John McKay
Hon. John McKay
Member of Parliament for Scarborough—Guildwood
August 4, 2023 Newsletter
August 8, 2023

 

Dear Friends,

August 1st, we commemorated Emancipation Day, recognizing the abolition of slavery in Canada and acknowledging the injustices faced by the victims of this gross human rights violation. This day serves as a powerful reminder that the scourge of slavery still exists in the 21st century - It's wrong, unconscionable, and demands action.

In May, a significant milestone was achieved with the passing of Bill S-211, co-sponsored by Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne and I, and supported by the APPG to End Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. Bill S-211 is a crucial step in Canada's fight against modern slavery, striving for a world free from the chains of exploitation.

On August 1st, the federal government launched the annual New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) Community-based stream 2023-2024 Call for proposals to invest in projects across Canada. I encourage everyone in our community to learn more about the NHSP and help make a difference in the lives of our seniors and our community.

On July 28th, the first payments of the enhanced Canada Workers Benefit were deposited in the bank accounts of nearly 4.2 million Canadians. With these enhancements, an eligible family can expect to receive up to $2,461. That’s more money back in their pockets to help with the cost of living.

Once again, I wish you and your family a beautiful and enjoyable summer.
 
 

Contents

 
  • Meeting with the Bike Mayor of Toronto
  • Guild Alive with Culture Arts Festival
  • Visit to Christ Church Scarborough Village
  • New Horizons for Seniors Program: Calls for Proposals
  • The Enhanced Canada Workers Benefit
  • Senior Benefits
  • My Annual Community Picnic & Volunteer Appreciation Event
  • SCHC's Mid-Scarborough HUB - Programs & Services
  • 22nd Annual Scarborough Ribfest
  • Security Infrastructure Program (SIP)
  • Canada Summer Youth Jobs
  • Who's Hiring
  • Immigrant Information
  • Connect with my Office
 
 
On July 21st, I met with the Bike Mayor of Toronto, Lanrick Bennett at my office in Scarborough Guildwood. We shared a very illuminating conversation about the past and future of transit in our city and in Scarborough in particular.

Many thanks for biking all the way up here to pay us a visit!
 
The annual Guild Alive with Culture Arts Festival was a success! I had a great time meeting with constituents in our community. Thank you to everyone who dropped by my information table and came out to support!
 
 
Earlier this month, I visited our local STEM camp held at Christ Church Scarborough Village.

This year, they have been able to employ 500 high school students and provide STEM education to 12,000 children across Canada. With the support of $1 million in federal funding, programs like STEM camp provide invaluable support in empowering the next generation of young minds in Scarborough-Guildwood.
 
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is an initiative from Employment and Social Development Canada.
 
On August 1st, 2023, the Government of Canada launched the annual NHSP Community-based stream 2023-2024 Call for proposals to invest in projects across Canada.
Organizations will have a total of 6 weeks to submit their applications, starting from August 1 to September 14, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. EST.
 
Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding for 1 year. This year, over 3,000 NHSP projects across the country will be funded by the Canadian government.
 
For more information on how to apply, visit: About the New Horizons for Seniors Program
 

On July 28, the the first payment of the enhanced Canada Workers Benefit was deposited in people’s bank accounts – providing up to $2,461 this year for a family of our lowest paid – and very often most essential –workers. This benefit will also now be delivered in quarterly payments!

For information, visit: Low-income workers to receive first enhanced Canada Workers Benefit payments  - Canada.ca

 
 
My Annual Community Picnic and Volunteer Appreciation Event will be taking place on Saturday, September 9th. All are invited. If you intend to come, please RSVP [email protected].

When: Saturday, September 9th from 12PM to 3PM
Where: St. Margaret's Parkette on 4138 Lawrence Avenue East
 
Volunteer Appreciation Award - Nominations Due on Wednesday, August 23rd

I am happy to announce my Volunteer Appreciation Award. This award honours the service of an individual who has gone the extra mile, takes initiative, and serves as a positive role model within the Scarborough-Guildwood community.

A maximum of 15 recipients will be presented with an award. The committee will ensure diversity of gender, age, ethnicity and fields of accomplishment in their selection of recipients.

If you would like to participate, please provide me with the name of one exemplary volunteer from your organization, as you would like it to appear on their scroll of recognition, as well as some information about why they are to be recognized.

Selected volunteers will be presented with their certificate and pin at my Annual McKay Community Picnic on Saturday, September 9th at 1 PM.

Please complete the exemplary volunteer nomination form before August 23rd: https://forms.gle/QVgRXxKsGppdmX8u5

 
For more information on Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (SCHC) 's Mid-Scarborough HUB - Services and Programs, visit: Mid-Scarborough Hub - Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (schcontario.ca)

Visit the HUB Calendar for local community events and classes! Events from August 25 – August 30 – Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (schcontario.ca)
 

The 22nd annual Scarborough Ribfest will kick off on Friday, August 4th and run until August 7th at Thomson Park

This year, 9 ribbers will be serving up their specialties including beef and pork ribs and chicken, along with cornbread and beans. Other vendors will be serving delicious treats from around the world.

The carnival will be back with rides, games, and more vendors in the craft area as you enter the event!

 
 

The Federal government is taking action to prevent hate-motivated crime and keep our community gathering spaces safe.

That is why on June 28th, 2023, Minister Mendicino launched the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) 2023 Call for Applications. This round will allocate $5 million in funding, and will accept applications until August 31, 2023. SIP funds up to 50% of the cost of security equipment up to a maximum of $100,000 per project.

Organizations can apply directly on Public Safety Canada’s website: Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program (SIP).

 
Young Canadians are a powerful engine for our economy. That’s why our government is working with employers across the country to help them find meaningful, quality jobs.

If you are between the ages of 15 and 30, visit jobbank.gc.ca/youth and the Job Bank mobile app to search for jobs available in your community.
 
We are creating job opportunities, and giving young Canadians the tools and opportunities they need to build successful careers!
 

Who's Hiring

East Scarborough Storefront List
Government of Canada Job Bank
 

Immigration Information

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.

IRCC has rolled out new and better ways to keep applicants informed about their case files. This includes launching new online case status trackers for applicants in Citizenship and Family Sponsorship programs. We encourage you to check this link: Check your application status – Immigration and citizenship - Canada.ca.
 

Connect with my Office

My office looks forward to connecting 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.

Please contact one of the following agencies based on the nature of your inquiry:
 
For CRA inquiries, please contact 1-800-959-8281.
 
For Service Canada/EI inquiries, please contact the department at 1-800-206-7218. You may also complete a service request form: https://eservices.canada.ca/en/service/
 
For IRCC inquiries, please contact the department at 1-888-242-2100 or visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/contact-ircc.html

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
 
Main office - Scarborough (Virtual and Appointments Only)
3785 Kingston Road Suite 10
Scarborough, Ontario
M1J 3H4

Telephone:
416-283-1226

Fax:
416-283-7935
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Hill Office
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

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