Message From Tony
Conserving land plays a crucial role in 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 the sustainability of local communities that can adapt to environmental changes.
Today, I had the pleasure of joining Julie Dabrusin, Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, and to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, to announce that the Government of Canada has invested over $12.5 million in Canada Nature Fund and Enhanced Nature Legacy funding (through the Target 1 Challenge program) with Conservation Ontario to support the acquisition of land primarily in southern Ontario.
This funding has resulted in the conservation of over 1600 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. These conserved areas are vital for enhancing biodiversity, safeguarding floodplains, and expanding Canada’s conservation network.
Today’s announcement underscores our government’s commitment to safeguarding the natural beauty and ecological integrity of our region, providing greater biodiversity protection and opportunities to explore the natural landscapes that define our community. This collaboration with Conservation Ontario and other dedicated partners is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for the betterment of our environment.
This Government of Canada funding was matched with Conservation Authorities, municipal and private funding as well as some landowner donations. The ongoing partnership with Conservation Ontario represents the effort needed to advance Canada’s goal of conserving 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030 and help fight against the triple crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. The Government of Canada remains committed to working closely with conservation partners and other levels of government and all Canadians.
Helping seniors age with dignity
Canadians deserve to age with dignity. That comes down to choice, to affordability, to inclusion, and to community. For 20 years, the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) has helped the Government of Canada deliver on that promise to Canadian seniors by supporting those organizations working to make their lives better.
The 2024-25 call for proposals for community-based projects through the NHSP is now open until September 12th, 2024, at 3 PM Eastern Time. Organizations can apply to receive up to $25,000 to deliver projects that will help seniors be more connected and active members of their communities. Those applying are encouraged to reflect the four national priorities for this cycle as part of their projects:
- supporting healthy aging;
- preventing seniors abuse;
- celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion; and
- supporting financial security.
The NHSP funds a wide variety of projects, such as online computer classes, financial literacy and fraud prevention education, meal deliveries, and the purchase of equipment to help keep seniors informed, connected and engaged.
To be eligible, 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
- demonstrate cost effectiveness
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications electronically on the Grants and Contributions Online Services portal. Creating an account is a one-time process that allows organizations to apply for various Employment and Social Development Canada funding opportunities in a secure web environment.
Advancing child care priorities
Every family in Canada deserves access to high-quality child care when they need it and at a price that won’t break the bank. That’s why our government is working closely with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to make this a reality.
On December 8, 2022, we tabled Bill C-35, An Act respecting early learning and child care in Canada, which outlined the federal goal, vision, and principles for a Canada-wide early learning and child care system. I was honoured to study the Bill in-depth in HUMA (The Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities).
On March 19, 2024, Bill C-35 received Royal Assent, enshrining the guiding principles for federal investments in a Canada-wide early learning and child care system where families have access to affordable, high-quality, flexible, and inclusive programs. This also includes our government’s commitment to maintaining long-term federal funding to our funding partners.
The Act marks an important milestone in our commitment to building a Canada-wide system that will benefit children and families for generations to come. In addition to establishing a long-term legislated commitment to federal funding for early learning and child care, Bill C-35 also requires the federal government to report to Parliament on federal investments and progress being made on the system.
To date, child care fees are down by at least 50 per cent across Canada. In eight provinces and territories, child care costs just $10-a-day, which is saving families thousands of dollars per year, per child.
Our government will continue taking action to support families and give children the best start in life.
King Charles III Coronation Medal
The Coronation Medal was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. It is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation. The medal will be awarded to 30,000 deserving individuals.
Through my office, on behalf of the constituency of Newmarket-Aurora, has been selected to award up to 20 individuals living in Newmarket-Aurora who have made a significant contribution(s) to Canada with the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
To be eligible, candidates must meet the following national criteria:
- Have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada, and
- Be alive on 6 May 2023. The award can be made posthumously, as long as the candidate was alive on that date.
- Be a resident of the constituency of the current federal riding of Newmarket-Aurora.
If you would like to nominate someone from the riding of Newmarket-Aurora, please email tony.vanbynen@parl.gc.ca by Friday, September 13th, 2024 with:
- Your full name
- Your phone number and postal code
- A brief summary of your nominees’ achievements (100 words or 250 characters maximum).
Learn more about the process here.
