Mona Fortier
Hon. Mona Fortier
Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier
Newsletter,November 27th
MESSAGE FROM YOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT ON COVID-19

 Dear Ottawa-Vanier residents,

As the holiday season approaches, we must increase our efforts to follow public health guidelines to protect our families and neighbours.  Let us remain cautious, and keep  practicing social distancing and wearing our masks at all times when we are in the presence of people who are not part of our bubble.
We have to keep our guard up to keep COVID-19 levels down. There is still work to be done to stop this virus and we must continue to do so until we are all safe.

In addition, our government is currently working with a number of partners and key stakeholders to put in place safely the necessary measures  to conduct a  COVID-19 vaccination campaign. 
I will update you regularly on the progress of our efforts and the COVID19 vaccination plan.


We know that this pandemic has had a significant negative impact on the mental and physical health of all Canadians.  Know that resources are available if you need help. I invite you to visit Wellness Together Canada for any mental health support, especially during these difficult times.



Since the start of this pandemic, our government has prioritized the health response and has supported Canadian businesses and our economy. We entered this crisis with a strong fiscal position, which has allowed us to provide unprecedented support to Canadians during this pandemic.

On November 30th, we will be presenting the 2020 Fall Economic Statement. Our Plan will continue to Support Canadians through COVID-19 and ensure that the post-COVID economy is more robust, inclusive, and sustainable.

Finally, if you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to download the COVID Alert app, which is a great way to protect ourselves, our families, and the most vulnerable in our communities from COVID-19.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT, MULTICULTURALISM, AND ANTI-RACISM INITIATIVES  PROGRAM CALL FOR PROPOSALS LAUNCH

Our government is unwavering in its commitment to diversity and inclusion, including tackling all forms of systemic racism and discrimination in a way that is informed by lived experiences.
As part of the Anti-Racism Strategy, on November 23, 2020, we launched a new call for proposals for the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program (CSMARI).
 
CSMARI aims to support communities in their work to combat racism and discrimination, promote discussions on multiculturalism, and strengthening research. There are three components to the CSMARI program: Community Capacity Building, Events, and Projects.
 
The deadline for organizations to submit applications under the Projects and the Community Capacity Building components to the CSMARI program is January 12, 2021.
 
There is no established deadline to submit a funding application under the Events component, as applications are accepted on a continuous basis. However, funding applications must be submitted at least 18 weeks prior to the proposed event start date.
 
Our government is fully committed to redouble our efforts in combatting systemic racism in all of it forms to ensure that we build back better and consciously more inclusive.
PROTECTING BUSINESSES WITH THE CANADA EMERGENCY RENT SUBSIDY

As we face the second wave of this virus, and public health measures continue to evolve, we know that many employers are worried about being able to pay rent.
Our Government is providing simple, easy-to-access commercial rent and mortgage support until 2021 to employers who have been affected by COVID-19.
 
As of this week, businesses can now apply for the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS), which would help cover up to 65 per cent of the rent for businesses who’ve been hard hit by the pandemic. The new Lockdown Support will also provide an additional 25 per cent for those who have been subject to a lockdown under a mandatory public health order. The application process is straightforward, easy-to-access, and most importantly, funding will go directly to businesses – not to landlords.
Qualifying organizations can now apply for the CERS through My Business Account, and their representatives can apply through Represent a Client
As businesses in many regions face new regulations and shutdowns to keep Canadians safe, our government is going to be there for whatever it takes to support businesses and keep Canadians working.

HELPING CANADIANS GET THE TRAINING TO FIND GOOD JOBS

 For many Canadians, the pandemic has resulted in the loss of their job or reduced their hours of work significantly.
Workers are also facing new challenges, whether that be shifting services online or navigating public health guidance.
 To tackle these challenges, Canadians need access to training and employment supports to develop new skills and find good jobs.

To support Canadian workers affected by the economic impacts of the pandemic by helping them build new skills in growing sectors, receive education and accreditation, and connect to employers and good jobs, our government announced the details of the new $1.5 billion investment through the Workforce Development Agreements (WDAs) with provinces and territories.

These supports include skills training, on-the-job training, employer-sponsored training, financial assistance and benefits, employment counselling and services, and job opportunities. 

I’m confident this investment will help Canadians in sectors that have been hardest hit by the pandemic and those in underrepresented groups get the support they need.

SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

Our local businesses need us now more than ever! Here are different ways to support them:

  • Purchase food from local shops and producers when possible
  • Get your coffee beans and teas from cafes in the neighbourhood
  • Order meals to-go or takeout and delivery from your favorite restaurants
  • Buy merchandise from local shops or businesses online
  • Purchase gift cards from your favorite shop or restaurant and share with your friends and family
  • Amplify local businesses on social media, leave them a review and share their posts
 
Continue to buy local to support our Ottawa-Vanier businesses
SNOWFLAKE BREAKFAST- PURCHASE TICKETS
This year, the pandemic is putting extreme pressure on the food banks, with an important increase of emergency food needs that will peak with the upcoming wave of infection due to Covid-19.
To adapt to the present context, the Vanier Community Service Centre will be celebrating the Snowflake Breakfasts 15th anniversary, an annual fundraising event for the Partage Vanier Food Bank.
The fundraising goal of $45,000 will help purchase fresh and healthy ingredients as well as other necessities for Partage Vanier Food Bank users.   

For more information on how you can participate, visit www.snowflakebreakfast.com.



 

 

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