Table of Contents

1. Top Three: Foreign Interference, EV corridor and more for travellers
2. Davenport MP Report: Fun fairs, NATO PA, Finance Filibuster and more
3. Links to the Latest Federal News Over the Last Two Weeks
4. Federal Funding Available for Davenport individuals and organizations (including Small Business supports!)

Hello Davenport Friends and Neighbours,

This week saw the beginning of fun fairs, street festivals and parades.  I had a lot of fun at the Regal Road Jr School Fun Fair – and it was great to say hello to so many parents and teachers.

The report by Special Rapporteur David Johnston was also released this week.

I am still digesting the full report  but the key proposals from Mr. Johnston are as follows:

1. Not to hold a public inquiry on foreign interference, since most of the intelligence information cannot be made public due to its sensitivity.
2. Inviting leaders of the opposition to a meeting to relay the intelligence directly to them and to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the true facts.
3. Hold public hearings across Canada with diaspora communities who are targeted by interference to determine other steps that the federal government may need to take.
4. There is an urgent need to improve communication between security agencies and the federal government regarding foreign interference and threats to Canadians and Canadian democracy.

I believe that these are the right recommendations and if we followed them we would get to a strong game plan to tackle foreign interference and to protect all Canadians, with improved communication protocols between security agencies and Canadian political leadership.

But, given the current state of political discourse, distrust, and the level of misinformation and disinformation we may need to do more.  I really liked the Emergency Bill inquiry process and am pondering if we should use that model to look at foreign interference … if only to fully regain public confidence about what has happened, and advance public support for the path forward.

This week was a constituency week,  which means I was in the riding for most of the week.  I love being home for any period of time as it gives me a chance to meet with constituents and directly hear from you. See the MP Report below for a list of some of the many meetings I had this week including with climate activists, Portuguese business leaders, and arts leaders.

I also was very privileged to lead a Canadian Parliamentary Delegation (members from the Conservatives & NDP also attended)  to Luxembourg for a NATO Parliamentary Assembly meeting with hundreds of other NATO parliamentarians. As Special Rapporteur for Food Security and Defence – I delivered a report.  We also debated two resolutions that were adopted on ongoing support for Ukraine and on accelerating NATO’s adaptation at the Vilnius Summit. There was much debate about these two resolutions – especially regarding an accelerated path for Ukraine to become a NATO member after the war is over; and how to strengthen the NATO alliance and build our resiliency moving forward. I encourage you to read the unanimously approved resolutions. I also asked questions to the Prime Minister of Luxembourg and their Defence Minister, as well as I had a chance to also ask the Deputy Secretary General of NATO a couple of questions.

Last week – on May 13 was the 70th Anniversary of the first boat of Portuguese migrants coming to Canada.    The Portuguese Canadian community is now almost 500,000 strong and leaders in every sector of our economy and society.  I gave a statement to pay tribute to them in the House of Commons.  

I head back to Ottawa on Monday where there will be ongoing work on the federal budget 2023 and hopefully finally pass the new Federal Disability Act!

If you would like to read the full report, click here.

Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend!  It’s a true honour and pleasure to serve you!

My best regards, 

Julie Dzerowicz
Member of Parliament, Davenport