Newsletter - Mar. 25, 2022
The resiliency and courage of Ukrainians have inspired the world, and Canada is unwavering in its commitment to provide support to Ukraine as it fights for its sovereignty and for the democratic ideals that our countries share. This week, we announced the launch of the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET). The CUAET is a special, accelerated temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians seeking safe haven in Canada while the war in their home country continues.
With the CUAET, Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality may stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to 3 years. Applicants are encouraged to apply for a 3-year open work permit at the same time as their visa application. Under this special program, many of the regular requirements associated with a visitor visa or work permit have been waived. Elementary and high school students can register for and start attending school as soon as they arrive in Canada, and anyone looking to study at the post-secondary level can apply for a study permit once on Canadian soil.
Ukrainian workers, students and visitors and their family members who are already in Canada also benefit from these measures. They may either apply to extend their visitor status or work permit for 3 years, apply for a new work or study permit, or extend their existing permit. IRCC will waive all extension and work or study permit application fees. To ease the burden on applicants, IRCC is waiving all application fees for these programs.
We are calling on employers who wish to support Ukrainians with offers of employment to register these offers on Job Bank’s Jobs for Ukraine webpage. Job Bank will then work with local organizations and employers to help connect them with Ukrainians seeking work in their communities. We are also in discussions with partners, including provinces and territories, the business community, the Ukrainian-Canadian community and settlement organizations, on how best to support those arriving from Ukraine. More information will be available soon.
The CUAET and Job Bank will be instrumental in supporting the Government of Canada’s response to Vladimir Putin’s brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Most importantly, these measures help us do our part to welcome more Ukrainians to Canada.
Over $4,000 Raised for the Oakville Hospital Foundation!
The Oakville Chinese Network Society (OCN) presented a donation cheque in the amount of $4,178.92 to the Oakville Hospital Foundation. This donation is a result of the successful 2022 Oakville Chinese New Year Charity Show hosted by the OCN on January 29, 2022 at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts and broadcasted via livestream! The donations surpassed their initial goal of $3,000.
Since 2014, the OCN has raised an incredible $16,290.92 for the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. Thank you to everyone who donated and to the OCN for their hard work!
Investing in Clean Energy in Halton
Canada is a leader in nuclear energy and nuclear safety and has one of the world’s most promising domestic markets for the safe and responsible development of small modular reactor (SMR) technology. SMRs have the potential to provide strong economic benefits to the Canadian economy and support Canada’s efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Last week, we announced an investment of $27.2 million in Westinghouse Electric Canada Inc. in Halton to support its $57 million project so its next-generation SMR can be successfully licensed in Canada. This technology has the potential to provide a more accessible and transportable source of low-carbon energy.
By investing in this project, we are supporting innovation that will help communities that rely on heavy-polluting diesel fuel to transition to a cleaner source of energy, while creating and maintaining more than 200 well-paying and full-time jobs in Canada’s energy sector.
Free Income Tax Clinic for Oakville Residents
My constituency office is hosting a free Income Tax Clinic on various dates throughout the month of April! To book your appointment, click here. Should you have any questions or concerns, call 905-338-2008 or email anita.anand@parl.gc.ca.
Update to Federal COVID-19 Travel Requirements
We have always said that as the COVID-19 situation changes, so will our response. Last week, we announced the gradual easing of travel measures. On April 1, 2022, Canada will remove the pre-entry test requirement for fully vaccinated travellers. Additionally, travellers on cruise ships will now only need to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test no more than 1 day before departure. They will not require a test before getting off the cruise ship.
These new measures are great news for local tourism and our economy! The safety and security of Canadians is our highest priority, and we will continue basing our decisions on science to ensure a safe and gradual reopening. To learn more, click here.
Delivering for Canadians Now
This week, the Prime Minister announced that the Liberal Party has reached an agreement with the NDP to deliver results for Canadians now. For over two years, Canadians have worked hard to overcome incredible challenges. Now, Putin’s criminal war has brought devastation to the people of Ukraine and has ignited a humanitarian crisis in Europe. The war is deeply affecting supply chains, along with everything from food, energy, and financial markets. It’s taking a heavy toll on global trade and the price of things we all rely on.
Six months ago, Canadians gave Parliament clear marching orders: put people and families first, deliver results, and build a better future. This agreement is not about compromising the core beliefs of either of our parties, or denying the differences between us. It is about making sure those differences do not stand in the way of progress for the benefit of each and every Canadian.
Parliament’s role is to hold the government to account – this agreement maintains that critical function. We will continue to engage in healthy debate and disagree on things, and we will also continue working with other parties to reach consensus, and make progress together wherever possible.
This agreement is about approaching Parliament more collaboratively, focusing on what we agree on instead of what we disagree on; on what unites us instead of what divides us. This is a supply and confidence agreement that will ensure Parliament works constructively to deliver results for Canadians.