An Update from Adam Vaughan
Your Member of Parliament for Spadina-Fort York
Dear Neighbour:
Canada Day festivities this year were different than normal; however, I hope that everyone took time this week to relax, get together with your social circles, and reflect on how lucky we are to live in Canada. As July continues, I would like to provide some updates on government programs:
Mandatory COVID-19 Masks
Effective Tuesday, July 7, wearing a mask or face covering will be required in indoor public spaces in the City or Toronto. Wearing non-medical (cloth) masks or face coverings can be an added public health measure for containing the spread of COVID-19 when it is used in combination with frequent handwashing, physical distancing, and staying home when sick.
More information from the City of Toronto can be found by clicking here.
Enabling Accessibility Fund
The Enabling Accessibility Fund is an example of the actions the Government of Canada is taking to break down barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in all aspects of Canadian society. Isolation, financial insecurity and barriers to employment disproportionately impact the quality of life of persons with disabilities, and the Government of Canada is taking steps to ensure everyone has equal access and equal opportunities. There are two funding streams currently open:
Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) – Small Projects Component
The call for proposals for the EAF small projects component provides funding to organizations for small-scale construction, renovation or retrofit projects that enable persons with disabilities to live and work in more inclusive and accessible communities. This year, instead of the originally allotted 12 months to complete a project, organizations that apply for funding will now have up to 24 months to complete their projects. Additionally, projects approved for funding will now be 100% funded to a maximum of $100,000.
Organizations have until July 13, 2020 to apply by visiting canada.ca/accessibility-fund.
Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) – Youth
The EAF’s youth innovation component engages and challenges youth leaders to volunteer and collaborate with local community based organizations, and apply for funding up to $10,000 for accessible projects.
Interested youth accessibility advocates can apply online here.
Enhanced Seniors’ Benefits
Next week, our government is issuing a one-time tax-free payment of $300 for those who are eligible for the Old Age Security pension and a further $200 for those who are eligible for GIS—worth $500 for seniors who receive both. Those who receive the Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor will also get $500. The payment will be automatic—seniors do not need to apply. Seniors who reside in Canada can expect to receive the payment by direct deposit or cheque very soon.
Supporting Black Canadians Community Initiative
The Government of Canada has established a Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative and is investing $25 million in projects and capital assistance to celebrate, share knowledge and build capacity in Canada’s vibrant Black Canadian communities. A call for proposals has just launched as part of this initiative to invite eligible, Black-led organizations to submit proposals of up to $100,000 for capital projects. The process will run between June 26 and July 27, 2020. Selections will be announced in late September 2020.
Funding applications can be found by clicking here.
One-hour information sessions on the call for proposals will occur on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 11:00 am ET (English) and 1:00 pm ET (French). To participate in the information session and receive the instructions for joining online or by teleconference, please email Employment and Social Development Canada at EDSC.ACNC-SBCC.ESDC@canada.gc.
New Website Launch
I’m pleased to announce that my new website has been launched! It can be accessed by clicking here.
Wishing you and your families a safe, healthy, and cool weekend.
Sincerely,
Adam Vaughan, M.P.
Spadina—Fort York
