This letter was first sent as an email to our constituents. To receive regular updates from our office regarding COVID-19, sign up using the "Get Updates" link in the menu.
Dear Friends and Neighbours,
As we face Covid-19 together, we are dealing with so many emotions – all primary emotions, fear, anger, sadness and joy.
COVID-19 has changed the daily lives of people around the world. During these difficult times, it is critical that Canadians be able to obtain credible information and access services to support their mental health and wellbeing. That's why this week our government launched a new portal dedicated to mental wellness: Wellness Together Canada.
This portal will connect Canadians to peer support workers, social workers, psychologists and other professionals for confidential chat sessions or phone calls, and will make it easier to find credible information and help address mental health and substance use issues.
We can do this. Every day we find reasons to smile, laugh, stay optimistic as we stay connected online or on the phone.
Stay safe. Stay in touch. With each other and our emotions. We will get through this together.
As the situation is changing daily, please check the following websites for daily updates in Toronto and across Canada:
or download the Canada Covid-19 app.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy provides a 75% wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks, retroactive to March 15, 2020. Eligible employers includes:
Employers will be able to apply for the CEWS through the Canada Revenue Agency's My Business Account portal. More details about the application process will be made available shortly.
Expanding the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
CEBA provides much needed credit for small businesses to pay for immediate operating costs such as payroll, rent, utilities, insurance, property tax, or debt service. It is 100 per cent funded by the Government of Canada.
This program is now available at various financial institutions and credit unions.
Improvements to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) Program
The government established the Canada Emergency Response Benefit to support workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This taxable benefit provides $2,000 every four weeks for up to four months to workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CERB is available to workers who meet all of the following conditions:
To help more Canadians benefit from the CERB, this week our government announced changes to the eligibility rules to:
Last weekend I heard many conversations about how gratitude often served as an antidote to fear. Expressing gratitude feels therapeutic. We have never been more grateful for those heroes on the front lines. Every day we can make an effort to express our sincere gratitude to them. We’ve got some images to start us off. Images you can share on-line, print and put in your windows, or make into signs for your front lawn or balcony.
How are you showing your support for our community and front-line workers? Please send us a picture and we'll share it!
In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within communities and across the country, all Canadians are advised to:
The constituency office will be closed to walk-in visits but my team and I are here for you and will continue to serve residents of #TOStPauls.
Our office will continue to be fully operational by phone and by email. You can call us at 416-952-3990 or email [email protected] for assistance in any federal matter.