Dear friends,
Today is World Water Day – an opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of clean, freshwater which is vital to our health, security and livelihoods as Canadians.
As Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, I have been asked to lead our efforts in establishing a new Canada Water Agency. This is a unique opportunity for the federal government to work with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities and citizens to better manage and protect our freshwater resources. I am looking forward to continuing the conversation on how we can keep our waters safe, clean and well-managed.
I would also like to take a moment to wish all those celebrating in our community a very Happy Nowruz! As you celebrate the Persian New Year and the arrival of Spring, may you and your families enjoy this time of renewal and new beginnings, filled with good health, happiness and better days to come.
I know that over the coming weeks many of you are preparing for tax season. The CRA has implemented several measures to help with our unique circumstances this year, including additional call agents, new automated call back services and extended call centre hours. If you received any Covid-19 benefits this year, information on how this will impact your taxes is available here: https://bit.ly/3tv6Gbp.
As always, below you’ll find the latest updates on our government’s efforts on Covid-19, vaccines and more.
Thank you for reading and wishing you a wonderful week ahead.
Sincerely,
Terry Duguid
Member of Parliament
Winnipeg South
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT UPDATES
Vaccine Updates
To date, we’ve delivered more than 4.7 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to the provinces and territories.
In our province, the federal government has delivered over 180,000 vaccines so that the province can administer them to Manitobans.
Starting today, Pfizer vaccines will increase to 1 million doses a week. Along with the three other vaccines approved thus far, we expect to receive more than 8 million vaccines by the end of the month and 36.5 million between April and June.
I know that many constituents are inquiring as to when they might be eligible to receive their Covid-19 vaccine. Eligibility requirements are established by the Province of Manitoba. You’re able to see who is eligible to receive their vaccine, here: https://bit.ly/2Q8FNM7.
Canada’s First ever National Active Transportation Fund
Last week, we announced Canada’s first ever National Active Transportation Fund, which will see $400 million invested over five years to help build and expand pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges.
This fund is part of our broader plan to create one million jobs, fight climate change, and build a more sustainable economy.
Further details are available, here: https://bit.ly/30J45OS.
Labour Force Survey Shows Strong Job Growth
The latest job numbers from the Labour Force Survey have been released, showing that Canadians created 259,000 jobs in February 2021. This job growth has helped lower the unemployment rate to the lowest levels since March 2020, and shows we are well on our way to restore employment to previous levels.
To read more on the Labour Force Survey, visit: https://bit.ly/3qO4UAt.
Announcing the lifting of the 100th and 101st long-term drinking water advisories
Our government has been working to lift all long-term drinking water advisories in First Nations communities.
On March 10th, we marked an important milestone in this commitment – the 100th and 101st long-term drinking water advisories being lifted.
Over 450,000 First Nations now have access to clean drinking water. We know there is still work to be done, and we’re not slowing down. In every community that has a remaining long-term water advisory, we have a plan in place to lift it.
To view our continued progress, visit: https://bit.ly/3cH6teu.
New Task Force on Women in the Economy
The pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on women across Canada, many of whom have experienced steeper losses in income or have had to quit their jobs in order to care for their children. During this time, we have lost many of the hard-won gains towards a more equal economy.
Our government knows that a robust economic recovery is an inclusive, feminist recovery. To this end, our government has announced a new Task Force on Women in the Economy, compromised of a diverse group of experts to advise the government on a plan that addresses issues of gender equality in the wake of the pandemic.
Further details on this important announcement, available here: https://bit.ly/3rXy0iu.
National Day of Observance
On March 11, we marked the first National Day of Observance in honour of the lives lost to Covid-19. On this day, we reflect on a difficult year filled with grief, loss and sacrifice across the country. My thoughts are with all in our community who are mourning the loss of loved ones, friends and family.
A reminder that during this difficult time, mental health tools are available at Wellness Together Canada at https://ca.portal.gs.
IN OUR COMMUNITY
New Electric Vehicle Chargers coming to Manitoba
On March 16, I was pleased to announce a $155,000 federal investment to Eco-West Canada for 31 electric vehicle chargers in Winnipeg and across rural municipalities in southern Manitoba.
These new chargers will encourage the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and help Manitobans reduce their carbon footprint. By working collaboratively with local organizations like Eco-West, we are on our way to achieving Canada’s goal of net zero by 2050. Further details on this announcement are available, here: https://bit.ly/3vzziCv.
Meeting Winnipeg South’s Daughters of the Vote Delegate Chloe
It was a pleasure to meet with Chloe, who represented Winnipeg South at this year’s Daughters of the Vote. This annual event brings together women from across the country to represent 338 seats in the House of Commons, in efforts to encourage more women to run and be involved in politics. Chloe is a second-year student at the University of Manitoba and represented our community well!
Visiting Local Business, The Preferred Perch
Local businesses are vital to good jobs and growth in our community. Thank you to The Preferred Perch in St. Vital for helping my family and I stay connected to nature in our backyard!
If you’re able to, please consider supporting small businesses in our community that could use your help during this difficult time.
Roundtable with Housing Advocates in Manitoba
Last Friday, Winnipeg MPs met with housing advocates and our Minister of Children, Families and Social Development Ahmed Hussen, who is responsible for the housing file.
We had an important and fruitful discussion on housing priorities here in Manitoba.
COVID-19 SUPPORT PROGRAMS
For Individuals
Canada Recovery Benefit provides income support to employed & self-employed individuals who have been impacted by Covid-19 and are not eligible for Employment Insurance. For eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the link, here.
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit provides income support to employed & self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to Covid-19. For eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the link here.
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit provides income support employed & self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they must care for their child under 12 years old or a family member who needs supervised care. For eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the link, here.
For Businesses, Charities and Non-profit Organizations
Canada Emergency Business Account provides eligible businesses with a $60,000 loan, with $20,000 being forgivable if repaid by December 31, 2022. For eligibility requirements and details on the CEBA, visit https://ceba-cuec.ca/ or call the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy provides eligible businesses and non-profit organizations with subsidies to cover part of their employees’ wages, retroactive to March 15, 2020. For further details on this program, visit the link, here.
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy provides a direct rent and mortgage subsidy of up to 65% for qualifying businesses, charities and non-profits. An additional 25% in rent support is available for organizations that have been restricted by a mandatory public health order. For further details on the rent subsidy program, visit the link, here.
The Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program provides business heavily impacted by Covid-19 with access guaranteed, low-interest loans of $25,000 to $1 million to cover operational cash flow needs. For further details on this program, visit the link, here.
LOCAL RESOURCES
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MORE INFORMATION
For all the latest news, please visit: canada.ca/coronavirus
