Message From Tony
On April 1st, we will stop collecting the fuel charge.
While the Canada Carbon Rebate after mid-April will not continue with the cancellation of the consumer carbon tax, we will be introducing a new middle class tax cut, all while providing new consumer incentives to lower costs for families investing in cost-saving heat pumps and home energy retrofits.
Together, these actions will return more money in Canadians’ pockets, ensure we’re still doing our part to tackle climate change, and ultimately, build the strongest economy in the G7.
The last Canada Carbon Rebate payment will be sent out on April 22nd in backstop provinces (for those who filed their taxes by April 2). Those who file after that date will receive their last CCR payment on the 15th of the month after their return has been assessed. No further CCR payments will be made.
There are several highly effective policies we intend to pursue that ensure Canada is doing its part to fight climate change that are far less divisive.
Instead, at the centre of our updated climate plan will be a simple principle: make big polluters pay.
This will include having big polluters directly pay consumers to lower their carbon footprint through a new program and by fixing the industrial carbon pricing to ensure large emitters pay their fair share while providing them with the certainty to invest in pollution-reducing technology.
At the same time, we will be introducing new incentives for families to access heat pumps and other home retrofits that will save their family money on their energy bills will cutting their carbon footprint. We don’t have to choose between fighting climate change and growing our economy. Fighting climate change is an integral part of building the strongest economy in the G7.
I had announced in March 2024 that I will not seek re-election in the next federal election. And while I have no insight as to when an election will take place, I do want to take the time to say thank you.
It has been an honour to serve the constituents of Newmarket-Aurora, and I will continue working hard as your Liberal member of Parliament until a new member is elected.
After nearly 25 years of public service, I’m shifting my focus to family, and to my wife Roxanne, who has been my greatest supporter.
Reflecting on our efforts to build a stronger, healthier Canada, I’m proud of our focus on supporting families. Strong families help build healthier communities, and caring, engaged communities support family growth. We are fortunate to live in Newmarket and Aurora – wonderful places to call home. I am grateful for the support our government has given to community organizations and even more grateful for the compassion and caring nature of these organizations and the thousands of volunteers who make a positive difference.
This is my home, and I am deeply grateful for the help and encouragement I’ve received along the way. Thank you!
Protecting Lake Simcoe
Protecting freshwater means securing a cleaner, sustainable, future for all. Lake Simcoe is a vital body of water key to life in Southern Ontario – supporting recreation, biodiversity, livelihood, Indigenous culture, agriculture, tourism, and economic prosperity.
Earlier this month, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency, I was honoured to join MP Leah Taylor Roy to announce an investment of over $1 million in three freshwater projects for the protection of Lake Simcoe.
- $469,570 to the Holland Marsh Growers Association to reduce phosphorus loads to Lake Simcoe by promoting sustainable farming practices and using innovative approaches to reduce phosphorus runoff.
- $412,700 to McGill University to demonstrate and evaluate best management practices to reduce phosphorus runoff from urban and agricultural sources in the Lake Simcoe watershed and to engage the community through outreach and events.
- $412,700 to the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority to reduce phosphorus loads to Lake Simcoe by prioritizing agricultural best practices and assessing their effectiveness under climate change.
Lake Simcoe is the largest inland lake in southern Ontario and a major source of drinking water for hundreds of thousands of Canadians. Action to protect this lake will have a positive impact on many Canadians lives for future generations.
Preventing and addressing family violence
Family violence affects us all. It has negative social, financial and health impacts on those directly involved, as well as on their friends and family, colleagues, community and society at large.
That’s why we’ve launched a call for proposals to support new projects to prevent and address child maltreatment. This funding supports the development, delivery, and testing of programming that aims to provide children, youth, families, and service providers with the tools and knowledge to build safe, supportive relationships and prevent the impacts of family violence.
Community associations, non-profit organizations, and universities that are dedicated to delivering and testing impactful programs and interventions are invited to apply by the deadline of May 28th, 2025.
By supporting these efforts, we can help reduce the prevalence of family and gender-based violence and help provide a safer future for everyone.
Strengthening Canada's construction industry
We know that immigration is essential to our country’s economic success and growth, but we must also ensure that our immigration system is robust, sustainable, and sets Canada – and all who come here – up for success.
Our government recently announced a number of new measures to support Canada’s construction industry. These measures are within the scope of the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. These include:
- Immediately convening a tripartite advisory council comprised of ederal government and union representatives, and industry leaders. This advisory council will work to identify on‑the‑ground labour needs and advise on the parameters for potential pathways that would bring in and retain the construction workers we need for the long term.
- Creating a pathway that would that would offer opportunities for undocumented migrants in the construction sector. These undocumented migrants are already living and working in Canada, and are contributing to the sector, and this pathway will keep them here legally so that they can continue to build the homes our economy and communities need with the proper protections.
- Introducing a temporary measure to allow foreign apprentices to complete their studies without a study permit. By removing this administrative barrier, apprentices will be able to gain the valuable skills they need to contribute to infrastructure projects more quickly.
With these new measures, we are making immigration work for our country by bringing in the skilled workers we need to help meet Canada’s housing needs while maintaining sustainable immigration volumes.
