SPEECHES & ADDRESSES
Yvonne has delivered powerful addresses in Parliament, championing Indigenous rights, healthcare access, and Labrador’s resilience. Drawing from her NunatuKavummiut roots, her speeches blend personal grit with calls for equity and progress. Below are highlights of her notable interventions:
Breast Cancer Awareness
OCTOBER 29th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and each year, 28,000 Canadians are diagnosed with breast cancer and thousands more live with its lasting impact. Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian women. As a two-time survivor of breast cancer, first diagnosed at age 42, I know firsthand about the importance of early detection. That is why I have long advocated for reducing the screening age from 50 to 40 in Canada so that women do not have to wait for mammography testing but rather have a choice.
I encourage all provinces to follow the lead of the United States, Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador and the Yukon, which have already reduced mammography screening to age 40. The Liberals agree and so does the Canadian Cancer Society that we need new national benchmarks to ensure that women across the country have access to early screening and detection.
I am proof that early detection saves lives, so I encourage all women to get their mammogram. It could make all the difference in their lives as well.
Extraordinary Labradorian
OCTOBER 24th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an extraordinary Labradorian, William Larkham Jr., for his incredible achievement on season 11 of the reality show Alone, aired on the History channel.
William hails from the tiny outport community of William’s Harbour. His determination, resilience and unmatched survival skills were on full display as he spent 84 gruelling days north of the Arctic Circle near Inuvik in the Northwest Territories enduring the harsh environment of the Arctic on the series Alone. He was one of 10 contestants and was the last one standing. His triumph earned him the grand prize of $500,000 U.S., and was a testament to his strength, knowledge of the land and spirit of survival.
William’s journey not only brought Labradorians to the edge of their seats, but showcased the deep connection he has with the land and water, and the remarkable skills passed down through generations of culture in the region.
I congratulate William and ask all Labradorians and all parliamentarians to join me in offering him our very best wishes.
OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS
October 11th, 2024
Mr. Speaker, September marked Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and each year over 3,000 women in Canada are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Whereas the five-year survival rate for breast cancer in Canada is now up to 88%, ovarian cancer is still as low as 44%.
Belles with Balls NL and Ovarian Cancer Canada held the first Lady Ball in Newfoundland and Labrador, engaging survivors and thrivers and many female role models from across our province to support ovarian cancer research and awareness. Raising over $100,000, the event was coordinated by the incredible co-chairs Bonnie Morgan and Alana Walsh-Giovannini. I want to thank all of the generous sponsors and attendees who came out and made it an exciting evening.
Together, we are making a real difference in the fight against ovarian cancer, turning hope into action for a brighter future for all women and their families.
OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY
October 8th, 2024
Madam Speaker, when I sat in the Newfoundland and Labrador legislature with former premier Danny Williams, he had to go to Ottawa to fight day in and day out against the Conservative Harper government as it tried to rip up the Atlantic accord, a historic agreement that has delivered jobs and prosperity in the province for generations.
Over the last year in the House of Commons, I have had to fight day in and day out with my Liberal colleagues against the Conservatives again, who tried to rip up the Atlantic accord and kill Bill C-49. For the last year, the Conservatives have stood against the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and the people of Nova Scotia, while we fought for them so we could deliver on the promise of the Atlantic accord and the enormous economic opportunities of Bill C-49.
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have led the offshore oil sector. We will lead the offshore green energy sector, and we will do it without the support of the Conservative Party.
HOUSING FOR NORTHERN COMMUNITIES
June 14th, 2024
Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the significant investments Liberals are making in housing across Canada, particularly in northern regions like Labrador. Recently, I announced over $10 million for 33 new homes in the community of Sheshatshiu. I continue to work with its chief and band council to address its ever-pressing housing needs.
Over the last decade, we have invested more than $100 million in housing in the Nunatsiavut region in the northern part of my riding, resulting in new homes, including triplexes, in communities like Nain and Hopedale for those people who were housing-insecure.
We have also added 20 new units for women fleeing violence and for low-income families in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. In Labrador West, we have upgraded more than 20 new units under Newfoundland and Labrador housing, and constructed additional units.
While the Conservatives slashed housing budgets and did not respond to the needs of families, and continue to vote down the Liberals’ investments, we continue to work hard.
Gallery
