I am excited to be back in Ottawa where I am bringing your feedback to form our new policies. The sitting began with our continued work to build a stronger support system for Canadians with the first stage of our national dental care plan with an extension of coverage for children under the age of 12 who live in families with an income of less than $90,000 annually. This will grow to other age groups in the coming year. I will continue to be working on the issues you have raised such as affordability, supporting small businesses, environment and climate change, and reconciliation.
As many have seen in the news Hurricane Fiona has caused devastation in Atlantic Canada. For those who wish and can, text FIONA to 20222 to donate $10 to Red Cross Canada to those affected.
In this email I have updates on:
2023 Calendar Submissions. This year’s theme is pets and wildlife!
Measures to make life more affordable
Truth and Reconciliation events and resources
Seniors Corner
Upcoming events including our own Maha’s Chef Monika competing in Top Chef Canada and Stewardship of the Don this weekend
2023 Calendar Submissions
Happy Rosh Hashana to everyone celebrating! While we are talking about new years, I am thinking about the new 2023 Calendar. Each year, I love producing and sending out calendars composed of beautiful pictures taken by community members. This year's theme is pets and wildlife seen in Toronto-Danforth and we are ready for your submissions. Please send your high-resolution photos of pets or wildlife to [email protected]. Pictures that are chosen will be given credit. I am looking forward to what you send! The deadline for submission is October 31st.
Measures to make life more affordable
We are feeling the rising cost of living, and I have talked with many of you about your concerns about the costs of daily expenses. Our government has tabled legislation to:
Put up to an extra $234 in the pockets of single Canadians without children and up to $467 for couples with two children this year by doubling the GST tax credit for six months;
Provide up to $1,300 over the next two years for dental care for children under 12, starting this year;
Send a one-time $500 payment to nearly two million renters who are struggling with the cost of housing.
These are targeted responses to help people with the greatest need while avoiding adding fuel to the fire of inflation.
National Truth and Reconciliation Day
Friday September 30th will be the second National Truth and Reconciliation Day. I have a limited supply of Truth and Reconciliation booklets, setting out the Calls to Action, that I can send to you. Please email [email protected] to request one and include your address.
I also want to let you know of several events to commemorate the day and some resources:
Native Child and Family Services will be having a virtual ceremony, starting at 10am.
APTN will be broadcasting programs starting on September 29th at 7pm.
3 books have come highly recommended from Dan Rubenstein. Please see below for the book covers.
Seniors Corner
October 1st is National Seniors Day! I wanted to bring attention to Connected Canadians. It is a non-profit organization reducing isolation and loneliness amongst older adults by providing critical digital literacy skills training. Find out more here.
My Seniors Resource Booklet has also been very popular, if you would like a copy, please fill out the form here.
Upcoming Events
It is wonderful to see so many in-person events happening the neighbourhood. I’ve attended quite a few street festivals, including Gillard St and Bain St Fest. Please let me know if you have any coming up and I’d love to come by and support.
Other events that might be of interest:
A big shout out to Chef Monika from Maha’s Fine Egyptian Cuisine who will be on Top Chef Canada! The series starts tonight at 10pm.
Celebration of Stewardship and Volunteering. Sat., October 1st, 10am-1pm at 44 Beechwood Dr. Please the graphic below for more information
Citizenship classes are being run for Permanent Residents and English language training are being held virtually. Please see the graphics for more information or email [email protected].
October 16th is the return of the Toronto Marathon! I am looking forward to cheering on the marathoners as they run through our neighbourhood. If you looking to donate, WoodGreen Community Services in our community is an official sponsor partner.
Yours truly,
Julie
Julie Dabrusin
MP for Toronto—Danforth
MP Julie Dabrusin
1028 Queen St E
Toronto, Ontario M4M 1K4
Canada