Thank you for enjoying the holiday season safely
Happy New Year! My family, team and I wish you great happiness, health and prosperity this year.
I want to thank the residents of Centennial for following the public health guidelines and enjoying the holiday season safely to ensure we stop the spread of COVID-19. As we move into the new year, it is critical that we continue to follow the public health guidelines set by the health care professionals
Being the voice of the people of Scarborough–Rouge Park is a great honour and responsibility that I take very seriously. It remains my goal to earn your trust and respect and make you proud that I am your elected representative. I pledge to always do my best and represent your interests as my top priority.
Spreading Christmas Spirit
Though we could not celebrate Christmas in person through our annual carolling sessions and holiday dinners, traditions must continue. Throughout December, I had the opportunity to take part in several community toy drives, including the Holiday Drive Through Gift Giveaway organized by the Malvern Christian Assembly and the Toy Drive organized by the Port Union Community Centre. I also visited the Toronto Zoo with Minister of Education Stephen Lecce to drop off some toys to support their toy drive.
I was also excited to support Coach John with some sports equipment to promote active living in Scarborough–Rouge Park. I was happy to spread the Christmas spirit to seniors by providing them with a hot meal they can enjoy while following public health guidelines.
Additional Hospital Beds
In order to increase capacity in Scarborough hospitals, I am proud to announce that the Scarborough Health Network received nearly $12 million for 45 hospital beds and eight additional critical care beds. This includes 20 beds at the Birchmount Hospital and 25 beds at the Centenary Hospital. This investment will ensure that our hospitals are well equipped to support Scarborough residents during these difficult times.
Grants to Small Businesses
I have spoken to many local business owners and understand the impact that COVID-19 has had on their businesses.
The new Ontario Small Business Support Grant, will provide a minimum of $10,000 and up to $20,000 to eligible small business owners to help navigate this challenging period. Eligible small businesses include those that:
- Are required to close or significantly restrict services subject to the province-wide shutdown effective 12:01 a.m. on December 26;
- Have fewer than 100 employees at the enterprise level; and
- Have experienced a minimum of 20 percent revenue decline in April 2020 compared to April 2019.
Renew Driver’s Licence Online
The Ontario government is making it easier to renew your driver’s licence. I strongly encourage residents of Scarborough–Rouge Park to renew their driver’s licence and licence plate stickers online at serviceontario.ca, especially if you need to travel outside Ontario for essential purposes this winter.
Support for Learners
I have heard from many of my constituents that COVID-19 has placed an additional education expense on their families. That is why our government has launched the new Support for Learners program to provide financial relief to families facing additional expenses. Parents will once again receive a payment of $200 per child 12 and under and $250 per child 21 and under with special needs. Applications will remain open until January 15, 2021.
Ready to Serve You
I look forward to speaking to you again soon. My office and I are always here to help. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to my office email at vijay.thanigasalam@pc.ola.org or call 416-283-8448.