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Julie Dzerowicz Member of Parliament
Davenport

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Davenport Friends and Neighbours,

I hope you had a great week! It’s been another historic week in global politics and here at home. There is so much to update you on, so let me dive right in.

Canada’s New Strategic Partnership with China

Prime Minister Carney has returned from a very successful trip to China — the first visit by a Canadian Prime Minister since 2017. In Beijing, PM Carney met with President Xi Jinping and together they announced a new strategic partnership focused on energy, agri-food, and trade. This is a significant step in our government’s work to diversify Canada’s trade relationships and reduce our reliance on any single trading partner.

A key part of the agreement involves electric vehicles, which you can read all about here. The goal is to partner with Chinese companies to build affordable EVs right here in Canada, using Canadian workers and materials. For context, the European Union already allows Chinese EVs into their market (with tariffs ranging from 17% to 45%), as do most OECD countries with various adjustments. Our approach is to start small and focused. We’re going to build and improve our domestic manufacturing, prioritizing our workers. We are taking this opportunity to learn from other countries so that we can strengthen our own. 

I know some Canadians have raised security concerns, and I want to address them directly. PM Carney himself has previously identified China as a significant risk to Canada. That is precisely why this agreement is structured with clear boundaries: limited import quotas, strict requirements, and a focus on creating Canadian manufacturing partnerships rather than simply opening our market. Canada is engaging “with open eyes” — protecting our interests while building economic opportunities. We can pursue trade diversification while maintaining vigilance on national security.

World Economic Forum in Davos

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Carney delivered what many are calling “one of the best speeches by a world leader in years” at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Speaking to a global audience of political and business leaders, he was candid about the challenges facing the international community — and the opportunities for middle- powers  like Canada.

PM Carney spoke about a “rupture” in the world order, acknowledging that the old rules-based international system as we knew it is fundamentally changing. But rather than painting a picture of despair, he outlined a vision for how middle powers like Canada can lead. He called on Canada and other like-minded nations to stop pretending the old order will return and instead build something new — through diversified trade relationships, stronger domestic economies, and coalitions of countries that share our values.

Closer to home – the message for Canadians –  is one of hope, courage, and determination: we have the resources, the talent, and the values the world needs. We will not be passive in this new era. We will build our strength at home and engage strategically with the world.

“Canada Thrives Because We Are Canadian”

Our Prime Minister delivered a second powerful speech yesterday at La Citadelle in Québec City.

The speech was a response to President Trump’s comment that “Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership in the economy, in security, and in a rich cultural exchange…But Canada doesn’t “live because of the United States” Canada thrives because we are Canadian.”

The speech is a reminder about Canada’s founding values — our commitment to coexistence over conflict, to building together rather than pulling apart. 

Firmly Standing with Greenland and Denmark

Both PM Carney and Foreign Minister Anita Anand have been unequivocal: Canada fully supports the independence and sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark. “The future of Greenland is for Greenland and Denmark to determine,” PM Carney stated.

Minister Anand spoke with her Greenlandic and Danish counterparts to reiterate Canada’s “steadfast support for the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty states that an armed attack against one NATO member shall be considered an attack against them all. Our commitment to Article 5 is unwavering and our government is working with our NATO allies to secure the alliance’s northern and western flanks, and Minister Anand will travel to Greenland in the coming weeks to open Canada’s new consulate in Nuuk. We stand with our friends and allies.

Championing Toronto at the Federal Level

Turning to matters closer to home — as Chair of the Toronto Caucus, representing 23 federal Liberal MPs from across our city, I hosted a meeting earlier this week at MOCA Toronto to discuss our priorities and how we can continue to be the biggest champions for Toronto at the federal level. Our caucus is united in advocating for our city’s needs.

This morning, I joined Ontario’s Minister of Finance, Minister of Energy, Minister of Colleges and Universities, and Kevin Reed of the DSRB Development Group to present Toronto’s bid to host the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB).

What the Defence Bank means: The DSRB Bank is an international financial institution designed to provide low-interest loans and funding for defense projects among NATO and allied nations. It is modeled after the World Bank. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish Toronto as the defence finance capital of the world. 

The Toronto Liberal MPs support this bid. Toronto is North America’s second-largest financial centre. Hosting the DSRB could create 3,500 high-value jobs and elevate Toronto to the same tier as London and New York for defence finance. Go Toronto go!  

Speaking Up on AI Safety: Grok and Online Harms

Earlier this week, I put out a statement regarding Grok, the AI chatbot owned by Elon Musk’s AI company and integrated into the X/Twitter platform. Grok has been involved in a series of deeply troubling incidents. These are not minor glitches — I think they represent serious failures of content moderation and AI safety.

AI companies have a responsibility to implement robust safeguards, especially when their products are used by millions of people daily. I will continue to advocate for stronger regulations to protect Canadians from harmful AI-generated content.  

On a related note, I want to alert you to another concerning trend: scammers are using my name and photo on platforms like Telegram to promote fake investment schemes.

If you see an account claiming to be me that is offering investment advice or asking for money — it is not me. It is a scam. Please be vigilant online.

Here are some tips to protect yourself: 

Always verify accounts by checking for official verification badges and cross-referencing with official websites

Never click on unsolicited links or share personal information

If an offer seems too good to be true, it is; and when in doubt, contact my official office directly to verify any communication. 

If it’s not verified or blue-check marked, assume it is NOT legitimate.

House of Commons Returns Monday

The House of Commons is back in session starting Monday, January 26. I am excited about the important work ahead — from continuing to champion immigration reform as Chair of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, to advancing Canada’s defence priorities through my role as Chair of the Canada-NATO Parliamentary Association. There is much to be done, and I am ready.

And finally — please stay warm this weekend! The polar vortex is bringing the coldest air of the season, with temperatures in Toronto potentially dipping to -22°C overnight Friday and wind chills as low as -32°C. Limit your time outdoors, bundle up, and check on vulnerable neighbours. The City of Toronto has opened warming centres across the city.

As always, it is a true honour and privilege to serve you, Davenport. Have a great weekend!

Warmly,

Julie

Julie Dzerowicz

Member of Parliament for Davenport

Chair, Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration

Chair, Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association

Chair, Toronto Caucus