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.

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, indigenous communities across Canada continue to be at the forefront of the climate crisis. The ongoing flooding in B.C. has devastated first nations communities that are waiting for help to clean up and a plan to face future climate events. This week I asked the government to listen to and work with indigenous leaders, such as Chief Roxanne Harris from Stz'uminus First Nation.

Gender-Based Violence  Mr. Speaker, November 25 marked the beginning of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. During these 16 days, I think of my friend Lisa Marie Young, who tragically went missing in 2002. A member of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, she was only 21 when she disappeared.

Flooding in British Columbia  Mr. Speaker, congratulations on your new role as Chair. I would like to again thank the constituents of Nanaimo—Ladysmith for putting their trust in me as their newly elected member of Parliament. The devastating flooding in B.C. has been a painful reminder that we are living with the consequences of the human-caused climate crisis.

Hybrid Sittings of the House  Mr. Speaker, as a newly elected member of Parliament and my first time rising in the chamber, I would like to thank the constituents of Nanaimo—Ladysmith for putting their trust in me. I am hearing from colleagues that they are fearful while doing their jobs in Parliament, fearful while wanting to do the work of representing the constituents of their ridings.