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Julie Dzerowicz Member of Parliament
Davenport

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Hello Davenport Friends and Neighbours,

The House of Commons is now in session and so we are restarting our bi-weekly update to update Davenport residents on all federal news.

It was wonderful to see so many of you over the summer at your doors, at festivals and events across our riding.  Over the weekend I was at the Annual Havelock Street Fair – so grateful to all who took the time to speak to me on issues that were top of mind.  This bi-weekly highlights a number of events since the last email update, but by no means is it comprehensive.  

Let me start with hope. This week, Canada’s inflation numbers dropped to 2%. This is amazing news, as it means a drop in interest rates by the Bank of Canada.  The high cost of everything is the top issue in Davenport – so lower rates will mean more affordable mortgages and loans.  So the economy is changing for the better.  

Federal government programs continue to help with overall costs. Today the Canada Child Benefit instalment was deposited in parents bank accounts today; and our national child care program and dental care program continue to provide huge savings to Canadians.  I am also hearing from right across the riding the excitement at the National School Food Program that we introduced – allocating $1 billion over five years so that 400,000 more kids can access healthy food at school, saving families impacted up to $800 a year. And this week we announced three changes to mortgage rules making it much easier to buy and afford a home.  Please take the time to read about the three key changes – they are game-changing.

Immigration. Our Minister of Immigration continues to make changes to the International Student and temporary worker program.  We had inadvertently loosened the rules which many took advantage of – and we are rushing to make corrections.  We are trying to find the right number of international students to study in Canada and work as part of their program.  There were a number of fake colleges and lax provincial oversight that led to  abuse.  And temporary workers are supposed to be just that – temporary, to fill an urgent need that Canadians are not able to fill and it is not meant to be a way to keep wages low! 

As Parliament resumes, it is a different feel.  Now that the NDP has pulled out of the Supply and Confidence Agreement, we go back to functioning as a real minority government where we have to get approval from at least one party to pass a bill. This week two main bills were debated in the House: Bill C-71 , An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act, and Bill C-66 on modernising the military justice system and to implement former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour’s recommendations. 

Israel-Hamas war: Foreign  Minister Mélanie Joly announced the suspension of 30 arms export permits to Israel. This decision, which includes ammunition produced by General Dynamics in Quebec, reflects our government’s commitment to ensuring that Canadian-made arms do not contribute to the ongoing violence in Gaza​. In response to the ongoing extremist settler violence in the West Bank, Minister Joly also announced a third round of sanctions targeting four individuals and two entities involved in acts of harassment and violence against Palestinian civilians.  Israel is not happy with Canada and our commitment to an arms embargo.  Canada is pushing hard for an immediate ceasefire and release of all outstanding hostages. The senseless war and killing must stop.

Funding. There are a couple of new federal funding opportunities, such as the Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF). Canada is investing $62.9 million to build a healthier and more sustainable food system. This fund will support projects that improve access to local, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food, which is a huge priority for us here in Davenport. For those engaged on this issue, please apply. There are several other sources of funding available for individuals and business — see the funding section for more details!

Finally, I cannot believe this, but time is moving very quickly.  With 14 other colleagues I’m co-hosting Latin American and Hispanic Day on the Hill on October 2—a joyous celebration of the rich diversity and culture within the Latin American and Spanish communities. If you want to attend, you have until 5pm on Sept 25 to sign up!

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