Message from Tony
Investing in the Green Economy
Our government is working hard to bring investments to Canada that will see more jobs and more economic growth across the country.
Last week, Volkswagen Group announced they will build their first overseas battery cell plant in St. Thomas, Ontario. The battery cell Gigafactory will be in partnership with Volkswagen Group’s battery company PowerCo with production scheduled to begin in 2027.
We’re proud that Volkswagen has chosen Canada for their first ever battery factory in North America.
This historic announcement represents another major step forward as Canada continues the work to grow its clean transportation sector and meet global and North American demand for zero-emission vehicles. Our government will continue to invest in a green economy, create good Canadian jobs, and support new industry investments. This partnership secures Canada’s position as a leading centre of excellence for the manufacturing of electric vehicles and batteries and helps ensure that Canada is a destination for investments in this space.
Summer Work Opportunities
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) provides wage subsidies to employers from not-for-profit organizations, the public sector, and private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, to create quality summer work experiences for young people aged 15 to 30 years. Over the past two weeks we have been contacting organizations across Newmarket-Aurora to let them know the number of jobs and the dollar amount of their approvals. Over 60 organizations have been approved here locally creating 328 positions for the summer with an investment from the government of just over $1.25 million.
York Region Delegation
Last week, I along with colleagues from York Region had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from York Region council to Ottawa. Along with the Chair of the Municipality of York Region, the CAO, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Police, were local Mayors who had the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with cabinet ministers and parliamentary secretaries on a host of subjects. These discussions were an opportunity for York Region officials to share their views and insights on items such as community safety, bail reform, housing, and transit. It also provided cabinet ministers with a York Region perspective on the challenges of growth and the opportunities at hand. When federal leadership meets with local leadership relationships develop that result in better outcomes for communities. I look forward to many more meaningful dialogues with our York Region counterparts and the positive outcomes that happen when we work together.
National Tourism Week
It’s National Tourism Week here in Canada, highlighting the importance that Canada’s tourism sector has on our economy.
Here in Newmarket-Aurora, we have amazing tourist sites that contribute to the significance of the tourism sector.
The Aurora Chamber of Commerce and Newmarket Chamber of Commerce both host amazing events that promote tourism within our community. They host home and living shows, festivals, award ceremonies, and so much more.
If you like nature, you can also check out the Nokiidaa Trail, which links Aurora, Newmarket, and East Gwillimbury together. This trail offers many scenic routes and a path to many town parks and historic cultural sites.
Additionally, we have many other tourist attractions here in Newmarket-Aurora that provide amazing experiences and power our economy. Some of these attractions include:
- Aurora Town Park
- Aurora Cultural Centre
- Crock A Doodle Aurora
- NewRoads Performing Arts Centre Newmarket
- Strawberry Creek Farm Newmarket
Tourism helps power our economy and provides many good jobs for the Canadian Labour force. I encourage you to consider paying a visit to one of the attractions listed.
Tony in the Community
When I get to spend time in the community, I enjoy connecting with businesses across Newmarket-Aurora.
I’ve had many years of great experiences at Made in Mexico in Newmarket, and recently, they invited me and my wife, Roxanne, to their grand reopening.
I’d like to congratulate them for their reopening and thank them for inviting me.
Made in Mexico can be found at 179 Main St South in Newmarket. I encourage you all to pay them a visit and try their food.
Investing in Housing
Many Canadians are worried about the rising cost of housing, finding it difficult to find a safe and affordable place to call home.
Recently, we announced the Tax-Free First-Time Home Buyers Savings Account (FHSA) through Budget 2023. This is a tax-free account that will allow first-time home buyers to save up to $8,000 per year for up to 15 years. This will allow thousands of Canadians to save up for their first home without worrying about their savings being taxed.
Additionally, the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) will be launched this summer, providing local governments with funding to create affordable housing. The HAF will encourage local governments to think creatively when coming up with ideas.
With Budget 2023, we have also proposed an additional $4 billion over seven years to implement a co-developed Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy.
No Canadian should ever have to worry about finding a place to call home.
Hockey Canada Funding
Minister St-Onge announced that the federal government has restored funding to Hockey Canada after being frozen last year following sexual assault allegations involving Canada’s national teams.For the funding to be restored, Minister St-Onge outlined three conditions that Hockey Canada would have to meet: Become a full-signatory to Abuse-Free Sport and the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC); Review and implement the recommendations from an independent governance review; and, Report more frequently to the federal government. The suspension of funding last year was only until the organization took the proper steps to implement change. We continue to work with Hockey Canada as they continue to implement change and work towards a better future.
Strengthening Canada’s Position as a Global Tech Leader
Last week, the Prime Minister and Minister Champagne announced that Canada will support a project from Ericsson Canada, a telecom company, to advance research and development toward next-generation 5G and 6G networks.
5G wireless will play a huge part in our economy, expected to add $40 billion annually to Canada’s economy and will help add millions of new jobs.
Discussions are ongoing, and details of the project, including timelines and levels of support, will be confirmed in the near future.
This project will ensure that Canadians can benefit from the latest technologies and support our economy. Learn more about this partnership here.
