Last week marked 25 years since the Hon. Carolyn Bennett was elected as Member of Parliament for Toronto-St. Paul's! Carolyn's team surprised her in her office on Parliament Hill ! We'd like to congratulate her for her years of incredible service and dedication as a parliamentarian. She has been an inspiration to so many and we know there is more greatness to come! Thank you Carolyn!!
- MP Carolyn Bennett's Staff
|
I got my 4th dose! Pfizer, Moderna, Pfizer, Pfizer … Peter and I are now are ‘up to date’! It's so important that we all still follow public health advice & encourage everyone to get vaccinated! If you are looking to book your next dose, click here.
|
ackling the opioid crisis and saving lives in B.C.
Every day, the overdose crisis continues to take a tragic toll on families, friends and communities across Canada. As mental health has worsened and substance use has been exacerbated throughout the pandemic, it is clear that we must do more to save lives, provide people who use drugs the supports they need, reduce stigma, and put an end to this national public health crisis.
Last week, we announced that our government has granted the province of British Columbia’s request to allow for personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. Instead of ending up in the criminal justice system, this will help those struggling with substance use access health and social programs and services.
This approval is just one tool among several actions that our government has launched to address the overdose crisis and reduce substance use harms, including the $11.78M we also announced through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) for 14 substance use related projects across the province of British Columbia.
The opioid overdose crisis is a health issue, not a criminal one, and our government will continue to use every option available to prevent overdoses, ensure people who use drugs have the supports and services they need, and bring an end to this heartbreaking crisis.
For more on this announcement, please click here.
Protecting Canadians from gun violence
Our communities should be safe places to live, raise children, and spend time with friends and family. We’ve heard loud and clear from Canadians that they want to see stronger action, quickly, on gun crime. Just last week the government introduced the strongest gun control measures in over forty years. This includes:
Implementing a national freeze on handguns to prevent individuals from bringing newly acquired handguns into Canada and from buying, selling, and transferring handguns within the country;
Taking away the firearms licences of those involved in acts of domestic violence or criminal harassment;
Increasing criminal penalties and providing more tools for law enforcement to investigate firearms crimes; and,
Requiring individuals who are considered a danger to themselves or others to surrender their firearms.
One Canadian killed by gun violence is one too many. We’re listening to advocates, supporting families of survivors, and honouring victims by keeping our communities safe. For more information, please click here.
|
Celebrating Pride Season
June marks the beginning of Pride Season, we celebrate the diversity and contributions of LGBTQ2S+ communities across Canada. It’s also a time to remember the trailblazing activists and change-makers who risked everything to build a safer and more inclusive Canada, by living their truth and advocating for LGBTQ2 rights and protections. We all have a role to play in building an inclusive Canada where we can all be who we are, and love who we love. Today, and every day, our government will continue to stand up for LGBTQ2S+ rights, celebrate the diversity and strength of our communities, and build a better future – for everyone. Stay tuned on the Toronto Pride website for more information on upcoming events. Join us all at the March on June 26th!
|
Indigenous History Month
As we come together to mark National Indigenous History Month, we all have a responsibility to honour the stories and historical experiences of Indigenous communities across Canada and to celebrate their resiliency and diversity. Only by acknowledging our past, can we right historical wrongs, address the legacy of colonialism, and support the healing process for Indigenous communities.
Today, and every day, we will walk the shared path of reconciliation, work to provide equal opportunities, and build a better future for everyone.
|
Italian Heritage Month
June is Italian Heritage Month. Canada is home to more than 1.5 million Canadians of Italian descent, which makes it one of the largest Italian diasporas in the world. Italian Heritage Month is the perfect time to recognize and showcase the rich culture and heritage of Italian Canadians, as well as their ongoing contributions to building a stronger, vibrant and more inclusive Canada. June 2nd is Festa della Repubblica, Republic Day in Italy, commemorating when Italians voted to abolish the monarchy and form a republic in 1946 after an institutional referendum held by universal suffrage. Italian Canadians celebrate the historic day as well as honour their rich and vibrant cultural traditions
|
Portuguese Heritage Month
June is Portuguese Heritage Month. Canada is home to one of the largest Portuguese diasporas in the world. This community hails from many different Portuguese regions and they have kept their individual traditions, language, and culture alive. This month we celebrate the rich and diverse Portuguese culture and heritage and recognize the important contribution of Portuguese Canadians to our country. June 10th marks Portugal National Day, officially known as Dia de Camões, de Portugal e das Comunidades Portuguesas (Day of Camões, Portugal, and the Portuguese Communities). Traditionally, the day is celebrated with parades, traditional dance, flag raisings, and experiencing traditional Portuguese cuisine, while celebrating Portugal’s history and achievements
|
Filipino Heritage Month
June is Filipino Heritage Month. This year we are celebrating the fourth year of Filipino Heritage Month in Canada. The Filipino community continues to be one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, that enriches our national fabric, and plays an essential role in strengthening the close bonds between our two countries. Subsequently on June 12th, 2022, the Filipino community in Canada and around the world celebrates it’s 124th Philippines Independence Day. Filipino Heritage Month provides all Canadians an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the rich heritage and histories of the Filipino-Canadian community. It also gives us an opportunity to reflect and highlight the roles and contributions of Filipino-Canadians across all provinces and territories, including the continuous vital work of those who are healthcare and essential workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years we have also seen Filipino-Canadian community making their mark in fields like, entertainment, business, academia, and politics. This month let’s take time to learn about Filipino culture and community through arts, cuisine, films, literature and more. This month and beyond let us recognize and embrace the diversity and compassion that make our country strong and more inclusive.
|
|
|