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Julie Dzerowicz Member of Parliament
Davenport

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Davenport friends and neighbours,

Happy Halloween! So much has happened since last week, it’s hard to know where to begin.

So let me start with the economy.  Interest rates down, growth negligible with Canada narrowly avoiding a recession, and negotiations on the auto/steel/aluminum/forest products has come to a standstill due to an Ontario ad President Trump did not like; although, I suspect it also has to do with the counter-tariffs on GM and Stellantis cars coming back into Canada that we have applied without any fanfare, as well as our public reengagement with China. 

But the positive news is that PM Carney relayed to President Trump that he is ready to restart negotiations whenever the U.S. is willing. They also had a “very nice” conversation in South Korea during an APEC dinner.  After meeting President Xi Jinping on the sides of the APEC summit where PM was at during the week,  President Xi met with PM Carney and at the end of the meeting invited him to visit China – first time a Canadian PM will be visiting China since 2017.  There is a desire on both sides to “reset” the relationship.

Tuesday November 4 at 4pm is when we will introduce federal Budget 2025. But we have been making a few important announcements in advance – letting the cat out of the bag as they say. We announced investments in Canadian workers – training, apprenticeships, reskilling, foreign credentialing and stronger worker mobility and rights. Bea Burske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress welcomed this announcement saying the measures “signal a shift toward putting workers at the heart of Canada’s economic strategy.”   Save the date!  I will be hosting a federal Budget Townhall on Wed November 12 – 5pm.  More details to follow.

Women and gender equity. While the countries and global leaders move away from supporting equity – Canada continues to live and support our values.  I was proud to join our Min. of Gender Equity and Min. of Finance to announce sustainable funding for women and girls, including indigenous women and funding for 2SLGBTQI2+ communities.   It was a moving announcement – historic funding for 5 years and ongoing funding commitments beyond  that.  In Canada we can only be the most productive and strongest economy in the world if we help every Canadian achieve their potential.

Canada Post.  Flyers were dropped across our Davenport riding and across multiple constituencies in Toronto.  

Sadly, the flyers made many residents scared that they would no longer receive or access their mail.  This is not true and a disappointment that misinformation is being spread.  

 Here is what you need to know: 

  • Canada Post is technically insolvent; our federal government (i.e. Canadian taxpayers) gave Canada Post over $1 billion in January this year to stay afloat.  In August this year, they posted their largest ever quarterly loss of $407 million
  • Times have changed:  on average each Canadian receives 2 pieces of mail a week, we email/text/use other digital means; 77% of Canadians already receive mail via community, apt or rural mailbox.  
  • Parcel delivery has gone up but Canada Post’s share has collapsed from 62% in 2019 to 24% in 2024.  There is a need for a more sustainable business model and a revised network & plan to ensure Canada Post continues to exist for the next 150 years!
  • Community mailboxes will be located within 500 feet of a home; and it will take up to 9 years to transition the rest of the Canadians (approx 20%) to community mailboxes
  • Seniors and those who cannot get to a community mailbox will be accommodated – they have to sign up and will receive mail once a week
  • Canada Post management has been given 45 days to present a plan that ensures the continuity of service, one that reflects current realities and protects rural, remote and indigenous communities.  This week a number of senior managers were laid off with more restructuring details  to come soon.

Canada Post can only succeed if its workers are a part of the solution.  And our government is hopeful that both Canada Post and CUPW are committed to finding a sustainable path forward.   Finally, I was glad to hear that both sides are slated to resume contract negotiations with a mediator soon!

Public Safety.  If you have not yet had a chance to read Bill C-14 our new bail reform and sentencing bill.  I am hearing lots of feedback and support for it. And please save the date, I will be hosting a Public Safety and Crime Townhall on November 29. Stay tuned for more details!

Blue Jays.  I can’t even talk about it.  I am so nervous and excited and nervous and excited!!!  I can’t talk about it.  I may just pray for 9 innings this eve!!!  GO BLUE JAYS GO!

Have a great weekend Davenport.  As always, it’s a true honour and pleasure to serve you! 

With gratitude and warm regards,

Julie Dzerowicz

Member of Parliament, Davenport