Hello Friends and Neighbours,
September has definitely started off with a bang! Zowee! We went from a lovely relaxing summer to a “full-on” busy September in a blink of an eye. So much is happening, on so many different fronts!
The House of Commons is back in session and there are 5 important pieces of legislation moving through the House.
Two (C-30, C-31) were introduced this week and if passed will provide additional cost of living support for Canadians this year, including a dental care benefit for children under 12 without dental insurance.
We also have firearms legislation (C-21) in committee as part of our ongoing efforts to reduce gun violence in Canada.
The Canada Disability Benefit Act is at second reading (HURRAH!) and also winding its way through the House of Commons. If passed, working-age Canadians with disabilities will receive more financial support. I strongly support accelerating the adoption of this bill as quickly as possible. It has taken too long! Also in the House this week was C-29 which provides for the establishment of a National Council for Reconciliation as an independent, non-political, permanent and Indigenous-led organization whose purpose is to advance efforts for reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, a direct response to Calls to Action 53-56.
Our Prime Minister was at the United Nations this week and the two things that have been reinforced for me via Secretary-General Antonio Gutterres’s speech is that the world is in “red alert” zone – with huge challenges facing us including climate change, poverty and war; and that the world is gridlocked and in a “colossal global dysfunction”.
The second part is that there is real discussion around how to remove Russia from the Security Council. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on Thursday calling for Russia to be suspended from the Human Rights Council.
I spoke in the House of Commons supporting the proposed Dental Care Benefit; these additional funds will be much appreciated by so many Davenport families. I also stood in the House to honour the 70th anniversary of Davenport-based COSTI and their contributions to settling immigrants and helping to build the Canada of today.
The House of Commons took a special moment to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the summit hockey series where, against all odds, Team Canada beat Russia in the final game. Members of the team received a standing ovation for an effort that inspired our nation in 1972.
This week was gender equality week. As women, it is important for us to recognize how far we have come in Canada around gender equality and to acknowledge that even though we have made such great progress, we need to be vigilant and continue to safeguard the rights and freedoms that have been won.
Last weekend the Portuguese community made history! Guiness World Record History! I was so honoured to be part of it. The Portuguese community via the leadership of the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga organized the largest Portuguese folk dance. Over 747 of us danced for over 5 minutes at the same time, breaking the world record! Congratulations to the Portuguese community for not only having the vision but also for organizing this extraordinary effort and achievement.
This weekend is Rosh Hashanah. Shana Tova to all those who will be celebrating!
There is a lot going on including the Geary St Art Crawl, the Queen St. West Art Fair, the Havelock Street Party, among so many other community activities. Enjoy your weekend! It’s a true honour and pleasure to serve you.
Julie Dzerowicz
Member of Parliament, Davenport
Read the full update here.