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MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

Shannon Miedema

Liberal Halifax 30 statements translated

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Miedema defends major defence spending for Halifax’s shipbuilding and bases, pushes Bill C-34 to restrict social media for children under 16, and promotes the national electricity strategy and the Our Ocean Conference. She argues by telling stories from her own life, opening one speech with “I am a mother of three children, ages 10, 13 and 16.”Written by AI from their statements. Updated .

Average grade
B–
74 / 100 over 23 statements
Signal 64 / 100
Relevance 72 / 100
Respect 100 / 100
Clarity 85 / 100
Loses points more than most for A story that illustrates instead of making a point.2.7 times as often as most members.What the tags mean ×2.7 A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.2 times as often as most members.What the tags mean ×2.0 Averaged over the 23 of 30 statements graded so far.

Statements 30

Statements by Members ·

Retirement Congratulations

“I want to congratulate Linda Wilson on her retirement. She spent 40 years helping vulnerable people in Halifax, including over 11 years running Shelter Nova Scotia.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an exceptional Haligonian, someone who has had a long and storied career supporting some of our most vulnerable residents. Since 1985, Linda Wilson has dedicated her career to organizations that have significant community impact. From early career roles to senior leadership positions, and with over 40 years of service, her impact is lasting. She had five years at Adsum House, eight years with Phoenix Youth Programs, 16 years at HomeBridge Youth Society and now over 11 years as the CEO of Shelter Nova Scotia, where she is overseeing the charitable, not-for-profit organization that supports 1,500 Haligonians navigating times of crisis and transition through residential, trustee and outreach programs annually. This summer, Linda will officially step into her next chapter, which is retirement. I wish her all the best and some much-deserved rest. On behalf of all Haligonians, I ask the members of the House to celebrate this remarkable woman.

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Government Orders ·

Business of Supply

In response to a question from Lena Metlege Diab

“I support the immigration budget. Immigration helps our economy and fills jobs in places like Halifax, but it must be managed carefully. This spending funds basic immigration work, health care, and temporary housing for newcomers. I want the minister to explain how this money will help newcomer services and speed up processing times in places like Halifax.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Chair, I am very pleased to rise today to discuss Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s 2026-27 main estimates, especially because the hon. minister, the member for Halifax West, is my riding neighbour and has been an incredible support to me and members of the Nova Scotia caucus in our first year here in the House of Commons. Immigration is a critical part of what makes Canada stand out. It fills labour gaps, grows businesses and bolsters sectors like health care. In municipalities like Halifax, we see this every day in growing sectors such as ocean tech and shipbuilding that depend on skilled newcomers. Newcomers bring energy, ideas and global connections that enrich our communities, and I very much enjoy spending a lot of my time in the riding with them on a regular basis. Immigration is also central to our government’s plan to build strength at home amid a rupture in the global order. A strong system depends on clear rules, reliable screening, secure processing and public confidence. These estimates strike the right balance. They reflect responsible, sustainable use of public funds while maintaining the core work Canadians expect from their immigration system. They ensure that public dollars match the system Canada is building. First, they maintain the essential capacity needed to run the system. Second, they adjust funding where volumes are lower or temporary measures are ending. Third, they target support where capacity, integrity and stability are needed most. The estimates support the implementation of Canada’s multi-year immigration levels plan, which guides permanent resident admissions, temporary resident arrivals and the balance across immigration categories. We are maintaining targeted supports where the system needs them. This includes helping protected persons already in Canada transition to permanent residents, supporting workers already here and contributing to labour needs in communities across the country. The estimates also support the interim federal health program, which provides temporary health care coverage to eligible people who do not yet have access to provincial or territorial insurance. This program helps bridge the gap so people can access essential services when they need them the most. Many in my riding of Halifax rely on this program, and I am very pleased to see its continued support. The estimates also support the interim housing assistance program, which helps provinces and municipalities respond to temporary housing pressures linked to asylum claimants. This is a clear example of prioritizing the responsible use of public funds. As global conflicts, climate pressures and shifting migration patterns continue to displace people, Canada must respond with compassion and with a system that is orderly, fair and sustainable. A sustainable system must still support people in need, work with partners and maintain the services that help newcomers integrate and help communities respond to pressure. In Halifax, organizations like the Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia, or ISANS, demonstrate how strong community partnerships help newcomers settle successfully. Canadians need to know that immigration is being managed carefully and strategically, that resources are being used for clear purposes and that the department is adapting as immigration levels, operational pressures and public expectations evolve. These estimates do precisely that. I will move on to a question for the minister. The 2026-27 main estimates show that our government is committed to continued support for IRCC operations and newcomer services as we find a more responsible and sustainable path forward. Can the minister explain how the planned spending will support newcomer services in places like Halifax to ensure families benefit from timely processing?

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Statements by Members ·

HMCS Sackville

“I want to recognize HMCS Sackville. It is the last surviving warship of its kind from the Battle of the Atlantic, and the navy just recommissioned it as Canada's naval memorial.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, 85 years ago this month, on a rainy day in Saint John, New Brunswick, a bottle of champagne was broken over the bow of a new ship. This ship would become the HMCS Sackville and would go on to have a long and arduous career as a corvette in the Royal Canadian Navy. Most notably, this ship became the single surviving corvette of the Battle of the Atlantic, in which 294 small ships were the workhorses of the North Atlantic, dominating the longest battle of the Second World War. As the sole survivor, she was saved from the scrapyard and restored to her wartime configuration; she is now Canada’s naval memorial, spending her summers in the Halifax harbour, open to residents and tourists who would like to learn more about our navy’s history. Earlier this month, HMCS Sackville was officially recomissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy. Please join me in acknowledging this important symbol of Canada’s naval history, a sign of our commitment to stand in defence of our ideals and our country.

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Statements by Members ·

Government Priorities

“I have been an MP for one year today. Our government is investing in big projects, protecting the environment, and making trade deals. We are also cutting taxes and helping Canadians pay for groceries and other costs.”

  • Member's statement

    Signal 39 of 100

    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

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  • A repeated line

    “I am extremely proud to be part of this team.”

    Said 4 times by 3 members since April 28.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to mark one year since I was first elected to serve the people of Halifax, and I am so happy to be here. It has been the honour of a lifetime, and what a year it has been. I am proud that our government is focused on the opportunities that arise in addressing current global challenges. We are investing in major projects at home. We are forging new trading partnerships across the globe. We are securing our sovereignty and our economic resilience, and we are doing so in a way that allows us to continue with our environmental and climate objectives. At the same time, we are ensuring support for Canadians who need it the most. We are responding to the rising cost of living by cutting taxes and launching affordability measures such as the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, all while maintaining the many other social supports that people depend on. We have shown up, listened and acted. Whether through nation-building projects or local targeted support, this year has been building a stronger Canada. I am so proud to be part of this team, and I am grateful to my family, friends and supporters. I wish a happy first anniversary to all members of the House from the class of 2025.

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Government Orders ·

Government Orders

In response to a question from Leah Gazan

“I disagree that the bills we passed break the Constitution. It is completely legal for politicians to switch parties.”

  • Reply to a debate question

    Relevance 100 of 100

    Of this reply, 100% addressed the question or point raised.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I absolutely disagree with my esteemed colleague on the other side that the bills we have passed are unconstitutional. Regardless of how different members feel about floor crossings, they are part of the history of Canadian government. They are completely legal and allowed. I have no further comment.

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In response to a question from Maxime Blanchette-Joncas

“Only recognized parties sit on committees. In our system of government, a majority government has always had the majority of seats on every committee.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, my understanding is that parties with status sit on committee and that it is the history of Canadian government and Westminster government that when there is a majority government, there is a majority on every single committee.

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In response to a question from Mel Arnold

“We are not planning anything bad. We had to choose between taking Conservatives off committees or adding Liberals to them. People preferred adding Liberals so committees can still have good debates.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I am sure there are no diabolical schemes happening on this side of the House. I know that there was a decision to make regarding whether Conservatives are removed from each committee or Liberals are added. My understanding was that the more well-received path forward was to add Liberals rather than to take away Conservatives so that we could still have robust conversations in committee.

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In response to a question from Kevin Lamoureux

“I like how all parties have worked together on the environment committee and on different bills. I hope we keep working together to make the country better.”

  • Reply to a debate question

    Relevance 48 of 100

    None of this statement addressed the specific topic under debate.

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  • Reply to a debate question

    Signal 33 of 100

    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, being chair of the environment committee in recent weeks, I have enjoyed how we have worked together across parties to move the work forward in our environment and sustainable development committee. In my past life, working at the City of Halifax, it was all about working across different perspectives to get the work done and to have shared objectives to move things forward. I am really pleased that we have had cross-party support for various private members’ bills on both sides of the House. I hope that we can continue to collaborate for the betterment of our country.

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“I support this motion. Parliamentary committees do vital work to study bills and hear from Canadians. The seats on these committees should reflect the number of seats each party has in the House.”

  • Speech on a bill

    Relevance 0 of 100

    None of this speech addressed the bill under debate and what it would change.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak to Government Motion No. 9 and the importance of parliamentary committees. As members of Parliament, we have been individually elected by our constituents to represent their interests in the House of Commons. Not only do we individually represent the interests of our constituents, but together we represent the fabric of who Canadians are. We are a privileged minority of Canadians elected to this House, representing Canadians from every beautiful region of this vast and breathtaking country. We are standing here today to represent our constituents’ interests and as a representation of the will of our constituents. Every moment of our work as parliamentarians is ultimately aimed at good governance for the benefit of all Canadians. Much of this work is done in committees, which is the subject of Government Motion 9. Before I speak to the motion itself, it is important to highlight the role of committees in the Westminster system. One of the fundamental functions of members of Parliament is the development of legislation, and the crux of this work is done in committee. Committees are the venues that allow for and facilitate the detailed examination of not only legislation but also other policies and issues of interest to Canadians. Committees allow us to have focused and detailed discussions on what would be possible in the chamber, where debate is focused on the principle and scope of each bill. Committees are the place where we can review legislation, hear from witnesses and conduct clause-by-clause consideration of bills. It is through this process of legislative scrutiny that we can voice our views, ask experts questions, raise our concerns and debate proposals with each other. Our ultimate, and I suggest shared, objective is to improve legislation when it is needed. It is this scrutiny and detailed examination in committees that not only strengthens accountability but also allows members to work together to find solutions to issues facing Canadians. That process and engagement builds trust with Canadians. It encourages open and transparent government. Participation in committees gives members the opportunity to scrutinize decisions and expenditures and monitor progress. Robust and constructive debate in committees is the means through which we arrive at solutions. Committees produce extensive and comprehensive reports, thereby adding to greater transparency for Canadians by ensuring public access to information about the government’s work. These studies help inform government policy and future legislative proposals. Committees are also incubators of non-partisan collaboration. They allow members from across parties to come together to address complex problems in a collaborative manner and foster consensus on difficult issues. Committees allow us to build camaraderie among members so we can bring forward our diverse perspectives as members from across the country, consider evidence-based insights and come together to advance the interests of Canadians. The discussions and insights that committees generate enrich our parliamentary process and our ability to work together. Further, the common thread to the work of all committees is that of hearing directly from Canadians, stakeholders and experts on a range of issues that are important to who we, together in the House of Commons, represent. With every committee study undertaken, through witnesses and briefs, we get to hear the diverse aspects and views on a particular subject, from business leaders to academics, scientists and Canadians from across this great country who are directly impacted by or have a strong interest in any one of the numerous subjects that the parliamentary committees study. This engagement of experts, stakeholders and citizens acts as a bridge between Parliament and the broader Canadian public. Committee work can also bring international perspectives on how we can best achieve our policy goals. Hearing about experiences from like-minded countries can help facilitate an exchange of ideas and ways to incorporate good ideas from abroad that can be implemented here in Canada. By bringing in the international perspective, we get to hear about emerging issues and opportunities to learn from the experience of other countries. Through this process, we learn about what worked well, what did not and how to avoid challenges that other countries have experienced. Every time I chair or participate in a committee meeting, I am struck by the extent to which witnesses want to share their expertise and lived experiences to inform the studies we undertake. The fact that we hear from witnesses with varied and sometimes opposing perspectives helps us stay in touch with the diversity of Canadian perspectives. What Canadians think and their views on issues not only matter; they are important to informing us as members of Parliament. All of what we learn through parliamentary committees is taken into account as decisions are made. I encourage all Canadians to get involved in the work of our parliamentary committees. It is democracy in action. Now I will turn to Government Motion No. 9. It is important to take a moment to note that the standing committees and special joint committees in this Parliament have mandates that are focused on the issues that are important to Canadians and to Canada. The reason they are called standing committees is that they should reflect the standings of the recognized parties in the House of Commons. In a Westminster parliamentary system such as ours, the composition of parliamentary committees is historically determined by reflecting the representation of political parties. This balances the need for representation with effective governance. The composition of committees should always reflect the standings in the House, and Government Motion No. 9 simply seeks to uphold and institute the principle that underpins our parliamentary system.

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Statements by Members ·

National Volunteer Week

“It is National Volunteer Week. I am thanking all volunteers across Canada, especially those in Halifax, for the work they do in our communities.”

  • Member's statement

    Signal 18 of 100

    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to call attention to National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 19 to 25, 2026. It is a time to celebrate the outstanding commitment of volunteers. Our country runs on volunteers. Everyone in this room can agree that we would not be standing in this House without the tireless work of the volunteer organizers who got us here. In Halifax, I would like to give a special shout-out to the dedicated volunteers who helped during the campaign, as well as those who continue to support me in this role. I would like to also recognize the volunteer firefighters; event organizers; those who work with our food banks and in health care, environmental and arts organizations; and all those who dedicate themselves to strengthening our community. I want to thank all volunteers everywhere in Canada. This National Volunteer Week, and in recognition of the United Nations International Volunteer Year, I would like to thank all of Canada’s volunteers. Their contributions make a difference in people’s lives.

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