Ensuring Canadians remain safe and healthy
As the Canadian economy begins to gradually restart, the Government of Canada remains committed to working closely with our provincial, territorial and municipal counterparts to ensure Canadians remain safe and healthy, and have access to the support they need during these challenging times.
Safe Restart Agreement
On July 16, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a federal investment of more than $19 billion to help provinces and territories begin to safely restart their local economies over the next six to eight months, and make our country more resilient to potential future waves of the virus.
This Safe Restart Agreement includes investments in seven priority areas:
- Helping municipalities deliver key services ($2 billion + $1.8 billion for Public Transit);
- Increasing testing and contract tracing ($4.3 billion);
- Additional support for provincial and territorial health-care systems, including challenges related to mental health, substance abuse and homelessness ($1.2 billion);
- Securing personal protective equipment for frontline health-care workers and businesses ($7.5 billion);
- Supporting the most vulnerable, including seniors in long-term care facilities and nursing homes ($740 million);
- Ensuring safe childcare is available so parents can return to work ($625 million);
- Supporting people who do not have paid sick leave ($1.1 billion).
Disability Tax Credit, One-Time Payment
Although this pandemic has impacted all Canadians in one way or another, it has disproportionately affected some groups, notably Canadians with disabilities. From the beginning of the crisis, our government has taken a disability-inclusive approach to our emergency response.
Although we faced interference from opposition members, our government was finally able to put forward legislation that will provide a one-time, tax-free payment of $600 for Canadians with disabilities.
The deadline to apply for this payment is September 25. For more information and for assistance applying, please do not hesitate to contact my office (details below).
Office Reopening
As Scarborough-Rouge Park begins to reopen, so too has our office. Earlier in July, our office began resuming services in order to further serve the residents of Scarborough-Rouge Park. A number of new measures have been implemented to ensure the health and safety of all constituents and staff, including the wearing of a mask by all parties inside our office.
Our update hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, and to schedule an in-person appointment, you can contact our office via email or phone. Email: Gary.Anand@parl.gc.ca Phone: 416-283-1414
On a final note, I would like to thank the Centennial community for your continued efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and enhance the spread of joy and positivity throughout our community. From graduation car parades to countless volunteers stepping up to support those in need, the very best of Canada continues to shine brightly in Centennial.
As always, I encourage you to reach out to my office if we can be of any assistance.