Representing you in Ottawa

Vancouver Firefighter representatives Lee Lax and Katrina Davison in Ottawa 

Dear Friends and Neighbours,

As your Member of Parliament, I have the chance to meet with constituents both in Vancouver Quadra and in Ottawa. Recently I met with Vancouver firefighters Lee Lax and Katrina Davison in my Ottawa office, where we discussed firefighters’ safety concerns, especially the elevated risk of cancer in their work to keep us safe. They expressed thanks for Liberal government action on their previous requests, and shared their ideas for next steps.

I trust you had a chance to enjoy and celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd. My work as Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard offers daily opportunities to appreciate the essential role of oceans in the health of Planet Earth! This year on Earth Day I headed gratefully down to the beach near the wonderful Hastings Mill Store Museum to breathe in fragrant low tide air; and later stopped in at The Source to refill household cleaning supply containers.

Exploring the tide pools on Earth Day

Speaking of ocean health, I recently toured a variety of facilities in the Norwegian fjords to learn about aquaculture innovation, and explored Iceland’s successful “100% Fish” model which seeks to utilize every part of the species they fish, so as to eliminate waste.

Seeking sustainable ocean solutions in Norway and Iceland

Exploring progress toward eliminating impacts of salmon aquaculture on wild salmon

The purpose of this trip was to meet Norwegian aquaculture leaders and gain insights and options for my Plan to transition from open-net pen aquaculture in British Columbia’s waters. 

I also met Dr. Thor Sigfusson, Founder and Chairman of the Iceland Ocean Cluster to discuss the Iceland Ocean Cluster’s 100% Fish Project. Improving the handling and processing of seafood reduces waste; and sharing best practices can help us collectively manage precious shared ocean resources, in the most sustainable way possible. 

Promoting Budget 2023 Affordability Measures

A little shopping at my local IGA on 4th, after re-announcing Budget 2023’s Grocery Rebate, and other measures to make life more affordable for Canadians.

Since the federal Budget 2023 was tabled in March, our government has worked to make sure people know about the new benefits they can apply for! I recently visited my local IGA, and the Grand Value Asian Supermarket in Richmond, with MPs Wilson Miao and Parm Bains, to highlight budget investments, including the new Grocery Rebate. Although inflation in Canada has dropped for the past eight months in a row, the cost of groceries remains a burden for many struggling households, and the Grocery Rebate will help. This one-time payment for over 11 million Canadians  could provide a family of four as much as $467, tax free! 

Engaging with Students at Norma Rose Point School 

With students at Norma Rose Point School, discussing parliamentary process and policy.

Recently I spent an hour with over a hundred students from Norma Rose Point School (NRPS), spanning several grades. How parliamentarians work together, turning ideas into Bills and Bills into law, today’s approach to sustaining people’s health, career opportunities and a healthy environment (including the health of the oceans), my personal journey into politics. That’s just a sample of the many topics we discussed. These non-partisan school visits always leave me inspired by students’ knowledge and curiosity. I hope to inspire future leaders to consider seeking public office as a fulfilling option and way to improve peoples’ lives. 

A special thank you to teacher/host Josh, and the rest of the NRPS staff, for this educational exchange. I enjoy school visits so – interested Vancouver Quadra teachers – all you have to do is ask!

Advancing Fisheries Reconciliation

With Veterans Affairs Minister Hon. Lawrence Macauley in PEI, signing a reconciliation agreement with Chief Roderick Gould of the Abegweit First Nation.

In Case You Missed It

• While in Prince Edward Island, I spoke about Budget 2023’s investment to advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities
• Pacifican recently announced financial support for iconic Vancouver cultural and tourism initiatives, like the Vancouver International Film Festival
• The Canadian government’s Budget 2023 adds $151.9 million over three years for protecting endangered whales and their habitats.
• BC has received over $1 Billion in federal disaster relief funding so far, for the horrendous 2021 atmospheric river flood in the Fraser Valley
• Job hunters alert! Hundreds of summer jobs for Vancouver Quadra youth are available through the federal 2023 Canada Summer Jobs Program
• Budget 2023’s massive $20 billion over six years in tax credits will accelerate green technologies, plus fund green jobs and a whole range of other clean energy and environmental measures.

Now in its home stretch, the House of Commons sits for seven of the next eight weeks before rising for the summer, when I will enjoy being home and about in the community! By the time you receive this update I will have had the pleasure of participating in the Kerrisdale Little League’s 70th Anniversary Parade, Opening Ceremony and First Pitch – congratulations all, on this amazing local community milestone! 

Warm regards,

Joyce

The Hon. Joyce Murray, P.C., M.P.

Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra