Message From Tony
Canadian workers are the backbone of our economy. Through the innovative spirit of Canadian workers, we are able to stay at the forefront of research and development and secure the good, well-paying jobs of today and tomorrow.
The reputation of Canadian workers is why multinational firms like Nokia, Volkswagen, and Ericsson are choosing to construct new manufacturing and research facilities and to partner with our government to bring good, well-paying jobs. Ericsson president and CEO Börje Ekholm stated that the decision to invest in Canada to create and secure hundreds of jobs in Kanata and Montreal wasn’t about money, it was about our “world-class talent’’. Volta Energy Solutions agreed, as we announced a partnership for their new copper foil facility for EV batteries opening in Granby, Quebec, their first-ever project in North America.
Our government recognizes the importance of providing meaningful programs for young adults, so they have the same opportunities as generations that came before.
Through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, we’re funding organizations that deliver activities and services to help youth overcome barriers and develop skills to join the labour force, helping to level the playing field for the next generation of Canada’s workforce. Our other initiatives include the Student Work Placement Program, which helps post-secondary students find paid experience in their field of study. We permanently eliminated interest on student loans and doubled Canada Student Loan limits. And in communities across Canada this year, young people aged 15 to 30 have benefited from the more than 190,000 jobs we’ve created for them.
All across the country, the cost of housing is a top concern. For students who rent, families who own, and young couples looking to buy their first home, finding an affordable place to live has become really difficult. We’re taking action on all fronts to drive down the cost of housing for Canadians.
It starts with building more housing, so we’re working with municipalities to cut red tape and get rid of the rules that discourage building new homes. We’re building more homes for renters, including affordable homes, by working with not-for-profit housing providers and developers. And our tax-free home savings account for first-time buyers has received “phenomenal” uptake already, according to Royal Bank of Canada.
Building Rental Housing Across the Country
For decades, Canada’s cities have been growing faster than their housing supply, creating a growing demand for housing of all types, and in particular – rental housing.
The Rental Construction Financing Initiative (RCFi) aims to stimulate the supply of purpose-built rental housing units for middle income Canadians. Through this initiative, we’ve invested millions of dollars throughout the country to build rental housing units in various communities.
In Newmarket, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Communities, and Infrastructure, I had the opportunity to announce $77 million for phase 3 of the Deerfield Project to build 172 rental housing units. This investment builds on our $79 million investment for this project in 2020.
Other cities and towns have received similar funding to increase the supply of rental housing, including:
- $14 million to build 46 residential units in Peterborough, Ontario
- $60 million to build 162 rental housing units in Gatineau, Québec
- $208 million to build 422 purpose-built rental homes in Vancouver, British Columbia
- $73 million to construct 233 residential rental homes in Toronto, Ontario
- $22.85 million to build 87 residential units in Winnipeg, Manitoba
- $23 million to build a residential building in Belleville, Ontario
- $46.5 million to construct 248 new rental units in Edmonton, Alberta and more.
Through the RCFi and other initiatives like the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), the one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit, the Canada Greener Homes Initiative and more, we’re increasing the housing supply across the nation.
Public Consultation Period for the Online News Act
A strong, independent, and free press is fundamental to our democracy. The Online News Act, passed into law this spring, will help newsrooms across Canada negotiate fair compensation when their work appears on the dominant digital platforms.
We announced proposed regulations to implement the Online News Act that will provide clarity on which platforms are subject to the Act. Following this, we opened a 30-day public consultation period that welcomes the participation of businesses, academics, civil society, and all Canadians.
After the consultation closes, the feedback will be reviewed and the final regulations will be published. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will be bound by these regulations.
I encourage everyone to submit their feedback here.
The deadline to apply is October 2, 2023 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).
New Horizons for Seniors Program
The deadline to apply for the New Horizons for Seniors Program has been extended until September 28, 2023 at 3:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time (EST).
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) provides organizations with up to $25,000 in funding to support a project that aims to empower seniors in their communities and contributes to improving their health and well-being.
Projects must meet all of the criteria and meet at least 1 program objective to be eligible to receive funding.
In Newmarket-Aurora, recipients of the 2022-2023 funding period received over $233,000 in total to support their projects.
I encourage all eligible organizations to apply today.
Parkinson Canada SuperWalk
Every year, Parkinson Canada hosts SuperWalks across the country to raise money to fuel research, support tools, and advocacy.
I had the opportunity to speak at the 2023 SuperWalk in Newmarket and thank all of the walkers, donors, and organizers for the work they are doing to support Canadians with Parkinson’s and their care partners.
Parkinson Canada provides resources for those living with Parkinson’s, including supporting research, support groups, webinars, and more.
Learn about how you can support Parkinson Canada here.
