Table of Contents
- MP Report: Working Hard for Davenport
- Federal Support Available NOW
- Important News and Federal Announcements
- Canada provides funding for humanitarian needs in Lebanon
- Multiple support initiatives for small businesses
- Foreign interference inquiry
- Major funding for public transit
Hello Davenport Friends and Neighbours,
What a week! The House has been in session for three weeks now and it’s been expectedly busy. The rules governing the House of Commons were not made for a time when political parties can take advantage of the rules to try to score political points. The Conservatives are trying everything they can to not make Parliament work -they are throwing out all tactics to see what sticks. I know some of you might not follow everything that happens in the House of Commons, but for those of you that do, I am more than happy to answer any questions — just email my office to set up a time for me to call you!
Back to Davenport and the issues that face us here. I was able to visit the Dufferin Grove encampments earlier this week and meet with some of the individuals living there. I appreciate their willingness to share their stories with me. I also met with officials who gave me a run down on the encampments in Toronto parks – they confirmed with me that the City of Toronto has 100% power and control to prioritise which encampments are supported and cleared.
Each year, I make it a priority to attend the Pow-Wow at Dufferin Grove Park on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is always a wonderful opportunity to meet old and new friends, and to reflect on the ongoing, critical work of Reconciliation.
At the Theatre Centre on Queen West, I proudly announced more funding for artistic organisations across our riding and city. $3.1 million went to 22 organisations – five in Davenport and the rest across our city. Congratulations to MOCA Toronto ($185,000), The Theatre Centre ($150,000), Toronto Biennial of Art ($200,000), Uma Nota Culture ($45,000) and Theatre Gargantua ($73,000).
Small businesses – more money is coming your way! As long as you filed your 2023 tax return by July 15, 2024, the Canada Carbon Rebate will be deposited into your bank account in December – read more here.
And there is more federal funding available to strengthen community safety and community food security, as well as for Black-led, Black-focused, or Black-serving non-profit organisations.
Davenport residents care about electoral reform, progressive politics and a more sustainable equitable Canada. My colleague MP Erskine-Smith in his podcast asked our PM some direct and tough questions about electoral reform, his legacy and why he is running again. It’s an honest conversation that I encourage everyone to watch.
The evolving situation in the Middle East is a terrifying concern for many of us. Know that our Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister and Defence Minister are working with their counterparts to de-escalate the tensions and to stop an all-out war in the Middle East. Here is the latest from our Prime Minister on the situation, and earlier this week, I released a statement on this issue. I will continue to engage with the community on this topic. Also — if you know any Canadians or family members of Canadians currently in Lebanon, they should leave as soon as they can for their own safety. Click here for more information.
This cannot be said enough: there is no place for antisemitism or Islamophobia in our constituency or in our country. I have received several calls in the past few days about a viral video of an antisemitic rant that occurred in Davenport. I have made a clear statement that we must not tolerate this discrimination in any form. And for anyone who hasn’t had a chance to read my letter, I wrote to Mayor Chow to ask her to establish community safe zones.
I am so proud of our Latin American & Hispanic Community. As October is Latin American Heritage Month, I made a statement in the House of Commons about the many contributions of Latin American and Hispanic Canadians to our country. Ole, ole, ole, cha, cha, cha … I say!!!
Oh … and we had over 600 people attend the biggest, loudest, most exciting party of the year on Parliament Hill – from right across the country, Latin Americans and Hispanic Canadians descended on Parliament to join MPs, Senators, Ambassadors and the Prime Minister of Canada to say thank you to the community for their role in making Canada the best country in the world to live in.
Important votes happened in the House this week. As a champion for basic income and the first MP to introduce a GBI bill in the House of Commons (C-273), I voted in support of Bill C-223, An Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income.
At Finance Committee, local resident and community leader Sally Lee did an excellent job presenting for the 2025 pre-budget consultations. She requested additional funding for the Canadian Independent Screen Fund for Black and People of Colour Creators, and I will be advocating for the Finance Minister to adopt her recommendations.
And finally, I want to encourage all to attend the Toronto Biennial of Art. 10 weeks, 55+ exhibitions, 11 unique locations (5 in Davenport), 90+ artworks — and it is FREE!!!!
Have a great weekend, Davenport! As always, it is a true honour and pleasure to serve you.My very best regards,
Julie Dzerowicz
Member of Parliament – Davenport