Dear Friends,
On Tuesday, the Government of Canada imposed further sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Hamas Terrorist Attacks) Regulations. These new sanctions target nine individuals and two entities involved in Hamas’ financial network. They have been found to directly or indirectly facilitate, support, and fund activities integral to the planning and execution of the attacks on Israel on October 7, 2024. Terrorism cannot be tolerated. I was pleased that we listed the IRGC last week, and I am working hard to push for Samidoun to be listed as well.
On Friday, it was great to join Cote Saint-Luc City Councillor Dida Berku and many other friends at the Chevra’s annual Shabbat under the Stars. This year we heard from the strong students, who have been fighting against antisemitism all year on their university’s campus’. It has been a privilege to work with many of them over the last several months.
On Saturday, I joined the Knights and Ladies of Rizal to pay tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal the founder of the modern Philippines on the anniversary of his birth.
On Sunday, it was a pleasure to speak to the leadership of Maccabi Canada, an organization I have been part of since I was 12 and for which I have the greatest affection. Competing for Canada in the Maccabi Games is always an incredible honour.
This weekend marked 20 years since the demerger referendums where Côte Saint Luc, Hampstead, TMR and others voted to regain independent status. I am proud to have played a leading role in that fight & history shows we made the right decision.
I hope everyone had a great Fête Nationale/Saint Jean Baptiste Day celebration on Monday.
On Wednesday, I had a meeting with McGill President Deep Saini and Public Safety Minister Dominic Leblanc and my colleague Rachel Bendayan and then attended TMR Summerfest. Thanks so much to Mayor Peter Malouf and the entire council and staff for putting together such a great celebration.
Last but not least, I want to wish everyone a very Happy Canada Day! I will be around the riding all day on the 1st to assist in citizenship ceremonies and celebrations for our amazing country.
Statement on the Nomination of Birju Dattani
Mr. Birju Dattani was nominated by the Minister of Justice to the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Important information related was not disclosed by Mr. Dattani and I have issued the following statement:
“I am extremely troubled by the information that has surfaced regarding Mr. Dattani’s past conduct. I understand that Mr. Dattani did not disclose this information and the government has acknowledged that this information was not uncovered during the due diligence process. I have been in touch with Justice since I became aware of this matter and from my conversations with them, I understand an internal review is already underway.
At this time of rising antisemitism, it is more important than ever that the Jewish community has confidence in the CHRC. I know that Mr. Dattani is meeting with Jewish stakeholders which is an important first step but more needs to be done. I have asked Justice to launch an independent investigation. This investigation must look at (a) All of Mr. Dattani’s past conduct; (b) Mr. Dattani’s failure to disclose material information; and (c) why this information was not discovered during the due diligence process. In order to be accurate and fair and make appropriate recommendations this investigation needs to be thorough and non-biased.
Mr. Dattani is scheduled to assume the role of Chief Commissioner on August 8. So, this must happen very quickly and be the first step in the process.”
Q&A
What is happening at Passport Canada?
At different times throughout the year, Service Canada experiences seasonal peaks for passport applications around expected travel times. This may result in longer lineups for passport services at Service Canada Centres and passport offices and longer processing times due to high volumes of applications. These peaks occur every year, as expected, and Service Canada is well-equipped to manage this increase and ensure a smooth client experience.
In light of the summer season, which is a popular time for Canadians to travel, Service Canada aims to ensure that all Canadians receive timely and efficient service and have all the information they need to provide a smooth passport application and renewal experience during this busy period. Despite the increased demand, passports continue to be issued within the 10-day service standard for passport offices and select Service Canada Centres and the 20-day service standard by mail and at over 300 Service Canada Centres.
To learn more: Service Canada’s Summer Passport Application Service Options for Canadians.
Information on how to apply and obtain a passport application form can be found online at Canada.ca.
We also introduced the online Passport Application Status Checker in March 2023 for constituents who have already applied for their passports.
Service Canada is not only dedicated to providing efficient service in the present but also to the future of the passport system. We are taking significant steps to modernize the system, constantly striving to improve service quality, accessibility, and timeliness. This includes new line management strategies, weekend appointments, and piloting a text-message queuing system so Canadians do not have to wait in line. As families prepare for their summer travels, they can rest assured that Service Canada is ready and able to ensure they have their passports in hand, where and when they need them.
What call for proposals is now open?
Union Sustainable Jobs Stream Minister Boissonnault launched a call for proposals under the new Sustainable Jobs Stream of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP). An investment of $70.5 million over five years will help unions and their partners provide green training to over 14,000 apprentices and journeypersons.
This call for proposals will be open until September 5, 2024.
This call for proposals complements the investment in the Sustainable Jobs Training Fund announced earlier this year, which together will support tens of thousands of workers to upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in the low-carbon economy.
Details on eligibility, and how to apply can be found below: Call for Proposals: Investing in Green and Innovative Union Training for Thousands of Tradespeople – Canada.ca
EI Board of Directors
Last month Minister Boissonnault launched a GIC selection process to seek applications from a diverse range of qualified Canadians for appointment to the new Employment Insurance Board of Appeal (EI BOA).
The EI Board of Appeal will act as an independent administrative tribunal composed of regionally based three member panels representing the government, workers, and employers equally to better serve Canadians. The EI BOA will be mandated to provide simple, quick, and fair hearings on first level EI appeals.
The Government of Canada is seeking to appoint up to 100 Presiding Board Members, up to six Regional Coordinators as well as an Executive Head to the EI Board of Appeal.
Details for each position can be found below:
Member (Revised closing date: September 19)
Regional Coordinator (Revised closing date: September 19)
Executive Head (Revised closing date: July 31)
Click the links to apply!
What funding is being allocated to support applied research and technology in colleges?
Our government announced more than $18 million through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to support 23 research infrastructure projects at 21 colleges, CEGEPS and polytechnics across the country. Modern, high-quality research facilities and infrastructure are essential for breakthroughs in Canadian research and science, helping drive scientific productivity, attracting the next generation of scientific talent and supporting cutting-edge research and innovation in Canada.
This contribution, made through the CFI’s College Fund, will help these institutions obtain the state-of-the-art labs and equipment they need to attract, train and inspire the next generation of innovators, and to build research collaborations with public, private and not-for-profit partners. These partnerships will seek to address social, business, health or environmental needs of Canadian industries or communities.
The selected projects support high risk and applied research, talent development and enhanced research infrastructure to support emerging industry trends.
Reminder: Deadline to nominate an individual is July 15th!
To honour King Charles III’s Coronation, Members of Parliament across the country are allowed to nominate 20 constituents to receive a medal. This prestigious award celebrates outstanding contributions made by individuals who have left an indelible mark on their communities. To nominate a worthy person in the Mount Royal riding please email Chelsea Craig in my office: Chelsea.Craig.352@parl.gc.ca. She will send you the form you need to fill out so we can consider your nominee.
Best,
Anthony
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