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Hello Davenport Friends and Neighbours,
The House of Commons has risen for the summer and so I have two and a half months to be at home in this amazing riding and community of Davenport! I am so excited.
I will be out and about at the many street festivals, fun fairs, craft shows, parades, bbqs, and concerts that are being held across the riding - and I cannot wait!
The Spring Session on the Hill was very productive despite the horrible rhetoric, disinformation, and the many games played by members of the opposition. Sixteen bills were passed including the Canada Disability Benefit, the update to the Canada Environmental Protection Act, and the Early Learning and Child Care in Canada Act … which will ensure child care cannot be taken away by future governments of any political stripe. For the full list of legislation scroll down below to “The top three” section.
O Canada. You keep on growing! Canada’s population was estimated to surpass 40 million people, with temporary residents such as international students and foreign workers contributing to that growth. Our economy benefits and so does the social and cultural fabric of our society as we are reminded that diversity is our strength. I am also proud that Canada continues to be the largest destination for refugees in the world … for the fourth consecutive year. With over 250 million migrants fleeing conflict, poverty and climate change we need to do our part to create a home for the world’s most vulnerable.
What are we going to do about Google and Meta (owners of Facebook and Instagram) who are threatening to end access to news for Canadian users? A free and independent press is fundamental to a healthy democracy. Bill C-18 has, among its many objectives, the goal of ensuring fair compensation for journalists for the work they do.
My deep gratitude to the heroic firefighters across Canada, who continue to work tirelessly to fight the record wildfires we are seeing in various provinces, especially in British Columbia. I want to thank the close to 5,000 international personnel that have arrived in Canada to help us in our time of need, including firefighters from Mexico, Portugal, France and Spain. We are truly grateful to our international friends for coming to help us in our time of need.
We were shaken by two events over the last two weeks: first with the death of two air crew members from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CH-147F Chinook that crashed in the Ottawa River in the early hours of Tuesday June 20. Second, with the tragic bus accident near the southwestern Manitoba town of Carberry that led to the death of 16 seniors from the city of Dauphin, Manitoba. Following the accident, our Prime Minister spoke with the Mayor of Dauphin to share his condolences and to offer support to the community.
I join all Canadians in mourning the loss of our RCAF members and 16 seniors … our prayers and condolences go out to their loved ones.
I’m looking forward to being out in Davenport this summer visiting our small businesses and community members.
This weekend, I will be attending the Pride Parade on Sunday. Hope to see many of you there. I also will be at the Fairbank Village Summer Festival (Eglinton west of Dufferin) on Friday (5-8pm) and Saturday (2-5pm). Be sure to stop by my tent to say hello to me and my amazing team!
As always Davenport TO, it’s a true honour and pleasure to serve you!
My best regards,
Julie Dzerowicz
Member of Parliament, Davenport
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1. IMF Report: Canada’s Top Global Economy
So many Canadians are struggling with the continued high cost of living. I get calls, emails, and people stopping me on the street to ask when interest rates and inflation are going to go down. The good news is that we have one of the lowest inflation rates in the world; and according to the Governor of the Bank of Canada, it is expected to be reduced to 3% this summer and down to 2% around mid next year.
This means that there is light at the end of the tunnel and, while it still will continue to be difficult over the next year, prices should become stable mid to late 2024. The federal government is providing targeted support to our most vulnerable Canadians, including the Grocery Benefit, the dental care benefit, climate change incentive, Canada Worker Benefit, among other things. To find benefits that may be available to you click here.
Here are the numbers: Inflation in Canada is at 4.4% - down from 8.1% last year. In terms of other countries: Germany is at 6.1%, UK at 8.7% and France at 5.1%. So Canada is doing really well in comparison.
An IMF Report has been released and indicated that the fundamentals of the Canadian economy are strong.
The report noted that Canada’s job market is strong, being supported by increasing volumes of immigration (check out a number of new programs in the next section!) and strong labour force participation. The IMF highlighted that these accomplishments are supported by our federal government’s “investment in a Canada-wide early learning and child care system” (Especially, considering the recent passing of Bill C-35: Early Learning and Childcare in Canada in the House).
The IMF also acknowledged our government’s mechanisms to protect federally regulated financial institutions and insured deposits of Canadians. Our efforts to strengthen anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing frameworks were highly praised by the International Monetary Fund analytics. For more information on our government’s strategies for AML and ATF, click here!
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Honourable Chrystia Freeland, welcomed the IMF report and its recognition of Canada’s stable fiscal outlook, clean economy plan (recognized by IMF to contribute to our emissions reduction plan by 2030) and actions to improve housing affordability (such as the new Housing Accelerator Fund).
2. Immigration Measures Updates
Over the past two weeks, the Honourable Minister of Immigration Sean Fraser, announced several new measures that will ensure that Canada brings in the skills and labour we need to continue to support our economy. We also are taking action to protect international students being duped by unscrupulous foreign operators!
Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)
- Launch of two new EMPP streams – Federal Skills Job Offer Stream and Federal Skills Without a Job Offer – for Canadian employers to access a talent pool of skilled refugees and other displaced people from around the world
- Made to fill in-demand jobs and complement Canada’s humanitarian commitments
- EMPP Federal Skills Job Offer Stream
- Canadian employers can hire qualified candidates for in-demand positions, such as nurse aides, personal support workers, long-term care aides, personal support workers, long-term care aides, software engineers and so many more!
- Applicant MUST have a job offer
- EMPP Federal Skills Without a Job Offer Stream
- For candidates that have skills that are in high enough demand that they will find work after they arrive in Canada.
- Applicant MUST be a refugee or displaced person
Find more details about eligibility here!
Fraudulent Study Permits
- International students at risk of deportation for fraudulent acceptance letters will not be deported unless clear evidence demonstrates that they knowingly committed to fraud.
- Students that are found to be free from deceptive practices and without knowledge of the use of fraudulent documentation will be issued a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) that will allow them to stay in Canada.
- They will also be exempt from the 5-year ban that usually follows cases of misrepresentation. Click here for more info!
3. 16 pieces of Legislation passed as the House of Commons rises for the Summer
- Bill C-22: Canada Disability Benefit - received royal assent (June 22) - This bill will establish the Canada Disability Benefit that will provide additional support to working age low income Canadians with disabilities - in order to reduce poverty. Hurrah! We passed this legislation in record time. It will still take some time to create regulations.
- Bill C-35: Early Learning and Child Care in Canada – basically will ensure it will be very difficult, if not impossible, for future governments to cancel National Child Care. 6 provinces already offer $10 a day child care to their citizens because of the federal program introduced last year. In Ontario, we are at up to 50% reduction from child care costs. Bill C-35 will establish the National Advisory Council on Early Learning and Child Care. It will help our government make sure we serve in the best interest of Canadian families. It will also include our federal government’s commitment to maintain long-term federal funding for provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples to support early learning and child care.
- Bill C-47: Budget 2023 - received royal assent (June 22) - Key measures in the Budget Implementation Act include: An automatic advance for the Canada Workers Benefit (top up for workers on the lower end of the income scale), Canada Dental Benefit for children under 18 and seniors (beginning at the end of 2023), the doubling of the deduction for tradespeople’s tools, improved Registered Education Savings Plans and historic Healthcare funding transfer … hurrah!
- Bill S-8: Amendment to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act – received royal assent (June 22) - this bill will expand the criteria of inadmissibility of individuals who are subject to sanctions into Canada. It will allow the Minister of Public Safety (as opposed to only the Min of Immigration) to issue a removal order for an individual on grounds of inadmissibility.
- Bill S-5: Amendment to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) – received royal assent (June 13) - Historic!!! First time in 20 years this bill has been updated!! Through Bill S-5, the Government of Canada recognizes the right of every Canadian to a healthy environment, and implements a stronger control over toxic substances, such as those that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reproductively toxic. The bill requires the Government to communicate anticipated timelines for completing risk assessments, and even more importantly, it contributes to the global efforts to fight cruelty by reducing reliance on Animal Testing!
- Bill C-18: Online News Act –received royal assent (June 22) - This bill will require tech giants to fairly compensate publishers and journalists for the content shared on their platforms. The bill is designed to ensure that Canadian journalists are fairly compensated, continue to be independent and fact based..
- Bill C-9: Amendment to the Judges Act – received royal assent (June 22) - This bill aims to enhance the Canadian Judicial Council’s capacity to effectively respond to all allegations of judicial misconduct against federally appointed judges, not just highly serious instances potentially warranting removal from office. New mechanisms, under Bill C-9, will promote procedural fairness in an independent and effective judicial conduct review process – with minimized delays and costs.
- Bill C-13: Amendment to the Official Languages Act – received royal assent (June 20) - Strengthens the Official Languages Act by aiming to protect and promote the French language by recognizing its status as a minority language in Canada and North America. It includes the new Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act, which creates new requirements for language of work in federally regulated private businesses in Quebec and other francophone-saturated regions.
- Bill C-42: Amendment to the Canada Business Corporations Act – passed first reading in the Senate (June 22) - This bill will implement a public and searchable beneficial ownership registry of corporations governed under the Canada Business Corporations Act. Beneficial ownership registry is an important step to fight the misuse of federally incorporated companies for illegal activities, including money laundering, terrorist financing and tax evasion, since the registry allows for timely access to beneficial ownership information by relevant agencies.
- Bill C-41: Amendment to the Criminal Code – received royal assent (June 20) - This bill will make sure groups like Canadian NGOs and government agencies can deliver much-needed international assistance, immigration activities, and other assistance in areas controlled by terrorist groups, by creating a new authorization scheme. We learned in Afghanistan that we could accidentally be providing funding to non profits working with the Taliban … so we had to change the law! It was stopping much needed food, medical assistance, and other life sustaining support.
- Bill C-40: Amendment to the Criminal Code – Passed second reading in the House (June 21) - Will establish an independent body with a mandate to review applications that are brought before it for reviews of findings and verdicts on the grounds of miscarriage of justice.
- Bill C-21: Amendment to certain Acts (firearms) – passed second reading at the Senate (June 21) - Our federal government over the last 6 years have taken a number of steps to get guns off our streets and to keep Canadians safe. This bill is one of many measures … that will fulfill our commitment to protect Canadians from firearms-related harm. Key provisions include: freezing the import of handguns to Canada and sale and purchase within Canada, creating new laws to protect victims of Intimate Partner and Gender-Based Violence (involving a handgun), increasing maximum penalties of imprisonment for firearm-related offenses. Provides a new technical definition of prohibited firearm, making assault-style firearms illegal in Canada (not applicable to firearms currently on the market).
- Bill C-39: Amendment to the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying) – received royal assent (March 9) - Extends the deadline by a year before MAID can apply to those where mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition
- Bill C-45: Amendment to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act – received royal assent (June 20) - Expands and modernizes the mandates of the First Nations Tax Commission and the First Nations Financial Management Board to better serve the First Nations needs. Creates the First Nations Infrastructure Institute to provide First Nations and other Indigenous peoples and organizations with support to implement and manage their infrastructure.
- Bill C-46: An Amendment to the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act and the Income Tax Act. — received royal assent (May 11) - Provides authorization for additional payments to the provinces and territories. Provides authorization for additional payment of the GST/HST credit of the same or double the amount of the regular January 2023 payment.
- Bill C-51: An Act to give effect to the self-government treaty recognizing the Whitecap Dakota Nation / Wapaha Ska Dakota Oyate – received royal assent (June 22) - Puts in force a self-government treaty between Canada and the Whitecap Dakota Nation / Wapaha Ska Dakota Oyate, recognizing their self-government.
4. Rouge National Urban Park Study (Bonus Section!)
.As many of you know, Premier Ford is planning to develop sections of the Greenbelt.
I share all Davenport residents' concerns about this development and the effects and do not support it.
On behalf of Davenport residents, I wrote to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Guilbeault asking him to use every tool at the federal level to stop any of the proposed developments from moving forward.
One of the key things he did was request an impact assessment on the effects of any possible development on the area surrounding Rouge National Park (which covers sections of the greenbelt).
Here is an update on where things are at and next steps:
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, in collaboration with Parks Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada, is finalizing the Rouge National Urban Park study’s Terms of Reference (TOR) based on comments received during a recent public comment period on the draft version.
Next steps will be for the Terms of Reference for the Study to be finalized and submitted to the Minister by the end of June 2023.
Minister Guilbeault will appoint a three-member committee to carry out the study and finalize the Terms of Reference by the end of July 2023. The committee will complete its work and submit its final Report to the Minister within 18 months of the public announcement of the appointment of its members.
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1. In Davenport: Graduation Ceremonies
I love graduations!!! All the graduates look so beautiful and it is amazing to have a chance to say a few words wishing them well and to congratulate them on this truly amazing achievement.
To the students of St. John Bosco Catholic School, St. Anthony Catholic Elementary School, Carleton Village Junior and Senior Sports and Wellness Academy, St. Clare Catholic School, St. Luigi Catholic School, St. Mary of the Angels Catholic School, Pauline Junior Public School, St. Nicholas of Bari Catholic School, St. Paul VI Catholic School, and Stella Maris Catholic School best wishes on your future endeavours!
2. On the Hill: Question on supporting the 2SLBGTQI+ Community!
Across Canada, we have seen a rise in anti-2SLGBTQI+ sentiment - from those against the flying of the Pride flag, to hurtful words, to anti-rallies against Pride.
Recently a video surfaced of Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre’s hand-picked candidate (now formally elected as the MP of Portage-Lisgar) defending the destructive practice of “spiritually counselling” someone out of who they love. Our Liberal government banned conversion therapy in 2022, so I rose in the House to call out these words and ask Minister Marci Ien to reiterate our unwavering support for the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Watch our exchange here.
3. In Davenport: Householder at Your Doors!
All Davenport households should have received my latest communications piece highlighting important aspects of Budget 2023, including how the federal government is supporting the City of Toronto. As well, in honour of the upcoming Canada Day, I also included a “cut-out” Canada Day flag that you can put up on your window.
4. On the Hill: Meeting with Diplomatic Officials from Japan, Turkiye, and Brazil
It was my pleasure to meet with official and unofficial (!) representatives from Brazil, Turkiye, and Japan. I met with Brazilian Ambassador to Canada Pedro Borio, Ambassador-Designate Esra Demir of Turkiye (informally of course), and senior economic advisor Ryutaro Ishii from the Embassy of Japan.
These meetings gave space for excellent discussions in our efforts to strengthen Canada-Brazil, Canada-Turkiye, and Canada-Japan diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties.
5. In Davenport: First Portuguese Summer Festival
Bouncy castles, games, sweets AND spending time with families at First Portuguese Cultural Centre does not fail to put a smile on my face!
It was great to catch up and enjoy the beautiful weekend and the Dia do Pai at the First Portuguese Summer Festival. Thank you to Carina and the entire amazing team for organising the fun.
6. In Toronto: Pride at Rekai Centres Rainbow Wing
On behalf of the amazing Minister Marci Ien, I had the pleasure of celebrating the one year anniversary of the Rainbow Wing at the Rekai Centre - the first 2SLGBTQI+ Rainbow Wing in a Long Term Care Centre in all of North America! I was so happy to bump into lots of Davenport members including the family above who volunteer at the centre. 😂
Thanks to the wonderful leadership at Rekai (shout out to Peter, Susan and Barbara) and the members of the 2SLGBTQI+ who fought for years to make this wing a reality! I also loved meeting international members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and human rights activists who are in town for the festivities.
7. On the Hill: Garden Party!
I had the pleasure of attending the garden party hosted by Prime Minister Trudeau, joined by Team Julie. The gardens of the Prime Minister's residence were abuzz with excitement and camaraderie as a splendid garden party unfolded.
The event drew an esteemed gathering of guests, including a distinguished presence of approximately a dozen of Prime Minister Trudeau's cabinet ministers. Notable attendees included Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett, Treasury Board President Mona Fortier, Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal, Official Languages Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller, Rural Economic Development Minister Gudie Hutchings, and National Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson. Their presence added an extra layer of significance to the occasion, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared commitment to advancing the welfare of all Canadians.
As ministers mingled with guests, engaging in animated conversations and exchanging ideas, the garden party exemplified the government's dedication to open dialogue, inclusivity, and working together towards a prosperous future.
8. Portugal Day on the Hill
As co-chair of the Canada-Portugal Parliamentary Friendship Group, it was a pleasure to host Portugal Day on the Hill with Co-Chair and Deputy Speaker Alexandra Mendes.
It was an honour to have the Portuguese Ambassador to Canada António M. Leão Rocha, and the Portuguese Minister of Justice Catarina Sarmento e Castro attend. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly also spoke to the deep and enduring friendship between Canada and Portugal. It was wonderful to see so many parliamentarians and distinguished guests attend the celebration to honour the Portuguese community in Canada and their contributions. Of course we also enjoyed Portuguese food and wine and tasty pasteis de natas!
9. In Davenport: Do West Fest
Davenport has great summer festivals!!
Do West Fest was such a blast - it was good to see so many local residents come by to say hello and visit my booth and my team.
This year was the best yet! Thanks to the entire Do West BIA team and organizers.
10. In Davenport: Portugal Day Parade
Celebrating National Portugal Heritage Day on June 10 by participating in the Annual Portugal Day Parade on Dundas St. W was so much fun!
Thanks to all the Portuguese casas, organizations, dance and music groups for putting on such a great show. Thanks to ACAPO and Do West Fest BIA for organising … and to all local Davenport residents for coming out to celebrate the beautiful cultures and traditions of the Portuguese community in Canada.
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Federal News & Announcements
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- Public Safety: Legislation to support humanitarian aid to vulnerable Afghans receives Royal Assent
- Infrastructure: Details on new federal infrastructure funding expected this fall: LeBlanc
- Cabinet Shuffle: Justin Trudeau is preparing a summer cabinet shuffle — and all eyes are on Mendicino
- Foreign Interference: MPs to break for the summer amid negotiations on inquiry into foreign interference
- Public Safety: Corrections commissioner never mentioned Bernardo transfer over months of conversations: Mendicino
- Foreign Interference: The source behind foreign interference leaks 'will be found' and punished, PM's security adviser says
- Heritage: Online News Act receives Royal Assent
- Global Affairs: Minister Joly concludes visit to Washington, D.C.
- Industry: Competition Act Conspiracy Rules go into affect Jun 22.
- Emergency Preparedness: Canada, U.S. sign deal to better coordinate fight against wildfires
- Heritage: A look at Parliament’s Centre Block renovations, Canada’s largest-ever heritage project
- Remembrance: Statement by the Prime Minister on the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism
- Immigration: Passport offices are prepared for the summer season, with new 10-day sites opened this spring
- Health: Government of Canada takes next step in procurement process for long-term Canadian Dental Care Plan
- Infrastructure: Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Infrastructure Ministers meet to plan future infrastructure investments
- Global Affairs: Canada, others announce new aid for Ukraine at international conference
- Transport: Minister of Transport introduces Bill C-52 to ensure accountability and transparency in the national transportation sector for Canadians
- Immigration: Tuesday marked World Refugee Day, a day to honor the courage and strength of refugees around the world
- Languages: Bill C-13 from Minister Petitpas Taylor to modernize the Official Languages Act receives Royal Assent
- Crown - Indigenous Relations: Wednesday marked National Indigenous Peoples Day, an opportunity to celebrate and learn about Indigenous history and culture
- Veterans Affairs: Government of Canada reveals selected design for the National Monument to Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan
- Innovation: Canada invests $350 million in national sustainable aviation innovation network
- Finance: Tax fairness is ‘worth the effort’
- Immigration: Migrant Decision was the right one
- Justice: RCMP says there was 'insufficient evidence' to lay charges in SNC-Lavalin affair
- Transport: Minister Alghabra concludes successful trip representing Canada in the G7 Transport Ministers’ Meeting in Japan
- Global Affairs: Ottawa condemns Iran's use of the death penalty, sanctions seven Iranian judges
- Indigenous Services: Ontario First Nations Chiefts Protest federal Metis self-government bill
- Employment: Remote and hybrid jobs have helped more women with young children join the workforce, report says
- Global Affairs: Mélanie Joly says Canada will keep talking with China despite election meddling
- Industry: Semiconductor supergroup launches as industry pushes for Canadian chip plan
- Defense: Canadian Armed Forces welcomes new Judge Advocate General
- Election Interference: Government of Canada announces measures to protect Calgary Heritage by-election from foreign interference
- Heritage: Government of Canada commemorates George Dixon, widely regarded as one of the top boxers of the late 19th century and the first Black athlete and first Canadian to win a world title
- Environment: Minister Wilkinson tabled the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, which will facilitate and promote the creation of sustainable jobs and support workers and communities in Canada in line as the world advances toward a net-zero future emissions economy
- Economic Development: Minister Ng announced the launch of the world’s first-ever 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program
- Defense: Defence Minister Anita Anand to travel to Brussels, Belgium to participate in Ukraine Defense Contact Group and NATO Defence Ministers’ Meetings
- Natural Resources: Now Open for Project Applications: Second Call Under the Greener Neighbourhoods Pilot Program — Supporting Demonstration Projects for Deep Building Retrofits
- Immigration: Canada opens new economic immigration streams for skilled refugees and other displaced people
- Public Service: Last week was National Public Service Week, an occasion to recognize and thank the over 300,000 public servants across the country who work hard each and every day to make life better for people
- Crown-Indigenous Relations: Minister Miller signed a Letter Of Understanding (LOU) with the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. This LOU covers areas including governance, membership, education, health, mental health, drug prevention, and justice reform
- Innovation: $124 million for the R3AI: Shifting Paradigms for a Robust, Reasoning, and Responsible Artificial Intelligence and its Adoption initiative
- International Trade: Canada will extend the Ukraine Goods Remission Order until June 9, 2024. This will ensure the continued tariff-free import of Ukrainian goods to Canada, including steel and in-quota supply-managed goods
- Heritage: Bell cutting 1,300 positions, shuttering six radio stations
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