Newsletter - apr. 25, 2022
As Russia’s unprovoked and illegal war continues, we stand with Ukrainians fighting for their sovereignty, freedom, and independence. Canada has long been a place of refuge for those in need, and we are here to support Ukrainians at this crucial time. We recognize that some Ukrainians may need assistance in their travel and we are calling on Canadians and Canadian businesses to continue our proud tradition of helping the world’s most vulnerable.
Last week, we announced the Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund, which will help at least 10,000 Ukrainians and their families access free flights to Canada. The fund will be launched in partnership with Miles4Migrants, The Shapiro Foundation and Air Canada and builds on our existing supports for Ukrainians wishing to travel to Canada. In addition to a significant donation of 100 million Aeroplan points by Air Canada, The Shapiro Foundation will match donations by Canadians, with a donation equivalent of up to 50 million Aeroplan points.
As part of this new initiative, we are inviting Canadians to donate and help in the following ways:
Donate Aeroplan points to the Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund through the Air Canada and Miles4Migrants websites.
Donate cash through the Travel & Settlement Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto, which will distribute these donations for the purposes of sponsoring displaced Ukrainians. Tax receipts will be issued for donations above $10.
The Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund program will be open to Ukrainian nationals and their accompanying family members who hold valid Canadian travel documents and who have been approved for travel to Canada. Details on how eligible Ukrainians and their families can access the program will be made available in the coming weeks. For more information, clickhere.
This partnership follows therecent measures announced by our government to support Ukrainians. The Government of Canada will provide targeted charter flights to Canada for Ukrainian nationals, short-term income support to ensure basic needs are met, and temporary hotel accommodation for up to 2 weeks for those who require support.
Meeting with the YMCA of Oakville
I was thrilled to meet with Kyle Barber, President and CEO of the YMCA of Oakville. We discussed the impact that COVID-19 has had on YMCA locations across the country and the importance of investing in child care. Budget 2022 provides $625 million for an Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund, which will enable provinces and territories to make additional child care investments, including the building of new facilities. As the leading non-profit early learning and child care provider in Oakville and across Canada, the YMCA provides incredibly valuable services for our communities. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this funding will have on Oakville residents and all Canadians.
Fireside Chat with the Oakville Chamber of Commerce
It was a pleasure to join Tim Caddigan, local business owners, and the Oakville Chamber of Commerce for a fireside chat to discuss Budget 2022. Our government has outlined an ambitious plan to invest in housing, support small and medium-sized businesses, grow our economy, and reach our climate goals. Thank you to those who joined us in person and at home. Missed the live stream? Watch the full recording now by clicking here.
To read Budget 2022 in full, click here.
Meeting with the Dar Foundation
Last week, I had the privilege of meeting with the Oakville Dar Foundation. It was wonderful to connect with Feras to discuss Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, and the importance of combating Islamophobia and discrimination in all their forms. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims in Oakville and around the world fast from dawn until dusk, ending the day with Iftar, commonly known as breaking the fast, with family and friends. I am so grateful for the work the Dar Foundation does to support our local Muslim community and I look forward to our next conversation.
Free Community Screening: Back Home Again
The Oakville Festival of Film and Art, Bell Media, and Sheridan College are hosting a special free community screening of the award-winning animated film Back Home Again on May 6th at 7:00pm, followed by a special panel focused on mental health and wellness.
Back Home Again is the story of the Fort MacMurray fires as told through the eyes of the animals that were impacted by the fires that destroyed the community in 2016. It features an all star cast of Hollywood and Canadian stars who offered their voices for free to support this cause. This includes the last performance by Ed Asner who passed away shortly after the film was made. Other notable stars include Kim Bassinger, Martin Short, Lorne Cardinal, Howie Mandel, Gordon Pinsent, Michael J Fox, Tantoo Cardinal, and many others.
You can watch the trailer here. Tickets are FREE to the public and can be reserved here.
Parkinson's In The Park
The Passion for Parkinson's Foundation is a non-profit corporation with the primary objective of identifying and fully funding creative arts and exercise programs targeted specifically to enhance and support the lives of those living with Parkinson’s in Halton and Peel. Due to the success of their Parkinson's in the Park initiative in Mississauga, they are expanding their programs to Burlington and Oakville.
The Moving For Wellness program will take place in Oakville on Friday's from 1:00pm - 2:00pm, April 29th to November 4th. For more information, click here.