Hello Davenport Friends and Neighbours,
It’s been an exciting week!
Earlier this week, I arrived back in Canada after leading the Canadian delegation as Chair to the 68th Annual Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. We passed 6 resolutions and heard directly from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
I was elected as Special Rapporteur for the Democracy and Security Committee, focusing on Food Insecurity, will be remaining as Vice President (ex-officio) and joined the nuclear non-proliferation group. More details below.
The Dental Care Benefit (C-31) and the rental housing benefit is now law! The application portal opens next week (Dec 1) and expenses will be retroactive to October 1! This is only the first step in building a Canada-wide dental care program. Details below.
We are moving on decarbonization. There is a great announcement today on funding of up to $10,000 for homeowners to retrofit. Also an announcement on support for those who want to install heat pumps in their homes.
It’s been a huge week for the Emergencies Act inquiry. Minister’s of Emergency Preparedness, Public Safety, National Defence, and Justice all testified this week along with the Deputy Prime Minister and the Prime Minister. I am really happy that this inquiry is underway. It’s very important for us to understand how we got to the point of having to invoke the Emergencies Act! I’m hoping that we will have some good lessons learned and find better ways for all three levels of government to work together in any future emergency situation (and hopefully not have to use the act again)!
The high cost of living continues to be top of mind for Davenport residents. I know that many small businesses and businesses in general are struggling to fill labour shortages. I want to remind Davenport residents that the federal government has added 16 new occupations to the immigration system (express entry). We are looking for healthcare professionals, pharmacists, heavy-metal machinists, teachers, among many other professions. See below for more information in case you know of people who may want to immigrate to Canada.
As mentioned in previous updates, consultations to develop a Canadian National School Food Policy is now underway.. I encourage Davenport residents (including youth and kids) to participate and provide feedback! You can do so through the link here.
Attention all nonprofits and charities in Davenport! The federal government is creating a new fund to support modernizing your operations. This fund will open in January and will be available for applications until sometime in February. More information below.
My deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Aryeh Schupak, a young Canadian killed in the terrorist attack in Jerusalem this week, as well as all others who have been effected by this unacceptable attack. I join our federal government in condemning this violence in the strongest possible terms.
For so many of us in Davenport it’s been so much fun to follow the World Cup, and to see Canada return to the World Cup! Our Canadian players are an inspiration!. Yes they lost their first game to Belgium, but they played hard and showcased their talents to the world. Next game is between Canada and Croatia on Sunday – I look forward to watching it! I also want to say huge congratulations to Ronaldo who became the first player to score in five separate World Cups in Portugal’s win yesterday over Ghana! Zowie- is he ever an exceptional talent.
Finally, you should have received my holiday card! It includes an invitation to my Festive Outdoor Holiday Party on December 10th from 2pm – 4pm outside the Earlscourt Park Skating Rink. Santa is coming, there will be hot drinks and food, and great music among other things. I hope you join me and my team for some festive fun!
If you want to read the whole update, click here.
Stay warm and have a safe weekend. As always, It’s a true honour and privilege to serve you.
My very best regards,
Julie Dzerowicz
Member of Parliament, Davenport