Supporting Canadians and Canadian History

Anticipating a fun Kerrisdale Little League 71st anniversary parade, with Kerrisdale Business Association Executive Director Terri Clark

Dear Friends and Neighbours,

Spring is in full swing! It’s been great to be able to spend this past week in Vancouver, since the next four weeks will for the most part be either in Ottawa or travelling on DFO business. 

Spring also means outdoor recreational sports leagues are back in action. At the Kerrisdale Little League’s 71st Anniversary Parade and opening games my (very rusty!) throwing arm was tested, by throwing the ceremonial first pitch.  Thank you to all the dedicated parents, volunteers and sponsors who support children’s participation in organized sports, such as baseball!

I also had the chance to spend Mother’s Day weekend at home with family. I am so grateful to my mom Charlotte, and her mother and grandmother, each of whom were inspiring pioneers for women’s equality and inclusion, in their day. 

Happy Asian Heritage Month!

As Asian Heritage Month draws to a close I’ve been reflecting on the valuable ongoing contributions Asian-Canadians make, to Canada’s multicultural character and communities. I recently spent several hours visiting a variety of local shops, cafés and clinics run by Canadians of Asian origin – to introduce myself and show my appreciation.

Arthur Erickson Garden Party

With Elizabeth Watts, Philip Boname and other Arthur Erickson Foundation Board members 

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending a garden party fundraiser at the historic Point Grey residence of renowned Vancouver architect, Arthur Erickson, located only steps away from my childhood home on 14th Avenue. A Vancouver native and UBC alumnus, Mr. Erickson is renowned as one of North America’s most influential architects. 

It was fun chatting with Board members and supporters who know my mother, Charlotte Murray, a long-retired pioneering woman architect who attended the UBC School of Architecture in the 1960s.

Passage of Bill C-11 means more support for Canadian content creators

Outside the House of Commons chamber speaking with media 

Recently passed in Parliament and receiving Royal Assent, Bill C-11, the Online Streaming Act, will help make Canadian stories and music more accessible, and require reinvestment in future generations of artists and creators across Canada. 

Unlike broadcasters regulated by the CRTC, until now streaming platforms have benefitted from access to the Canadian market but had little responsibility towards Canadian artists and creators. The Online Streaming Act requires streaming services that benefit from the system to contribute to the creation, production and distribution of Canadian content, in a way that is flexible and fair.

Skytrain, the backbone of Metro Vancouver transportation

Announcing a joint investment in Skytrain rail maintenance and replacement

Did you know that 1 in every 8 immigrants to Canada settle in Metro Vancouver? An important means of safe, reliable, and low-carbon transportation, transit plays a huge role in the everyday life of so many people in the lower mainland. Recently I announced a joint investment of more than $34.9 million to support a rail maintenance project for the Skytrain service. 

Raising a glass in recognition of the 175th Anniversary of Canadian Democracy, with my husband Dirk, and host Senate Speaker, the Honourable Pierrette Ringuette.

In Case You Missed It:

• Bill C-21 has passed in the House of Commons – to combat firearms smuggling and trafficking and other measures to prevent gun violence from handguns and assault-style firearms
• Canada and British Columbia partnered on another joint investment to improve air quality in B.C. schools 
• I announced a joint investment with other levels of government, for three decarbonization projects in the British Columbia
• Recent stats show Canada’s poverty rate is now below pre-pandemic levels, with 865,000 more Canadians employed than before the pandemic

Announcing $5 million federal funds to complete Canada’s first national Chinese Canadian Museum, opening soon in Vancouver’s Chinatown to show and teach the long history of this important gateway for people immigrating from Asia to Canada

I love speaking with young people, who are often intrigued by my earlier career as an entrepreneur building a family enterprise in forest renewal. Last week I had a chance to discuss public service with Kitsilano Secondary School senior students exploring career options. 

Throughout June, the House of Commons will be sitting for longer hours – often until midnight – to ensure MPs have time to debate and pass important legislation. My work also includes travelling the country as Canada’s Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). Next weekend I will attend the CCG College graduation ceremony in Halifax to congratulate and welcome new CCG grads. Canada’s Coast Guard plays a vital role in search and rescue, marine spill response, and icebreaking operations. I had the pleasure this week of announcing a $2.5 Billion investment to renew the entire CCG small vessel fleet over the coming years.

I do look forward to the summer recess so I can spend more time in Vancouver! If you spot me at a community event don’t hesitate to come over and say Hi!. And finally, to all the fathers and father figures reading this, Happy Father’s Day on June 18th!

Warm regards,

Joyce

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

Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra