MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

Salma Zahid

Liberal Scarborough Centre—Don Valley East 4 statements translated

Zahid focuses her statements heavily on identity politics and promoting the accomplishments and causes of various ethnic communities. She avoids taking clear policy stances, instead relying on generic calls for peace and praising community leaders and events.

Statements by Members

Filipino Heritage Month

2026-06-15

“I want you to feel good about Filipino Canadians. They have accomplished great things. They are a vibrant part of the Canadian mosaic.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, June is Filipino Heritage Month in Canada, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions of Filipino Canadians to communities across the country. Since the arrival of the first Filipino immigrants, generations have helped shape Canada's social, economic, cultural and political landscape through their hard work, resilience and commitment to service. Filipino Heritage Month provides an opportunity to honour the vibrant traditions, languages, arts and values that form an important part of Canada's multicultural identity. It is also a chance to reflect on the achievements of Filipino Canadians in every field, while acknowledging the challenges many have overcome in building new lives and stronger communities here in Canada. As we celebrate this month, let us recognize the enduring contributions of Filipino Canadians and reaffirm our commitment to inclusion, diversity and mutual understanding. Mabuhay, Canada. Mabuhay, Philippines.

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Statements by Members

Khalid Usman

2026-06-02

“Khalid Usman was a great man who served his community. I will miss him.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, on the weekend, the Pakistani community in Canada lost a giant with the passing of Khalid Usman, and for me, he was Khalid Bhai. A friend and mentor to so many, he always had a smile on his face and never lost his sense of humour. A Markham city councillor for 14 years, he lived a life of public service and gave back to the community in so many ways. As a dedicated philanthropist, he raised millions for charity, including Markham Stouffville Hospital and Shaukat Khanum, a cancer hospital in Pakistan. For Canadians of Pakistani origin, he was a trailblazer, showing us what a career and a life dedicated to building a better Canada could be. I appreciated his encouragement and support from the earliest days of my career. My prayers are with his wife, Dr. Abida Khalid, his three daughters, Hina, Rabia and Maria, his grandchildren and all the extended family members, and all those whose lives he touched. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.

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STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Palestine Day on the Hill

2026-05-25

“I'm inviting everyone to a big event about Palestine tonight. The theme is about how Palestinians feel a strong connection to their homeland and want dignity and rights. It's the first time we're doing this event since Canada recognized the state of Palestine. Basically, I want everyone to come reflect on how we can work together for peace and justice despite our differences.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite everyone to join us tonight as the Canada-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Association of Palestinian Arab Canadians celebrate the 10th annual Palestine Day on the Hill. This year's theme, “Root to Justice”, highlights the deep connection Palestinians have to their homeland and the importance of dignity, rights and belonging. It also reflects on the challenges of dispossession and hardship, emphasizing that the pursuit of justice must be shared by communities, allies and policy-makers working toward a meaningful and constructive engagement. This is the first Palestine Day on the Hill since Canada recognized the state of Palestine. It is an opportunity for reflection on the progress made and the work that remains to support peace, justice and mutual understanding. Whatever our background or our faith, we can all work together to build a world where everyone lives in peace, security and harmony.

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Statements by Members

Police Officers

2026-04-29

“I want to look like I support the police because I rode along with them. I want my colleagues to praise me for looking like I support the police.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to meet Superintendent Locke and Sergeant Peterson of the Toronto Police Service 33 Division, join a ride-along and see first-hand the important work our officers do every day to keep our community safe. Given heightened tensions, local police are increasing patrols around places of worship. We visited Temple Emanu-El synagogue, which faced multiple gunshots last month. Whether at a mosque, synagogue, church or gurdwara, everyone should be able to practice their faith in peace and safety. I am grateful for the dedication of officers in protecting residents and responding to incidents with care and diligence. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking our frontline police officers, firefighters and other first responders for their hard work to keep our communities safe.

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