Message from Tony
Southlake Run
On Sunday, our community came together in support of Southlake Regional Health Centre. Many chose to run together and for others it was an opportunity to enjoy a walk together with hundreds of likeminded community members.
Regardless of how we participated, collectively were doing so to make a difference – to make a positive difference in the future of Southlake Regional Health Centre.
Each of us has our own personal reason for joining this event – gratitude for the care given to a loved one or a recognition that our hospital – our Southlake needs our support to continue to provide leading edge healthcare.
The Natures Emporium Run for Southlake will raise hundreds of thousands of dollars and for that we all say thank you. But I believe beyond the money raised, is the important message sent to our healthcare workers – a message of love and enthusiasm that we appreciate all that they do to make our community a wonderful place to live.
Wear Red this Friday
Red Dress Day, also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, is a day of remembrance and action to bring attention to the disproportionate and unacceptably high rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals in Canada.
On May 5th each year, families and advocates ask that you wear red to honor the lives of those who have gone missing or been murdered and to Call for Justice and systemic change to end this ongoing crisis. The red dress has become a powerful symbol of the movement, representing the missing women and the need for their voices to be heard, and never forgotten.
Red Dress Day started on May 5, 2010, developing from an initiative by Métis artist Jaime Black, with the red dresses meant to draw attention to missing and murdered Indigenous women across Canada and United States.
Showing support for Indigenous women on Red Dress Day is just one step in a long journey towards justice and healing. It is important we support Indigenous women and their communities throughout the year. Locally, The Sharon Temple is hosting a Gathering & Vigil in honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Vigil is Friday May 5 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.
Tony in the House
On Thursday, April 20th, I rose in the House of Commons, proud to represent my community of Newmarket-Aurora and most importantly the broader community of York Region. York Region is home to nine municipalities and over 1.2 million residents making it one of the largest municipalities in Canada.
From Wednesday, April 19th to Friday April 21st, the Region of York came to Ottawa to meet with our federal government to discuss the priorities and concerns of our Region. As the former mayor of Newmarket, I know how important it is for all levels of government to work collaboratively and in partnership with one another.
Thank you to Chair Wayne Emmerson, his staff and the Regional Municipality of York for coming to Ottawa, sharing your concerns and building a stronger relationship with the federal government on behalf of our local communities.
Job Bank Launch
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) provides youth will the opportunity to apply for a job placement during the summer months. CSJ is prioritizing projects that support youth who face unique challenges and barriers to employment.
The Job Bank allows youth to apply for over 70,000 jobs in a wide variety of exciting placements in sectors that need extra support.
CSJ placements are full-time and have a duration of 6-16 weeks. Jobs will be posted on the Job Bank between April 24 and July 24, so youth are encouraged to visit regularly for updates.
Through CSJ, we’re providing young Canadians with the tools and opportunities they need to build successful careers.
If you are between the ages of 15 and 30, you can visit the Job Bank website here.
Bill C-47
Budget 2023 proposes several investments that would help Canadians’ everyday life easier through these measures.
Bill C-47, the Budget Implementation Act, was recently introduced, aiming to implement many of our key commitments in our proposed budget.
Bill C-47 continues to support Canadians by:
- Supporting the implementation of the new Canadian Dental Care Plan;
- Cracking down on predatory lending;
- Cracking down on house flipping;
- Increasing certain Registered Education Savings Plan withdrawal limits;
- Delivering automatic advance payment of the Canada Workers Benefit;
- Doubling the tradespeople’s tool deduction;
- Protecting air passengers’ rights; and,
- Modernizing Canada’s financial sector oversight regime.
Along with Bill C-47, we have also recently unanimously approved the one-time Grocery Rebate and the immediate $2 billion Canada Health Transfer top-up.
With a responsible fiscal plan that will see Canada maintain the lowest deficit in the G7, Budget 2023 will help build a Canada that is more secure, more sustainable, and more affordable for people from coast to coast to coast.
Military Aid Package for Ukraine
Minister Anand announced that Canada is providing Ukraine with a new military aid package by contributing $34.6 million to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ukraine Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP).
Along with this contribution, Canada is also providing Ukraine with $2.5 million for forty .50 caliber sniper rifles and ammunition as well as $2 million worth of new radio sets.
These donations come from our remaining funds from various funding envelopes for military assistance to Ukraine.
Canada is committed to supporting Ukraine with military aid as they continue to defend against Russia.
Support for Sudanese Nationals
Canada is calling for an end to violence in Sudan and is standing with the Sudanese people in their pursuit of peace.
To support Sudanese people, we’re waiving fees for passport and permanent resident travel document fees for Canadians in Sudan, as well as prioritizing the processing of completed PR and TRV applications from people still in the country.
We continue to closely monitor the ongoing needs of the Sudanese people as they strive for peace and will adapt our response as needed.
