Message From Tony
On October 26, 2023, the Prime Minister announced a series of new measures to lower energy bills for Canadians, and to provide more time and new support to help Canadians to transition to cleaner, more affordable home heating options. These measures include:
- Temporarily pausing the fuel charge on deliveries of heating oil in all provinces and territories where it currently applies, effective November 9, 2023;
- Doubling the rural top-up for pollution pricing rebates (Climate Action Incentive payments) from 10 per cent to 20 per cent, with increased payments to rural residents starting in April 2024;
- Making the average heat pump free for low- to median-income Canadians in provinces and territories that have agreed to support the delivery of enhanced federal heat pump grants; and,
- Incentivizing the switch to heat pumps with $250 upfront payments for low- to median-income Canadians.
In order to provide more time and financial support for the roughly 1.1 million homes in Canada using home heating oil, to switch to heat pumps, the government announced that it proposes to temporarily pause the application of the fuel charge on deliveries of heating oil, in all jurisdictions where it currently applies, for a three-year period.
Heating oil costs and usage vary according to household size, the severity of cold weather, and whether a home is exclusively heated by oil or through a dual system. On average in Canada, a home that heats with oil will use 1,350 litres over a heating season. Oil-heated homes in Canada can expect to spend $2,100 to $3,000 per year on heating fuel, not including the cost of the fuel charge on light fuel oil used for heating.
The federal government’s fuel charge pause will save the average Canadian household, using 1,350 litres of home heating oil, about $234 this year.
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association
Last week I had the opportunity to attend NACCA’s evening of fundraising and recognition of volunteers. NACCA is truly a remarkable organization.
Occasionally, a town benefits from having a truly transformative organization take root in its community and grow to the point where it is a source of positive change – a builder of stronger, more inclusive communities – and a real source of pride that this organization calls our community home.
NACCA demonstrates those characteristics and clearly has helped build community through their “progressive alliances, networks and cultural exchanges.”
Through NACCA’s leadership, I am excited by the possibilities of their goal to create limitless pathways for youth leadership, empowerment, and advancement.
We have already witnessed their commitment to youth through NACCA’s scholarship program – a program of hope and possibilities.
To all of those who volunteer, thank you – thank you for all that you do to build a stronger more vibrant community through your support of NACCA. Your support for “others” makes us a more “whole place to call home”.
To Jerisha Grant Hall, you inspire those around you with your vision and commitment to making a difference. I enjoy the opportunities we have had to work together, and I look forward to supporting you and NACCA on the journey to a brighter future for all.
Incentivizing the Construction of More Homes in Newmarket-Aurora
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A few weeks ago, our government tabled Bill C-56, the Affordable Housing and Groceries Act. Now, we’re already seeing developers in Newmarket-Aurora and across the country move forward with projects due to these proposals.
Through Bill C-56, we’re proposing to:
- Remove the GST on the construction of new rental housing, which would deliver $25,000 in tax relief.
- Give more power to the Competition Bureau to investigate and take enforcement action where price fixing or price gouging is occurring.
- End anti-competitive mergers that raise prices and limit choices for Canadian consumers.
- Empower the Competition Bureau to block collaborations that stifle consumer choice, particularly in situations where large grocers prevent smaller competitors from establishing operations nearby.
This legislation builds on other measures to make life more affordable, including the Grocery Rebate, the expansion of the Canada Workers Benefit, delivering child care for $10-a-day on average across Canada, and more.
We’re committed to supporting the middle-class and delivering support to those who need it most.
Update on the Housing Accelerator Fund
We’re working with all levels of government to incentivize the construction of new homes so that we can make housing more affordable, and more attainable for all Canadians.
This past summer, municipalities had the opportunity to apply for funding through our Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). This funding aimed to help these communities cut red tape, increase the housing supply, and proactively change zoning rules.
This fall, we’re seeing municipalities across the nation receive millions of dollars to implement historic and lasting reforms. Cities like London, Hamilton, Kitchener, Vaughan, and Brampton have already received this funding and continue to inspire other cities to come up with creative measures to increase access to housing.
The HAF Is not designed to reward communities for tinkering at the margins. Instead, this opportunity is a call to action and will provide financial support to communities who are willing to implement transformational changes that create a pathway to solving the housing crisis in their community.
With federal funding, and federal leadership we can help change the way cities build homes.
Newmarket Community Meal Program
In Newmarket, a variety of organizations come together to provide daily free meals for those in need.
This fall, free meals are given out at:
- St. John Chrysostom Church on Mondays from 4:00 PM to 5:40 PM. (432 Ontario Street)
- Trinity United Church on Tuesdays from 4:15 PM to 5:30 PM. (461 Park Street)
- Christian Baptist Church on Wednesdays from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. (127-135 Main Street South)
- St. Andrews Presbyterian Church on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM. (464 Water Street at Main Street South)
- Cedarview Community Church on Thursdays from 4:40 PM to 5:30 PM. (1000 Gorham Street)
- Inn From The Cold on Fridays from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. (510 Penrose Street)
- Crosslands Church on Saturdays from 4:15 PM to 5:45 PM. (47 Millard Ave. West)
- Bethel Church on Sundays from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
Meal durations are approximate and depend on demand, meal preparation, staff, and supplies.
Submit Your Favourite Spot in Newmarket-Aurora!
Do you have a favourite spot in Newmarket or Aurora? A place to connect with nature or hang out with friends and family? If you would like to share your happy place with others, then we have an opportunity for you.
Each fall my office creates a calendar that we distribute throughout the constituency, and this year’s theme is “favourite places in Newmarket-Aurora.” You can be a part of this by grabbing your camera or phone and snapping a pic of your go-to destination, and sending it along with a brief description (max 15 words).
Here are a few rules:
- Locations must be within the constituency of Newmarket-Aurora
- No low-resolution pics (minimum 2000 pixels wide)
- Photos must be the work of the sender
- Original pics only (no A.I. please)
- Ensure you have consent from all individuals in the photo.
Please submit your photos to tony.vanbynen@parl.gc.ca no later than November 10, 2023.
