Climate Dollars, More for Mental Health & Home Care, Foreign Interference and more!

[Julie Dzerowicz M.P.]

Bi-Weekly Updates from your Member of Parliament, Julie Dzerowicz.

View this email in your browser Hello Davenport Friends and Neighbours,   As you may know, I spend most weekdays in Ottawa (Monday to Thursday), and Friday and weekends I’m back in Toronto in our riding of Davenport.  Over the last two weeks,  we had constituency weeks where I was able to be at home in Davenport for 14 days!  This to me is happiness. You will see below in the MP Report some of the amazing people and places I had a chance to visit.  I love being home and able to talk to residents about how things are going.  I was so happy to also have had a chance to join an Iftar at the local mosque and Muslim community Centre.    Today, Trudeau’s chief of staff, Katie Telford, appeared before a parliamentary committee to testify on the issue of foreign interference in Canadian elections. Recently, a panel of independent experts determined that the alleged attempts at interference did not influence election results, though interference attempts did in fact take place. PM Trudeau has since appointed former Governor General David Johnston as a special rapporteur, meaning he will make recommendations on how the federal government can further protect Canadian interests, as well as whether a national public inquiry is necessary.   Last week, at the Davenport Perth Community and Health Centre, I joined FOUR cabinet ministers to announce a bilateral health agreement between the federal and provincial government for more home care and mental health dollars. I am grateful to Executive Director Kim Fraser and her amazing team (Wendy & Tammy) for welcoming us.  More home care and mental health care are among the top issues that Davenport residents have talked to me consistently about over the years.  It’s imperative  that the dollars get to where they need to go as quickly as possible.   It was a true privilege to join my fellow colleagues in welcoming Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to Canada this week.   He was in town to meet with PM Trudeau as  Canada introduced  more military support, financial aid, and economic sanctions to continue to support Ukraine against Russia’s brutal war.  We also announced a youth-mobility agreement between our two countries, and an updated Canada-Ukraine Trade Agreement.   Climate Action Incentive will be deposited into your bank account today!  The federal government has put a price on pollution - a key part of our plan to decarbonize our economy and move to net zero by 2050.  All dollars collected are returned to Canadians via a “climate action incentive” to help cover costs related to the price on pollution.   Friday, April 14 marks the beginning of Vaisakhi, the holiest day of the Sikh calendar.  I want to wish the Davenport TO Sikh community,  especially those who attend the Old Weston Road Gurdwara,  and all those who celebrate a very joyous occasion. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!     On April 17 at sundown to nightfall on April 18, will be Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day - a time to honour the lives lost and to recommit our efforts to ensure that it never happens ever again.   It looks like it will be a beautiful weekend, so enjoy!   My best regards,    Julie Dzerowicz Member of Parliament, Davenport        Table of Contents   The Top Three: Climate Action Incentive Payment, Prime Minister of Ukraine visit to Canada, More Money for Mental Health and Home Care - Bilateral Agreement Announced at Davenport-Perth Davenport MP Report: Working hard for you Links to important Federal News & Announcements  Davenport Federal Funding Available (including Small Business supports!)    The Top Three    1. Climate Action Incentive Payment   We are determined to get to net-zero by 2050 and decarbonize our economy.  Since 2019 the federal government has put a price on pollution to help us accelerate our efforts.   Davenport residents really care that we are moving as quickly as possible as the climate is changing faster than previously predicted.   Our price on pollution continues to increase yearly, and all monies collected are returned to Canadians via the Climate Action Incentives - which is paid quarterly! Today, Davenport residents will receive their first 2023 installment of the Climate Action Incentive rebate which will amount to:  $244 for a family of four $122 for an individual Find out more information here.   2. Prime Minister of Ukraine visit to Canada   It was a real honour to join my colleagues and our Prime Minister in welcoming the President of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal. As Russia’s brutal, full scale invasion of Ukraine has been going  on for over a year, Canada continues to stand in solidarity with and support Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s brutal, full-scale invasion.   We made a lot of important  announcements to further support Ukraine: More military support: 21,000 assault rifles, 38 machine guns, and over 2.4 million rounds of ammunition Canada has disbursed a $2.4 billion loan to the Government of Ukraine to support essential services, such as pension payments, purchasing fuel, and restoring damaged energy infrastructure Signed a joint declaration to conclude negotiations for the modernization of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Signed a bilateral Youth Mobility Agreement, which young people from both countries will benefit from when travel to Ukraine becomes safe New sanctions targeting 14 Russian individuals and 34 entities complicit in Russia’s war in Ukraine, including several security targets linked to the Wagner Group and Russia’s aviation sector. Saskatoon-based Cameco and Ukraine’s state-owned Energoatom signed a major supply contract in which Cameco will provide the necessary uranium to meet Ukraine’s nuclear fuel needs until 2035. For a full list of support for Ukraine click here.   3. More Money for Mental Health and Home Care-Bilateral Agreement Announced at Davenport-Perth Alongside my colleagues Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Carolyn Bennett and Minister of Seniors Kamal Khera at Davenport Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre, and Ontario Seniors Minister Raymond Cho and Ontario Associate Minister of Mental Health Michael Tibollo,  we announced the signing  of a bilateral agreement with Ontario to improve access to home and community care, and mental health services.   This is a significant investment on top of the $77 billion for Ontario’s healthcare through Budget 2023 that will assist the Ontario government to deliver more mental health supports, more home care services, ensure Davenport residents have access to a family doctor or a family health team, and that there is funding to help clear up the surgery backlog. With this significant federal investment and agreement with the province, Davenport residents will have better access to  the health care that they need.   NEW: helping Canadians age closer to home and family by supporting access to home care is a priority for our government.  Minister of Health, Jean-Yves Duclos and Minister Khera announced the launch of public consultations, led by the National Seniors Council (NSC) that will act as the Expert Panel that will inform measures to support Canadians to age at home in dignity. The consultation will be available from March 20 until April 23, 2023. This will provide stakeholders and Canadians with the opportunity to share their views and their lived experiences on this issue.   This consultation is open to all Canadians – older adults, caregivers, those who have experience or expertise in working with older adults, and individuals representing the diverse voices in our communities. So Davenport residents get involved and have your say here!       Davenport MP Report   1. Visit to Abrigo Centre to talk about automatic tax filing! Abrigo Centre is an amazing organization that supports people across our community with taxes, accessing benefits and so much more!   I spoke with Valeria about the Budget 2023 announcement that the federal government will accelerate automatic filing service for vulnerable and low income Canadians who currently may not  file their taxes receive or may not know all the benefits to which they are entitled.   HUGE thumbs up for automatic tax filing!   2. Visit to LA Centre for some lunch The community at LA Centre for Active Living is strong!  Thanks for letting me lunch with all of you and to let me know your thoughts on the new national dental benefit (thumbs up), affordability measures  and healthcare investments.   3. Visit to JJ Piccinnini I love JJ Piccinini.  Never a dull moment.  From talking to the Pickleball Players to saying hello to General Manager Frank, to chatting with the seniors hanging in the lobby … so many stories, jokes and great conversations.   4. Visit to The Stop Community Centre   Hung out at The Stop during their community lunch and had some great discussions about what is happening in our community, supports that are available, and in general getting caught up on all the gossip.   5. Iftar at Dawah Centre So happy I was able to join Iftar at the Dawah Centre this week and catch up with old and new friends!   6. Meeting New Superintendent of Schools for Davenport Robert D’Addario Met the new Superintendent of schools for Davenport Robert D’Addario to discuss top issues at local Davenport’s schools!   7. Henderson Brewing Visit Popped into Davenport's very own Henderson Brewery (one of the best craft brewers in the city!) and ran into co-owner Steve Himel who shared his thoughts on the decision in the federal Budget 2023 to freeze the excise tax on beer at 2%. Watch our video here.   8. Nosso Talho Visit   Stopped by Davenport local grocery store Nosso Talho to speak to workers and shoppers about the grocery rebate that will provide  $467 for an eligible family of four, $234 for individuals and $225 for seniors.   It was unanimous - everyone gave it a thumbs up!   9. Shirley Street Public School Grade 6 Visit   On International Day of Pink I visited Shirley Street Public School to say hello to Principal Bronwyn Davidson and to answer super intelligent and insightful questions from Mr. Porter’s Grade 6 students on gender equity, electoral reform, climate change, abortion rights, vaccines for developing countries and food insecurity.     I was SO IMPRESSED  … these kids are so smart. Loved their questions, loved their engagement and how much they care about the community and world around them.    Thanks to Mr. Porter for being such an inspiring teacher and Principal Davidson for creating such a caring positive learning environment.   10. Maureen Fair from West Neighbourhood House Visited Executive Director of West Neighbourhood House Maureen Fair to speak about affordable housing and how we can do better at the federal level. We  also talked about how to better coordinate housing efforts at all three levels.   11. Toronto Police 11th Division - Steve Moniz Thank you Steve Moniz from 11 Division for stopping by my office to update me on crime data across the riding (has gone down!) and to  provide resources for my team to better serve the Davenport community.   For resources, support or prevention tips and more click here.   12. Canadian Manufacturers  & Exporters Meeting   Great meeting with Matt Poirier and Gozde Kazazoglu from Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters to discuss the labour needs of small and medium-sized businesses across Canada. Appreciated their policy recommendations. Federally we have made great progress in filling labour needs with increased  immigration but we have a lot more work to do to address pressing labour & skills needs in rural, suburban and urban Canada.   13. Bilateral Announcement on Home Care and Mental Health    Davenport hosted an important announcement with Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Carolyn Benefit, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions of Ontario Michael Tibollo, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility of Ontario Raymond Cho, and Minister of Seniors Kamal Khera to announce a $465 million bilateral agreement between the Province of Ontario and the federal government to improve funding and access to home and community care, and mental health and addiction services.   14. Clean Manufacturing Tax Credit Announcement with Minister Mendocino at LiUNA Hall   I joined Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino, Parliamentary Secretary Ya’ara Saks, and Business Manager of LiUNA Jack Oliveira to announce  the Clean Manufacturing Tax Credit.    The credit will equal up to 30 percent of the cost of investments in machinery and equipment used to manufacture or process key clean technologies, and extract, process, or recycle certain critical minerals essential to a clean technology supply chain.   15. Toronto Board of Trade  with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland Attended a post-budget discussion hosted by Board of Trade President and CEO Janet Desilva with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland.   Great to hear some hard hitting questions about Budget 2023.  There was a lot of support for the Clean Economy tax credits, targeted affordability supports and historic long term health care funding.   16. First Metis Man of Odessa at Theatre Centre    OMG this play was amazing!!!! Go see it if you get a chance to see it.    First Metis Man of Odessa is a powerful play about the impact of the brutal war on Ukraine and  showcasing the stories of Ukrainians  who have found their way to Canada.   Congratulations to Mariya and Matthew for their moving performances, Lianna for the amazing directing, and the rest of the team for putting on an unforgettable performance.   17. Celebrating Graciosa Community Centre - 43rd Anniversary   An extraordinary night and celebration of Graciosa Community Centres' 43rd anniversary. A special thank you to Fernando, Fatima, Matthew and Maria Ivo for their leadership in promoting the Portuguese language, culture and traditions and for creating a space for families and individuals to come together for 43 years! And thanks to all community members who attend- Parabens and here is to another 40 more years!     Other Important News & Announcements (click on links for more info)   Foreign Interference: Trudeau’s top aide says election interference allegations ‘don’t add up’ to her Climate Action Incentive: Starting today, families receiving Climate Action Incentive payments to get even more support this year Federal Public Service Strike: The Government of Canada responds to the Public Service Alliance of Canada strike vote Natural Resources: The Prime Minister refutes Western Premiers' claims about a natural resources power grab as 'not grounded in truth' Interest Rates: In light of its outlook for growth and inflation, the Bank of Canada held its target for the overnight interest rate at 4.5%. Refugees: Canada marks a significant milestone, welcoming over 30,000 vulnerable Afghan refugees. Clean Economy: The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance spoke at the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal on building Canada’s clean economy and investing in Canadian workers. Ukraine: Prime Minister met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal where he reiterated Canada’s support for Ukraine and announced further military aid Innovation: Rogers takeover of Shaw approved, with conditions Transportation:Thursday marked the the fifth anniversary of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash Foreign  Interference: 30 day report on recommendations to counter foreign interference was released Heritage: Sunday April 9 marked Vimy Ridge Day, a day to commemorate the deaths and casualties of members of the Canadian Corps in the Battle of Vimy Ridge during the First World War Heritage: Sunday also marked Easter, a celebration in the Christian faith commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Employment: Canadian economy added 35,000 jobs in March Defense: Finland officially joins NATO Budget 2023: The Prime Minister highlights the new one-time Grocery Rebate proposed in Budget 2023  Science: Minister Champagne announced that Jeremy Hansen would be the first Canadian to orbit the moon aboard Artemis II Innovation: Minister Champagne announced that the licences of Freedom Mobile will be transferred to Videotron Energy: Minister O’Regan announced the opening of full eligibility for the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Grant Social Development: Minister Qualtrough announced that the elimination of interest on Canada Student Loans takes effect. Public Safety: Final Report from the Mass Casualty Commission was released (Nova Scotia, Portapique) Public Safety: Prime Minister announced over $50 million to promote and protect democracy at home and abroad during the second Summit for Democracy           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 Community Office 1202 Bloor Street West Toronto, ON M6H 1N2 Canada Add us to your address book (416) 654-8048 julie.d...@parl.gc.ca Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

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Julie Dzerowicz  (elle | she / her) Member of Parliament -- Davenport Follow me @juliedzerowicz on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Toronto: (416) 654 8048   |   Ottawa: (613) 992 2576   Before printing this e-mail, think about the environment