It is an incredible honour to serve as the Member of Parliament for New Westminster–Burnaby, one of Canada’s most culturally diverse communities.
As we approach the end of 2024, it’s important to reflect on the strides we’ve made while acknowledging the ongoing challenges we continue to face.
This year, under the leadership of Jagmeet Singh and the NDP, we made historic progress on some of the most pressing issues facing Canadians today.
Together, we pushed for long-overdue reforms in healthcare, affordable housing, and workers’ rights. The implementation of the Canada Dental Care Plan and the passage of the Pharmacare Act were landmark achievements that will ensure millions of Canadians no longer have to choose between basic care and their health.
As of December 2024, more than 1.25 million Canadians, many of them seniors, have already benefited from dental care, with 3 million now holding dental cards, including 3,600 residents from New Westminster–Burnaby. Additionally, 9,000 residents in our community have received their dental cards.
Furthermore, the Universal Pharmacare Act, passed in October, has made critical medications, such as diabetes treatments for 6 million Canadians and contraceptives for 9 million, more accessible than ever before.
One of the most pressing issues we continue to grapple with is housing affordability. The housing crisis has escalated across the country, and the NDP has fought tirelessly to hold the government accountable.
Through our advocacy, we secured a commitment of $10.34 billion for the creation of more than 40,000 new housing units and the repair of over 166,000 existing ones through the Affordable Housing Fund.
Here in New Westminster–Burnaby, my team and I have been in constant contact with thousands of constituents.
Many are grappling with high rents, escalating grocery bills, and the soaring cost of medications. Food bank usage continues to rise, and small businesses are finding it harder to keep their doors open in the face of rising costs.
These are the real stories of everyday Canadians who need us to do more.
That’s why I remain committed to the fight for affordable housing, climate action, tax fairness, and a better future for all Canadians. Together with the NDP, we will continue to advocate for policies that address these urgent needs.
Over the past few years, my team and I have had the privilege of helping over 22,000 families in our riding.
If you have concerns, or simply want to share your thoughts with me, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can email me, [email protected], or call my office, 604-775-5707.
As we look ahead to 2025, I wish you and your family peace, good health, and prosperity.
Together, we will continue to fight for a better future for all.
Peter Julian is the MP for New Westminster—Burnaby.
