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Julie Dzerowicz Member of Parliament
Davenport

TORONTO, ON - January 13 Toronto Star Editor in Chief Nicole MacIntyre (right) speaks to (left to right) Star publisher and owner Jordan Bitove, Miller, Nguyen, Karim Bardeesy and Dzerowicz. Liberal MP Marc Miller toured the Toronto Star newsroom with fellow MPs Julie Dzerowicz, MP (Davenport), Chi Nguyen, MP (Spadina—Harbourfront), and Karim Bardeesy, MP (Parkdale—High Park) & Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry. January 13 2026 Richard Lautens/Toronto Star

Table of Contents 

Davenport friends and neighbours:

This past week has brought into sharp focus a reality many of us have sensed for some time: the world we thought we knew has fundamentally shifted. President Trump’s actions—from threatening our closest allies like Greenland and Denmark, to imposing tariffs that disrupt decades of trusted trading relationships—have revealed that we can no longer rely on the predictability we once took for granted in our relationship with the United States.

As Prime Minister Carney has said, we are living through a hinge moment in global history. The actions being taken south of our border are reshaping global trade and the international economic order. Our response cannot be fear or paralysis. It must be resolve, clear-eyed strategy, and a determination to build a stronger, more independent, and more resilient Canada.

That is exactly what our federal government is doing. We are tackling uncertainty by strengthening our internal Canadian economy and pivoting decisively to diversify our trade with trusted partners around the world.

A New Strategic Partnership with China

This week, Prime Minister Carney took a historic step by travelling to Beijing—the first Canadian Prime Minister to visit China since 2017—and forging a new strategic partnership with the world’s second-largest economy. This partnership is focused on energy, clean technology, agri-food, and trade.

What does this mean for Canadians? By March 1, 2026, China will lower tariffs on Canadian canola seed from 85% to approximately 15%—unlocking nearly $3 billion in export opportunities for our farmers. Tariffs on Canadian canola meal, lobsters, crabs, and peas will also be removed. This is generational. Diversifying trade is the only way we can become a more independent country.

On Electric Vehicles: I know many Ontarians and Torontonians are concerned about the impact on our auto sector.

Let me be clear about what this agreement means: Canada will allow up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into our market at a 6.1% tariff rate. This represents less than 3% of the Canadian vehicle market—the same volume that was coming in before recent tariffs.

As Professor Peter Frise from the University of Windsor noted, 49,000 vehicles is what the Stellantis Windsor plant produces in just 30-35 days. These lower-priced EVs (under $35,000) don’t compete head-to-head with any Canadian production. Within three years, we expect significant Chinese joint-venture investment in Canada to protect and create new auto manufacturing jobs right here.

We have also set an ambitious goal to increase our exports to China by 50% by 2030. This is about building Canadian prosperity and Canadian jobs.

On Human Rights and Foreign Interference: Our government remains deeply committed to protecting Canadian democratic institutions and addressing foreign interference. We are implementing the recommendations from the Hogue Commission report, including $77 million for election security and combating disinformation.

Bill C-70 has strengthened our defences against foreign meddling, and we continue to monitor and act on concerns about transnational repression affecting diaspora communities here in Canada. Engaging with China economically does not mean compromising our values—it means being realistic, respectful, and interest-based while maintaining our principles.

Standing with Greenland and Denmark

President Trump has openly threatened to take control of Greenland—a self-governing territory of our NATO ally Denmark. Canada’s response has been clear and unequivocal. Prime Minister Carney met with Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen in Paris and affirmed Canada’s full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland. The future of Greenland is for Greenland and Denmark to determine.

Several NATO allies are now deploying troops to Greenland for joint exercises—a powerful statement of solidarity. Canada will continue working with Denmark, Greenland, and our partners in our shared responsibility for Arctic security. Governor General Mary Simon and Foreign Minister Anita Anand will visit Greenland in the coming weeks to open Canada’s new consulate in Nuuk.

I fully support our federal government’s strong stance. These are unprecedented times when allies are putting together measures to deter aggression from a country that is supposed to be our protector. We cannot be silent.

National Updates

988 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Health Minister Marjorie Michel announced $120.2 million over two years to support the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline. Since launching in 2023, this service has responded to over 800,000 calls and texts. Anyone experiencing a suicide crisis, or worried about someone, can call or text 9-8-8 for 24/7 bilingual, trauma-informed support.

Student Loan Forgiveness Expanded: As of December 31, 2025, ten new occupations are eligible for Canada Student Loan Forgiveness, including teachers, social workers, dentists, pharmacists, and early childhood educators. Eligible professionals working in rural communities can receive up to $30,000 in loan forgiveness over five years.

Toronto’s Bid for the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank: As Chair of Toronto Caucus, I am working with my colleagues to champion Toronto’s bid to host the new Defence, Security and Resilience Bank. This multilateral institution will finance defence and security projects for NATO members and allies, creating over 3, 500 skilled jobs. Toronto, as Canada’s financial capital, is the ideal location. The decision could come very soon!

Statement on X/Grok

This week I released a statement on the deeply troubling reports about X’s Grok AI generating non-consensual sexual images of women and children. This is unacceptable. I have been working for years on combating online misinformation and disinformation, and holding social media platforms accountable is more important than ever. You can read my full statement on my website.

A Final Thought

Former UN Ambassador Bob Rae has warned that Canada faces the most significant challenge to our sovereignty since the Second World War. He also cautioned that we face attacks not just through traditional means but through bots—automated accounts spreading coordinated messaging—and through misinformation and disinformation designed to divide us and undermine our confidence.

But Ambassador Rae also offers wisdom for these times: Despair is Not an Option, and emphasizes having Hope. Now is the time for courage, not fear. Now is the time to support Canadian products and Canadian workers. Now is the time to bet on Canada and to support each other.  We can give ourselves more than anyone can ever take away.

This is our moment to ask not what our country can do for us, but what we can do for our country. Every purchase of a Canadian product, every act of community solidarity, every moment we choose unity over division—that is how we build the Canada we want to pass on to future generations.

Have a great weekend, Davenport.  It’s a true honour and pleasure to serve you.

With gratitude and warm regards,

Julie Dzerowicz

Member of Parliament, Davenport