Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition on behalf of my constituents of South Shore—St. Margarets, more narrowly the municipality of Barrington, and for the visitors and businesses of the municipality. Petitioners are calling on the government to take immediate action to improve cellular service in their community, citing that the government needs to work closely with telecommunications providers to expand coverage in underserved areas.

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to table a petition on behalf of Canadians deeply concerned about the worsening mental health and substance use crisis across our country, a crisis that has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Petitioners note that too many Canadians are unable to access timely mental health or substance use supports. They point out that when care is not available in the community, people are left to rely on overcrowded hospital emergency rooms or primary care providers. Untreated or inadequately treated mental illness carries enormous social and economic costs.

The petitioners therefore call on the Government of Canada to take urgent action by legislating parity between physical and mental health in Canada's universal public health care system; ensuring timely access to evidence-based, culturally appropriate and publicly funded mental health and substance use services beyond hospital and physician settings; and, finally, establishing the Canada mental health transfer to sustainably fund these services, including an initial investment of $4.5 billion to the provinces and territories.

Petitioners are clear: Canadians deserve a health care system where mental health is treated with the same urgency, priority and respect as physical health.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition calling upon the Government of Canada to protect the charitable status of religious institutions in Canada.

Religious charities and institutions play a critical role in our country and enrich our communities. Whether it is caring for those in need, fostering community spirit or simply bringing people together, despite conflicting reports coming from the government, petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to maintain the charitable status of religious institutions and charities so they may continue the important work they do in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to present a petition on behalf of my constituents, calling on the Government of Canada to withdraw Bill C-9 and protect religious freedoms in this country. Petitioners note that the Liberal and Bloc amendment to Bill C-9 that passed at committee would remove the good-faith religious defence clause from the Criminal Code, therefore criminalizing sacred texts like the Bible and punishing and prosecuting Canadians for expressing deeply held beliefs.

Petitioners believe that freedom of expression and freedom of religion are fundamental rights that must be preserved. Freedom of religion and freedom of expression are embedded in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They form the bedrock of western democracy and led to the flourishing of societies for thousands of years. We must not drift into the postnational woke Millism of the far left.

I just want to remind members that for the period of routine proceedings, we summarize the petitions rather than make statements.