From the tragic downing of Ukrainian Airlines Flight 752, to rail blockades in support of Indigenous rights, to protests to raise awareness that Black Lives Matter, and of course the COVID-19 pandemic, to say 2020 was a challenging year would be a gross understatement.
For many, the last year has necessitated a significant change in the way we work, from in person to virtual. We have sacrificed time with our loved ones and put off sought after travel to ensure we limited the spread of a deadly disease. This has tested the mettle of our community and presented us with a collective action challenge where we all must abide by the local health orders in order to keep us safe and healthy.
Challenges like these also reveal the best in our community, identifying acts of altruism and leadership. We are so fortunate that through this trying year, individuals in all positions and walks of life have stepped forward. Our communities have drawn closer and shown compassion for the less fortunate, and governments at all levels have worked together in a Team Canada approach to tackle this challenge. These qualities build our resilience.
To name a few examples to be proud of:
We saw small businesses adapt and re-tool to create hand sanitizer for hospitals and frontline workers.
Volunteers came out in droves to help isolated seniors and vulnerable community members.
We cheered on our healthcare workers who consistently put themselves at risk to keep us safe during this public health emergency.
The Government of Canada has been there to have our backs every step of the way to ensure we have the tools and resources in our health response and to support individuals and businesses facing hardship because of COVID-19. All the while, we have shown we can walk and chew gum at the same time by making progress on fundamental issues like fighting climate change, investing in infrastructure, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and improving racial equality, alongside tackling the biggest health and economic challenge of the last century.
At the end of 2019, I said I hoped to do the following in 2020:
Build upon the progress we have made through the existing Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, be firmly on a path to beat our 2030 GHG reduction targets and firmly on a path to get to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into our laws at the federal level.
Provide great service to the people of West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country by listening and responding to concerns and speaking to those concerns in Ottawa, providing information and access to federal programs, and working with communities, First Nations, businesses, NGOs, and governments to help them achieve their goals.
I am proud we were able to progress on all of them while coordinating a nimble, efficient and effective health response to the COVID-19 pandemic that did not leave our communities behind. The light is now at the end of the tunnel with vaccines approved, with over 400 000 doses distributed before the end of 2020 and people being immunized right across the country.
Looking forward to next year, I and our government are focused on how we not only recover from the pandemic, but Build Back Better to a country that is more sustainable, inclusive and equitable. By this time next year, the top three items I hope to reflect on having accomplished are the following:
Eliminating the COVID-19 virus in Canada, and setting Canada on a road to “Build Back Better”, through the 2021 Budget and creating and utilizing a new Regional Development Agency for British Columbia to support local enterprises and to help them seize the unique economic opportunities available to them.
Reforming the Temporary Foreign Workers Program, creating other new immigration programs, and leveraging existing immigration streams to ensure that more new Canadians settle on our shores in 2021 than any other year to date.
Creating the framework for a Canada-wide Childcare System so that we are on a path to having universal accessible and affordable childcare in West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country and right across Canada.
In this newsletter, I detail our 2020 Year in Review. It is structured to show the important federal investments in the riding, including:
Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program
Community Programs (Emergency Community Support Fund)
Support for individuals and businesses in response to COVID-19
CERB numbers
CEWS numbers
CEBA numbers
CECRA/CERS numbers
RRRF numbers
Safe Restart Agreement
Support for Municipalities
BC Transit
Translink
BC Ferries
Back to School Fund for School Districts
We go through the legislation that has been introduced and passed in the House of Commons since Parliament returned in September 2020 with a Speech from the Throne.
And we end with some incredible stories of how our office has helped folks in an extremely complex year to highlight how we can be there to support our constituents.
A reminder that you are invited to share your thoughts on the work that I am doing and the priorities that matter to you by filling out our Constituent Survey Google Form. I would love to hear from you about the issues that matter most to you and our community.
My office is always here to help in any way that we can. Please do not hesitate to reach out by phone at 604-913-2660 or by email at [email protected].
Please visit my social media platforms for more immediate updates:
Save the Date – Townhall with the Honourable Catherine McKenna
Please join me for a virtual town hall discussion with the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities on Wednesday, February 10 at 2:00pm PST.
We look forward to covering topics of high interest in our community, and across the country, such as how federal investments are supporting social, green and public transit infrastructure.
Please feel free to share this event with your friends and networks, and submit any questions you would like to have answered to [email protected].
Event Details:
Topic: Town Hall with Minister McKenna and MP Patrick Weiler
Investing in West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country
2020 saw significant and important infrastructure investment projects funded by the federal government through the Investing in Canada Plan. In 2016, the federal government launched the 12-year $180 billion infrastructure plan, the largest in Canadian history. In 2018, the governments of Canada and British Columbia signed the bilateral agreement providing more than $4.1 billion in federal funding over the next decade in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities. I am pleased to provide an update on the projects approved in our riding in 2020.
West Vancouver & Bowen Island
In West Vancouver, we invested over $1M for the Ferry Building Restoration Project, restoring the 106-year-old ferry building that has served as a community public art gallery and centre for 30 years.
On Bowen Island, we invested over $4M for the construction of the Bowen Island Community Centre Project, which will provide multi-use space for recreational and arts programming that will greatly benefit the community while providing a safe and comfortable space to learn, play and be active.
Community foundations across the region have been working side by side with charities in their communities since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. I have seen firsthand the impact their leadership is having locally and the exceptional work of local charities in assisting seniors, youth and families with responsive and innovative solutions. Through the ECSF, our Government invested over $300,000 through the West Vancouver Foundation to support local charities responding to COVID-19 as part of the new partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada, and the Canadian Red Cross.
Sea to Sky Corridor
In Squamish, our Government invested over $2.5M for the construction of the Xwu'nekw Park Sea Dike at Mamquam Blind Channel and for the Jack Webster Bridge Replacement. These projects will make our communities more resilient to climate change and increasing flood risks and provide a new two-lane bridge over Culliton Creek.
We invested $1.4M in the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre Facility Revitalization Project which will significantly improve the building and bring our nations together.
Our government understands the important role that sport, recreation and active living play in our communities. That is why we invested over $1.6M in the Pemberton Valley Soccer Field and Amenity Building Project that will construct a new grass soccer field with a water well for irrigation, fencing and lighting, and an amenity building with washrooms, change rooms, storage, concession, and commercial kitchen space.
We also invested over $4.4M for the N’Quatqua First Nations Multi-use Facility that will replace the existing building to include a community hall, fitness centre and cultural chamber to accommodate community gatherings and recreational activities.
We also invested $268K for the Southern Stl'atl'imx Health Centre Refurbishment Project Replacement, including one new trailer to be used as the Southern Stl'atl'Imx Health Centre that supports four First Nations with medical, dental and counselling services.
Sunshine Coast
On the Sunshine Coast, we invested $101,200 for the Accessible Performance Space for Hackett Park in Sechelt which ensures the community has a safe and accessible place to walk, gather and play through the construction of a multi-use outdoor amphitheatre and performance space, including a performance platform and pathways leading to the facility.
Coopers Green Hall in Halfmoon Bay is a historic building that provides a hub for the community, bringing people together through recreational activities and events. We are proud to invest over $1M for the construction of a new community hall which will include a large meeting and event space, lobby, decks and a mechanical room.
Lastly, our Government invested $573,000 for the Gibsons White Tower Storm Water Pond to intercept storm water and re-route it into the Whitetower Park Storm Water ponds, increasing capacity to manage and treat storm water. This project will include environmental protection, flow diversion, installation of water-quality treatment systems, and installation of storm and sewer piping as well as manholes/catch basins.
All told, these projects amount to $17.5M in direct investment throughout the riding, enriching our communities, making them more resilient and inclusive for the future. Families for generations will benefit from these investments that will create jobs, and build stronger, healthier communities and support local economies.
Supporting Canadians through COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed our daily lives and created hardships for many in our country. From the onset, our Government worked hard to protect Canadians and support workers, families, and businesses from the economic impacts of the pandemic. Since then, in British Columbia, we have supported over 1.1 million individuals under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help those who lost their jobs during the pandemic and continue to do so with the Canada Recovery Benefit.
We have supported over 259,880 applications and on average 450,000 jobs in British Columbia with the Wage Subsidy totaling over $6 billion in support, and 109,691 businesses as of December 2020 totaling $4.4 billion in support with the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan. We are also continuing to invest over $2 billion in the Safe Restart Agreement for British Columbia, to help the BC Government, municipalities, and businesses safely operate. Our Government has also approved close to 1000 projects in BC through our Community Foundations to support vulnerable populations during the pandemic.
Below you will find a list of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 related support programs and initiatives this year and the related statistics, where available:
On May 13, 2020, the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) launched. The fund enables Western Economic Diversification among other RDAs to deliver $962 million to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who have been unable to access other federal measures. As of November 19, we have approved 963 projects in BC through the RRRF for a total of $33,579,979.
The total amount going to British Columbia through the RRRF was originally $304M which was topped up by $263M for a total of $567M. With the most recent top-up, Community Foundations in BC received $67M.
The Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) aims to provide additional and much-needed assistance to charities and non-profit organizations serving vulnerable populations affected by COVID-19.
Through the ECSF, our Government helped support the West Vancouver Community Foundation invest over $318,000 towards local charities and qualified organizations supporting vulnerable populations affected by the pandemic. Recipients of that funding can be found here.
We were also able to invest more than $122,000 through the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation through the ECSF. Recipients of that funding can be found here.
In April, the Government launched the $100 million Emergency Fund to improve Canadian food security to support national, regional, and local organizations across Canada that are able to reach people and communities experiencing food insecurity and who have been impacted by COVID-19. This Fund supports the purchase and distribution of food on an emergency basis across the country.
Over the summer I was proud to announce over $299K invested directly in food banks and other local food rescue organizations that are helping to improve access to food for people experiencing food insecurity in Canada due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Safe Restart Agreement is providing $1.96B in total to British Columbia.
Through the Safe Restart Agreement, our Government provided over $19.8M directly to municipalities in our riding who are on the front lines of a safe restart of the economy and will need to put in place appropriate precautions to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and manage public spaces and critical services, like public transit.
Additionally, the Government of Canada provided over $2.7M to the three school districts (45, 46 and 48) that are helping to continue educating our youth under unique and difficult circumstances.
BC Transit will receive $86M to help support municipal partners that depend on fare revenues as part of the provincial-municipal partnership to deliver BC Transit services throughout the province.
The full contribution will help cover expected municipal partner losses in the near term caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which include added operational costs to maintain safe transit services.
The contribution will help municipal partners to limit average annual fare increases to 2.3% until March 31, 2024.
BC Transit will support British Columbia’s Restart Plan by maintaining essential service levels in all its service areas, including BC Bus North.
TransLink is receiving one-time funding of $644M. This not only helps ensure the people of the Lower Mainland have access to important transit when they need it, but also that fares will be kept affordable.
$600M will help cover expected 2020 and 2021 calendar fiscal year operational losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and help continue transit services as part of British Columbia’s Restart Plan.
$44M will help ensure TransLink can limit average annual fare increases to 2.3% until the end of 2024.
BC Ferries is receiving one-time funding of $308 million:
$280M will help cover expected 2020-21 and 2021-22 fiscal year operational losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and help continue important core ferry service levels as part of British Columbia’s Restart Plan.
$24M to will help ensure BC Ferries can limit average annual fare increases to 2.3% until March 31, 2024, in line with the rate caps established by the BC Ferries regulator prior to the onset of the pandemic.
$4M to help ensure continuation of discretionary sailings (those above contract levels that may have been discontinued due to COVID-19) on the minor and northern routes over the next three years.
Where appropriate, BC Ferries will aim to provide ridership capacity at 20% above anticipated demand on all routes (other than northern routes) to minimize sailing waits during peak times.
Keeping our Promises – Legislation in the House of Commons
Bill C-3
First proposed by Conservative MP Rona Ambrose through a Private Member’s Bill, Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Judges Act and the Criminal Code has re-entered the House floor and, I am proud to say, received unanimous consent, in principle, from all parties. Survivors of sexual assault in Canada deserve to have confidence in the judges ruling on their cases— that when making a decision, judges will have the necessary training to understand the complex nature of sexual assault cases as well as education on the myths and stereotypes that often surround them. Bill C-3 will address these issues by strengthening training requirements for newly appointed federal judges and providing existing judges with broader training and education on sexual assault.
Bill C-4
The Government of Canada is continuing to take significant and decisive action to support Canadians and protect jobs during the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. That is why we introduced Bill C-4, An Act relating to certain measures in response to COVID-19. This legislation created the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) to support gig and contract workers who have their incomes impacted by COVID-19. The CRB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks to workers who meet the eligibility criteria. This includes not qualifying for Employment Insurance, not being employed or having a reduction of at least 50% in employment or self-employment income, and being available for and looking for work. It also established the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit which provides $500 per week, for up to 2 weeks, effective September 27, 2020 for 1 year, for workers who are unable to work and provides 2 weeks of sick leave to all Canadians in the context of COVID-19. Lastly, it created the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit which provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household for eligible workers. It is available to individuals who are unable to work at least 50% of their normal work and need to take unpaid leave to care for their child under 12 due to a school, daycare or day program closure, a family member who requires supervised care who is unable to attend a day program, or because the usual caregiver is not available due to COVID-19. The benefit is also available if the child or family member could not attend their normal school or care facility because they were sick, in quarantine or at high risk of serious health implications due to COVID-19. Bill C-4 received Royal Assent on October 2, 2020.
Conversion therapy is a degrading practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or gender identity, and can lead to life-long trauma. It is rooted in the belief that sexual orientation or gender identity can and should be changed to fit a narrow idea of what is ‘normal’ or ‘natural’. Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), will amend the Criminal Code to criminalize conversion therapy-related conduct. It is identical to former Bill C-8, which was introduced on March 9, 2020.
Bill C-7
The Government of Canada is amending our legislation on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). Bill C-7 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying) proposes amendments to the Criminal Code provisions on MAID in response to the Superior Court of Québec Truchon decision, which struck down the eligibility criterion requiring that natural death be reasonably foreseeable. It is identical to former Bill C-7, which was introduced on February 24, 2020. The Bill proposes to repeal the MAID eligibility criterion that requires a person’s natural death to be reasonably foreseeable while specifying that persons whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness are not eligible for MAID. It also creates two sets of safeguards that must be respected before MAID is provided, permits the waiver of the requirement to give final consent in specific circumstances, and makes changes to the MAID monitoring regime to capture information from a wider range of assessments approaches.
Bill C-8
The Government of Canada is taking action to amend the Citizenship Act. Bill C-8, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's call to action number 94), aims to modify the Oath of Affirmation of Citizenship; the current oath has not been modified in over 40 years. The oath being taken will include both an allegiance to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and its modification will allow for recognition and reconciliation of the Indigenous Peoples of this country. We understand the struggles that Indigenous Peoples have faced in Canada and we recognize the necessity to familiarize the latest citizens of this country with these matters.
Bill C-9
Many have suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially businesses. The Government of Canada passed Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy), which provides simple and easy-to-access rent and mortgage support until June 2021. Specifically, this legislation created the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) and extended the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to June 2021. The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) is provided directly to tenants, while also providing support to landlords. The CERS also supports businesses, charities, and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop, by subsidizing a percentage of their expenses, on a sliding scale, up to a maximum of 65 percent of eligible expenses until March 13, 2021, as outlined by the Fall Economic Statement. The new Lockdown Support provides an additional 25% support through the CERS for qualifying organizations. When combined, businesses that have been affected the most by the pandemic could receive rent support of up to 90 percent. The extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to June 2021 will encourage employers to keep their employees or rehire them. This measure will fulfil the Government’s plan to restore the employment rate to what it was previous to the pandemic. In the Fall Economic Statement, we pledged to increase the Wage Subsidy’s maximum rate of 75% until March 13, 2021. Bill C-9 received Royal Assent on November 19, 2020.
Bill C-10
The Government has taken action to amend the Broadcasting Act through Bill C-10, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts. The last major reform of the Broadcasting Act was in 1991 – before dial-up internet was widely available in Canada. Services like Crave, Netflix, Tou.TV and Spotify have dramatically changed how we watch television and movies and listen to music. However, online broadcasting services are not subject to the same rules as traditional broadcasting services like over-the-air television, cable and radio. This Bill delivers on the Government’s commitment to ensure that web giants contribute to the creation, production, and distribution of Canadian stories and music – in both official languages, as well as Indigenous languages. This legislation will ensure online broadcasters contribute their fair share to support Canadian music and stories, while providing more creative opportunities in Canada, for Canadians and by Canadians. We are ready to work with our colleagues in opposition parties to protect our culture and promote Canadian works and creators in Canada and abroad.
Bill C-11
Our Government understands the importance Canadians place on their personal privacy and information. That is why we introduced Bill C-11, Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2020. This legislation will significantly increase protections to Canadians’ personal information by giving Canadians more control and greater transparency when companies handle their personal information. The DCIA would also provide significant new consequences for non-compliance with the law, including steep fines for violations. Modernized consent rules would ensure that individuals have the plain-language information they need to make meaningful choices about the use of their personal information. To further improve their control, individuals would have the right to direct the transfer of their personal information from one organization to another. For example, individuals could direct their bank to share their personal information with another financial institution. Additionally, the accessibility of information online makes it hard for individuals to control their online identity. This legislation would allow individuals to request that organizations dispose of personal information and, in most cases, permit individuals to withdraw consent for the use of their information.
Bill C-12
Canadians recognize that much more work is required to protect the environment for the benefit of future generations which is why they are calling on the government to deliver a concrete plan on how we are going to achieve net-zero by 2050. Bill C-12, Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, will require that national targets and plans for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada be put in place, with the objective of attaining net-zero emissions by 2050. The initial 2030 target must be set by the Minister of the Environment within six months of coming into force of this Act along with an emissions reductions plan. Both must be tabled in Parliament. This legislation requires progress reports to be tabled, and creates an advisory body to inform our climate plans. The bill also will require the Minister of Finance to disclose climate risk and opportunities from government policies.
Countries around the world are accelerating their transition to a net-zero economy, and Canada cannot fall behind. We will be there with them to seize the economic opportunity that climate action presents and provide the world with the cleanest, most cutting-edge innovations – not just now, but for decades to come. Net-zero is not just a plan for a healthier environment; it is a plan to build a cleaner, more competitive economy. This legislation will hold the federal government to its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and to exceeding our 2030 Paris target.
Bill C-15
In 2016, the Government of Canada endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples without qualification, and committed to its full and effective implementation. In December, our Government tabled Bill C-15, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which will affirm the Declaration as a universal international human rights instrument with application in Canadian law. The Bill also provides a framework for its implementation by the Government of Canada. Bill C-15 is about protecting and promoting the rights of Indigenous peoples including rights to equality and non-discrimination, self-government and the inherent right to self-determination. It also highlights the importance of respecting and promoting the rights in treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements between the Crown and Indigenous peoples. If passed, this Bill will represent another important step forward in our collective reconciliation journey - one that would open the way to greater opportunities for lasting relationships with Indigenous peoples, closing socio-economic gaps and promoting greater prosperity for today and for future generations.
Bill C-18
With the United Kingdom having completed its transition out of the European Union, Canadians and Canadian businesses can be assured that our trading relationship will continue with stability and predictability in mind. To that end, our Government introduced Bill C-18, An Act to implement the Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement. Now more than ever, our businesses and all Canadians need predictability and stability, which the Canada-UK TCA will provide. Our Government worked hard to ensure it preserves the main benefits of our ambitious EU trade deal, CETA, including: the elimination of tariffs on 98% of Canadian products exported to the UK, and high standards for consumers, workers, and the environment. We also look forward to returning to the negotiating table within one year of this agreement’s ratification, to work on a new comprehensive free trade agreement with the UK – one with high standards and a focus on small businesses, women, the environment, and digital trade.
An Unprecedented Year - Our Government's Work in 2020
Supporting the Canadian-Iranian Community
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has overshadowed much of the year, we must not forget the 176 lives, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents, that were tragically lost in the space of a few minutes last January. It is imperative that we support our Canadian-Iranian friends and the victims across Canada and all around the world who will suffer the tragic loss of loved ones for years to come. With extensive work and engagement by the Foreign Affairs Minister, our Government continues to support efforts to determine who was responsible for this heinous attack. I’m proud as well that during a time of extreme distress we were able to provide victims' families a sliver of solace with $25,000 each for funeral expenses and travel. It has been a point of pride for me as the federal representative that we came together at the memorial for the victims of Flight 752 at West Vancouver’s Centre for Jewish Life, Congregation Har El. There is nothing more Canadian than seeing people of diverse backgrounds come together in times of need.
Helping our Australian Friends
Many will recall the remarkably and deeply upsetting deaths and destruction caused by the devastating wildfires in Australia. In December 2019, almost 100 Canadian fire management personnel deployed to Australia and 69 additional fire management personnel were deployed later to help combat this environmental catastrophe. The Government of Canada and Canadians stepped up at a critical time to help our Commonwealth ally.
Ratification of NAFTA 2.0
On July 1, 2020, the new Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), or NAFTA 2.0 as some have referred to it, entered into force. The new NAFTA is good for Canadians, in every region and in every sector of our economy. It is good for workers, families, entrepreneurs, and businesses. It supports the prosperity of communities across our country. Throughout the negotiations, we consulted with the provinces and territories. We engaged with Canadians from all walks of life, including labour organizations, Indigenous peoples, women, youth, and civil society at large to arrive at an agreement that works best for all of Canada.
Tackling Systemic Racism & Anti-Black Racism
Anti-Black racism is real. Unconscious bias is real. Systemic discrimination is real. For millions of Canadians, it is their daily, lived reality. And it’s causing real pain. Over the past five years, our Government has worked with communities to recognize and address injustices. We’ve taken action to support community organizations, invest in better data, and fight racism. We funded Statistics Canada so they could create a Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistic hub. We are funding community organization capacity building in Black communities across Canada. We signed on and committed to the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent. This work culminated in the release of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy for 2019-2022, and the creation of an Anti-Racism Secretariat. In September, we announced investments of up to nearly $221 million in partnership with Canadian financial institutions – including up to nearly $93 million from the Government of Canada over the next four years – to launch Canada’s first-ever Black Entrepreneurship Program. These are important first steps and while we’ve made some progress, we know there is still so much more to do.
Beirut Explosion Support
Following the tragic explosion that occurred in the port of Beirut, Lebanon, on August 4, 2020, our Government provided up to $5 million in humanitarian assistance to help the people of Lebanon. This includes an initial $1.5 million going immediately to trusted humanitarian partners on the ground, including the Lebanese Red Cross via the Canadian Red Cross Society, to provide safe shelter, clean water, medicines and basic necessities for those in need. This initial contribution helped meet the immediate, most urgent needs of those devastated by this explosion. Minister of International Development, Karina Gould, announced that the Government of Canada would match every donation made by individual Canadians to the Humanitarian Coalition and its members between August 4-24, 2020, up to a maximum of $2 million. Global Affairs Canada has transferred the matching funds to the Humanitarian Coalition, which will in turn allocate the funds among its members based on criteria such as their capacity and presence in the affected region. Businesses in our community are showing leadership themselves. Lebanese communities around the world were impacted by the tragic explosion in Beirut. Michel Ibrahim, who owns a West Vancouver barbershop, raised over $500,000 in donations for the Red Cross to support the families affected by the Beirut blast at the time of writing. We are very thankful for Michel’s efforts.
40th anniversary of Terry Fox’s ‘Marathon of Hope.’
In 2020, we marked the 40th anniversary of Terry Fox’s ‘Marathon of Hope.’ Terry’s courage and persistence made him a true Canadian hero, and gave hope to people around the world. As we honour his legacy, let’s continue to support the people and families affected by cancer, and keep working together to find a cure.
Speech from the Throne 2020
On September 23, 2020, the Governor General delivered the Speech from the Throne. This highlighted our Governments focus to protect Canadians through a second wave, establish national standards for long-term care, create a Canada-wide early learning and childcare system and continue to fight climate change and invest in green technology. The Throne Speech outlined our continuing response to the pandemic and how we will build a Canada that is more resilient, healthier, more competitive, and safer. We also committed to building a Canada that is more fair and inclusive for all Canadians. Because to build a Canada that works for everyone, we will need to take bold action on health, the economy, equality, and the environment. This is our opportunity to contain the global crisis and build back better, together.
Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home; this is especially true during a worldwide pandemic. In September, we launched a $1B Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) to help address urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians by rapidly creating up to 3,000 new affordable housing units. The RHI will be delivered under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) and contribute to the achievement of our NHS targets, such as reducing chronic homelessness by 50% and reducing housing need for Canadians. It will also complement existing NHS initiatives.
As we work toward our economic recovery from the pandemic and begin to Build Back Better, we will continue to make investments in infrastructure that will create good jobs for Canadians, build stronger communities, and make our economy more sustainable and resilient for everyone. It was a pleasure to have the Prime Minister, along with Minister McKenna, announce $10 billion in new major infrastructure initiatives to create good middle-class jobs and economic growth. The Canada Infrastructure Bank’s (CIB) Growth Plan will help Canadians get back to work and is expected to create approximately 60,000 jobs across the country. The three-year plan will connect more households and small businesses to high-speed Internet, strengthen Canadian agriculture, and help build a low-carbon economy.
Working to End Plastic Pollution
We know that plastic pollution harms Canadians and their communities. In fact, only 9% of plastic in Canada gets recycled, with the remaining 91% contaminating our waterways with chemicals, harming our wildlife, and creating microplastics that end up in our drinking water. As we continue to grapple with the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in Canadians using more plastic items, like gloves and sanitizer bottles, it has become clear that we must take action, and quickly.
In October, Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson announced our plan to achieve zero plastic waste by 2030. Part of our strategy involves banning harmful single-use plastic items that are difficult to recycle like plastic bags, straws, six-pack rings, and plastic food containers. We are also introducing new requirements for recycled content, which will boost investments in recycling infrastructure and encourage clean innovation in sectors like the manufacturing industry. We also announced $2 million through the Zero Plastic Waste Initiative for 14 new plastic reduction initiatives led by communities, organizations, and institutions across Canada.
COVID Alert App
As we work through the second wave of the pandemic, we must continue to prioritize the health and safety of Canadians by finding innovative solutions to track and limit further spread of the virus. That is why our Government created the COVID Alert App, which was officially launched in August by the Prime Minister. We will continue to engage with the Province of British Columbia to roll it out in the province.
BC Provincial Election
Last year, we went to the polls and participated in our democratic process during the BC Provincial Election. I want to congratulate the BC NDP for securing a majority government and congratulate all those who put their name forward to represent communities across the province. A special congratulations to Nicholas Simons (Powell River-Sunshine Coast), Jordan Sturdy (West Vancouver-Sea to Sky) and Karin Kirkpatrick (West Vancouver-Capilano) who I know will do a fantastic job representing our communities in the provincial legislature. Similarly to our everyday lives and work over the past several months, much of the campaign was online through town halls, meet and greets, and advertising. Many of the re-elected BC government's promises have potential federal involvement, and I look forward to working with our provincial counterparts to help Build Back Better.
US Presidential Election
Canada and the United States enjoy an extraordinary relationship – one that is unique on the world stage. Our shared geography, common interests, deep personal connections, and strong economic ties make us close friends, partners, and allies. We will further build on this foundation as we continue to keep our people safe and healthy from the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and work to advance peace and inclusion, economic prosperity, and climate action around the world. I warmly congratulate President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their election.
Universal Broadband Fund
In November, the Prime Minister announced an investment of $1.75 billion to help connect Canadians to high-speed Internet across the country, grow businesses, and create jobs. This investment will connect 98% of Canadians across the country to high-speed Internet by 2026, with the goal of connecting all Canadians by 2030. Announced originally in Budget 2019 as $1 billion, an additional funding of $750 million for the Universal Broadband Fund will help advance projects with partners, like the Canada Infrastructure Bank, to connect Canadian households and businesses in underserved communities over the next six years.
Fall Economic Statement
In December, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, delivered the 2020 Fall Economic Statement to update Canadians on the Government of Canada’s plans to protect and support Canadian workers, families, and businesses during the pandemic and lay the roadwork for our post-pandemic economic recovery. You can read more about the Statement here.
Canada's Climate Action Plan
In December 2020, the Prime Minister, along with Minister Wilkinson, Minister Guilbeault and Minister McKenna, announced Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan. This plan takes the same approach to the climate crisis as we have to the COVID-19 pandemic – urgency, focus, science-based decisions, working together across borders and focusing on the planet we want for everyone. Importantly, it includes 64 new measures and $15 billion in investments in addition to the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s $6 billion for clean infrastructure announced this fall as part of its Growth Plan. These include investments in green and inclusive community buildings, retrofits, and rebates up to $5000 on light-duty zero-emissions vehicles. It also continues Canada's price on pollution through to 2030, rising at $15 per tonne after 2022, while returning the proceeds back to households, with the majority receiving more money back than they pay in provinces where the federal system applies. You can find more details here.
Getting Open Net-Pen Fish Farms Out of BC Waters
On December 17th, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced her intention:
To phase out existing salmon farming facilities in the Discovery Islands, with the upcoming 18-month period being the last time this area is licenced;
To stipulate that no new fish of any size may be introduced into Discovery Islands facilities during this time;
To mandate that all farms be free of fish by June 30th, 2022, but that existing fish at the sites can complete their growth-cycle and be harvested.
I’m proud that Terry Beech, the local Member of Parliament for Burnaby North – Seymour, and Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Jordan, will be leading the consultation process with First Nations, the Province of BC, the aquaculture industry, and environmental stakeholders to identify real and concrete solutions for transitioning open-net pens in BC waters.
Constituency Office Supports
Our office will continue to assist our community with any and all casework questions including issues or concerns with any federal department or agency such as Service Canada (including but not limited to OAS, GIS, EI or CPP), Canada Revenue Agency, Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada, Passport Canada, Phoenix Pay System, Veterans Affairs or Indigenous Affairs.
