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Dear Davenport friends and neighbours -
Last Friday night at around 7pm, one of my favourite (of many) Davenport community leaders started tapping at the windows of my constituency office - gesturing inexplicably. On his first pass, we couldn’t recognize him as it was a cold night and he was covered
up. When he came back less than an hour later, he tapped again and took off his hat so we could recognize him. And what he was saying was … GO HOME!
He was right! My team and I were working feverishly (and late) to finish our weekly federal update to Davenport before heading out for the weekend.
So this week, we have revamped the weekly federal updates so it is shorter, more focused with links to articles and announcements, so you can choose which topics you want to read more about.
Ukraine continues to dominate most of our attention and energy this week (rightly so). As the Prime Minister was preparing to come back to Canada from Europe, he announced that President Zelensky will be addressing the House of Commons. I am happy that European
and Western nations are united in holding Russia accountable through sanctions and doing all we can to support Ukraine. Despite all of our efforts, it continues to be heart-wrenching to watch this senseless, unprovoked and illegal war unfolding and the corresponding
human costs. For those who want to show solidarity with Ukrainians, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress is organising a #StandwithUkraine March this
Sunday March 13 at 2:00pm beginning at the St. Vladimir Institute at 630 Spadina Ave. and walking to the U.S. Consulate at 360 University Ave.
I was honoured to be elected as the President of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association - given the current geopolitical crisis, leadership is important in shaping the rules around peace, security, and defence moving forward.
For those joining the Just-Transition rally outside my office this weekend, I look forward to seeing you. I fully agree we need an urgent focus and action plan to support workers who are transitioning or need to transition to low carbon sectors and jobs.
Many Davenport residents have called to ask if the federal government could delay the upcoming increase in the price on pollution (i.e. carbon tax) given the high cost of gas. My response to them is that the climate crisis is real and underway, with most reports
saying it is accelerating faster than we had thought; so we simply cannot in any way stop our aggressive urgent action to decarbonize, reduce emissions and meet our Paris accord and net zero targets.
As Ontario is reducing restrictions, the rules around visiting the House of Commons has changed. Public access to the House of Commons will resume the week of April 25; and guided tours will begin the week of May 16. Note though that the use of masks in the
House of Commons precinct has been extended until June 23.
I am so proud of Canada’s Paralympians - we have won an impressive 21 medals and currently are in third place overall.
And lastly, we are hiring! If you or anyone you know is interested in joining my team and serving Davenport, please see the links below to apply, we are currently hiring a communications and social media position as well as for a caseworker and outreach position.
I had an awesome time at Three-Speed last night with friends. With the weather getting a tiny bit warmer, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy some of our local, amazing restaurants, parks and to window shop (and shop) at local businesses.
It’s a pleasure to serve you Davenport! Have a wonderful and safe weekend!
My very best,
Julie Dzerowicz
Member of Parliament, Davenport
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1. Ukraine: Inspiring us all!
On Tuesday March 15, President Zelensky will address the Canadian Parliament virtually at 11am. If you want to watch this live, visit CPAC.
Canada has been and will continue to support Ukraine against the illegal unprovoked attack by Putin. The situation in Ukraine continues to be a top priority for our federal government and we continue to work very closely with NATO and global leaders to:
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Continue to support Ukraininans while sanctioning Russia
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Continue to find ways to a ceasefire and a way to find a resolution that will bring peace back to Europe.
This week we announced the following:
Economic Sanctions
On March 7, 2022, Canada imposed sanctions on
ten additional members of Putin’s inner circle complicit in the unjustified invasion, including former and current government officials, oligarchs and supporters of the Russian leadership. As
of March 3 and since Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea in 2014,
Canada has placed economic sanctions on more than 1000 people and entities. Canada will continue to sanction those who enable Presidents Putin's unjustified war.
Military Equipment
Canada announced an additional $50 million in both lethal and non-lethal aid to Ukraine. This includes lethal and non-lethal military aid, including Canadian-made cameras used in military drones
and other specialised equipment.
Humanitarian assistance and how you can help!
Global Affairs Canada will match every donation made by
individual Canadians to the Canadian Red Cross’s Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal between February 24, 2022, and March 18, 2022, up to a maximum of $30 million. For those who are able, you can donate to this effort through the link
here.
Canada has already committed more than $150 million in humanitarian and development in Ukraine. $50 million from Canada’s contribution for humanitarian aid is going to organizations that are helping those who need it most, including the World Food Programmes,
the UN Refugee Agency, the World Health Organization and others.
Another way you can show your support is by joining #StandwithUkraine March organised by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress this
Sunday March 13 at 2:00pm beginning at the St. Vladimir Institute at 630 Spadina Ave. to the U.S. Consulate at 360 University Ave.
Immigration
Canada announced an additional $117 million to implement Canada’s new immigraiton measures to welcome those fleeing the war in Ukraine. This funding will help set up the
two new pathways for Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s attack that will make it easier and faster for Ukrainians who are fleeing war to come to Canada as quickly and safely as possible.
For more than a month we have been prioritizing permanent and temporary residence applications for Ukrainians who wish to come to Canada and those in Canada on a temporary basis can extend their stay.
Over 7,300 Ukrainians have arrived in Canada since the beginning of the year.
Canada has set no limit to the number of individuals who can apply through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel. All individuals who come to Canada through either pathway will be eligible to apply for open work and study permits.
For the time being those who may have friends or family currently in Ukraine, the most up-to-date information on how to access assistance and on how to leave Ukraine can be found
here.
NATO Operation Reassurance
Canada will renew its multi-year commitment to NATO Operation REASSURANCE to support deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe. Currently our contributions to Operation REASSURANCE includes
up to 540 Canadian Armed Forces members as the Framework Nation to the Canadian-led multinational enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia since 2017. As well as a Frigate and up to six CF-18s for persistent rotational air surveillance and training.
Tackling Misinformation
Canada will also invest $3 million to support the Government of Ukraine’s priority of countering disinformation and other malign influence activities in Ukraine.
Securing energy supply
The federal government recognizes the current impact that the
oil price increase is having on Canada and around the world. The unprovoked attack by Russia on Ukraine resulted in a geopolitical crisis in Europe creating an increase in commodity prices. Canada is working with its NATO
partners (and others) to protect the energy supply chain in order to mitigate future price increases and stabilize the market.
International Court
The
International Criminal Court of Justice was set to have a hearing on Monday (March 7) and Tuesday (March 8) in the Hague for an order halting Russia’s military invasion that falsely accused Ukraine of genocide to justify
their illegal war but it was boycotted by Moscow. Ukraine brought its case under the UN’s 1948 Genocide Convention. Ukraine alleges Russia is misusing the convention by claiming it as a pretext for its own attacks.
The international court of justice (ICJ) has said it will decide “as soon as possible”
on a Ukrainian demand for an emergency order that Russia halt hostilities. The court is using a fast-track procedure that can bring a ruling on provisional redress in days.
Prime Minister Trip to Europe Concludes
This week Prime Minister Trudeau travelled to Europe to further strengthen Canada’s solidarity with our European partners and allies in the face of Russia’s unwarranted invasion of Ukraine.
The Prime Minister
began his trip in London with a visit with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and an audience with Her Majesty The Queen. Both leaders agreed to pursue further joint support for Ukraine by providing critical humanitarian
aid and ensuring that Russia is held accountable for its illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion, including by referring the attacks to the International Criminal Court.
Trudeau then
travelled to Latvia to meet with Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš to review current security challenges, NATO’s assurance and deterrence measures. Prime Ministers Trudeau and Kariņš were joined by Prime Minister of Estonia,
Kaja Kallas and Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Šimonytė to work together on additional support for Ukraine. Trudeau also met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberh to discuss the Alliance’s response to Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine and met
with the Canadian Armed Forces members in Latvia as part of Operation REASSURANCE to thank them for their work.
Next Trudeau travelled to Berlin to meet with Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz and discussed peace and security
in Europe and explored avenues to deepen bilateral cooperation to enhance trade.
Trudeau concluded his
trip in Warsaw, Poland where he met with President Andrzejj Duda and conveyed Canada’s support to Poland through the rapidly growing refugee crisis, as more than one million refugees have fled to Poland from Ukraine. Prime
Minister Trudeau visited the Atrium Centrum temporary refugee shelter in Warsaw for Ukrainians and other people fleeing Russian aggression. The Prime Minister also met with United States Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss next steps in their coordinated
response to Russia, as well as continued work on energy security.
Consular Services
Canadians in need of consular assistance in Ukraine should contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1 (613) 996-8885 or
s...@international.gc.ca.
IRCC has also established a dedicated service channel for Ukraine enquiries that will be available for clients both in Canada and abroad
at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted. In addition, clients can now add the keyword “Ukraine2022” to the
IRCC Web form with their enquiry and their email will be prioritized for immigration files and applications.
Full list of supports
For a more comprehensive list of Canada’s support for Ukraine click
here.
Слава Україна!
Our hearts are with Ukraine, Ukrainians and the Ukrainian-Canadian community. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Ottawa to continue to provide as much support and assistance to Ukraine.
2. COVID: The Latest News
As always, Dr. Tam provided her weekly update today. Her
statement focused on how far we have come over the last year and highlighted what she sees as our next steps in tackling COVID-19.
Today (March 11, 2022) marks two years since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. On this day, we also take a moment to once again appreciate the work of healthcare, seniors homes and long-term care workers, and frontline essential workers throughout this pandemic.
We are grateful to them for their heroic efforts and their tireless work.
Over the last 7-days (Mar 4-10, 2022), an average of 5,583 new cases were reported daily across Canada, a 3.7% decrease compared to the week prior. Severe illness trends continue to decline, with weekly reductions reported in most jurisdictions.
The latest provincial and territorial data indicate that over 81% of the total population are now fully vaccinated and many others are eligible to get a
booster dose.
As we are seeing a relaxation of COVID mandates and restrictions, Dr. Tam emphasized the need for a booster to those who have not yet gotten one. A vaccine booster helps add layers of protection and reduces the risk of transmission to others. Keeping infection
rates down remains key to further reducing severe illness trends, protecting vulnerable populations over the coming weeks, keeping our economy open, and minimising future restrictions.
Vaccine Clinics in Davenport
Davenport residents kindly note that there are many pop-up and weekly vaccination clinics across the city, including the following in Davenport:
Davenport- Perth Community and Health Centre:
Tuesdays from 2pm- 7pm
For 5-11 year olds: Pfizer / second doses if first was 28 days ago or more
For those 12 and older:
First and second dose available
Boosters for 18+ if second dose was 3 months ago or more
Pfizer for ages 12-29
Moderna only for ages 30+
By appointment only : book
here.
FCJ Refugee Centre - Regular Immunization Clinic for Children:
Thursday, March 17, 2022 ( 1:00-3:00PM)
Registration will be open until March 11
Parents will have to provide the children’s immunization record, no OHIP needed
Appointment only :
By email: eli.i...@fcjrefugeecentre.org
By phone: 416-469-9754 ext. 230
Research funding for COVID-19 health impacts on Black, Indigenous & radicalized communities
On Friday, March 4, on behalf of the federal government, Minister Marci Ien
announced an investment of $26.3 million in research funding to help address the disproportionate COVID-19 health impacts on Black, Indigenous and radicalized communities.
These projects will work to strengthen the capacity of health care providers to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on Black communities, will study to help people living with social anxiety disorder during the pandemic and many more...
March 11 marks the National Day of Observance for COVID-19
The Minister of Health, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, issued a
statement to reflect on the two years that have passed since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Today we reflect on the impacts that we have and continue to experience and show gratitude to the health
care, personal support and frontline essential workers who have sacrificed so much. After two years of following individual public health measures―such as choosing to be vaccinated and wearing masks – he continues to encourage Canadians everywhere to keep
using all the tools we now have at our disposal to live with the virus.
It is a time to commemorate all those people who have lost their lives and the significant impacts felt by all of us because of COVID-19. While Canada has made significant progress, COVID-19 is not over. We all have an important role to play in keeping each
other safe and healthy.
3. Funding Women’s Entrepreneurship
On Tuesday (March 8), Minister Ng, the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development,
announced $55 million in funding for Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy that includes: the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, WES Ecosystem Fund and the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub. This strategy builds on historic
government investments in women entrepreneurs that aim to integrate gender-based analysis into program development, legislating pay equity and enhancing Canada Child Benefit.
The strategy includes funds that will ensure women entrepreneurs have equal access to benefits and opportunities arising from international investment and affordable financing - particularly for start-ups, under-represented groups, or sole proprietorships.
First, the
Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund will supplement existing loan programs by adding microloans to women entrepreneurs. Through this loan fund, women will be able to apply for loans of up to $50,000 through selected non-governmental
organizations (NGOs).
Second, the WES Ecosystem Fund will support women entrepreneurs by removing barriers in expanding their social network which will help them start up, scale
up and access new markets.
Lastly, the
Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub supports over 300 organizations and thousands of women entrepreneurs to create an inclusive, supportive and growth-driven environment for women’s entrepreneurship in Canada. The government
is also investing in the
Black Entrepreneurship Program that invests in removing systemic barriers for diverse women entrepreneurs.
Through these initiatives our government is charting a new path for inclusive and sustainable economic growth that will improve Canada’s competitiveness, productivity, and prosperity.
4. Immigration: Recognizing Credentials of Newcomers
The pandemic has had adverse effects across many industries in the labour market in Canada. To combat worker shortages, Minister Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion has
announced additional funding for 11 new programs under the
Foreign Credential Recognition Program (FCRP). The FCRP funds provinces and territories to enhance their foreign credential recognition processes to make it less complex and time-consuming. The Program also provides financial
support for new employers in their foreign recognition process. This investment aims to improve workplace integration for newcomers and address the labour and skill shortages in Canada.
Multilingual Orientation Service Association for Immigrant Communities (MOSAIC) is receiving over 1.3 million in funding for their Canadian Work Experience Internship Pilot Project.
With this investment, MOSIAC will assist newcomer professionals match their international education and experience to opportunities in the Canadian labour market. Its benefits are two-fold given that it will increase the number of newcomer professionals using
their pre-arrival education and experience, and create internships that will provide the knowledge and skills that are valued by employers. This funding will help scale up and expand existing support with a focus on in-demand sectors, such as health, information
technology and the skilled trades.
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Other Important Federal News & Announcements
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1. Visit: South Asian Women’s Centre
I celebrated International Women’s Day with the South Asian Women’s Centre! The South Asian Women’s Centre is a non-profit run by and for South Asian Women to provide an environment where
women can work together to promote their well-being.
The centre is a place where South Asian women of all backgrounds can access a variety of programs and services. These services help empower women to develop their own social, cultural, and economic standing in society.
It was awesome to see Kripa and all the amazing women who shape and contribute to improving our community. I celebrate women every day … not just International Women’s Day!
2. Visit: St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
One of the two grade schools I visited this week was St. Josaphat’s on Franklin Ave. I grew up attending the school and was part of the St.Josaphat's Ukrainian Catholic Church just down the street.
It was a pleasure to pop by this week and speak with Father John.
The unprovoked and unjustifiable attack on Ukraine by Russia has affected the Ukrainian Canadian community immensely. Many have found St. Josephat’s as a safe space to come together in support of Ukraine. St.Josaphat’s has been hosting vigils for Ukrainians
fighting in the war and collecting donations to send to Ukraine.
3.Visit: MOCA
Davenport’s top destination for contemporary art MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) has officially opened their Spring 2022 exhibits!
I joined Brad Keast, Board of Director Chair, Kathleen Bartels, Executive Director and CEO, November Paynter, Artistic Director at MOCA, donors and members at their opening night exhibition. It was awesome to see so many people out celebrating.
There are currently five amazing exhibitions at MOCA from March 10 to July 31 from artists Shirin Neshat, Maria Qamar, Felix Gonzalez, Jeffrey Gibson and Debashis Sinha. To learn more about the artists, MOCA and these exhibits, and to plan your visit click
here.
4. In the House: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association
Yesterday I was elected Chair of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association. I am honoured to take on this role and continue to work with my colleagues in Canada and around the world in strengthening the relationship and values that underpin the NATO alliance.
The big issue we are focused on is Ukraine: how to find a way to a ceasefire, continued sanctions and restrictions on Russia, and a plan on how to move forward given the current geopolitical crisis and how the world has now changed.
I am also proud to continue to represent Canada as Vice Chair of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. The Assembly serves as an essential link between NATO and the parliaments of NATO nations. It provides greater transparency of policies, and fosters better understanding
of the Alliance’s objectives and missions among legislators.
To learn more about the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, follow the link
here to learn more about the overall Assembly, follow the link
here.
5. In the House: Finance Committee
We had two important committee meetings this week. The first meeting was related to the Emergencies Act
and stopping the money flow that was funding the blockades and Ottawa occupation. Vital testimony was heard from the Canadian Bankers Association as well as from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It was an excellent meeting - you can watch it
here.
Our second meeting this week was on-camera and focused on finalising our pre-budget recommendations. Thanks to the hundreds of organizations and individuals that made submissions and came before our committee.
You can continue to follow the committee’s work
here.
6. House of Commons is now open to the public!
The House is now open to the public! Hurrah!!!
Following a meeting of the Board of Internal Economy (the governing body of the House of Commons), the Speaker has shared that the public gallery in the Chamber as well as public access to committee meetings will resume during the week of April 25. As well,
guided tours and general public access will be resuming during the week of May 16. Note though that the use of masks in the House of Commons precinct has been extended until June 23.
7.Response to Davenport Q: Can the federal government put a stop to the planned increase of the price on pollution- given that gas prices are increasing?
Thank you to all Davenport residents who have shared concerns re current gas prices and the fact that our price on pollution is scheduled to increase on April 1, 2022.
Everyone is worried about affordability.
We are all worried about gas prices and it is expected to continue to increase, while global leaders work to stabilize the oil/gas supply.
I will say though that our federal government is 1000% committed to meeting our climate targets and to moving to net zero by 2050. To meet this target, we have a lot of aggressive actions to undertake in the coming days, weeks and years. We cannot stop; and
there is no turning back. Climate change is here and accelerating faster than what was anticipated (according to the latest IPCC report).
Often, I remind myself that the reason there is a price on pollution in Ontario is because Premier Ford cancelled the
cap-and-trade program at a cost of $3 billion annually to Ontario and worse … enormous cost to the environment. As Ontario failed to produce a
robust provincial carbon pricing regime, the
federal government applied a price on pollution
in Ontario and other provinces without a pricing regime to reduce emissions.
8. Do you want to create a better Canada? Job openings in my office.
I am inviting you to join my team! If you are interested in having a key role in making Canada a better country and in creating positive change, I have two full-time positions open. A Communications and Social Media position available in my Toronto or Ottawa
office and a Caseworker and Outreach position available in my Toronto office.
See the job description for the Communications and Social Media position
here.
See the job description for the Caseworker and Outreach position
here.
Deadline is March 21 end of day; but we will start interviewing as soon as awesome applicants & resumes come in!
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Available Federal Funding and other Resources
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1. Grants, Community Resources and Funding Programs for Davenport Organizations
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Donate to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal: Canada Red Cross
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The Canadian Red Cross will in turn allocate the total amount of funding to support the efforts of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including the Ukrainian Red
Cross Society, and other national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross, in responding to the humanitarian needs caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. For those who are able, you can donate to this
effort through the link
here
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Tax Clinic Services in Davenport
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The government of Canada launched a consultation process on the development of new regulations that will set minimum percentage recycled content requirements for certain
items made of plastic. Canadians and stakeholders are invited to comment before March 14, 2022 on proposed measures.
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Program to support industrial initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and deploy clean technology and green energy
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Approximately $161 million from the 2019 compliance period will go towards projects that reduce carbon pollution
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A call for proposals for Indigenous-led projects to build new or expand existing clean fuel production capacity in Canada
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As component of the
Clean Fuels Fund, this dedicated Indigenous Call for project proposals targets new production and projects at the commercial scale. Projects for the production of clean liquid or gaseous fuels- such as hydrogen, advanced
ethanol and renewable diesel-are eligible for consideration.
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This fund will compensate eligible producers for reasonable Canadian production costs directly caused by an interruption of more than one day in filming or producer's
abandonment of the production prior to the end of filming due to Covid-19
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Through initiatives like the Low Carbon Economy Fund, the Government of Canada continues to work with partners across the country to cut pollution and build strong, resilient
communities, while creating good jobs and growing a sustainable, clean economy.
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New!
Mainstreet
Innovation Fund (Due March 31, 2022)
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This fund is one of 6 programs of the
Toronto Main Street Recovery and Rebuild Initiative funded through a $19 million investment from the federal government.
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The Main Street Innovation Fund offers funding for organizations to address main street challenges, engage in innovative place- making and animate streets to support business recovery
and success
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New!
Women Entrepreneurship Strategy's
Ecosystem Fund
(Due March 15, 2022)
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The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy’s Ecosystem Fund is a $25 million fund allocated to support new projects that are focused on responding to systemic barriers and gaps for diverse,
intersectional and/or under-served women and increase access to the financing, talent, networks and expertise they need to start up and scale up.
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CanExport
funding for small and medium businesses to help you grow into global markets
2. Access
to Federal Government Procurement
The federal government is making it easier for businesses to bid on federal contracting opportunities and increase supplier diversity in federal procurement.
For more information, click
here
Phone Number to National infoline: 1-800-811-1148
3. Financial help for workers and small businesses
To find financial help as an individual,
click here.
To find financial help for your business, click here.
4. Stay up to date on all COVID-19 related info at all Levels of Government
Canada – Federal:
Canada.ca/coronavirus
Ontario – Provincial:
Ontario.ca/coronavirus
Toronto – City: Toronto.ca/coronavirus
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If you have any questions for me or anything you would like to talk to me about, please
contact me.
Our mailing address is:
MP Julie Dzerowicz
(416) 654-8048
julie.d...@parl.gc.ca
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