Sonia Sidhu

“Hate crimes are rising across Canada, with almost 5,000 reported to police in the last year. People are attacking places of worship, schools, and individuals because of their race or religion. We must do more to stop this hate.”

“Mr. Speaker, Canada’s diversity is our greatest strength, and Canadian values that bring us together, such as mutual respect and inclusion, are our core strength. I am proud to represent Brampton South, one of the most diverse communities in Canada. The rise in hate-motivated incidents is deeply concerning and is a reminder that we need to do more. Across Canada, we are seeing acts of hate and hate-motivated incidents targeting synagogues, Islamic schools and places of worship. There is a sharp increase of discrimination toward many communities. This year, in April, there was a hate-motivated attack on an elderly Sikh man in Woodstock, and an incident last week in Peel. Online hate is on the rise. Police-reported hate crimes across Canada have increased, with close to 5,000 incidents reported in the last year. No person should be targeted because of their faith, race or identity. These incidents are not a reflection of Canadian values.”

In response to a question from Sima Acan

“I support this bill. Canadian businesses need reliable transportation and digital tools to get their goods to buyers without delays. This bill helps them do that and creates good jobs.”

“Mr. Speaker, to my friend and colleague from Oakville West, thank you for your passion about industries. I worked in the nuclear caucus with you and I know how passionate you are. I was at Daybar last week with the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and colleagues. When Canadian manufacturers expand production, they need to know they have a transportation-reliable sector and a reliable method of digitalization, which I mentioned in my speech, so that they know their products are getting to consumers. This is very important for any business or manufacturer. Giving access to digitalization and sustainability to manufacturers strengthens trade corridors and reduces delays, and this bill would do exactly that. It would also create good jobs in my—”

“We cannot control global energy prices, but we can help Canadians with the cost. Extending the pause on the fuel tax through the winter helps families plan their travel costs. Does the member agree?”

“Mr. Speaker, Canada cannot control the global forces driving up energy prices, but we can control how we are responding. Our plan balances support for Canadians without compromising our fiscal position. Does the member opposite agree that extending the suspension through the winter would give Canadians greater certainty in managing their household transportation costs?”

• Echo ×3

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  “We cannot control the global forces driving up prices.”

  Said 3 times by 3 members since September 22.

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“This summer, I celebrated many cultural festivals with people in Brampton South. Our community also saw new investments in technology and raised money for our local hospital.”

“Mr. Speaker, this summer I joined residents across Brampton South at Carabram, Flavours of Nigeria, the Nepal Festival, Vibrant Brampton, Ahmadiyya Jama’at Jalsa Salana, and the Malayalee boat race to celebrate Brampton’s diversity through the unveiling of the monument at Azores Park. There was a $5.2-million investment in BHive Technologies, and the launch of Canada’s first strategic exports office at MDA Space is helping drive innovation. I also want to highlight Celiac Canada’s day of smiles at the Davis Family Farm, and Hockey Night in Brampton with the Honey Badgers and NHL players Morgan Rielly and Mark Messier to support the Brampton Civic Hospital. Representing Canada at international forums in Manila and South Africa made me realize the respect Canadians have earned on the world stage through democratic leadership. The seventh HKL global movement conference was a powerful reminder that kindness, humility and service remain the foundation of stronger communities and a strong Canada.”

“I support this bill. It creates a national plan to help Canadians with sickle cell disease and their caregivers. It will improve research, newborn screening, training for doctors, and access to treatments.”

“Mr. Speaker, I would first like to thank my colleague from Scarborough—Woburn for sponsoring this important bill, alongside the work of former senator Marie-Françoise Mégie and Senator Tony Ince in the Senate. Their leadership has helped bring national attention to an issue that matters deeply to many Canadians: how we better support people living with sickle cell disease, their families and their caregivers. It is important for me to rise in the House today to speak in support of Bill S-201, an act respecting a national framework on sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is one of the most common genetic conditions in the world. In Canada, it affects an estimated 5,000 people. For those living with the disease, the impact can be serious and lifelong. It can mean repeated hospital visits, chronic pain, blood transfusions, complex treatments and ongoing challenges for families and caregivers. That is why the legislation is so important. Bill S-201 would develop a national framework to support Canadians living with sickle cell disease. It would also require Health Canada to consult broadly, including with provinces and territories, health care professionals, researchers, indigenous people, patient groups, community organizations, families and caregivers. This is the right approach. Health care is delivered across jurisdictions, and improving support for people living with sickle cell disease requires coordination, evidence, awareness and collaboration. I know the Canadian Peace and Unity Organization is also doing sessions to raise awareness. Many other organizations are working so hard. The bill would help advance that work. The national framework proposed in Bill S-201 would look at several important areas. It would support better health professional training, help establish national research networks and patient registries, encourage more consistent diagnostic and treatment pathways and support expanded newborn screening. These are practical measures that can make a real difference. A national registry, for example, could help us better understand how many Canadians are living with sickle cell disease, what their needs are and where support could be improved. Research networks could help strengthen evidence, support innovation and connect experts across the country. Standardized diagnostic and treatment pathways could help ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care no matter where they live. Expanded newborn screening could support earlier diagnosis, earlier intervention and better long-term outcomes. Bill S-201 would also build on important work that is already under way. Our government launched the national strategy for drugs for rare diseases to improve access to effective drugs for rare diseases and make them more affordable for patients across Canada. The strategy focuses on supporting patient outcomes, investing in innovation, seeking national consistency and collecting and using evidence. As part of this work, the federal government has signed bilateral funding agreements with all 13 provinces and territories. These agreements are helping improve coverage and access to selected new drugs for rare diseases, other new and existing drugs, screening and diagnostic services and better data collection. This is an important step for Canadians living with rare diseases, including those living with sickle cell disease. The strategy is also supporting work with important research partners, including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canada’s drug agency and the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Through this work, Canada is strengthening research on gene therapies, diagnostic tools, administrative data, monitoring, pediatric clinic trials and treatment networks. These investments matter because rare diseases often affect smaller patient populations, which can make evidence harder to collect and treatment harder to access. By improving how we collect data, support research and make decisions, we are helping build a more consistent and informed system for patients across the country. Bill S-201 would complement this work by focusing specifically on sickle cell disease. It would help ensure that the condition receives national attention through a coordinated framework, clear reporting requirements and continuing collaborations with the people and organizations who understand the disease best. The legislation would also build on previous federal action. In 2017, Parliament recognized June 19 as National Sickle Cell Awareness Day, helping bring greater national attention to this condition and the experiences of those affected by it. Bill S-201 would take that work further by moving from awareness toward a coordinated national framework for research, screening, treatment and support. Another important area is blood donation. Many people living with sickle cell disease require blood transfusions as part of their care. These transfusions are often most effective when the blood is closely matched. That is why efforts to increase the diversity of Canada’s blood donor base are so important. Canadian Blood Services has worked to increase awareness and encourage more donors from communities where matched blood is most needed. This work helps strengthen the blood supply and supports patients who depend on safe and closely matched blood. Bill S-201 would help keep these needs on the national agenda as part of a broader conversation about care, treatment, research and support. The bill would also recognize the real and ongoing costs that families can face. Living with sickle cell disease can affect work, school, family life and financial stability. Caregivers also carry significant responsibilities, including attending appointments, supporting treatments and helping loved ones manage the daily realities of the condition. That is why this legislation would call for an examination of possible supports, including a tax credit for people living with sickle cell disease and their caregivers. This is an important recognition that not only do health conditions affect medical care, but they also affect the everyday lives of patients and families. The bill would also ask the government to examine eligibility for disability benefits and the inclusion of essential sickle cell treatments in public drug plans. These are important conversations, and they deserve thoughtful study. I want to recognize the advocates, researchers, health care professionals and community organizations that have carried this work forward for many years. In particular, I want to acknowledge the Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario and commend its advocacy. Its advocacy and community leadership have helped to support families, raise awareness and push this issue onto the national agenda. Bill S-201 would reflect many of the priorities that advocates have called for, including stronger research, better data, improved screening, health professional training and more consistent care for patients. It would also build on the work already under way through the national strategy for drugs for rare diseases, National Sickle Cell Awareness Day, investments in research and efforts to strengthen blood donor diversity. For families in Peel region and across the country who have long advocated for better awareness for caregivers who carry daily responsibilities and for Canadians living with sickle cell disease, this legislation represents meaningful progress. That is why I am proud to support it.”

“I support this bill. It makes it faster for very sick patients to get unapproved drugs when other treatments do not work, while still keeping them safe.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Bill C-265, introduced by my colleague, the member for Thunder Bay—Rainy River. I want to thank him for bringing forward this important legislation and for his advocacy on behalf of patients and families across Canada. In my riding of Brampton South, I regularly hear from residents navigating serious and complex health challenges. I often hear the same message, which is that patients want timely access to safe and effective treatments. Rare diseases are often perceived as uncommon, but collectively, they are not rare at all. Today, approximately one in 12 Canadians, or nearly three million people, live with rare diseases, and roughly two-thirds of those affected are children, yet treatments exist for only a small percentage of these conditions. Throughout my time in Parliament, I have heard closely from patients, caregivers, health care professionals, researchers and advocacy organizations. As the chair of the all-party diabetes caucus, I have witnessed how medical innovation has transformed diabetes care over the years. New medication, new technologies, continuous glucose monitoring systems and advancement in treatment have dramatically improved the lives of Canadians living with diabetes. Innovation saves lives, reduces complications and improves quality of life. My riding of Brampton South is one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most diverse communities. It is home to families who closely follow medical advancement taking place around the world. Increasingly, residents are aware of therapies that are available in other jurisdictions and often wonder why we cannot have that timely access and why access in Canada can take longer. They want to know what options exist when conventional treatments have failed, and whether promising innovations may be available to them or to their loved ones. For families facing serious illness, every day matters. That is why Bill C-265 deserves careful consideration. At its core, this bill is about patients. It is about Canadians living with serious, life-threatening, chronic or rare conditions who have exhausted available treatment options and are searching for hope. Canada’s special access program plays an important role in our health care system. It allows health care professionals to request access to drugs that have not been approved for sale in Canada when conventional therapies have failed, are unsuitable or are unavailable. The program exists because we recognize there are circumstances where patients require access to treatments that fall outside the traditional approvals pathway. However, we know the current process can be complex and time-consuming. Physicians are often required to submit individual requests for each patient, even when the same therapeutical products have already been reviewed numerous times. While these safeguards are important, the administrative burden and red tape can create delays for patients whose conditions continue to progress. Bill C-265 seeks to address this challenge by establishing a list of products that have been pre-approved for special access. Under this proposal, therapies that meet established criteria could be placed on the national list, allowing health care providers to access them more efficiently through the special access program while maintaining appropriate oversight. Importantly, this bill would not remove safeguards. Products would continue to undergo scientific review, Health Canada would retain oversight authority and an expert advisory committee would provide recommendations regarding additions and removals. Products could be removed from the list if new evidence raised concerns regarding safety or effectiveness. In other words, this bill would seek to reduce administrative barriers without compromising patient protection. Canada would not be stepping into uncharted territory by considering a more efficient pathway for special access. Many of our international partners have already established mechanisms that allow patients with serious illness to access promising therapies before they receive full market authorization. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration operates an expanded access program often referred to as compassionate use, which enables patients with serious or life-threatening conditions to access investigational therapies when no satisfactory alternatives exist. The European Union has implemented compassionate use programs to support patients suffering from chronic, life-threatening disease who have exhausted available treatment options. Similarly, the United Kingdom’s early access to medicine scheme was designed to provide patients with earlier access to promising innovative medicine while maintaining rigorous oversight and monitoring. These programs demonstrate that improving access and maintaining safety are not mutually exclusive. We can continue to uphold Canada’s high standards, while also finding ways to respond more quickly to the needs of patients facing urgent circumstances. I have heard similar concerns from patients living with chronic illness who closely follow emerging therapies and innovations that have the potential to improve outcomes and quality of life. While therapies ultimately require rigorous evaluation and regulatory oversight, we should also be examining whether they are opportunities to make promising treatments available more efficiently for patients facing serious health challenges. Bill C-265 encourages us to have that conversation. I also appreciate that the legislation includes mechanisms to promote transparency and accountability. The establishment of an expert advisory committee would ensure that decisions are informed by clinical expertise and scientific evidence. The proposed timelines for reviewing submissions would help create greater predictability for patients and health care providers. The ability to remove products from the list if safety concerns emerge reinforces the principle that patient safety must remain at the centre of every decision. This is why I believe this bill deserves to move forward. Committee members will have the opportunity to hear from patients, physicians, researchers, regulatory and advocacy organizations, and health care professionals. They will be able to access international best practices, evaluate potential risks and benefits. Bill C-265 seeks to improve access while maintaining the strong safeguards Canadians expect. By reducing unnecessary delays and strengthening the special access program, it keeps patients at the centre of care. For these reasons, I support this bill in its second reading and look forward to its study at committee.”

“I met with leaders from UNITE, a group of politicians from over 120 countries working on global health. Canada has the knowledge to help fix health systems around the world, especially for women, children, and vulnerable people.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight Canada’s leadership in strengthening global health systems. As UNITE chapter chair for North America, I had the honour of welcoming Dr. Ricardo Baptista Leite to Ottawa, who is president of UNITE. Alongside colleagues and leading health experts, we discussed how legislators can work together to advance innovation, preparedness and stronger outcomes internationally. UNITE is a global parliamentary network with more than 552 members across over 120 countries working with partners, such as the WHO and the United Nations, to promote fair and sustainable health systems and digital innovation. Canada has the expertise, the institutions and the credibility to help shape global solutions, from prevention and preparedness to supports for women, children and vulnerable communities. By working together with partners through UNITE, we can drive meaningful progress that reaches communities in every corner of the world.”

“I am honoring Ken Mayhew, who recently died. He spent his life raising money to support health care in Brampton and to help people with multiple sclerosis. I send my thoughts to his family.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ken Mayhew, the late president and CEO of the William Osler Health System Foundation. Ken was a respected leader in our community and a kind, thoughtful and genuine person who united people in support of causes that strengthen our community. Since joining the Osler foundation in 2012, Ken spent over a decade advancing charitable giving and strengthening health care in Brampton and surrounding areas. Before Osler, Ken devoted more than 20 years to the MS Society of Canada advancing research and support for people living with multiple sclerosis, reflecting his lifelong commitment to improving lives. I also want to recognize Dr. Frank Martino and the Osler team who continue to carry forward that mission. My thoughts are with Ken’s wife Suzanne, his daughters Kate and Lia, all his family, friends, colleagues and the Osler community. Ken’s legacy of care and service will live on.”

“Can the member explain why we must protect private property rights while also respecting our courts, the Constitution, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples?”

“Mr. Speaker, could my hon. colleague explain why it is important to protect private property rights while also reflecting the courts, the Constitution and our responsibility towards reconciliation?”

“May is Celiac Awareness Month. Over 400,000 Canadians live with celiac disease, and they must eat a strict gluten-free diet for life. I want us to support them.”

“Mr. Speaker, May is Celiac Awareness Month. Today, we wear the ribbon in recognition of the more than 400,000 Canadians living with celiac disease. As the chair of the all-party celiac caucus, I hosted Celiac Canada’s annual gluten-free breakfast on the Hill. I thank Melissa Secord and her team, and colleagues from all parties who came together in support. I have heard first-hand from the celiac community, including from families who spoke with me at the Davis Family Farm’s sunflower festival, about how managing celiac disease requires a strict, lifelong, gluten-free diet. Let us continue to listen, raise awareness and stand with Canadians living with celiac disease, recognizing their strength and resilience.”

“Our government is spending $79 million on research to cure diseases like diabetes. How will this help people living with diabetes?”

“Mr. Speaker, our government is investing $79 million in the strategic response fund to advance regenerative medicine, which includes innovative cures for diabetes. Can the Minister of Health tell us how this investment will drive innovation in diabetes research and improve outcomes for Canadians living with diabetes?”