1. Wildfires update – Our Action and Public Health Guidelines
Sadly, we have hundreds of wildfires still raging through our beautiful country.
This week we had a number of Davenport residents reach out to my office and to share their concern for this terrible natural disaster, and their worry about the poor air quality in Toronto.
As your MP, it is very important for me to share what our federal government is doing re the wildfires. Know that taking decisive action during this unprecedented wildfire season is a priority for our federal government.
Prime Minister Trudeau hosted a number of press-conferences in June to update Canadians (to see the latest one please click
here).
Our wildfire action includes:
Many Davenport residents have asked how to keep safe during the days when the air quality is poor or
dangerous. Note that on June 19, Public Health Canada put out a statement with a list of guidelines for Canadians to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
It is important to pay attention to the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and to look out for any special air quality statements. For a list of actions and suggestions on how to limit our exposure click
here.
2. National Adaptation Strategy - A Historic First!
On June 27, our federal government released the final National Adaptation Strategy – for the first time making it a historic moment for our country!
The Strategy lays out a plan bringing together federal, provincial and Indigenous leadership to do the following:
For every $1 we invest in adaptation measures, Canadians will save up to $15 in costs across the economy.
Since our federal government was elected in 2015, we have invested more than $6.5 billion in core adaptation measures.
If we do not engage in adaptation actions, climate change will result in economic losses to our economy - without the actions above, losses are expected to be $25 billion by 2025.
3. Inflation goes down: targeted support for our most vulnerable
Thankfully, Canada’s inflation rate is at its lowest in almost 2 years – last month, it dropped to 3.4%, compared to 4.4% just a couple of months ago!
When compared to other large countries we are doing awesome – France is at 4.5%, Portugal is at 4%, and the UK is at as high as 8.7%, US is currently at 4%.
Our country’s economy is recovering from the pandemic faster than other countries and remains strong and stable, even amid global wars and crises.
As you may know, the federal government cannot spend on large support programs as this will contribute to higher inflation. But we are providing
TARGETED SUPPORT to Canadians most in need and those at the bottom of the income scale:
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July 1:
applications open for the second period of the Canada Dental Benefit
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July 5: Grocery Rebate and GST/HST credit payment day
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July 14:
Climate action incentive payment day
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July 20:
Canada child benefit payment day
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July 28: first quarterly payment of the Advanced Canada worker's benefit
If you qualify for these benefits but didn't get your payment, make sure your taxes are filed and up
to date!
More details of federal government supports:
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Grocery Rebate: July 5, 2023, we’re delivering the new one-time
Grocery Rebate!
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up to an extra $467 for eligible families of four; single Canadians without children with up to an extra $234; and seniors with an extra $225 on average.
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Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP):
July 14, Canadians receive their
fifth Climate Action Incentive Payment—the average family will receive $186.25 and individuals $93.25!
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The CAIP is a tax-free amount paid to help individuals and families offset the cost of the federal pollution pricing.
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Canada Dental Benefit:
July 1,
the second benefit period starts!
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If your child received dental care services between October 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023, the last day you can apply is Friday, June 30, 2023 - so please hurry, and don’t miss out on
this benefit!
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The Canada Dental Benefit is designed to help lower dental costs for families earning less than $90,000 per year!
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Parents and guardians can apply with
the CRA if their child is under 12 years old and does not have access to a private dental insurance plan.
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Depending on your adjusted family net income, a tax-free payment of $260, $390, or $650 is available for each eligible child.
Making Life More Affordable for Students
Student financial assistance for the school year starting August 1, 2023 will increase.
This includes:
This will allow post-secondary students to access up to $14,400 in enhanced Canada Student Financial Assistance for the upcoming school year. Students with disabilities and dependents will also receive an increase in Canada Student Grants!
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