Terry Sheehan

“First Nations and Inuit policing has been underfunded for too long. Our government just announced new funding of around $634 million over four years, plus over $250 million each year, for their policing agreements. Can the Minister of Public Safety give us an update on this?”

“Mr. Speaker, first nations and Inuit policing is a matter of fairness and equity. Policing in first nations and Inuit communities has been underfunded for far too long. The courts and the Parliamentary Budget Officer have told us that clearly. This week, the Prime Minister convened a first ministers’ meeting with first nations leadership for the first time in over two decades to advocate shared priorities, including on security and community safety, and announced historic funding of close to $634 million over four years and over $250 million annually to renew and expand first nations and Inuit policing agreements. Can the Minister of Public Safety update this House and Canadians on that?”

“The steel industry is vital for our economy and national security, especially in Sault Ste. Marie. We are spending $5 billion with Ontario to help Canadian steel find new markets, and we are protecting it against unfair imports. We are also investing $1 billion in the Ring of Fire to unlock critical minerals and support local workers.”

“Madam Speaker, we know that our steel industry is essential to the Canadian economy and to national security. In Sault Ste. Marie, it supports thousands of workers, families and local businesses. That is why our government announced $5 billion through a joint steel action fund with Ontario to help Canadian steel companies diversify product lines, access overseas markets and strengthen domestic demand through our buy Canadian policies. We are continuing to strengthen protections against unfair steel imports and are establishing a special task force to improve competitiveness and address shipping costs. Our government is also investing $1 billion into the Ring of Fire, helping unlock one of the richest critical mineral supplies in the world, located in northern Ontario. This government is standing up for Canadian steel and northern Ontario and is supporting our workers so that Sault Ste. Marie—Algoma can play a key role in building Canada strong. In fact, Algoma Steel said, “This is exactly the kind of decisive, coordinated action our industry needs at a time of unprecedented trade pressure.””

“First Nations children do better when they stay connected to their families, cultures, and communities. That is why we signed an agreement with the Saskatoon Tribal Council to let them run their own child and family services. I want the Minister of Indigenous Services to explain how the government is helping Indigenous children and supporting First Nations control over child care.”

“Mr. Speaker, we know that keeping first nations children connected to their families, cultures and communities is essential to their well-being and to the strength of future generations. That is why supporting first nations leadership in child and family services is so important. On October 7, our government signed a historic agreement with the Saskatoon Tribal Council that recognizes the importance of first nations leadership in child and family services and supports communities in determining what is best for their children. Can the Minister of Indigenous Services share how this new government has stepped up to the plate to help indigenous children get connected to their family, cultures and languages while supporting first nations in exercising their inherent jurisdiction over the care and well-being of their children?”

“I want to congratulate the Kiwanis Club of Sault Ste. Marie. They have helped children and families in our community for 100 years.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable milestone for the Kiwanis Club of Sault Ste. Marie as it celebrates 100 years of awesome service. Since its founding in 1926, the club has embodied the very best of volunteerism, generosity and community leadership. For a century, its members have dedicated countless hours to improving the lives of children and families through fundraising, literacy initiatives, scholarships, youth leadership programs and support for local organizations. Whether through the Kiwanis pancake breakfast, partnership with the Thrive Child Development Centre or care packages for vulnerable children, the club’s impact has been felt for generations. Its members have shown that lasting change is built through compassion, inclusion and service above self. I extend sincere congratulations to all past and present members of the Kiwanis Club of Sault Ste. Marie as it begins its second century of service. I know that it will be just as inspiring as the first.”

“American steel tariffs are hurting the people and workers in my community. I want the minister to update us on her plan to support our steel workers and invest in the local industry.”

“Mr. Speaker, the American tariffs on steel are completely unjustified and illegal. The House knows that. They are affecting my community of Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding area. They are making people anxious and creating very difficult decisions for people to make right now. Recently, the Minister of Industry was in the Soo to make a very important announcement on how she would have the backs of workers and of the industry. Can she update us on her plan to support the workers and the industry and to make a major milestone investment at Tenaris?”

“Our government announced over $70 million for the Tenaris steel company to protect 811 jobs and create 200 new ones. The company had only 25 workers under the previous government, but now it has over 1,100.”

“Mr. Speaker, I have some great news for the House. On Friday the Minister of Industry joined me at Tenaris, and we announced over $70 million in funding towards a project that is going to maintain 811 jobs and is also going to create 200 new jobs. As members know, I was elected in 2015, and when I was elected, Tenaris had only 25 people working there. It lay the blame squarely on the previous government for lack of inaction on supporting steel. However, today we are celebrating 1,111 workers who are working to support Canada to become the energy superpower the Prime Minister has said we will be, and the Tenaris workers are going to make that vision become a reality. Let us celebrate the success in front of the tariffs and this unjust, unreasonable situation. I congratulate Tenaris.”