Since my last update, it has been a busy past two weeks as we celebrated the beginning of the high holidays and enjoyed the Thanksgiving long weekend with our loved ones. I have been out and about with our Italian community, there today for the opening of LiUNA's new headquarters in Vaughan, attending services for the High Holidays, and much more. In this update, I have much to share on what I have been up to as well as some important updates from the federal government.
Notably, inflation has dropped once again to 1.6 per cent, which marks the first time since February 2021 that the Consumer Price Index is below the Bank of Canada’s 2% target. This is good news for consumers and for the economy. It indicates our economic plan is working to stabilize prices and make life more affordable.
I also want to highlight that on October 15th, the Canada Carbon Rebate landed in the bank accounts of millions of Canadians. This year, a family of four in Ontario will receive $1,120. Putting a price on pollution puts more money in the pockets of Canadians and the majority of people get more back than what they pay, because average Canadians are not among our top polluters. Good climate policy is good economic policy.
Find more information on these updates and more below. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns related to federal matters by emailing my office at [email protected] or by calling 416-781-5583.
Warm regards,
Hon. Marco Mendicino, P.C.
Member of Parliament for Eglinton-Lawrence
Last week, I stood in solidarity with the Jewish community on the first anniversary of the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks. I joined in mourning with community members, listened to survivors’ testimony, prayed for the release of hostages, and reaffirmed my support for Israel and the Jewish people.
Thank you to UJA Federation of Toronto for holding such a meaningful event and bringing the community together.
Jewish parents should not have to fear for their children’s safety when sending them to school, nor should teachers when doing their job. Through the Security Infrastructure Program, our government is providing funding to religious and community organizations who are at risk of, or who have experienced hate-motivated crimes.
Schools should be safe places for children to learn and grow. That is why our government has provided funding to various schools in Eglinton-Lawrence to enhance their security. Over the past two weeks, I have had the opportunity to visit two recipients of this funding: Bialik Hebrew Day School and Associated Hebrew Schools. During my visits I saw first hand how this funding will support security measures to protect students, teachers, and staff.
To learn more about CCSP, the newly launched and enhanced SIP program, click here.
Check your bank account: The Canada Carbon Rebate went out to millions of Canadians on October 15th. This year, a family of four in Ontario will receive $1,120.
Good climate policy is good economic policy. The Canada Carbon Rebate works by putting a price on pollution while returning those costs back to the consumer. Thereby incentivizing more environmentally friendly choices while putting more money back the pockets of middle to low income Canadians.
Unions and unionized workers built the middle-class and fought hard for Canada's labour standards. Today, I was honoured to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new LiUNA 183 headquarters in Vaughan.
This grand opening is a testament to the strength, integrity and relentless work ethic of LiUNA Canada. Congratulations to Joe Mancinelli, Jack Oliveira and the entire LiUNA Family!
LiUNA and all unions will always have a staunch ally in this government.
Last night, I joined the Italian Consul General Zelioli for the showcase of Italian contemporary artists, Anna Romanello and Mario Martinelli. Their timeless pieces explore history, symbols and the passage of time. The exhibition will continue at the Columbus Centre until November 13th, 2024 and I would highly recommend taking the time to check it out if you are able.
This week I met with the Filipino Consul General, Angelica Escalona and her team alongside Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Hon. François-Philippe Champagne. We discussed trade, foreign credential recognition and sustainable development as our shared priorities.
Together, we are strengthening the relationship between Canada and the Philippines.
Chag Sukkot Sameach! This week, I had the opportunity to attend services at Holy Blossom and join the community for Kiddush in the synagogue’s beautiful Sukkah. Thank you, Rabbi Splansky and the community, for having me!
Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced that Canada has listed Samidoun, also known as the Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code.
Samidoun has been involved in numerous incidents of antisemitism, threatening the safety of the Jewish community and the security of Canada as a whole. This designation is a crucial step in keeping our communities safe, providing the RCMP with additional tools to support criminal investigations and disrupt activities that pose a threat to public safety. Find more information on the decision here.
Our government has launched a comprehensive housing plan to help more Canadians become homeowners, support renters, build more housing, incentivize cities and provinces to cut red tape when it comes to zoning and regulatory barriers, and much more. We're working to build 4 million new homes across the country to provide more supply and drive down costs.
Just this week our government announced further mortgage reforms to make it easier for homeowners to gently increase density by adding secondary suites to their homes. Starting January 15th, 2025, homeowners will be able to refinance their mortgage to help cover the cost of renovations.
We are also growing the number of underused federal properties to be used for building new homes. Last week, 14 new federal properties were added to the list, making a total of 70 across the country to be converted into homes through the Canada Public Land Bank. This initiative will result in 250,000 new homes across the country.
More information on these announcements, as well as other measures to unlock vacant lands for future homes can be found here.
October is Small Business Month, and as such I want to share a few of the ways our government is working to support them. Small businesses are the backbones of our economy and the heart of our communities.
That is why tomorrow, on October 19th, our government's agreement with Visa and Mastercard to lower credit card interchange fees by 27% will take effect. This change will save small businesses thousands annually.
Additionally, by the end of the year nearly 600,000 businesses will begin benefiting from the Canada Carbon Rebate. Find out more about these new supports and more here.
Cybercriminals have stolen more than 1 billion user records in global data breaches this year alone. As artificial intelligence and other disruptive technologies advance, so too does the ability of hackers to exploit systems and manipulate users.
Cyber criminals are adapting. That is why this year's theme is Generation Cyber Safe: Because online security knows no age. Online security affects all Canadians and every generation has its own unique strengths when it comes to staying safe online.
Tips for staying safe online:
Learn more about Cyber Security Awareness Month and ways to stay safe online here.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is collecting feedback to help improve and modernize their service. There is a lot of work to do and much to improve on. The CRA provides essential services for Canadians and your input will help identify key areas for improvement.
Please submit your feedback here. The questionnaire will close on December 2nd, 2024.
The Foundation for Black Canadians (FFBC) has launched its second call for proposals under the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund.
Since endorsing the International Decade for People of African Descent, the Government of Canada has committed up to $872 million to Black-focused initiatives—from racial justice to entrepreneurship to economic dignity. By investing in Black-led and Black-serving organizations across the country, the federal government is addressing the long-standing barriers to social and economic inclusion that Black communities face.
The registration period for this call for proposals is open from now until November 8, 2024. Eligible organizations could receive up to $200,000 in funding.
Learn more and apply here.
The National Autism Network has officially launched. This network is intended to bring together the skills and resources of autism organizations and stakeholders, including people with lived experience, to implement the the Framework for Autism in Canada and Canada’s Autism Strategy to advance the health care and well-being of Autistic people in Canada.
The network will work to develop and implement initiatives that support the following priorities:
Eligible organizations will receive funding to establish and lead the National Autism Network. Learn more and apply here.
I want to share a great effort put forward by the City of Toronto to protect the environment and our biodiversity. The city has launched the PollinateTO program with a deadline coming up Monday.
PollinateTO provides support for projects that directly result in the creation of publicly-visible pollinator habitats in Toronto. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led projects that create a new pollinator garden or rain garden, expand or enhance an existing garden by adding native pollinator-friendly plants or convert a lawn area, boulevard or hard surface to a pollinator garden.
Applications are open until October 21st, 2024 at this link.
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| Mon: | 10AM-4PM |
| Tue: | 10AM-4PM |
| Wed: | 10AM-4PM |
| Thu: | 10AM-4PM |
| Fri: | 10AM-4PM |
| Sat: | Closed |
| Sun: | Closed |
