Table of Contents
- Special Section: Fall Economic Update
- Davenport MP Report: Working Hard for You
- Important News & Federal Announcements
- Federal Supports Available to You!
Greetings Davenport Friends and Neighbours,
I begin this update with the sad news that the Davenport Festive Holiday Party, scheduled for TOMORROW, Saturday December 2nd, has been canceled.
My office and team have experienced a sit-in and a number of rallies over the last few weeks – the vast majority of participants have been peaceful and respectful but there is a very small group that have not been. It is not uncommon for a protester to cross a line in terms of verbal abuse and physical abuse. It breaks my heart to have to cancel this event as I love sharing holiday cheer with Davenport families, children and seniors – but the safety and well-being of my constituents and my team are my top priorities.
I also want to speak out against the alarming rise of hate-related acts in our community and in our city with a massive rise of antisemitism.
Members of the Jewish community in our riding have met with me, emailed me and called me to tell me how they are personally experiencing racism and discrimination, to tell me how fearful they are for their children who are attending local schools, travelling on transit and walking local streets.
It’s been deeply distressing as they have never experienced this kind of racism or discrimination ever in their lives here in our community or in Toronto. I have condemned and will continue to condemn anti-semitism in the strongest possible terms. It is not acceptable – period.
As mentioned previously, I have also met with local police leaders to discuss issues in the riding including the rise in racism and discrimination in addition to increased shootings and stabbings. I have raised the issues discussed with our federal minister of public safety and federal minister of justice. All levels of government need to constantly do all we can to support our police to better protect us in our communities.
There is also a rise in Islamophobia – which is equally unacceptable. And I condemn in the strongest possible terms all racist and discriminatory attacks against the Muslim community. Again, I also have met with the local Imam and Muslim representatives to discuss how the community is doing and to hear their suggestions of what the federal government can do to address their concerns.
As I write this, the truce in the fighting of the Israel-Hamas war has ended. Some hostages have been released and humanitarian aid has been delivered, which our government has been calling for since the conflict began: the release of hostages, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a continued pause in the hostilities. This is progress, but it must be sustained. As our Prime Minister stated, “I continue to call for a need for lasting peace in the region, including a two-state solution.” Thank you to all who have called to engage me on this—it’s important for me to hear from you and to listen to your concerns. To see some of my past statements on the situation please click here.
Yesterday, November 30, our federal government launched the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline – Canada’s new three digit suicide prevention helpline. coordinated nationwide by The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. 9-8-8 is there by text or via phone for anyone who is having a mental health crisis.
Last week, our Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland released the Fall Economic Statement – it gives a snapshot of our federal government’s finances and announced some targeted measures on rental housing. Key to note is elimination of GST/HST from psychotherapy.
Our federal government continues to negotiate with the City of Toronto on ongoing sustainable support for asylum seekers, housing and transit. Negotiations continue and there will be more to announce soon.
But note that our federal government has already announced $7 million to open a Welcome Reception centre near Pearson airport to shelter and support asylum claimants. It will serve as a temporary shelter with 800 spaces for asylum seekers. Immigration Minister Miller also announced that our government has offered $5 million to help the city open the Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place to create space for asylum seekers over the winter.
Last Friday, I hosted the Davenport Arts & Culture Roundtable with many members of our community attending. I want to thank everyone for their insights, and ideas. A summary report has been created and will be sent to the Minister of Heritage. The Minister has also been invited to come to Davenport and visit with us. I also want to note that yesterday we announced that Google and the federal government have reached an agreement in their dispute over the Online News Act. Google agreed to make annual payments to Canadian news organizations in the range of $100 million. Read more here.
Finally, I was honoured to be selected by the Hispanic & Latin American leadership and community as one of 2023’s Top Ten Hispanic Canadians. I accepted the award on behalf of my Mexican Canadian mother who has taught me strength, resiliency and modeled “never ever giving up” in pursuing one’s dreams or in moving on something that is important to you.
I cannot believe it is already December! Lots of holiday markets have started. Have a great weekend Davenport. As always, it’s a true honour and pleasure to serve you.
My best,
Julie Dzerowicz
Member of Parliament Davenport