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Dr. Ruby Dhalla

 

Dr. Ruby Dhalla, celebrates 1st anniversary as Member of Parliament

 

Reflecting on 4 Years as your Member of Parliament
Toronto, July 23, 2008
Candice Debi
Gary Singh, LA

Dr.Ruby Dhalla, M.P. (Brampton-Springdale) Creates History and said:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my constituents and the Brampton community for the support and faith you have given me as your representative in Ottawa.

June 28 marked my 4 year anniversary as the Member of Parliament for Brampton-Springdale. Over these years, I have had the privilege of working with the constituents of Brampton-Springdale and Canadians on issues that are important to them and their families. I have had the honor of reaching out, and connecting with some of the most vulnerable in our society and those that are struggling to be heard. Instilling hope in people has given me strength and inspiration to empower and work with many of you in building the type of community and nation we want for the future. A Canada, in which people have the resources, skills and tools they need to succeed and realize their dreams. A Canada, in which equality, opportunity, and acceptance continue to be our hallmarks.

From advocating for better health care services for Bramptonians to working with those in the manufacturing sector who have lost their jobs, I have seen first hand how acting upon the voices of the people, can make a difference.

This year marked the launch of the Brampton-Springdale Youth Advisory Council. The Youth Advisory Council consists of 18 dynamic youth from all of the schools in the constituency who work together to address issues impacting youth such as gangs, bullying and violence. The council is for youth and by youth, and provides students the opportunity to design and develop solutions for challenges they face. In the coming months the Youth Advisory Council will engage and involve more youth, community leaders and stakeholders. Recently I had the chance to speak to a number of youth at graduation ceremonies across Brampton. Speaking at these graduations allowed me to see the talent, energy and enthusiasm of our youth. The ideas, dreams, and passion of young people, which have the power to change the world. I look forward to working with youth to build a vibrant dynamic in which youth believe in themselves and recognize the value of giving back to their community.

Throughout my four years I have heard from constituents regarding a number of important issues. In fact, as a female MP many women have come forward with their personal stories of abuse and violence. I have heard first hand the voices of these women who suffer in silence and of the growing impact of violence against women. I believe that it is the responsibility of the entire community to speak out against these injustices and tragedies. I have been working with many of our community members to establish an organization for women that will provide an opportunity for women to connect with each other and increase awareness of the resources and support that exists for women and families in need.

Many people in the community have also come forward with their concern regarding the issue of fraud marriages. I have worked with many of those in the community impacted and raised this issue in both parliament in Canada and during my visit to Punjab in India. I strongly believe that measures and protocols are needed by both the Canadian and Indian Governments to put a stop to fraud marriages.

This parliamentary year was of special importance as it saw the successful passing of my historic private members motion asking the Government to apologize to the Indo-Canadian Community for the Komagata Maru Incident. This incident was an injustice that served as a black mark in our nation's history. This apology will allow our children to learn of the sacrifices, struggles, and challenges faced by immigrants and send the message that we will never go back to the divisive politics of the past, but rather, will work together to ensure every Canadian has the faith, belief and confidence to build a nation we can all be proud of.

As the Member of Parliament of the riding with the largest South Asian demographic in the country, I have also worked with many constituents to ensure our country's immigration legislation embodies fairness and quality. Previously immigrants applying to Canada with the surname of Singh and Kaur were forced to add another last name, however after persistently speaking out against this discrimination the policy was changed so that no individual wanting to come to Canada with the last name Singh or Kaur will have to change their name. I have also been vocal in my opposition to Bill C-50, which are the Conservative government's proposed amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These amendments may threaten the more than 900,000 prospective immigrants currently on the waiting list and allow the Minister the ability to pick and chose who will enter Canada.

We are a nation that has been built on the hard work, vision and passion of its immigrants. With 57% of the population of Brampton now hailing from ethnic communities, I have also been a strong proponent of ensuring the disparity in income between immigrants and Canadian born individuals is eliminated as one of my first initiatives in Parliament was championing the issue of Foreign Credential Recognition.

I have also had the privilege of working with our seniors over the last 4 years to champion issues important to them. From visiting and speaking with seniors in parks, to old age homes to meeting with the seniors in my office I have had the honour of working closely with out immigrant senior community. Just last month I invited seniors to come to Ottawa to speak on Bill C-362 which will amend the Old Age Security Act to reduce the residency requirement for old age pensions from 10 years to 3 years for those coming from countries such as India and other parts of Asia.

Having worked on global issues of importance to the riding and constituents has also given me a sense of pride of how fortunate we are as Canadians to live in a nation in which equality and opportunity are valued. Traveling to Punjab earlier this year provided a great opportunity to raise issues that affect our NRI community in Brampton and Canada. I am currently negotiating and requesting the Punjab Government to designate a state holiday to celebrate the achievements of women. I hope this will be made into a reality in the near future.

Another issue of grave importance which I have been working to raise awareness is the global fight to stop Tuberculosis. Last fall I had the opportunity to travel to Capetown, South Africa, in which I witnessed first hand the importance of helping those who live in poverty and are affected by infectious diseases. Recently I launched a petition campaign asking the Government of Canada to increase their commitment to the Global Fund and overseas development aid to address this issue.

By far, one of the greatest highlights of my career this year was my recent honour at the Rotary Club of Brampton’s Presidential Awards Gala. The Rotary Club of Brampton is an organization which has been a symbol of pride for Brampton’s diverse and rich community dynamic. I feel extremely privileged to have received the Rotary Club’s Humanitarian Award for my community service in Brampton. This is a memory I will always cherish

I hope my journey thus far has given people hope and inspired the youth of our community, women and families to believe in themselves and go after their dreams. By working together and staying united we have an opportunity to continue to achieve and succeed.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if i can ever be of help or if you would like to volunteer. I am fortunate to have a strong and dynamic team. Thank you to my riding association, my supporters, family and the constituents of Brampton Springdale.

I look forward to working with you as we build a stronger, safer and vibrant Brampton community and a nation in which every Canadian has a voice. Please accept my heartfelt thanks for 4 wonderful years as your Member.

 


Dhalla Celebrates Canada Day at Chinguacousy Park
Dr Dhalla joined residents of Brampton in the annual Canada Day celebration at Chinguacousy Park. Hundreds of local community members joined in the festivities. Many youth volunteers joined Dr. Dhalla in handing out Canada Day flags and pins



 

 

 

 


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