Newsletter - may. 06, 2022
This week is the Canadian Mental Health Association's (CMHA) 71st Mental Health Week. This year's theme is all about the importance of empathy, making space for people to talk openly about their well-being, and listening with kindness to break the stigma that surrounds mental health and mental illness.
The pandemic has taken a considerable toll on our collective well-being, with many people across the country continuing to report an increase in anxiety, depression, loneliness, and grief. Now more than ever, it is critical that everyone has access to the services and supports they need, when they need them.
Mental health is health and our government has made mental health a priority. That's why we launched Wellness Together Canada (WTC), a free and confidential online portal that provides 24/7 access to a virtual network of mental health and substance use supports. People across Canada can also access PocketWell, WTC’s companion app, to monitor their mood and access mental health supports right from their phones.
We have also made a number of historic investments to support the mental health of Canadians, including:
$5 billion to the provinces and territories to increase the availability of mental health care;
$598 million for a distinctions-based mental health and wellness strategy for Indigenous peoples;
$140 million to support veterans’ dealing with PTSD, depressive and anxiety disorders;
$100 million over three years to address the needs of populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19, including youth, Black, Indigenous, and racialized populations and front-line and essential workers; and
$50 million to bolster the capacity of distress centres across the country.
This Mental Health Week, I encourage everyone to learn more about how to take care of your own mental health, and help support the well-being of others around you. For anyone who is struggling, know that it’s okay to not feel okay, and that you are not alone. To access free mental health and addictions programs, services and supports tailored to the needs of your local community, you can also contact your local CMHA.
Queen's Platinum Jubilee Community Awards
This Summer, Canada will celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, marking the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne. In honour of this occasion, I will be recognizing local community heroes!
Do you know someone who has made a difference in our Oakville community? Nominate them to receive a limited edition commemorative pin! Nominations can be submitted to my constituency office at anita.anand@parl.gc.ca. The deadline for nominations is June 1, 2022.
Supporting Special Olympics
It was such a pleasure to join Special Olympics Ontario and the Oakville Hawkeyes for their in house bowling tournament at Hopedale Bowl! Special thanks to our Oakville Fundraising Coordinator, James Montague, for his incredible advocacy and fundraising efforts to support our Oakville community.
I am proud that our government has made a commitment to continue investing in Special Olympics Canada. Budget 2022 proposes to provide $1.8 million in ongoing funding as an extension to the $16 million invested through Budget 2018. This funding will support more than 45,000 children, youth, and adults through its strong network of 21,000 volunteers.
Visit to Washington, D.C.
Last week, I met with U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, at the Pentagon during my first official visit to Washington, D.C. The world is facing the greatest threat to international peace and stability since the Second World War. Since day one of this attack, our Ukrainian friends have faced Putin’s forces with unfailing courage and resolve. We have stepped up our support for Ukraine by delivering M777 howitzers to Ukrainian forces – and Canadian soldiers are now training their Ukrainian counterparts in the use of these weapons.
As Minister of National Defence, I have also been entrusted to lead Canada’s efforts to strengthen continental defence, and to deliver a robust plan to modernize NORAD. Secretary Austin and I discussed this important issue, and we will have more to say on this in the short term. The United States is Canada’s most important ally and defence partner. We will continue to collaborate closely to protect our continent and contribute to global security.
Canada Summer Jobs - Available Now!
The hiring period for Canada Summer Jobs 2022 is underway and will run until July 24, 2022. Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) is part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which is the Government of Canada’s commitment to help young people—particularly those facing barriers to employment—get the information and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to transition successfully into the labour market. More than 140,000 job placements that matter to young people and to our communities will be posted on the Job Bank website and mobile app, and will be updated on a regular basis. I encourage young people to keep checking for updates on placements available in Oakville!
Ending the MSM Blood Ban
In 2015, we promised to end the MSM blood donation ban in Canada: a discriminatory practice that prohibits gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men from donating blood and makes it harder for Canadians in need to receive a life-saving blood transfusion. Last week, Health Canada authorized a submission from Canadian Blood Services to eliminate the current three-month blanket donor deferral period for all sexually active men who have sex with men, and instead screen all donors, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, for high-risk sexual behaviours.
This authorization marks a significant milestone toward a more inclusive blood donation system nationwide and builds on progress of scientific evidence from our government’s research investments in recent years. Canada’s blood system is, and will continue to be, one of the safest blood systems in the world.
Eid Mubarak!
This week I joined the Oakville Muslim community at the Dar Foundation for prayer to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. As the Muslim community celebrates Eid al-Fitr, this is an opportunity to reflect on the principles of peace, forgiveness, and unity and recommit to the core values of charity and helping those in need. Eid Mubarak to those who celebrate! Assalamu Alaikum.
Made-in-Canada Electric Vehicles
Canada’s auto manufacturing sector has always played a crucial role in our economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of families. Our strength in manufacturing, combined with world-class innovation, makes Canada a natural leader in designing and building the electric vehicles of the future. With smart investments, we’re setting the Canadian auto industry up for success, delivering thousands of good jobs, and keeping our air clean.
This week, we announced that Stellantis is investing $3.6 billion to make Canada a global leader in building electric vehicles, all while creating hundreds of good, middle class jobs, securing thousands more, and strengthening the Canadian auto industry. This investment builds on historic auto sector announcements made in recent weeks and months that will help secure over 16,000 jobs and position Canada as a global leader in the vehicles of the future. Announcements like this are yet another example of how a healthy environment and a healthy economy go hand in hand.
Open House: Indus Community Services
Indus Community Services is a not-for-profit community benefit organization with services and programs across Peel and Halton. In Oakville, they offer programs like Entrepreneurship for Newcomers, Community Connections and Employment & Settlement Services for all newcomers and international students. They will be having an Open House on May 25th from 12 PM to 4 PM for anyone interested in learning more about their programs and services! Visit their website here.