Newsletter - Feb. 04, 2022
February marks Black History Month! In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada, following a historic motion introduced by the Hon. Jean Augustine. Black History Month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of Black Canadians, while also listening to their lived realities and ongoing struggles. That’s why this year’s theme is February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day.
From the trailblazers of the past, to the changemakers of today, Black History Month will allow us to acknowledge the diverse Black Canadian communities across Canada, their stories, and their dreams. As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Black Canadians and their communities, we also need to acknowledge the social, economic, and political barriers caused by anti-Black racism and discrimination that the community continues to face.
Oakville is steeped in the contributions of its early Black settlers. From James Wesley Hill whose Strawberry Farm helped lift our town out of economic depression in the 1850s; to Samuel Adams and Rev. William Butler whose early church organization led to the construction of the Turner African Methodist Church which stands to this day. Oakville’s Black community was essential in shaping the town we know and see today.
Through a renewed Anti-Racism Strategy, the Supporting Black Canadians Communities Initiative, the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund, and many more, we will continue to work with Black Canadian communities to combat systemic anti-Black racism, support Black economic empowerment, and help promote mental health and wellness within Black communities. We will also continue to advance justice reform and combat anti-Black hate every step of the way. This Black History Month - and every month - we’re moving forward on our commitments, while ensuring no one is left behind.
Trip to Europe
This week, I travelled to Ukraine, Belgium, and Latvia. While in Ukraine, I visited Canadian troops who are part of Operation UNIFIER – the Canadian Armed Forces’ military training mission in Ukraine. I met with my counterpart, Minister Reznikov, to ensure Canada’s support continues to be delivered in a manner that best meets the needs of Ukraine.
Since 2015, Operation UNIFIER has helped approximately 33,000 members of Ukraine’s security forces become stronger and better prepared to protect and defend their country. Last week, we announced that we’re extending and expanding Operation UNIFIER so that Canada can continue to support Ukraine’s security in the face of rising tensions and unwarranted Russian aggression.
This $340 million commitment includes the deployment of 60 additional Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel to Ukraine in the coming days to join the approximately 200 CAF members already on the ground, with further capacity to increase to 400. Minister Reznikov has been clear that Canada’s efforts are appreciated.
I met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to reaffirm Canada's unwavering commitment to the rules-based international order. We discussed our concerns about Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and the benefits of strengthening coordination and collaboration between NATO Allies.
Canada is leading a multinational NATO Battle Group in Latvia to deter aggression, prevent conflict, and provide stability in the broader region through Operation REASSURANCE – Canada’s largest current international military operation with up to 915 CAF members deployed – and will continue to work with NATO allies to enhance our collective security in the region and around the world.
Pre-Budget Consultations
Nearly two years ago, our government put in place an economic response plan with unprecedented measures to meet the unprecedented challenge of the pandemic. Our plan is working - we have now surpassed our target of creating a million jobs. As of December, we have recovered 108 per cent of the jobs lost at the peak of the pandemic.
As we emerge from the pandemic, our national focus must be jobs and growth – priorities that will form the foundation of Budget 2022. These pre-budget consultations are an opportunity for Canadians across the country to share their ideas and priorities about how we can create new jobs and build a greener, more competitive, more innovative, more inclusive, and more resilient Canada. I encourage all Canadians to visit LetsTalkBudget2022.ca to share their views about how to best grow the Canadian economy. To learn more, click here.
Lunar New Year
February 1st marks Lunar New Year. On this important holiday celebrated by East Asian communities in Oakville and across Canada, Lunar New Year falls on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar. This year, we welcome the Year of the Tiger. The tiger is a symbol of courage, generosity, resilience, and optimism. Special thanks to local leaders Scott Xie & Shawn Fang for working with my team to distribute red envelopes to our Oakville community. Wishing everyone a very peaceful, prosperous, and joyful Year of the Tiger!
Become a Parliamentary Guide
Why Apply? Experience a unique work opportunity. Join the Library of Parliament team to develop your professional skills, perfect your second official language, and make lasting friendships with people from coast to coast!
Who Can Be a Guide? Guides are university students who deliver tours of Parliament to visitors, parliamentarians and dignitaries from around the world. To learn more, click here.
Repurposing Leftover Campaign Signs
Special shout out to Audrey and Rick Portiss for finding a unique way to repurpose old campaign signs. Audrey and Rick transformed my campaign signs to create cozy bee insulators for their hives. The insulation will help keep the bees warm this winter!
An Update from Maple Grove United Church
Residents of Oakville have been working together to help Afghan refugees over the last number of weeks. A neighbourhood group, headed by Vanessa Barr, has formed a partnership with Maple Grove United Church to bring a Hazara refugee family to Oakville. Five years ago, Vanessa helped to settle a Syrian refugee family here in Oakville. Having read about Maple Grove United's plans, she contacted the Chair of the Outreach Committee, Hugh Wanless, and offered her assistance.
Since then, Vanessa has successfully raised money and developed a settlement plan for the family. Vanessa is excited about the challenges ahead and hopes that her previous experience will serve her well. She is most happy about the way she has seen refugee children take full advantage of the opportunities they have in Canada and hopes that these children will do the same.