Message From Tony
International Day for People of African Descent
International Day for People of African Descent is observed on August 31 each year. It was created by the United Nations to celebrate the diverse heritage and immense contributions made by people of African descent. The African diaspora has long been recognized for its spirit and contributions to art, culture, science, and other fields, and it continues to make a positive presence on the world stage. On this day, we honour a vibrant culture and community, while celebrating its values and contributions.
Today, we also recommit to addressing the underlying inequities faced in Canada by people of African descent, including disproportionate health disparities, driven by systemic anti-Black racism, discrimination, and hate. As part of our commitment to the Decade, we have made targeted investments to empower Canada’s Black communities, improve the well-being of Black Canadians across the country, and address systemic barriers and anti-Black racism. While we have made progress toward a more just and equitable society, more work still needs to be done. As part of Canada’s Anti‑Racism Strategy, and with the support of the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat, we will continue to work to identify and eliminate systemic racism and racial discrimination.
On this day, we encourage all Canadians to learn more about the rich history and diverse cultures of people of African descent as well as the many important contributions they have made, and continue to make, to our national fabric.
Celebrating Labour Day
Labour Day is more than a holiday in Canada. It’s a celebration of the labour movement’s hard work over decades, fighting for Canadians’ rights through unions and its members. Weekends, eight-hour workdays, safe and respectful workplaces, and fare wages. These advancements and many more were fought for and achieved through years of organized labour efforts. This September 4th, let’s celebrate these accomplishments, and our government’s support for Canadian workers.
New Horizons for Seniors
Our New Horizons for Seniors Program provides organizations with up to $25,000 to fund a project created by or targeting seniors. The 2023-2024 call for proposals is underway and closes on September 14th. Organizations can submit their applications with a proposal for a seniors-based project. To be eligible for funding, projects must be no longer than 52 weeks; request no more than $25,000; meet at least one program objective; have seniors leading or playing a vital role in its planning and/or delivery; seek to benefit seniors and communities; and demonstrate cost effectiveness.
I hope organizations will consider this opportunity to help enrich the lives of seniors.
Supporting Canadians and Growing Our Economy
Canadians are telling us that the cost of living, access to healthcare, and housing supply are top of mind.
That’s why we’re reducing child care fees, delivering dental care, and increasing access to housing supply through investments like:
- Our Canada Child Benefit (CCB), a monthly payment that provides parents of children under 17 with thousands of dollars a year.
- The Canada Dental Benefit, which provides families with children under 12 funding to cover dental care costs.
- $198.6 billion over 10 years to improve health care services for Canadians across the nation.
- The Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), a $4 billion investment that is increasing access to housing, building more homes, and reducing red tape.
- Our Clean Electricity Regulations (CER), which outlines our plan to build a net-zero electricity grid.
- Canada’s ban on single-use plastics, which bans the manufacture, import, and sale of several plastic goods that contribute to pollution in our rivers, lakes, and oceans.
- The Climate Action Incentive Payments (CAIP), which provide Canadians with money back, while helping reduce Canada’s emissions.
Our government is committed to building an economy that works for all Canadians.
Investing in Local Organizations Through the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF)
During the pandemic, many of our vital community service organizations struggled with increased demand, reduced revenues, declines in charitable giving, and a greater reliance on digital tools. Through our Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF), we’re helping local organizations recover and adapt to the changing needs of Canadians.
Earlier this month, the Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development, Jenna Sudds, announced over 5,000 projects being funded under the CSRF.
10 organizations in Newmarket-Aurora are receiving funding through the CSRF, totaling to $597,125. These organizations include:
- Women’s Centre of York Region – $83,978
- Job Skills – $71,314
- Lupus Canada – $101,773
- Aurora Sports Hall of Fame – $62,500
- Literacy Council York-Simcoe – $75,755
- Community Living Central York – $56,796
- Inn From the Cold – $17,759
- Family Services York Region – $99,750
- John Howard Society of York Region – $21,000
- Newmarket Co-operative Homes Inc. – $6,500
Through this funding, charities and non-profits can adapt the way they deliver services, buy new equipment, create new ways of working, support staff and volunteers, and develop plans to receive funding from diverse sources.
We’re committed to supporting local organizations and non-profits as they recover from the effects of the pandemic and continue to build on their growth.
New Horizons for Seniors Program
Supporting the health and well-being of seniors is a priority for our government. Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), we’re making a difference in the lives of seniors and their communities.
There is less than a month left for the 2023-2024 NHSP Call for Proposals for community-based projects. Eligible organizations can apply to receive up to $25,000 to support seniors in our community.
Proposals must meet at least 1 program objective, be no longer than 52 weeks, request no more than $25,000, have seniors lead or play a vital role in its planning and/or delivery, seek to benefit seniors and communities, and demonstrate cost effectiveness.
In the last call for proposals, organizations in Newmarket-Aurora received over $233,000 in funding to support seniors.
I encourage organizations with existing programs or plans for a program that supports seniors to apply today.
Learn more about the application process here.
Update on Wildfire Season
The 2023 wildfire season has been Canada’s most severe on record, and we’ve seen Canadians across the nation be affected. The safety of Canadians is our first priority, and we’re providing assistance throughout Canada as we combat the wildfires.
In Yellowknife and British Columbia, we’re providing assistance through:
- fire-fighting personnel and resources;
- airlift resources to help the evacuation of isolated communities and other logistical tasks;
- planning and coordination support;
- support for the management, operations, and administrative activities of British Columbia Wildfire Service;
- funding dedicated to response and recovery activities for eligible First Nations;
- support from the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) including personnel resources and portable equipment; and,
- assistance from Transport Canada, Parks Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
We are working with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, and our international allies to continue fighting these wildfires while protecting homes, livelihoods, and lives.
Find important resources on the wildfire situation and how you can help here.
