The world is facing a refugee crisis. Across the globe, millions are displaced and longing for what most of us take for granted: a safe place to call home. As a global leader in protecting those who need it most, Canada welcomed nearly half of all refugees resettled around the world in 2020. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recently called Canada “a bright light in a horrible year for refugee resettlement.”

The month of June is dedicated to recognizing and honouring the achievements, history and rich cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Together, we are building a stronger and more inclusive agriculture sector that advances meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and reduces barriers for under-represented groups.

The Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative (IAFSI) aims to increase and support economic development opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada. This initiative supports Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs who are ready to launch agriculture and food systems projects and others who want to build their capacity to participate in the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.

Today, Minister of Northern Affairs, Daniel Vandal, along with Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency), Larry Bagnell, highlighted progress on three unique, Indigenous-led projects that are helping communities in Yukon and Northern British Columbia adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.

As youth vaping continues to rise, the Government of Canada is taking action to address it. While youth smoking is at its lowest level in decades, vaping is putting a new generation of Canadians at risk of nicotine addiction and the other harms caused by vaping. Vaping can lead to tobacco use, which threatens the hard-earned gains of Canadians in lowering the number of people and youth who smoke. Working with other orders of governments, the medical community and other stakeholders, the Government of Canada continues to do more to protect youth from the risks of vaping.

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, and Rachel Bendayan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade and Member of Parliament for Outremont, will make an announcement about support for small businesses.

Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for South Shore—St. Margarets, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Mark Furey, Member of Legislative Assembly for Lunenburg West, Her Worship Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Mayor of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg; and His Worship David Mitchell, Mayor of the Town of Bridgewater, announced funding to construct a new water storage tank at Exit 12 in Osprey Village.

As we build back better from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and urgently address climate change, Canada and the United States must be aligned and work together on the development of sustainable and equitable energy transitions and clean energy innovation.

Public Services and Procurement Canada wishes to advise cyclists and pedestrians that the boardwalk on the Alexandra Bridge will be reduced for tests and inspections.

Public Services and Procurement Canada wishes to advise the public of a low water notice for Lake Nipissing. We have observed the levels on Lake Nipissing to be slightly below our typical summer operating range. The low levels on the lake are due to consecutive months of below-average rainfall.

Today, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for St. John's South—Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Gudie Hutchings, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development; and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, announced $50 million in joint funding to improve public infrastructure for residents across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Le financement conjoint fédéral-provincial municipal fourni dans le cadre du plan d’infrastructure Investir dans le Canada appuiera 26 projets, dont des améliorations des infrastructures de services et de transports. Le gouvernement du Canada investit plus de 25 millions de dollars dans ces projets au moyen de divers fonds du plan d’infrastructure Investir dans le Canada. Le gouvernement de Terre Neuve-et-Labrador contribue plus de 25 millions de dollars, alors que les municipalités et les collectivités contribuent à raison de plus de 2 millions de dollars.

While youth smoking is at its lowest level in decades, vaping is putting a new generation of Canadians at risk of nicotine addiction and the harms related to vaping. Additional regulatory measures are necessary because too many young people are using vaping products—and they are doing so without understanding the short and longer-term risks to their health.

The National Research Council of Canada and Corteva Agriscience are collaborating on a research project to increase the quantity and quality of protein in canola, an initiative that supports the Protein Industries Canada (PIC) supercluster.

Today the Honourable Mark Holland, Member of Parliament for Ajax, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Rod Phillips, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ajax, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; and His Worship Shaun Collier, Mayor of the Town of Ajax, announced joint funding to improve two recreation facilities in Ajax, Ontario.

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, together with Elisabeth Brière, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, will announce investments to not only enhance Canada’s global leadership position in artificial intelligence but also support Canadian companies transitioning toward an AI-powered future.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, launched a consultation seeking comments from the public and organizations on the provisions of the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act as part of the statutory review of the legislation.

Today, Quebec Premier, François Legault and the federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, announced $20 million in financial assistance to build an aquatic complex in Laval. Also on hand for the occasion were Quebec Lieutenant and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez; Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Isabelle Charest; Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Racism, Minister Responsible for the Laval Region and MNA for Deux-Montagnes, Benoit Charrette; MP for Vimy, Annie Koutrakis; and Mayor of Laval, Marc Demers. Thanks to these investments, local residents will have access to safe and modern facilities that promote an active, healthy and inclusive lifestyle.

Local harbours are an essential part of communities across Canada. On our coasts and inland waters more than 5,000 volunteers dedicate their time and energy to assist with the operations of small craft harbours. Small Craft Harbours is a nationwide program run by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) that helps keep our harbours safe and accessible to all fish harvesters and other community members for recreational use. DFO recognizes the importance of volunteers who work hard to provide harbour users with secure, accessible and functioning facilities.

Kingston, Ontario, June 18, 2021 — Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise motorists of a lane closure on the LaSalle Causeway for repair work.

Today, Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, announced over $1.6 million in federal funding for Bell. These investments will bring high-speed Internet to rural residents of Powassan and Hornell Heights. These projects will connect more than 684 underserved households to high-speed Internet. The Honourable Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing—Timiskaming, was also in attendance.

Share your ideas on how we should recognize and remember Canada’s Veterans

On June 13, 2021, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Donnacona Institution, a federal maximum-security institution.

This year, celebrate Canada Day by creating memorable moments at home

Former Mabou convent to be renovated, transformed into Gaelic College satellite campus