Message from Tony
Community Sport
Sport builds communities, stimulates economies and contributes to the overall well-being of Canadians and the country. However, too many Canadians still face barriers to participating in sport opportunities.
Our government has launched a new open call for proposals under the Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI). The Community Sport for All Initiative seeks to remove barriers and increase sport participation for under-represented groups, in particular, Black, Indigenous, racialized, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities, low-income people, persons with disabilities, seniors and newcomers.
Budget 2024 provided $15 million over two years for the Community Sport for All Initiative. This includes $5 million in 2024–25 and $10 million in 2025–26.
National organizations, or those capable of delivering projects across multiple provinces and/or territories, are invited to submit proposals. Successful applicants will work with community organizations to deliver sport initiatives. The deadline to submit proposals is December 23, 2024.
Support for those in need!
Like many in our community I enjoy participating in The Newmarket and Aurora Santa Claus Parades. To the organizers, thank you for all that you do – the parades are always outstanding.
And once again, the spirt of community was overwhelming.
The floats and organizations that make the parade such a special event deserve our thanks. The thousands of people who line the parade route remind us of our wonderful community spirit but also of the magical feelings that define the holidays.
But we also know, that for many, the spirit of the season, the joy of the holidays can be a difficult time.
Fortunately, we live in a giving community with organizations prepared to make sure the holidays are for everyone. I was pleased to participate in the launch of The York Regional Police Holiday Heroes campaign following the parade in Newmarket – a program that has been able to help approximately 100,000 individuals and families in need since the program launched 28 years ago.
Neighborhood Network has launched their annual Holiday Gift Drive. Last year, with the incredible generosity of our community, Neighbourhood Network’s Holiday Gift Drive brought joy to over 440 individuals. There are many programs that bring support to those in need such as the annual Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign or the local food pantry. Many service organizations run their own holiday gift/food drives; I encourage you to support if you can.
To quote Dr. Seuss: “Christmas Day will always be Just as long as we have we.”
Spreading holiday cheer in Newmarket
Team Van Bynen and I had a blast at the Newmarket Santa Claus Parade this past weekend to kick off the holiday season. Although it was a chilly morning, we were able to see so many new and familiar faces in our community as we welcomed Santa Claus to Newmarket.
It was also great to see so many in our community bring in donations for the Newmarket Food Pantry. You can drop off donations for the Newmarket Food Pantry by visiting their location at 1251 Gorham Street Units 8 and 9 or by dropping off food items at bins located in grocery stores throughout Newmarket.
Next weekend, on November 23rd, I’ll be joining the Aurora Santa Under the Stars Parade to kick off the holiday season. Don’t forget your letters to Santa!
Making sure AI is developed and deployed safely
AI is one of the greatest technological transformations of our age, driving economic growth and increased productivity. Our government is committed to ensuring AI is developed and deployed safely for all Canadians. That’s why we’ve launched the Canadian AI Safety Institute (CAISI), which will lead the way in understanding and mitigating risks.
As part of a $2.4 billion investment, the Institute will work globally to promote responsible AI and build trust among Canadians and businesses. CAISI will leverage Canada’s world-leading AI research ecosystem and talent base and will build on our nation’s commitment to international collaboration through the Bletchley Declaration.
CAISI is part of the government’s broader strategy to promote safe and responsible AI development in Canada, which includes the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act and the Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems.
With this institute, the federal government is helping ensure AI safety and building trust in the technology. Fostering greater trust in AI through its responsible adoption is to secure Canada’s AI advantage today and for generations to come.
2025 Canada Summer Jobs applications for employers
Starting November 19th, 2024, employers in Newmarket-Aurora can begin applying for funding through the 2025 Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program. CSJ provides wage subsidies to support employers from not-for-profit organizations, as well as public and private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, to help provide and create work experiences for youth aged 15 to 30 years.
The following national priorities were selected this year to meet current and future labour market needs to give the youth we serve, including those facing unique barriers to employment, the best chance possible to succeed.
- Opportunities for youth with disabilities or with organizations that provide services to persons with disabilities;
- Opportunities for youth that are underrepresented in the labour market, including:
- Black and other racialized youth;
- Indigenous youth; and,
- 2SLGBTQI+ youth;
- Opportunities for youth in rural areas, remote communities, or Official Language Minority Communities;
- Opportunities with organizations in the housing construction sector; and,
- Opportunities related to sustainable jobs that support climate change mitigation and/or adaptation or protect the natural environment.
I encourage eligible organizations to apply before the deadline while keeping the national priorities in mind.
Applications will close on December 19th, 2024, at 11:59 PT.
Keeping Canada's communities
Organized crime groups and gangs are increasingly recruiting among youth. By investing in prevention, we’re meeting young people where they are so that organized crime groups and gangs can’t get to them in the first place.
Until December 20th, 2024, organizations can apply for funding under the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) for initiatives that aim to stop crime before it occurs by reducing the risk factors for youth. This investment will support community-led crime prevention efforts tailored to at-risk and vulnerable youth, particularly Indigenous and racialized youth, youth involved in violence, and youth with repeat contacts with the criminal justice system.
In addition, an annual $700,000 portion of NCPS funding will be available for projects that focus specifically on preventing bullying and cyberbullying.
By investing to counter crimes and giving every youth the tools to be law abiding and to lead productive lives, we are investing in a safer and more inclusive future for all.
