Last week, we celebrated with the Filipino community. The Philippine Independence Day Council had two milestones to celebrate - their 35th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the Mabuhay Philippines Festival that takes place annually at Nathan Phillips Square! The PIDC works year-round to bring people together, foster community and celebrate Philippine heritage and culture. Their leadership and activism in promoting Filipino culture in Canada has been a source of contribution and immense pride within the community. Mabuhay PIDC! 

Battle 416

It was so much fun to participate in this years Battle 416! It is one of my favourite events, as anyone who knows my love of basketball can attest to. Battle 416 brings the Filipino-Canadian community together over a shared love of basketball and some great food.

Shoutout to Cylde and the organizers for another successful event! 

Great to celebrate Ferragosto with the Italian Community at the Columbus Centre! We couldn’t have asked for better weather to enjoy the food, music and culture. 

Huge thanks to Villa Charities and all the volunteers for putting on a lively event and Buon Ferragosto!  

Taste of Manila turns 10! Congratulations to the Taste of Manilla team for another successful event. It was a blast to be with friends and colleagues taking part in Filipino culture, music and events. 

 Meeting with the Israel Consulate General 

It was a pleasure to sit down with Israel Consul General, Idit Shamir! We discussed our mutual priorities on combatting antisemitism and further uniting Israel and Canada over lunch at United Bakers.

Federal Government Updates

International Overdose Awareness Day

Yesterday was International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). IOAD is an international day of remembrance for those we have lost to overdose or who have experienced substance use-related harms, and an opportunity to raise awareness about prevention. Those who have lost their lives to a drug overdose deserve to be remembered without shame or stigma.

If you, a loved one or a friend are struggling, please know that you are not alone and support is available. I encourage you to visit the Wellness Together portal or Pocket Well app for a wealth of resources.

Global Biodiversity Framework Fund

Protecting our planet is a local and international effort and we are committed to doing our part at both levels. At the most recent 15th Conference of Parties (COP15), we committed to creating the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund to help halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Last week, the fund was officially launched and Canada made the first investment of $200 million. 

This fund will quickly provide new resources to support developing countries’ efforts to restore nature and grow resilient economies. Read more about the goals of this fund and how it will support countries around the world in protecting biodiversity here. 

Additional Sanctions Against Russia's Military and Nuclear Sectors

The Government of Canada will continue to condemn Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in the strongest possible ways. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, announced that our government will be imposing additional sanctions against 4 individuals and 29 entities that have direct ties to Russia’s military-industrial complex, its financials and nuclear sectors.

Read more about this announcement and our efforts to constrain Russia’s nuclear recklessness here. 

Canada Appoints New Ambassador to Ukraine

Canada's strong relationship with Ukraine is made possible through our close diplomatic work and engagement. To further strengthen this work, Minister Mélanie Joly recently announced Canada's appointment of our new Ambassador to Ukraine, Natalka Cmoc. Ms. Cmoc's wealth of knowledge and experience on Canadian-Ukrainian relations will deepen our two countries ties and help us to best support the country through Russia's illegal occupation and into the future.

We thank Larisa Galadza, Canada's former Ambassador to Ukraine, for her work in deepening our relationships. We will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Call for Proposals: Union Training and Innovation Program

A new call for proposals has been launched for Investments in Training Equipment of the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP), through our government's Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy. With this call for proposals, over $25 million will be invested in projects in 2023-24, supporting approximately 25,500 apprentices. Successful projects will improve training in the Red Seal trades for registered apprentices and pre-apprentices through the purchase of training equipment and materials. 

The deadline for organizations to submit applications is September 21, 2023 at 3:00PM. Find more details on how to apply here.

Reminder! New Horizons for Seniors Still Accepting Proposals

The 2023-24 call for proposals for community-based projects through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is still open until September 14th, 2023!

Funding will be awarded to organizations that support seniors in various capacities. Projects should support our key priorities for seniors in order to receive funding:

• Healthy aging
• Preventing elder abuse
• Promoting diversity and inclusion
• Financial security

Find more details on how to apply here.

MP Marco Mendicino
511 Lawrence Ave. W.
Toronto, ON M6A1A3
Canada