Message From Tony
York Region and Federal Government Reach Homelessness Agreement
Everyone in Canada deserves a safe, stable and affordable place to call home, but for too many, including Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and Veterans, this still isn’t a reality.
There is no single solution to the housing and homelessness challenges our country is facing. Addressing homelessness is a complex issue and a shared responsibility. Increases in unsheltered homelessness are placing an additional burden on an already stretched homeless-serving sector. People experiencing unsheltered homelessness often have high rates of serious health issues or personal challenges, requiring a higher or more intensive level of care, and often have higher rates of interaction with emergency/crisis services, including health and judicial/corrections systems.
In particular, encampments pose a number of unique challenges, including health and safety concerns associated with a lack of basic infrastructure and less access to supports and services, and potential tensions with the local neighbourhood.
Despite attempts to work out a deal that would see the federal and provincial governments work collaboratively to support the most vulnerable people in our communities, Ontario and Saskatchewan were not able to agree in time to deliver funding before the winter. As a result, the federal government worked directly with key cities in these provinces.
Last week, the federal government announced that agreements to support people living without homes, including in encampments, have been signed with nine additional Ontario municipalities: Durham, Toronto, Peel, York, Hamilton, Niagara, Waterloo, Ottawa, and Sudbury, and two Saskatchewan cities: Regina and Saskatoon. Under these agreements, the federal government will provide a total of more than $91.5 million, over two years. The municipalities will match federal funding.
York Region will contribute $11 million, while the federal government will provide more than $10.8 million, over two years.
Funding will support the implementation of York Region’s Community Encampment Response Plan, which will expand human, physical, and funding capacity. Efforts include adding outreach staff, creating an Encampment Response Unit, increasing emergency and transitional housing options, and establishing flexible support funds to help individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness transition to more stable housing.
Happy Lunar New Year!
Tomorrow, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and East and South Asian communities will celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome in the Year of the Snake. The Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations in the lunar calendar and emphasizes looking forward into the future with hope, optimism, and resilience.
Each year, people travel home to reunite with loved ones and enjoy symbolic meal, reflect on the past, and celebrate the present. The Lunar New Year is also an opportunity for us to highlight the many contributions of East and South Asian communities from coast to coast to coast that have helped build the foundations of this country.
Together, let’s celebrate Canada’s diversity and celebrate our many vibrant communities. I wish everyone a wonderful Year of the Snake filled with prosperity, good health, and happiness.
Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations
This Saturday, we join communities from coast to coast to coast in kicking off Black History Month 2025. It is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Black communities in Canada, listen to their stories, and learn more about their history and contributions to Canadian society.
This year’s theme for Black History Month is: “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” Throughout the month of February, I encourage everyone to learn more about the Black leaders in Canadian history, celebrate the diversity of our communities, and recognize the many contributions of Black people in Canada.
However, it is also a time to reflect on Canada’s painful history and the distinct challenges that Black people in Canada continue to face in their daily lives, such as systemic barriers, racism and discrimination. Our government has been steadfast in our commitment to combatting these obstacles and creating a more equitable and just future for Black Canadians.
I would like to thank Jerisha Grant Hall, founder and chairperson of the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA), Phiona Durrant, founder of the Aurora Black Community Association, and Milton Hart, chair of the Aurora Black Caucus, for the work they do year-round to support and uplift Black Canadians in Newmarket-Aurora. I encourage everyone to learn more about the events they are hosting this month and the resources they offer.
Happy Black History Month!
Supporting women-led organizations in southern Ontario
Women entrepreneurs in Canada are strong contributors to the economy, and yet they often face unique challenges when starting and growing their businesses. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring opportunities for all Canadians, and helping women business owners succeed to strengthen the economy and create good jobs.
Last week, the Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, announced an investment of $750,000 for the PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise to deliver the Women’s Innovation Initiative (WIN), which will provide more than 230 women entrepreneurs in Ontario with training, coaching, mentorship, and export readiness.
In addition, Minister Sahota also announced an additional $3.4 million for four women-led companies: CASSEN Testing Laboratories, Nexxt Intelligence, Tristar Coatings Ltd., and Universal Seal Inc. With this support, these companies will scale-up, modernize their ventures, and grow.
Our government is committed to working with women-led businesses and the organizations that support them to help them succeed and foster a thriving, inclusive economy into the future.
Last week to apply for the Summer Leadership Program
SLP 2025 Applications close this week on Friday, January 31, 2025.
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.
