Building On Our Strong Economy

The Fall Economic Statement 2023 provides targeted investments in priorities such as our social safety net, housing, and the green economy transition, while helping to further dampen inflation, which has already plunged from 8.1% in June 2022 to 3.1% today

Dear Friends and Neighbours,

On November 21, Minister Chrystia Freeland released this year’s Fall Economic Statement (FES). I encourage you to open the link, and then dip into any part of this comprehensive summary that may interest you. Or you can read Hon. Chrystia Freeland’s address in Parliament highlighting key FES priorities. 

The reality is that many Canadians are facing affordability challenges, especially due to higher grocery and housing costs; and FES investments are part of the solution. Given our strong commitment to improving housing affordability, you won’t be surprised that a key FES priority is investing $20 billion in low-cost financing for rental construction to build up to 30,000 more homes per year, and financing more rental housing by providing $15 billion for loans through the Apartment Construction Loan Program.

The FES initiatives will also advance the next phase of our work with provinces and territories on critical labour shortages in the health system and construction industries – in too many cases workers in one Canadian province have to re-qualify in order to work in another! FES measures include full “interprovincial labour mobility” for workers, and enhanced training to meet employer needs. That way provinces or territories could, for example, welcome health care professionals from anywhere in the country, and Canadians would get greater benefit from the nearly $200 billion in federal health care funding announced just last February.

The FES measures this year are in the context of strong fiscal achievements by Canada: inflation is coming down, wages are going up, and private sector economists now expect Canada to avoid a predicted post-pandemic recession. In fact, the IMF projects that Canada will see the strongest economic growth in the G7 next year while, despite global inflation, our government has reduced the deficit faster than any other country in the G7. And, Canada is one of only two G7 economies to have a AAA Credit Rating from at least two of the three major global credit rating agencies!

Overall, Canada’s economy is creating great jobs for people right across the country—and compared to before the pandemic, we can be proud that over a million more Canadians are employed today.

Speaking To Our Future Leaders

Honoured to be invited to address the Vancouver Youth Model UN about the importance of youth engagement in public life

The Vancouver Youth Model UN is an educational simulation in which students learn about diplomacy, international relations, and the United Nations. These conferences offer youth the opportunity to work as “representatives” for various countries, and together seek real world solutions, with other delegates from around the world. Recently, I enjoyed speaking to students at a West Point Grey Academy Youth Model UN session at UBC.

Providing High Quality Early Learning Childcare

Alongside BC Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, the Honourable Lana Popham, speaking about the importance of providing Early Learning Childcare educators with adequate support as they pursue careers in this growing field

Last month I joined Minister Sudds in announcing additional support for Early Learning Childcare educators in British Columbia at Camosun College in beautiful Victoria.

This announcement increases the median hourly wage for ECEs in BC to $28, incredibly important in a field that is expected to have over 12,000 job openings in the coming decade. Under the Canada-British Columbia Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement Canada is contributing $4.3 billion over five years, through March 2026, for early learning and child care in BC. Most British Columbian families have already seen childcare fees cut in half, saving an average of over $6,000 a year (per child) for their other priorities!

Improving Canada’s Ports and Railway Safety, Efficiency and Environmental Protection

Photo Source: CBC

Bill C-33 aims to increase efficiency and accountability across the country’s transportation “supply chain” network.

I currently serve on the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, which is wrapping up our study of Bill C-33, Strengthening the Port System and Railway Safety in Canada Act. We heard feedback from unions, railway staff, environmental groups, and industry representatives. Transport Minister Rodriguez attended our Committee to discuss how Bill C-33 will increase the efficiency and timeliness of rail and marine transport of the goods people depend on, and be more responsive to the communities they impact. Committee members offered legislative amendments to make ports and railways safer, and reduce impact on the environment and marine ecosystems. I look forward to the increased accountability, efficiency and results from our local Port of Vancouver, once Bill C-33 is approved by Parliament!

Thank you to all Vancouver Quadra residents who paused in remembrance of those who have served, and continue to serve our country, in times of war, conflict and peace

Qudsiya, Ying and Linda from my team attended the Diwali celebration at UBC on my behalf, hosted by the University Neighbourhood Association

In Case You Missed It

• Looking for civic engagement opportunities for young people? The Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has launched a call for proposals for the Canada Service Corps.
• Stay up to date on legislation proposing to ban the use of replacement workers in federally regulated workplaces during a strike or lockout.
• Recruitment for parliamentary tour guides for summer 2024 has opened. What a great way to earn some money while learning about our nation’s political system!
• As a result of our government’s focus on affordability, a family with two children in British Columbia, with an income of $88,000 in 2023, could now benefit from about $17,700 as a result of reduced child care costs, the Canada Child Benefit, the Canada Dental Benefit, and tax relief from the increased Basic Personal Amount!
• In support of diversity and inclusion, Canada launched the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI), which may be of interest to organizations in Vancouver Quadra.
• Thankfully, Israel and Hamas recently agreed to a temporary truce with a multi-day pause in ground and air offensives, and release of some civilian hostages.

I and my team in the Constituency Office appreciate the ongoing opportunity to serve your needs, and I look forward to seeing you out and about at community events over the coming weeks. Happy Holidays!

Warm regards,

Hon. Joyce Murray, P.C., M.P.
Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra