Message From Tony
Canada Water Agency
Fresh water is our most precious natural resource, needed for drinking, cleaning and sanitation, recreation, industry, agriculture, and ecosystem health. Water is also sacred to many Indigenous peoples and honoured as a giver of life. Yet, fresh water in Canada is under increasing pressure from climate change, pollution, and other threats. Canadians recognize the importance of fresh water and have called for action.
Last week our government announced the establishment of the Canada Water Agency as a standalone federal entity headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Previously within Environment and Climate Change Canada for an interim period, the new independent Agency will strengthen freshwater management in Canada by providing leadership and improved coordination and collaboration federally and with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples. As a standalone entity, the Canada Water Agency will work closely with partners to deliver major elements of the Freshwater Action Plan, build a strong approach to freshwater protection, and help address transboundary freshwater challenges and opportunities.
The Agency also will provide freshwater policy expertise and lead the development of a national freshwater data strategy, which will make it easier for Canadians to make informed decisions impacting their environment, economy, health, and safety. It will also work closely with Environment and Climate Change Canada and other federal departments and agencies to support and leverage freshwater science.
The Canada Water Agency will administer freshwater funding programs in eight waterbodies of national significance: the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, Lake Simcoe, the St. Lawrence River, the Mackenzie River, the Fraser River, and the Wolastoq/Saint John River. Over the coming years, the Canada Water Agency will provide grants and contributions to hundreds of projects supporting the restoration and protection of fresh water in Canada funded by the historic $650 million investment outlined in Budget 2023.
The Agency will be based in Winnipeg, a historical gathering place for Indigenous peoples and home to Lake Winnipeg—one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes and a priority Canada Water Agency waterbody. The Agency will also have five regional offices across Canada to ensure responsiveness to local freshwater issues. It is clear that the creation of the Canada Water Agency as a standalone mark an important step for Canada in protecting and restoring freshwater resources. Through its efforts, the Agency will help safeguard freshwater for generations of Canadians, which in turn improves upon the environment, economy, health, and safety of Canada.
Unveiling the Hope and Truth Reflection Garden at the Sharon Temple
Last week, I was honoured to welcome the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, to the Sharon Temple for the unveiling of the Hope and Truth Reflection Garden.
The Hope and Truth Garden features the four sacred medicines among Indigenous peoples: sweet grass, sage, cedar, and tobacco. This garden, alongside the Hope and Truth Reflection Sculpture that was unveiled last year, is a permanent reminder that Truth and Reconciliation is an ongoing process.
Both the sculpture and garden were funded through the Tourism Relief Program from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FEDEV). I’m proud to see how this project has come to life and provided a safe and welcoming space for all community members to visit, learn, and reflect.
Historic Pharmacare Act becomes law
Our government is here to help Canadians. It’s why we’re investing in healthcare — because we believe that things get better when you do more for Canadians, not less.
Recently, our historic Pharmacare Act received Royal Assent, enshrining it into law. This is a giant step forward in delivering better healthcare to Canadians. It lays out our plan for universal, single-payer coverage for a whole range of contraception and diabetes medication.
This means nine million women and gender diverse Canadians from coast to coast to coast can get access to the contraception and reproductive autonomy they deserve. This means over three and a half million Canadians living with diabetes will get the medication and resources they need — without worrying about the cost.
Every Canadian, no matter how much money they make, deserves contraception and diabetes medication. Nobody should have to choose between their health and paying the bills. Through our bilateral health agreements with provinces and territories, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and Pharmacare, we’re delivering on the promise that every Canadian deserves better healthcare.
Financial assistance for Gazans arriving in Canada
Canada remains deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In the last year, our government has been actively working to support family members of Canadians and PRs from the region, as well as Israelis and Palestinians already in Canada.
We understand that many Canadians are worried for the well-being of loved ones who remain in Gaza and are facing a humanitarian catastrophe. That is why we introduced special measures to support the temporary residence of extended family members who are looking to flee the Gaza Strip. While movement out of Gaza remains unpredictable, we continue to work with local authorities on every level and make every effort to safely get extended family members out of Gaza.
Arriving Gazans will also have access to financial assistance, three months temporary health coverage, and settlement services once in Canada. In addition, eligible Israelis and Palestinians already in Canada may apply for a fee-exempt study or open work permit in Canada while the conflict ensues.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is absolutely devastating. We continue to monitor the situation on the ground and remain flexible in our response to meet the needs of those who require our support.
Apply for the Black-led Philanthropic Fund
Our government is committed to supporting Black Canadians to reach their full potential by building a better, fairer and more inclusive country for everyone. Six years ago, Canada officially recognized the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent. By doing so, we committed to making transformative investments to empower Black communities.
Earlier this month, the second call for proposals under the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund was launched. This fund provides a source of funding for Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving non-profit organizations and registered charities in Canada. Building on the success of their first call for proposals, FFBC has launched the Black Ideas Grant, allocating a total of $9.5 million in funding, which includes $5.23 million in federal funding. Within this grant, organizations can apply for the Community Spaces Stream, the Core Stream, or the Catapult Stream.
This round is expected to fund an estimated 130 projects that support the fight against anti-Black racism or that work toward improving social and economic outcomes for Black communities in Canada. The deadline to apply is November 8th, 2024.
