While I continue to engage regularly on Facebook and Insta, my team will post occasional highlights of my work here.
I will continue to prioritize engaging on platforms that ensure safe spaces for those connecting with us.
Find me on FB or IG
@morricemike
for regular updates.
After listening to perspectives from all sides - both within the House and from my neighbours - I've decided to vote against invoking the Emergencies Act.
More here on why that's the case, the wider context, and actions I believe should be taken:
Bell has fired Lisa LaFlamme at 58 on the heels of her Best National News Anchor win at the
#CdnScreenAwards
. They didn’t even give her the chance to sign off on air.
When Lisa took over from Lloyd Robertson he was 77!
Lisa: you are a class act and you make our community proud.
While Palestinians are killed waiting for food, Canada has yet to reinstate funding to the aid organization millions in Gaza rely on.
I rose again today in Parliament to continue pressing this government to reinstate UNWRA funding and to call on Israel to follow the ICJ ruling.
De retour à Québec cette semaine pour poursuivre mes études de français!
En tant que député, je pense qu'il est important d'aspirer à être - un jour! - parfaitement bilingue dans nos deux langues officielles.
Today, I was sworn in as the Member of Parliament for my neighbours in Kitchener Centre.
I am humbled by the opportunity to work on our community's priorities, from housing to mental health supports to the climate crisis.
I'm also grateful for the support of family & friends.
Poverty doesn't take a summer break!
When will the government fast-track the
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
and bring in emergency supports for people with disabilities?
Growing up with a stutter, I did my best to not let it hold me back.
I don’t think I ever dreamed I’d one day be asked to sit in the Speaker’s chair in the House of Commons though!
#HouseofCommons
#cdnpoli
You know how when you get on a plane and you’re seated next to some curious MP looking to make sure the new Broadcast Act does what it’s supposed to do and actually helps Canadian content creators?
That happened to
@brittlestar
Gas prices are up 2.2c per litre because of the
#carbontax
- a necessary part of any serious climate plan.
Meanwhile, 18c per litre is due to increased oil and gas company margins, leading to their posting record profits.
Why are all Parliamentarians not outraged over this?
I’m thrilled to share this letter today - supported by 73 MPs from 4 parties - jointly calling for the federal government to immediately reintroduce legislation for a
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
, and to include Cdns with disabilities every step of the way.
13 months post surgery.
100% cancer free.
So grateful for the caring people that work in this building.
See you for the next round of tests in February 👍
Canadians with disabilities continue to disproportionately live in poverty.
They want to see emergency supports. They want to see action.
Does the government understand that simply introducing a bill for the
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
does nothing to help today?
Despite years of advocacy from the disability community to fast-track the Canada Disability Benefit, this government still hasn't committed to funding it.
That's why, ahead of the federal budget, I shared what I've been hearing from people with disabilities with the PM directly.
C-22 passes unanimously, now the
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
goes to committee for witness testimony and amendments!
Kudos to all the tireless disability advocates across the country. While the work continues, this milestone is yours.
#CDBby23
Bragging about a 5% increase to ODSP at a time of 8% inflation is an insult to Ontarians with disabilities.
@mikeschreiner
is right: this is legislated poverty, and it's immoral.
Together, we'll continue pressing the provincial and federal governments for so much better.
It is impossible for people w/ disabilities to live on $1169 per month. An extra $58 will force them to continue to live in legislative poverty.
It is wrong. It’s immoral.
Today I asked the Premier if he will commit to doubling ODSP rates immediately. 1/
#onpoli
#ODSPoverty
In 2021 the libs promised a CDB that would reduce poverty like the GIS and CCB. The GIS has a max of $1000/month/person.
Yesterday, the feds proposed a CDB with a max of $200/month, delayed until mid 2025, full of barriers.
This isn't what the disability community called for.
Happy to share some good news!
I received the results of my most recent ct scan - all is clear. Thank you to the incredible healthcare workers on my team.
Two and a half years out now 🎉
As I head to Ottawa for orientation this week, I wanted to say thanks to all those who reached out over the days since
#Elxn44
, whether in person or virtually.
Our team is currently working to get an office and staff set up. If you'd like to get in touch 👉 mike
@mikemorrice
.ca
I promised I would use every tool available.
Today, I proposed a unanimous consent motion for the House to send C-22 straight to committee.
While some Conservative MPs didn't support, I will continue to push the governing party to bring back debate as soon as possible.
#CDB23
One of my goals for this summer is to improve my French: I’d like to be more comfortable speaking with other MPs in whichever official language they prefer.
Made some progress today as I began a 10 day French immersion program in Québec City! Je suis si reconnaissant d'être ici.
Catastrophic hunger in Gaza has reached 1.1 million. Over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed.
The federal government must align its actions with its calls for a ceasefire.
A motion being debated today in Parliament would do exactly this. It's one I'm proud to support.
More progress today on
#CDBby23
: Parliament just unanimously passed the Canada Disability Benefit Act at third reading, sending it to the Senate!
We'll continue to advocate for the benefit to be funded in budget 2023 and in the hands of Canadians with disabilities who need it.
It felt like a big moment today as debate started on legislation for a
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
.
While all parties are supportive, we need to act quickly to get support into the hands of people who have been waiting for years.
#CDBby23
Like many, I was so impressed by President Biden’s speech yesterday.
It was only when I rewatched parts of it last night though that I heard his stutter.
As a person who has stuttered my whole life, I feel so relieved and affirmed.
A thread:
Combined with low voter turnout, only 18% of Ontarians voted for a party that is now stomping on workers’ right and charter rights.
Federally and provincially, we need to strengthen our democracy.
We need proportional representation.
#39kIsNotEnough
Yesterday’s unanimous vote sending C-22 to committee is an important milestone.
But nothing changes for Canadians with disabilities until the benefit is funded.
Today I asked the PM if he would commit to funding the
#CDBby23
.
It’s clear by his answer our advocacy must continue
In these final days of
#Elxn44
, I’m staying true to my pledge to run a positive, respectful campaign focused on issues that matter to
#KitCen
.
We won’t solve challenges like the climate crisis with toxic partisanship & mudslinging. Let’s send that msg to Ottawa on Sept. 20th.
Thank you to the petitioners who brought forward this call on the House to immediately halt all existing and planned construction of the coastal gas link project on Wet'suwet'en territory, ordering the RCMP to dismantle their exclusion zone and stand down.
#Wetsuweten
Today’s budget is full of half-measures that don't meet the depths of the crises we're facing.
People with disabilities deserve better. Canadians deserve better.
From ending poverty to the housing crisis to the climate fight: Greens will keep pushing this government to step up.
In the midst of a
#climateemergency
, Imperial Oil made $6.2 billion this year - almost *4 times* more than last!
We cannot expect the arsonists to put out the fire.
Will the Prime Minister stop subsidizing these companies and place a windfall tax on their excess profits?
The federal government has got to fix the Canada Disability Benefit.
Join us in telling them directly by commenting on the draft regulations here:
If you'd like to add to my team's submission instead, send your feedback to mike.morrice
@parl
.gc.ca
For years I’ve enjoyed engaging here. But recently I’ve felt increasingly uneasy about it.
Hateful content is going unchecked, and tools are not available for my team and I to ensure respectful engagement.
Twitter's attack on the CBC is the last straw for me.
1/3
The CDB, as proposed in Budget 2024 is entirely insufficient.
People with disabilities deserve better.
If you agree, help amplify the voices of the disability community by signing and sharing the petition at
Politicians have no problem saying something is urgent.
Budgets are where you demonstrate it.
Canadians with disabilities deserve better from this government.
I'm thrilled the
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
Act was reported back to the House yesterday, after nine amendments passed strengthening the bill!
Five of these were ones I proposed, four of which passed unanimously.
One example of this collaboration:
1/4
FYI disability twitter and allies: tonight ~6:45ET I’ve secured 4mins of questions in the House on
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
+ 1 min of follow up.
I’ll ask some questions you’ve shared with me and press for the clear answers you deserve
#CDB23
Watch live
Amazing to see MPs from all parties come together to take a stand against conversion therapy in Canada. This day could not come soon enough. 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️
The House of Commons has unanimously adopted a motion by Conservative MP Rob Moore to pass C-4, the government’s bill to ban conversion therapy in Canada, through all stages without amendment.
#cdnpoli
Last night I brought questions from the disability community to the floor of the House.
Through a motion from
@BonitaZarrillo
MPs from all parties have already pressed the governing party to move quickly.
The disability community deserves answers.
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
After years of broken promises, Canadians haven't forgotten.
Organizations like
@FairVoteCanada
have kept calls for proportional representation at the forefront.
And I'll keep raising it in Parliament until we get better answers.
#electoralreform
We are in a
#housingcrisis
, fueled by corporate investors treating our homes like stocks.
The federal government could step in tomorrow by removing tax exemptions for real estate investment trusts.
Why won't they?
In my community and across the country, Canadians with disabilities are disproportionately living in poverty.
Yesterday in Question Period, the PM reiterated a promise to introduce the
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
, but no timeline.
You did it!
#C22
will be back in Parliament for third reading debate tomorrow:
This is thanks to every person and organization across the country that kept the pressure on - we'll keep pushing for it to be passed ASAP, and funded in budget 2023
#CDBby23
This is a moment to channel our disappointment and our anger into continued advocacy for a more diverse, just and fair democracy.
Reach out to
@FairVoteCanada
, to your MPP, to your MP. Organize.
We deserve better. And people power is what will get us there.
#onpoli
#ONelxn
Over 100 MPs from every party have advocated to fast-track the design and implementation of the
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
.
Thanks to this unanimous consent motion from
@BonitaZarrillo
, now the entire House is calling on the government to reintroduce without delay!
#WheresTheBill
Yesterday MPs began reviewing and voting on suggested amendments to the
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
Act.
While not finished yet, I'm thrilled MPs voted in support of 4 of my proposed improvements so far:
1/3
A life update that I'm more than a little excited about: starting in January, I'll be back
@Laurier
mentoring & teaching the next generation of social entrepreneurs!
I can't wait to get started. Details here:
After presenting a petition signed by 17,874 Canadians and led by
@Disability_WP
, I asked the governing party for an update on fast-tracking the
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
.
You can advocate for this life-changing benefit by calling or emailing your MP to express your support.
While I'm still taking a pause from Twitter, I’m posting here to make sure to connect with the countless disability advocates who've connected with me here over the past 18 months as we reach a milestone in getting the
#CanadaDisbilityBenefit
into people's hands. 1/9
Tonight an emergency debate took place on the flooding in BC at the request of my colleague
@ElizabethMay
and others.
The flooding and landslides highlight the need for urgent climate action in our country.
The time is now.
#ClimateActionNow
#JustTransition
#cndpoli
89% of Canadians agree: a Canada Disability Benefit is the right thing to do.
With
@Disability_WP
and 12,600+ signatories, we're calling on the fed government to fast track this critical support. Join us!
Our petition closes Tuesday 10am.
Details here:
My heart breaks for those killed in the recent Israeli attacks on Gaza, including 15 children. The killing of civilians is never justified.
I agree with
@IndJewishVoices
: Canada must stop selling weapons to Israel (
@CanadianGreens
policy since 2016) and condemn these attacks.
As Jews across the globe, we condemn Israel’s unprovoked aggression and call for an endade to the siege on Gaza.
IJV is proud to join alongside other Jewish groups from across the globe in signing this statement.
A recap of where we stand with the
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
and what happens next.
Short version: thanks to groups like
@Disability_WP
and advocates across the country, we've made progress - but until the benefit is funded and delivered, we need to keep pressing for
#CDBby23
!
Two days before asking this question, Minister Khera had committed to providing a list of every person and org consulted that called for the CDB as proposed in the budget.
It's 16 days since that commitment, and I’ve yet to receive this list. My team and I will keep pressing.
Every vote should count.
To move us in that direction, I’m proud to be working with
@FairVoteCanada
on this motion calling for a citizen’s assembly on electoral reform, supported by MPs from four parties.
Details:
To people across Kitchener Centre: thank you. Thank you for your trust. For voting for what you’re for, instead of out of fear of what you’re against. Thank you for choosing me as your Member of Parliament – Ontario’s first ever Green MP.
2/
While my symptoms are mild, I wanted to share that I tested positive for COVID-19 this morning on a rapid test. I’ll be isolating, working from home, and will continue to follow public health guidelines.
Debate has ended on C-22!
Thanks
@Disability_WP
and to the wider disability community for all your advocacy to fast-track the
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
.
What a fitting moment to receive the news at our Parliamentary Reception.
Tomorrow the bill goes to vote to get to committee!
We know we can do this.
89% of Canadians agree it's the right thing to do.
Members from every party have expressed support.
43 Senators co-signed a letter to fast-track the
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
.
When will this much needed legislation be brought forward?
#wheresthebill
We let Hayden down. We let Rebecca down.
We can choose to do so much better for every Canadian with a disability.
My question to the governing party: ‘When?’
When will they bring forward the
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
?
The federal government continues to avoid answering when the
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
will be re-introduced, at committee and via our petition:
Let's keep the pressure on - email your MP here:
In Question Period today, I reiterated what many countries affirmed at
#COP27
: there is no such thing as a credible climate plan that doesn’t include phasing out fossil fuels.
How can our federal government claim to be serious while approving new oil exploration back home?
Chronic homelessness is up 90% across Canada.
A recent PBO report shows the feds are only investing one-seventh of what is needed to even just halve the rate of chronic homelessness - while giving billions to large corporations.
I'll keep pushing to close this funding gap.
Thanks to all the incredible
@OurCommons
civil servants involved in the past two days of orientation for new MPs. I’m amazed at the number of people that are so focused on helping Parliamentarians do their job well.
Your support has meant so much - merci / thank you!
Update on the
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
:
Earlier this week it was announced committee wouldn’t even begin discussing potential amendments to C-22 until December 14.
After advocacy by myself and others, I am thankful the committee agreed to speed the process up.
1/2
This week’s reflection: very excited to share that I’ll be among a handful of Canadian MPs heading over to
#COP26
next week as part of Canada’s delegation! 1/
Following the resignation and removal of Kitchener Centre’s Liberal incumbent, I’m more determined than ever to work to address the inequalities facing our neighbours.
It is completely unacceptable that so many women face harassment in the workplace. We can and must do better.
I do not take this honour lightly. I will fight to be your champion in Parliament, whether you voted for me or not. I will work across party lines. I will listen intently. And I will always put Kitchener Centre neighbours' interests first.
I'm so excited to get started.
3/3
The feds finally answered my questions from April.
They confirmed what the disability community has been telling us: the CDB, as proposed, contains nothing they called for, and will only lift 25,000 people - just 1.7% of people with disabilities living in poverty, out of poverty
Fully vaccinated! I got my second dose because I believe in science and in doing my part to protect my community.
Oh, and also because I can't wait to give my nieces and nephew the biggest hugs!
Thanks
@ROWPublicHealth
#WhatsYourWhyWR
#TeamVaccineWR
Politicians have no problem saying something is urgent.
Budgets are where you demonstrate it.
Canadians with disabilities deserve better from this government.
66% of Canadians want to see more ambitious climate action.
So why is there such a gap between what Canadians want and what our federal government is doing? 1/2
I’ve seen the pictures - of Terry Fox, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, of racism and hate.
As others have, I denounce all of this.
I’ve also seen the clip of an organizer mentioning the name of the PM and bullet in the same sentence.
1/5
Before the pandemic, there was a 2 month waitlist for youth needing Eating Disorders treatment
@CMHAWW
.
That wait list is now 18 months.
Today I asked the PM when the government will address the devastating impact the pandemic has had on mental health.
#mentalhealth
Last election, we increased the Green vote from 3% to 26% of the vote - vaulting from fourth to second place. This time around, with a team of almost 400 people, all working together tirelessly, we have a real shot at bringing our community's voice to Ottawa. 1/2
#MikeForKitCen
$35 billion for the TMX Pipeline. $18 billion in handouts for Big Oil last year alone.
Yet in Budget 2024 they didn't step up to keep their promise to the disability community.
It’s past time to stop making excuses and do right by people with disabilities.
I’ll keep pushing.
The feds released their full proposal for the CDB regulations - and they are disappointing.
They include adding a *second* application to be filled out in addition to the application for DTC, and making the income threshold for individuals thousands below the poverty line.
We're in a housing crisis and the federal government knows it.
They even promised helpful measures but many haven't been delivered - so today I pressed the Prime Minister to follow through.
He replied by telling me how great the ideas are.
We need to keep pushing for better.
Why are these folks so excited?👇
It could be because as of this week, our campaign has raised >$140,000!
We’re *blown away*. Thank-you to every one of our 500 donors for helping us spread the word that this
#Elxn44
, a Green vote is a vote for the winning team.
#MikeForKitCen
In Kitchener house prices went up 35% last year alone.
In my response to the government's Economic and Fiscal Update Act, I asked them to focus on homes being for people to live in, instead of commodities for investors to trade.
#housingaffordability
Thanks to all who are speaking up about this. As I first commented yesterday, I too am deeply concerned about the RCMP's colonial presence and actions at the Gidimt'en checkpoint, as well as the BC government's determination to export fracked gas.
From Kitchener to Glasgow, alongside MP
@ElizabethMay
and her husband John for
#COP26
.
I am honoured and excited to be part of Canada’s official delegation for the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference of the Parties.
You can still find me elsewhere, including:
👉Instagram:
@morricemike
👉Facebook: Mike Morrice for Kitchener Centre
👉Reddit: u/mikemorrice
👉Monthly e-news: Sign up at
👉And for constituents please email mike.morrice.C1
@parl
.gc.ca anytime!
3/3
Canadians with disabilities deserve better.
On Tuesday, I promised to keep pushing.
This started with bringing the words and disappointment of the disability community to this government directly in Parliament yesterday, and urging them to do right by people with disabilities.
Let's also recognize that we are still mourning the lives lost at James Smith Cree Nation less than a week ago, and we need to hold space for Indigenous community members reeling from this very recent trauma.
3/3
Every person in Canada deserves access to clean drinking water.
Yet dozens of long term boil water advisories remain in First Nations communities across the country.
Last week I asked what so many in my community have asked me: when will the government put a stop to this?
Take 2: we’ve again secured 4mins of questions on the
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
, with 1 min of follow up
@OurCommons
. Should be around 6:45pm tonight.
I’ll ask some questions you’ve shared with me and press for meaningful answers.
Watch live here:
#CDB23
Hi all, apologies. An emergency debate was called on the government response to Hurricane Fiona so our slot is cancelled.
We’ll re-apply and let you know when another opp is confirmed!
I will continue to advocate for a robust
#CanadaDisabilityBenefit
with every tool available.
Trans rights are under attack around the world, while here at home anti-trans hate continues to rise.
On this Trans Day of Visibility, let's recognize how much work we need to do, and celebrate the trans community in having their voices heard.
#TransDayofVisibility
It's been a decade since two-way all-day GO trains between Kitchener and TO were first promised yet we still don’t even have a timeline for completion.
Recently I had the chance to ask the Metrolinx CEO for answers. Two pages of reply, no timeline.
We'll keep pushing for better