Message From Tony
Youth Speak
Last week I had the distinct pleasure of hosting a mental health event at The Old Town Hall in Newmarket. The event was in partnership with YouthSpeak and also featured remarks by the Honourable Y’ara Saks – Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health.
A big thank you to Una Wright and the team at YouthSpeak for organizing this event. YouthSpeak’s unwavering dedication to fostering resilience, raising awareness, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health has positively impacted countless lives. Their work, built on the principles of empathy, inclusion, and peer-driven change, reminds us of the power of coming together to create a better future.
We were fortunate to have a special guest whose leadership embodies these same principles: the Honorable Y’ara Saks, the federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health. Minister Saks has been a steadfast advocate for mental health, championing policies and initiatives that aim to provide equitable access to resources, address systemic challenges, and support the well-being of all Canadians, especially our youth.
The importance of youth mental health cannot be overstated. It is a cornerstone of a thriving society. Today our young people face unprecedented challenges—from navigating social pressures to managing the impacts of digital environments and, for many, the lingering effects of the global pandemic. Supporting mental health isn’t just about providing services; it’s about creating a culture where asking for help is encouraged, where struggles are met with understanding, and where every young person feels seen, heard, and valued.
YouthSpeak exemplifies this mission through their workshops, community outreach, and peer mentorship programs. They remind us that real change happens when young people lead the conversation and when their lived experiences shape the solutions. This aligns with the work Minister Saks is championing on a national scale, ensuring our mental health system becomes more inclusive, compassionate, and accessible.
Minister Saks, we are deeply grateful for your leadership and your commitment to ensuring mental health is treated with the same urgency and importance as physical health. Your dedication gives hope to many and inspires us all to strive for a future where no one has to face their challenges alone.
Apply for the 2025 Summer Leadership Program
The Summer Leadership Program (SLP) provides youth with an opportunity to work in the heart of Ottawa in the offices of Members of Parliament and Ministers, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Liberal Research Bureau. Through this experience, youth gain hands-on political experience that helps develop their knowledge and skills.
In 2025, SLP will run for 16 weeks, from May 5th to August 22nd. The program is administered and coordinated through the Liberal Research Bureau. Participants must be in Ottawa for the first 8 weeks of the program (May 5 – June 30). The second half of the program (July 2 – August 22) offers flexibility with options for a virtual, in-person, or hybrid experience, allowing your offices to tailor the internship to your own needs.
The SLP 2025 internship is a diverse and fast-paced work experience. The aim of the program is to balance the participants’ learning experience with the goals and responsibilities of the Liberal Member of Parliament that you will be working with. Although each office will have a slightly different job description, the program is committed to providing participants with a meaningful learning experience where they will be able to learn, grow, and connect virtually and alongside political staff and other emerging young leaders.
SLP 2025 Participant Applications are now open until January 31, 2025.
Helping expand youth mental health supports
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 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.
Federal benefits being delivered this month
This month, families in Newmarket-Aurora and from coast to coast to coast can expect several federal benefits to be delivered directly in their bank accounts.
This includes:
- GST/HST Credit:
- On January 3rd, families and individuals with low and modest incomes received the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit to offset the GST or HST they pay.
- Advanced Canada Workers’ Benefit:
- On January 10th, eligible workers who are earning a low income received the Advanced Canada Workers’ Benefit to help cope with the rising cost of living.
- Canada Carbon Rebate:
- In provinces where the federal fuel charge applies, individuals and families will receive their quarterly Canada Carbon Rebate tomorrow, January 15th.
- Canada Child Benefit:
- On January 20th, eligible families will be receiving their monthly Canada Child Benefit to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age.
- Canada Pension Plan:
- On January 29th, Canada Pension Plan payments will be delivered to eligible retired Canadians. This payment is a monthly, taxable benefit that replaces part of your income when you retire.
- Old Age Security:
- On January 29th, Canadians aged 65 and older will receive their Old Age Security payments.
- Veteran Disability Pension:
- On January 30th, Veterans who qualify for the Veteran Disability Pension will receive this tax-free, monthly financial payment to support their well-being.
Keep an eye on your bank accounts for these benefits!
