Message From Tony
Last week our government updated the details of our border plan. Canadians expect a government that protects our communities by keeping the borders strong, and a government that protects their livelihoods by doing everything possible to avoid potential tariffs from the U.S.
That is exactly what we are delivering with our $1.3 billion plan to strengthen the integrity of our border.
To date, we have:
- Put an end to flagpoling – the practice used by some to skirt immigration processes by exiting and re-entering Canada. This means shorter lines at Ports of Entry (POEs) and more officers focused on enforcing the border.
- Deployed 60 new drones along our border with the U.S.
- Improved the capacity of intelligence sharing with American counterparts by enacting the High Risk Child Sex Offender Database Act, which will establishes a publicly accessible database of high-risk offenders convicted of sexual offences against children.
- Announced the launching of the first Canadian land preclearance operation in the US, ensuring security threats are intercepted early while streamlining the flow of legitimate travel between Canada and the US.
- Reduced the cost burden of removing inadmissible people from Canada by increasing the funds recovered from those individuals.
- Aligned hours of service between many Canadian and American POEs, allowing for smoother enforcement.
- Completed border security exercises with all provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities.
- Introduced an additional protocol to the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), in partnership with the United-States (U.S.), to expand the application of the STCA to the entire land border, including internal waterways.
- Implemented a partial visa requirement for Mexican nationals to reduce the high number of asylum claims, most of which were refused, withdrawn or abandoned.
- Heightened scrutiny of visitor visa applications from countries with the highest rates of abuse, based on a new system of fraud detection.
- Removed the additional points that candidates receive under Express Entry for having a job offer.
- Implemented reforms to the International Student Program and launched a system to verify every letter of acceptance directly with post-secondary learning institutions for each study permit application.
- Proposed new regulations to address misconduct by paid representatives and strengthen the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.
- Launched two annual international ad campaigns delivered in over 10 languages to combat misinformation: one to address misinformation about the international study permits and application process and another targeting people seeking information on Canada’s asylum system.
Canada’s border is strong, and we are making it even stronger with Canada’s Border Plan!
Coldest Night of the Year kickoff
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.
Reducing barriers and advancing gender equality
Women in Canada continue to face barriers to success, such as persistent pay equity challenges, underrepresentation in high-paying jobs, disproportionate caregiving responsibilities, and a lack of pathways for career growth. Addressing these issues requires a viable women’s movement that includes a diverse range of organizations and perspectives.
Last week, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced up to $40 million for 170 women’s and Indigenous women’s organizations. The funding will increase the capacity of these organizations to achieve their goals, build knowledge, and implement change. This includes establishing partnerships and networks, increasing community engagement, and developing strategic and financial plans.
By supporting women and Indigenous women organizations, we are helping remove barriers so that more people can fully participate in Canada’s economic, social, and political life. Making this success and sustainability happen for these organizations will create lasting change and support a stronger economy.
Job growth exceeds projections in Canada
Canada added 91,000 jobs last December – nearly 4 times more than projected, with job growth reaching its highest number since January of 2023. This marks the third positive job reading in four months.
Our Liberal government is taking action to protect and create good-paying jobs, accelerate innovation, and boost productivity – and it’s delivering real results.
Out of the 91,000 jobs added:
- 40,000 came from the public sector.
- 27,000 came from the private sector.
- 24,000 came from self-employment.
Our Liberal government is taking action to protect and create good-paying jobs, accelerate innovation, and boost productivity – and it’s delivering real results.
This is all part of our plan to raise wages, increase living standards, and build a stronger, fairer Canada for every generation.
Doubling the Secondary Suite Loan Program
By making it easier for homeowners to add secondary suites to their existing homes, we can build the supply of homes Canada needs to make housing more affordable for every generation.
Last month, we announced that the 2024 Fall Economic Statement will double the loan limit for the Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program to $80,000, and launch the program in early 2025. This will make it easier for homeowners to convert an unused basement into a rental apartment or a garage into a laneway home to increase density in our communities.
By doubling the loan limit from $40,000 to $80,000, more homeowners will be able to access the low-interest financing they need to add a secondary suite to their home. This will make it cheaper for homeowners to do so through 15-year loan terms at a low-interest rate of just 2 per cent.
This is just one of our many measures to build more homes, faster. Alongside further investments in our ambitious housing plan, we’re also putting more money in Canadians’ pockets and investing in innovation, productivity, and power generation, to ensure Canadians have good-paying job opportunities that help them get ahead.
