MESSAGE FROM YOUR MP.
 

Over the past few days, our government and I have worked tirelessly to ensure that our country can safely revitalize the economy. On August 18, 2020, our government asked the Governor General to prorogue the Parliament, so that we can present our long-term recovery plan in the Speech from the Throne, which will take place on Wednesday, September 23, 2020.


I also continue to meet virtually with community partners to check on how they are managing the pandemic and how our government and I can support them. This week, I had a wonderful meeting with the Rideau and ByWard Business Improvement Area teams, where we have discussed their current situations and the next steps in the economic recovery.

PRIDE WEEK MESSAGE.
Happy Capital and Public Service Pride Week!I am proud to celebrate and recognize the diversity and contribution of members of the LGBTQ2+ community.
This year’s celebrations are a little different from previous years, but our commitment to inclusive and welcoming environments for all of our outstanding public servants is stronger than ever.

I encourage all of you to join the community this week through virtual activities and show your pride. Link

Have a great Capital and Public Service Pride Week. 

TRANSITION TO EI AND EXTENSION OF CERB.

Our Government introduced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to immediately help Canadians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, so they can continue to put food on the table and pay their bills. As we safely revitalize the Canadian economy, we will continue to support Canadians through the next phase of this recovery.

Earlier this month, our government announced changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) program as we prepare to conclude the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). In anticipation of this transition and to ensure continued support for Canadians whose jobs have been affected by the pandemic, the CERB will be extended by an additional four weeks to a maximum of 28 weeks. This means that many Canadians expecting to have exhaust their CERB payments by the end of August will now have access to an additional month of support. We are also announcing new measures that represent the next steps in our government’s plan to support Canadians looking for jobs in this next phase of our economic recovery. 

Our plan includes:

• Flexibilities to the Employment Insurance (EI) program that will allow more Canadians to qualify and receive a minimum of $400 per week for at least 26 weeks;
• EI Premium rate freeze for the next two years, which will benefit employees and employers as it prevents the rise of EI premiums during a period of economic recovery;
• The Canada Recovery Benefit for self-employed workers and workers not eligible for EI;
• The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit for workers who are unable to work because they are sick or must self-isolate for reasons related to COVID-19; and
• The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit for eligible Canadians who have been unable to work because they need to provide care or support for a child, family member or dependent.

 
Many Canadians continue to face challenges during this period, and we will continue to be there to support them. The health of Canadians remains our top priority.

SURPLUS FOOD RESCUE PROGRAM.

The impacts of COVID-19 has caused disruptions in some sectors of the Canadian food supply chain as it has caused the near closure of the restaurant and hotel industry in Canada.

In addition, the pandemic has led to increased demand from food banks and other food security organizations in communities across Canada. The surplus food rescue program will reduce these fluctuations by providing new funding to upgrade and redirect surplus food to vulnerable Canadians.

Surplus Food Recovery Program has awarded contributions to Organizations such as industry groups, processors, distributors and food service organizations, regional and municipal governments and agencies, including schools or school boards that:

• will acquire and move the most surplus product (and identified amount to be moved) use the most cost-effective approach (for acquiring food/acquiring product at or below the cost of production or through donations as applicable)
• use the most cost-effective approach for processing (only process if cannot be distributed otherwise) and at minimal cost
• are most efficient, from wholesale purchase to food serving agencies (drawing down on surplus quickly)
• make sure food reaches the most vulnerable and remote communities, especially northern communities (target of up to 10 per cent for all food under the program)
• have partnerships already established along the supply chain including food serving agencies