Newsletter - sept. 30, 2022
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
I encourage everyone to take time to recognize the enduring impact of residential schools and to reflect on the role each of us has in the healing process. Our government remains committed to the reconciliation process as we work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to undo past harms, support strong and healthy communities, and advance self-determination and prosperity.
In anticipation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we announced investments totaling more than $4 million to support 278 community projects across the country and two major national projects: a national commemorative gathering on September 30 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and an educational program week for students in the country. These projects will help to raise awareness of the history and impact of residential schools and to promote healing and reconciliation.
In Oakville, the federal government provided $10,000 in funding for the Town of Oakville's Path Without End & Firewater Thunderbird Rising project. Tonight at 8pm, the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts will be showcasing the film Path Without End, a 10 minute documentary dance film followed by a live dance performance as Christine Friday connects with her Anishinaabek roots.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation provides an opportunity for all Canadians to further our understanding of and deepen our respect for Indigenous ways of life, and recognize our shared responsibility for healing.
Update on Federal Response to Hurricane Fiona
The Government of Canada is working closely with provincial governments and emergency response organizations to ensure that necessary support is provided to affected Canadians during this difficult time. We are also committed to working closely to support recovery and rebuilding efforts.
There are now well over 700 Canadian Armed Forces members in Atlantic Canada, helping communities recovering from the impact of Hurricane Fiona. Yesterday, I visited our personnel in Nova Scotia and thanked them for their work to support Canadians.
In Nova Scotia, approximately 350 Canadian Armed Forces members are deployed, clearing debris from roadways, bridges, and power lines in hard-hit areas like Cape Breton. Damage assessments are being conducted in Sydney, Pictou, and New Glasgow to determine next steps. In PEI, approximately 150 Canadian Armed Forces members are working to clear and open roadways, to allow help to reach isolated communities. We will continue to work closely with PEI’s Transportation Department.
Lastly, approximately 200 Canadian Armed Forces members are deployed in Newfoundland, supporting relief efforts in the province. Personnel from HMCS Margaret Brooke have conducted assessments on the South Shore, and personnel have been checking in on community members in Port-aux-Basques. We will continue to deliver a coordinated, comprehensive response, and we thank the Armed Forces members who are at the centre of this critical work.
Franco-Ontarian Flag Raising
Last week, I had the pleasure of joining my provincial and municipal counterparts to raise the Franco-Ontario flag at Oakville town Hall. There, we commemorated Franco-Ontario Day and celebrated the rich and vibrant history of Ontario's francophone community.
I was so pleased to speak with our local French speaking students about the importance of protecting and promoting the French language. The French language is a cornerstone of our country’s history, identity, and heritage and our government will always work to preserve it.
Putting More Money Back in Your Pocket
We know that people here in Oakville and across the country are feeling the rising cost of living and many are worried about paying for gas and groceries. That’s why, as Parliament resumed last week, our first order of business was to table new legislation to help make life more affordable for Canadians; putting more money back in the pockets of those who need it most. This legislation will:
Put up to an extra $234 in the pockets of single Canadians without children and up to $467 for couples with two children this year by doubling the GST tax credit for six months;
Provide up to $1,300 over the next two years for dental care for children under 12, starting this year;
Provide a one-time $500 payment to nearly two million renters who are struggling with the cost of housing.
These new measures build on our more comprehensive plan to lower the cost of living for all Canadians which already includes:
Enhancing the Canada Workers Benefit to put up to $2,400 more in the pockets of low-income families starting this year;
A 10% increase in Old Age Security for seniors aged 75 and over, which will provide an additional $766 to more than three million seniors;
A reduction in child care costs of 50% on average by the end of the year
Indexation to inflation of key benefits, including the Canada Child Benefit, the GST Credit, the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Cracking down on housing speculation and building over a million new homes.
Making it Easier for Physicians in Canada to Access Permanent Residency
This week, we announced new measures to provide easier access to permanent residence for physicians in Canada. These measures build on a number of initiatives recently announced to help with labour shortages, and will help Provinces and Territories attract more physicians to Canada at a time when Canadians need them the most. Immigration continues to be key to helping employers fill hundreds of thousands of vacant positions across the country.
With these new measures, physicians will be able to access Canada’s economic permanent residence programs. Time and again, we have seen the ways in which a robust immigration system can benefit our economy. We are committed to working alongside our provincial and territorial partners to help explore innovative solutions and alleviate some of the pressures plaguing our healthcare sector.