Table of Contents
- MP Report: Working Hard for Davenport
- Federal Support Available NOW
- Top News and Federal Announcements
- Canada Post on strike
- More measures to build more homes
- Report on foreign interference in Canadian elections
- … and more!
Hello Davenport friends and Neighbours!
I am writing to you from Lima, Peru! I have the privilege of joining our Prime Minister to represent Canada at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (Peru) and the G20 Leaders’ Summit (Brazil).
I’ll start with the results of the U.S. elections, as I know it’s something many of us are thinking about. I am worried. Full stop. Our job as a government now is to protect the interests of Canadians. Know that our federal government has been preparing for this outcome for a long while now — we did not just start on November 6. We have four years of experience working with President-elect Trump. Our PM has reconvened the Cabinet Committee on Canada-U.S. Relations and we have a strong plan regarding the economy, immigration, border issues, security and defence, and the other issues we know will be front and centre during the upcoming presidency. We know we have a lot of work to do, and we are fully prepared to continue supporting Canadians through this change.
Canada Post workers are on strike — many of you have written to me to discuss your concerns about how this strike will affect you, especially as we approach the holiday season. As the daughter of a Canada Post worker, I am very sympathetic to the issues at the heart of the strike, and I urge both sides to work towards reaching an agreement as soon as possible. At a time when the economy is fragile, the risk this strike poses to our local businesses could be devastating. Click here for information about how Service Canada services and benefits will remain accessible during this period.
It is deeply concerning to hear so many reports of gun violence in our city and our community. Just this week, 100 gunshots were fired on Queen St West — I am so grateful that no one was injured. Federal Defence Minister Bill Blair has noted that as a result of cuts by the other levels of government, there are currently 700 fewer police officers in Toronto than nine years ago when our government first took office. We have been working hard to strengthen our criminal code, reduce criminal activity, and keep our communities safe, with a focus on getting guns off our streets. Click here to read my recent newsletter on our federal government’s efforts related to public safety. Some of our work includes updated bail reform provisions. Now it’s up to our provincial government to use these laws effectively and ensure that police and prosecutors have the tools they need.
Locally, I joined Small Business Minister, Rechie Valdez, to announce $2 million in funding for a project to support women entrepreneurs growing their skills. I am so pleased that Gotcare, a wonderful Davenport-based organization, received funding from this program! Women entrepreneurs from across the city joined us and I am so proud that our federal government has supported creating an ecosystem to support women entrepreneurs, putting $7 billion into the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy. This investment has supported over 110,000 female entrepreneurs across our country.
We have so many climate advocates in Davenport who have been pushing me for our federal government to implement a bold emissions cap — something which I am also very passionate about. I was so pleased to join Ministers Guilbeault and Wilkinson for the announcement of historic draft regulations that will put a clear limit on greenhouse gas pollution from oil and gas production (equivalent to 35 per cent below 2019 levels)! This is different from a production cap – it puts a limit on how much the oil and gas sector can emit and encourages them to invest in cleaner production processes. It constitutes a huge part of our climate plan since the oil and gas sector accounts for one-third of Canada’s emissions.
I continue to be very worried about the escalation of violence in the Middle East. Our federal government is working with other nations globally to push very strongly for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages on both sides and a two-state solution. Recently, our government shared lists of valid export permits to Israel — click here for more information. I support my colleague Nathaniel Erskine-Smith’s proposal that Canada should lead expanded peacekeeping efforts in the region following the deaths of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.
We need to take measures to protect individuals who attend places of worship, schools, childcare centres, and hospitals. I wrote to Mayor Chow in August to call for a municipal by-law that prohibits demonstrations within 100 metres of these sensitive locations to protect people from protests that intimidate, incite hatred, violence, or discrimination. I’m so pleased that earlier this week, the MPs for Oakville also wrote a letter to their mayor, sharing their support for bubble zones.
New regulations for the International Student Program take effect this week, as part of our government’s work to strengthen the integrity of the International Student Program. Eligible students will now be able to work up to 24 hours per week off campus while their classes are in session and international students must apply and be approved for a new study permit before changing learning institutions.
A reminder that on Saturday, November 16, 2024, between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, I will be hosting the Davenport Job Fair, at St. Mary Catholic Academy at 66 Dufferin Park Ave. This is an opportunity for job seekers to connect with employers. We will also have professionals available to assist with resume editing.
Finally — save the date for the 2024 Davenport Holiday Party: Saturday, December 14, 2024! Join us for a gathering for the holidays at the Clubhouse at Dufferin Grove Park at 875 Dufferin St (across Dufferin Mall).
Have a great weekend, Davenport! As always, it is a true honour and pleasure to serve you.
My very best,
Julie Dzerowicz
Member of Parliament – Davenport