Louise Charbonneau

Mr. Speaker, I just want to point out there has been no French interpretation since the previous intervention.

No, there has been no interpretation for a few minutes now.

Mr. Speaker, there is no interpretation.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize that the NDP motion is all about the well-being of our seniors and long-term care workers. This concern does the NDP credit, since it demonstrates the party's humanity. However, does the NDP recognize that health transfers are insufficient and do not give the provinces and territories sufficient resources to do their job properly?

Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his speech.

Does he feel that, if the Canadian government agrees to our colleagues' demands, that could result in a paternalistic approach? It would not necessarily help retain staff. The only way to limit staff retention is for the government to agree to the premiers' demands to increase health transfers. What does he think of that?

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my hon. colleague from Vancouver Kingsway for his speech.

As I understand it, the NDP motion targets primarily private centres to ensure that they do not have an unfair advantage. However, health being a provincial matter, does my colleague not think that problems at long-term care homes are caused mostly by the health transfer imbalance?

Mr. Speaker, COVID-19 has been devastating our communities for a year now.

For me, it has been all too real because I lost my sister, Danielle Charbonneau. I will always remember how she shared her worries with me over the phone. Neighbouring residents were going away, never to return, but in spite of it all, she remained optimistic.

However, after a fall, she was transferred to a nearby hospital and diagnosed with COVID-19. One week later, she was gone. She never got to see her family again. Thanks to a devoted nurse, who held the phone up to my sister's ear so I could comfort her, I was with her during her last moments.

My story is just one of thousands.

May we never forget them.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon.

What does he think of the proposal put forward by my colleague from Salaberry—Suroît to extend EI sickness benefits to 50 weeks on an ongoing basis beyond September 2021?

Madam Speaker, I thank the member from Timmins—James Bay for his speech. He spoke emotionally about his grandmother and her accomplishments, and about the drinking water problems in first nations communities.

I would like to know what he thinks of Bill C-24, which would extend seasonal workers' EI coverage. Would he care to comment on that?