Today I was incredibly proud to share and deliver $25 million on behalf of the federal government for our community to support the revitalization of Lawrence Heights. This funding will help construct a new energy-efficient community recreation centre in the heart of Lawrence Heights that will exponentially enhance the space, the support it offers and how it will be able to serve our community. This much needed funding will have a lasting impact on our community by creating more programming, opportunities and space for an abundance of activities. Read more about today's announcement and the revitalization plans below.
Also included in this update is historic news on the first phase of a national universal pharmacare program in Canada, marking the end of Black History Month in Eglinton-Lawrence, my recent trip to the Philippines to strengthen ties between our two countries, and much more.
As always, do not hesitate to contact my office with questions, concerns or requests related to federal matters at (416) 781-5583 or write to us at [email protected].
Warm regards,
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Hon. Marco Mendicino, P.C.
Member of Parliament for Eglinton-Lawrence
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Revitalizing Lawrence Heights with New Federal Funding
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As our government works to rapidly build more quality and affordable homes, we recognize that creating a sense of community where those homes are built is equally important. While working to expand our communities, we must also ensure that climate conscious decisions are not lost by building sustainable infrastructure that reduces harmful emissions.
As part of these priorities, I was proud deliver today $25 million in federal funding to construct a new community recreation centre in Lawrence Heights under the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. This funding will help replace the existing recreation centre with a much needed new facility that will be energy performant and a net-zero carbon building. It will feature two pools, a double gym, running track, fitness and dance studios, a pre-school, youth and seniors lounges, teaching kitchens and more.
This is about building equitable and inclusive communities, protecting the environment and revitalizing Lawrence Heights. I could not be more excited for the outcomes of this funding and its impact on our community!
Read more about it here.
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Marking the End of Black History Month
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It was a lively night marking the end of Black History Month with celebrations hosted by our City Councillor Mike Colle and the legendary Jay Douglas of Reggae Lane fame. Our community came together for some dancing, singing and fantastic food over important conversations about Black history and Black success.
Black history is Canadian history and it was a great evening honouring just that. Thanks to our hosts and all who came out for this important event!
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Strengthening Canadian-Filipino Ties and Advancing Shared Priorities
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As Chair of the Canada-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship group, I'm focused on strengthening ties between our two elected government bodies, expanding trade and advancing our shared democratic values. Last week, I joined speakers of the Filipino House of Representatives and the Senate in Manila for productive bilateral meetings to progress these shared priorities.
Some exciting news coming out of these meetings was the announcement of Canada's first-ever agri-food trade office for the Indo-Pacific by Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Hon. Lawrence MacAulay. This new office in Manila will open doors for Canadian producers across the Indo-Pacific, expand and diversify our export markets and make our regional partnerships even stronger. Read more about what this news means for our economy and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region here.
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CIJA Delegation on Parliament Hill
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This week, the Canada-Israel Jewish Association brought Orthodox Rabbi's from across Canada to Parliament Hill, including our own Rabbi Sam Taylor from Shaarei Shomayim Congregation. They met with MP's concerned about the rise in antisemitism and hate as well as Israeli Ambassador Iddo Moed, and Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, Ms. Deborah Lyons.
Thank you for making the trip to Ottawa to share the issues that matter most to your congregations.
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Enhancing the Safety and Security of those at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre
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For many, the Yorkdale Shopping Centre is not just a mall. It is a space where our youth and seniors gather to spend time with friends and family. It is important that Yorkdale is able to keep both visitors and those who work there safe and free from violence and harassment.
One of my top priorities as a Member of Parliament has always been to ensure the safety of Eglinton-Lawrence. As part of these efforts, I have been actively engaging with all partners and organizations from across the public and private sectors - including the Yorkdale Shopping Centre.
Over the holidays and into the beginning of the year, many shoppers experienced protests and other incidents involving large crowds which put their safety at risk. This week, I met with the Yorkdale Property Management and Security team to discuss these and other recent incidents which have concerned many in our community and the ways in which my team and I can support the Mall to ensure it remains a safe space for the public to shop, eat, watch a movie and spend time with friends and family.
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Federal Government Updates
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Historic New Framework for a Universal National Pharmacare Program
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Canadians shouldn't have to choose between getting the medication they need and paying their bills. That is why yesterday, Minister of Health the Hon. Mark Holland introduced the framework for the first phase of national universal pharmacare in Canada.
This plan and framework will mean free coverage of contraception for 9 million women and gender diverse Canadians, and diabetes medication for 3.7 million Canadians living with the chronic illness.
Like dental care, this framework is about building a Canada where families, seniors and young people can get the care they need, when they need it.
It lays out our plan for universal, single-payer coverage for a range of contraception and diabetes medications. It is a historic step toward a national universal pharmacare program. Read more about it here.
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Supporting Ukraine on the Anniversary of Russia's Illegal Invasion
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On February 24th, we marked the grim anniversary of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. Since the onset of this war, our government has unequivocally stood with Ukraine and for democracy. We stand with Canadians in solidarity with Ukrainians, their right to self-determination and a future marked by peace and democracy. We have done this through military aid, humanitarian support and economic measures to help strengthen Ukraine and their fierce recovery efforts.
To mark this date, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined international leaders and partners in Kyiv to reaffirm Canada's commitment to peace and security in the region. As part of this visit, the Prime Minister joined the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to announce the following:
- A new agreement on security cooperation between Canada and Ukraine which builds on the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine to support Ukrainian defence and sovereignty. This agreement will provide over $3 billion in critical financial and military support.
- $75 million in peace and security assistance.
- $15 million in preservation assistance.
- Up to $39 million in development assistance to support access to essential mental services, food systems, and reconstruction and recovery.
Read more about these new initiatives here.
In the past week, our government also announced additional sanctions on Russia which can be found here, and more support for organizations helping Ukrainians to resettle in Canada after fleeing the war which can be found here.
Our support for democracy, peace and freedom is unwavering. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, whatever it takes. Get the latest updates on Canada's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine here.
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Making Online Spaces Safer for Kids and Vulnerable Canadians
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When kids are accessing the internet, they should be safe to learn, play, and connect with their friends. For far too long, this responsibility has fallen on parents to protect their children from online harms and as many know, these spaces have left kids vulnerable to hate, violence and online bullying. Web giants are failing in their own responsibility to protect kids from exploitation and what they allow to spread on their platforms. This has resulted in devastating real-world, and sometimes fatal, consequences. It's time for these web giants to step up and act.
Until now, there has been no safety regulations for online platforms. That is why our government tabled the Online Harms Act to make online spaces safer and to hold web giants accountable for the harmful content they fail to regulate. This Bill will create stronger online protections for children and vulnerable Canadians to stop the spread and of online hate, harmful content, and intimate images shared without consent.
Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen calls the proposed legislation not just good but “one of the best bills that has been proposed today.†Read more about Bill C-63 and what it means for the protection of Canadians online here.
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More Homes and Lower Prices for Canadians
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Our government's economic plan is building more homes, faster, and strengthening competition to lower prices for Canadians.
When it comes to building homes, we recognize that the cost is too high and the time it takes to finish projects is too long. This is why our government is taking further action by:
- Allocating $123 million to build more than 5,000 affordable homes across the country.
- Partnering with home builders under the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund to use innovative technologies to fast-track construction and modernize the way we build homes to ensure homes can be built with less delays and at more affordable costs.
To strengthen competition and lower prices, especially grocery prices, we are:
- Preventing anti-competitive mergers, by freezing the threshold for mergers at $93 million. By doing this, the Competition Bureau can take more targeted action on mergers and acquisitions to protect Canadians from unfair prices.
- Launching a call for new projects to strengthen consumer advocacy so that Canadians can have more choices and better prices at the grocery store.
Read more about these new measures here.
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Maintaining Responsible and Prudent Government Spending
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In Budget 2023, our government made a commitment to carefully review government spending to ensure that we can continue to invest in the priorities of Canadians. Yesterday, President of the Treasury Board of Canada, the Hon. Anita Anand, tabled the Government of Canada's spending plans for 2024-25 on behalf of government departments and agencies.
This legislation will refocus government spending toward the priorities of Canadians while taking great care to not reduce the services and support that Canadians rely on. Each federal minister has worked with their departments to ensure that tax dollars are being used efficiently and being invested into what matters most to Canadians.
This is not about doing more with less or arbitrary cost cutting to programs like dental care or childcare. This is about exercising fiscal restraint to ensure that we can continue to invest in Canadians and our economy for years to come. We have done this since 2015 and will continue to work within our means while investing in Canadians when they need us most.
Read more about our fiscal plan here.
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Call for Applications for the Teachers Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy
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The Library of Parliament is now accepting applications for the 25th edition of the Teachers Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy which is set to take place from 3 to 8 November 2024.
The Teachers Institute brings 85 educators from across Canada to Ottawa to learn about Canadian parliamentary democracy, governance and citizenship. The Teachers Institute is hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Speaker of the Senate, and the Library of Parliament. It is an exciting professional development opportunity that offers an in-depth view of parliament to help teachers bring this knowledge back into their classrooms.
Learn more and apply by May 5th, 2024 here! Please share far and wide with teachers who you think might benefit from this program.
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Call to Action: Building Community Resilience
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Across our country, we are seeing an alarming rise in hatred toward minority groups. It is affecting the safety and wellbeing of far too many. As Canadians, this is not what we stand for and we must ensure it does not become the norm.
Recently, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion, Hon. Kamal Khera, announced that our government is allocating $3 million towards a new Building Community Resilience Call to Action. Organizations can now apply for funding to aid in local initiatives and events that work to bring communities together.
Diversity is our strength. It is what makes us Canadian and it is crucial we never lose sight of that. Together we can work to bridge divides to build a stronger, more united and safer Canada.
Learn more about this new initiative here.
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