Dear Friends,
Budget 2018 continues the Government of Canada's plan to strengthen and grow the middle class. Below I outline four investments that directly impact our community of Scarborough-Guildwood:
- The new Canada Workers Benefit;
- Investments in rental housing;
- The new EI Parental Sharing Benefit; and
- Investments to strengthen multiculturalism and address the challenges faced by Black Canadians.
You are also welcome to read the full 2018 Budget by clicking here.
After this Budget update, my latest community update includes:
- Video of my Member's Statement on the new Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise;
- Information on the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities - both profit and non-for-profit organizations can apply; and
- A community photo album detailing my recent outreach in our neighbourhood.
|
|
#1: Canada Workers Benefit
|
|
|
The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), is designed to put more money in the pockets of low-income workers so they can start aspiring to join the middle class.
Compared to the Working Income Tax Benefit which it replaces, the CWB will increase both the maximum benefits received, as well as the income level at which the benefit is phased out completely. As a result, a low-income worker earning $15,000 would receive up to almost $500 more from the CWB in 2019 than in 2018. That’s more money for more people to spend on things like groceries, utility bills and other essentials.
To learn more click here.
|
|
#2: Building More Rental Housing
|
|
|
Finding a safe and affordable place to call home is a challenge for a growing number of Canadians. Many of our cities lack affordable rental housing, and growing populations and the rising cost of home ownership make it more challenging to find—and afford—a good place to live.
The high demand for housing in many communities drives up rental rates and makes it more difficult for Canadians to live and work in the same community. Approximately 30 per cent of Canadians rely on the rental market for housing. In Toronto, the vacancy rate is a mere 1 per cent.
To encourage a stable supply of affordable rental housing across the country, the Government proposes to increase the amount of loans provided by the Rental Construction Financing Initiative from $2.5 billion to $3.75 billion over the next three years. This new funding is intended to support projects that address the needs of modest- and middle-income households struggling in expensive housing markets. In total, this measure alone is expected to spur the construction of more than 14,000 new rental units across Canada.
This investment build's on Canada's 10 Year National Housing Strategy investment.
|
|
#3: EI Parental Sharing Benefit
|
|
|
|
For many Canadians, being a parent and raising a family is the most important part of their lives. Employment Insurance (EI) maternity and parental benefits offer vital income support to parents during the critical period in early childhood when they need to take time off work to care for their children. Through Budget 2018, the Government is proposing a new EI Parental Sharing Benefit to support greater gender equality in the home and the workplace by providing an additional five weeks of benefits when both parents agree to share parental leave. This measure would also provide greater flexibility— particularly for mothers — to return to work sooner, if they so choose, knowing their family has the support they need.
|
|
|
|
Extended Parental Benefits
Equivalent rules would apply to EI extended parental benefits with 61 weeks as the limit for one parent and up to 69 weeks available in total (paid at 33% of average weekly earnings).
|
|
#4: Strengthening Multiculturalism & Addressing the Challenges Faced by Black Canadians
|
|
|
Diversity is Canada’s strength and a cornerstone of Canadian identity. To provide support for events and projects that help individuals and communities come together, the Government proposes to provide $23 million over two years, starting in 2018–19, to increase funding for the Multiculturalism Program administered by Canadian Heritage. This funding would support cross-country consultations on a new national anti-racism approach, would bring together experts, community organizations, citizens and interfaith leaders to find new ways to collaborate and combat discrimination, and would dedicate increased funds to address racism and discrimination targeted against Indigenous Peoples and women and girls.
As a first step toward recognizing the significant and unique challenges faced by Black Canadians, the Government also proposes to provide $19 million over five years that will be targeted to enhance local community supports for youth at risk and to develop research in support of more culturally focused mental health programs in the Black Canadian community. In addition, with the creation of the new Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics, the Government is committed to increase the disaggregation of various data sets by race. This will help governments and service providers better understand the intersectional dimensions of major issues, with a particular focus on the experience of Black Canadians
|
|
|
|
I was proud to mark Black History Month with the Hon. Jean Augustine, Canada's first Black woman to serve as a Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament. Jean played a critical role in declaring February Black History Month in Canada and ensuring Black History is Canadian History.
|
|
Member's Statement on Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE)
|
|
|
|
|
On February 14, I spoke in the House of Commons on the afterlife of Bill-C300 and the creation of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise.
Click the photo to watch my 60 seconds Member's Statement.
|
|
Applications Open:
Opportunities Fund for Persons
with Disabilities
|
|
|
Launched in 1997, the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities (OF) was designed to fill a gap in federal supports for Canadians with disabilities who are not eligible for the Employment Insurance program or training support. The program is intended to assist Canadians with disabilities prepare for, obtain and maintain employment or self-employment.
Eligible OF contribution recipients may include:
- not-for-profit organizations;
- for-profit organizations; and
- Indigenous organizations.
The OF supports a broad range of activities, including wage subsidies, skills development, self-employment assistance, and employer awareness.
The deadline to apply is March 6, 2018.
|
|
|
|
I had a great time celebrating Chinese New Year with the Hon. Justin Trudeau and the local Liberal team on February 16.
|
|
|
|
It was my privilege to speak at the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations at the Taipei Cultural Centre on February 23.
|
|
|
|
I recently had an informative meeting with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) discussing their development programs in Sri Lanka & engagement with the diaspora community in Toronto.
|
|
|
|
On February 10, I had a great time lacing up my skates and hitting the ice for Centennial College's Community Skate Day with the Environmental Student Society, SETAS and the International Education Department at Morningside Park.
|
|
|
|
There is also something so quintessentially Canadian about playing hockey on Parliament Hill on a cold, crisp winter evening. Score 5-4 for the good guys in OT.
|
|
|
|
Congratulations to snapd Scarborough for hosting the 2nd Annual "I Am Women Hear Me Roar: See Me! event for Black History Month 2018.
Layla Sharif, my Constituency Manager, represented me at the event.
|
|
As always my Constituency Office at 10-3785 Kingston Road is here to help you with any questions or concerns you have regarding federal government programs. You can reach us at jmckay@johnmckaymp.on.ca or 416-283-1226.
Sincerely,
Hon. John McKay, P.C.
Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Guildwood
|
|
|
|
