Engaging with the Vancouver Quadra Community
Meeting with Rabbi Dan and UBC student reps about increasing protection of Jewish schools and community centres
Dear Friends and Neighbours,
Since my last email update, there has been much hurt and heartache as Canadians at home watch what unfolds in the Middle East. Locally, many Canadians feel unsafe due to a rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia. In Ottawa, I met with individuals from the BC Jewish Community to hear how members of their community experience antisemitism. A top concern is more security in schools and synagogues, to ensure they have a safe place to learn and practice their religion. At home, I attended two vigils, one at Jack Poole Plaza and the other at UBC’s Hillel House. At a time of escalating regional tensions and violence abroad, and increasingly unstable international relations, my heart goes out to all the innocent civilians caught in the crossfires of war.
As mentioned in previous communications, I am enjoying serving on the Standing Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. Currently, we’re studying Bill C-33, which seeks to improve the efficiencies, safety, accountability to adjacent communities, and environmental sustainability of railways and ports, including Port of Vancouver.
On a more personal note, I enjoyed Thanksgiving with my daughter Dawn and her two children on Lasqueti Island again this year. Our spouses alas couldn’t come, so she and I tackled getting the rusty truck jump-started and to its destination along rough skid roads – success! Picking wild forest mushrooms (identification book in hand) rounded out a great weekend.
Preserving Indigenous Languages & Culture
Indigenous Languages Commissioner Ron Ignace at my October MP Breakfast Connections last Friday
On October 27, I welcomed guest speaker Ronald E. Ignace, Canada’s first-ever Commissioner of Indigenous Languages, to Vancouver Quadra. Commissioner Ignace is a member of the Secwepemc Nation and served as Chief of the Skeetchestn Band for over 30 years. His presentation on the newly created Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages, and the Indigenous Languages Act explored the role languages play on the path of reconciliation. Commissioner Ignace also shared the results of his conversations this past summer with Indigenous language experts and speakers in Kamloops, in relation to fire prevention and management in BC’s forests.
Pumpkins & Policy with Constituency Youth Council (CYC) members
Between pumpkin carving and Halloween treats, CYC members tackle their first policy topic: Housing!
My non-partisan 2023-24 Vancouver Quadra CYC recently organized their first social – carving pumpkins while discussing policy related to housing! With a mixed group of teens to early adults, CYC members had different viewpoints. Whether looking to move out for the first time, navigating the rental market, or hearing family conversations at home – for young people, housing is top of mind.
Next, CYC members are considering creating a mock ‘Members Statement’ competition. A Members Statement is a one-minute opportunity for an MP to speak in the House of Commons Chamber on a topic of their choice. I look forward to hearing more about youth challenges and priorities through the course of their discussions, and supporting the events they will organize in service to the broader community.
Emergency Services for Canadians in Israel and Palestine
Minister Joly meeting with her Jordanian counterpart in Jordan, about the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel, and the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Palestine
The situation in Israel and Palestine is extremely worrisome, and I know Canadians are concerned about the safety of family and friends in the region. Global Affairs Canada has been working diligently to ensure they are able to return home.
Canadians abroad who need a passport urgently can contact consular assistance in Tel Aviv in Israel and Ramallah in the West Bank to receive assistance. Canadians and permanent residents in the region who need emergency Consular assistance can also contact Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre by:
My office can also connect constituents with Global Affairs staff if individuals are having difficulties using the resources listed above. Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre works with impacted individuals to coordinate their safe exit from the country based on their current situation. Visit the Global Affairs Canada news webpage for the latest news and communications on the situation in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
In Case You Missed It
Loved meeting Jade and Ange, volunteers at the annual UBC Apple Festival
The Kitsilano Farmers Market: a great place to connect with constituents and enjoy fresh produce or baked goods supplied by local businesses
My team and I are always open to new ideas and opportunities to meet and/or serve Vancouver Quadra community members. If your organization has an event in the riding – and wish to have me participate in some way – please contact my office. Best wishes for a fun and safe Halloween!
Warm regards,
Hon. Joyce Murray, P.C., M.P.
Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra
| Mon: | 9:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Tue: | 9:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Wed: | 9:00AM - 1:00PM |
| Thu: | 9:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Fri: | 9:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Sat: | Closed |
| Sun: | Closed |
