Newsletter – October 13th
Latest from Lantsman – October 13, 2023
The Thanksgiving season is a time for us to recognize and appreciate the blessings we have in our lives.
After the horrific events that have unfolded in Israel over the past week, I know many – myself included – are thankful and grateful to be supported by a community that comes together, united in times of need.
These times are uncertain, and I know many of you have loved ones living, travelling, or serving abroad. For those of you who have already contacted me for help – thank you. For those who haven’t, but are looking for someone to turn to – my team and I are here to serve almost 24-7.
What’s happening in Israel has very real implications for everyday life in Canada as well. The demonstrations, the acts of terror, and the hateful commentary we’ve witnessed recently are unacceptable, and the silence from many elected officials is revealing. You know me – I will never be silent, and I will never hesitate to call out those who enable hate.
Israel has many friends when it’s easy, but few when it’s hard. As the voices grow quieter and the calls for de-escalation and proportionality begin, I will never back down. I will never stop being your voice.
Again – please reach out if there is any way we can help. We’ll get through this like we always have – by sticking together, standing solid, and keeping the faith.
We’ve had to adjust our community engagement to be able to serve so many who needed and still need help – and we’ve missed out on some events across the riding this week.
I want to thank those who volunteered to help this past week in our office and those who brought treats to keep the operation going. We appreciate the support.
Yours,
Melissa Lantsman
melissa@melissalantsman.ca
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United in Support of Israel
15,000 came out to Nathan Phillips Square on Monday to show their support for Israel.
We will never be intimidated and we will always defend the right of the only democratic country in the Middle East to defend itself.
Our message for Canadians: Conservatives will always be your voice in Ottawa. We will continue to stand for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
You have allies – many, many allies – fighting for you on Parliament Hill.
How I Can Help – What We’ve Done and Where We’re Going
If you or a loved one are in need right now, here is how we can help:
- Access to consular services
- Information on flights from Israel
- Passport renewals
- Humanitarian claims
- Community resources and support
Our office is receiving a high volume of messages on all platforms. If you require urgent assistance – please email us at melissa.lantsman@parl.gc.ca.
On top responding to the many messages I’ve received, I’ve also been busy calling on the Liberals to do more. Here is a summary of the last week’s calls to action:
- Called on Canadian Police Chiefs to prevent unsanctioned and hateful demonstrations in support of Hamas (a terrorist group)
- Advocated for an immediate re-opening of the embassy in Israel to serve Canadians who are stranded and in desperate need of information
- Urged Minister Joly to provide greater clarity on her plan for repatriation flights from Israel.
- Reminded Canada’s Public Safety Minister of the need for greater funding to protect Jewish schools, community centres, and synagogues from terror
Thank you to everyone who has reached out with your thoughts and ideas. I will continue to amplify your voice and call out the government when it falls short. We know much more can be done.
Working Hard in Ottawa
Days after the Liberal government failed to prevent a Nazi from being honoured in Parliament, a Liberal MP is downplaying the evils of the Nazi regime with a disrespectful and garbage Tweet. Does the Liberal Party feel no shame??
Fighting for accountability and transparency.
Can the Liberals even answer a single question?
A new report says 63% of Canadians are spending their entire paycheque every month & 30% are spending more than they make —just to get by.
Liberals: Misinformation! Canadians have never had it so good.
Canadians: What?
The government denied our motion for emergency debate to lower the cost of food in Canada in time for Thanksgiving.
The Prime Minister made a commitment to Canadians that he would lower grocery prices by Thanksgiving. He failed to keep his promise.
Lantsman in the News
On CP24 – discussing the importance of standing with Israel and fighting hatred:
I was quoted in Brian Lilley’s article about the recent demonstrations in Toronto:
My remarks were also covered in the Canadian Jewish News:
I spoke to CityNews about the need for a faster, clearer, more comprehensive evacuation plan:
On the air in Toronto and across the GTA: Newstalk 1010, Moore in the Morning, 640 Toronto, Newstalk 1010 (round 2)
That’s just a taste of what’s been in the past two weeks. I’ll be sure to follow up with more updates as the situation unfolds. Know that I’ll continue to work hard for you and stand up for justice.
For the latest, be sure to follow me on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.