MPMichaelMa

Canada is building the future of AI here at home and plans to take an equity stake in Cohere, a leading Canadian AI venture. Cohere is building practical, secure AI for businesses and governments, making it accessible and affordable. This will create new opportunities for workers and innovators by producing up to 1,000 new high-paying jobs by 2030. Learn more: [pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releas…] #cdnpoli #canadastrong #cdntech

In October, I attended the TD Tree Days event at Robinson Creek, where I witnessed our shared dedication for our environment. Events like these demonstrate the impact that can be made when local organizers and dedicated volunteers come together with a joint commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. #td #tdtreeday

In September, the TIFF Market Innovation Hub showcased how we are revolutionizing the future of storytelling & entertainment. Presented by the Canada Media Fund at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, installations incorporated cutting-edge tech to situate audiences in immersive narrative experiences. #TIFF #TIFF26

In a more dangerous and divided world – with the former global order fracturing and a successor order yet unborn – Canada will act with greater independence, determination, and ambition to build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for all Canadians. For this reason, Prime Minister Carney launched The Plan for a Stronger Canada this week; Canada’s new government is building the strength to protect our sovereignty, the resilience to respond to emerging threats, and the partnerships to advance our interests. This is a new plan that reflects the profound new realities of our operating environment – Canada hasn’t had a new national security strategy in over 20 years, and we’ve changed that this week. The Plan defines Canada’s core national interests and establishes a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach that brings together our economic strength, foreign policy, defence and intelligence capabilities, and public safety initiatives. We are strengthening Canada’s economic security by investing in strategic industries, securing supply chains, and maximizing our energy security. A guiding pillar of our national economic interests is to cement Canada as a major player in developing and commercializing advanced technologies, especially around AI and space-based technology. When Minister Solomon announced Canada’s Responsible Data Centre Development Principles, the press event was in Markham. Earlier this year NordSpace, a company in Markham-Unionville, was awarded $8.33M in federal funding towards enabling Canada’s sovereign space launch capabilities. Further, protecting Canadians is at the heart of this work. We are stepping up efforts against foreign interference, espionage, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime. I was honoured to partake in an INDU committee study earlier this year that moved the policy needle on financial fraud and scams in Canada; local events, like a Community Safety Forum I’m hosting in November, is how we move the needle on this front at a grassroots level. The rules-based international order is eroding, and PM Carney’s Plan is how we build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for all Canadians.

In a more complex and unpredictable world, access to affordable and reliable Internet and mobile services is essential to the everyday life of Canadians – these services are non-negotiables. To ensure this is possible, our government is taking a comprehensive, national approach to encouraging cross-Canada competition in the Internet and mobile services sector. This is why, yesterday, our government launched Canada’s first Telecom Competition Roadmap. Naturally, a core pillar of this Competition Roadmap is about giving Canadians more choice by making it easier for competitors to access and expand networks. It was pleasure to see this Roadmap being released after we had workshopped similar competition-oriented concepts in an INDU Study on Bill C-268 several weeks ago in September. Broadly, C-268 would require the CRTC to establish a process for ensuring the accuracy of the mobile network coverage data provided by Canadian carriers. At INDU#49, I had the opportunity to interface with Matthew Kellison, Director General of ISED’s Spectrum Policy Branch, over the economics of coverage extension. More specifically, I asked: “If extending coverage into a particular area is commercially uneconomic, how does ISED assess the broader social return against the additional cost of deployment?” To this inquiry, Mr. Kellison responded that “[w]e are constantly trying to improve the effectiveness of spectrum policy by strengthening deployment requirements, by targeting them to smaller areas and by pushing providers to build things out. When we do that, we also want to ensure that we are taking into account other objectives, like competition, because if you set requirements that only large national providers can meet, what does that mean for smaller regional players, for fixed wireless internet service providers that have been serving local communities for a long time but may not have the same access to capital and may not have the same expertise to build?” Committees are the workshops of policy development – it is rewarding, as an MP, to see concepts that were triaged in committee become operationalized in broader government strategies and frameworks that serve Canadians.

Early in September, I had the privilege of presiding over the opening ceremony for the 2026 Uptown Asian Festival as an Honorary Chair. Serving as a unifying celebration for the Pan-Asian community in Richmond Hill – encompassing Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cultures – the Uptown Asian Festival brings together diverse traditions as a catalyst for cross-cultural understanding. The 4-day festival featured a wide array of activities and entertainment, ranging from lion dances to serenades. It was great to see so many of my colleagues in the House – along with City Councillors, MPPs, and other dignitaries – join us for the festival. Contributing to the multicultural fabric of our country is something that transcends party lines and political differences; I am grateful that we can all come together to celebrate the richness of Asian cultures, as we do with every patch in the Canadian mosaic. I would like to thank the Canadian Asian Heritage Association (CAHA) for organizing this wonderful event in support of the Pan-Asian community across the GTA. Your work, along with the contributions of so many across the region, has been instrumental in promoting awareness and understanding of Asian cultures within our pluralistic Canadian society.

Join Minister Tim Hodgson, York Regional Police, and me for our Community Safety Forum on November 13th. Learn practical ways to protect yourself and those you care about, including tips on home security, personal safety, and avoiding scams. Space is limited! Register now by scanning the QR code on the poster or by visiting the following URL: [forms.gle/yrXHQqsXnQni2Xj5A] We’d love to see you there!

The challenges facing Hong Kong Pathway applicants remain an important issue for myself and my community in Markham-Unionville, particularly given the significant application backlog. I have continued to raise concerns about processing delays with the Minister of Immigration and have consistently advocated for affected families. Earlier this year, I called for a 33,000-person quota to be allocated to help address the backlog; further, I hosted a roundtable with the Minister, applicants, and community leaders to ensure that the voices of those in this backlog were heard. Thank you, Minister Diab, for helping bring attention to these concerns that affect many in my riding and across Canada.

Canada is building, and behind every major project are skilled workers. We are investing in training and supporting skills development so that communities across the country have the people they need to get the work done. On October 16, Minister Hajdu announced up to $258.6 million in funding over five years, with $50 million ongoing, to the Sectoral Workforce Innovation Fund (SWIF). Through SWIF, we are helping key sectors and regions recruit, train, and retain skilled workers, while helping Canadians build in-demand skills and access good, well-paying jobs. As Markham-Unionville develops into a major hardtech innovation hub, our community is expanding to become an integral part of Canada’s skilled workforce. SWIF will help address immediate skilled labour shortages in the region through industry-led solutions aligned with federal priorities and industrial strategies. As part of a broader approach to ensuring Canada has the people and skills needed to deliver on its economic ambitions, these investments will help connect workforce needs with the industries, projects, and priorities driving Canada’s future growth. Team Canada Strong, an $8 billion investment, is working alongside this initiative to recruit, train, and hire up to 100,000 Red Seal skilled trades workers by 2030-31 to help build Canada’s housing, infrastructure, and defence priorities. Together, these efforts support workforce solutions that respond to the needs of workers, employers, and key sectors across Canada. Just as a nation is its people, an economy is its workforce – by skilling up our talent pool, we are building up Canada Strong in real time.

A few weeks ago, I gave a speech on Bill C-39 – the Building Canada Strong Act. Today, I would like to layer on with a short video that walks us through why this legislation matters. Currently, major infrastructure projects can take years – from conception to construction to completion. Bill C-39 will streamline decision-making and help get these nation-building projects built faster, creating jobs and delivering faster economic growth that benefits all Canadians. One consultation. One coordinated federal decision. Within one year. This is how we get shovels in the ground faster for Markham-Unionville and beyond; this is how we Build Canada Now.

Had the pleasure of providing brief remarks during the opening of the TCCSA Career Expo at York University's Markham Campus last month. The Cross-Cultural Community Services Association is guided by a north star of strengthening competencies and fostering participation – this Career Expo was a quintessential expression of their organizational commitment to creating employment opportunities, strengthening workforce connections, and supporting inclusive communities. Taking place at the heart of downtown Markham, the Career Expo was a gateway for students and job seekers to network and to learn more about employment opportunities from more than 25 organizations across York Region and surrounding communities – companies such as RBC, CIBC, and Sun Life were present. Having been on both sides of the hiring table throughout my journey – as an early-career professional looking for opportunities and as a C-Suite executive responsible for hiring talent and building teams – I know how important these kinds of events are. By bringing together job seekers, employers, and community partners, the TCCSA is helping our young people both to explore their options and to find their place in the workforce. A core message that I expressed in my opening remarks was that many of the successful people I've worked with over the years were those who continued to learn, adapted to change, and were prepared to take on new challenges when opportunities arose. By taking a step into the Career Expo, the attendees were demonstrating a core prerequisite for the three qualities I outlined – they showed up. By increasing their surface area of contact with the world at large, they are creating their own opportunities. I look forward to seeing where everyone's journey takes them in the years ahead!

In late September, I had the honour of attending the grand opening ceremony for the Markham Golf & Country Club in my riding alongside Mayor Scarpitti and Markham Councillors. A traditional lion dance was a highlight of the opening festivities; a ribbon-cutting segment ceremonially inaugurated the club as open for business as a private golf facility and event venue. Community hubs like this are a central fixture in how we build a stronger civic culture – they are anchors for the events that bring us closer together, time and time again. Located at the heart of Markham-Unionville, just south of Woodbine and 16th Avenue, the golf and country club spans a total of 33 acres, creating a welcoming environment that combines recreation with fine Cantonese cuisine. What a major Markham milestone! Congratulations to the Club – I look forward to its development into a major convener of meaningful community connections.

Last Monday, I had the immense privilege of partaking in two events on Parliament Hill in honour of Korean Heritage Month – a time to recognize the rich and vibrant heritage of Korean Canadians, who have contributed so much to the fabric of Canadian society. In the morning – right on the front lawn of the Hill – I gave brief remarks at a flag-raising ceremony, hoisting up the flag of the Republic of Korea. Then, in the evening, I attended a reception hosted by Ambassador Ki-Mo Lim, celebrating Korean National Day (Gaecheonjeol) and Armed Forces Day, recognizing the service of veterans who fought in the Korean War. As Vice-Chair of the Canada-Korea Interparliamentary Friendship Group, I would like to highlight the longstanding strategic partnership that our two countries continue to have, forged in trade, economic development, culture, and our shared history. From the legacy of the Korean War until today, the bilateral relationship serves as a cornerstone of stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific; domestically, Korean culture has become an important part of Canada's diverse and multicultural identity. In 2024, a motion passed unanimously in the Senate officially recognizing Korean Heritage Month nationwide. Thank you to my parliamentary colleagues and the Korean Canadian community for joining me for these two events, and cheers to the Canada-Korea relationship going forward!

Markham-Unionville is home to many small businesses – these are the heart of our communities and the backbone of Canada’s economy. Small and medium-sized businesses account for 99% of Canadian businesses and employ approximately 64% of Canada’s private-sector workforce. At a time when unjustified U.S. tariffs are putting pressure on Canadian businesses and workers, choosing Canadian matters more than ever. We will not compromise when it comes to protecting Canadian workers and businesses; we will not compromise when it comes to defending Canada’s economy from unjustified tariffs. The government is helping Canadian businesses manage tariff pressures, protect jobs, strengthen supply chains, and compete around the world. Budget 2025 set out more than $25 billion to support workers and businesses affected by U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions. However, government action is only one portion of what can be a more cohesive Team Canada approach. Every dollar spent at a local business helps strengthen our economy and helps build a stronger and more resilient Canada; shopping locally supports job creation, Canadian innovation, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and workers. In a fracturing world order, a collective Team Canada strategy means Buying Canadian. As global trade restructures, Canada’s goal is laser-focused on generating the best deal for Canadians – never a deal at any price or on any time frame. We are doubling down on our comparative advantages in key sectors and opening markets across the globe – building at home and diversifying trade abroad was never our Plan B. It has been our Plan A from the start. Canada is making it easier to buy Canadian, hire Canadian, and build Canadian. This is how we Build Canada Strong.

Last Sunday, I stopped by CHFA NOW, one of Canada's largest trade shows in the natural, organic, and wellness space at Toronto's Exhibition Place. Collectively, all the businesses represented by the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) are shaping the future of wellness; locally, the vast majority of these operations are small businesses driving economic activity in our communities. It was a pleasure to get a pulse on the 1,000+ CHFA members across Canada, who are involved in all aspects of the supply chain: manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and importers of natural health products. Touring multiple booths across the expo floor, I witnessed an incredible product diversity in the categories of natural health products and health foods – the trade show was a great opportunity to discuss the bold innovations and the latest developments that are occurring in this evolving niche. I also had the chance to engage with some businesses from my riding of Markham-Unionville who are driving economic activity in our region. It is always inspiring to see savvy small business owners growing their book of business in real time – they are the lifeblood of our domestic capital flows. Industry events like CHFA NOW are so important because they increase the surface area of exposure for local businesses that would otherwise have a geographically restricted client base. Thank you to the Canadian Health Food Association for the invitation! I look forward to further engagements with the association and its members as they shape the future of wellness across Canada.

On Tuesday, I rose in the House to speak on the positive impact that Bill C-39 – the Building Canada Strong Act – will have on our transportation and trade network. Our new Government’s legislative projects have been initiated with a single guiding principle: the global post-Cold War consensus has ruptured. In a rapidly changing world – where we can no longer rely on a stable relationship with the United States – the Canadian Government is focused on what we can control. We are building our strengths at home and diversifying our partnerships abroad; we are strengthening Canada's transportation and trade network so that we can move Canadian goods faster, unlock new markets, and build more resilient supply chains. We have the right plan to build Canada strong. Transportation is the vital link connecting every other priority we have – our trade corridors connect Canadian businesses to markets and supply chains at home and around the world. We cannot diversify trade, build the strongest economy in the G7, and strengthen Canada's competitiveness without a transportation system that works. As such, we are taking action to reduce red tape, strengthen supply chains, accelerate infrastructure development, and attract the investment needed to grow Canada's economy and create good jobs. C-39 would begin the implementation of these forward-looking actions, showing how the government would deliver on its commitment to address barriers that slow private investment, limit labour mobility, and restrict competition. Fundamentally, Canada needs to be seen as a reliable and beneficial place to invest and do business. Inefficiencies in our trade processes and supply chains are costly and can hurt our reputation as a reliable trading partner. Further, C-39 would support a more modern, responsive transportation system that can handle economic pressures, improve transportation performance, and unlock new capacity across supply chains. These measures will help Canadian businesses build with greater clarity – knowing that they can depend on connections to more global markets – while maintaining high standards for safety, security, and sustainability.

During late August and early September, I had the immense pleasure of attending the press conference and opening ceremony for the 8th Annual Asialicious Festival, a 3-day cultural festival that celebrates the diversity and richness of Asian culture through food, music, arts, and business opportunities. I had the opportunity to attend Asialicious last year with my family, so it was great to be back again. It is always great to see events like these in our community, which create a sense of belonging, bring people closer together, and showcase the incredible flavours and talent that exist right in our own backyard. Since 2019, the Asialicious Festival at Woodside Square in Scarborough North has been promoting multiculturalism, fostering unity and cultural exchange within Greater Toronto; at its core, the festival is about creating a space for different communities to understand and work together. Featuring dynamic performances spanning English, Chinese, and Vietnamese singing to more modern K-pop and hip-hop dance routines, Asialicious truly has something for everyone to enjoy. Thank you to the Federation of Asian Canadians Toronto (FACT) for putting on this incredible showcase; thank you for your continued commitment to celebrating, empowering, and promoting the diverse Asian Canadian community. Looking forward to attending Asialicious again next year!