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Hello Davenport Friends and Neighbours,
On Parliament Hill we are in the final stretch before the summer break, currently scheduled to begin on June 24.
Our federal government’s plan is to pass 10 pieces of legislation this month. The first one, C-47, was done yesterday afternoon - which was the Budget 2023 bill. This means that we can move forward on key spending priorities, including: expanding dental care to seniors, children under 18, more support for post-secondary students via grants and loans, historic funding for health care, a new dental care plan, and clean economy tax credits to accelerate Canada’s move to a low carbon economy and future.
For a list of the legislation that we have prioritized, kindly see the MP Report section of this bi-weekly email update. Note that C-22 Canada Disability Benefit and C-18 Online News Act are part of the 10 priorities.
The Bank of Canada increased interest rates this week. This will make life tougher for Canadians, who are already struggling with higher costs of living. I want you to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Governor Macklem is anticipating that inflation will fall to 3.2.% this year and below 3% next year.
In the meantime, our federal government continues to provide targeted support to our most vulnerable, including the provision of the grocery rebate (to be sent out July 5), as well as the implementation of larger programs for Canadians in general, such as dental care, and early learning and national child care, which will save Canadians thousands annually. We have a section below that outlines key points of these programs.
June is Portugal Heritage Month! Our riding of Davenport has the largest number of Portuguese Canadians in the country. So, if you have time please join us at the Portugal Day Parade on Dundas St. tomorrow, June 10, starting at 10am at Lansdowne and Dundas. Earlier this week, I rose in the house to mark the beginning of Portuguese Heritage Month and honor the contributions made by Portuguese Canadians.See my full statement here.
Happy Pride Season! This is a time for the 2SLGBTQI+ Communities and allies to come together and celebrate the resilience of the Pride movement, showcase the beauty and talent of the community, while also continuing to advocate for a safer and more inclusive Canada.
There is some unfortunate anti-2SLGBTQI+ hate and backlash happening across different parts of our community, city, and country. This year, it is especially important that while we recognize the accomplishments and victories of the Pride movement, we recommit ourselves to stopping that hate, addressing inequality, and to building an inclusive and safe country for all!
Do West Fest will be taking place this weekend. Stop by and say hello at our booth from 5-8 PM on Friday and 1-4 PM on Saturday.
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. Wildfires in Canada
Over 400 wildfires are burning across Canada, with 293 of them uncontrolled. This has never happened before.
Prime Minister Trudeau has held two press conferences this week to speak about how we are supporting Canadians and how we are planning for the upcoming wildfire season. It is our top priority right now!
Our federal government provided the following update and announced the following supports:
- Approval of requests for Federal Assistance from the Provinces of Alberta and Nova Scotia to support their efforts to combat wildfires in those provinces (similar requests from the Province of Quebec were approved on June 3 and the response is underway).
- Partnership with provincial and territorial governments and non-for-profit organizations to match funds donated by Canadians and organizations to support the non-for-profit community groups that help wildfire victims
- Funding through the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program to train 300 indigenous firefighters and 125 Indigenous fire guardians for this wildfire season
- Work with the International Association of Fire Fighters to advance a pilot project, training structural firefighters to respond to fires in the wildland-urban interface
- The WildFireSat satellite mission—the world’s first purpose-built, public satellite system for monitoring fires—designed to provide an unprecedented portrait of all active wildfires at least twice a day
- A Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative—investment of $284 million to support the priorities identified by the National Adaptation Strategy
To read more, kindly click this link!
2. Bank of Canada increases Interest Rates
On June 8, the Bank of Canada announced an increase in set interest rates from 4.5% to 4.75%. This is the seventh interest rate increase in 12 months.
We know how difficult life is for so many Canadians who are already struggling with the high cost of living. Life is incredibly difficult now and our federal government is doing all we can to provide targeted support for Canadians who are struggling the most, while making sure we don’t overspend … as this will cause inflation and make life even more expensive for Canadians.
Know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Inflation in Canada is at 4.4%; this is one of the lowest inflation rates in the world—using the most recent data, the UK is at 8.7%, France is at 5.1%, and Germany 6.1%.
The Governor of the Bank of Canada also expects interest rates to fall to 3% by the end of the year and stabilize at between 2 and 3% next year. This means that interest rates will start falling next year and our economy will stabilize.
In the meantime, our federal government is implementing a number of programs that will help Canadians manage the high cost of living:
- 11 million Canadians are about to receive the grocery rebate ON JULY 5!!!
- The Canada Dental Benefit program covers dental care costs for 500,000 children under 12 (with 530 Davenport families having already received the benefit)
- Note by the end of 2023, the Canada Dental Benefit will transition into the Canada Dental Plan—expanding the program to seniors and children under 18
- As of July 2022, the Old Age Security (OAS) pension was permanently increased by 10% for seniors older than 75
- In 2023-2024, the annual Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP) for Ontarians will be up to $976 (for a family of four)
- Federal government will pilot a program for auto-filing of taxes for low-income Canadians moving forward
- Canada Child Benefit provides thousands of support to 3.5 million families annually with families in 2023 receiving up to $6,997 per child under the age of six, and up to $5,903 per child aged six through 17.
- 7,720 Davenport families have already benefited from the Canada Child Benefit Plan
- An enhanced, quarterly Canada Workers Benefit, which will provide up to $2,400 for a low income family and make life more affordable for our lowest paid—and often most essential—workers. Advanced payments will be available automatically to those who already received it in the past, beginning in July and continuing in October of 2023. For more information, follow here.
- National Child Care strategy available as $10-a-day regulated child care spaces for children under six years old, including a 50 per cent reduction in average fees by the end of 2022.
Although there is still a lot to be done, our government is doing everything possible to make life more affordable for every Canadian.
3. Foreign Interference - The Latest
It was a busy week with continued discussion on foreign interference.
Here is the low down:
Former Governor General & Special Rapporteur David Johnston appeared before a House of Commons Standing Committee, which examines the claims on foreign interference.
He spent three hours answering questions and explained the main details of his report, why he did not suggest a public inquiry, why he will not resign, and what are the next steps.
He also answered all questions re perceived bias and explained why he does not agree.
To recap:
- His report confirms that “the elections of 2019 and 2021 were well protected by sophisticated mechanisms and there is no basis to lack confidence in their results.”
- His recommendations moving forward include:
- Inviting two independent bodies (NSIRA, NSICOP) to review the confidential portion of his report to provide their own assessment.
- Invitation letters have been sent to all opposition leaders offering security clearances so they can receive the relevant intelligence.
Former GG Johnston expressed his intention to remain in his role until he completes the investigation, following public hearings and releases his second report in October.
To prove the inefficiency of a public inquiry, Johnston cited his consultation with the Honourable Dennis O’Connor, who is considered one of the most respected judges in Canada.
Justice O’Connor said that public inquiries are “not particularly useful” when it comes to issues, like foreign interference. Hence, David Johnston is to conduct public hearings beginning this July, where the public will get a chance to listen to government representatives, national security officials, and members of the diaspora community.
If you would like me to host a roundtable discussion on this topic - kindly let me know! I’d be happy to answer more specific questions.
4. New Immigration Measures (The Bonus Section!)
There have been three major immigration announcements made in the past two weeks that you should be made aware of. All of these measures also work to fill labour shortages across Canada.
First-ever launch of category-based selection to the Immigration System ( Express Entry): this measure allows for Canada to issue invitations to peoples with specific skills, training or language ability to apply to become permanent residents. This year the selections will focus on candidates who have a strong French language proficiency, work experience in healthcare, science , technology, engineering, mathematics, traders, transport and agriculture.
Measures move things faster for spousal applications: to keep families together we announced faster temporary resident visas (TRV) processing times for spousal applicants, new and dedicated tools for spousal TRV applicants, new open work permit for spousal and family class applicants and open work permit extensions for open work permit holders expiring between August 1 and the end of 2023.
Addition of 13 countries to the electronic travel authorization (eTA) program: this measure allows travellers from Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay who have held either a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a US non-immigrant visa to apply for an eTA instead of a visa.
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1. In Toronto: Portugal Flag Raising at Nathan Phillips Square
I was so happy to be able to join the raising of the Portuguese flag at Nathan Phillips Square in honour of Portugal Day in Canada. I am often in Ottawa when this happens but was able to make it to Toronto in time this year. I was also happy to bring remarks from the PM.
This is just one celebration of many that are happening this weekend. I look forward to seeing old and new friends and neighbours at the Portugal Day Parade tomorrow (Saturday starting at 10 AM) in our Davenport riding … on Dundas St W. … starting at Lansdowne and Dundas and finishing at Trinity Bellwoods Park.
2. On the Hill: Pride Flag Raising
I was proud to join Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Minister Marci Ien and many of my colleagues in raising the Pride Flag on Parliament Hill this week. It was our federal government that first raised the Pride Flag on Parliament Hill 7 years ago and that is continuing to lead on 2SLGBTQI+ issues.
We have been a champion for 2SLGBTQI+ and this week announced more support for the community!
This week we announced $1.7 million for six projects that will address key issues facing 2SLGBTQI+ communities, including support to Elevate Equity and TransCare+ in Ontario; and $1.5 million to Pride organizations across the country for increased security measures at parades and other events this year.
It is simply awful that there has been a backlash against the 2SLGBTQI+community—with the Peel Board not allowing the Pride Flag to be flown, protests aimed at shutting down drag events and queer spaces and banning Pride flags in Norwich county.
Over the last few years, our federal government has announced the following actions:
- Last year we announced the 2SLGBTQI+ Federal Action Plan and funded it
- Banned conversion therapy, a cruel and inhumane practice that has no place in Canada.
- Health Canada approved Canadian Blood Services’ submission to end the blood ban for men who have sex with men.
- We protected gender identity and gender expression under the Canadian Human Rights Act.
- We expunged people convicted of consensual same-sex sexual activity.
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered a formal apology in the House of Commons to people harmed by federal legislation, policies and practices that led to the oppression of and discrimination against LGBTQ2 people
- Declared trans rights as human rights and passed legislation to fully protect gender identity and expression
- Established an LGBTQ2 Secretariat within the Privy Council Office to support government initiatives on LGBTQ2 issues
Looking forward to the many Pride festivities in Toronto this Pride Season!
3.On the Hill: Update on Legislation
- Bill C-47: Budget 2023 - Passed
- Key measures in the Budget Implementation Act include: An automatic advance for the Canada Workers Benefit, Canada Dental Benefit for children under 18 and seniors, the doubling of the deduction for tradespeople’s tools, improved Registered Education Savings Plans and historic Healthcare funding transfer
- Bill S-5: Amendment to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act
- This bill recognizes a right to a healthy environment for Canadians imposing a duty on the Government to protect the right and uphold related principles and strengthen protections against harmful substances.
- Bill C-42: Amendment to the Canada Business Corporations Act
- This bill will implement a public and searchable beneficial ownership registry of corporations governed under the Canada Business Corporations Act.
- Bill C-34: Modernizing the National Security Provisions of the Investment Canada Act
- This bill will amend the Investment Canada Act to ensure we can address changing threats that can arise from foreign investment.
- Bill S-8: Amendment to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- This bill is the foundation to legitimize admissibility based on sanctions and empowers the Minister of Public Safety to issue a removal order on grounds of inadmissibility.
- Bill C-18: Online News Act
- This bill will require tech giants to fairly compensate publishers and journalists for the content shared on their platforms.
- Bill C-41: Amendment to the Criminal Code
- This bill will make sure groups like Canadian NGOs and government agencies can deliver aid in areas controlled by terrorist groups.
- Bill C-22: Canada Disability Benefit
- This bill will establish the Canada Disability Benefit to reduce poverty and support the financial security of working age persons with disabilities.
- Bill C-40: Amendment to the Criminal Code
- This bill 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-35: Early Learning and Child Care in Canada
- This bill will solidify access to affordable, inclusive and high quality early learning and child care in Canada into law.
4.On the Hill: Statement in the House to Mark the Beginning of Portugal Heritage Month
I rose in the house to mark the beginning of Portuguese Heritage Month and honor the contributions made by Portuguese Canadians. The first Portuguese immigrant came to Canada 70 years ago - since then Portuguese have helped shape our country and communities into the country it is today.
The Portuguese Canadian community is now almost 500,000 strong and leaders in every sector of our economy and society. As Davenport is the largest Portuguese community in the country, I always make sure to honour and celebrate their big milestones.
See my full statement here.
5.On the Hill: Meeting with March of Dimes Canada
Great to meet with March of Dimes Canada (MODC) to start the discussion on regulations needed once Bill C-22—an act to reduce poverty and to support the financial security of persons with disabilities becomes law!!! Thai bill once passed will create the Canada Disability Benefit.
MODC is a leading national charity committed to championing equity, empowering ability, and creating real change that will help the more than six million people living with disabilities across the country unlock the richness of their lives.
Thanks for continuing to push our federal government forward on this life-changing legislation!
6.On the Hill: Meeting with Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB)
Small businesses are the backbone of the Davenport community and our Canadian economy in general. I had a great discussion with Christina Santini and Jasmin Guenette from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business representing 97,000 small & medium enterprises.
We discussed issues that Davenport businesses have raised with me including the need to extend the repayment deadline for CEBA, and how can the federal government better small businesses fill labour shortages.
7. On the Hill: Canada-Mexico Parliamentary Friendship Group
This past week I was elected as Co-Chair of the Canada-Mexico Parliamentary Friendship Group together with Senator Peter Boehm (the other Co-Chair).
We had a very successful meeting of the Group, where we discussed the next steps for our work towards strengthening Canadas relations with Mexico through trade, tourism, and culture.
As the geopolitical situation changes globally, we need to strengthen our relations with like-minded partners. I am looking forward to working across party lines to build stronger economic relations with Mexico in order to build a more prosperous, resilient Canadian economy.
8.In Davenport: Fun Fairs at École Élémentaire Charles-Sauriol, St. Mary of the Angels, F.H. Miller and Carleton Village
It is Fun Fair season in Davenport! I love going to the fun fairs and connecting with parents, kids, principals, teachers and other school staff.
A heartfelt thanks to all the parent councils and volunteers for their hard work and organsings all these great fun fairs at École Élémentaire Charles-Sauriol, St. Mary of the Angels, F.H. Miller and Carleton Village.
9. In Toronto: Prime Minister of Poland and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
On the Prime Minister of Poland’s official visit to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as Chair of Canada NATO Parliamentary Association I had the pleasure of thanking President Mateusz Morawiecki for Poland’s support of Ukraine and being a champion of Ukraine’s integration into the EU including membership in NATO.
10. On the Hill: Meeting with Ambassador of Mexico
It was my pleasure to join the Ambassador of Mexico for a business meeting with corporate leaders to discuss Canada-Mexico bilateral relations and areas of mutual cooperation.
As we move forward, I am confident that we will be able to build on the strong foundation of our existing relationship and create new opportunities for growth and prosperity. There is much work to be done, but I am looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to work with Ambassador Joaquín to build a brighter future for both Canada and Mexico.
I would like to express my gratitude to Ambassador Joaquín for organizing a meeting with the business leaders. I am confident that our partnership will continue to thrive and grow in the future, and I look forward to the work ahead.
11. On the Hill: Meeting with President of TC Energía
It was my pleasure to meet with Jennifer Pierce, the President of TC Energía, the largest Canadian company operating in Mexico.
Having met Jennifer in Mexico City during the Three Amigos Summit in January, it was great to continue our conversation on energy, security, and trade relations.
TC Energía is a key provider of energy in Mexico and will be a leader in Mexico’s green transition. They play a crucial role in the country’s energy infrastructure while providing good paying jobs for Mexicans and Canadians alike.
12. On the Hill: Ukraine and NATO Panel Discussion
It was an honour to host and to be a key participant on a panel discussion in conjunction with the Parliamentary Centre on Ukraine and NATO.
Other participants included: Karen McTear, head of NATO’s Mission; Yehor Cherniev, Deputy Chairman, Verkhovna Rada Committee on Defence, Head of Ukraine’s Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly; Andrii Shevchenko, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine; H.E. Roy Eriksson, Ambassador of Finland to Canada; and H.E. Yuliya Kovaliv, Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada.
The discussion was moderated by Dr. Jill Sinclair, Canadian Representative at the Ukraine Defence Advisory Board, Senior Fellow at the Munk School for Global Affairs and Public Policy.
As Chair ofChair of the Executive Committee of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA) , it is important for me to talk about what is happening in Ukraine, and why there is a need to increase defence and security funding in Canada and to expand our participation in NATO.
If you are interested in hearing more, kindly let me know. If there is enough interest, I can host a session on this topic in July. Kindly indicate your interest by emailing me at julie.d...@parl.gc.ca.
Mexicans and Canadians alike.
12. In Davenport: On Your Mark Graduation
It is always a pleasure to congratulate the graduates of the On Your Mark Graduation. Led by Sonia Neves and Mireya Arrechea from Working Women,
On Your Mark is a program that offers students of Portuguese and Spanish speaking descent additional academic support.
Congratulations to the graduates, and a heartfelt thanks to the 173 volunteers who make it all happen!
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Federal News & Announcements
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- Environment: Government of Canada invests $5 million in leading auto-parts manufacturer to support electric vehicle supply chain
- Health: Government of Canada supports project to improve awareness and reduce the risk of dementia in Canada
- Health: Competition Bureau provides recommendations to improve competition in the cannabis industry
- Transport: Minister of Transport announces $12.5 million in new funding to improve freight transport
- Defense: Defence Minister Anita Anand announces military aid for Ukraine at the twelfth meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group
- Environment: Natural Resources Canada will fund the installation of more than 1,800 new EV charging stations across the country
- Veterans Affairs: New support for Veterans and their families
- Environment: Minister Guilbeault rallies pan-Canadian effort to support ambitious nature protection goals brokered at COP15
- Women and Gender Equality: Minister Anand highlights federal funding with representatives of Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services of Halton
- Health: $23.9 million for community-based projects addressing HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections
- Natural Resources Canada: New Federal Call for Proposals to Decarbonize On-Road Transportation
- Defense: Watchdog to probe how military police handled case against Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin
- Heritage: Minister Hussen’s Statement on the Anniversary of the Komagata Maru Incident
- Electoral Interference: David Johnston says allegation is ‘false’ that Toronto MP Han Dong urged China to keep the two Michaels in jail
- Transport: Minister of Transport announces new Verified Traveller program to improve the security screening experience for eligible travellers
- Seniors: Government of Canada funds more than 3,000 projects across Canada to empower seniors in their communities
- Heritage: Government of Canada Supports the Chinese Canadian Museum
- Global Affairs: Zelenskyy and Trudeau meet face-to-face at G7 in Japan
- Affordability: The Government of Canada announced lower credit card transaction fees for small businesses by finalizing new agreements with Visa and Mastercard
- Housing: Minister Hussen announced $50 million joint investment with Ontario to support over 260 affordable housing units across the province
- International Trade: Ministers Champagne and Ng in Washington, D.C., to talk semiconductors
- Transport: WestJet cancels flights, parks planes ahead of Friday strike deadline
- Global Affairs: Canada joins other G7 nations to impose new Russian sanctions
- Global Affairs: Trudeau arrives in Japan for G7 summit amid geopolitical tensions with China, Russia
- Justice: Federal government proposes stricter bail system in new bill
- Public Safety: Ministers Bennett, LeBlanc, Mendicino, and Lametti introduced Bill C-48, legislation to improve Canada’s bail system and promote public safety
- Environment: $13M in a new energy-saving program for older high-rise towers in Toronto
- Global Affairs: Trudeau touches down in South Korea for talks on economic security, China interference
- Government Appointment: The Honourable Raymonde Gagné, Senator for Manitoba, will be the 46th Speaker of the Senate of Canada
- PM Statement: May 14th marked the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Immigration Act. Introduced in 1923, this racist legislation almost completely prevented anyone from China from entering Canada
- Elections: The Prime Minister announced by-elections in the following ridings: Notre-Dame-de-Grâce–Westmount, Quebec; Oxford, Ontario; Portage–Lisgar, Manitoba; and, Winnipeg South Centre, Manitoba
- Health: Nursing agencies are staffing hospitals at 'huge cost' to health-care system
- Public Safety: A foreign agents registry bill will be tabled later this year: source
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