Raquel Dancho

Stay alert for scammers at tax time

With tax season approaching, there are increased risks of falling victim to fraud and scammers who illegally impersonate government agencies, such as Canada Revenue Agency, to steal personal information or money from Canadians.

Feds need to step up delivery of services

It is wonderful to be back from Ottawa for the summer to spend time in Kildonan-St. Paul with constituents. On Canada Day, the weather was beautiful, and it was great to see thousands of people enjoying the festivities with their families and neighbours. It is heartwarming that Canadians once again came together to celebrate our amazing country after two long difficult years.

When will price increases stop?

Many seniors and families in Kildonan—St. Paul have contacted my office with concerns over the record-high costs of food, gas (which is over $2 per litre as I write this), and housing.

The Prime Minister has claimed that Canada’s inflationary crisis would be ‘transitory’. He was wrong. The cost of living continues to grow, and millions of Canadians are feeling the pinch of inflation.

Let us take a closer look at the increase in housing costs.

In the 1970s, the average income was about $25,000 and the average house price was about $50,000. A person could reasonably buy a house and pay it off within 10 years — but this is no longer the case. In just the last six years of the Liberals being in government, the average house price has doubled — reaching $868,000. Something is seriously wrong with this situation.

Working hard to represent Kildonan–St. Paul

The last two years have made life difficult for Canadians. The global COVID-19 pandemic caused isolation, uncertainty, and fear. In 2022, I pray the virus fades to an endemic, that Canadians can feel safe, and that we can all be equally free to gather with friends and loved ones once again. As the new year begins, I am sharing with you highlights of my work as the MP for Kildonan-St. Paul since I was re-elected in September 2021. Many have contacted my office about large-scale medical marijuana grow-ops popping up in our neighbourhoods that cause unbearable odours, property destruction, and safety concerns. I spoke to Winnipeg city council in support of its proposal to regulate grow-ops to create safer communities. The proposal has since passed and I look forward to seeing it implemented in Winnipeg.This fall, Canadians crossing the Canada - U.S. land border were unfairly hit with fines and 14-day quarantine orders for simply not using a government smartphone app. This issue especially affected seniors who often do not have smartphones. I raised the issue in the House of Commons and wrote an open letter to the minister of public safety. My advocacy made national news and as a result, the Liberal government acted to better respect Canadians and seniors returning to Canada.I also wrote to the ministers of public safety and foreign affairs demanding that, after three years of promises, the Liberal government finally act to ban Huawei from Canada’s telecommunications network. Huawei has direct connections to the Communist Party of China and security experts have warned of major privacy and security concerns as a result. Of our Five-Eyes allies — the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand — Canada is the only country that has not acted. After six years of the Liberals’ soft-on-crime approach, violent crime rates have increased in Canada and, tragically, opioids resulted in 7,000 Canadians losing their lives last year. The Liberal’s recent Bill C-5 will eliminate mandatory prison time for drug-traffickers and violent gun crimes. I questioned the minister of public safety on these dangerous and misplaced priorities and will continue to demand they reverse course and be tough on criminals to keep Canadians safe. Canadians are strong and resilient, and I believe Canada’s best days are ahead of us. I wish you a healthy and prosperous 2022. As always, do not hesitate to reach out to my office with questions or comments you have, 204-984-6322 or email Raquel.Dancho@parl.gc.ca

The last two years have made life difficult for Canadians. The global COVID-19 pandemic caused isolation, uncertainty, and fear. In 2022, I pray the virus fades to an endemic, that Canadians can feel safe, and that we can all be equally free to gather with friends and loved ones once again. 

As the new year begins, I am sharing with you highlights of my work as the MP for Kildonan-St. Paul since I was re-elected in September 2021. 

Many have contacted my office about large-scale medical marijuana grow-ops popping up in our neighbourhoods that cause unbearable odours, property destruction, and safety concerns. I spoke to Winnipeg city council in support of its proposal to regulate grow-ops to create safer communities. The proposal has since passed and I look forward to seeing it implemented in Winnipeg.

Working hard to represent Kildonan–St. Paul

The last two years have made life difficult for Canadians. The global COVID-19 pandemic caused isolation, uncertainty, and fear. In 2022, I pray the virus fades to an endemic, that Canadians can feel safe, and that we can all be equally free to gather with friends and loved ones once again.

As the new year begins, I am sharing with you highlights of my work as the MP for Kildonan-St. Paul since I was re-elected in September 2021.

Many have contacted my office about large-scale medical marijuana grow-ops popping up in our neighbourhoods that cause unbearable odours, property destruction, and safety concerns. I spoke to Winnipeg city council in support of its proposal to regulate grow-ops to create safer communities. The proposal has since passed and I look forward to seeing it implemented in Winnipeg.

Parliament must address the cost of living

As the 44th Parliamentary session approaches, I have been reflecting on the critical issues facing our community. A concern that many of you have shared with me is inflation, which is at an 18-year high. The overall cost of living is up 4.4 per cent compared to 2020. Since last year, food prices in Canada have risen overall by 3.9 per cent; meat is up by 9.5 percent and baby food saw an increase of 5 per cent. The skyrocketing cost of living is hurting millions of Canadians, especially those on fixed incomes like many seniors, as well as growing families and new Canadians. A recent poll by the Angus Reid Institute found that more than one-third of Canadians have struggled to afford enough food for their families during the pandemic. I have heard first-hand from food banks across Winnipeg that they are facing increased demand. We know a primary driver of rising costs for groceries has been supply chain issues here in Canada and across the globe. However, the Bank of Canada has flooded the Canadian economy with billions of newly printed dollars over the past 19 months of the pandemic, which has devalued our dollar. We are now experiencing the real consequences of the federal government spending more than it earns in revenue from taxpayers, and its impact on Canadians.Your federal Conservative team, led by Erin O’Toole, will continue to pressure the Liberal government to act on the inflation crisis, lower the cost of living, and increase the size of your paycheques.The next session of Parliament begins on Nov. 22. I will hold the government to account for its record on these and other issues, and debate legislation that will improve the lives of all Canadians. I want to know what issues are most important to you and your family. Please share your thoughts with my office by emailing me at  raquel.dancho@parl.gc.ca or by calling 204-984-6322. I review each comment personally. ☐ ☐ ☐This Remembrance Day I was privileged to take part in Henderson Legion No. 215’s drive-through Poppy Remembrance event, and the Remembrance Day service in West St. Paul. Thank you to everyone who picked up a Lest We Forget lawn sign from their local legions to proudly show their support for our veterans.I also wish to thank all the families who stopped by the Halloween drive-thru at my office. We handed out over 300 treat bags and it was great to see so many smiling faces and fun costumes. 

As the 44th Parliamentary session approaches, I have been reflecting on the critical issues facing our community. 

A concern that many of you have shared with me is inflation, which is at an 18-year high. The overall cost of living is up 4.4 per cent compared to 2020. Since last year, food prices in Canada have risen overall by 3.9 per cent; meat is up by 9.5 percent and baby food saw an increase of 5 per cent. 

The skyrocketing cost of living is hurting millions of Canadians, especially those on fixed incomes like many seniors, as well as growing families and new Canadians. A recent poll by the Angus Reid Institute found that more than one-third of Canadians have struggled to afford enough food for their families during the pandemic. I have heard first-hand from food banks across Winnipeg that they are facing increased demand. We know a primary driver of rising costs for groceries has been supply chain issues here in Canada and across the globe. 

Parliament must address the cost of living

As the 44th Parliamentary session approaches, I have been reflecting on the critical issues facing our community.

A concern that many of you have shared with me is inflation, which is at an 18-year high. The overall cost of living is up 4.4 per cent compared to 2020. Since last year, food prices in Canada have risen overall by 3.9 per cent; meat is up by 9.5 percent and baby food saw an increase of 5 per cent.

The skyrocketing cost of living is hurting millions of Canadians, especially those on fixed incomes like many seniors, as well as growing families and new Canadians. A recent poll by the Angus Reid Institute found that more than one-third of Canadians have struggled to afford enough food for their families during the pandemic. I have heard first-hand from food banks across Winnipeg that they are facing increased demand. We know a primary driver of rising costs for groceries has been supply chain issues here in Canada and across the globe.

However, the Bank of Canada has flooded the Canadian economy with billions of newly printed dollars over the past 19 months of the pandemic, which has devalued our dollar. We are now experiencing the real consequences of the federal government spending more than it earns in revenue from taxpayers, and its impact on Canadians.

Honoured to represent Kildonan–St. Paul

Thank you, Kildonan-St. Paul for re-electing me as your member of Parliament. It is an honour to represent you in the House of Commons and deliver results for our community. Now is the time to come together and heal the divisions in our country. There is no challenge too great when we are united as Canadians with a common purpose. I will be working together with my colleagues from all parties to defeat COVID-19 and get us back to normal. That is my priority and commitment to you as the member of Parliament for Kildonan-St. Paul. I want to hear from you. What are your concerns and priorities for your family, our community and for Canada?  Share your thoughts with me by contacting my office at 204-984-6322 or raquel.dancho@parl.gc.ca  ☐ ☐ ☐ On Fri., Oct. 29 from 3 to 6 p.m., I will be hosting a Halloween drive-rhru event for families in the parking lot of my office at 27 Red River Blvd. West. Bring the kids in costume to get a treat bag after school or before dinner. Public health guidelines will be followed.☐ ☐ ☐ Several community members have reached out to my office on the issue of large-scale medical marijuana grow-ops and the negative impacts pungent odours, additional traffic, and security concerns, are having on residents in local neighbourhoods.These large-scale medical marijuana grow-ops have been connected to criminal activity in other provinces and I am working with all levels of government to prevent organized crime from taking root in Kildonan-St. Paul. The Trudeau government has yet to respond to my calls to change Health Canada regulations to close the loophole that allows individuals to grow medical marijuana in residential homes far in excess of what would be necessary for personal medical use. We know medical marijuana can be grown safely; however, poor regulation from the federal government has negatively impacted the quality of life of residents in Kildonan-St. Paul. This week a measure is before a city council committee that would support residents and regulate large-scale medical marijuana grow-ops. I am pleased to see the City of Winnipeg move forward with local measures to address this concern. I will always stand up for safer neighbourhoods for residents of Kildonan-St. Paul.

Thank you, Kildonan-St. Paul for re-electing me as your member of Parliament. It is an honour to represent you in the House of Commons and deliver results for our community. 

Now is the time to come together and heal the divisions in our country. There is no challenge too great when we are united as Canadians with a common purpose. I will be working together with my colleagues from all parties to defeat COVID-19 and get us back to normal. That is my priority and commitment to you as the member of Parliament for Kildonan-St. Paul. 

I want to hear from you. What are your concerns and priorities for your family, our community and for Canada?  

Honoured to represent Kildonan–St. Paul

Thank you, Kildonan-St. Paul for re-electing me as your member of Parliament. It is an honour to represent you in the House of Commons and deliver results for our community.

Now is the time to come together and heal the divisions in our country. There is no challenge too great when we are united as Canadians with a common purpose. I will be working together with my colleagues from all parties to defeat COVID-19 and get us back to normal. That is my priority and commitment to you as the member of Parliament for Kildonan-St. Paul.

I want to hear from you. What are your concerns and priorities for your family, our community and for Canada? 

Share your thoughts with me by contacting my office at 204-984-6322 or raquel.dancho@parl.gc.ca

Connecting with our community

With warm summer weather and restrictions loosening, many Manitobans are getting outside and feeling hopeful that the future will be more free and safe than the past year and a half. I share that optimism. At the same time, after speaking with parents, grandparents and young people, I have heard many of our neighbours express concern about the future. Our economy has taken a major hit and our country’s finances remain deeply in the red. Inflation is hitting record highs, making food and necessities more expensive, which has deeply affected seniors on fixed incomes and families living in poverty. For many young people, the dream of home ownership is now further out of reach. These days, it feels impossible to plan for the future. Unfortunately, a recent Statistics Canada report confirmed that the Liberal government has failed to meet its Budget 2021 recovery targets, falling 340,000 jobs short of its promise that Canada would regain all jobs lost to the pandemic by June 2021. I remain concerned that the Prime Minister has failed to provide a clear plan for Canada’s economic recovery to Canadians. Conservative leader Erin O’Toole has committed to restoring one million jobs and working to ensure all Canadians have access to good paying jobs in every industry and in every region of our country. Right now, Canadians are looking for stability, security, and a future that will provide greater opportunity for all of us once again. As the member of Parliament for Kildonan-St. Paul, that is my priority. Over the parliamentary summer break, I have also focused on our community and spent time learning more about the struggles facing our most vulnerable. I was thankful for the opportunity to serve breakfast and make pizzas for lunch for community members in need at Siloam Mission, and to deliver groceries and hot meals to seniors through one of Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre’s community support programs. Both organizations have gone above and beyond to serve those in need in our community throughout the pandemic. I am thankful to the generous volunteers and patrons for supporting these critical community organizations.If you have any questions concerning federal support programs for you or your family, or would like to share your perspective on issues facing Canadians today, please reach out to my office at 204-984-6322 or raquel.dancho@parl.gc.ca

With warm summer weather and restrictions loosening, many Manitobans are getting outside and feeling hopeful that the future will be more free and safe than the past year and a half. I share that optimism. 

At the same time, after speaking with parents, grandparents and young people, I have heard many of our neighbours express concern about the future. Our economy has taken a major hit and our country’s finances remain deeply in the red. Inflation is hitting record highs, making food and necessities more expensive, which has deeply affected seniors on fixed incomes and families living in poverty. For many young people, the dream of home ownership is now further out of reach. These days, it feels impossible to plan for the future. 

Unfortunately, a recent Statistics Canada report confirmed that the Liberal government has failed to meet its Budget 2021 recovery targets, falling 340,000 jobs short of its promise that Canada would regain all jobs lost to the pandemic by June 2021. I remain concerned that the Prime Minister has failed to provide a clear plan for Canada’s economic recovery to Canadians. 

Working hard for you in the House of Commons

Summer in Manitoba is finally here, and we are within reach of getting back to normal life.

Hallelujah! This is welcome news following a busy parliamentary session representing you in Ottawa.

I was proud to work with disability advocates to restore $4 million in funding for non-profit organizations that serve Canadians with disabilities like blindness or low-vision, Parkinson’s and cerebral palsy, who depend on accessible reading materials available at no cost at local libraries across the country. I am thankful for the efforts of advocates across Canada that supported my efforts to ensure this vital service is maintained during the pandemic.

Additionally, I have been advocating for maternity benefits for pregnant women. Sadly, the Liberals have failed to accommodate pregnant women who lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and as a result went on employment insurance, like millions of Canadians. I have sounded the alarm directly with the minister responsible for EI, that many pregnant women will be cut off and left with no income because of current government policies.

We will meet our challenges together

This past year has been very challenging. I have spoken to many of you personally about the difficulties you have faced. Whether you’re a senior suffering from extreme loneliness, a parent homeschooling your children while working remotely, or a small business owner who had to close your doors permanently, the pandemic has changed all of our lives. Fears for the health and safety of our most vulnerable remain a major concern in our community and some of our neighbours are grieving the tragic loss of loved ones. We know that 96 per cent of COVID-19 deaths have been those 60 years and older, and yet Canada is behind 50 other countries for vaccinations by population. The Liberal government’s record on getting vaccines distributed to the provinces is unacceptable - our seniors deserve better. Thankfully, the Province of Manitoba has announced that as of March 1, seniors 92 years and older, and First Nations people 72 years of age and older can now book appointments to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.This is the beginning of a vaccination campaign to inoculate hundreds of thousands of Manitobans who wish to receive the vaccine, and an important step towards seeing our friends and family, attending sports games, and enjoying community events once again. However, there are many critical issues facing Canadians in addition to the federal government’s slow vaccine rollout. With $400 billion of pandemic deficit spending at the federal level, and millions of people losing their jobs, many of you have expressed concerns about what this incredible debt burden and troubled economy means for your future. As we hit the one-year anniversary since pandemic measures began, one thing that unites everyone is we want our lives back. Canada’s Conservatives are focusing our attention on securing the future. Unfortunately, although Canada has spent the most on emergency measures, we are lagging behind our G7 allies in our recovery. We need to get our economy back on track safely and we need a plan to get us there. As the newly appointed shadow minister for future workforce development and disability inclusion for Canada’s official Opposition, my focus is on jobs recovery. I want to ensure Canadians don’t just survive the pandemic but thrive afterward. Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with me on how Canada can recover from this crisis. My office can be reached at 204-984-6322. We will get through this together. 

This past year has been very challenging. I have spoken to many of you personally about the difficulties you have faced. Whether you’re a senior suffering from extreme loneliness, a parent homeschooling your children while working remotely, or a small business owner who had to close your doors permanently, the pandemic has changed all of our lives. 

Fears for the health and safety of our most vulnerable remain a major concern in our community and some of our neighbours are grieving the tragic loss of loved ones. We know that 96 per cent of COVID-19 deaths have been those 60 years and older, and yet Canada is behind 50 other countries for vaccinations by population. The Liberal government’s record on getting vaccines distributed to the provinces is unacceptable - our seniors deserve better. 

We got through 2020 by supporting each other

We have just left a very difficult year behind us. The COVID-19 pandemic upended many of our lives.

We had to rethink the holidays, Christmas and New Year’s traditions. We’ve been unable to gather with loved ones or visit our favourite stores, restaurants, and entertainment spots. Many small businesses in Manitoba are struggling or have closed their doors forever, impacting thousands of people who had good, stable jobs.

After hundreds of phone conversations with many of you over the past few months, I know that worry and anxiety are touching families in every part of our community.

However, through the challenges, the community has shown how resilient we are. Countless local charitable groups, places of worship, seniors’ centres, private citizens and small businesses have stepped up and adapted to the pandemic to help out our neighbours in need.

Help support those in need in our community

This year, the holiday season will look quite different. As we prepare to celebrate safely at home, I encourage everyone to love thy neighbour and support those in need in our community.  Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet with incredible local organizations that provide physical, spiritual and mental health supports to our community’s most vulnerable.  Harvest Manitoba, formerly Winnipeg Harvest, will prepare thousands of hampers to be distributed across Manitoba. Harvest has seen a dramatic 30 per cent increase in the number of people needing food hampers since the pandemic economic lockdowns began. It quickly adapted its efforts and has been hard at work ensuring food hampers are delivered safely.  At a recent visit to Siloam Mission, I toured the newly opened Buhler Centre that supports those suffering from homelessness. This addition to the mission provides room for more beds, an expanded health centre, and more space for mental health, employment readiness and spiritual care supports. During Thanksgiving weekend in October, I had the opportunity to volunteer at Union Gospel Mission as it hosted a socially distanced Thanksgiving dinner for guests at the mission. As the colder months approach, Union Gospel Mission is sharing sleeping bags, winter coats and gloves, hand warmers, toques and boots, with those in need. I saw first-hand the dedication of staff and volunteers at Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre at Syd Glow Place, who have found innovative ways to continue engaging seniors facing extreme isolation because of the pandemic. They have created a meal program that delivers hundreds of hot meals to seniors in need in Winnipeg. They also shifted their programming online to help seniors stay connected. Two more incredible organizations I have had the privilege of touring and learning about, are the Knowles Centre and Marymound, which are located right in Kildonan-St. Paul. These organizations provide youth a safe place to live with 24-hour professional support that provides them with opportunities to overcome unfortunate challenges they have faced. The young people gain skills for independence and a sense of belonging, while taking part in the educational and therapy programs offered. I am proud to represent such a generous community in Kildonan-St. Paul. Together, we can help each other find strength and hope as we navigate this challenging time and do our part to support these organizations that are making a difference in our community. Merry Christmas and happy holidays. 

This year, the holiday season will look quite different. As we prepare to celebrate safely at home, I encourage everyone to love thy neighbour and support those in need in our community. 

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet with incredible local organizations that provide physical, spiritual and mental health supports to our community’s most vulnerable. 

New ways to commemorate, remember veterans

This year, Remembrance Day ceremonies looked quite different, A the ongoing pandemic meant we were not able to gather as a community to hold Remembrance Day ceremonies for the first time in 100 years.  However, I am proud that our community found creative ways to show support for our veterans and respect for the fallen; those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live free.We wear poppies as a symbol of remembrance, reverence and support. I was encouraged to see many constituents wearing their poppies out in the community, showing their support online and observing a moment of silence at home through the #DoorstepRemembrance campaign. We must never forget the sacrifices made by our veterans, and our brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces currently serving around the world. Unfortunately, the poppy campaign and legions across Canada have experienced revenue shortfalls during the pandemic and, as a result, revenues that support services for our veterans have been negatively impacted. I encourage everyone make to a generous donation to the Henderson Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 15 to support veterans in our community. It is important to find new ways to safely come together to fight isolation and strengthen community bonds. Over the past several weeks, I have had the special honour to meet virtually with various constituents and local faith-based organizations. In particular, I have met with several faith leaders who serve congregants across Kildonan-St. Paul. These meetings have allowed me to hear first-hand the challenges facing our community and our places of worship during the pandemic. I also recognize the critical role the faith community plays in serving Kildonan-St. Paul’s most vulnerable residents during this unprecedented time. I will continue to advocate for better support and recognition of the faith community in Kildonan-St. Paul.  At the end of last month, I was pleased to host a drive-through Halloween trick-or-treat celebration at my constituency office to hand out treats to kids and their parents on their way home from school. It was truly heartwarming to see the smiles on the faces of children excited to dress up for Halloween and I was pleased to provide a safe and fun activity on behalf of the parents and grandparents of Kildonan-St. Paul. Thank you to everyone who came out to participate; you made this event a success. 

This year, Remembrance Day ceremonies looked quite different, A the ongoing pandemic meant we were not able to gather as a community to hold Remembrance Day ceremonies for the first time in 100 years.  However, I am proud that our community found creative ways to show support for our veterans and respect for the fallen; those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live free.

We wear poppies as a symbol of remembrance, reverence and support. I was encouraged to see many constituents wearing their poppies out in the community, showing their support online and observing a moment of silence at home through the #DoorstepRemembrance campaign. We must never forget the sacrifices made by our veterans, and our brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces currently serving around the world. 

Unfortunately, the poppy campaign and legions across Canada have experienced revenue shortfalls during the pandemic and, as a result, revenues that support services for our veterans have been negatively impacted. I encourage everyone make to a generous donation to the Henderson Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 15 to support veterans in our community.