Dear Friends,
Security is a core function of government. I was honoured to be elected Chair of the National Defence Committee in December 2021. Our focus will be on the variety of threats faced by Canada and Canadians. As well I will continue as a Co-Chair of the Permanent Joint Board of Defence.
2022 is presenting an array of challenges, some of which can be mitigated by government intervention and some of which cannot. Below I hope you will find some help with those challenges.
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For the past 25 years, Canadians have shown their appreciation to our veterans through the Valentines for Vets initiative. If you would like to learn how you too can send a heartfelt message to a veteran, check out Valentines for Vets - Get involved - Remembrance - Veterans Affairs Canada
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The Anglican Bishop of Toronto has created an award called the Order of the Diocese of Toronto. One of the individuals for this award is my good and great friend, Audrey Shepherd. In the 1970s, as Diocesan President of Anglican Church Women, she became involved in the Christian feminist movement. Her concern for women and children led her to be the co-founder of a shelter for abused women, a national activist for women’s rights, an officer of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women, and a member of the federal government’s Advisory Council on the Status of Women.
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January marks Tamil Heritage Month. Canada is home to one of the world’s largest Tamil diasporas. This month provides us an opportunity to show our appreciation for their invaluable contributions to build a stronger and inclusive Canada. It is time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Tamil Canadians. We encourage Canadians across the country to learn more about the community. Happy Tamil Heritage Month!
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Thai Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated by Tamils all across the world. Happy Thai Pongal to all those celebrating!
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Happy Orthodox New Year to the Christian Orthodox, Eastern Rite Catholic, and Christian communities in Scarborough-Guildwood. My well wishes go to you and your family in the New Year ahead.
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COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids 5-11
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The Prime Minister announced vaccines for children aged 5-11 and Health Canada has approved the vaccine for children aged 5-11. It is clear that vaccination is our path out of this crisis.
The Prime Minister announced that the Liberal government has reached an agreement with Pfizer to receive enough doses of their kids' COVID-19 vaccine for every single child from 5-11.
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Parents are invited to book appointments now for their children at ScarbVaccine.ca.
- Must be turning 5 years old by the end of 2021 (born in 2016)
- Parent/Guardian must accompany child
- Must not have received any other vaccine in the last 14 days
- Must provide a photo identification with your child's name and birthdate, such as a health card or government-issued identification
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COVID-19 Vaccine Update and Announcement
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These resources can be previewed in English, Farsi, Arabic, Hindi, and several other languages
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As of January 17, 2022, over 74 million vaccine doses have been administered across Canada, and over 80 million vaccine doses have been delivered to provinces and territories. 81% of Canadians (aged 5+) are fully vaccinated.
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The Scarborough COVID-19 Vaccine Team is now administering boosters (3rd doses) by appointment only. These are the certain groups that are eligible to get their booster shot:
- Individuals aged 70 and over
- Health care workers and designated essential caregivers in congregate settings
- Individuals who received a complete series of a viral vector vaccine (two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine or one dose of the Janssen vaccine)
- First Nation, Inuit and Metis adults and their non-Indigenous household members
Booster doses for these groups must occur at least 6 months after their last dose.
Eligible individuals can book an appointment today at www.ScarbVaccine.ca
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COVID-19 Financial Support Update
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In the third quarter of 2021, strong consumer spending powered Canada's GDP to 5.4% annualized growth. Statistics Canada said that total economic activity remains about 0.5% below pre-pandemic levels recorded in February 2020.
In addition to our GDP matching pre-pandemic levels, we have recovered 101% of the jobs lost during the onset of the pandemic. It is time for us to build back better and get the economy back on track.
Some, however, still need support. Currently the programs are:
- Employment Insurance
- Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
- Canada Recover Caregiving Benefit
- Supporting low-income workers and families
- Mortgage payment deferral
I encourage you to visit COVID-19 benefits and services - Canada.ca to see if you qualify for any of the benefits and services.
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Summer Leadership Program Deadline Extended
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Summer Leadership Program 2022 Applications Open! Get ready for a unique experience of a lifetime! Your career in politics awaits you! Apply Now!
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Mark your calendars! On February 7th at 7pm my colleagues Mitzie and Paul Ainslie will be hosting our Town Hall and be joined by Bill Blair, the Minister of Emergency Preparedness. The four of us will talk about National Security and Emergency Preparedness in Canada. Stay tuned for more details!
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Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Webinar on Counter Terrorism and Violent Extremism
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Pleased to participate in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Webinar on Countering Terrorism & Violent Extremism. Canada is fortunate among the Commonwealth nations to have a high level of security. It takes listening to others to appreciate just how fortunate we are.
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The #LoveScarborough campaign aims to shed light on the healthcare inequities in the city of Toronto and raise $100 million dollars for our Scarborough hospitals.
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Who's Hiring in Scarborough
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The East Scarborough Storefront has compiled this week's list of all the available jobs in Scarborough.
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Metrolinx is also hiring for several positions. View their job opportunities below.
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The East Scarborough Storefront has compiled a list of food banks and food relief programs in our community.
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Check out the following immigration related resources:
Need further resources? My office is happy to assist you with immigration matters by phone at 416-283-1226 or by email at John.McKay.c1@parl.gc.ca.
If you are a resident of Scarborough-Guildwood seeking assistance with a federal service or program, please provide the following:
- Your full name;
- Address, including postal code;
- Telephone number;
- File number
- Date of birth
- Brief summary of your situation
If the matter is time-sensitive, then please call the office directly at 416-283-1226. If we are unable to answer your call immediately, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call as soon as we can.
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Check out The Hill Times Podcast and our conversation looking ahead to 2022
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My office looks forward to connect with you about all federal matters by phone at 416-283-1226 or by email at John.McKay.c1@parl.gc.ca. We will return all calls and emails.
If this is the first update you have seen, and you would like to be included on all future communications, please click here.
Sincerely,
Hon. John McKay, P.C.,
Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Guildwood
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