Message From Tony
Study on Intergenerational Volunteerism
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities is undertaking a study on ways in which the federal government could promote and encourage intergenerational volunteerism between seniors and youth. The study follows a motion I sponsored and was adopted by the Committee on Monday, November 21, 2022.
The Committee invites members of the public to submit written briefs no longer than 10 pages (approximately 4,000 words) for consideration in the study.
For more information on how to prepare a submission, please consult the Guide for Submitting Briefs to House of Commons Committees. The deadline for the Committee to receive written briefs from the public is Monday, December 11, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. (ET). Briefs may be submitted electronically to the Committee Clerk at HUMA@parl.gc.ca or submitted online through the Committee’s study page of its website. Canadians are welcome to follow the Committee on its website where additional information is provided on its meetings, including past testimony; its ongoing work; and its membership.
Central York Fire Services
Last week I had the distinct pleasure and honour to participate in the recognition of remarkable achievements by members of Central York Fire Services. As a former mayor and councillor for Newmarket, I have a long relationship with CYFS and I could not be prouder of what has been accomplished in just over twenty years since the fire services of Aurora and Newmarket joined together as one.
It speaks of course to remarkable leadership and a commitment to be the best. To Chief Ian Laing, and your entire leadership team, thank you. You lead an extraordinary group dedicated to the safety and protection of our community.
And the communities of Newmarket and Aurora deeply appreciate the extent to which they can count on CYFS to be there when needed. Great teams do not happen by accident, they are nurtured, encouraged to excel, and thrive in a culture of excellence. And at this event we were witness to examples of such excellence.
New recruits were introduced and I am confident they will be inspired by those they work with. Congratulations to those who were recognized with Federal Exemplary Service Medals and Bars; and Provincial Long Service Medals and Bars. In addition, there was the presentation of St. John Ambulance Life Saving Awards and the Jim Allen Award. To all who were recognized and indeed to the entire Central York Fire Services team, know that our community supports you with gratitude and respect.
Honouring Our Unsung Heroes
Throughout last week, we honoured the brave men and women in uniform who served and continue to serve our country and reflected on those that never returned home.
We must vow to never forget the sacrifices our Veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and their families have made for our country and our way of life. I joined thousands of Canadians in wearing a red poppy over my heart to commemorate Veterans’ Week and Remembrance Day.
In Newmarket, I was honoured to attend the Remembrance Day Parade and service, hosted by the Legion. I joined our community in showing my appreciation and respect for all who have served and given up their lives in the line of duty.
I also had the pleasure to join the Aurora Legion in commemorating Remembrance Day through their parade and ceremony. We gathered at the Aurora Cenotaph to pay tribute to the fallen of the First World War, Second World War, and Korean War, but also all who served in the Afghanistan conflict.
I encourage everyone to visit the Aurora Legion or the Newmarket Legion to find out how you can support our Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces Members.
Supporting Affordable Housing in York Region
Our government is taking action and creating innovative solutions to increase access to affordable housing.
I had the opportunity to join the Honourable Helena Jaczek to announce $26.4 million in funding to support the construction of 141 homes in York Region on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities.
This funding is being provided through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) and the third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI).
$7.4 million of this funding is being allocated to Inn From the Cold to build 44 housing units at 17046 Yonge Street in Newmarket through the RHI. These units will be in a 3-story building with beds available for both emergency and transitional housing and would include administrative spaces, shared programming, and amenity space for residents.
This also includes an investment of $11.4 million through the RHI and $7.5 million through the NHCF to support the Whitchurch-Stouffville Community Housing project. This project will offer one, two, and three-bedroom units designed to serve Canadians from a range of economic backgrounds.
All Canadians deserve a safe and affordable place to call home.
Fighting Climate Change While Putting Money Back in Your Pocket
We’re taking real action that puts more money in your pocket and means less pollution in our air. Many Canadians are confused and concerned about our price on pollution, so here’s what you need to know.
None of the proceeds from the carbon tax go to the federal government. The money collected from the tax is used to reduce pollution or support families, like through the Climate Action Incentive Payments (CAIP).
The CAIP are a set of quarterly payments that provide the majority of Canadian families with more back than they pay. A family of four in Ontario can expect to receive a rebate of around $250 every three months. Households that retrofit their homes to be more energy efficient or who choose cleaner ways to get around can come out even further ahead.
We understand that Canadians in rural communities don’t have the same options as those in cities, so we implemented a pollution price rebate rural top-up. Just last month, we doubled this top-up from 10% to 20% to continue supporting rural communities.
Through the Canada Greener Homes Initiative, Canadians can receive thousands of dollars in grants and loans to retrofit their homes, including installing electric heat pumps. Canadians who do this will save thousands of dollars a year in energy bills, keep our air clean, and receive their full CAIP while avoiding the price on pollution.
We’ve also announced a temporary three-year pause on the federal pollution price on heating oil, including in Ontario where over 266,000 Canadians heat their homes with oil. This break will save an average household that uses heating oil $250 at the current rate and will help Canadians make the switch to heat pumps.
We’ve heard your concerns and we’re making changes based on evidence and data to protect our environment and help Canadians save money.
Celebrating Canada's Entrepreneurs
This week, we’re celebrating Canada’s entrepreneurs by highlighting their dedication, innovation, and spirit. Their passion continues to drive economic growth and create good, middle-class jobs across Canada.
Our government is committed to supporting entrepreneurs and to helping break down barriers to create a more inclusive and equitable economy.
Through programs like the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, the Black Entrepreneurship program, and more, we’re investing billions of dollars to support entrepreneurs in marginalized communities and help break down barriers
To Canadian entrepreneurs, thank you for your hard work and your contributions to our country. Happy Global Entrepreneur Week!
