Dear <<First Name>>,
Security is a core function of government. I was honoured to be elected Chair of the National Defence Committee in December 2021. Our initial focus will be on the variety of threats faced by Canada, including the current Russian aggression that is brewing at the Ukrainian border. I will also be continuing my position as the Co-Chair of the Permanent Joint Board of Defence.
Many of you following the news have been made aware of the Trucker's Convoy which has been taking place in Ottawa over the past few days. The government's response is clear: vaccines are necessary tools in our public health response to decreasing the severity and spread of COVID-19. Cross-border requirements for vaccines will help us reduce the spread.
The Liberal government promised prompt action following its election in the first session of government. Since election, this government has passed Bills C2 (Support for COVID-19), C3 (Criminal Code Amendments), and C4 (Ban on Conversion Therapy). More work is on the way, including the finalizing of $10-a-day childcare agreement in Ontario alongside much-needed investments in our youth, the economy, and the environment.
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This month, lets take the time to recognize the many amazing contributions of Black Canadians in shaping Canadian history. Let us celebrate the legacy and work of Black Canadians such as Lincoln Alexander, Viola Desmond, Mary Ann Shad, and Danny Laferrière.
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My friend and colleague Greg Fergus, the Member of Parliament for Hull—Aylmer, articulated his reaction to the profoundly disturbing symbols of hatred, racism and intolerance displayed in the trucker convoy. I urge you to listen to what Greg had to say here.
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Our security is Ukraine's security and Ukraine's security is our security. Please see my speech on Ukraine in the House of Commons here.
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The Federal government has been signing agreements with the provinces and territories to establish $10-a-day childcare within the next five years. Ontario is the only province that has yet to sign an agreement. This $10-a-day childcare program will serve to help support families with children looking to make ends meet and thrive. Let's hope that Ontario signs sooner rather than later.
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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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These resources can be previewed in English, Farsi, Arabic, Hindi, and several other languages
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As of February 4, 2022, over 78 million vaccine doses have been administered across Canada, and over 92 million vaccine doses have been delivered to provinces and territories. Over 88% of Canadians (aged 5+) are fully vaccinated.
Scarborough-Guildwood lags the Toronto rate and citizens need to access the readily available sites so that we can all be safe.
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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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Mark your calendars! On February 24th at 7pm my colleagues Mitzie Hunter, Paul Ainslie, and I will be hosting a Town Hall and we will be joined by the Honourable Bill Blair, the Minister of Emergency Preparedness. We will be talking about National Security and Emergency Preparedness in Canada.
To sign up for the townhall, click here: rb.gy/g460e
If you have any questions about the townhall, send an email to john.mckay.c1@parl.gc.ca.
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Love, Scarborough Campaign
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Check out the Scarborough Health Network's video on the Love, Scarborough Campaign.
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The Scarborough Health Network Foundation launched the Love, Scarborough campaign. This campaign is an open letter to Toronto seeking to shed light on the healthcare inequities the Scarborough community faces. The campaign's goal is to raise $100 million dollars for our Scarborough hospitals. Learn more at www.lovescarborough.ca.
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Community Sport for All Initiative
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Sport helps bring health and strength to our communities. Organizations interested in supports for Community Sport-related initiatives are encouraged to check out the Community Sport for All Initiative. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/349pXbx
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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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Parliament is hiring Parliamentary Guides!
As a guide, you will:
 get training and learn about Canada’s Parliament
gain work experience in a unique environment
connect with people from across Canada
To be eligible, you must be:
 bilingual in English and French
a university student at the undergraduate or graduate level
a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Find out more and apply by February 14: bit.ly/3sED1zJ
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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 connecting 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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