*Image on the right created by Aditi, a student at Thorncliffe Park Public School
Dear friends,
I hope that you are enjoying the warmer weather while practising social distancing. As the economy reopens, it is up to all of us to continue to do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19. It is still important to practise physical distancing. If you are sick, please do not go outside and do not go to work. And you know the drill: wash your hands regularly and clean commonly-used surfaces. The Special Advisory Committee – a Federal, Provincial, Territorial (FPT) committee represented by the Chief Public Health Officers – have released updated guidance on mask use. The wearing of non-medical masks or cloth face coverings is an additional personal practice that can help to protect you and others from COVID-19 when physical distancing is difficult or not possible (e.g. public transit).
Our government is committed to working with provinces to provide support to scale up COVID-19 testing and contact tracing across the country. We have trained federal employees who can make 3,600 contact tracing calls a day, 7 days a week. Statistics Canada also has an additional 1,700 interviewers who can make up to 20,000 calls a day. These federal support measures are available to provinces as various restrictions are lifted to address any outbreaks.
Addressing Anti-Black Racism
Over the past few weeks, people around the world, including Canadians, have engaged in a very important conversation about anti-Black racism. As the Prime Minister has said, we cannot pretend that racism doesn’t exist here in Canada. For far too many Canadians, the images and stories coming out of the US are all too familiar. Anti-Black racism is real. Unconscious bias is real. Systemic discrimination is real. We must continue to take meaningful action to fight racism and discrimination in all its forms. Our government has committed to addressing systemic racism and injustice, and we have taken action:
- We invested in mental health resources and youth programs for Black Canadians.
- We worked to close the gaps in services for Indigenous communities.
- We funded Statistics Canada so they could create a Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistic hub.
- We are funding community organization capacity building in the Black communities across Canada.
- We signed on and committed to the United Nation’s International Decade for People of African Descent.
- This work culminated in the release of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy for 2019-2022, and the creation of an Anti-Racism Secretariat.
However, we also recognize that there is a lot more work to do. I discussed anti-Black racism during my weekly Facebook Live session, hosted on Thursdays at 7 pm. You can watch the video on my Facebook page. Together, let’s keep working to build a more, inclusive, just, and equitable country.
Filipino Heritage Month and Indigenous History Month
This month, we celebrate Filipino Heritage Month and Indigenous History Month in Canada. Last year, I hosted the first-ever Don Valley West Filipino Heritage Month event in Thorncliffe Park. Click here for a look back at the event. While we can't celebrate in person this year, I encourage you to learn more about Filipino culture and heritage from the comfort of your home.
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Here to Help
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 new or updated measures announced to support businesses, young Canadians, families, and seniors.
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.
Keep in touch!
Rob
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Nominate a Don Valley West 2020 Pandemic Hero
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In these newsletters, I have been sharing stories of neighbours helping neighbours and organizations stepping up to support our communities during this difficult time. Let's celebrate the contributions of Pandemic Heroes in our neighbourhoods. I would like to hear from you about someone you think has made or is making an important contribution during this pandemic time. Please submit a nomination using this form.
I discussed this award program and thanked the heroes at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre at the Special Parliamentary Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic. Watch the video by clicking the image below:
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Celebrate Canada Day! Get your free Canadian Flag Lawn Sign.
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Canada Day celebrations will look a little different this year. Normally, I would host my annual Canada Day event on July 1st and meet neighbours at various celebrations across Don Valley West and the City. However, this year, we will create new traditions. Show your Canada Day spirit by putting a sign on your lawn or in your window! Simply complete this form and my team will deliver the sign to you. When you're ready to take down the sign, store it in a safe space and reuse it next year!
Due to limited quantities, only Don Valley West residents will be provided with a sign.
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Virtual celebrations are also taking place across the country. Access a list of virtual festivities at canada.ca/canada-day.
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Need help filing your taxes? Trained volunteers can help!
The filing due date for 2019 income tax returns for individuals was deferred until June 1, 2020. Any new income tax balances due, or instalments, were also deferred until August 31, 2020 without incurring interest or penalties. If you file your taxes late, your benefits and/or credits are calculated based on the 2018 information until it is updated.
If you still need to file your taxes and need assistance, please contact my office to see if you are eligible for the free virtual tax clinic and to book an appointment. Call 416-467-7275 or email [email protected].
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Whole-of-Government Response to COVID-19
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Repatriating Canadians
As the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, I have been working with Minister François-Philippe Champagne and the incredible staff at Global Affairs Canada to provide support to Canadians abroad. To date, our government has helped over 43,000 Canadians come home on over 400 flights from 110 countries around the world.
We continue to advise against all international travel even as commercial routes re-open and ask that anyone who is required to travel, registers with Canadians Abroad at travel.gc.ca.
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Exemption to the Essential Travel Requirement for Immediate Family Members
In an effort to flatten the curve, the Government of Canada has taken a number of extraordinary measures at the border, such as restricting all non-essential travel. The pandemic has been difficult for many families, especially those separated by the border restrictions. This is why last week an exemption to the essential travel requirement was announced for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are asymptomatic and seeking entry into Canada for a minimum of 15 days. Public health requirements, such as the mandatory 14 day quarantine will remain in place.
An immediate family member refers to a person’s:
a) spouse or common-law partner
b) dependent child, as defined in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, or dependent child of the person’s spouse or common-law partner;
c) dependent child, as defined in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, of a dependent child referred to in paragraph (b);
d) parent or step-parent or the parent or step-parent of the person’s spouse or common-law partner; or
e) the guardian or tutor of the person.
These measures came into force on Monday, June 8, 2020. This exemption does not extend to immediate family members of temporary residents, such as international students.
More information can be found in this News Release, and this COVID-19 information page. Additionally, CBSA has more information here on travel restrictions in general.
Mandatory Air Traveller Temperature Screening
Last week, the Minister of Transport, the Hon. Marc Garneau, announced that temperature screening for air passengers will be mandatory by the end of this month. This measure will be introduced through a phased approach, first for those travelling to Canada, then for those travelling from Canada, and finally for those traveling within Canada. A passenger who has a fever will not be allowed to board their flight. Furthermore, employees in the secured areas of airports will also be required to have their temperature checked. While we know not everyone with COVID-19 has a fever and not everyone with a fever has COVID-19, this will add an extra layer of safety for other passengers on planes.
Airline Refunds
COVID-19 has led to an unprecedented situation in the aviation sector. I have heard from you about the challenges you are facing due to airline refund policies. I am encouraged by Air Canada's recent efforts to provide options for cancelled flights retroactive to March 1st. Our government has been in touch with airlines and we continue to follow the situation in the hard-hit aviation sector very closely and we will continue to be there for Canadians.
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Extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will be extended beyond 16 weeks, by 8 additional weeks. We will also make changes to the CERB attestation, which will encourage Canadians on the benefit to find employment and consult the Job Bank website for new opportunities.
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Paid Sick Leave
Our government will work with provinces and territories on ensuring that as we enter the recovery phase of the pandemic, every worker in Canada who needs it, has access to ten days of paid sick leave a year. We will also consider other mechanisms for the longer term, to support workers with sick leave.
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The federal government has introduced a number of financial measures to support Canadians during this difficult time. Not sure which program(s) you may be eligible for? We have introduced a new online tool to help you so that you can find financial aid during COVID-19: https://covid-benefits.alpha.canada.ca/en/start.
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Expansion of the Eligibility Criteria for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
Our government announced an expansion of the eligibility criteria for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) to include many owner-operated small businesses. The program will now be available to sole proprietors receiving income directly from their business, businesses that rely on contractors, and family-owned corporations that pay employees through dividends rather than payroll. I know many of you are anxious to know when these changes will come into effect. Starting this Friday, applications for the interest-free $40,000 loan will be open via your local bank or credit union. Visit edc.ca for information about the documents you will need to apply.
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Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) Applications are Open
The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) will provide forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners, allowing them to reduce rent by 75% for April and May (retroactive), and June, to their small business tenants. The program is now open for applications through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation website. I encourage property owners to do their part and take advantage of the program.
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Digital Main Street Program (DMS)
Traditional Main Street businesses in the retail, restaurant, and hospitality sectors have been among the hardest hit by the pandemic. Through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), FedNor and FedDev will collectively provide almost $300 million in support to SMEs in Ontario.
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On June 11th, the Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, announced an investment of $50 million from the RRRF to launch the Digital Main Street Program (DMS) in partnership with the Government of Ontario. DMS will help 23,000 SMEs across Ontario build their digital and e-commerce capabilities (website development, e-commerce adoption, digital marketing, digital supply chain management, etc.). This is a multi-level platform that will offer differing levels of service to businesses based on their needs (from entry level e-commerce adoption, to sophisticated HR or supply chain management software adoption). Businesses will be eligible for grants for digital adoption, and free on-going technical support and advice.
This program is being delivered by partner organizations, including the 315+ local Business Improvement Areas that make up the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA). The program will be available in every community across the Province of Ontario and our partner organizations will be hiring 1400+ students in the coming weeks to support the delivery of the program.
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SMEs and Chambers of Commerce can also apply for the Recovery Activation Program (RAP), an immersive online workshop program that connects businesses with industry experts for guidance, mentorship and practical advice about process modernization and end-to-end digital transformation. More information is available at http://supportbusiness.bot.com/RAP/.
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Business Resilience Service
Our government has introduced the Business Resilience Service to provide Canadian business with customized financial guidance – from navigating tax regulations and government supports, to planning their path to recovery. Set up in partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, this free hotline is operated by approximately 125 business advisers and chartered accountants from the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada.
Small businesses with pressing financial needs are encouraged to call 1-866-989-1080 any day of the week.
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Make the POST Promise
As the economy starts to re-open, our government has partnered with the People Outside Safely Together (POST) Promise program to help businesses across the country reopen safely.
The POST Promise is a voluntary commitment that business owners and managers can make by following five key public health actions that will help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including maintaining physical distance, washing and sanitizing hands, cleaning and disinfecting regularly, staying home if unwell, and wearing a mask when physical distancing is difficult.
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Support for Young Canadians
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If you’re a student aged 15-30 and looking for a job right now, the Canada Summer Jobs program has many opportunities available in our community on the Job Bank website: https://jobbank.gc.ca/youth. Thousands of jobs are already posted online and more will be added over the coming weeks to support you in gaining valuable work experience.
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In our effort to support Canadian agriculture and the food supply chain, amid labour shortages caused by COVID-19, our government announced funding to support 700 youth jobs in the industry. This will support the people who put food on our plates, while creating new opportunities for young people. For more information, please see this news release from Agriculture Canada.
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Many Canadian seniors are facing significant health, economic, and social challenges due to COVID-19. Our Government is taking action to provide Canadian seniors with greater financial security, and give them the help they need during this crisis.
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Seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in June 2020 will receive their special one-time, tax-free payment during the week of July 6 to help cover the increased cost of living due to COVID-19. This means OAS pensioners would have to be age 65 by May 31, 2020. If an individual subsequently becomes entitled to the Old Age Security, the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the Allowances retroactively to June 2020 or an earlier date, they will receive the one-time payment for seniors after being assessed as eligible.
This support measure builds on previous supports, including a one-time GST Credit top-up of at least $375 for single seniors and $510 for senior couples, and investments in community organizations that provide essential services, such as the delivery of groceries and medicine. In total, a low-income senior couple will receive $1,500 in financial assistance, or nearly $900 for single seniors.
Long-Term Care Facilities
Over the past few weeks, we have heard troubling news about the conditions in long-term care homes. While long-term care is regulated by provincial and territorial governments, the federal government is working together with provinces and territories to help keep residents and staff safe.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has created Interim Guidance for Long-Term Care Homes, which was validated by Chief Medical Officers of Health. The guidance recommends that a “no visitor” policy be considered, that physical distancing take place at all times, and that staff in long-term care homes stay home if they are ill.
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The federal Gas Tax Fund gives communities flexibility to apply funding to meet their local needs. Communities can invest across 18 different project categories ranging from public transit to disaster mitigation to recreation facilities. The funds can be used immediately for priority projects, banked for later use, pooled with other communities for shared infrastructure projects, or used to help finance major infrastructure expenditures.
Early delivery of the full funding for 2020-21 will help communities quickly move forward with infrastructure projects that will improve the quality of life of its residents and help restart local economies.
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Securing PPE for Canadians
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Supply Hub
We have launched the federal Supply Hub to bring together available resources for organizations buying and selling personal protective equipment (PPE). The Supply Hub will connect Canadian organizations from coast to coast to coast with federal, provincial, territorial and other resources and information about PPE, including consumer guidance. As Public Services and Canada (PSPC) continues to engage with partners and advisory groups, the hub will evolve to include additional resources. For more information, please visit https://tinyurl.com/yaezt2my.
Face Masks and Ventilators
Over the past few weeks, more than 40 flights have arrived in Canada carrying much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE), like masks and hospital gowns that have been shipped to our frontline workers.
Our government is also investing in producing our own PPE. We have signed a contract with General Motors to produce 10 million face masks, which will help to slow the spread of COVID-19. For the autoworkers in Oshawa, this contract will support good, well-paying jobs in an industry that has faced tough times.
We have also signed a contract with VEXOS Inc., a Global Electronics Manufacturing services (EMS) provider, to manufacture 10,000 ventilators as part of the national effort to combat COVID-19. This manufacturing project will be completed through a partnership between Vexos and Nobel Laureate and Queen's University Professor Emeritus, Dr. Art McDonald, and his team. Deliveries will begin this summer, bringing our total of made-in-Canada ventilators to 40,000.
As we begin to reopen the economy, our government will continue to find innovative solutions to have the medical equipment and supplies we need to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, including details of purchases, please visit https://tinyurl.com/y8yesutz.
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COVID-19 is affecting everyone globally, but its impact is felt significantly by the most vulnerable in our world. Among other measures, Canada is supporting the international response to this pandemic by providing airlift support to transport urgently needed medical and humanitarian supplies. The Canadian Armed Forces will transport these supplies to and from distribution hubs in Africa, Europe and the Middle East on behalf of the World Food Programme and the World Health Organization. This support comes in response to an urgent request by the UN to help maintain vital supply chains to vulnerable countries.
We are also providing $306 million in response to the annual humanitarian appeals issued by UN humanitarian agencies, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and non-governmental organizations. This will help millions of vulnerable people by providing food assistance, life-saving healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health and sexual and gender-based violence services, safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, and shelter and protection services.
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If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or would like to get tested, you can visit the temporary COVID-19 testing site in Thorncliffe Park. Details are available above.
You can also visit Sunnybrook's COVID-19 Assessment Centre if you are 16 years of age or older, and:
- You are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
- You are worried you may have COVID-19 (even if you are not experiencing any symptoms)
- You have been exposed to COVID-19 (even if you are not experiencing any symptoms)
- You are at risk of exposure through your employment
You do not need a referral or a health card to get tested. Details about Sunnybrook's COVID-19 Assessment Centre are available here.
Prevention is always better, so please continue to follow public health guidelines to protect yourself and those around you. Wash your hands frequently, practise physical distancing, and wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible.
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Please remember that it's okay to not be okay. Feelings of fear, stress and worry are normal in a crisis. Stay informed, but take breaks from social media and news stories.
Also 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. For resources, tools, and to be connected to a mental health professional, please access Wellness Together Canada, a mental health portal for Canadians: ca.portal.gs.
If you are in crisis or need immediate support, text WELLNESS to 741741.
Young Canadians feeling scared, alone, or anxious can contact Kids Help Phone for help 24/7. Don't hesitate to reach out through text, 686868, or call 1-800-668-6868.
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Stories from Don Valley West
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Cheering Staff and Residents at Long-Term Care Homes
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Austin, a grade 8 student at Windfields Middle School, has been writing letters to long-term care facilities, which have been putting smiles on the faces of residents and staff. Thanks, Austin, for your thoughtful gesture that inspires me. Click the image above to hear directly from Austin!
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Providing Food to those Most in Need
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A number of individuals and organizations in Don Valley West have been working to tackle food insecurity during this pandemic. One such initiative was launched by local leaders in Thorncliffe Park and neighbouring communities to provide more than 1500 meals to approximately 500 people during April and May. Mission "Free Ramadan Meal" also provided groceries to families and clothing for children. Thanks to the volunteer team of approximately 30 members who made this project a success!
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In late May, I joined the Thorncliffe Residents Group to make food deliveries in Thorncliffe Park. Local residents partnered with the Muslim Welfare Centre and other individual and corporate donors to serve more than 300 families. This fantastic team also provided toys to kids for Eid!
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I am also thankful to Patrick Rocca and his team for hosting a food drive to collect donations for the TNO's Thorncliffe Food Collaborative.
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Mayor John Tory and I visited the new hub of the Thorncliffe Food Collaborative's operations to thank staff, volunteers, and donors for their incredible work. This project is truly a team effort and is scaled up quickly due to the generosity of neighbours. Thank you!
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Thanking our Frontline Healthcare Workers with help from Naan Kabob on Laird
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I was joined by Mayor John Tory once again in Don Valley West as we helped Naan Kabob, an Afghan restaurant in Leaside Park, to make food deliveries to staff at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. The team at Naan Kabob has delivered about 3,000 meals to hospitals in the GTA so far! Their food is amazing, but their sense of community spirit is even more terrific.
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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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