteers. I congratulate Alex House on these important milestones.”

“I support programs that help teachers make schools welcoming for all students, including 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. These tools stop bullying and help every child feel safe and respected.”

“Mr. Speaker, in Canada, educators are working to ensure that our schools are places where all students feel safe, respected and able to learn. Organizations, such as the ARC Foundation, support this effort through initiatives like SOGI 123, which provides educators with age-appropriate tools and resources to foster inclusive and respectful school environments. This helps schools strengthen policies, promote kindness and ensure that students, regardless of background, identity or experience, can thrive. Research has shown that inclusive school environments can reduce social exclusion, bullying and discrimination, which benefits not only 2SLGBTQIA+ youth but also all other students in feeling safe and supported. It is important to ensure that our schools reflect both inclusion and trust, which allows society to learn and accept the diverse world around them. Every young person in Canada deserves dignity, respect and the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

In response to a question from Frank Caputo

“I want to be clear about the agreements with the Musqueam First Nation. They do not affect private property. They recognize Indigenous rights to care for land and water, and they help Canada and the Musqueam work together.”

“Mr. Speaker, it is also important to be very clear about the Musqueam agreements. These agreements do not impact private property. The agreements recognize the Musqueam’s constitutionally protected aboriginal rights in the specific areas of stewardship and marine emergency management while creating a practical framework for collaboration between Canada and the first nations. These agreements respect the rights of indigenous peoples—”

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