We must remain vigilant in our actions
With summer approaching, the sun shining and the days getting warmer, it is becoming more and more tempting to go outside and engage in social activities. I want to thank all of you for your continued efforts to stay indoors, practise physical distancing and ensure the health and safety of our community. Although we are seeing a decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases, we must remain vigilant in our actions.
National Nursing Week
This May, we marked National Nursing Week. I would like to commend all the nurses here in Scarborough–Rouge Park for their hard work protecting our loved ones. From those working in local long-term care facilities like the Tony Stacey Centre for Veterans Care, Altamont Care Community, Extendicare Rouge Valley or Ehatare Nursing Home, to those in our hospitals and other facilities across the GTA, we are truly thankful for your tireless efforts to protecting our most vulnerable community members.
Support for Students
Students have been placed in a difficult position due to COVID-19, worrying about rent, tuition, or difficulty finding jobs. Our government will continue to support students as they navigate the academic world today and prepare to lead Canada forward tomorrow.
On Saturday, May 23 and Saturday May 30, our team hosted a series of virtual job fair events for local youth. During our events, youth had an opportunity to learn more about the fundamentals of resume writing, networking and building their personal brand. They also had an opportunity to meet with local employers who are part of the 2020 Canada Summer Jobs program.
This year, employers will have an opportunity to hire youth on a full-time or part-time basis from May 11, 2020 to Feb. 28, 2021. With more than 1,000 jobs for youth aged 15-30 here in Scarborough, there are plenty of new and exciting opportunities available for students during this difficult time. Visit https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/youth for more information about available jobs.
Finally for students, applications for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit are now open. Post-secondary students and recent graduates who are not eligible to apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit can receive $1,250 per month or $2,000 per month for eligible students with dependants or disabilities. The benefit will be available for students from May to August this year.
As always, my office is here to support you throughout these difficult times. If our office can be of any assistance to you or your family, please do not hesitate to contact us via email or telephone at Gary.Anand @parl.gc.ca or 416-283-1414.
On a final note, I would like to invite you to join me every Friday at 6:00 p.m. for our weekly COVID-19 town hall. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions you may have about COVID-19 and receive the latest updates about support measures from the federal government. Our weekly townhall airs online at: facebook.com/garyforsrp