Hello Davenport Friends and Neighbours,
On this second National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, I will be joining Canadians to reflect on what reconciliation means in Canada.
I want to acknowledge that colonization, discriminatory laws and a history of government imposed decision-making created more than 150 years of harm to Indigenous Peoples that needs to be undone.
Reconciliation is a journey.
It’s a relationship. An evolving one, that will change and grow and that will go through ups and downs. We must navigate this relationship together with Indigenous Peoples in Canada, celebrate the progress made while also holding Canada accountable for past harms, including those as a result of residential schools.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action are a blueprint for our shared future in Canada, which informs our current legislation at the federal level. The 1) United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP), 2) the Indigenous Languages Act, 3) An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Children, Youth, and Families Act, 4) the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Act – are all examples of legislation that have been informed by the Calls to Action.
Celebrating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation today means celebrating the first ever Canadian Indigenous Language Commissioner, the first ever Indigenous Governor General and the first ever Indigenous Supreme Court of Canada Justice. These historic firsts demonstrate the progress, commitment, and hope that the TRC put forward in the Calls to Action.
There are critics who will say reconciliation is dead, failing, or have some other judgmental way to describe efforts towards reconciliation. Yes, we have 150 years of damaged relationships between Canada and Indigenous Peoples to make up for, but I believe Indigenous Peoples and governments must work in partnership.
While much progress has been made, there is so much more to do. We now have a national holiday on September 30 to reflect on where we are, where we have been, and where we are going. We will be reminded of this progress every year going forward. The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation raises awareness as this relationship continues to evolve, and reminds us that this journey of reconciliation is one that we must all embark on together. After almost 7 years as a member of parliament, I’m more hopeful than ever that Canadians are up to this challenge.
As always Davenport, there is so much to update you on. At the federal level, we continue to be seized with supporting Atlantic Canadians as they deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona; we are implementing more supports to counter the rise in the cost of living; and we are working in lock step with other NATO countries to continue to support Ukraine. Lots more information below.
Next weekend is Thanksgiving, and I will be collecting non-perishable foods at my constituency office at 1202 Bloor St. West from Monday to Friday next week! We’re especially looking for protein drinks, protein bars, canned meats and soups, and hygiene products for Oasis Dufferin Community Centre. There will be a bin outside for you to drop off your donated items.
Finally, there is still time for you to submit your nominations for the Davenport Platinum Jubilee Leadership Awards. If you need this weekend to submit your nominations, please take it. We are not opening up the nominations until Monday!
Enjoy this beautiful weekend and I look forward to seeing all those who will be attending the Pow Wow at Dufferin Grove tomorrow.
If you would like to read the full update, click here.
As always, it’s a true honour and privilege to serve you!
My very best regards,
Julie Dzerowicz
Member of Parliament, Davenport