Dear Friends,
We’re pushing forward on our plan to give families across Canada access to $10 a day early learning and child care. Not only to give kids across Canada the best possible start in life, but to create jobs, grow the middle class, and help parents get back into the workforce.
The latest announcement with the Government of Alberta was yet another important step towards realizing an affordable Canada-wide early learning and child care system. Now, with more than nine provinces and territories having signed agreements, Ontario is the only province yet to sign an agreement. We’re already on track to provide affordable child care to more than half of Canada’s children - a real game changer for millions of families across the country!
Together, we will get the job done and build a Canada-wide child care system that works for everyone.
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Scarborough's Own Farmer/Soldier
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| We literally breathe the breath of freedom because of the soldiers like Lieutenant Leslie Miller. He collected acorns in France and planted them on his Scarborough farm 100 years ago. The descendants of those acorns are planted across the country at significant military sites like the Guild Inn. On November 2018, the saplings of those acorns were repatriated to Vimy as a living memorial for the fallen. |
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This photo was taken in 2018
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Leslie Miller was a veteran of the First World War who fought at Vimy Ridge. Following the battle, Miller gathered acorns from a fallen oak tree and had them planted. The remainder of the wood lot is behind the Chinese Baptist Church on Miliken Avenue.
Monty McDonald, a friend of Miller, visited Vimy Ridge in 2004 but could not find any mature oak trees.
In partnership with the Vimy Foundation, McDonald aimed to have these oak trees returned to the Vimy area. Today, 120 trees are growing in the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park. Well done Monty!
Read the story here: Link
See Monty McDonald's Presentation about the Vimy Oaks here: https://johnmckay.libparl.ca/2021/11/12/monty-mcdonalds-mission-to-bring-oaks-back-to-vimy/
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Lest We Forget.
From Vimy Ridge to the Gulf War, Canadians have served courageously at home and abroad. We commemorate the millions of Canadians who have served or who are currently serving in uniform. Their sacrifices will not be forgotten.
It was a privilege to attend the ceremony hosted by the Toronto Zoo. |
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On November 4, 2021 Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities in Scarborough Guildwood and across the world celebrated Diwali.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an event that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. |
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Anniversary of Birth Guru Nanak Dev Ji
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Sikhs in Canada and around the world will celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and first Sikh Guru. It celebrates his life and his teachings of unity, equality, selfness and service. We also take this opportunity to recognize the contributions of Sikh community to build a strong and inclusive Canada. Happy Gurpurab to everyone celebrating!
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International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
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December 2nd marks the date of the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others. On this day and every day, we highlight the importance eradicating slavery in all its forms, including forced marriage, human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
In the last Parliament Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne and I introduced the Modern Slavery Act in the Senate and in the House of Commons. We were supported by the All-Party Parliamentarian Group (APPG) to End Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.
The Modern Slavery Act requires companies to report on the measures they are taking to prevent and reduce forced labour or child labour in their supply chains. The Act will also allow for a prohibition on the importation of products that are produced wholly or in part by forced labour or child labour. The adoption of this legislation will help to implement Canada’s international obligation to ensure that supply chains are free of the scourge of slavery.
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| Hanukkah, known also as the Festival of Lights is a time to cherish with our family and loved ones. |
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COVID-19 Financial Support Update
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Canada's three recovery programs were launched in September 2020 to replace the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), alongside the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB), expired on October 23, 2021. The final payments from these benefits will be issued in the coming weeks.
However, the Liberal government is taking targeted action to create jobs and spur economic growth, which we very much hope and believe is the final pivot in delivering the support needed to ensure a robust recovery-for everyone.
To make sure that businesses that are still deeply affected by the pandemic get the support they need, we are proposing the following changes to business support programs:
- Extending the Canada Recovery Hiring program until May 7, 2022, for eligible employers with current revenue losses above 10 per cent and increasing the subsidy rate to 50 per cent.
- Delivering targeted support to businesses that are still facing significant pandemic-related challenges. Support would be available through two streams:
- Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program
- This program would provide support through the wage and rent subsidy programs, to hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, and restaurants, in keeping with our promise to Canadians in the last election, with a subsidy rate of up to 75 per cent.
- Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program
- This program would provide support through the wage and rent subsidy programs, to other businesses that have faced deep losses, with a subsidy rate of up to 50 per cent.
- These programs will be available until May 7, 2022, with the proposed subsidy rates available through to March 13, 2022. From March 13, 2022, to May 7, 2022, the subsidy rates will decrease by half. Both streams will be subject to new eligibility requirements.
To ensure that workers continue to have support and that no one is left behind, our government is proposing:
- Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit
- This program would provide $300 a week in income support to eligible workers should they be unable to work due to a local lockdown anytime between October 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022.
- Canada Recovery Benefit and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit will be extended until May 7, 2022.
- These programs will increase the maximum duration of benefits by 2 weeks: extending the caregiving benefit from 42 to 44 weeks and the sickness benefit from 4 to 6 weeks.
With these changes, our government is supporting the hardest-hit sectors and those who are affected by the virus while recognizing that broad-based assistance is no longer needed. These changes will continue to prioritize job creation and a strong economic recovery. |
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COVID-19 Vaccine Update and Announcement
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As of November 11, 2021, over 59 million vaccine doses have been administered across Canada, and as of November 11, 2021, over 66 million vaccine doses have been delivered to provinces and territories. 85% of Canadians are fully vaccinated and 89% of Canadians have received their first dose.
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To find out when you are eligible to book your second dose appointment, click here.
There are several ways to eligible individuals can receive their first and second dose vaccines in Scarborough-Guildwood.
- Book with the Ontario-wide portal, visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or call 1‑833‑943‑3900.
- Call to book with your local pharmacy here.
- You can also book with the Scarborough Health Network, visit scarbvaccine.ca or call 416-495-2593
- Find your nearest clinic here.
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The Scarborough COVID-19 Vaccine Team is now administering boosters (3rd doses) by appointment only. These are the certain groups that are eligible to get their booster shot:
- Individuals aged 70 and over
- Health care workers and designated essential caregivers in congregate settings
- Individuals who received a complete series of a viral vector vaccine (two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine or one dose of the Janssen vaccine)
- First Nation, Inuit and Metis adults and their non-Indigenous household members
Booster doses for these groups must occur at least 6 months after their last dose.
Eligible individuals can book an appointment today at www.ScarbVaccine.ca |
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The Prime Minister announced vaccines for children aged 5-11. It is clear that vaccination is our path out of this crisis. Last week, Pfizer submitted their full regulatory package to Health Canada for their vaccine for children. If and when this vaccine is approved by experts at Health Canada, our Liberal government will be ready to help get our kids vaccinated from the virus.
The Prime Minister announced that the Liberal government has reached an agreement with Pfizer to receive enough doses of their kids' COVID-19 vaccine for every single child from 5-11. The doses will become available once Health Canada approves Pfizer's submission. |
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SHN Pop-Up Vaccine Clinics
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| There are many opportunities to get vaccinated this week at a Scarborough Health Network pop-up vaccination clinic. For more information, visit www.ScarbVaccine.ca |
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Visited the Scarborough Women's Centre with Minister Marci Ien
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| Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien and I visited the Scarborough Women's Centre. In April, the Scarborough Women's Centre received $28,000 from the Federal Government to address gender-based violence through supports, crisis intervention, and drop-in services. Thank you to Lynda Kosowan for letting us visit. |
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| Spectacular lightshow from the city of Toronto and The Guild. Big Art Toronto created by OCAD University Students in Guild Park. |
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Scarborough Business Association: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taining
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Annual Toronto Auxiliary Police Toy Drive
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The toys will be accepted until December 14th at the 43 Division.
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The Guild Festival Theatre has been presenting their INspiration:OUTside performance for audiences.
The Guild Festival Theatre will be at the Clark Centre for the Arts on Saturday's and Sundays until November 21st.
Book your free ticket through the City of Toronto: |
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| After you click the above link, use the menu to find the code for each performance of INspiration:OUTside and register on efun.toronto.ca |
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Who's Hiring in Scarborough
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The East Scarborough Storefront has compiled this week's list of all the available jobs in Scarborough.
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| Metrolinx is also hiring for several positions. View their job opportunities below. |
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| The East Scarborough Storefront has compiled a list of food banks and food relief programs in our community. |
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As of October 30, 2021, your COVID-19 proof of vaccination needs to be shown for all:
- air passengers flying on domestic or international flights departing from airports in Canada
- rail passengers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains
- marine passengers on non-essential passenger vessels, such as cruise ships, on voyages of 24 hours or more.
For more information, visit the Boarding flights, trains and cruise ships in Canada page.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced that, in collaboration with provinces and territories, a standardized Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination is now available to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon, and will be available in the other provinces soon. This standardized proof wills support Canada's new traveler vaccination requirements that are stated above.
The standardized proof of vaccination is designed to protect privacy and share COVID-19 vaccination information safely. The information on the proof of vaccination is limited to:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- a neutral, factual account of the holder's COVID-19 vaccination history, including
- the number of doses
- the vaccine type(s), product name(s) and lot number(s)
- the dates they got their vaccinations
- a QR code that includes the vaccination history and may include additional information on the COVID-19 vaccines received
You can find more information about proof of vaccine at: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination | COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Ontario. |
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Check out the following immigration related resources:
Need further resources? My office is happy to assist you with immigration matters by phone at 416-283-1226 or by email at [email protected].
If you are a resident of Scarborough-Guildwood seeking assistance with a federal service or program, please provide the following:
- Your full name;
- Address, including postal code;
- Telephone number;
- File number
- Date of birth
- Brief summary of your situation
If the matter is time-sensitive, then please call the office directly at 416-283-1226. If we are unable to answer your call immediately, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call as soon as we can.
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Read my most recent interviews here:
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My office looks forward to connect with you about all federal matters by phone at 416-283-1226 or by email at [email protected]. We will return all calls and emails.
If this is the first update you have seen, and you would like to be included on all future communications, please click here.
Sincerely,
Hon. John McKay, P.C.,
Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Guildwood |
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