Newsletter - Feb. 25, 2022
Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s egregious attack on Ukraine. These unprovoked actions are a clear further violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are working closely with G7 partners, NATO and our allies to make clear that Russian violence, aggression, and violation of international law, will not go unpunished. We stand united and steadfast in our support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people’s right to decide their own future in a free and democratic state.
Yesterday, we announced severe sanctions that build on those announced on Tuesday, and additional measures to support Ukrainians and people residing in Ukraine. We are also working to make it easier and faster for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their accompanying immediate family members to return to Canada. These measures build on the sanctions Canada announced earlier this week and the additional military contribution to NATO, including up to an additional 460 personnel to the approximately 800 currently deployed in Europe in support of NATO.
Russia’s actions stand in direct opposition to the democratic principles that generations of Canadians have fought to protect. Democracies, and democratic leaders, everywhere must come together to defend these principles and stand firmly against authoritarianism. In these dark hours, Canada’s message to the people of Ukraine is this: You are not alone. We are standing with you. Our support for Ukraine, for democracy, and for human rights remains unwavering.
Canadians in need of consular assistance in Ukraine should contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at:
telephone at +1 613 996 8885
email at sos@international.gc.ca
SMS at +1 613 686 3658
Oakville Budget Consultation Roundtable
It was a pleasure to join my colleagues MP Pam Damoff and MP Rachel Bendayan for a Budget Consultation Roundtable. We heard from local community leaders as they shared their ideas and priorities for Budget 2022. Thank you to all who participated for your open and honest feedback!
Pre-budget consultations are an important opportunity for Canadians to share their ideas about how we can create new jobs and build a greener, more competitive, more innovative, more inclusive & more resilient Canada. Visit LetsTalkBudget2022.ca to learn more.
Concluded Use of the Emergencies Act
On Monday of last week, after weeks of dangerous and unlawful activities in our capital city and at many border crossings across the country, the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act.
Public safety, jobs, and the economy were at risk. Canadians were being harassed, small businesses were closing, factories were shutting down, and trade was halted at our borders. Our government worked closely to support provinces and municipalities to get the situation under control, but it became clear that provincial and local authorities needed more tools in order to enforce the law and protect Canadians. That is exactly what the Emergencies Act provided to them.
When we invoked the Act, we made sure that we did it the right way. We will always defend the rights of Canadians to peaceful assembly, and to freedom of expression. These measures had to be, and were, compliant with our Charter. We have followed procedure, and it is critical that we continue to do so.
That is why a joint committee of parliamentarians will be struck to review the declaration of emergency. Within 60 days, there will be an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the Emergencies Act being invoked. It will look at how we got there and why these measures were required.
On Wednesday, after careful consideration, we determined that the situation was no longer an emergency. Therefore, the federal government concluded the use of the Emergencies Act. We are confident that existing laws and by-laws are now sufficient to keep people safe. We will continue to be there to support provincial and local authorities if, and when, needed.
10 New Projects Under the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Fund
Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs make important contributions to the Canadian economy, yet they continue to face systemic racism and obstacles in starting and growing their businesses. This has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Canada is working to address long-standing barriers with its first ever Black Entrepreneurship Program—a $265 million investment to support the long-term success of Black entrepreneurs and business owners.
This week, our government announced new recipients of Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Fund support. 10 more Black business organizations will receive investments totalling more than $23 million from the National Ecosystem Fund, which strengthens the entrepreneurship ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs and business owners across Canada. Leaders from these organizations joined the conversation with Minister Ng to share the work they are doing to support Black entrepreneurs from coast to coast to coast.
To learn more, click here.
This Saturday: The Coldest Night of the Year Fundraiser
Join The Coldest Night of the Year Fundraiser on Saturday, February 26, 2022 to support those experiencing homelessness, More Than A Meal, those who are struggling with mental health issues, and Camp Dakota.
The Coldest Night of the Year is a COVID-friendly virtual 2k or 5k walk with your own household and in your own neighbourhood. This year, my Youth Council will be participating in The Coldest Night of the Year to support Front Line Outreach. For more information, click here. To support my Youth Council, click here.