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Damoff speaks for the first time in Canada's House of Commons as Oakville North-Burlington MP by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 11 | Thursday, December 10, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Oakville North-Burlington MP Pam Damoff addressed the House of Commons Tuesday (Dec. 8) in her first speech as federal representative of the new local riding. Damoff addressed her comments in response to Governor General David Johnston's Friday Throne Speech and covered such topics as climate change and First Nations relations. "I was deeply honoured to have the opportunity to speak in the House of Commons, before my elected peers, in response to Governor General David Johnston's Throne Speech," said Damoff. "Governor General Johnston presented the Liberal government's plans and priorities for the 42nd Parliament and I am so pleased to be able to speak to a plan I fully support in the House. It was also an opportunity to thank the voters of my riding for their trust." The Liberal government promised a new tone for Parliament in the Throne Speech last week -- an ambitious agenda of tax cuts for the middle class, a more robust peacekeeping role and a new health-care deal with the provinces. The Throne Speech, titled Making Real Change Happen, also committed to building a new relationship between Canada and First Nations, based on respect and recognition of rights. It promised a better future for Canada by being "smart and caring on a scale as never before." In her first address before the House, Damoff congratulated her colleagues on their success in the recent election and expressed her hope that a new era of respect and civility will "dawn on this great Parliament." Damoff reiterated her long-standing determination to promote and protect the environment, supporting the Liberal plan to invest in clean technology, take action on climate change and reduce Canada's carbon footprint. "I was delighted to hear Governor General Johnston recognize that a clean environment and strong economy go hand-in-hand," said Damoff. "This is something I believe deeply. Leadership from the federal government will motivate other levels of government, business and all Canadians who need to be partners together in tackling climate change." In response to the Governor General's determination to ensure every First Nations child receives a quality education, Damoff spoke about two teenaged sisters who live in Oakville, who founded Books with No Bounds. The organization works to ship donated books to libraries in northern First Nations communities. Damoff noted the Books with No Bounds founders, Emma and Julia Mogus, started the organization because they, too, believe every Saturdays in December Pam Damoff I was deeply honoured to have the opportunity to speak in the House of Commons, before my elected peers, in response to Governor General David Johnston's Throne Speech... I am so pleased to be able to speak to a plan I fully support in the House. It was also an opportunity to thank the voters of my riding for their trust. MP Oakville North-Burlington FREE PARKING Towne Square PARKING LOT 10am ­ 6 pm Thomas St. Pam Damoff I n Th e child deserves a quality education. The Throne speech also outlined key federal government priorities on infrastructure investment, something Damoff solidly supports. "I have seen first-hand the importance of investing in public transit, green and social infrastructure," said Damoff. "The need for affordable housing has never been greater. The need to provide our young people with the necessary skills to succeed in a changing workplace is critical and ensuring that everyone has a safe, affordable and environmentally-sound way to get to (work) is key to ensuring our young people can afford to live in our community and not be forced to move away." Damoff acknowledged her family, friends and the many people who were instrumental in helping her reach the House of Commons and remembering a favourite quote from a personal hero. "I will take Canadian hero Terry Fox's words to heart as I work with other members of the 42nd Parliament to make real change happen for all Canadians," said Damoff. "Terry said `anything is possible if you try -- dreams are made possible if you try.' I believe him and look forward to taking that sentiment with me to the House every day." P Towne Square Robinson St. Brought to you by the Businesses of Downtown Oakville Dunn St. Lakeshore Rd.