A big part of what I do in Ottawa takes place at Standing Committees. I’m a member of the Standing Committee for Environment and Sustainability along with National Defence. I didn’t know anything about anti-malarial drug Mefloquine use in the Canadian Armed Forces before constituents brought it to my attention- but it’s on my radar [...]
I had a super time at the Forum for Young Canadians in Ottawa last night! It was a pleasure to meet so many young folks interested in learning more about their country and its government. I was thrilled to see constituents from Dartmouth-Cole Harbour and across Nova Scotia too! A lot of the real work [...]
This evening, my sponsored Senate Bill S-211, 'An Act Respecting National Sickle Cell Awareness Day' passed 2nd Reading unanimously in the House of Commons! Bill S-211 was introduced in the Senate by Senator Jane Cordy, also from our riding. Her passion and hard work have helped move the bill forward and closer to fruition. The Bill would declare June [...]
Our Dartmouth-Cole Harbour constituency office has received many questions and concerns regarding changes to language training for new immigrants to Canada. Immediately, I reached out to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to find more information on these changes. Language training for new eligible immigrants is important to ensuring a successful transition to life here [...]
Last night we resumed debate on 3rd Reading of my Private Member's Bill, C-238 "National Strategy for Safe and Environmentally Sound Disposal of Lamps Containing Mercury Act" Bill C-238 is another step closer to becoming a law. After passing through 3rd Reading the bill is off to the Senate. Here is what I said last night [...]
Hire young talent and get a wage subsidy through Canada Summer Jobs Are you a small business owner or running a not-for-profit? Do you need some extra boots on the ground during the summer of 2017 – Canada’s 150th anniversary year? Why not join thousands of other employers and hire a summer student with the [...]
I’m so thrilled that Viola Desmond will be the new face on our $10 Canadian Bill starting in 2018. What a great way to remember an impressive, civil rights icon in Canadian history. Desmond was born and raised in Halifax and although she was educated as a teacher she was a well-known, successful entrepreneur. In [...]
Today we remember women who were killed because they were women. On this day back in 1989 14 young women were killed at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal for being women. Today is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women in Canada. As well as commemorating the 14 young women whose lives [...]
Here's a bit of what I said last night in the House of Commons: "I’m sure many folks out there would ask ‘why do we need to make another day of awareness for a cause? Why should Bill S-211 matter to Canadians?’ When it comes to health issues- especially when it comes to [...]
Today is the 1st hour of debate of 2nd Reading for Bill S-211, 'An Act Respecting National Sickle Cell Awareness Day.' I jumped at the chance when Senator Jane Cordy (also of Dartmouth) asked me to sponsor her Senate Bill in the House of Commons. Sickle Cell Disease (SDC) is the most common genetic [...]
