Community Update: November 2023
November 10, 2023
This is the November edition of our email newsletter.
To receive regular updates from our office in your inbox, sign up using the "Get Updates" link in the menu.
Working for Peace in these Terrible Times:
Veterans Week, Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day
|
|
Dear Friend,
In the heartbreaking background of the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, and around the world, every day we are confronted with the brutality of conflict and the need for peaceful co-existence, tolerance and social justice. We also must be relentless in addressing hatred and terrorism.
|
|
My Dove of Peace Lapel Pin
|
|
|
During Veterans Week 2023, we are particularly grateful for all those with the courage and sacrifice to pledge ‘country above self’ to fight for peace. As we work for peace, we remember the Canadian Blue Beret ‘Peacekeepers’. This year we worry that in so many parts of the world there is no peace to keep.
As we undergo our study on women veterans at the Parliamentary Committee, we recognize the important role women have played in serving our country and the challenges, the abuse and discrimination they have faced. The women veterans have expressed the feeling of being invisible and not valued. We hope our committee report will be able make recommendations that can change the experiences of women in the military and as veterans. These courageous women who have chosen to serve our country are making it safer for women to follow after them.
|
|
The Canadian Blue Beret Peacekeepers
|
|
|
On November 8 - Indigenous Veterans Day - we recognized the First Nations, Inuit and Metis who, when called upon to defend the values of peace, freedom and democracy, Indigenous Peoples responded in disproportionate numbers. In every Band Office, the photographs of those who served are proudly displayed. Today, and everyday, I encourage you to listen to the stories of Indigenous Veterans from WWI, WW2, the Korean War and Post-war: listen here. On our journey of reconciliation, it is vitally important that all Canadians are aware of the sacrifices, injustices and discrimination brave Indigenous people have faced as they served our country, after their service, and still face today. We are truly grateful for their service.
|
|
Poppy beaded by Indigenous Artist
|
|
|
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we pause to reflect on the sacrifices of the women and men who have served Canada; those who gave their lives, and those whose lives have been forever changed.
My father served in Conn Smythe’s 30 Battery on D-Day +5 and defended the bridge at Nijmegen in Holland. Later they entered what was a concentration and transit camp. He never described what he had seen. His rare reflection on war was ‘It was awful.’ As a little girl, I remember sitting on his lap and feeling the shrapnel in his neck. To this little girl, he said nothing other than it was from the war.
My father-in-law, a Spitfire pilot during the Battle of Britain, was what Churchill called ‘One of the Few’. Peter’s father was shot down in the English Channel and rescued by the Free French. After the war, he organized the Queen’s RAF review after the Coronation and was appointed Aide de Camp to Queen Elizabeth II.
He would find solace in his favourite poem, which we believe he may have written.
|
The drum is silent now,
And the wind sighs
Where once they walked;
And the stars, which watched
The valour of their days,
At each new dusk
Remember.
|
Our only solace will be in knowing that we are working every day for peace. Remembrance Day is a time to remember. Never forget. We honour all those whose lives were lost and those whose lives were forever changed.
|
|
|
|
Due to a scheduling conflict, the Virtual Summit scheduled for this Sunday, November 12 has been postponed.
Please keep an eye out for the rescheduled event date.
|
|
|
|
|
Submit a piece of original artwork to be included in our 2024 community calendar. Paintings, drawings, poems, stories, sculptures and more are welcome from participants of all ages and abilities!
Take a photo or scan your artwork and send it to [email protected] with the subject line Calendar 2024 submission entry.
Deadline to submit is November 20, 2023.
|
|
|
Calling all Toronto-St. Paul's Youth
|
Are you between the ages of 14-25, live in Toronto-St. Paul's and feel passionate about politics and social issues? Do you want to get involved and meet like minded individuals?
Join the Toronto-St. Paul’s Constituency Youth Council to share your unique perspective and to participate in policy discussions, projects and initiatives with the Hon. Carolyn Bennett.
Apply online before November, 30th, 2023, or email [email protected] to learn more.
|
|
|
|
COVID-19 Free vaccines are available to everyone in Canada. To learn more about Canada's response to COVID19 visit:
canada.ca/covid-19
|
|
WELLNESS TOGETHER Connects Canadians to peer support workers, social workers, psychologists and other professionals for confidential chat sessions or phone calls.
wellnesstogether.ca
|
|
KIDS HELP PHONE Connects youth with professional counselling, information and referrals across Canada without any face-to-face contact.
kidshelpphone.ca
|
|
|
The Toronto -St. Paul's constituency office is open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Call us at 416-952-3990, or email [email protected] for assistance in any federal matter.
Please forward this newsletter to your friends who may be interested in signing up! To sign up email [email protected].
|
|
|