Newsletter - july 22, 2022
Reducing our carbon footprint is critical in our fight against climate change. One of the best ways we can achieve our climate goals is to make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs). Since 2015, we have invested a historic $1 billion to make EVs more affordable and more accessible for Canadians.
In 2020, the federal government announced a $295 million investment in Ford Canada to assist with the production of EVs, creating 5,000 good middle class jobs right here in Oakville. Throughout EV Week, we have continued to expand upon this work with several new initiatives to support electric vehicle infrastructure, production, and chargers.
We are building a reliable nation-wide network of EV charging stations in local communities so that Canadians can get to where they need to go. In Oakville, we are investing $150,000 to install connectors and chargers as part of a larger announcement to install 6,000 new EV chargers across the country.
To help businesses save money and support Canada’s climate goals, we launched the new Incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emissions Vehicles Program. This program will provide up to $200,000 in incentives for businesses to help them electrify their fleets, supporting Canada’s target to have 100% of sales of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles be zero-emission by 2040.
In public transit, clean vehicles are the next big step. To accomplish our goal of putting 5,000 electric buses on the road across Canada, we announced the creation of the Zero Emission Transit Fund. This fund will invest $2.75 billion to help communities and school bus operators to electrify their bus fleets.
To position Canada as a key competitor in the global EV market, we are establishing a world-leading facility in Ontario to produce essential components of electric vehicle batteries. In partnership with Umicore, we are investing $1.5 billion to build this facility in Loyalist Township. This will play an essential role in our domestic electric vehicle supply chain and make for a more resilient North American batteries ecosystem.
We are committed to doing everything we can to keep our air clean, help people save money on fuel and cars, all while creating jobs, bolstering our auto sector, and positioning Canada as a global leader in building and powering electric vehicles.
Canada Child Benefit Increase
From day one, our government has been making life more affordable for Canadian families. That’s why in 2016, we introduced and implemented the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), which gives more money, tax free, to 9 out of 10 families, and has helped lift nearly 435,000 children out of poverty.
To help with the rising cost of living, the CCB will once again increase on Wednesday, July 20. This year eligible families can receive up to:
$5,903 per child age 6 through 17; and
$6,997 per child under the age of 6
By indexing the CCB we are providing Canadian families with more money to help keep up with risings costs for things like healthy food, sports programs and music lessons. The CCB has helped provide more support to millions of families each year, and we will continue to provide support to those who need it most.
No. 2 Construction Battalion Apology
During and long after their service to Canada in the First World War, the men of the all-Black No. 2 Construction Battalion never received the recognition and respect that they deserved. On July 9, Prime Minister Trudeau and I offered a national apology to these men and their descendants.
We are deeply sorry to the men of the Battalion and their loved ones for the racism and discrimination that they experienced during their service to Canada. We promise that their sacrifices will never be forgotten – and that we will continue to build a more inclusive military.
I am immensely grateful for the hard work of the National Advisory Committee, the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, and so many descendants of the Battalion for their advice and recommendations leading up to this important day. Your commitment to building a more inclusive Canada inspires me every day.
First Climate Action Incentive Payment
Canada’s approach to pollution pricing is not only one of the best ways to fight climate change—it also puts money back in the pockets of Canadians. On July 15th, Canadians living in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta received the first quarterly Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payment.
This quarterly delivery, which replaces an annual credit from previous years, will ensure that Canadians receive payments on a more regular basis. The first payment will be a "double-up" payment that will return proceeds from the first two quarters of the 2022‒23 year (April–June, and July–September). Quarterly payments will follow in October 2022 and January 2023. Canadians can register for direct deposit to ensure that payment is fast, convenient and secure.
For the 2022‒23 fiscal year, a family of four in Ontario will receive $745 in Ontario. Families in rural and small communities are eligible to receive an extra 10 percent. Full details on quarterly payment amounts for individuals and families in 2022‒23 are specified on the Climate Action Incentive payment webpage.
Canadian Military Support to Ukraine
The Armed Forces of Ukraine are fighting heroically to defend their country from Russia’s illegal invasion. As of February, 2022, Canada has committed or delivered $626 million in military aid. This amount includes the complete allocation of $500 million in military support for Ukraine announced in Budget 2022.
Follow our military donations chart.