Dear friends,
In the midst of these difficult times, Canadians were faced with a terrible tragedy last week. The mass shooting in Nova Scotia has moved us all, and we grieve and mourn the loss of victims together. I found some comfort in joining the virtual vigil this week. If you missed it, you can access the full video here.
This week was the beginning of Ramadan for the Muslim community, and I want to wish everyone observing Ramadan Mubarak. Ramadan is different this year. There can be no community gatherings for iftars or prayers. While we cannot come together in person, there will be virtual meetings keeping us connected. I attended my first virtual iftar on Saturday. Thank you for continuing to practise physical distancing to protect our communities.
In the past few days, our government has announced new economic measures to support Canadians during this difficult time. I will outline updates to the Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan below, which include changes to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), adjustments made to the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), the creation of the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CERCA), and new programs to support young Canadians. As always, I have also included some useful resources and ways to get involved.
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Last Wednesday, I joined MPs Carolyn Bennett and Marco Mendicino for a virtual dinner on Takeout Day. I ordered pizza from one of my favourite pizza places in Mount Pleasant Village, Viva Napoli. You too can join Canada's Great Kitchen Party this Wednesday and support a local business. Details are available here.
I will be hosting a Telephone Town Hall with neighbouring Members of Parliament Carolyn Bennett and Marco Mendicino in the coming days. Stay tuned for more information. I have also been hosting weekly Facebook Live sessions on Thursdays at 7 pm. Head over to my Facebook page to join in on the conversation this Thursday.
If you ever have any questions or need support understanding measures taken by the federal government, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 416-467-7275 or [email protected]. We are not there in person but check messages regularly as both my staff and I are working in our homes.
If you missed my previous email newsletters, you can access them here.
Keep in touch!
Rob
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Whole-of-Government Response
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Supporting Canadians Abroad
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As the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, I have been working with Minister François-Philippe Champagne and Global Affairs Canada staff around the world to support Canadians abroad. As of Friday, we have worked to bring home 21,000 Canadians on 167 flights from 77 countries. This is one of the largest repatriation efforts in Canadian history, and I am very honoured to be a part of this process. Learn more about my work in the article below:
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A few weeks ago, we introduced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), a taxable benefit of $2,000 every four weeks for up to four months for eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19.
To help more Canadians benefit from the CERB, we have changed the eligibility rules to:
- Allow people to earn up to $1,000 per month while collecting the CERB.
- Include seasonal workers who have exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to undertake their usual seasonal work as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Include workers who recently exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to find a job or return to work because of COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed particular demands on low-income workers in certain sectors, including those on the front-line in hospitals and nursing homes, those ensuring the integrity of the food supply, or providing essential retail services to Canadians.
In recognition that these essential workers’ salaries are often less or similar to what they would receive from the CERB, the government is working with provinces and territories through a new transfer to cost-share a temporary top-up to the salaries of workers deemed essential in the fight against COVID-19, who make less than $2,500 a month.
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Adjustments to the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
I heard your concerns about eligibility and spoke about it at one of our daily caucus meetings. The government has now modified the eligibility requirements of CEBA to allow businesses with between $20,000 and $1.5 million in annual payroll to apply. There is still more work to be done to help businesses that are not eligible for this program, and the government is working to assist business owners struggling during this difficult time.
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Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)
In recognition of the challenges facing Canadian businesses and property owners, our Government intends to introduce Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses. This program will lower rent by 75 per cent for small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.
Delivered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in partnership with all provinces and territories, this program will provide forgivable loans to commercial property owners who in turn lower the rent of their tenants by 75% in April, May, and June. The loans will be forgiven if the mortgaged property owner agrees to reduce the small business tenants’ rent by at least 75% under a rent forgiveness agreement, which will include a term not to evict the tenant while the agreement is in place. The small business tenant would cover the remainder, up to 25% of the rent. Impacted small business tenants are businesses paying less than $50,000 per month in rent and who have temporarily ceased operations or have experienced at least a 70% drop in pre-COVID revenues. This support will also be available to non-profit and charitable organizations.
We reached an agreement in principle with all provinces and territories to implement the CECRA for small businesses. It is expected that CECRA will be operational by mid-May, and further details will be announced soon. Funding will be provided for the months of April and May, retroactively, as well as for June.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
On Monday, April 27, eligible employers will be able to apply for the CEWS through the CRA's My Business Account portal, Represent a Client or the Web Form application. CEWS claims will be subject to verification by the CRA and funds for approved applications will begin to be released on May 5.
We have launched the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy calculator to help employers as they prepare to apply for the CEWS. The CEWS calculator can be found on CRA’s Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Web page. This Web page includes detailed information and instructions about who can apply for the subsidy, how eligibility is assessed, and how the subsidy is calculated. The calculator also includes a printable statement feature that employers can use to view their claim at a glance and, as of April 27, enter required information into the CEWS application form quickly and easily.
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Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)
Many young Canadians were counting on summer jobs or new careers to support their education and cover daily expenses. The ongoing COVID-19 situation has made it difficult for students to find or retain a job.
We have created the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) for students who are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The CESB will provide up to $1,250 for students per month from May through to August, and $1,750 for students with dependents or permanent disabilities.
More Student Financial Aid
No young Canadian should have to choose between doing their part in the fight against COVID-19 and their education. In order to ensure that post-secondary students can continue with their studies in the fall, we’re proposing new and significant measures to help with the cost of education, including:
- doubling the Canada Students Grants Program
- broadening the eligibility for Student Financial Assistance
- enhancing the Canada Student Loans Program
- increasing support for Indigenous Post-Secondary Education, and
- extending expiring federal graduate research scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships as well as federal research grants
Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG)
Young Canadians will play a central role in ensuring that Canada emerges from COVID-19 stronger than ever. We’re going to help young people gain valuable work experience in their communities – even in the face of COVID-19 – by introducing the new Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG).
This grant will provide up to $5,000 for a student’s education in the fall, for students who work in national service positions through organizations within their community. Through the CSSG, our Government will help students develop their skills and give back to their communities during these challenging times.
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New COVID-19 Research Funding
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The Prime Minister announced a national medical and research strategy to address COVID-19 and an additional $1 billion in research funding. Under this plan, we’re investing in research that hospitals and universities across the country are doing to develop vaccines and treatments. We’re also investing in clinical trials so that, when we have potential vaccines and treatments, we can test a wide range of options. This investment is in addition to the $275 million that was already announced.
The Prime Minister also announced the establishment of a COVID-19 Immunity Task Force, whose job it will be to track countrywide blood test surveys, collect information about the spread of the virus, and identify vulnerable populations.
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Scam artists and fraudsters can prey on people’s fears during times of uncertainty. As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, be on the alert for associated scams.
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It's okay to not feel okay. If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, know that you’re not alone. We’re here for you - and we’re making sure there are tools and resources available to help you. Last week, the Honorable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, announced the launch of Wellness Together Canada, a mental health portal for all Canadians.
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Groceries and Care Packages in Thorncliffe Park and Leaside Park
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If you need help getting your groceries delivered or are in need of food at this difficult time, contact The Neighbourhood Organization (TNO) at 416-467-0126.
I am always overwhelmed by the generosity of Canadians during these challenging times. Having heard that some of our neighbours need extra support at this time, a Don Valley West resident stepped up and made a personal donation of $100,000 to support TNO's efforts to provide food to those most in need in Thorncliffe Park. He has asked to remain anonymous. So, thank you, friend!
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Looking for a job? Step up to the plate to help feed Canadians! Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada launched an initiative to match Canadians looking for a job with a farm and food business who are feeding Canada during this critical time. Jobs in Canadian agriculture are very rewarding and employ a range of skills.
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In Don Valley West, we have no shortage of incredible citizens. In fact, a doctor in our neighbourhood, Dr. Michael Warner, was named a Pandemic Hero by Toronto Life last week. Recognizing an urgent need for PPE for frontline workers, Dr. Warner organized a donation drive that has in particular provided much needed equipment to residents and staff in long-term care homes around Michael Garron Hospital. Thanks, Dr. Warner!
The Toronto Life article is available here.
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There are many businesses who are supporting our communities in many ways. A local business on Yonge Street, Capo Salerno, has donated 1,000 N95 masks to health care facilities in Toronto. Thank you!
Please remember to shop local and eat local when possible to support our local businesses during this difficult time.
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Again, thank you for your continued goodwill and community spirit through this difficult time. I, and my staff here in Toronto and Ottawa, continue to work, at home, but nonetheless constantly to do our best to ensure that we remain 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].
All the best,
Rob
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Connect with me on social media
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