Let’s not give up on our common fight against COVID-19
I hope you have all had a pleasant Thanksgiving. Let’s enjoy this beautiful fall season before the cold of winter. As we navigate our way through this second wave and new restrictions in Scarborough, let’s not give up on our common fight against COVID-19.
Download the COVID Alert App
I kindly encourage everyone to download the COVID Alert App, which is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself, your loved ones and our community. More than 4.5 million fellow Canadians have already done it. The app is free to download in Apple and Google app stores, easy to use, and safe, while protecting your privacy and personal information.
Mental Health is Health
I am proud to announce that our government is investing $176 million to help expand access for critical mental health and addictions support during COVID-19:
ConnexOntario
for Adults
1-866-531-2600
Connexontario.ca
Bounce
Back for 15+
1-866-345-0224
Bouncebackontario.ca
Kids
Help Phone for under 15
1-800-668-6868
Kidshelpphone.ca
Post-Secondary
Students
1-866-925-5454
Or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
Flu Shot
If you haven’t done so already, I encourage everyone, young and old, to get a flu shot to immunize our population and reduce emergency department visits and wait times, and preserve hospital capacity for any surges in COVID-19 patients. The shots are available through family doctor and nurse practitioner offices, public health units and participating pharmacies. Let’s help to keep Ontarians safe.
Supporting Local Businesses
The Ontario government will make $300 million available to help affected businesses with their fixed costs such as property taxes and energy bills in an effort to mitigate the adverse impact felt. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we will always have their backs. To ensure that our businesses can bounce back stronger than ever, the government has also introduced the Main Street Recovery Act, which if passed will provide small businesses $60 million in funding through PPE grants.
Shop Local! Shop Safe! Shop Confident!
In light of all the new developments, I also want to encourage everyone to consider ordering food from local restaurants that are struggling with the new restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19 and fight the second wave.
Minister of Environment provides update
As many of you have had concerns over the proposed Coronation Organics Processing Centre, I have been working directly with the Environment Ministry to voice your concerns. On October 13, Environment Minister Jeff Yurek provided a statement explaining how the province’s capacity extends to that of reviewer of the Environmental Compliance Approval applications. However, the City of Toronto has the authority over zoning bylaws and land-use policies for the site. The plant must receive municipal site plan approvals and building permits in order for the plant to be built. You may read the Minister’s full statement on my Facebook page – Vijay Thanigasalam – or request a copy of the statement by contacting my office at the number below.
If you are a senior in urgent need of masks, please reach out to my office. Let’s work together to ensure that our community stays strong and united as we fight this pandemic together. I am immensely proud to see all that our community leaders, organizations and businesses have done to help those most in need. We will get through this together.
My office and I are always here to help. If you have any questions or concerns please email vijay.thanigasalam@pc.ola.org or call 416-283-8448.