Table of Contents
- The Top Three: Gun Violence and C-21, Chinese Diplomat expelled, Protecting Women’s Right to Choose
- Davenport MP Report: Working hard for you
- Links to important Federal News & Announcements
- Davenport Federal Funding Available (including Small Business supports!)
Hello Davenport Friends and Neighbours,
Last night, I attended the 100th Anniversary celebration of General Mercer Junior Public School. General Malcolm Smith Mercer was the highest-ranking Canadian officer to have died in battle. During WWI in Belgium, in advance of what was to be a major battle, he was inspecting the front lines when he and his forces came under enemy fire. He was at first wounded and hours later, under heavy fire, he was killed.
It was very moving to see the many alumni who came out to attend the celebration (from as far back as 40, 50, even 60 years ago!)- a sign of a school that has had a very positive impact on the community. Ed, who went to the school in 1932 – 33, is 102 years old! The photo above is of him and me! 🙂I was pleased to present a letter to the school on behalf of the Prime Minister. A moving tribute and celebration!
I also had a chance to attend Politics and the Pen in Ottawa this week – an event that raised $5 million to support Writers Trust Literary programs and to award the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for political writing. Davenport resident Josh O’Kane was nominated for his book Sideways: The City Google Couldn’t Buy. The winner of the prize was Chris Turner for his book How to Be a Climate Optimist. It was wonderful to see so much support for Canadian writers.
Which leads me to say “Happy 45th Anniversary” to Groundwood Books ! Last night I popped by to personally say congratulations to President Semareh Al-Hillal, Karen Li and their amazing team. It was also wonderful to meet founder Patricia (Patsy) Aldana and owner of House of Anansi Press Scott Griffin.
On a more sombre note, any news of gun activity and violence is always concerning and is particularly devastating when there is gun activity so close to home. On April 14, there was a shooting at Concord and Bloor. It was a random shooting that led to the death of a 24-year-old young man who is remembered fondly by the Davenport Village and Wallace Emerson communities.
Over the last 7 years we have invested a large amount of money to tackle the root causes of gun violence ($250 million) and to provide additional resources to the border (almost $1 billion) among other actions. Last week we doubled down – investing $390 million more to combat gun violence and an additional $450 million to further enhance border security to stop guns from coming in. More information below…
Foreign interference has been a hot topic for weeks in Ottawa. Earlier this week (Monday), the Minister of Foreign Affairs announced the decision to expel Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei, who allegedly was involved in a plot to intimidate Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family due to criticisms of China’s human-rights record Mr. Chong made in the House of Commons.
We took time to validate the allegations after they first came out in the media before taking action to expel Mr. Wei, and we also were careful to consider all the factors at play. Our federal government is firm in our resolve not to tolerate any foreign interference in our internal affairs, or challenges to our democracy. The intent is to go after foreign agents acting inappropriately on Canadian territory, not to discriminate against Asian Canadians in any way.
The House of Commons erupted in debate around a woman’s right to choose as the Conservative opposition introduced a private members bill that many see as a backdoor attempt to restrict women’s rights in Canada. Here is a speech in the House of Commons that explains how the bill attempts to reopen the right to choose debate. More on this below.
The Federal Government was able to reach tentative agreements with both the PSAC and the CRA last week. PSAC negotiated a 11.5% salary increase compounded over 4 years along with a $2500 pensionable lump sum payment. The CRA received a 12.6% salary increase compounded over 4 years with the same lump sum payment. Maintaining a respectful relationship with the federal public service is a key priority for our federal government and these agreements reflect that.
Davenport residents should have received my latest communications on the federal government’s dental care plan – currently available to children under 12 in households earning under $70,000 and soon to be expanded to seniors, children under 18 and Canadians with disabilities… Click here for a copy.
This weekend I will be celebrating 70 years of Portuguese immigration to Canada – what an achievement! Looking forward to hearing the tales of the Portuguese pioneers and watching the vibrant folk dancers.
Of course, I will also be celebrating my mother this weekend too – on Mother’s Day. I want to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all Davenport moms. I hope you have a special day planned with your loved ones.
If you would like to read the whole report, click here.
It looks like it will be a beautiful weekend to be out and about – so enjoy the weekend!
It’s a true honour and pleasure to serve you, Davenport.
My best regards,
Julie Dzerowicz
Member of Parliament, Davenport