Newsletter - Jan. 28, 2022
The rising cost of living is a concern for many Oakville residents and we are working hard to find ways to make life more affordable for all Canadians. From $10 a day child care to supports for small businesses, we continue to focus on ensuring that Canadians get the support they need.
For years, we’ve been working hard to support seniors, and we will continue to do so. This July, we’re permanently increasing the Old Age Security pension by 10% for seniors 75 and older, providing $766 over the first year to pensioners receiving the full benefit.
Last week, families across the country received their first Canada Child Benefit payment of 2022. Our government’s plan puts more money in the pockets of 9 out of 10 families with the Canada Child Benefit, and throughout the pandemic, we provided even more support by temporarily boosting Canada Child Benefit payments with the Young Child Supplement, providing up to an additional $1,200 per child under six.
To support students who have recently graduated, we've increased the threshold for repayment assistance to $40,000 per year, and suspended the accumulation of interest on existing loans until March 31, 2023. We are also investing over $5.7 billion to help young Canadians pursue and complete their education and create 215,000 new training and work opportunities.
These are just some of the ways we are working to ensure that Canadians are well supported as we face the latest wave of the pandemic.
Canada Extends and Expands Military and Other Supports for Ukraine
Canada is steadfast in its support of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. This week, we announced that we are extending and expanding Operation UNIFIER to train the security forces of Ukraine, sending non-lethal aid and support against cyber attacks Increasing our Canadian Armed Forces training presence. This extension and expansion of Canada’s military presence in support of Ukraine will ensure that members of the Canadian Armed Forces continue to provide military training and mentorship to Ukraine’s security forces through to the end of March 2025. To learn more, click here.
Olympic Qualifier: Kaylie Buck
Oakville has another athlete to cheer on at the 2022 Olympic Games! Kaylie Buck has qualified to compete in the Parallel Giant Slalom event. We are so proud to have such a wonderful role model representing Oakville and all of Canada. Congratulations, Kaylie! We can't wait to cheer you on. Go Team Canada Go!
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Indian Diaspora Day
Thank you to the Canada India Foundation for organizing a wonderful event to celebrate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. January 9th has been declared as the Indian Diaspora Day to recognize the achievements of the over twenty-five million people of Indian origin settled across the world, including here in Canada. Our people-to-people ties have been built over generations and they embody over 1.4 million Indo Canadians that contribute each day to Canadian society. Our successes highlighted in so many communities across the country are the very foundation of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
Special Olympics #ChoosetoInclude Donut
Special Olympics Canada has partnered with Tim Hortons to create the limited edition #ChoosetoInclude donut. Every donut that is purchased will help Special Olympics Athletes across Canada get back on the field of play at the end of this pandemic!
How to get your #ChooseToInclude Donut:
The #ChoosetoInclude donut will be available at your local Tim Hortons from January 28-30, while supplies last. You can order yours in-restaurant, at the drive-through or on the Tim Hortons mobile app. If you want to ensure you get your hands on the donut, you can pre-order two or more dozen donuts at a time to share with friends, family, colleagues or teammates! For Oakville residents, visit Tim Hortons at 494 Dundas St W!
For more information, please contact James Montague, Fundraising Coordinator for Special Olympics Oakville. You can reach James at oakvillefc@specialolympicsontario.ca.
The Coldest Night of the Year Fundraiser
There’s never been a more crucial time to help support the homeless and the most vulnerable. Join The Coldest Night of the Year Fundraiser on February 26, 2022 to support those experiencing homelessness, More Than A Meal, those who are struggling with mental health issues, and Camp Dakota.
This year, The Coldest Night of the Year will be a COVID-friendly virtual 2k or 5k walk with your own household and in your own neighbourhood. Special thanks to Front Line Outreach for hosting this wonderful event. For more information, click here.