The snow has marked the beginning of the holiday season. I'm wishing you and your family the happiness, joy, and warmth in these upcoming festive celebrations and fast approaching New Year.
Tomorrow marks the start of the Canada-wide Tax Break. From December 14th, 2024, until February 15th, 2025, all essentials will be exempt from GST/HST, giving our communities the needed relief to buy what we need and save for what we want. Groceries, children's clothing, footwear, and more - all tax-free.
These last two weeks have been busy ones and I am excited to share with you the steps our government has taken within our community and the latest federal updates.
Find more information on those updates and open federal funding grants 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 March, I seconded my colleague MP Anthony Housefather’s motion for the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights to study antisemitism in Canada. This was an urgent piece of legislative work given the shocking rise in antisemitic hatred and violence targeting at the Jewish community.
We heard from 23 witnesses and received over 78 briefs from Jewish organizations and community leadership. Both the oral and written submissions from witnesses are consistent and clear: antisemitism in Canada is running rampant, and more needs to be done to combat it.
On Tuesday, the report was tabled in Parliament. It includes 19 recommendations addressed to the federal, provincial, and municipal governments on what measures they should take to ensure the safety of Jewish Canadians.
I would like to thank all witnesses who appeared before the committee and, in particular, the Jewish students who showed such courage in relaying their experiences with antisemitism on their university campuses and communities.
I look forward to working with all levels of government, stakeholders and communities to implement the recommendations in the report. By doing so, we make Canada stronger and one step closer to being free from hate. The full report can be found here.
Last week, I spoke on a panel at the Toronto Real Estate Forum along side Liuna Canada’s Joseph Mancinelli, Dr Gervan Fearon from George Brown College and Colin Lynch from TD Bank. Some of the topics discussed were how to build a skilled, productive workforce that can help close the housing gap in Canada, how Canada's immigration policy can be adapted to meet these labour needs, and how they can come together to work towards our government's goal of ensuring every Canadian can afford a home.
I want to thank organizers for the kind invitation for this opportunity to share and exchange dialogue on such a topical subject.
I was honoured to announce federal funding through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to support ICFF’s mission of highlighting the best in international film and driving tourism to our fantastic city of Toronto. Thank you for having me, ICFF!
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! What a perfect way to celebrate one of the first snows of the season by joining Fairbank Village BIA's lighting of the Christmas tree with Santa and friends. Thank you Elvis, for also stopping by to join us!
A national strike and lockout measures have been ongoing since November 15, 2024.
On November 27, 2024, a special mediator made the decision to temporarily suspend mediation to allow the parties to reassess their positions in order to properly return to the bargaining table with the intention of reaching an agreement.
Today, the Minister of Labour announced that the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) will be assessing the parties and the likelihood of reaching negotiated agreements by December 31, 2024.
If CIRB determines that it is unlikely that parties will reach an agreement in that time, it will decide to extend the agreements and order Canada Post and CUPW to resume and continue their operations until May 22, 2025.
The Minister of Labour will appoint an Industrial Inquiry Commission (IIC) to examine the issues and provide recommendations by May 15, 2025.
Look at the Ministers statement here.
Earlier this week, the Bank of Canada lowered its overnight rate for the fifth time this year, making a 50-basis point cut. The overnight rate is now 3.25%.
Our government's plan is creating the economic conditions for interest rates to come down. The Bank of Canada’s decision to lower interest rates is welcome news and a relief for Canadians just in time for the holiday season.
Read the statement here.
Our government has announced that 324 assault-style firearms are now prohibited in Canada. Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and Minister of National Defence have announced that our government is moving forward with stronger regulatory measures to ensure that firearms in the market are accounted for and to strengthen measures combatting gender-based violence.
Through Bill C-21, we are taking concrete steps to tackle gun violence and organized crime in Canada.
An amnesty order has been introduced, expiring on October 30, 2025, that will allow Indigenous Peoples exercising a right under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, as well as those who use firearms for sustenance hunting, to continue to use their now prohibited firearms to hunt until a suitable replacement can be found. Read more about the regulations here.
In addition, our government is taking concrete steps with Canada Border Services Agency to support and enforce compliance with Canada’s border laws, taking action against those in violation. Keeping Canadians safe is keeping North America safe.
Take a look at our 2024 Review on what CBSA has done this past year here.
Did you know that one in eight women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime?
Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women living in Canada. It touches the lives of many individuals and families. That is why the Minister of Health announced $545 000 to fund two initiatives that will raise awareness and further research in breast cancer screening.
The Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health will receive $295 000. It will be invested into generating better data to advance breast cancer screening practices in Canada. This includes research into breast cancer screening participation, cancer treatments, and more.
The Canadian Cancer Society will receive $250 000 to spread awareness through campaigning to provide those who may be at risk with important information about breast cancer screening. The campaign will target women across all provinces and territories.
Our government’s investment into the healthcare of women will provide a clearer understanding of the diverse breast cancer needs of Canadians.
Read more here.
The efforts of Canadians have made a significant impact in bending the emissions curve; growing our economy while cutting pollution. This commitment is creating good jobs, reducing costs for families, and building a stable economy for our future generations. Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions are at their lowest in 27 years.
Under the Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, we are building Canada’s ambitious new target to reduce emissions by 45-50%. This is a vital milestone in our path to net zero by 2050 and a greener, more prosperous future.
Our government's 2035 target reflects the best science, Indigenous knowledge, and expert advice. Read more about our plan here.
2024 celebrated the 75th anniversary of friendly bilateral relations between Canada and the Philippines, as well as the 126th anniversary of Philippine Independence.
The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa hosted a question panel regarding the relations between Canada and the Philippines moving forward on a variety of topics. Many officials and professionals came together to discuss several issues and resolutions.
I was invited to sit on the panel for Labour and Migration, having served previously as Minister of Immigration and Minister of Public Safety. As co-chair of the Canada-Philippines Interparliamentary Friendship Group, I was honoured to attend and witness our two countries coming together to discuss the importance that Filipino-Canadians play in Canada's economy.
Canada Summer Jobs funding applications are open!
Our government supports the CSJ program for youth every year, ensuring that they acquire new skills, build confidence, and explore their career interests.
This program plays a vital role for young people working to find their place in their communities while also helping organizations hire additional support over the summer months. Open to not-for-profit, public sector, and private sector employers, they are able to apply to receive funding to hire young Canadians next summer.
Take a look at the national priorities for CSJ, as well as eligibility criteria here.
Applications close December 19, 2025 at 11:59PM PST.
Youth are struggling from today's pressures stemming from a variety of issues ranging from the pressures of social media, affordability, and climate change to name just a few. Canada’s youth are our future, and it is crucial that they have the services and supports in their community from organizations they trust.
Last week, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, launched a call for proposals under the Youth Mental Health Fund. Organizations can apply for funding to increase access to mental health care for young people across Canada.
These community-based projects will expand access to supports and services to youth, underserved populations, and indigenous youth. Our government is committed to working with partners across Canada to ensure equitable access to mental health services. Learn more about the proposal here.
The deadline to submit a proposal is January 22, 2025, take a look at the applicant guide.
The best way to stop crime is before it even starts. Prevention is paramount.
That is why our government is expanding the National Crime Prevention Strategy to keep our streets and communities safe. With significant new funding for the Youth Gang Prevention Fund, Crime Prevention Action Fund, and the Northern and Indigenous Crime Prevention Fund, eligible organizations are now invited to apply for funding to help steer vulnerable youth away from a life of crime.
Applications are open now until December 20th, 2024. Start applying to the National Crime Prevention Strategy here.
Our government is continuing to invest in prevention and action funds to ensure that organized crime is being put to an end. Protecting vulnerable youth by supporting community-led crime prevention efforts remain our top priority in tackling organized crime at the root.
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| Mon: | 10AM-4PM |
| Tue: | 10AM-4PM |
| Wed: | 10AM-4PM |
| Thu: | 10AM-4PM |
| Fri: | 10AM-4PM |
| Sat: | Closed |
| Sun: | Closed |
