Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Centennial!
I want to wish the Centennial community a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season filled with family, friends and optimism for the new year.
This December, I will be teaming up with the Deputy Mayor of the City of Toronto and my dear friend, Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, to host a community event welcoming the holidays. The event will be on December 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with additional details to follow. If you would like to join us, please RVSP at this link: Tiny.CC/SRP-RSVP or contact my office at 416-283-1414 or Gary.Anand@parl.gc.ca
Fall Economic Statement
Last month, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland outlined the 2022 Fall Economic Statement. We know that many Canadians are not only feeling the impacts of inflation through higher food and rent prices but are also anxious about what lies ahead. The new policies announced will build on existing affordability measures.
While I encourage you to read the Fall Economic Statement, I am pleased to highlight that we will permanently eliminate interest on Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans; create a new Canada Workers Benefit to help lower-income workers; and lower credit card transaction fees for small businesses.
Our government recognizes the challenges and opportunities approaching the Canadian economy, and will work to ensure Canada is prepared for what lies ahead.
Eliminating Interest on Student Loans
As mentioned above, we are taking new, permanent steps to reduce the burden of student loans on young Canadians by eliminating interest on the federal portion of Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans – saving the average borrower $410 a year.
We have also extended the grace period of repayment so that loans only need to be repaid once someone makes at least $40,000 a year; and doubled Canada Student Grants to provide students up to $6,000 to help with the cost of tuition, food and housing. Only by investing in young people today can we secure the future success of our country.
Addressing Children’s Medicine Shortage
Parents and caregivers have been struggling to find children’s medication due to an unprecedented demand for these products in the summer months and now with the arrival of winter.
To address this, Health Canada has secured tens of thousands of units of acetaminophen from Australia and ibuprofen from the United States. These imports will reach hospitals first but will soon be available in stores and pharmacies.
These products will continue to undergo strict testing for their quality, safety and efficacy. Health Canada is also working to ensure language requirements do not cause delays in getting these critical medications to Canadians.
In the meantime, we should only buy the pediatric medication that’s needed so all parents and caregivers can access the immediate medication needs of their sick children.
Remembrance Day
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we remember and honour the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country. It was an immense honour to lay a wreath on behalf of the Government of Canada and to pay my respects at Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Toronto Zoo, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 258, and the Tony Stacey Centre for Veterans Care.
From the decisive victory at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917 to our current assistance of Ukraine through Operation Unifier, Canadian soldiers have served with distinction and valour through times of great danger and uncertainty. I join Scarborough – Rouge Park in expressing my sincerest gratitude to our soldiers, veterans, military families, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for Canada’s values and freedoms.