Dear friends,
I hope that you had a good weekend, and a belated Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers in Don Valley West!
Yesterday, of course my mind was filled with treasured memories of my Mum. But my parents were a package deal, so on these special days they both fill my heart. My Mum managed everything in our family's "world" with intelligence, grace and strength. I miss her always.
Remembering our Brave Military Personnel
On Wednesday, Canadians gathered virtually to honour the six members of the Canadian Forces who were lost in a helicopter crash during Operation REASSURANCE. We keep their families in our thoughts and thank them for their service to our country. If you missed the repatriation ceremony, you can watch it here.
Last week also marked the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, also known as V-E Day. Veterans Affairs Canada is collecting virtual postcards that will be shared with Veterans who were part of the Liberation of the Netherlands. If you are interested, you can send a postcard here.
Flattening the Curve
I am thankful to our community for continuing to follow public health guidelines and maintaining physical distancing and practising good hygiene. We are flattening the curve and fighting COVID-19 together. Our government has announced an investment of $175 million to support the Canadian company, AbCellera Biologics and their very promising research in drugs to treat COVID-19.
I know that people are anxious to gather with family and friends, go back to school, enjoy Spring and Summer by travelling and being outdoors, and return to work. However, re-opening our economy requires a careful and coordinated approach informed by science and the advice of our public health officials to ensure that we keep the curve flattened. The federal government has worked closely with the provinces and territories on an agreed common set of principles for restarting the economy.
Helping our Neighbours
While we don't know when this crisis will end, I am always inspired by acts of kindness in our community. Scroll down to read some stories and see how you can get involved. If you would like to share your own story or that of a neighbour, please send me an email at [email protected].
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Last week, I dropped by the Leaside Retirement Residence to join a community group, called #SmilesAreEssential, to cheer on staff and residents. Don't worry; we kept our distance and used appropriate PPE! I also had a great conversation with students and their parents at Davisville's Toronto Prep School about how various levels of government can work together to support Canadians get through this difficult time and how we can rebuild after this pandemic is over.
The federal government continues to provide many support measures to help individuals, families, students, seniors, and businesses navigate the challenges caused by COVID-19. As the situation evolves, so does our government's response. While all the latest information is available at canada.ca/coronavirus, I will provide an update below on my work as the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, new measures announced to support low-income essential workers, information about an extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, and various other programs to support Canadians.
Keeping Communities Safe
To protect Canadians and to avoid tragedies like the one in Nova Scotia recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the ban of over 1,500 models and variants of assault-style firearms. The newly prohibited firearms and components cannot be legally used, sold, or imported in Canada. These firearms, designed for military use, have no place in our communities.
Keeping in Touch
Over the coming days, I will be hosting a number of virtual events to answer your questions and provide you with updates. Keep reading for details and mark your calendars!
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 from our homes.
If you missed my previous email newsletters, you can access them here.
Keep in touch!
Rob
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On Wednesday, May 13th, I will be hosting a telephone town hall with neighbouring Members of Parliament, the Hon. Carolyn Bennett and the Hon. Marco Mendicino. If you would like to participate, please provide your contact information on this Google Form by Tuesday at 5:00 pm. On Wednesday around 6:30 pm, you will receive a phone call notifying you that the town hall is about to begin. Simply stay on the line to join the conversation.
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Every Thursday night, I host a Facebook Live session to provide updates and answer your questions. Click the "Get Reminder" button on this page to receive a notification when I go live. Talk to you soon!
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Youth Town Hall - Instagram Live
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Calling all youth! On May 19th, the Hon. Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, will be speaking with young people in Don Valley West about federal programs available to you in light of COVID-19. Visit my Instagram page at 6:30 pm to participate. If you would like to ask a question, please send an email to [email protected].
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Whole-of-Government Response
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Supporting Canadians Abroad
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Get a behind the scenes look at my work as the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs to support Canadians abroad. Minister François-Philippe Champagne, staff at Global Affairs Canada, and I have been working around the clock to make the largest repatriation effort in Canadian history possible. Learn more about my work in the article below:
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Supporting Essential Workers
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When I put out garbage or recycling on Tuesday nights, I like to leave a little note to thank the essential workers who keep our cities moving.
Recognizing the important work essential workers do everyday, the Prime Minister announced that our government will provide up to $3 billion in support to increase the wages of low-income essential workers. We are working with provinces and territories to determine which workers will be eligible and how much support they will receive. Learn more here.
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To help families get through difficulties caused by COVID-19, the federal government is providing an extra $300 per child through the Canada Child Benefit. Eligible families will automatically receive this one-time increase as part of their scheduled CCB payment in May.
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Thank you to business owners in Don Valley West for sharing your feedback and ideas with me. I continue to advocate supporting our local businesses get through this difficult time.
On Friday, the Prime Minister announced that the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy will be extended beyond June to help businesses as they slowly begin to re-open once public health officials determine it is safe to do so. More details will be available in the coming days.
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New measures to support mid and large-sized businesses, and the millions of Canadians they employ, were announced today. Through the new Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF), large-sized businesses, whose needs are not being met with traditional financing programs, will have access to bridge loans to continue operating. Mid-sized businesses may benefit from the expanded Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) that will provide up to $60 million ($80 million in the case of guarantees). Additional information about these new program will become available soon.
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Support for Young Entrepreneurs
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To help young entrepreneurs navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19, the federal government is providing $20.1 million to Futurpreneur Canada. With this funding, Futurpreneur Canada will provide crucial financial support to small businesses, such as loan coverage for six months and an interest-free top-up loan of up to $10,000. More information is available here.
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Investing in Virtual Health and Mental Health Tools
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The Prime Minister announced that our government is investing over $240 million in virtual care and mental health tools to support Canadians. This investment will:
- help Canadians safely engage with their regular health providers and specialist health services through telephone, text, or video-conferencing;
- support access to mental health supports and reliable health information in a safe and secure manner, which will reduce the pressure on our health system;
- help governments, public health officials, hospitals, and health care facilities make evidence-based decisions; and
- support federal, provincial, and territorial initiatives in collaboration with innovators, health stakeholders, and organizations like Canada Health Infoway, to expand virtual health services to Canadians.
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Support for Farmers and Agri-Business Owners
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Our farmers and agri-business owners across the agri-food industry are essential to our communities. To support them, our government is providing $250 million in direct funding as well as important changes to agriculture programs to help farmers, food businesses, and food processors who are working hard every day to ensure Canadians have a safe and reliable food supply.
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Coronavirus Global Response
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COVID-19 is a virus that knows no borders and fighting it requires international cooperation. Last week, the Prime Minister joined our international partners to launch the Coronavirus Global Response, an online pledging event aimed to raise more than $8 billion (USD) to help researchers and innovators develop solutions to test, treat, and protect people and build a safe and prosperous future for everyone. Canada has pledged over $850 million to support this fundraising target. Learn more here.
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The Hon. Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, convened the first meeting of the COVID-19 Supply Council on Friday, which brings together a diverse group of leaders to guide the federal government in building innovative and agile supply chains for goods in wide use such as masks, gloves and disinfectants. This guidance will also include production, sourcing, shipping and distribution strategies as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve. Learn more by clicking here.
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Public Service Announcement by the Ontario Energy Board
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Beware of scams during the COVID-19 emergency!
The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) is aware of increasing efforts by scam artists attempting to take advantage of consumer uncertainty during this COVID-19 emergency. The OEB has taken steps to ensure that the power to your home or low-volume small business cannot be disconnected for non-payment by your utility until July 31, 2020. If you receive a message, text or phone call from someone posing as a utility representative and threatening to disconnect your power, do not respond to it - contact your utility directly using the telephone number displayed on your bill.
Consumer Tips:
- Beware of messages with COVID-19 in the subject line and claiming to be from your utility. There have been several reports of emails, texts and websites sharing fake information about bill relief programs, refunds and alternative payment methods during the COVID-19 emergency.
- Protect your personal information – Do not feel compelled to share your personal information. Your utility bill is private. It contains personal information like your account number and energy usage.
- Remain vigilant and continue to use safe web browsing and email practices. Make sure you are accessing a safe and trusted source such as the utility’s website or call centre telephone number exactly as displayed on your bill.
Consumers with questions or concerns about any suspicious communications claiming to be from their utility are also encouraged to contact the OEB.
- Call (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.): 1-877-632-2727 (toll-free within Ontario) or 416-314-2455 (within Greater Toronto Area)
- Text: 1-844-621-9977 (toll-free within Ontario) or 416-544-5190 (within Greater Toronto Area)
- Email: [email protected]
Resources:
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Resources for Parents and Children
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This is a challenging time for many families. Children may have difficulty in understanding what is going on and how they can help. The Public Health Agency of Canada has developed resources to help you get your children engaged. Click here for fun activities and helpful resources.
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Manor Road United Church's Resources to Keep You Busy at Home
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In this time of physical distancing, we are all finding new ways everyday to work from home, connect with family and friends, and enjoy the beginning of Spring. Manor Road United Church has put together a list of useful resources to help you stay busy, active, and taking advantage of many virtual ways of exploring our city. The list is available here.
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Get Involved + Stories from Don Valley West
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Chez Moi Painting Contest
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The Canadian Contemporary School of Art and Canadian Children’s Art Foundation is looking for submissions for their free art contest! Children are being asked to draw or paint one of the best or special moments they have had with their family members at home during this pandemic. Submissions will be posted on CCSA's online gallery and they will choose the winner based on the number of votes the artwork receives. More information is available at https://www.ccsa.art/chezmoi. Get creative, Don Valley West!
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Support Team Leaside Toy Drive Raise Funds for Thorncliffe Park
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Every Christmas, the Leaside Toy Drive spreads cheer to children in Thorncliffe Park. In these unprecedented times when the community needs extra support, the Toy Drive team has stepped up to raise funds to provide food to families in need. Please donate if you are able at their GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/thornecliffe-park-food-drive
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TNO is Looking for Youth Volunteers
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The TNO Food Relief Program is looking for youth (ages 15-30) to become building captains. For more information, please email [email protected].
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Tim and Alnur created Localbee to allow residents to ensure that their favourite local bakery or restaurant gets through the difficult time. Check out https://shoplocalbee.com/ for deals from some businesses in your neighbourhood.
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Making PPE in Don Valley West
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Everyone is stepping up to do their part to fight COVID-19. This week, I'm inspired by Charlie, a student at Northlea Elementary and Middle School. Charlie has always wanted a 3D printer. Recognizing the need for PPE for healthcare workers at this time, he raised funds to buy a 3D printer and is making face shields and face mask buckles that are already being used by doctors at St. Joseph's Hospital. Hear the full story from Charlie himself by clicking on the image below:
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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 416-467-7272.
All the best,
Rob
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Connect with me on social media
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