Fighting for what our community needs

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/09/2022 (261 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With the arrival of fall, I’m reflecting on what a busy and productive summer it’s been here in Winnipeg Centre. I spent much of this summer in conversation with constituents, meeting with community-based organizations, and attending events. I want to thank everyone who came to one of our barbecues, volunteered their time, or visited our office. It has been wonderful to spend time together, discuss the incredible work being done in our communities, and collectively imagine an economic and socially just future. This community is truly a special place.

My No. 1 priority continues to be ensuring that our riding gets the resources and supports that we need. There is plenty of good news to share on this front, including the purchase of the downtown Bay building by the Southern Chiefs Organization, funded in part by $65 million in federal low-cost and forgivable loans. The new space will be transformational for the downtown area and will include 289 new units of affordable housing which are desperately needed in our community. We have also significantly increased the amount of Canada Summer Jobs funding to $2.45 million, up from $1.6 million last year. This money will help support youth employment opportunities throughout Winnipeg Centre.

However, much more needs to be done. Parliament returns on Sept. 19, and I’ll be back in Ottawa fighting for our community and the human rights of all people. I plan to raise issues including the high cost of living, climate justice, mental health and addictions supports, affordable housing, and the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls.

Along with my colleagues, including Jenny Kwan, MP for Vancouver East and NDP critic for immigration, refugees and citizenship, I will also be raising concerns regarding the disastrous state of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). IRCC is in disarray, with over two million applications stuck in a constantly growing backlog. There are lengthy delays affecting permanent resident applications, family reunification, work or study permit renewals or applications, and more. We need urgent action to address this, including an immediate increase in staffing levels to deal with the backlogs and removing the cap on applications.

Finally, I want to hear from you. If there’s an issue that you think I should be raising when Parliament resumes sitting, send us an email at leah.gazan@parl.gc.ca or give us a call at 204-984-1675.

Leah Gazan
Winnipeg Centre constituency report

Leah Gazan is the NDP Member of Parliament for Winnipeg Centre.

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