Happy Canada Day!

Why Caribbean Heritage Month ? It’s simple: Caribbean Canadians have contributed to the fabric of this country for generations. As we say in Jamaican Patois, we likkle but we tallawah (we are small, but mighty)!

I recently asked the Government Representative in the Senate why the recent spring economic update failed to signal sufficient increases in federal funding to sustain the Canada-wide early learning and child care program.

It was my pleasure to offer a heartfelt wish of congratulations to the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment on the occasion of the inaugural Her Future Forward Gala.

Yesterday in the Senate I gave a speech about my bill S-248 – An Act respecting Caribbean Heritage Month. I am delighted that it was adopted at second reading and referred to the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. Watch the full speech: tinyurl.com/BillS248

Yesterday, I asked the Government Representative about the exclusion of Black Canadian voices on the Ministerial Advisory Council for Rights, Equality & Inclusion. I asked Senator Moreau, when will this grave oversight be corrected.

This week, I introduced Bill S-248 - Caribbean Heritage Month Act in the Senate. It was an honour to welcome representatives from Caribbean-Canadian organizations into the Senate on this important day !

Last week, I spoke with grade 8 students at Bell Highschool about the role of the Senate in our democracy. It’s always a pleasure to engage with the next generation & share the work Senators are doing to serve them as Canadians. Thank you to SENgage & Mme. Fuisz for facilitating this conversation!

On this Mother’s Day, I’m thinking of the moms who are dealing with the loss of a child. Today, I honour all mothers, especially those of us whose hearts ache and long for our children.

It was an honour to co-host this roundtable discussion on Canada’s Early Learning and Child Care system with Aline Nizigama, CEO of YWCA Canada. Thank you, Minister Hajdu for discussing how we can continue to make childcare more affordable for all Canadians.

Patty Hajdu@pattyhajdu.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Des services de garde d’enfants abordables font une réelle différence pour les familles partout au pays. Ravie d’avoir rencontré des leaders d’orgs à l’avant‑garde des services de garde ici afin de discuter de nos efforts continus pour améliorer l’accès à des services de garde qualité et abordables

Last week, I asked Minister of Health Marjorie Michel about health equity and issues impacting Black, Indigenous, racialized & gender diverse folks in Canada’s health care system. Watch the full question here: tinyurl.com/senatequesti...

This week, women & allies across the world celebrated International Women’s Day. I made a speech in the Senate, encouraging each of us to take meaningful action towards gender equity in Canada.

BTW, Senator Paulette Senior's amendment to Bill C-12 passed - and on a voice vote - a small victory for immigrant rights and privacy rights. I'll be presenting my own amendment to Bill C-12 later today, addressing the bill's mass cancellation powers. @senatorsenior.bsky.social #C12 #BillC12

Yesterday, I successfully introduced an amendment to part 5 of Bill C-12, Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System & Borders. I spoke about the harmful consequences the information sharing regime would have on 2SLGBTQIA newcomers, naturalized citizens & permanent residents.

As this month comes to a close, I’d like to wish you all again a Happy Black History Month.

Happy Black History Month! Today in the Senate I spoke about how Black Canadians have played an integral role in shaping Canada. Together, we reflect & celebrate those contributions

Happy Holidays ! Wishing you all an abundance of joy and peace.

I was recently honored to receive the Community Impact Award from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. I spoke with CEO Daniel Tisch about my journey in leadership, economic empowerment & community advocacy. Watch the full interview here: tinyurl.com/OBAAinterview

Last week, my Senate Colleagues and I met with Minister of Women and Gender Equality Rechie Valdez. It was a great opportunity to have a dialogue about the issues facing women and gender-diverse people in Canada today.

This week I asked the Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu about the status of the childcare agreements with the provinces and territories. #SenCA

36 years ago, the lives of 14 brilliant young women & the promise of their potential, were brutally taken from them and from us. They will never be forgotten. In their names, we commit to actto ensure that the promise of current & future generations of young women is realized.

Last week, I paid homage to the people in Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba who were devastated by Hurricane Melissa. This historic storm has taken precious lives & destroyed critical infrastructure relied on by millions of people. Watch my full statement here: tiny.cc/senvu%E2%80%9D

During these 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, let's take meaningful action that delivers change. Action that goes beyond 16 days & invests resources in grassroots, community based initiatives to end all forms of gender-based violence at home & abroad.

This week in the Senate, I asked the Government to expand on how new budget funding may advance gender equality in Canada, and if cuts will impact Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.

On this Remembrance Day, we honour all veterans with pride. Importantly, we recognize the adversity faced by Black, Indigenous & gender-marginalized service people & their resolve to serve their nation with integrity and dignity.

This week, I spoke in support of Bill S-222- Vote 16 Act. This bill represents a trust in the energy, the intelligence and the passion of the next generation of Canadian leaders. Thank you @senmarilou.bsky.social for championing this initiative.

Yesterday I co-hosted a Roundtable on Foundation-Government Collaboration. Foundations are deeply embedded in communities and can inform policy with on-the-ground insights, helping government better serve those most in need.

Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy isn’t just about values, it’s about what works. In the Senate yesterday, I called for #FIAP to stay at the heart of how we build peace, prosperity & progress—at home and abroad. @carecanada.bsky.social #SenCA #OnPoli

Happy International Day of the Girl! Today, I had the pleasure of meeting and conversing with bright Canadian students & their teachers about how girls can continue being leaders in our communities. #Girl2Leader

"We need to have more women elected, because we can create the right policies in order to have a better gender balance in politics." — @senatorsenior.bsky.social on women in leadership roles, at 8pm with @namshine.bsky.social at AMO | Producers: @britweaver.bsky.social & @mayaabramson.bsky.social