Message From Tony
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.
If an election is called, my office will still be open to help with inquiries from constituents. To contact my office, please email: tony.vanbynen@parl.gc.ca. You can also call: 905-953-7515.
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.
From councillor in 2000 to Newmarket mayor (2006-2018), and now a two-term MP for Newmarket-Aurora, serving my community has been rewarding. I stood for election in 2019 out of a deep concern for the environment. Facing climate change is essential for our future – we must achieve a balanced, and more compassionate relationship with nature.
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!
A fairer justice system for all
The overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice system, as both victims and offenders, is a serious and complex issue rooted in systemic racism and the legacy of colonialism.
That’s why’ve released Canada’s first-ever federal Indigenous Justice Strategy, which sets out a vision and priority areas to guide collaborative work going forward by Indigenous peoples, Canada, and provinces and territories, to advance transformative reforms throughout the criminal justice system and to support the revitalization of Indigenous laws and legal orders.
The Strategy is guided by Indigenous ways of knowing on justice and healing. It aims to consider the whole person, recognize the impact of trauma, and respect the diversity amongst Indigenous peoples. It is organized into seven themes and includes chapters co-developed with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners.
Together, the Strategy and the collaborative tables will help foster a more systemic, coordinated and whole-of-government approach to address the urgent crisis of Indigenous overrepresentation in the criminal justice system.
National School Food Program agreements
Ensuring children get the best start in life begins by providing nutritious meals. School food programs can boost our children’s health and help them reach their full potential in life by having access to the healthy food they need.
That is why the Government of Canada is investing $1 billion over five years to implement a National School Food Program to help provinces, territories and Indigenous partners ensure that more children in Canada receive nutritious food at school.
We have now signed National School Food Program agreements with all provinces and territories. Thanks to our federal investment, more than 400,000 students across Canada will have access to culturally relevant and healthy food at school, ensuring that they can put their best foot forward each and every day.
This investment supports the vision, principles and objectives for school food programs set out in the National School Food Policy, including improving academic, health and nutrition outcomes for students, reducing hunger, and strengthening connections with culture and local food systems.
The National School Food Program will also help support families by reducing food costs. Research shows that school meal programs can provide an estimated $800 per year in relief to participating families with two children in school.
Budget 2024’s investment of $1 billion over five years includes distinctions-based funding for First Nations on reserves as well as Inuit, Métis and modern treaty and self-government agreement holders. We are working directly with Indigenous partners on the rollout of that funding, with more information to come.
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.
