Message from Tony
The Arctic is experiencing major change. The shifting geopolitical landscape, evolving security threats and acceleration of climate change are impacting the Arctic in unique ways and highlight the need for strong Canadian leadership to respond to the changing reality in the region.
That is why the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced last week the launch of Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy (AFP). The launch of the AFP is the culmination of months of extensive engagement with territorial and provincial governments and Inuit, First Nations and Métis. The AFP was also informed by consultations with the Kingdom of Denmark; Finland; Iceland; Norway; Sweden; and the United States, Canada’s like-minded Arctic partners.
The AFP is a comprehensive diplomatic strategy for Canada’s engagement in and on the Arctic. It provides expanded presence and partnerships to address current needs and the flexibility to adapt to future challenges. This approach complements the 2019 Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (ANPF), and it will allow Canada to continue to safeguard its sovereignty, advance national interests and promote a stable, prosperous and secure Arctic based on a shared vision for the region’s future.
The AFP is composed of four foreign policy pillars: asserting Canada’s sovereignty; advancing Canada’s interests through pragmatic diplomacy; leadership on Arctic governance and multilateral challenges; and adopting a more inclusive approach to Arctic diplomacy.
The AFP will foster a more secure, prosperous and resilient Arctic for Canadians in the face of new and emerging threats to the region. It will also advance the priorities of territorial and provincial governments and the First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Modern Treaty and Self-Governing Partners who call the Arctic home.
Launching the new $50 million Short-Term Rental Enforcement Fund
In recent years, short-term rental activity has been increasing across Canada, with the loss of long-term units contributing to the housing shortage.
Last week, our government launched the new $50 million Short-Term Rental Enforcement Fund, which will ensure that municipalities have the tools they need to ensure compliance with their existing short-term rental regulations, to ensure homes remain available for Canadians to live in.
In total, there are an estimated 235,000 short-term rentals across Canada, many of which could serve as long-term housing options for Canadians who need a place to live. This fund will support municipalities in enforcing their short-term rental regulations, bringing the non-compliant units back to the long-term housing market, and helping preserve our existing housing supply.
All of this is part of our work to build a fairer Canada for every generation, where you can afford the things you need and save for the things you want, like buying a first home of your own.
Applications will be open from December 16th, 2024 to January 24th, 2025.
2025 Canada Summer Jobs employer applications
Until December 19th, 2024, employers in Newmarket-Aurora can apply for funding through the 2025 Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program. CSJ provides wage subsidies to support employers from not-for-profit organizations, as well as public and private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, to help provide and create work experiences for youth aged 15 to 30 years.
The following national priorities were selected this year to meet current and future labour market needs to give the youth we serve, including those facing unique barriers to employment, the best chance possible to succeed.
- Opportunities for youth with disabilities or with organizations that provide services to persons with disabilities;
- Opportunities for youth that are underrepresented in the labour market;
- Opportunities for youth in rural areas, remote communities, or Official Language Minority Communities;
- Opportunities with organizations in the housing construction sector; and,
- Opportunities related to sustainable jobs that support climate change mitigation and/or adaptation or protect the natural environment.
The local priorities for Newmarket-Aurora are:
- Projects supporting environmental protection;
- Projects supporting small businesses;
- Projects supporting the skilled trades;
- Projects supporting the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector; and,
- Projects supporting not-for-profit organizations.
I encourage eligible organizations to learn more about the application process and apply with the national and local priorities in mind.
Applications will close on December 19th, 2024, at 11:59 PT.
Apply for the Youth Mental Health Fund!
Mental health is health. We recognize the significant mental health challenges faced by youth, which have been exacerbated due to COVID-19. We’re making sure our young people and youth are resilient and have the supports needed to succeed– and not fall through the cracks.
We are delivering on our commitment of creating a $500 million Youth Mental Health Fund to make sure young people can access the mental health care they need. The first call for proposals under the Youth Mental Health Fund (YMHF) is now open. Organizations can apply for funding to increase access to community-based mental health care for youth people across Canada.
The Fund will help community organizations expand the mental health care services they offer to youth, add capacity and fill gaps and ensure they are integrated within the broader healthcare system. It will also help community organizations link into Integrated Youth Service networks and/or provincial and territorial health systems.
The call for proposals closes on January 22nd, 2024.
