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Julie Dzerowicz Member of Parliament
Davenport

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Davenport friends and neighbours,

I’m currently heading to Slovenia for the 71st NATO Parliamentary Session! As Chair of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, I’ll be leading a team of 12 Canadian delegates. Every NATO country sends a delegation to discuss our top security challenges.

While I’m away, my staff will be providing you with our weekly updates for the weeks of October 5th and 12th.

First and foremost, we welcome Prime Minister Mark Carney back to Canada after his working visit to Washington, D.C., which included a meeting with the President of the United States. A trade deal hasn’t been made yet, but we want to reassure you that Canada already has the best deal in the world with the United States! In fact, 85% of Canada-U.S. trade is tariff-free. As the PM has said, “the actual U.S. average tariff rate on Canadian goods…remains the lowest among all its trading partners.” Even so, we’re negotiating on making them even lower. 

The Minister of Canada-US trade has said that the latest conversations between our PM and the President has revealed that we want to structure something that would benefit both countries. It’s a tough job, but the Prime Minister and the President have a good working relationship. We’re working on making Canada strong.

We know people in the aluminum, steel, and auto sector are being impacted. We know there are job losses. That is why we’re working urgently and quickly because businesses need stability. Stability makes our businesses in Davenport better. Decision-making becomes better, and investments in our economy become better, meaning our entire local and national economy becomes better. MP Dzerowicz has raised concerns about small businesses in Davenport directly with federal ministers to ensure local businesses are supported during this time. Our government is committed to providing updates and working with small business owners to keep them informed and help them succeed.

Next, the federal budget will be tabled on November 4th. The Minister of Finance and National Revenue has given us an update: going forward, the budget will be presented earlier, in the fall, rather than the spring season. This change comes for three reasons:

  1. Every other country in the G7 does this, and it also aligns with other levels of government as they plan their budgets.
  2. It lines up with construction season, so projects can begin as soon as construction season starts (meaning faster and quicker homes)
  3. We’re going to be able to manage our capital and operating expenses to be accountable to Canadians to show that we are spending less and investing more.

This is a generational budget change to meet a rupture in the global economy. The economic order has completely changed. And this is how “we’ll deliver generational investments that build Canada Strong.”

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is now in effect. Under the deal, Hamas will release the remaining 48 hostages. All of the Gaza strip is happy. There is an outpouring of joy and relief on the streets of Gaza and Israel. Yes, there is still much work ahead. But, this is a step towards peace.  It is a day for optimism.

Ensuring the safety of our communities remains a key part of the federal government’s commitment to protecting Canadians. Through public safety and bail reforms, we are making sure that criminals are kept behind bars and that repeat offenders face real consequences. Earlier this fall, the government introduced Bill C-9: the Combatting Hate Act. This is one of the MANY measures our government has taken to address the rise in antisemitism, Islamophobia, homophobia and transphobia that have left too many people feeling unsafe in their own communities. Protecting Canadians from hate, discrimination, and violence is one of our top priorities this fall.

This week, MP Dzerowicz spoke in the House about Bill C-11: the Military Justice System Modernization Act. This bill makes important changes to improve fairness and safety in the Canadian Armed Forces. It moves cases of sexual assault to civilian courts so they can be handled without bias. It also makes the military justice system more independent, with fairer ways to choose judges and leaders. These changes follow key recommendations from Justice Louise Arbour’s review and will help build a safer, more respectful culture – one that supports better recruitment and retention. To further strengthen Canada, we are increasing our investment in defence from 2 to 5% by 2030, and also introduced the new Defence Investment Agency.

MP Julie Dzerowicz, as Chair of the Toronto Caucus (23 Toronto MPs), met with city officials and others this week to discuss federal support – especially for asylum seekers. She will issue a statement soon to clarify the facts. The federal government has made historic investments in Toronto, totaling tens of billions of dollars for Toronto’s infrastructure, housing, and transit.  As the number of asylum seekers have declined significantly, we announced a shift to a more sustainable approach to our budgeting. The Member continues to fight for Davenport and Toronto to get the resources it needs.

Next, the Minister of Public Safety introduced Bill C-12: the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act. It improves how we handle immigration and stops illegal weapons and drugs from entering our country. To read more, see here.

MP Julie led the Parliamentary Committee on Citizenship and Immigration this week, where Bill C-3 – An Act to  Amend the Citizenship Act – was adopted by the committee, but with some amendments to require security checks, a demonstrated time-based connection to Canada of 1095 days, and demonstration of language proficiency. MP Dzerowicz reported the amended bill to the House of Commons for approval, and you can watch her statement here.

Canada Post has announced changes to improve delivery and make its services more efficient. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers went on the picket lines in response, but are now shifting to rotating strikes. CUPW says change will ‘start mail and parcels moving’ while continuing to fight for ‘good collective agreements.’

Jobs, jobs, jobs! There are many jobs now available at Toronto Pearson. And even better, they’re holding a Career Expo so that you can learn more! It’s happening next week, October 15th, at the International Centre from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sign up here.

To wrap-up, we would like to wish each of you a very happy Thanksgiving. We  have much to be thankful for in Davenport and in Canada. We hope you can take this special time of the season to rest, rejuvenate, and  enjoy the company of  your loved ones.  And Go Blue Jays!

 To stay up to date and in the moment, kindly consider following the Member on social media – @juliedzerowicz (Facebook, X, Instagram); @juliedzerowiczMP (YouTube).

In the words of MP Dzerowicz: It is a true honour and pleasure to serve you, Davenport!

With gratitude and warm regards,

The Staff of Julie Dzerowicz

Member of Parliament – Davenport