COVID19 Response from city of Toronto, Ontario

CAVID19 Response, Update and News from City of Toronto

#COVID19 Response from all level of the government of Canada Dear neighbours and friends I would like to wish everyone celebrating an Easter holiday full of peace, joy and plenty of blessings. For all groups celebrating please be sure to follow the guidelines provided by Toronto Public Health. This includes suspending or greatly reducing the size of services, using virtual or online methods, and ensuring social distancing rules are maintained. For the Fact Sheet please click here: https://bit.ly/2xZ0gtY I want to thank everyone for your efforts during this very difficult time. It is very important for all of us, to the best of our ability to follow the mandatory social distancing bylaw! Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources from the City of Toronto: City of Toronto announces mental health support strategy for residents The City of Toronto has developed a mental health support strategy to support the mental health needs of residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures put in place over the past three weeks to slow the spread of COVID-19 have created stress and anxiety for many individuals, which may be compounded by financial loss and loss of critical supports. Residents can call 211 to access support and get connected to one of seven primary mental health service partners for direct phone support. Mental health service information is also available at http://www.211toronto.ca/. Full news release: https://bit.ly/2JUU9cN Municipal Licensing & Standards Service Update The City is committed to doing everything possible to stop the spread of COVID-19, based on the expert advice of our Medical Officer of Health. As part of the City's efforts to protect the health and safety of Toronto residents and our staff, we are practicing social distancing to help reduce the possibility of spreading COVID-19. At this time, Municipal Licensing & Standards' services will be responding to emergency calls on a priority basis. All non-essential service requests are suspended pending the outcome of the COVID-19 emergency. If this is an Emergency request, please contact 311. For more information on COVID-19 related City cancellations and closures, please visit toronto.ca/covid19. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. OW/ODSP COVID-19 Benefit OW and ODSP clients are able to access an additional benefit for COVID relief for $100. I believe it is a one-time benefit, that must be requested. One would need to contact a worker and request it before it is issued. This benefit will be released through DBD or Reloadable card. Additionally, starting from May there will be NO physical cheques being issued. Everyone will need to get their cheques through DBD or reloadable card. Additional COVID-19 Resources and Supports CERB Applications for the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit is now available and can be accessed here: https://www.canada.ca/…/benefi…/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html You can also apply over the phone at 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041. This services is available 21 hours per day, closed between 3am and 6am for maintenance. The Canadian Government announced that more plans were coming for Canadians who work 10 hours a week or less, and for those essential workers who make less than the CERB amount of $2,000 per month. City of Toronto’s Housing Stabilization Fund This fund provides money for emergency housing needs to people receiving financial assistance through Ontario Works or income support through the Ontario Disability Support Program in the City of Toronto. Details here: https://bit.ly/34qPcSA Food delivery for seniors As of April 7, call Red Cross at 1-833-204-9952 for seniors who have had to self-isolate and do not have alternative access to food through family, friends, or other food delivery services and are not receiving assistance from another community food program. CAA Food Delivery CAA is providing Transportation and delivery services to support COVID-19 response for agencies. They will deliver only the following items: Food (uncooked and cooked; Medicine; Pharmaceuticals; Medical equipment (size limitations will apply). If you are interested in using this service please contact: CommunityServicesResponseFleet@caasco.ca and share your organization name, contact name, phone # and address and the type of pick-up.delivery required. A list of food banks and soup kitchens in Ward 24 can be found here: https://bit.ly/2RcvdRV Please remember to call ahead to book to ensure they are properly stocked. For those interested in volunteering, food banks are always looking for volunteers, so please feel free to save and share this information. The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice, and information about City services and social supports. Check https://www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311. Stay up to date at all levels of government Canada – Federal: Canada.ca/coronavirus Ontario – Provincial: Ontario.ca/coronavirus Toronto – City: Toronto.ca/coronavirus If you have questions that are not addressed by the links above, please email me sahartv@live.com or call 647-856-6222, and we will work to get you a response. again Thanks for Watching Sahar-TV Network , The window for better life, Multicultural Community Program. Please Visit Us for More Information at http://www.mamanzaytv.com/ All my Best, Lalaka.

Message from My Senior MP. Hon. John McKay, P.C.,Member of Parliament for Scarborough-...

#COVID19 Response from all level of the government of Canada I would like to wish everyone celebrating an Easter holiday full of peace, joy and plenty of blessings. For all groups celebrating please be sure to follow the guidelines provided by Toronto Public Health. This includes suspending or greatly reducing the size of services, using virtual or online methods, and ensuring social distancing rules are maintained. For the Fact Sheet please click here: https://bit.ly/2xZ0gtY I want to thank everyone for your efforts during this very difficult time. It is very important for all of us, to the best of our ability to follow the mandatory social distancing bylaw! Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources from the City of Toronto: City of Toronto announces mental health support strategy for residents The City of Toronto has developed a mental health support strategy to support the mental health needs of residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures put in place over the past three weeks to slow the spread of COVID-19 have created stress and anxiety for many individuals, which may be compounded by financial loss and loss of critical supports. Residents can call 211 to access support and get connected to one of seven primary mental health service partners for direct phone support. Mental health service information is also available at http://www.211toronto.ca/. Full news release: https://bit.ly/2JUU9cN Municipal Licensing & Standards Service Update The City is committed to doing everything possible to stop the spread of COVID-19, based on the expert advice of our Medical Officer of Health. As part of the City's efforts to protect the health and safety of Toronto residents and our staff, we are practicing social distancing to help reduce the possibility of spreading COVID-19. At this time, Municipal Licensing & Standards' services will be responding to emergency calls on a priority basis. All non-essential service requests are suspended pending the outcome of the COVID-19 emergency. If this is an Emergency request, please contact 311. For more information on COVID-19 related City cancellations and closures, please visit toronto.ca/covid19. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. OW/ODSP COVID-19 Benefit OW and ODSP clients are able to access an additional benefit for COVID relief for $100. I believe it is a one-time benefit, that must be requested. One would need to contact a worker and request it before it is issued. This benefit will be released through DBD or Reloadable card. Additionally, starting from May there will be NO physical cheques being issued. Everyone will need to get their cheques through DBD or reloadable card. Additional COVID-19 Resources and Supports CERB Applications for the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit is now available and can be accessed here: https://www.canada.ca/…/benefi…/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html You can also apply over the phone at 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041. This services is available 21 hours per day, closed between 3am and 6am for maintenance. The Canadian Government announced that more plans were coming for Canadians who work 10 hours a week or less, and for those essential workers who make less than the CERB amount of $2,000 per month. City of Toronto’s Housing Stabilization Fund This fund provides money for emergency housing needs to people receiving financial assistance through Ontario Works or income support through the Ontario Disability Support Program in the City of Toronto. Details here: https://bit.ly/34qPcSA Food delivery for seniors As of April 7, call Red Cross at 1-833-204-9952 for seniors who have had to self-isolate and do not have alternative access to food through family, friends, or other food delivery services and are not receiving assistance from another community food program. CAA Food Delivery CAA is providing Transportation and delivery services to support COVID-19 response for agencies. They will deliver only the following items: Food (uncooked and cooked; Medicine; Pharmaceuticals; Medical equipment (size limitations will apply). If you are interested in using this service please contact: CommunityServicesResponseFleet@caasco.ca and share your organization name, contact name, phone # and address and the type of pick-up.delivery required. A list of food banks and soup kitchens in Ward 24 can be found here: https://bit.ly/2RcvdRV Please remember to call ahead to book to ensure they are properly stocked. For those interested in volunteering, food banks are always looking for volunteers, so please feel free to save and share this information. The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice, and information about City services and social supports. Check https://www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311. Stay up to date at all levels of government Canada – Federal: Canada.ca/coronavirus Ontario – Provincial: Ontario.ca/coronavirus Toronto – City: Toronto.ca/coronavirus If you have questions that are not addressed by the links above, please email me sahartv@live.com or call 647-856-6222, and we will work to get you a response. again Thanks for Watching Sahar-TV Network , The window for better life, Multicultural Community Program.

COVID-19 Update From The Federal Government Of Canada, Thursday Aprrile ...

The Federal Government Of Canada Response to #COVID19 Thursday, April 9, 2020: Dear Friends and Neighbours, Happy Thursday! Sorry for the delay in posting this evening, but we have a big update for you, with new announcements about the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy for businesses, and an expansion of the Canada Summer Jobs program for young people and students. Today’s Daily Update also answers important questions about the deferral of critical surgeries due to COVID-19, Universal Basic Income, and many of the questions regarding qualifications for CERB. Before I get into today’s update, I want to recognize the beginning of Passover tonight at sundown. This is an important religious observance for our Jewish Canadians, and this year many will celebrate Passover sadly without bringing together family members and loved ones under one roof. This weekend many Canadians also celebrate Easter – I want to recognize the sacrifice of everyone who cherishes religious holidays such as Passover and Easter as a way to bring families together. Thank you for finding other ways to connect this year. It is more important than ever that we keep our physical distance and flatten the curve. We all appreciate the sacrifices we are making for each other. Finally, thank you to everyone who continues to call, email, and reach out with questions about the federal government’s response to COVID-19. It is so important that I hear directly from you and what is on your mind – so keep doing so. Every day – using these Daily Updates – we attempt to respond to the top-asked questions in the Davenport Questions and Answers Section. If you feel your question isn’t answered, please feel free to get in touch again for more help. Thank you Davenport! Table of Contents Latest Federal News - Wednesday, April 8 Update on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) Why is the Business Wage Subsidy Taking So Long to Implement? Applications for Canada Emergency Business Loans Opens! Changes to Canada Summer Jobs Announced Latest Update from Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam Why Not Implement Universal Basic Income Now? Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) Q&A More Much-Needed Supplies Arriving Daily!! Urgent Cancer Surgeries Cancelled. What Can Be Done? Davenport Questions and Answers Volunteer and Donation Services in Davenport - Help Out or Find Help Stay Up To Date at All Levels of Government Latest Federal News Update on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Finance Minister, the Honourable Bill Morneau, announced important changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): Responding to the important feedback from stakeholders since the CEWS was first announced, the federal government has adjusted the requirement for employers to only have to show a 15% decline in revenue for March to qualify for CEWS; this is down from the requirement to show a 30% reduction in revenues from March 2020 vs March 2019. Charities and nonprofits that receive funding from the federal government will have the option of including or excluding that funding from their revenue calculations, which should make it easier to qualify. This is worth noting for many arts organizations that receive grants! As previously announced, businesses will need to apply every month and attest to a revenue drop each month. There will be serious consequences for any businesses that try to skirt the rules: Applicants will need to designate someone with control over their finances to make sure their claims are appropriate. Any business that receives the benefit and is then deemed to be ineligible will have to repay the amount. Anyone caught abusing the program could face penalties of up to 225% of what they received and 5 years in prison. This is a high-trust program and abuses will not be tolerated. The CEWS is critical to ensuring the continued strength of the Canadian economy and our business sector. It will help companies retain their workers, help employees keep their jobs, and allow companies to function as much as possible during the pandemic while setting the stage to come roaring back after the pandemic is over. Other key points on CEWS: The CEWS would apply at a rate of 75% of the first $58,700 normally earned by employees, representing a benefit of up to $847 per week, per employee. The program will be in place for a 12-week period, from March 15 to June 6, 2020 Employers of all sizes and across all sectors of the economy will be eligible, with certain exceptions including public sector entities. An eligible employer’s entitlement to this wage subsidy will be based entirely on the salary or wages actually paid to employees. All employers will be expected to make best efforts to bring employees’ wages to their pre-crisis levels. Employers will be allowed to measure revenues either on the basis of accrual accounting (as they are earned) or cash accounting (as they are received). Special rules will also be provided to address issues for corporate groups, non-arm’s length entities and joint ventures. In order to make it easier and more cost effective for employers to rehire people previously laid off, the federal government is also proposing that employers eligible for the CEWS be entitled to receive a 100% refund for certain employer-paid contributions to Employment Insurance, the Canada Pension Plan, the Quebec Pension Plan, and the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan. Why is the Business Wage Subsidy Taking So Long to implement? Both the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister received questions today about why the CEWS is taking time to implement. Here are some important points: A wage subsidy has never been done in Canada before. This $71 billion package is the largest economic support package in Canada’s history, and likely to be the largest in our lifetimes, so it is very important to get it right. Our government understands how urgent the situation is for many businesses. The CRA is working around the clock to bring this program online, and we originally said it would take 3 to 6 weeks. We are now determined to beat the 3 week timeline. This wage subsidy must be approved by the House of Commons. Before it is implemented the wage subsidy has to be approved by Parliament – accountability is paramount and our democratic institutions have to be respected. Government House Leaders for all parties are working to determine when Parliament will reconvene to pass this and other recently announced measures. Applications for Canada Emergency Business Loans Open! Interested businesses can apply to the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan beginning tomorrow: CEBA will give access to interest-free loans of up to $40,000 for small businesses and nonprofits. Apply at your financial institution (including some credit unions). 25% ($10,000) will be forgivable if repaid by December 21, 2022. Changes to Canada Summer Jobs Program Announced The Prime Minister announced new changes to the Canada Summer Jobs Program. We recognize that young people are especially vulnerable in a time like this, since they are new to the workforce, likely don’t have much money saved up, and need to build work experience and earn money to cover tuition and living expenses. I have heard from many students in Davenport who are worried about how COVID-19 will affect their summer employment opportunities, so this news is for you! Changes include: 100% of the provincial minimum hourly wage will be covered for each student employee. An extension to the end date for employment to February 28, 2021. allowing employers to hire staff on a part-time basis. Those who have applied already do not have to reapply - your application will still be consider; but if you want to resubmit an application for students to do different jobs targeting COVID-19 essential services - you can do so. But new applications are also encouraged for those who want to hire students to support essential services such as supporting COVID-19 community programming, supporting Canada’s food security and supply chains, filling temporary vacancies due to COVID-19, and working with vulnerable populations. I will be reaching out to organizations in our riding to answer questions about this revised program and encourage applications! Latest Update from Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam Dr. Tam said today that over 359,000 Canadians have been tested to date, with around 5% confirmed positive. Dr. Tam’s team continues to work with provinces to get them everything they need to expand their testing capacity, especially provinces like Ontario that still need to ramp up testing. For COVID-19 statistics in Canada, click here. Dr. Tam has put out a direct call to volunteers across the country who have public health or health care experience. To apply click on the link above. If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, use the self-assessment tool. Why Not Implement Universal Basic Income Now? There were many questions raised today to our Prime Minister and our cabinet ministers about whether Canada has considered implementing Universal Basic Income (UBI) during this crisis: It was explained that the government felt that we were able to more quickly deliver much needed financial support to targeted Canadians (most in need) through CERB and CWES. It was felt that using these existing channels allowed us to get the money out more rapidly than any other program. Other advantages are that the temporary Business Wage Subsidy (vs UBI) helps maintain the critical link between employer and employee, gives employees comfort that they still have a job, allows businesses to remain as operational as they can through this pandemic; and it sets the stage for companies to come roaring back after the height of the pandemic is over. The specific measures we have introduced are also intended to help stop the recession from becoming a depression. As previously stated, I've been a supporter of seriously looking at UBI in Canada as a potential new base of our social welfare system The data we collect and the lessons we learn will help inform how we move forward on UBI and other new programs to support and transition Canadian workers as we come out of this pandemic. Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) Q&A The Employment Minister, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, revealed that we received over 750,000 applications to the CERB yesterday (Tuesday), to a total of 1.72 million applications this week. Here are some answers to questions that we have been asked: Q: I’m eligible for EI and I applied already. Can I cancel it to apply for CERB? A: No. If you applied for EI after March 15, you will be automatically moved over. Otherwise, if you applied before March 15, your application for EI will be handled as usual. Q: If my EI is running out soon, can I apply for CERB after? A: Stay tuned for more information. Q: I am receiving both EI and CERB at once. Is this allowed? A: If this has happened to you, this is a glitch. You will be asked to pay it back to CRA. Q: I’ve earned a bit of income. Can I apply for CERB? A: Not now. The Prime Minister has indicated there will be more support for you coming soon – stay tuned. Q: I applied for CERB in error. How can I cancel my application? A: Call 1‑800‑959‑2019 or 1‑800‑959‑2041. Q: I want to take CERB now, but I also plan to go on EI maternity leave. What should I do? A: You will need to apply for EI maternity leave when you become eligible. CERB does not disqualify you or reduce the number of weeks you have for maternity leave, but you can't be on both programs at once. You will be transferred between programs. Q: I am an international student already working on campus. Am I eligible? A: If your visa allows you to work in Canada and you have a valid SIN, then yes. Q: I am a Canadian reporting my income in Canada, but I’m abroad now. Am I eligible? A: If you have a valid SIN, then yes. Q: Will we be extending the Service Canada phone service? A: Yes, it’s already been launched. Q: I collected ODSP/CPP/CDPP. Does this disqualify me from CERB? A: No. As long as you meet all the other requirements, you may qualify. Q: I want to apply, but I have limited internet … is there a number I can call? A: Call 1‑800‑959‑2019 or 1‑800‑959‑2041. More Much-Needed Supplies Arriving Daily!! The first batch of masks from 3M arrived at 11:20 pm last night. The masks are being distributed now to the provinces that ordered them (my understanding is Ontario will be a beneficiary of this). Our federal government is ensuring these critical supplies get to their destinations as quickly as possible. Once supplies are distributed, it is up to the provinces to make sure that they are getting to frontline workers, both healthcare workers and anyone supporting vulnerable community members including people experiencing homelessness, people in women's shelters, and other vulnerable groups. I will be touching base with our provincial and local representatives to ensure that all local needs are addressed. Urgent Cancer Surgeries Cancelled. What Can Be Done? Dr. Tam indicated today that the Chief Medical Officers of Health of each province have the very difficult responsibility of deciding which critical surgeries or emergency surgeries can continue now, and which can be postponed. She mentioned the mobilization around COVID-19 and that some parts of Canada are reaching a peak of COVID-19 cases. Most, if not all healthcare resources are directed to focus on this issue. The issue of delayed surgeries has been raised at the national level; and my understanding is that provincial chief medical officers are seized with this issue and are constantly evaluating how fast they can return to performing critical operations like advanced cancer surgeries (and redirect capacity from the COVID-19 battle). I know is top of mind for many Davenport residents and families and so will continue to provide information and updates moving forward. Davenport Questions and Answers Q: If I lost my job before the COVID-19 epidemic, but I can’t find work now, can I apply for the CERB? A: No, you are not eligible. If you lost your job before March 15, you can still apply for regular EI benefits. If you were fired or released for cause unrelated to COVID-19, unfortunately you are not eligible for the CERB. If you are a student worried about summer employment, stay tuned for more information on the changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program (detailed above). Q: What is Canada doing to prevent infection of prison populations? A: Our federal government is very aware of the extra risk posed to vulnerable populations including those currently in prison. The Public Safety Minister, the Honourable Bill Blair, has taken steps to release some non-violent inmates early to help maintain distancing within prisons. Volunteer and Donation Services in Davenport—Help Out or Find Help Food banks are experiencing a huge surge in demand during COVID-19, while at the same time seeing a drop in volunteers and donations. Not all of us can, but if you have extra time or wish to donate please help one of our Davenport food banks. They really need your help! Community Food Banks in Davenport These two local food banks do amazing work for Davenport: The Stop Oasis Dufferin Volunteer Groups in Davenport These groups are connecting volunteers to Davenport residents who need all kinds of help. Davenport Helps Regal Heights COVID-19 Help Group Help For Disadvantaged and Vulnerable People in Davenport Abrigo has just let us know that they are delivering their services over the phone To help out our doctors, nurses, and hospitals, please donate blood! Blood donations are always needed, especially in emergencies. Go to Blood.ca to learn more. Stay up to date at all levels of government Canada – Federal: Canada.ca/coronavirus Ontario – Provincial: Ontario.ca/coronavirus Toronto – City:Toronto.ca/coronavirus Finally, thank you once again for doing your part to help crush the curve! Please find virtual ways to stay connected – physical distancing is more important than ever, but we are lucky to have so many tools to stay in touch. Finally, thank you once again for doing your part to help crush the curve! Keep staying home as much as possible, no matter how nice it gets outside. If you have questions that are not addressed by the links above, please email me sahartv@live.com or call 647-856-6222, and we will work to get you a response. again Thanks for Watching Sahar-TV Network , The window for better life, Multicultural Community Program. http://www.mamanzaytv.com/ All my best Lalaka

COVID19, Response from the Federal Government of Canada

#COVID19, Response from the Federal Government of Canada Wednesday, April 8, 2020 Sahar-TV Network Braking News Dear Friends and Neighbours, I want to begin by once again thanking everyone in Greater Toronto Area for doing your part in the fight against COVID-19. This pandemic is unlike anything we have ever seen in Canada before, and it has touched every single one of us in a different way. Some in our community have been impacted in ways most of us will never think about or hear about in the news, and I want to say to all of you: I know this is tough, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you all for the sacrifices you’ve made and continue to make every day to keep us all safe. As always, I want to thank everyone who is unable to work from home, and who goes out every day to do an essential service for the community. Thank you to all the frontline healthcare workers and hospital staff, to all the TTC drivers; to all the grocery store workers, and to everyone else keeping us moving through this unprecedented time. Finally, thank you to everyone who continues to call, email, and reach out through all channels with questions about the federal government’s response to COVID-19. Table of Contents Latest Federal News - Monday, April 6 Make, Make, Make and Buy, Buy, Buy Orders from the U.S. Coming Through! Canada Emergency Response Benefit Open for Applications! The Latest Update from Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam Davenport Questions and Answers Volunteer and Donation Services in Davenport - Help Out or Find Help Stay Up To Date at All Levels of Government Latest Federal News Federal Update – Tuesday, April 8 In today’s update, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced major progress in Canada’s efforts to expand domestic production of medical supplies, and procure supplies from around the world. The goal is to produce as much of our needs both now and in the future in Canada and to drastically reduce our reliance on international suppliers. The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, also said today that Canada has a “make, make, make, and buy, buy, buy” strategy to meet all our needs. The government is: Purchasing made-in-Canada ventilators from Thornhill Medical, CAE, Ventilators for Canadians, and StarFish Medical and other manufacturing partners, including Linamar, to produce up to 30,000 ventilators. The Prime Minister added that we hope this will far exceed Canada’s needs, and if we have a surplus, these ventilators can be shared with other countries that don’t have the capacity to produce them. Working with one of Canada’s Nobel Prize-winning researchers, Dr. Art McDonald, who is leading a team of scientists at national laboratories to develop an easy-to-produce ventilator using off-the-shelf, easily accessible parts. Establishing and securing new supply chains to produce medical gowns from new Canadian sources. The Government of Canada has signed letters of intent with a total of 22 apparel manufacturers, including Arc’teryx and Canada Goose, to produce needed medical gowns for Canadian health care workers using newly-sourced Canadian material. Purchasing and producing masks to protect our health care workers. The Government of Canada has placed orders for millions of surgical masks from various companies, including Medicom, Surgo Surgical Supply, and Breathe Medical. The government is also supporting Medicom’s work to increase its capacity to produce tens of millions more surgical and N95 masks per year right here in Canada. Purchasing hand sanitizer from Canadian companies, including Fluid Energy Group Ltd. and Irving Oil. The Government of Canada is also supporting the Hand Sanitizer Manufacturing Exchange established by Cosmetics Alliance Canada, the Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association, and Spirits Canada. Orders From the U.S. Coming Through! Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said that the government has made progress in talks to ensure equipment and supplies ordered by our government will continue to make its way into Canada and 500,000 masks from 3M are arriving tomorrow (Wednesday). She added that,“we told the U.S. that we have a mutual relationship when it comes to medical equipment and medical services, and ... both countries do best when we work together for a mutual benefit.” There was a lot of hard work and dialogue on both sides of the border to ensure a common understanding and to reach this successful conclusion. Canada’s ambition is to reduce its dependence on international suppliers, and to date over 5,000 companies have contacted the Canadian government to pitch in. At the same time, the team of the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, the Honourable Anita Anand, is working around the clock to procure supplies in a highly competitive global environment. Minister Anand announced: Yesterday from China, Canada received 8 million surgical masks and received orders directly made by Quebec and Nova Scotia; To date, 230 million surgical masks have been ordered in Canada, and 16 million have been delivered; To date, 75 million N95 masks have been ordered, and 2.3 million will have been delivered by the end of this week; 500,000 masks from 3M in the U.S. will arrive tomorrow. Canada Emergency Response Benefit Open for Applications! Reminder: applications for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) are open now! The CERB will cover you if you have lost your pay due to COVID-19. Whether you’re taking care of someone who is sick, have been laid off, or for any other reason have lost your income due to COVID-19, the CERB is here for you. OMG - CRA is processing claims at around 1,000 a minute! 966,000 Canadians applied for CERB yesterday, and 788,510 applications were successfully processed. 73% were online, and 27% over the phone. On top of that, 3.6 million Canadians have applied for EI since March 15, and over 3 million of those claims have already been processed. The success and ease of applying for the CERB is a tribute to the unbelievable hard work of our civil servants - the wheels of government have never worked this quickly. I am so enormously proud of our civil servants and so grateful to them for their efforts. If you were born in April, May, or June, you can click here to apply online today. If you can’t apply online, you can call 1-800-959-2041. It’s fast and easy! If you were born in another month, you will be able to apply on a different day this week: Tomorrow is targeted for those born in July, August, or September. April 9 (Thursday) - If you were born in October, November, or December. You can apply on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday no matter what day you were born. If you select direct deposit, you will receive funds 3 to 5 days after you apply. Otherwise, please allow up to 10 days for a cheque to be mailed to you. The Latest Update from Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam Dr. Tam said today that over 346,000 Canadians have been tested to date, with around 5% confirmed positive. She also gave more details on the most affected groups: 92% of deaths in Canada are in the 60+ age group; 60% of hospitalizations in Canada are in the 60+ age group; The male-female ratio is roughly 50:50; This doesn’t mean young people are immune – we are seeing serious impacts even with people in their 20's. The highest risk groups are people in long-term care facilities and in remote northern and Indigenous communities, which is why public health officials and our national government are super focused on protecting and supporting these groups. Detailed epidemiological information is available to the public here. She also provided important information on wearing masks in public: Medical masks are in short supply all over the world and they must be conserved for healthcare workers. Wearing a non-medical mask or a facial covering can be an additional layer to protect and not infect others, even if you are not currently symptomatic. This will help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets to others when you can't maintain a physical distance of 2 metres from others such as when on public transit or getting groceries. However, wearing masks does not preclude the need for frequent hand-washing and physical distancing. Without hand-washing and physical distancing, you cannot consider yourself protected against COVID-19. But, face coverings are not appropriate for everyone of all ages. They are a suffocation risk for babies under the age of two, for those with difficulty breathing and for those that are unable to remove the masks by themselves. For full Health Canada guidance on masks, click here Canada is also investigating serological testing, or blood testing, which has the potential to show which individuals have antibodies to the virus. However, the World Health Organization does not currently recommend serological tests for clinical diagnosis, and Health Canada is following this advice and prioritizing the tests that show if someone has COVID-19 or not. Dr. Tam has put out a direct call to volunteers across the country who have public health or health care experience. To apply click on the link above. If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, use the self-assessment tool. Davenport Questions and Answers Q: Why not make the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) universal for all Canadians? A: Our federal government’s initial goal with the CERB was to get money out to those who lost their jobs and income due to COVID-19. However, many Canadians do not fit the CERB criteria, including many artists, contractors and those working in the gig economy. The Prime Minister indicated yesterday that we are looking at options on how we can adjust the CERB to support more Canadians. I too have been articulating to my cabinet colleagues how we need to support our artists and those in the gig economy. I am hoping for more good news and announcements in the coming days. In addition, for many years I have been a supporter of Universal Basic Income (UBI) - believing that in the new world of work that we are in, we need a new foundation for Canada’s social welfare system. I think UBI can be that foundation. Q: The CERB is great, but rent is so expensive I don’t have much left. Will action be taken on rent? A: I have heard loud and clear that renters need more help, both with commercial and residential rent. Our government has provided a lot of financial support to individuals and businesses already, from CERB to the Wage Subsidy to the Emergency Loan Program, but I have been and continue to advocate for more additional support for renters. The province also has many tools at their disposal that they could activate to help renters in our city, so they also play an important role. Q: What is being done to protect vulnerable Indigenous communities? Why are Coastal GasLink workers considered essential if they are working near vulnerable Indigenous communities? A: We know that many Indigenous communities are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 because of the remoteness of their communities and limited public health services. The federal government has announced $305 million to help Indigenous groups prepare. The Indgienous Services Minister, the Honourable Marc Miller, has been doing an amazing job coordinating with Indigenous leaders to rapidly get them the supplies they need, and the Canadian Armed Forces also stand ready to help protect remote communities. Our government is fully seized with the urgency of protecting these communities. In terms of the development of any resources, the provinces have the sole legal authority to decide which projects move ahead and which specific workers are essential. For those who have written about the Coastal GasLink pipeline, that project is under B.C. jurisdiction. Q: I am retired and collect CPP, but I’ve also lost another income stream due to COVID-19. Do I qualify for the CERB? A: Collecting CPP does not prevent you from accepting CERB! It also does not count as income for the “$5,000 earnings in the last year” requirement. Whether or not you get CPP, you must meet all the requirements to apply for CERB. You must: Reside in Canada; Be at least 15 years old; Have stopped working because of COVID-19 and have not voluntarily quit your job, or be eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits; Have had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of your application; and Be or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period. Volunteer and Donation Services in Davenport—Help Out or Find Help Food banks are experiencing a huge surge in demand during COVID-19, while at the same time seeing a drop in volunteers and donations. Not all of us can help out but if you have extra time or wish to donate please help one of our Davenport food banks. They really need your help! Community Food Banks in Davenport These two local food banks do amazing work for Davenport: The Stop Oasis Dufferin Volunteer Groups in Davenport These groups are connecting volunteers to Davenport residents who need all kinds of help. Davenport Helps Regal Heights COVID-19 Help Group To help out our doctors, nurses, and hospitals, please donate blood! Blood donations are always needed, especially in emergencies. Go to Blood.ca to learn more. Stay up to date at all levels of government Canada – Federal: Canada.ca/coronavirus Ontario – Provincial: Ontario.ca/coronavirus Toronto – City: Toronto.ca/coronavirus Finally, thank you once again for doing your part to help crush the curve! Keep staying home as much as possible, no matter how nice it gets outside. If you have questions that are not addressed by the links above, please email me sahartv@live.com or call 647-856-6222, and we will work to get you a response. again Thanks for Watching Sahar- TV Network , The window for better life All my best Lalaka

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