Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the first time in the current Parliament with immense gratitude and humility, honoured to again represent the people of the Yukon in the chamber. I will be sharing my time with the member for Mississauga—Erin Mills.

I want to sincerely thank the citizens of the Yukon for their trust and confidence in me. I was gratified to receive the support of so many constituents, but regardless of whether and where someone placed their vote, I remain committed to representing all Yukoners and to maintaining a strong voice for the Yukon as a commitment to a stronger and united Canada that firmly embraces and includes the north.

I also want to congratulate you, Mr. Speaker, on your election to this esteemed role. I have full confidence that you will guide the members in the House to honour the Athenian spirit that you referred to, a House where we can participate in vigorous and informed debate while maintaining the highest regard for each other as elected representatives of all Canadians.

With respect to my colleagues across the House, both those who are returning and those who are newly elected, I look forward to working with each of them in the spirit of collaboration and respect. I want to give special recognition to the new members of Parliament from generation Z, whose presence in the House is both refreshing and inspiring. They bring a fresh energy that resonates deeply, not only with young Canadians but especially with young Yukoners, who hear their future reflected in those members' voices.

It is a privilege to be back in Parliament representing a territory as unique and vital as the Yukon, a place where the true north is indeed strong and free.

I listened carefully to the Speech from the Throne delivered by His Majesty King Charles. His words carried a powerful message of unity, respect and hope, a reminder of the values that bind us as a nation.

I appreciate the recognition of the land on which we gather. I would like to acknowledge, also with deep gratitude, that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people. Let us remember, whenever we speak in this great House, on whose territory we have the privilege to reside. This acknowledgement reminds us that reconciliation is a shared responsibility that we must carry out with sincerity and resolve.

In the Yukon, reconciliation is a commitment we strive to live up to every day. True reconciliation means indigenous peoples must have a real voice and real power over the decisions that shape their lands, their communities and their futures. We will continue to uphold the principle of free, prior and informed consent, not just as policy but as a promise.

Mr. Speaker, you will note that my few minutes on this stage begin and end with the north. As Canada faces unprecedented challenges in this world, these challenges are experienced even more in the north. However, as reflected in the throne speech, this moment also provides us with incredible opportunities for renewal and for thinking big and acting bigger. So, too, do opportunities lie in the north.

We in the north are on the front lines of the climate crisis. Melting permafrost, wildfires, and ecosystem shifts are not tomorrow’s headlines; they are today’s reality in Yukon. However, we are not just experiencing these changes; we are also leading the way with solutions. From renewable energy projects to indigenous-led conservation, Yukon is showing that environmental leadership and economic growth can and must go hand in hand.

We must continue and strengthen our government’s investments in clean energy infrastructure, climate adaptation and indigenous environmental stewardship in the north. Our responsibility is clear: to protect this land for future generations while building a sustainable economy rooted in respect for nature.

Health care is another urgent priority. Too many Yukoners and Canadians across the country, especially those living in rural and remote areas, face long waits, long travel and limited access to the care they need. Canadians need and deserve prompt access to primary care. Mental health and addiction services are stretched too thin, and our prevention efforts are not yet meeting the need. In collaboration with provinces and territories, our government will continue work on these serious gaps in health care access.

A strong Yukon also depends on a just and inclusive economy, one where everyone has a chance to thrive. Economic progress means better education, housing and job opportunities for the Yukoners' youth and for families in the Yukon and across the country.

As highlighted in the Speech from the Throne, the French language is at the heart of the Canadian identity. That said, many people are unaware of the vitality and strength of the Yukon's francophone community. As a proud francophile, I have been privileged to live alongside and work with this dynamic community.

It is striking that the Yukon boasts the third-largest bilingual population per capita in Canada. As the MP for the Yukon, I remain deeply committed to advocating for its needs and ensuring that the community continues to thrive.

Canada indeed respects and celebrates its two official languages and also its multiple indigenous languages. The Yukon, in fact, is home to eight distinct indigenous languages, each a vital expression of culture. Today, all 14 Yukon first nations are actively engaged in efforts to restore and revitalize these languages. As our government continues its commitment to indigenous languages and reconciliation, I remain dedicated to advocating for the resources and support needed to ensure the ongoing renewal and flourishing of Yukon’s original languages.

Our government is driven by a fundamental belief: A strong economy must work for everyone. Today, too many Canadians are struggling to get ahead, and we are taking action. We are cutting taxes for the middle class, saving two-income families up to $840 a year. We are making home ownership more attainable by cutting the GST on home prices at or below $1 million for first-time homebuyers, delivering savings of up to $50,000 and reducing the GST on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million.

Nationally, we are focused on building a strong, inclusive economy that leaves no one behind. This means lowering the cost of living, making housing more affordable and unlocking opportunities in the skilled trades. We will remove interprovincial and interterritorial trade barriers, invest in nation-building infrastructure and strengthen Canada’s position on the global stage, while safeguarding our sovereignty, borders and values.

Amidst unsettling and increasing global conflicts and insecurity, all eyes are on the Arctic. Thus, I am pleased that the throne speech confirms that Canada will invest to strengthen its presence in the north as this region faces new threats.

In the Yukon, no less than anywhere else in the country, building a strong Canada means working in deep partnership with indigenous partners. That is why I am pleased to see that our government will double the indigenous loan guarantee program from $5 billion to $10 billion, enabling more indigenous communities to become owners of major projects. Together, these are not just government goals; they are our shared priorities, a blueprint for a stronger Yukon and a stronger Canada. As we move forward, I am confident that by working collaboratively within government, with indigenous partners and with communities across Canada, we can meet these challenges head-on.

This moment demands bold action and clear vision. I am proud to be part of a government that shares a commitment to building a secure, prosperous and inclusive Canada, a Canada where Yukon’s voice is heard and where all Canadians can thrive.

As His Majesty stated yesterday, Canada’s national anthem celebrates the true north strong and free. My home, and the home of the 47,000 Yukoners I represent, is the very heart of Canada’s true north. As we build a Canada that is strong, secure, safe and free, I will ensure on behalf of my constituents that the Yukon, with all its rich resources, its pristine environment and its people imbued with the spirit of innovation, community and adventure, this great territory, will be with Canada all the way.

Brendan Hanley

$594,563.00