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Dear friends,
Over the past weeks, many constituents have contacted my office asking how they may become more informed and knowledgeable about Indigenous history. I am encouraged by these requests for information. There are many sources of information I could recommend, including our local public libraries. To move forward we need to affirm that what defined our history does not have to define our future.
During these summer months as COVID-19 restrictions ease up, we need to be mindful that public health guidelines of wearing a mask and washing our hands still apply even as vaccination rates climb upwards. For people who are yet to be vaccinated or who have received one vaccine dose, please consider that the COVID-19 vaccines are the most effective way to protect yourself and those you love.
There has been much activity in Parliament over these past few months. Of great significance is the Royal Assent of Budget 2021, Bill C-12 (Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act), and Bill C-15 (An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples).
These three pieces of legislation are forward looking in important and unique ways. We are building a cleaner economy which will be more innovative and inclusive. We are putting the pieces in place towards real progress on Climate Change and real protections for our environment.
Finally, through Bill C-15, we are undertaking a necessary step towards reconciliation with Indigenous people by ensuring that all federal laws are compliant with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The past 18 months have taken a toll on people, businesses and communities. We are starting to see the decline of the pandemic in Canada. But, we cannot be complacent. There are still miles to go.
Stay safe,
Rob
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The period of systematic colonization of Indigenous people by settlers is longer than Canada’s history since Confederation. Since 2015, our government has said that Canada’s relationship with Indigenous, Inuit and Métis people is the most important relationship.
We have worked with Indigenous communities to lift over 100 long-term drinking water advisories bringing safe drinking water to 5920 homes and 447 buildings in 77 communities.
Our government has released a National Action Plan to address violence against Indigenous girls, women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
We have renewed our government’s pledge to right past wrongs, to ensure that Indigenous languages and culture is revitalized and strengthened, and that the children buried at Residential Schools and the voices of the survivors are not forgotten.
On June 21, 2021 Royal Assent was given to Bill C-15, which affirms that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples applies to Canadian law and accordingly, provides a framework for the federal government to ensure its laws are compliant with it.
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HELPING FAMILIES AND CHILDREN IN DVW
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Over 8,700 parents in Don Valley West have received Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments since the tax-free program was introduced in 2016.
That means over 15,000 children in the riding have healthy food, winter clothing, and money for school supplies.
The average annual payment per family is over $6,700.
To continue helping families in Don Valley West, our government is providing additional CCB payments in 2021 for families with children under the age of six.
On July 20, 2021, we announced the CCB will be increased to keep pace with inflation.
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CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
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In recent years, we have become accustomed to terms such as “Polar Vortex” and “Heat Dome”. This summer’s wildfires across parts of Canada have destroyed communities, crops, and livelihoods.
Protection of our environment and addressing climate change have been pillars of our government’s policies.
We have put a price on pollution, enacted legislation to protect oceans, forests, and wildlife.
Under the Canada Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, the federal government must comply with legally binding five-year milestones towards achieving a net-zero emissions targets for future generations.
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In pre-COVID-19 times, our government took steps to grow the economy, create jobs, and cut income taxes for over 9 million people.
We strengthened the Canada Pension Plan to put more money in the pockets of senior citizens.
At the onset of COVID-19, Canada’s economy was one of the strongest in the G7 with a healthy debt to GDP ratio.
Our COVID-19 emergency programs helped people who lost work, and kept businesses afloat.
Budget 2021 will finish the fight against COVID-19 and help those who need it most to be part of our economic recovery.
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SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS IN DVW
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In Don Valley West, we are fortunate to have many service organizations which are actively engaged in improving the lives of people with disabilities, senior citizens and vulnerable people.
Through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy program, Skills for Work received over $4 million for a multi-year project.
Under the Emergency Community Support Fund, vital work by Bob Rumball Centre of Excellence for the Deaf, CNIB, TNO and March of Dimes was funded by our government.
During the Pandemic, funding to these organizations ensured that people in need had food, hot meals and groceries delivered.
*Photo taken in 2019
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Through our government’s $2.2 billion investment in the Strategic Innovation Fund, we will attract and support high quality business investments in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors.
We are also investing in battery-vehicle manufacturing to create good jobs as we transition to a clean economy.
With the launch of the Innovative Solutions Canada program, we will support Canadian businesses in the research and development of projects supporting our healthcare system.
With an investment of over $190 million, we are expanding Canada’s production of up to 640 million mRNA vaccine doses per year.
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Budget 2021 has committed over $18 billion to improve the quality of life and provide opportunities for people living in Indigenous communities, including investments in support of the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
We have laid the foundation for Canada’s transition to a green economy. We have enhanced Canada’s emissions reduction targets under the Paris Agreement to 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2030.
Our government is committed to establishing a national early learning and child care system that will provide high quality, affordable, flexibile and inclusive programs for families. We have signed agreements with B.C., Nova Scotia, and Yukon.
Our commitment to affordable housing is matched by our results to date under the Rapid Housing Initiative. We will create 9,200 affordable homes, tripling our initial target.
Budget 2021 has now become law, extending COVID-19 emergency programs, expanding the Canada Workers Benefit, and helping students with federal student and apprentice loans. This is a major step to creating a healthy economy in a post pandemic Canada.
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Thank you for your continued goodwill and community spirit through this difficult time. Although we are working remotely, 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,
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Connect with me on social media
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