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Julie Dzerowicz Member of Parliament
Davenport

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Davenport Neighbours and Friends,

In Ottawa there has been a really wonderful focus on Black History Month – with lots of celebrations, announcements and gatherings.  I am looking forward to some upcoming celebrations here in Davenport and across the city.   This month sure is passing by very quickly.

Our federal government has also been seized with a number of issues that impact the everyday lives of Davenport residents –  indeed all Canadians.  90,000 cars were stolen over the last year, that is one every six minutes. We convened an Auto-Theft Summit to bring together all stakeholders (car companies, police, all three levels of government, insurance companies, border agents, etc.) to come up with an action plan on how to tackle auto theft moving forward.   

Healthcare is also top of mind for us nationally. The Prime Minister was in Toronto last Friday to announce that $3.1 billion will be given to the Ontario government – these dollars are for more doctors, reduced wait times, more mental health supports, and electronic health records.  This $3.1 billion is part of the over $8 billion we’ve committed to Ontario; the reason it is taking a while for the money to  flow to these areas  is that we are now demanding more accountability for the dollars given to the province.  For a summary of the federal investment in health care (over $198 billion announcement last year) click here.   

Climate change is always front and center for us federally – this week we announced that we have a new name for the quarterly carbon tax rebate and we have broken out  how much the rebate will be for Canadians in 2024-2025. The new name is the Canada Carbon Rebate (this is the name you will see on your bank statements). And please do not be fooled by the misinformation out there – the price on pollution (i.e. the carbon tax) is one of the cheapest and more effective ways to reduce carbon emissions.  It is not a cost to most Canadians, as 8 out of 10 Canadians get more money back than what they may pay in a carbon tax.  We have to continue to move urgently to decarbonize our economy and meet our 2030 and 2050 net zero targets.

While it  does not seem that (based on our correspondence) that ArriveCan has been top of mind for Davenport residents (have received few  calls or emails), daily Question Period this week was peppered with questions on the Auditor General’s report saying it was impossible to know the actual cost of the ArriveCan app due to poor record keeping.  Our federal government has appropriately commissioned an independent  investigation to figure out how we got to where we are now. 

Canada, Australia and New Zealand issued a second joint statement on February 14 on Israel’s planned ground offensive into Rafah – expressing that all  “are gravely concerned.”  Read the statement here.   And you can find my latest statement (Feb 2) on the Israel-Hamas War here.

February 24 will mark two years since Putin’s Russia began its latest  invasion of Ukraine (let’s not forget Crimea in 2014). Canada continues to stand with Ukraine against this illegal incursion and continues to support Ukraine in every way possible. Defense Minister Blair announced Canada’s commitment to bolster Ukraine’s F-16 fighter aircraft with an additional $60 million as part of the federal government’s broader $500 million military aid pledge. And the updated Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement passed third reading in the House of Commons – this agreement will help support Ukraine’s wartime economy and ultimately its rebuilding efforts.

Electoral reform:  I believe in the need for a non-partisan  Citizen’s Assembly and supported NDP motion M-86 in the House of Commons.

We have heard concerns and disappointment by Davenport residents  about the Greener Homes Grant ending – the good news is that news on the next phase will be out soon, so stay tuned!

You are amazing Davenport. Thank you to the hundreds of residents that gave input via email or mail on your priorities for the upcoming federal budget. Subjects included housing and the cost of living; the environment; healthcare; education; arts and culture; reconciliation and making our community safer. I’ve passed on these suggestions to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and you can see my letter here.

I will end on a personal note. Heartfelt thanks to all who  wrote me a personal email to say they are thinking about my mom and sending thoughts and prayers.  All good thoughts and prayers are welcomed and appreciated!  She is in stable condition and we are hoping that she will head into a  positive rehabilitation phase. 

Family Day is on Monday  – enjoy this long weekend. Wishing you an awesome family time!

My very best regards,

Julie Dzerowicz
Member of Parliament – Davenport