September 20, 2023

Dear Neighbour,  

Monday was officially my first day back in Ottawa. Over the summer, I had the opportunity to hear from so many of you about issues that matter to you and what you would like to see from our government. I am looking forward to bringing your feedback to the table as we form new policies. 

In this email, you will find updates on: 

• Recent Federal Announcements on Housing, Grocery Inflation, and Small Business Supports

• Withrow Park Farmers’ Market on Saturday, September 23rd from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

• New Horizons Seniors Programs webinar on Monday, October 2nd at 6:00 pm

• Your Voice is Power Winner

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

• Call for volunteers! WoodGreen Community Service’s Meals on Wheels Program

Recent Federal Announcements on Housing, Grocery Inflation, and Small Business Supports

I hear and see in our community that housing is a priority issue. On September 14th, we announced the removal of GST on apartment buildings purposely built for renting. Experts have suggested that this is an important measure to incentive developers to build rental housing rather than condos. I will keep working to ensure that the federal government, along with our partners at the city and provinces take the necessary steps together to build more housing. 

Another top issue has been the fast-increasing cost of groceries.  Our government called on major grocery store chains to stabilize their prices in the near term. Leaders of the largest grocery stores met with our government in Ottawa on Monday to discuss how this goal can be achieved. We have made it clear that if they do not provide a plan to stabilize food inflation by Thanksgiving, we will be stepping in to impose measures. 

Additionally, our government announced the extension of deadlines for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan repayments, providing an extra year for loan holders, as well as some flexibility for those seeking partial loan forgiveness.  

Withrow Park Farmers’ Market on Saturday, September 23rd from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

I am excited to be hosting a table at Withrow Park Farmers’ Market on Saturday, September 23rd from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. I am looking forward to speaking with community members and bringing your voices back to Ottawa. 

New Horizons Seniors Programs webinar on Monday, October 2nd at 6:00 pm

In May, I had the pleasure of hosting an Aging in Place webinar, where we heard from three professionals about the options available to seniors to live independently, in their homes and communities for as long as possible. If you were unable to attend this webinar, please see the recording.  

I am excited to be hosting another webinar for seniors on Monday, October 2nd at 6:00 pm. This webinar will focus on the New Horizons Seniors Programs available in our community. If you are interested, here is the link to my website for more information, including how to sign up: Julie Dabrusin (libparl.ca) 

Your Voice is Power Winner

Yesterday, I had the immense pleasure of speaking in the House of Commons to congratulate Nodin Outten-Joseph, the winner of the national competition, Your Voice is Power. This competition is designed to teach the fundamentals of computer science, entrepreneurship, and social justice through the remixing of songs from Indigenous artists. Nodin recently graduated from Kapapamahchakwew – Wandering Spirit School, located in The Pocket and I had the pleasure of meeting him and congratulating him in Parliament yesterday. Nodin’s Your Voice is Power Submission was selected by judges as one of two national winners. Here is an excerpt from his own words: 

“Throughout the creation process of my song, I've grown in many different ways, the most apparent being my comprehension of Anishinaabemowin as a language, as I tried my best to introduce it in my song in a meaningful and respectful way. It was challenging but rewarding, similar to learning how to code for the first time, and producing my first song. The deeper I dug into the concept of equity and what it truly is, the more complex my song became. As I crafted the elements of my song I learned that in the act of responsibly Interweaving Indigenous language into music, the music itself becomes a vehicle for activism and an intrinsic creator of equity. Producing this song was a reflective process that brought forth a passion and care for music I didn’t know I had in me. Ultimately, I hope I was able to create a piece of art that uplifts and inspires, unheard and young voices alike—something people can use to create their own meaning.” 

Congratulations, Nodin and keep up the great work! 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30th marks Canada’s third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is an important time for reflection on the impact of residential schools on survivors, as well as their families and communities. Last year, I had the opportunity to spend National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in the Northwest Territories to sign an agreement between the Nahɂą Dehé Dene Band and the Dehcho First Nations on the co-management of the Nahanni National Park Reserve. This acknowledgement by our government that Indigenous land should be managed by Indigenous people is big step, and I am looking forward to continuing to work towards reconciliation. 

Here are some National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events taking place virtually and in our city: 

• Screening of Northern Feathers: Truth, Love, Hard Reduction—On September 25th from 5:30 pm-8:00 pm, there will be a free screening of the Northern Feather documentary at Redwood Theatre (1300 Gerrard St E) 

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Truth and Reconciliation Week—From September 25th-30th, there will be virtual 50-minute educational sessions hosted, with a new topic each day. For more information, please see here. 

• Gord Downie & Chanie Weniack Fund (DWF)’s A Day to Listen 2023—From 6:00 am-6:00 pm on September 30th, radio stations across the country will be listening to Indigenous conversation about a wide array of topics. This year’s theme is Mino Bimaadiziwin: Honouring Indigenous Identity. For more information, including which stations are participating, please see here. 

• Indigenous Legacy Gathering – On September 29th-30th at Nathan Phillips Square, there will be the opportunity to hear from Indigenous speakers, view Indigenous performances and come together as a community to work towards reconciliation. For more information, please see here.

Call for volunteers! WoodGreen Community Service’s Meals on Wheels Program

WoodGreen Community Service’s Meals on Wheels Program is in need of more volunteers. In 2022, the program delivered about 55,000 meals to residents in our community. If you would like to be a part of this, you can email [email protected] or call (416) 405-5059 to learn more about being a volunteer. 

That’s all for my updates! I am looking forward to productive time in Ottawa and I do hope I get to see many of you at the Farmers’ Market on September 23rd. 

Yours, 

Julie 

Julie Dabrusin

Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth