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- Davenport MP Report: Working Hard for You
- Important News & Federal Announcements
- Federal Supports Available to You!
Hello Davenport Friends and Neighbours
I hope all of you are keeping well and enjoying this beautiful fall. This email update will provide my latest thoughts on the Israel-Hamas war, some major government announcements, and a report on my work in Ottawa and the riding on your behalf.
First of all, the situation in Gaza is catastrophic, and there must be a humanitarian pause immediately.
Whatever term we use – there needs to be an immediate safe way for all the humanitarian aid, medical supplies, essentials of life to get to all civilians in Gaza.
We need a pause to get this all in and we need a way to create an ongoing corridor for humanitarian aid to continue to get in on an ongoing basis. At the same time, Israel must be able to defend and protect itself and its citizens.
The world is watching. This continues to take up the majority of our time on Parliament Hill and my office is inundated with calls, emails and letters. Thank you to all who have called to engage me on this – it’s important for me to hear from you and to listen to your concerns.
While the Israel-Hamas war continues to dominate the headlines, it is important to not forget the war in Ukraine continues with deadly consequences. On November 2, it was reported that Russia bombarded 118 Ukrainian towns and villages in 24 hours, more than on any other day this year. This week, I spoke in the House of Commons on the modernized Canadian-Ukrainian Free Trade Agreement recently signed. It’s important for us to ensure our support for Ukraine both during and after the war.
On the Immigration front – three big announcements: changes to the international student program, we reach our target of 40,000 Afghan refugees and we release our immigration targets for the next three years. Read more in the links below. I also made a statement on this in the House.
Re carbon pricing and affordability – last week, the Prime Minister announced that we would double the rural supplement in the tax rebate program, would exempt heating oil from the carbon tax for three years right across Canada, and would work with any province or territory to provide free heat pumps to those who transition from heating oil. Heating oil is the energy source that is the dirtiest in terms of pollutants and the vast majority of those who use heating oil are among Canada’s lowest income earners. Listen to my speech here for more information.
It’s been a super busy two weeks in Ottawa so please see my MP Report for all the things I have been up to on your behalf!
Turning to Toronto. Officials at all three levels have been meeting on how to support asylum seekers moving forward. And I believe that the City of Toronto has submitted the documentation needed for the $97 million federal commitment to support asylum seekers in the interim. This is good.
Politicians at all three levels are meeting soon on how to provide more stable funding and support to Toronto for the medium term. I’ve said it before – and will say it again; the City needs a sustainable predictable long term funding model that allows it to deliver the services we need and to be accountable for its plan for the city.
Finally – I had so much FUN joining in the many activities In Davenport over the last couple of weeks. Our riding loves Halloween! It’s a time when the streets come alive! Pumpkin carvings, ghosts, costumes, music, dance – thanks to the Clay and Paper Theatre, Corso Italia and Regal Heights BIA for some fun Halloween get-togethers. Read all in my MP Report below.
Have a wonderful weekend Davenport. As always, it’s a true honour and pleasure to serve you.
My very best,
Julie Dzerowicz
Member of Parliament, Davenport