Message From Tony
Hundreds of thousands of Canadians are switching to heat pumps as a way to cut their energy bills and contribute to the fight against climate change. The increased demand in heat pumps, supported by a range of government programming, is supporting good jobs in a cleaner economy. Installing and maintaining this technology requires new skills from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians.
Today, Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced over $500,000 in federal funding to support the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) to help address the skills gap for heat pump proficiency. She was joined by Tony Van Bynen, Member of Parliament for Newmarket-Aurora, Ontario and Nancy McKeraghan, Principal of Canco ClimateCare and appointed Chair of HRAI.
The current residential HVAC workforce employs thousands of technicians whose skills need to be updated as the heating and cooling industry evolves. This investment by the Government of Canada will help HRAI to:
- enable the industry to take on more work in the growing clean economy;
- create a benchmark of skills and knowledge needed to safely and competently install and service electric heat pumps;
- identify the skills gap in the existing workforce;
- work collaboratively with colleges to develop training to address the identified gaps that can be delivered in an accelerated and flexible format; and
- pilot this training with a small group of gas and licensed technicians in Ontario.
By supporting initiatives like these, we are ensuring that the HVAC workforce remains relevant, stays employed and has the skills to safely install and maintain heat pump technology as Canada moves towards a low carbon economy. I am proud to see a local Newmarket business like Canco ClimateCare leading the way in green home solutions like heat pumps, contributing to our community and Canada’s sustainable future. This investment in training ensures our workforce can meet the growing demand for energy-efficient technologies.
Commemorating Peacekeepers in Canada
Last week, I was honoured to stop by Peacekeepers Park in Angus, Ontario to commemorate the nine Canadian Peacekeepers who tragically lost their lives on a routine resupply flight to the Golan Heights on August 9th, 1974. It was the largest loss of life in a single day for Canadian peacekeepers.
Over 125,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have served in peacekeeping operations. Over 4,000 officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other civilian police forces have also participated. Many returned home with physical and psychological wounds that have stayed with them for the rest of their lives.
Canada has a proud tradition of peacekeeping and has played a leading role following the end of the Second World War. Our government is proud to honour all who have served, and those who continue to serve, on multinational peace operations around the world.
To the peacekeepers who are serving now or have served in the past: thank you for your service in the cause of peace and freedom.
Conserving more land in southern Ontario
Conserving land is crucial to maintaining biodiversity and preserving habitats that support diverse species and ecological processes. By working together to protect natural areas, we will better connect networks of conserved areas, while contributing to the sustainability of local communities so they can adapt to environmental changes.
I was pleased to join Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary Julie Dabrusin to announce a $12.5 million investment into the Canada Nature Fund and Enhanced Nature Legacy Funding (through the Target 1 Challenge program) with Conservation Ontario. This federal funding was matched with conservation authorities, municipal and private funding, and some landowner donations.
This investment has resulted in the conservation of over 1,600 hectares of land, a crucial step toward increasing habitat for species at risk; helping to tackle climate change; and supporting conservation, restoration, and protection of our natural environment.
Our government’s ongoing partnership with Conservation Ontario represents the effort needed to advance Canada’s goal of conserving 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030 and helping fight against the triple crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. The future depends on everyone taking action now.
Continuing a measured, thoughtful, and compassionate approach to Canada's MAID system
Medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a very personal choice and a deeply sensitive topic. In Canada, MAID may be an option for some people who are suffering intolerably due to an eligible medical condition. Our government recognizes that mental illness can cause the same level of suffering as that of physical illness.
Under Canada’s current MAID law, people suffering solely from a mental illness who meet all the eligibility criteria and safeguards would have been eligible for MAID as of March 17, 2024. Important progress has been made to prepare for MAID eligibility for persons whose sole medical condition is a mental illness. However, in its consultations with the provinces, territories, medical professionals, people with lived experiences, and other stakeholders, the Government of Canada has heard — and agrees — that the health system is not yet ready for this expansion.
On February 1, 2024, our government tabled Bill C-62, which extends the temporary exclusion of eligibility for MAID for persons suffering solely from a mental illness for three years. This extension will provide more time for provinces and territories to prepare their health care systems and would also provide practitioners more time to participate in training.
On February 29, 2024, Bill C-62 received Royal Assent, successfully extending the temporary exclusion of eligibility to receive MAID in circumstances where a person’s sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness. I am proud to have seen this bill successfully pass the House and the Senate and ensure that Canada’s MAID system meets the needs of people in Canada, protects those who may be vulnerable, and supports autonomy and freedom of choice in individuals.
Helping nearly 450,000 Canadians get dental care
Our government has worked and continues working with dental associations and professionals to create a program that works for both oral health providers and Canadians.
Since access to services started on May 1st, 2024, nearly 450,000 Canadians have received dental care and 2.3 million Canadians have been approved for care under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Close to 19,000 dentists, hygienists, and denturists are now participating in the program, representing over 75% of active oral health providers in Canada.
Additionally, all dental care providers can now provide care under the CDCP — regardless of if they are signed up to the program or not. Since July 8th, 2024, dental care providers can still provide care to CDCP patients by billing Sun Life directly. Canadians must still confirm with their dental care provider that they are either signed up for the CDCP or have agreed to bill Sun Life directly.
Currently, all eligible seniors aged 65 and up, children under 18, and adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate can continue to apply and receive care under the CDCP. In 2025. all eligible Canadians will be able to participate. Learn more about the eligibility requirements here.
Canadians deserve affordable and accessible healthcare, which includes oral healthcare. Making sure that everyone receives the healthcare they need is the Canadian thing to do.
