Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, since the pandemic, the NDP asked the Prime Minister 22 times to fix the old version of the paid sick leave so more workers could access it. Constituents in my riding of Nanaimo—Ladysmith have had to choose between their health and paying rent. This is a choice that no one should have to make.

Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, I always appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the uniqueness of other ridings and the constituents' needs within those ridings. Unfortunately, people know the Conservatives have always made life harder for working people. Constituents in my riding of Nanaimo—Ladysmith still remember the Conservatives getting in the way of unemployed workers who need help.

Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, since the beginning of the pandemic, the Conservative Party has not pushed for nor won anything for workers. In fact, the Liberals and the Conservatives have consistently opposed paid sick leave. For almost two years, the Conservatives did nothing to push for 10 days of paid sick leave.

Business of the House  Mr. Speaker, health care workers have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and provide life-saving care for our loved ones. As a result of underfunding and underprioritization through the Liberal government, health care workers in my riding of Nanaimo—Ladysmith were already overworked and underpaid.

Business of the House  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her speech. We are still in the midst of a pandemic, and many medical associations are recommending that employers not require a doctor's note for people who may have contracted COVID-19. However, this bill gives employers the power to require a doctor's note, regardless of how many days of leave are taken.

Criminal Code  Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, for almost two years workers have been forced to work sick. As is the case in many constituencies, in my riding of Nanaimo—Ladysmith many constituents rely on their wages to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads. We have lost too many lives as a result of government inaction.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the member. I was listening very intently to the member's speech. I really appreciated the emphasis on lifting up women and much of what she said resonated with me. However, as I was listening, I was really asking myself when many of these words that are being spoken today were going to be shifted into solutions.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I appreciated the member's constituency stories in particular. I always like to hear from constituents. A lot of what I am hearing from constituents in my riding is about the concerns in our long-term care homes, both for their loved ones in care homes and for the workers.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, I appreciate the acknowledgement of the lack of commitment to follow through with our promises made to indigenous people. I surely hope that we can work together to develop better solutions for our indigenous communities.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, my mind immediately goes to what I am hearing from constituents, which is that we need to be focusing on the affordability of housing and not just keep building houses for the ultrarich who can afford them when we do not have housing options for others. There are so many who are being left behind.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, we know that we need to be addressing the price of housing. I speak to constituents day after day, and too many are unable to afford the housing prices and to be able to make ends meet. It is not just about purchasing a home but also renting a home. The options are few and far between.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, I will be splitting my time today with the member for Edmonton Griesbach. I would first like to take a moment to acknowledge that my riding in Nanaimo—Ladysmith is located on the traditional territories of the Stz'uminus, Snuneymuxw, Snaw-Naw-As and the Lyackson First Nations.

COVID-19 Pandemic Measures  Mr. Speaker, with new variants of COVID-19 being detected in Canada, Canadians understand that we are not out of the woods yet. While everyone has been touched by the pandemic, those living with low incomes have often been the first to lose their jobs. We have seen women and gender-diverse individuals take on the majority of caregiving and household responsibilities.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member. Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre in my riding of Nanaimo—Ladysmith has been providing essential services to urban indigenous people for over 50 years. Since COVID, the Tillicum Lelum staff have seen a shift in the supports required to meet the needs of community members.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, lacking in the throne speech is any mention of the opioid crisis. Too many in Nanaimo—Ladysmith, family, friends and neighbours, have tragically lost their lives in this opioid crisis. Despite this, we have seen inaction on the part of the government to address this crisis and to save lives.