Message from Tony
Canada Summer Jobs
This year, the CSJ Employers Call for Applications will launch on November 19, 2024, and will close on December 19, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Past CSJ recipients will be notified via email of the opening of the application process. The CSJ program creates summer job opportunities that provide valuable work experience for youth between the ages of 15 and 30. In my constituency of Newmarket-Aurora over 340 jobs were created with 70 organization benefiting from this signature program. I encourage not- for- profit and small businesses to review the application process paying close attention to how their projects align with federal and local criteria. My office is available to address questions. I look forward to another great year of Canada Summer Jobs.
Labour Dispute Port of Montreal, Port of Quebec and West Coast Ports in BC
Collective bargaining negotiations between the parties in the ports of British Columbia, Montreal and Quebec are all at an impasse. The responsibility for these negotiations belongs to the parties alone, but the impacts are being borne by all Canadians. We simply cannot afford this uncertainty and instability at this moment.
Under Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, Minister MacKinnon announced on Tuesday that he directed the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to order that all ceased operations and duties at the ports resume and to assist the parties in settling the outstanding terms of their collective agreements by imposing final and binding arbitration. The CIRB will extend the terms of the existing collective agreements until new ones are established.
Honouring Veterans in Newmarket-Aurora
Over the weekend, I was proud to join Newmarket-Aurora in honouring the Veterans in our community and reflecting on those we have lost. It is vital for us to continue remembering the brave Canadians who have answered the call of duty and served Canada with courage, dedication, and selflessness.
From the battlefields of the First and Second World Wars, to Korea and Afghanistan, and in peacekeeping operations, to the training grounds for Ukrainian soldiers, and here at home, responding to a global pandemic and to climate-related disasters, Canadian Armed Forces members continue to show unwavering resolve and bravery.
Their sacrifice is a debt that we can never truly repay, but we can try.
Our government is increasing our investment in the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund, which expands supports to Veterans facing homelessness. Additionally, our government launched the National Veterans Employment Strategy to help Veterans find a good-paying job quicker, once they leave the Canadian Armed Forces.
To the Aurora Legion and the Newmarket Legion, thank you for all of the work you put in every day to support Veterans. It was an honour to join you to commemorate those who have bravely put their lives on the line.
To Canada’s Veterans, current service members, Indigenous Veterans and service members, and their families—thank you for fighting for our values of democracy, freedom, and peace.
Lest we forget. Nous nous souviendrons.
Helping over 1 million Canadians access dental care
Great news: the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has helped more than 1 million Canadians across the nation receive care and over 2.7 million Canadians have been approved for coverage.
Through the CDCP, Canadians on average are saving more than $730 through a wide range of oral health care services, from cleanings to life-saving screenings for diseases like oral cancer. And this month, the CDCP is expanding to include more services so that more Canadians receive the care they need.
More than 22,340 oral health providers nationwide, or 89% of active oral health providers in the country, are providing care to Canadians covered under the plan and have been crucial to the success of the CDCP in improving access to oral health care in Canada.
And next year, all eligible Canadians will be able to apply for coverage under the CDCP.
We will continue fighting to make sure that all Canadians have access to the health care they need and deserve.
Capping pollution and driving Canadian innovation
Canada’s climate plan is working — emissions are down, and the economy is growing. Every sector of the economy must do its fair share to combat climate change, and the oil and gas sector is no exception. They should not be allowed unlimited pollution.
The oil and gas industry is responsible for nearly 1/3 of Canada’s greenhouse gas pollution, and it is one of the only sector where emissions are going up. That’s why our government is putting a cap on their pollution. The cap positions Canada to be competitive, to create and keep good jobs for generations, while taking action to stop the rising costs of climate change.
The pollution cap will not impact the cost of gas, groceries and more, as oil prices are set on an international market. Pierre Poilievre is lying to Canadians about rising costs to distract from the fact that his climate plan is to cut investments and let the planet burn. If you don’t have a climate plan, you don’t have a plan for the economy.
As Ontarians rapidly transition to clean technology to heat their homes and get around, we know that oil and gas is still a part of everyday lives, and the pollution cap will make sure these products are produced as clean as possible. This marks a major milestone in cutting pollution across the country. Our health and safety and our children and grandchildren are worth fighting for.
Hindu Heritage Month
Since 1903, when the first Hindu immigrants arrived in Canada, Hindu Canadians have made invaluable contributions to our country. They have enriched every facet of society, from the arts and sciences to medicine, teaching and politics.
With origins dating back more than 5,000 years, Hinduism is the world’s oldest belief system. As the world’s third-largest religion, Hinduism is practiced by 1 billion people across all the continents, with nearly 830,000 Hindus calling Canada their home.
As we celebrate Hindu Heritage Month, our government reaffirms our commitment to safeguard the right of communities to worship safely. We will do whatever it takes to protect everyone living in Canada. Recently, we launched Canada’s first-ever Action Plan on Combatting Hate to empower communities to identify and prevent hate, support victims, and establish a coordinated approach across government to keep Canadians safe.
As we celebrate Hindu Heritage Month for the third time in Canada, I extend my warmest wishes to all Hindus in Canada and encourage everyone to learn more about their rich heritage and enduring contributions across the country.
