Newsletter - Mar. 11, 2022
March 8 marks International Women's Day. On this day and throughout the month of March, we recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and girls across Canada. This year, our theme is “Women Inspiring Women.” This theme leads me to think of the many women and girls who inspire me by demonstrating leadership in their day-to-day lives – from my daughters, to my late mother, to the many feminist trailblazers who worked hard to create lasting change for future generations.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, women have faced job losses and reduced work hours, shouldered the majority of the additional unpaid care responsibilities at home, and continue to be on the front lines of the pandemic. During this difficult time, I proudly reaffirm our government’s strong commitment to gender equality, and to building a Canada that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
As we begin our recovery from COVID-19, we must ensure that our recovery benefits everyone, including women. That is why we are committed to making a significant, sustained, and long-term investment to create a Canada-wide early learning and child care system. Access to affordable child care will help Canadians find and keep good jobs, give our children a good start in life, and create a more resilient economy.
Since International Women’s Day in 2021, our government has announced that 237 projects will receive funding under the $100 million Feminist Response and Recovery Fund. This fund invests in projects that address systemic issues faced by vulnerable and underrepresented women – helping to ensure an inclusive recovery from the social and economic impacts of the pandemic.
This month, we honour the changemakers who paved the way for us, and we celebrate the incredible women in our lives. Though we have made progress on the path towards gender equality, there remains much work to be done. Let us continue working together every day to build a better future for women and girls across Canada and the world.
What is Canada Doing to Assist Ukraine?
Canada's package of support for Ukraine is comprehensive. Here is a recap of what we have announced in the last week:
An additional $50 million in both lethal and non-lethal aid
At least 100 Carl Gustaf anti-tank weapon systems
2000 rounds of 84mm ammunition
RCAF airlift support and up to 50 personnel for delivery of military equipment
1600 fragmentation vests, almost 400,000 individual meal packs
Up to 4500 M72 rocket launchers
Up to 7500 hand grenades
$1M in funding for modern satellite imagery
Canada's position is clear: Russia’s actions are illegal and unconscionable, and we call on Russia to immediately withdraw forces from Ukrainian territory. Canada stands with Ukraine, and I will remain in close contact with my Ukrainian counterpart, Minister Reznikov, about Ukraine’s evolving needs.
Coldest Night of the Year
It was a pleasure to join my Youth Council for the Coldest Night of the Year charity walk. They raised an incredible $1185 for Front Line Outreach here in Oakville! Special thanks to everyone who donated to support such a worthy cause.
To learn more about Front Line Outreach, click here.
Local Support for Ukraine
I extend my sincerest thanks to St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre and St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church for their remarkable fundraising efforts here in Oakville. Hundreds of volunteers have worked hard to collect and sort essential items to support the humanitarian effort in Ukraine. It has been so inspiring to see our Oakville community come together during this difficult time.
Planning to Travel? Here's What You Need to Know
Last month, our government announced a series of adjustments to the current border measures, representing the beginning of a phased easing of travel restrictions.
Pre-Entry Testing
Unless otherwise exempt, all travellers 5 years of age or older must provide proof of an accepted type of pre-entry COVID-19 test result:
a valid, professionally administered or observed negative antigen test taken outside of Canada no more than one calendar day before their scheduled departure flight or their arrival at the land border or marine port of entry
a valid negative molecular test taken no more than 72 hours before their scheduled departure flight or their arrival at the land border or marine port of entry; or
a previous positive molecular test taken at least 10 calendar days and no more than 180 calendar days before their scheduled departure flight or their arrival at the land border or marine port of entry.
Travellers are reminded that to be valid for the purpose of travel, a COVID-19 antigen test must:
be authorized for sale or distribution in Canada or in the jurisdiction in which it was obtained
be taken outside of Canada, regardless of the length of the trip out of country
be administered by an accredited laboratory or testing provider, or, if self-administered, must be observed in person by a laboratory or testing provider or via audio-visual connection with the accredited laboratory or testing
On-Arrival Testing
Fully vaccinated travellers arriving to Canada will not need to take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival, unless randomly selected. If selected, they no longer have to quarantine while awaiting their test result.
ArriveCAN
All travellers continue to be required to submit their mandatory information via ArriveCAN within 72 hours before arriving in Canada.
If you are a foreign national travelling for discretionary purposes and don’t submit your information through ArriveCAN, you may be denied entry into Canada. Canadian citizens, permanent residents or persons registered under the Indian Act who don’t submit their information through ArriveCAN won’t be denied entry, but they:
won’t be eligible for the fully vaccinated traveller exemption
may face additional delays at the border for public health questioning; and,
may be subject to fines or enforcement action.
Interfaith Prayer for Peace in Ukraine
St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, in association with the Interfaith Council of Halton, invites our Halton community to join in an Interfaith Prayer for Peace in Ukraine. Those who are unable to attend in person are encouraged to join the live-stream prayer service available on the St. Joseph Ukrainian Catholic Church website.