Ambitious legislation will help keep Canadians safer
I want to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. As we come together with our loved ones to share a meal and give thanks, let us not forget to reach out to those less fortunate.
Having worked on bail reform in my previous role, I was pleased to join my colleagues in passing Bill C-48 on our first day back in the House of Commons. This was one piece of our ambitious legislative agenda and will make a real difference in keeping Canadians and their communities safe.
New Federal Action on Housing
Finding an affordable home has become much harder for students who rent, families who own, or those looking to buy their first house. On September 14, the federal government announced new actions to build affordable rental housing and to cut red tape standing in the way of sorely needed projects:
- Build more rental homes by removing GST on the construction of apartment buildings for renters, while encouraging provinces to do the same. This will apply to apartment buildings, student housing, and senior residences built as long-term rentals.
- A $4 billion Housing Accelerator Fund distributed to cities in exchange for cutting red tape and building homes with the goal of building at least 100,000 units.
- Requiring cities to build apartments near public transit as a condition to access the Housing Accelerator Fund.
The housing crisis requires action on multiple fronts, and we will implement additional measures in the coming months.
Reforestation along Rouge River
Canada is not immune to the global impact of climate change and the heavy toll it takes on lives, property and infrastructure. I was pleased to announce $140,000 of federal funding to reforest the Rouge River area and prevent flooding and soil erosion in Scarborough‒Rouge Park and the GTA.
The funding will go to the Friends of the Rouge Watershed, which will train students and community volunteers to plant 31,500 native trees on 12 hectares of parklands by the Rouge River. This will be completed by March 2025, and will greatly improve water and air quality, biodiversity, animal habitats and public health.
Albert Jackson Processing Centre
Last month, I attended the grand opening of Canada Post’s state-of-the-art Albert Jackson Processing Centre at 1395 Tapscott Road. This new centre will be able to process more than a million packages daily at full capacity, greatly enhancing mail service and e-commerce in Scarborough and the GTA. The processing centre is also Canada Post’s first zero-carbon building thanks to its rooftop solar panels and efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning. The new centre was named after Albert Jackson, Canada’s first Black letter carrier, and will preserve a legacy of inclusion and equality in the workplace.
Extending CEBA Repayment Deadline
To support small businesses and their workers, our government has extended the loan repayment deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account program by one year, from December 31, 2023, to January 18, 2024. Businesses meeting this new deadline will qualify for up to 33% loan forgiveness.
You’re Invited: Fall Walk 2023
Fall is the season of renewal, and each year, the Rouge National Urban Park transforms into a beautiful tapestry of red, orange and gold. Join me in taking in these enchanting sights at a Fall Walk guided by Parks Canada staff.
Date: Sunday, October 15
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Twin Rivers Day Use Area (55 Twyn Rivers Dr, Scarborough)
Please RSVP at tiny.cc/SRP-RSVP