Newsletter – December 23rd
The House of Commons has finished its work for the year and now I’m back in Thornhill to spend the holidays in our community.
As I reflect on the last year, I want to thank you for your support. Everything we’ve achieved, we’ve achieved together.
From my work as Transport Critic fighting to get the mandates stopped and the mess at our airports fixed, to my appointment as Deputy Leader, it’s truly been one to remember. I’ve been a hard voice to ignore on ethics, on wasteful spending, on human rights, and on antisemitism.
Without your support – I can’t imagine where we’d be. I am truly grateful to have you on my side.
As you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, or one of the many other holidays this season, I wish you peace, joy, and love. May you find happiness in the blessings of family, friends, and community.
Here’s the latest on what’s happening in Ottawa, Thornhill, and beyond:
Melissa Lantsman
melissa@melissalantsman.ca
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We Remember
Our community remembers Rita Camilleri, Vittorio Panza, Russell Manock, Helen Manock, and Naveed Dada. They were murdered in Sunday’s senseless attack that has left so many still feeling shock, sadness and anger.
May their memory be a blessing.
Pray for the shattered families and broken hearts. Pray for Doreen Di Nino who remains in hospital – seriously injured. Pray for them. There is darkness in our community and it will take a long time to heal.
Chanukah Sameach
I spent the first night of Chanukah with our political family at the home of the next Prime Minister of Canada, Pierre Poilievre, and his lovely wife, Ana. How amazing is it that the Jewish people are able to light the Menorah without fear & shine light through the darkness at the official residence of a true friend of the Jewish people in a G7 capital. We must never take this for granted.
I joined in on Vaughan’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony led by Rabbi Mendel Kaplan. The Shmuel Zahavy Cheder Chabad Boys Choir rocked city hall for the ceremony.
Public menorah lightings were initiated by the Lubavitcher Rebbi back in 1974 to make sure as many people as possible could understand the miracle of Chanukah. One of Toronto’s biggest ones is at Mel Lastman Square. Thank you to everyone at the JRCC for once again bringing light to the darkness on these days and throughout the entire year.
Sincere gratitude to the BAYT and always to Rabbi Korobkin for the warm welcome to celebrate the third night of Chanukah in Thornhill with you. A bright light of our community.
The kids and babies Chanukah takeover for day #3 
. Thanks Chabad for another public menorah lighting, treats and rides. This one is 
Chanukah day #5 with my Dad and ALL his neighbours at the Conservatory in Thornhill 
Night # 5 with friends and families from Thornhill Woods at Chabad public menorah lighting at the grocery store! Thank you 
Fresh Co. (Bathurst and Rutherford)
Save the Date! FREE Community Skate
Join me on January 29th, 2023 for my annual community skate! Free entry for all at the Rosemount Community Centre.
Working for you in Thornhill
From the humble beginnings of family business in Persian hand-knotted rugs, KORHANI home has evolved to become a global supplier home fashion and they are right here in Thornhill. Always there to hear their story and help a Canadian business grow in our community.
I was happy to stop by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association’s blood drive.
Shout out to all the volunteers who have given – every donation is making a difference.
I joined YEDI and the World Zionist Organization at their summit to celebrate Canada’s relationship with Israel, the great entrepreneurial spirit of innovation, our shared values and more.
I joined Ardeshir Zarezadeh & The International Centre for Human Rights (ICHR) to commemorate another year of fighting for humanity and democracy. ICHR recognized the outstanding contributions of Gohar Eshgi and Mark Arnold.
Thank you for letting me be a part of it. Thank you for championing the values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Thank you for your friendship.
Out to support The Salvation Army and CTV Toy Mountain at the Promenade — making the joy of Christmas possible for families struggling to make ends meet. If you can: donate a new, unwrapped toy 
or teen gift and make someone’s Christmas 
special! 
Working for you in Ottawa
I was happy to join the Federation of Canadian Municipalities with my colleagues Scott Aitchison and Matt Jeneroux to hear from municipal leaders about the housing challenges municipalities are facing and to discuss conservative solutions.
As housing becomes more unaffordable and unattainable, it’s time to bring ideas to the table that will actually work for Canadians.
At the House of Commons
Last week an Iranian protester named Majidreza Rahnavard was brutally murdered by the IRGC. What will it take for the Liberal government to finally step up and list the IRGC as the terrorists that they are?
This Liberal government spends, spends, spends – and Canadians are left with the bill. We are in an affordability crisis – it’s time to take this seriously and stop making Canadians pay.
Lantsman in the News
I joined the John Oakley show to talk about the Liberal government’s soft on crime approach and their new plan attacking hunters and farmers instead of gangsters. Makes no sense. None.
Happening in Thornhill
The Canada Summer Jobs 2023 application period is now open and employers can apply until 2:59 pm January 12, 2023.