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Dear friends,
February is the shortest month, yet there is still a lot of activity. We celebrate Black History Month with a renewed purpose, understanding and resolve. We share love and chocolates on Valentine's Day. And we celebrate Family Day reminded, as always, of how much we care about family members near and far, chosen and given. Even as we maintain physical distancing due to COVID-19, I hope that each of you will take time to contact a family member or close friend even if to just say hello.
Over these next several weeks, our government is preparing the federal Budget, one which will continue to assist those who need it most and help businesses through these difficult times. I always welcome your ideas and insights about budget priorities, so do not hesitate to contact me and I will certainly forward your ideas, along with those of your neighbours.
As we experience the second wave of this pandemic, I urge you to continue to take precautions, follow the advice of medical and scientific professionals and to be mindful of those people in your neighbourhood who may be struggling, economically or emotionally. As always, I am proud to be working with my colleagues on your behalf in Parliament to fight COVID-19.
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This year marks the 25th official celebration of Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by Honourable Jean Augustine – the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons, to designate every February as Black History Month.
As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said:
“In February 2021, we mark the 25th celebration of Black History Month in Canada. We owe this to the Hon. Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of Viola Desmond resisting racial segregation and fighting injustice in Nova Scotia."
“This year’s theme – The Future is Now – reminds us of the importance of learning about Black experiences in Canada, recognizing and addressing injustices, and building back better together, especially as we recover from the global COVID-19 pandemic. This is also an opportunity to highlight the incredible impact of young Black change makers who took to the streets last year and continue to fight to make a difference."
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Whole-of-Government Response to COVID-19
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I know that many of you have heard politicians talk about vaccines, in particular, when Canada will receive additional COVID-19 vaccines.
Our government remains committed that Canadians who want a safe, free and effective COVID-19 vaccine will be able to get one by the end of September, 2021.
In manufacturing, it is not uncommon for delays in the production and delivery cycles. By the end of March, we will have received a combined 6 million doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Between April and June, we will have 20 million doses, and by the end September we will have a total of over 70 million doses. This will ensure that Canadians will continue to be vaccinated over the rest of the winter and into the spring.
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Travel and Borders - Update
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Effective February 14, all travellers entering Canada by land will have to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival at the border.
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Effective February 22, all travellers entering Canada by air will have to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and stay for 3 days at government approved accommodation at their own expense.
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CERB Information for Self-Employed People
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Many self-employed people in Don Valley West benefitted from the CERB payments. These payments helped many small businesses and sole proprietorships stay afloat over these past months. Our government has announced that self-employed individuals who applied for the CERB with a gross income of $5,000 will not be required to repay the benefit as long as they met all other eligibility requirements.
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Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program
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I hear from business owners in Don Valley West about the struggles of maintaining and operating a business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our government has been listening to business owners across Canada voicing similar concerns. That is why we have launched the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) program, which will provide financial support to businesses that have been hardest hit by the pandemic, including restaurants, businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors, and businesses that rely on in-person service.
Eligible businesses can start applying now for the program at principal financial institutions. For more information, please visit: www.bdc.ca/hascap.
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Safe Return to Class Fund
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As a follow up to the investment of $2 billion in the Safe Return to Class Fund last August, our government has announced the second instalment of funding in the amount of $1 billion. The funding can be used for improvements to remote learning, improving air ventilation, increasing hand sanitation and hygiene, purchasing personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies, and providing health and safety training for staff.
The province of Ontario will receive a total of over $763 million through this funding initiative.
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Our government recognizes the important contributions and sacrifices made by our senior citizens. That is why we have taken steps to assist our seniors through lowering taxes, providing a tax-free payment in 2020 of up to $1,500 per couple and strengthening retirement income supports.
We have also created an online portal, Wellness Together Canada (ca.portal.gs), to provide free, professional mental health support.
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International Development Week
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The week of February 7, 2021 marks the start of the 31st International Development Week (IDW), an annual initiative that celebrates Canadian international development workers, volunteers, and partners whose efforts makes a real difference in the lives and well-being of people worldwide. The theme for IDW 2021 is “Go for the Goals,” with a focus on gender equality, health and climate change. This theme illustrates the idea of moving forward in a collaborative and positive way toward a better world and encourages all Canadians to engage on global issues.
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Climate Change - The Strengthened Climate Plan
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We have introduced a strengthened climate plan called A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. The proposed plan is supported by an initial $15 billion in investments that will create jobs, support the transition to energy efficient and affordable homes, support workers in a clean energy economy. You can read more at: healthy_environment_healthy_economy_plan.pdf
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Most Canadian families receive more money back than they pay into a price on pollution. A family of four in Ontario can receive $600 through the Climate Action Incentive on the 2020 Income Tax return.
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Bill C-12: Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act
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This Act will enable Canada to achieve its target of net-zero emissions by 2050. In addition, it will provide rolling five-year emissions reductions targets. It will also establish the first Net Zero Advisory Body, an independent body from Parliament.
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Single Use Plastics - Reducing Plastic Waste
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Our government has announced a ban on single use plastics (such as cutlery and straws) starting this year. We are also committed to working with the provinces and territories to cut down on plastic products and packaging to reduce pollution and the amount of plastic waste. Plastic waste ends up in landfills, rivers, lakes and oceans; it litters our parks and beaches. We are taking this action as part of our commitment to Climate Change and environmental sustainability.
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Download the COVID Alert App!
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The COVID Alert app can let you know if you may have been exposed to COVID-19. The more people who use the app, the more useful it will be in protecting our loved ones and limiting further spread of infection.
The app does not collect any personal information or track your location; it uses your device’s Bluetooth to let you know if your device was in close proximity to the device of someone who reported testing positive for COVID-19.
Download the COVID Alert app for free from the App Store or the Google Play Store.
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Thank you for your continued goodwill and community spirit through this difficult time. Although we are working from home, my staff and I are making every effort to ensure Don Valley West remains a strong, vibrant community through this pandemic. If you have any concerns, questions, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or call 416-467-7275.
All the best,
Rob
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Connect with me on social media
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