Province unveils new affordability measures for low-income people
Premier warns shrinking surplus may rule out broader assistance
But Premier Blaine Higgs warned that there may not be enough money for broader, more generous programs to help more people.
Social Development Minister Jill Green told the legislature that low-income seniors who already receive a $400 benefit will get an extra $200, an increase that will be made permanent in next year's budget.
People on social assistance and youth who receive a benefit because they can't live at home will receive an extra $200 per month, starting in February.
"We know New Brunswickers need help now … and that's why our government is not only talking or listening, but taking concrete action to deliver assistance now," Green said in the legislature.
Social Development Minister Jill Green announced the measures for low-income New Brunswickers in the legislature Tuesday. (Radio-Canada)
The province will also reduce the cap on how much household income must go to nursing home or special care home payments, from 60 per cent to 40 per cent.
Opposition parties welcomed the new supplements but said the province should be doing more to help those not considered low income.
"There are New Brunswickers who are on the verge of falling into poverty, who can't pay their bills now but aren't on social assistance," said Liberal Leader Susan Holt.
Liberal Leader Susan Holt wants the Higgs government to remove the provincial tax from electricity bills. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
She again called for the province to take the provincial part of the harmonized sales tax off electricity bills and to repeal a law that passes the cost of federal clean fuel regulations — 3.87 cents per litre of gas this week — onto consumers at the pumps.
But Higgs told reporters that broader measures may not be in the cards now that the government has lowered its projection of a budget surplus this year.
The latest quarterly fiscal update projected a surplus of $35.3 million, down from the $199-million projection earlier in the year, and far lower than the $1-billion surplus recorded last year.
"Anything we do will be in the context of not needing to raise taxes and continuing to run a balanced budget," Higgs said.
"It's kind of an ongoing analysis of where we are and what the costs are."
He pointed out that the government's restrained spending had reduced the provincial debt, lowering interest payments on that debt by about $75 million — enough to cover the $65-million annual cost of the low-income supplements Green announced.
Green
MLA Kevin Arseneau says for the government to announce the supplements
will be available in three months is 'exacerbating the problem.' (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
Higgs also suggested there may be a less urgent need for broader measures because, he said, inflation appears to have "levelled out right now."
Green Party MLA Kevin Arseneau said the new supplements are "greatly needed," but questioned why the one for social assistance recipients will only begin in February.
"It's late, and to announce it's going to be available in three months is just exacerbating the problem," he said.
Higgs said it wasn't possible to do it any sooner and noted the increases would normally be announced in next March's provincial budget for implementation at the start of the next fiscal year on April 1.
But Green and Higgs said the government understand people needed the help sooner than that.
"We actually moved it ahead two months," he said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
64 Comments
David Amos
I am still waiting for my first benefit GNB claimed it sent years ago
---------- Original message ----------
From: "Stewart, Jake - M.P."<jake.stewart@parl.gc.ca>
Date: Thu, 9 Jun 2022 19:28:49 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Hey Ernie Steeves Why is it that I am not
surprised that nobody will discuss my Old Age Pension and Health Care
records???
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Hello,
Thank you for your correspondence. This is to acknowledge that our
office has received your email and we are working on your request.
If you are a constituent and require immediate assistance, please call
our office at 506-778-8448 and a member of our staff will be happy to
assist you.
Thank you and have a great day,
Office of MP Jake Stewart
Shadow Minister for National Revenue
Miramichi-Grand Lake
------------------------------
Bonjour,
Merci pour votre message. Ceci est pour vous aviser que nous avons
reçu votre courriel et que nous travaillons sur votre demande.
Si vous êtes un électeur de notre circonscription et que vous avez
besoin d'assistance immédiate, s'il-vous-plaît veuillez téléphoner
notre bureau au 506-778-8448 et un membre de notre équipe se fera
plaisir de vous servir.
Merci et bonne journée,
Jake Stewart, député
Ministre fantôme du Revenu National
Miramichi-Grand Lake
---------- Original message -----------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Thu, 9 Jun 2022 16:28:42 -0300
Subject: Hey Ernie Steeves Why is it that I am not surprised that
nobody will discuss my Old Age Pension and Health Care records???
To: Ernie.Steeves@gnb.ca, wwwfin@gnb.ca, .Yves.Léger@gnb.ca,
Kimberley.Barker@gnb.ca, Mark.McKelvie@gnb.ca, Melanie.Madore2@gnb.ca,
dr.andrew.salmon@gnb.ca, Paige.Paulsen@gnb.ca,
Dorothy.Shephard@gnb.ca, Jason.Sully@gnb.ca, heidi.liston@gnb.ca,
Valerie.Kilfoil@gnb.ca, dominic.leblanc@parl.gc.ca,
dominic.cardy@gnb.ca, "jake.stewart"<jake.stewart@parl.gc.ca>,
oldmaison <oldmaison@yahoo.com>, "andrea.anderson-mason"
< andrea.anderson-mason@gnb.ca>
"kris.austin"<kris.austin@gnb.ca>, "Mark.Blakely"
< Mark.Blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, "Mike.Comeau"<Mike.Comeau@gnb.ca>,
"Mitton, Megan (LEG)"<megan.mitton@gnb.ca>, "michelle.conroy"
< michelle.conroy@gnb.ca>, "robert.gauvin"<robert.gauvin@gnb.ca>,
andrewjdouglas <andrewjdouglas@gmail.com>, "Arseneau, Kevin (LEG)"
< kevin.a.arseneau@gnb.ca>, "robert.mckee"<robert.mckee@gnb.ca>,
"Richard.Bragdon"<Richard.Bragdon@parl.gc.ca>, "Robert. Jones"
< Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, "Roger.L.Melanson"<roger.l.melanson@gnb.ca>
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
https://legnb.ca/en/members/
Hon. Ernie Steeves
Minister of Finance and Treasury Board
Progressive Conservative Party
Moncton Northwest
(506) 453-2451 Ernie.Steeves@gnb.ca
Related
Members Expense Reports
Public Disclosures
Ernie Steeves was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick on February 12th,
1961. His family moved to the Moncton area in 1965 where he has lived
most of his life and is now raising his son Aidan.
Minister Steeves was first elected in September 2014 as the
Progressive Conservative MLA representing Moncton Northwest. He served
as critic for Social Development, Seniors and Long Term Care. He was
also a Member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the
Standing Committee on Estimates and Fiscal Policy and the Standing
Committee on Social Policy.
Since 2018 Minister Steeves has served as the Minister of Finance and
Treasury Board. He has also served as Minister responsible for NB
Liquor, Cannabis NB, Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Financial and
Consumer Services Commission, and the government of New Brunswick’s
Human Resources.
Minister Steeves was a 32 year veteran of radio broadcasting and
business owner in Moncton.
He is very community minded and has served in a variety of roles,
including honorary chair for the Ride for Dad for prostate cancer. He
has volunteered at the Karing Kitchen, Moncton Headstart, the Friends
of the Moncton Hospital, and, as a cancer survivor, the Canadian
Cancer Society. He sat on the Board of Directors for the Greater
Moncton Football Association and the Board of Directors for Football
New Brunswick.
Constituency Office
Mainline Phone (506) 383-2164
General Email Ernie.Steeves@gnb.ca
Address 1966 Mountain Road
Moncton
E1G 1A9
https://www.cbc.ca/news/
New inflation relief program targets 'most vulnerable' in New Brunswick
Money will go to people already receiving low-income or housing benefits
Jacques Poitras · CBC News · Posted: Jun 01, 2022 8:00 AM AT
A $20 million program aimed at helping New Brunswickers cope with
increasing fuel and food prices was announced Wednesday. (Robert
Jones/CBC)
The Higgs government says it will distribute a one-time payment to
low-income New Brunswickers to help them deal with soaring gasoline
and grocery bills.
The Emergency Fuel and Food Benefit will see low-income individuals
receive $225 and low-income families, including seniors, receive $450.
More than 75,000 people are eligible, and the money will go to people
already receiving low-income or housing benefits from the Department
of Social Development, the province said in a news release.
"We wanted to get it to a targeted group, a group we could roll it out
quickly to, and they could feel the benefit right now, over this time
period," Premier Blaine Higgs told reporters.
Premier Blaine Higgs said the program will be targeted 'to the most
vulnerable people.' (Ed Hunter/CBC)
The total cost of the program will be $20 million, and the money will
go out this month, the premier said.
The release doesn't say when the money will be distributed, but Higgs
said Tuesday that the program would get money out "quickly," sometime
this month.
That represents a reversal for Higgs.
Earlier this spring, he suggested that he'd have to wait until the
third quarter of the fiscal year to see sales tax revenues and decide
if a rebate or some other form of relief was affordable, or if people
were cutting back enough on gas to deprive the province of a tax
windfall.
But Wednesday, the premier said it appears gas consumption is
remaining steady, "and that gave us some confidence that we'd have
some money that we could put into the system."
Opposition says not enough
The benefit was immediately denounced as not enough to address the
high cost of living, particularly for New Brunswickers not on social
assistance but who are still struggling because of soaring costs.
"They're still at a threshold where it's very difficult," said
Opposition Liberal Leader Roger Melanson, who repeated his call for a
cut to the provincial gas tax.
Green Party Leader David Coon questioned why the Higgs government
keeps implementing one-off, short-term assistance programs like the
cap on rent increases, which applies for this year only.
"What is it with this one-time-only government?" he said.
The Greens have proposed a higher harmonized sales tax rebate for
people who earn minimum wage or who are considered the working poor.
They also wants Higgs to move up a minimum wage increase scheduled for
this fall.
Janelle LeBlanc, the provincial co-ordinator for the Common Front for
Social Justice, said the government must implement longer-term
solutions to poverty, including a higher minimum wage, higher social
assistance benefits and free public transit.
"The measures announced today are important and necessary for existing
clients of Social Development. However, it does exclude many people
living in poverty, and low-income workers. We would have liked to see
more permanent solutions."
Province to reconsider in fall
Higgs said that while the program is a one-time payment, his
government would look at more assistance if high inflation persists
into the fall.
He also wouldn't rule out broadening the program beyond social
assistance recipients if that becomes necessary.
"I don't rule out some sort of program in that case," he said.
But he added that the province itself is facing $100 million in higher
costs because of inflation, and N.B. Power could take a similar hit.
N.B. takes biggest jump in personal insolvencies in March
Business insolvencies start to creep up as pandemic relief programs end
Higgs said that means it's too early to say if the province will be
able to run a budget surplus as projected this year.
"We didn't plan on this when we put a budget together," he said. "Our
goal is not to amass a surplus. Our goal is ensure that if we can put
money into the pockets of people who need it in these times of
uncertainty, we can do it sustainably and prudently."
The government is also giving food banks in the province an additional
$1 million on top of an earlier $1 million grant this spring.
The government is facing two byelections in the Miramichi area on June 20.
Last week, a new poll by Narrative Research said 52 per cent of
respondents were dissatisfied with the government's performance
compared to 40 per cent who were satisfied.
The current maximum price per litre of regular gasoline is $2.08 in
New Brunswick, up from $1.44 at the start of the year.
The province's news release points out that it has raised social
assistance rates and the minimum wage, has cut income taxes, has
rent-cap legislation before the legislature and is lowering child care
costs effective this month as part of a federal-provincial agreement.
The release does not mention people on disability benefits being
eligible for the program.
"I would say so," Higgs told reporters when asked if they were
included, though he later said that "it would be my intent that would
apply as well."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jacques Poitras
Provincial Affairs reporter
Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New
Brunswick since 2000. Raised in Moncton, he also produces the CBC
political podcast Spin Reduxit.
CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices|
https://www2.gnb.ca/content/
2022 New Brunswick Low-Income Seniors' Benefit
To assist low-income seniors in New Brunswick, the government offers
an annual benefit to qualifying applicants. Applications for the 2022
Low-income Seniors' Benefit will be available on April 1.
IMPORTANT: As a result of COVID-19, and to support physical distancing
measures, eligible New Brunswickers are strongly encouraged to apply
online, or print the application, complete it and mail it to Finance
and Treasury Board, Revenue Administration Division, PO Box 1900,
Fredericton, N.B., E3B 5G4.
APPLICATION FORM
Application forms are also available at Service New Brunswick centres.
The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2022.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for the $400 benefit, a person must have been a
resident of New Brunswick on Dec. 31, 2021, and have received one of
the following federal benefits under the Old Age Security Act:
Guaranteed Income Supplement (65 years or older)
Allowance for Survivor Program (between 60 and 64 years old)
Allowance Program (between 60 and 64 years old)
Please note: Persons in receipt of a Federal allowance who are under
the age of 60 do not qualify for this benefit.
Where both spouses receive the GIS and reside in the same household,
only one $400.00 benefit will be granted. However, where spouses live
separately (for example, one residing in a nursing home), both will be
eligible for the benefit.
INQUIRIES
More information about the program, and on how to apply, is available
from Finance and Treasury Board, Revenue Administration Division, at
1-800-669-7070.
INQUIRIES RELATING TO FEDERAL BENEFITS
If you do not currently receive the GIS or one of the other federal
benefits and would like more information, please contact the federal
Department of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada at:
1-800-277-9914 for service in English, or 1-800-277-9915 for service in French.
Application/Declaration for
Low-Income Seniors’ Benefit
2022
Application deadline date: December 31, 2022
The personal information on this form is being collected under the
authority of the New Brunswick Income Tax Act and will be used for the
purposes of determining eligibility under the Low-Income Seniors’
Benefit, and for necessary administration of this Program. If you have
any questions regarding the collection and use of this information,
please contact the Manager Tax Accounting, Finance and Treasury Board,
P. O. Box 1900, Fredericton, NB E3B 5G4. Phone: 1-800-669-7070 or
e‐mail wwwfin@gnb.ca.
Income Tax Return Preparation - Through the Community Volunteer Income
Tax Program (CVITP), community organizations host free tax preparation
clinics and arrange for volunteers to prepare income tax and benefit
returns for eligible individuals who have a modest income and a simple
tax situation. To determine whether you are eligible and to view a tax
preparation clinic in your area, please go to the following website:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 1-800-669-7070
https://www.cbc.ca/news/
Province's top doctor returns 'recharged,' addresses rumours
Dr. Jennifer Russell says she was on vacation and in a car accident
that required physiotherapy
Bobbi-Jean MacKinnon · CBC News · Posted: Jun 07, 2022 7:06 PM AT
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province's chief medical officer of health,
says she feels 'recharged' and 're-energized' after her time off.
(Government of New Brunswick)
New Brunswick's top doctor says she has heard the rumours about her
recent absence from work and seen the speculative posts on social
media, and most of them are untrue.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the chief medical officer of health, hasn't left
her position over stress of managing COVID-19 in the province. She
says she's back on the job after a much-needed vacation.
"The pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone. … And
definitely our team has worked really hard throughout the pandemic,"
she said in an interview Tuesday.
"So after two very busy years, when the province lifted its
restrictions, I decided it was a good time for me to take some time
off."
Russell acknowledged there are "lots of rumours about what led to that
decision and what exactly [she] was doing while [she] was off."
"Basically I did need a vacation, there's no question," she said.
It was good to "disconnect and decompress."
But then she was in a car accident. She hit a deer and totalled her car.
"I'm still in physio, but I'm doing much better," she said.
"It's been good to have that time to be able to look after my health, for sure."
Sold house
It's true Russell sold her house in Fredericton while she was off, but
she says she simply decided to "downsize a bit early."
"My oldest has already gone off to university and my youngest is about
to. So it was a good time with the market being what it was for me to
do that."
She did not work on the new album released last Friday by the
blues/funk band for which she plays the saxophone, The Tortoise, The
Hare & The Millionaire, she said.
"No, I leave that to the real professionals who do it for a living."
N.B. reports decrease in COVID-19 deaths, increase in hospitalizations
Asked about the criticisms of her decision to step away from her post
as she did, Russell maintains it was the right move.
"I definitely feel like my job to look after people in New Brunswick
was so important that I did need to step away so I could look after
myself, so I can look after other people."
She is doing "very, very well" now, she said.
"I feel definitely recharged. I hit the reset button and re-energized
and back at the helm."
Russell thanked acting deputy chief medical officer of health Dr. Yves
Léger and the rest of the Public Health team for their hard work and
dedication to New Brunswickers.
"I definitely felt very comfortable leaving the Office of the Chief
Medical Officer of Health in such good hands."
Health Minister Dorothy Shephard said it's good to have Russell back.
"Well, sure. I mean, you know, we're a team and we all work together," she said.
"I've always maintained that Dr. Russell is our chief medical officer
of health, but she works with the team and when she's not available,
she has a team who backs her up."
CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Thu, 9 Jun 2022 15:11:19 -0300
Subject: Attn Minister Karina Gould I just called about my missing Old
Age Pension records and nobody cared Correct??
To: "Gould, Karina - M.P."<Karina.Gould@parl.gc.ca>,
EDSC.MIN.FEDS-FCSD.MIN.ESDC@
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca, "Diane.Lebouthillier"
< Diane.Lebouthillier@cra-arc.
< Ross.Wetmore@gnb.ca>, "rob.moore"<rob.moore@parl.gc.ca>,
"John.Williamson"<John.Williamson@parl.gc.ca>
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>,
"fin.minfinance-financemin.
< fin.minfinance-financemin.
< pm@pm.gc.ca>, "Katie.Telford"<Katie.Telford@pmo-cpm.gc.ca>,
"Candice.Bergen"<Candice.Bergen@parl.gc.ca>, "pierre.poilievre"
< pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, "blaine.higgs"<blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>
https://davidraymondamos3.
Thursday, 9 June 2022
Attn Minister Karina Gould I just called about my missing Old Age
Pension records and nobody cared Correct??
https://pm.gc.ca/en/mandate-
December 16, 2021
Office of the Prime Minister
Dear Minister Gould:
Thank you for agreeing to serve Canadians as Minister of Families,
Children and Social Development.
From the beginning of this pandemic, Canadians have faced a
once-in-a-century challenge. And through it all, from coast to coast
to coast, people have met the moment. When it mattered most, Canadians
adapted, helped one another, and stayed true to our values of
compassion, courage and determination. That is what has defined our
path through this pandemic so far. And that is what will pave our way
forward.
During a difficult time, Canadians made a democratic choice. They
entrusted us to finish the fight against COVID-19 and support the
recovery of a strong middle class. At the same time, they also gave us
clear direction: to take bold, concrete action to build a healthier,
more resilient future. That is what Canadians have asked us to do and
it is exactly what our Government is ready to deliver. We will work to
build that brighter future through continued collaboration,
engagement, and the use of science and evidence-based decision-making.
With an unwavering focus on delivering results, we will work
constructively with Parliamentarians and maintain our strong
partnerships with provincial, territorial and municipal governments
and Indigenous partners. This decade has had an incredibly difficult
start, but this is the moment to rebuild a more resilient, inclusive
and stronger country for everyone.
The science is clear. Canadians have been clear. We must not only
continue taking real climate action, we must also move faster and go
further. As Canadians are increasingly experiencing across the
country, climate change is an existential threat. Building a cleaner,
greener future will require a sustained and collaborative effort from
all of us. As Minister, I expect you to seek opportunities within your
portfolio to support our whole-of-government effort to reduce
emissions, create clean jobs and address the climate-related
challenges communities are already facing.
This year, Canadians were horrified by the discovery of unmarked
graves and burial sites near former residential schools. These
discoveries underscore that we must move faster on the path of
reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. We know
that reconciliation cannot come without truth and our Government will
continue to invest in that truth. As Ministers, each of us has a duty
to further this work, both collectively and as individuals.
Consequently, I am directing every Minister to implement the United
Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and to work in
partnership with Indigenous Peoples to advance their rights.
We must continue to address the profound systemic inequities and
disparities that remain present in the core fabric of our society,
including our core institutions. To this effect, it is essential that
Canadians in every region of the country see themselves reflected in
our Government’s priorities and our work. As Minister, I expect you to
include and collaborate with various communities, and actively seek
out and incorporate in your work, the diverse views of Canadians. This
includes women, Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized Canadians,
newcomers, faith-based communities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2
Canadians, and, in both official languages.
Across our work, we remain committed to ensuring that public policies
are informed and developed through an intersectional lens, including
applying frameworks such as Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) and
the quality of life indicators in decision-making.
Canadians continue to rely on journalists and journalism for accurate
and timely news. I expect you to maintain professional and respectful
relationships with journalists to ensure that Canadians are well
informed and have the information they need to keep themselves and
their families safe.
Throughout the course of the pandemic, Canadians and their governments
have adapted to new realities. Governments must draw on lessons
learned from the pandemic to further adapt and develop more agile and
effective ways to serve Canadians. To this end, I expect all Ministers
to evaluate ways we can update our practices to ensure our Government
continues to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
The success of this Parliament will require Parliamentarians, both in
the House of Commons and the Senate, to work together across all
parties to get big things done for Canadians. I expect you to maintain
constructive relationships with your Opposition Critics and coordinate
any legislation with the Leader of the Government in the House of
Commons. As Minister, you are accountable to Parliament both
individually, for your style of leadership and the performance of your
responsibilities, and collectively, in support of our Ministry and
decisions taken by Cabinet. Open and Accountable Government sets out
these core principles and the standards of conduct expected of you and
your office. I expect you to familiarize yourself with this document,
which outlines my expectations for each member of the Ministry.
Our platform lays out an ambitious agenda. While finishing the fight
against the pandemic must remain our central focus, we must continue
building a strong middle class and work toward a better future where
everyone has a real and fair chance at success and no one is left
behind.
As Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, your
immediate priority is to build a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child
Care system that reduces parent fees, creates more high-quality
spaces, recruits and retains skilled educators, and ensures all kids
get off to the best possible start. At the same time, you will work
with Indigenous partners to implement a culturally appropriate
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care system. You will also focus
on implementing the Community Services Recovery Fund to help charities
and non-profits adapt and modernize as well as ensure Service Canada
provides reliable and accessible services to Canadians, regardless of
where they live.
To realize these objectives, I ask that you achieve results for
Canadians by delivering the following commitments.
Supported by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth,
continue advancing the creation and sustainability of a Canada-wide
Early Learning and Child Care system, including:
Concluding negotiations with remaining provinces and
territories and implementing agreements:
Reducing fees for regulated child care by 50 per cent on
average by the end of 2022 everywhere outside of Quebec,
Reducing regulated child care fees to $10 a day on average
by the end of fiscal year 2025-2026 everywhere outside of Quebec, and
Building 250,000 new high-quality child care spaces and
hiring 40,000 more early childhood educators by the end of fiscal year
2025-2026;
Introducing federal child care legislation to strengthen and
protect a high-quality Canada-wide child care system;
Establishing a National Advisory Council on Early Learning and
Child Care;
Continuing to advance work with provinces and territories to
reduce fees for families for before and after school care; and
Ensuring the Federal Secretariat on Early Learning and Child
Care is fully resourced and operational by early 2023.
Work with Indigenous partners to ensure that Indigenous children
have access to a culturally appropriate Indigenous Early Learning and
Child Care system that meets the needs of Indigenous families wherever
they live, including ensuring more Indigenous families have access to
high-quality programming, creating 3,300 new child care spaces, and
continuing to support before and after school care for First Nations
children on reserve.
Advance the implementation of the Community Services Recovery Fund
to help charities and non-profits adapt and modernize as they recover
from the pandemic.
Continue advancing the Social Innovation and Social Finance
strategy, including fully implementing the Social Finance Fund and
launching the Social Innovation Advisory Council.
Through the delivery of Canada’s Poverty Reduction Strategy and
other measures, continue leading implementation of the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations.
Work with the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and with
provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners and
stakeholders to develop a National School Food Policy and to work
toward a national school nutritious meal program.
Work with the Minister of Seniors to provide seniors with a single
point of access to a wide range of government services and benefits.
As the Minister responsible for Service Canada, lead the
development and implementation of modern, resilient, secure and
reliable services and benefit delivery systems for Canadians and
ensure those services and benefits reach all Canadians regardless of
where they live.
Work with the Minister of National Revenue toward the
implementation of a real-time e-payroll system, and ensure that
businesses of all sizes benefit from this work.
Enhance the capacity and effectiveness of Black-led and
Black-serving organizations through the continued implementation of
the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative. You will be
supported in this work by the Minister of Housing and Diversity and
Inclusion.
Work with the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth to
ensure the voices and needs of children are represented in our
Government’s agenda, as we work to make Canada the best place to grow
up.
Work with the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and
the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions to ensure mental health
supports are accessible to children and youth as they recover from the
impact of the pandemic.
As Minister, you are also responsible for actively engaging with your
Cabinet and Caucus colleagues. As we deliver on our platform
commitments, it will be important that members of the Ministry
continue to collaborate and work constructively to support rigorous
and productive Cabinet decision-making. I expect you to support your
colleagues in delivering their commitments, leveraging the expertise
of your department and your own lived experiences.
To best achieve results for Canadians, Ministers must be rigorous and
coordinated in our approach to implementation. I would therefore ask
that you return to me with a proposed approach for the delivery of
your mandate commitments, including priorities for early
implementation. Furthermore, to ensure we are accountable for our
work, I will be asking you to publicly report to me, and all
Canadians, on your progress toward these commitments on a regular
basis.
As we have been reminded throughout the pandemic, adapting to change
is not only something government should do, it is something government
must do. As you work to fulfil our commitments, I expect you to
actively consider new ideas and issues as they emerge, whether through
public engagement, your work with Parliamentarians or advice from the
public service. I also expect you to work with your Deputy Minister to
assess priorities on a continual basis as we build a better future for
all Canadians. In addition to achieving results, you are responsible
for overseeing the work of your department and ensuring the effective
operation of your portfolio.
As you staff your office and implement outreach and recruitment
strategies for federally appointed leadership positions and boards, I
ask that you uphold the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.
This helps ensure that federal workplaces are dynamic and reflective
of the Canadians we serve. You will also ensure your Minister’s office
and portfolio are reflective of our commitment to healthy and safe
workplaces.
Canadians expect us to work hard, speak truthfully and be committed to
advancing their interests and aspirations. When we make mistakes – as
we all will – Canadians expect us to acknowledge them, and most
importantly, to learn from them.
I know I can count on you to fulfill the important responsibilities
entrusted in you, and to turn to me, and the Deputy Prime Minister,
early and often to support you in your role as Minister.
Sincerely,
Prime Minister of Canada signature
Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P.
Prime Minister of Canada
On 2/20/22, Gould, Karina - M.P. <Karina.Gould@parl.gc.ca> wrote:
>
>
> Thank you for reaching out to the office of the Honourable Karina Gould
> Member of Parliament for Burlington.
>
> Please rest assured that your message will be brought to the attention of MP
> Gould and we will make every effort to respond promptly. Correspondence
> received from residents of Burlington are reviewed and actioned as soon as
> possible. If you have not already included your address and postal code,
> please respond to this email with that information.
>
> Please note this is a community office, due to the high volume of
> correspondence we receive our priority is to respond to inquiries from
> Burlington Residents.
>
> If you are not a local resident, please contact your MP’s office for
> assistance. You can enter your postal code here
> https://www.ourcommons.ca/
> representative is.
>
> For matters related to the Ministry of Families Children and Social
> Development and Service Canada, or to discuss issues relevant to MP Gould’s
> role as the Minister of Families Children and Social Development, please
> contact
> EDSC.MIN.FEDS-FCSD.MIN.ESDC@
>
> Our constituency office is taking every precautionary measure to prevent the
> spread of COVID-19 and ask constituents to follow the most up to date
> information from public health.
>
>
>
> To ensure the safety of our community and protect our most vulnerable
> constituents, our office will be closed to walk-in visits until further
> notice.
>
>
>
> Our office will continue to operate Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30
> pm. by phone, email, and on a by-appointment basis for urgent cases.
>
>
>
> Please reach out to us at 905-639-5757 or by email at
> karina.gould@parl.gc.ca<
>
>
>
> In case of an emergency or urgent situations you can also contact the
> following services:
>
>
>
> For Emergencies - 911
>
> Halton Region - 311
>
> Service Canada - 1 800 622 6232
>
> CPP / OAS - 1 800 277-9914
>
> Employment Insurance - 1 800 206 7218
>
> CRA - 1-800 959 8281
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> Immigration - 1 888 242 2100
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> Passport Canada - 1 800 567 6868
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> Halton Regional Police - 905-825-4777
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> Please note all incoming messages are treated confidentially.
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> We will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation
> and patience.
>
>
From: "Stewart, Jake - M.P."<jake.stewart@parl.gc.ca>
Date: Thu, 9 Jun 2022 19:28:49 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Hey Ernie Steeves Why is it that I am not
surprised that nobody will discuss my Old Age Pension and Health Care
records???
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Hello,
Thank you for your correspondence. This is to acknowledge that our
office has received your email and we are working on your request.
If you are a constituent and require immediate assistance, please call
our office at 506-778-8448 and a member of our staff will be happy to
assist you.
Thank you and have a great day,
Office of MP Jake Stewart
Shadow Minister for National Revenue
Miramichi-Grand Lake
------------------------------
Bonjour,
Merci pour votre message. Ceci est pour vous aviser que nous avons
reçu votre courriel et que nous travaillons sur votre demande.
Si vous êtes un électeur de notre circonscription et que vous avez
besoin d'assistance immédiate, s'il-vous-plaît veuillez téléphoner
notre bureau au 506-778-8448 et un membre de notre équipe se fera
plaisir de vous servir.
Merci et bonne journée,
Jake Stewart, député
Ministre fantôme du Revenu National
Miramichi-Grand Lake
---------- Original message -----------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Thu, 9 Jun 2022 16:28:42 -0300
Subject: Hey Ernie Steeves Why is it that I am not surprised that
nobody will discuss my Old Age Pension and Health Care records???
To: Ernie.Steeves@gnb.ca, wwwfin@gnb.ca, .Yves.Léger@gnb.ca,
Kimberley.Barker@gnb.ca, Mark.McKelvie@gnb.ca, Melanie.Madore2@gnb.ca,
dr.andrew.salmon@gnb.ca, Paige.Paulsen@gnb.ca,
Dorothy.Shephard@gnb.ca, Jason.Sully@gnb.ca, heidi.liston@gnb.ca,
Valerie.Kilfoil@gnb.ca, dominic.leblanc@parl.gc.ca,
dominic.cardy@gnb.ca, "jake.stewart"<jake.stewart@parl.gc.ca>,
oldmaison <oldmaison@yahoo.com>, "andrea.anderson-mason"
< andrea.anderson-mason@gnb.ca>
"kris.austin"<kris.austin@gnb.ca>, "Mark.Blakely"
< Mark.Blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, "Mike.Comeau"<Mike.Comeau@gnb.ca>,
"Mitton, Megan (LEG)"<megan.mitton@gnb.ca>, "michelle.conroy"
< michelle.conroy@gnb.ca>, "robert.gauvin"<robert.gauvin@gnb.ca>,
andrewjdouglas <andrewjdouglas@gmail.com>, "Arseneau, Kevin (LEG)"
< kevin.a.arseneau@gnb.ca>, "robert.mckee"<robert.mckee@gnb.ca>,
"Richard.Bragdon"<Richard.Bragdon@parl.gc.ca>, "Robert. Jones"
< Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, "Roger.L.Melanson"<roger.l.melanson@gnb.ca>
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
https://legnb.ca/en/members/
Hon. Ernie Steeves
Minister of Finance and Treasury Board
Progressive Conservative Party
Moncton Northwest
(506) 453-2451 Ernie.Steeves@gnb.ca
Related
Members Expense Reports
Public Disclosures
Ernie Steeves was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick on February 12th,
1961. His family moved to the Moncton area in 1965 where he has lived
most of his life and is now raising his son Aidan.
Minister Steeves was first elected in September 2014 as the
Progressive Conservative MLA representing Moncton Northwest. He served
as critic for Social Development, Seniors and Long Term Care. He was
also a Member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the
Standing Committee on Estimates and Fiscal Policy and the Standing
Committee on Social Policy.
Since 2018 Minister Steeves has served as the Minister of Finance and
Treasury Board. He has also served as Minister responsible for NB
Liquor, Cannabis NB, Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Financial and
Consumer Services Commission, and the government of New Brunswick’s
Human Resources.
Minister Steeves was a 32 year veteran of radio broadcasting and
business owner in Moncton.
He is very community minded and has served in a variety of roles,
including honorary chair for the Ride for Dad for prostate cancer. He
has volunteered at the Karing Kitchen, Moncton Headstart, the Friends
of the Moncton Hospital, and, as a cancer survivor, the Canadian
Cancer Society. He sat on the Board of Directors for the Greater
Moncton Football Association and the Board of Directors for Football
New Brunswick.
Constituency Office
Mainline Phone (506) 383-2164
General Email Ernie.Steeves@gnb.ca
Address 1966 Mountain Road
Moncton
E1G 1A9
https://www.cbc.ca/news/
New inflation relief program targets 'most vulnerable' in New Brunswick
Money will go to people already receiving low-income or housing benefits
Jacques Poitras · CBC News · Posted: Jun 01, 2022 8:00 AM AT
A $20 million program aimed at helping New Brunswickers cope with
increasing fuel and food prices was announced Wednesday. (Robert
Jones/CBC)
The Higgs government says it will distribute a one-time payment to
low-income New Brunswickers to help them deal with soaring gasoline
and grocery bills.
The Emergency Fuel and Food Benefit will see low-income individuals
receive $225 and low-income families, including seniors, receive $450.
More than 75,000 people are eligible, and the money will go to people
already receiving low-income or housing benefits from the Department
of Social Development, the province said in a news release.
"We wanted to get it to a targeted group, a group we could roll it out
quickly to, and they could feel the benefit right now, over this time
period," Premier Blaine Higgs told reporters.
Premier Blaine Higgs said the program will be targeted 'to the most
vulnerable people.' (Ed Hunter/CBC)
The total cost of the program will be $20 million, and the money will
go out this month, the premier said.
The release doesn't say when the money will be distributed, but Higgs
said Tuesday that the program would get money out "quickly," sometime
this month.
That represents a reversal for Higgs.
Earlier this spring, he suggested that he'd have to wait until the
third quarter of the fiscal year to see sales tax revenues and decide
if a rebate or some other form of relief was affordable, or if people
were cutting back enough on gas to deprive the province of a tax
windfall.
But Wednesday, the premier said it appears gas consumption is
remaining steady, "and that gave us some confidence that we'd have
some money that we could put into the system."
Opposition says not enough
The benefit was immediately denounced as not enough to address the
high cost of living, particularly for New Brunswickers not on social
assistance but who are still struggling because of soaring costs.
"They're still at a threshold where it's very difficult," said
Opposition Liberal Leader Roger Melanson, who repeated his call for a
cut to the provincial gas tax.
Green Party Leader David Coon questioned why the Higgs government
keeps implementing one-off, short-term assistance programs like the
cap on rent increases, which applies for this year only.
"What is it with this one-time-only government?" he said.
The Greens have proposed a higher harmonized sales tax rebate for
people who earn minimum wage or who are considered the working poor.
They also wants Higgs to move up a minimum wage increase scheduled for
this fall.
Janelle LeBlanc, the provincial co-ordinator for the Common Front for
Social Justice, said the government must implement longer-term
solutions to poverty, including a higher minimum wage, higher social
assistance benefits and free public transit.
"The measures announced today are important and necessary for existing
clients of Social Development. However, it does exclude many people
living in poverty, and low-income workers. We would have liked to see
more permanent solutions."
Province to reconsider in fall
Higgs said that while the program is a one-time payment, his
government would look at more assistance if high inflation persists
into the fall.
He also wouldn't rule out broadening the program beyond social
assistance recipients if that becomes necessary.
"I don't rule out some sort of program in that case," he said.
But he added that the province itself is facing $100 million in higher
costs because of inflation, and N.B. Power could take a similar hit.
N.B. takes biggest jump in personal insolvencies in March
Business insolvencies start to creep up as pandemic relief programs end
Higgs said that means it's too early to say if the province will be
able to run a budget surplus as projected this year.
"We didn't plan on this when we put a budget together," he said. "Our
goal is not to amass a surplus. Our goal is ensure that if we can put
money into the pockets of people who need it in these times of
uncertainty, we can do it sustainably and prudently."
The government is also giving food banks in the province an additional
$1 million on top of an earlier $1 million grant this spring.
The government is facing two byelections in the Miramichi area on June 20.
Last week, a new poll by Narrative Research said 52 per cent of
respondents were dissatisfied with the government's performance
compared to 40 per cent who were satisfied.
The current maximum price per litre of regular gasoline is $2.08 in
New Brunswick, up from $1.44 at the start of the year.
The province's news release points out that it has raised social
assistance rates and the minimum wage, has cut income taxes, has
rent-cap legislation before the legislature and is lowering child care
costs effective this month as part of a federal-provincial agreement.
The release does not mention people on disability benefits being
eligible for the program.
"I would say so," Higgs told reporters when asked if they were
included, though he later said that "it would be my intent that would
apply as well."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jacques Poitras
Provincial Affairs reporter
Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New
Brunswick since 2000. Raised in Moncton, he also produces the CBC
political podcast Spin Reduxit.
CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices|
https://www2.gnb.ca/content/
2022 New Brunswick Low-Income Seniors' Benefit
To assist low-income seniors in New Brunswick, the government offers
an annual benefit to qualifying applicants. Applications for the 2022
Low-income Seniors' Benefit will be available on April 1.
IMPORTANT: As a result of COVID-19, and to support physical distancing
measures, eligible New Brunswickers are strongly encouraged to apply
online, or print the application, complete it and mail it to Finance
and Treasury Board, Revenue Administration Division, PO Box 1900,
Fredericton, N.B., E3B 5G4.
APPLICATION FORM
Application forms are also available at Service New Brunswick centres.
The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2022.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for the $400 benefit, a person must have been a
resident of New Brunswick on Dec. 31, 2021, and have received one of
the following federal benefits under the Old Age Security Act:
Guaranteed Income Supplement (65 years or older)
Allowance for Survivor Program (between 60 and 64 years old)
Allowance Program (between 60 and 64 years old)
Please note: Persons in receipt of a Federal allowance who are under
the age of 60 do not qualify for this benefit.
Where both spouses receive the GIS and reside in the same household,
only one $400.00 benefit will be granted. However, where spouses live
separately (for example, one residing in a nursing home), both will be
eligible for the benefit.
INQUIRIES
More information about the program, and on how to apply, is available
from Finance and Treasury Board, Revenue Administration Division, at
1-800-669-7070.
INQUIRIES RELATING TO FEDERAL BENEFITS
If you do not currently receive the GIS or one of the other federal
benefits and would like more information, please contact the federal
Department of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada at:
1-800-277-9914 for service in English, or 1-800-277-9915 for service in French.
Application/Declaration for
Low-Income Seniors’ Benefit
2022
Application deadline date: December 31, 2022
The personal information on this form is being collected under the
authority of the New Brunswick Income Tax Act and will be used for the
purposes of determining eligibility under the Low-Income Seniors’
Benefit, and for necessary administration of this Program. If you have
any questions regarding the collection and use of this information,
please contact the Manager Tax Accounting, Finance and Treasury Board,
P. O. Box 1900, Fredericton, NB E3B 5G4. Phone: 1-800-669-7070 or
e‐mail wwwfin@gnb.ca.
Income Tax Return Preparation - Through the Community Volunteer Income
Tax Program (CVITP), community organizations host free tax preparation
clinics and arrange for volunteers to prepare income tax and benefit
returns for eligible individuals who have a modest income and a simple
tax situation. To determine whether you are eligible and to view a tax
preparation clinic in your area, please go to the following website:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 1-800-669-7070
https://www.cbc.ca/news/
Province's top doctor returns 'recharged,' addresses rumours
Dr. Jennifer Russell says she was on vacation and in a car accident
that required physiotherapy
Bobbi-Jean MacKinnon · CBC News · Posted: Jun 07, 2022 7:06 PM AT
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province's chief medical officer of health,
says she feels 'recharged' and 're-energized' after her time off.
(Government of New Brunswick)
New Brunswick's top doctor says she has heard the rumours about her
recent absence from work and seen the speculative posts on social
media, and most of them are untrue.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the chief medical officer of health, hasn't left
her position over stress of managing COVID-19 in the province. She
says she's back on the job after a much-needed vacation.
"The pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone. … And
definitely our team has worked really hard throughout the pandemic,"
she said in an interview Tuesday.
"So after two very busy years, when the province lifted its
restrictions, I decided it was a good time for me to take some time
off."
Russell acknowledged there are "lots of rumours about what led to that
decision and what exactly [she] was doing while [she] was off."
"Basically I did need a vacation, there's no question," she said.
It was good to "disconnect and decompress."
But then she was in a car accident. She hit a deer and totalled her car.
"I'm still in physio, but I'm doing much better," she said.
"It's been good to have that time to be able to look after my health, for sure."
Sold house
It's true Russell sold her house in Fredericton while she was off, but
she says she simply decided to "downsize a bit early."
"My oldest has already gone off to university and my youngest is about
to. So it was a good time with the market being what it was for me to
do that."
She did not work on the new album released last Friday by the
blues/funk band for which she plays the saxophone, The Tortoise, The
Hare & The Millionaire, she said.
"No, I leave that to the real professionals who do it for a living."
N.B. reports decrease in COVID-19 deaths, increase in hospitalizations
Asked about the criticisms of her decision to step away from her post
as she did, Russell maintains it was the right move.
"I definitely feel like my job to look after people in New Brunswick
was so important that I did need to step away so I could look after
myself, so I can look after other people."
She is doing "very, very well" now, she said.
"I feel definitely recharged. I hit the reset button and re-energized
and back at the helm."
Russell thanked acting deputy chief medical officer of health Dr. Yves
Léger and the rest of the Public Health team for their hard work and
dedication to New Brunswickers.
"I definitely felt very comfortable leaving the Office of the Chief
Medical Officer of Health in such good hands."
Health Minister Dorothy Shephard said it's good to have Russell back.
"Well, sure. I mean, you know, we're a team and we all work together," she said.
"I've always maintained that Dr. Russell is our chief medical officer
of health, but she works with the team and when she's not available,
she has a team who backs her up."
CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Thu, 9 Jun 2022 15:11:19 -0300
Subject: Attn Minister Karina Gould I just called about my missing Old
Age Pension records and nobody cared Correct??
To: "Gould, Karina - M.P."<Karina.Gould@parl.gc.ca>,
EDSC.MIN.FEDS-FCSD.MIN.ESDC@
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca, "Diane.Lebouthillier"
< Diane.Lebouthillier@cra-arc.
< Ross.Wetmore@gnb.ca>, "rob.moore"<rob.moore@parl.gc.ca>,
"John.Williamson"<John.Williamson@parl.gc.ca>
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>,
"fin.minfinance-financemin.
< fin.minfinance-financemin.
< pm@pm.gc.ca>, "Katie.Telford"<Katie.Telford@pmo-cpm.gc.ca>,
"Candice.Bergen"<Candice.Bergen@parl.gc.ca>, "pierre.poilievre"
< pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, "blaine.higgs"<blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>
https://davidraymondamos3.
Thursday, 9 June 2022
Attn Minister Karina Gould I just called about my missing Old Age
Pension records and nobody cared Correct??
https://pm.gc.ca/en/mandate-
December 16, 2021
Office of the Prime Minister
Dear Minister Gould:
Thank you for agreeing to serve Canadians as Minister of Families,
Children and Social Development.
From the beginning of this pandemic, Canadians have faced a
once-in-a-century challenge. And through it all, from coast to coast
to coast, people have met the moment. When it mattered most, Canadians
adapted, helped one another, and stayed true to our values of
compassion, courage and determination. That is what has defined our
path through this pandemic so far. And that is what will pave our way
forward.
During a difficult time, Canadians made a democratic choice. They
entrusted us to finish the fight against COVID-19 and support the
recovery of a strong middle class. At the same time, they also gave us
clear direction: to take bold, concrete action to build a healthier,
more resilient future. That is what Canadians have asked us to do and
it is exactly what our Government is ready to deliver. We will work to
build that brighter future through continued collaboration,
engagement, and the use of science and evidence-based decision-making.
With an unwavering focus on delivering results, we will work
constructively with Parliamentarians and maintain our strong
partnerships with provincial, territorial and municipal governments
and Indigenous partners. This decade has had an incredibly difficult
start, but this is the moment to rebuild a more resilient, inclusive
and stronger country for everyone.
The science is clear. Canadians have been clear. We must not only
continue taking real climate action, we must also move faster and go
further. As Canadians are increasingly experiencing across the
country, climate change is an existential threat. Building a cleaner,
greener future will require a sustained and collaborative effort from
all of us. As Minister, I expect you to seek opportunities within your
portfolio to support our whole-of-government effort to reduce
emissions, create clean jobs and address the climate-related
challenges communities are already facing.
This year, Canadians were horrified by the discovery of unmarked
graves and burial sites near former residential schools. These
discoveries underscore that we must move faster on the path of
reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. We know
that reconciliation cannot come without truth and our Government will
continue to invest in that truth. As Ministers, each of us has a duty
to further this work, both collectively and as individuals.
Consequently, I am directing every Minister to implement the United
Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and to work in
partnership with Indigenous Peoples to advance their rights.
We must continue to address the profound systemic inequities and
disparities that remain present in the core fabric of our society,
including our core institutions. To this effect, it is essential that
Canadians in every region of the country see themselves reflected in
our Government’s priorities and our work. As Minister, I expect you to
include and collaborate with various communities, and actively seek
out and incorporate in your work, the diverse views of Canadians. This
includes women, Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized Canadians,
newcomers, faith-based communities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2
Canadians, and, in both official languages.
Across our work, we remain committed to ensuring that public policies
are informed and developed through an intersectional lens, including
applying frameworks such as Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) and
the quality of life indicators in decision-making.
Canadians continue to rely on journalists and journalism for accurate
and timely news. I expect you to maintain professional and respectful
relationships with journalists to ensure that Canadians are well
informed and have the information they need to keep themselves and
their families safe.
Throughout the course of the pandemic, Canadians and their governments
have adapted to new realities. Governments must draw on lessons
learned from the pandemic to further adapt and develop more agile and
effective ways to serve Canadians. To this end, I expect all Ministers
to evaluate ways we can update our practices to ensure our Government
continues to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
The success of this Parliament will require Parliamentarians, both in
the House of Commons and the Senate, to work together across all
parties to get big things done for Canadians. I expect you to maintain
constructive relationships with your Opposition Critics and coordinate
any legislation with the Leader of the Government in the House of
Commons. As Minister, you are accountable to Parliament both
individually, for your style of leadership and the performance of your
responsibilities, and collectively, in support of our Ministry and
decisions taken by Cabinet. Open and Accountable Government sets out
these core principles and the standards of conduct expected of you and
your office. I expect you to familiarize yourself with this document,
which outlines my expectations for each member of the Ministry.
Our platform lays out an ambitious agenda. While finishing the fight
against the pandemic must remain our central focus, we must continue
building a strong middle class and work toward a better future where
everyone has a real and fair chance at success and no one is left
behind.
As Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, your
immediate priority is to build a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child
Care system that reduces parent fees, creates more high-quality
spaces, recruits and retains skilled educators, and ensures all kids
get off to the best possible start. At the same time, you will work
with Indigenous partners to implement a culturally appropriate
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care system. You will also focus
on implementing the Community Services Recovery Fund to help charities
and non-profits adapt and modernize as well as ensure Service Canada
provides reliable and accessible services to Canadians, regardless of
where they live.
To realize these objectives, I ask that you achieve results for
Canadians by delivering the following commitments.
Supported by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth,
continue advancing the creation and sustainability of a Canada-wide
Early Learning and Child Care system, including:
Concluding negotiations with remaining provinces and
territories and implementing agreements:
Reducing fees for regulated child care by 50 per cent on
average by the end of 2022 everywhere outside of Quebec,
Reducing regulated child care fees to $10 a day on average
by the end of fiscal year 2025-2026 everywhere outside of Quebec, and
Building 250,000 new high-quality child care spaces and
hiring 40,000 more early childhood educators by the end of fiscal year
2025-2026;
Introducing federal child care legislation to strengthen and
protect a high-quality Canada-wide child care system;
Establishing a National Advisory Council on Early Learning and
Child Care;
Continuing to advance work with provinces and territories to
reduce fees for families for before and after school care; and
Ensuring the Federal Secretariat on Early Learning and Child
Care is fully resourced and operational by early 2023.
Work with Indigenous partners to ensure that Indigenous children
have access to a culturally appropriate Indigenous Early Learning and
Child Care system that meets the needs of Indigenous families wherever
they live, including ensuring more Indigenous families have access to
high-quality programming, creating 3,300 new child care spaces, and
continuing to support before and after school care for First Nations
children on reserve.
Advance the implementation of the Community Services Recovery Fund
to help charities and non-profits adapt and modernize as they recover
from the pandemic.
Continue advancing the Social Innovation and Social Finance
strategy, including fully implementing the Social Finance Fund and
launching the Social Innovation Advisory Council.
Through the delivery of Canada’s Poverty Reduction Strategy and
other measures, continue leading implementation of the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations.
Work with the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and with
provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners and
stakeholders to develop a National School Food Policy and to work
toward a national school nutritious meal program.
Work with the Minister of Seniors to provide seniors with a single
point of access to a wide range of government services and benefits.
As the Minister responsible for Service Canada, lead the
development and implementation of modern, resilient, secure and
reliable services and benefit delivery systems for Canadians and
ensure those services and benefits reach all Canadians regardless of
where they live.
Work with the Minister of National Revenue toward the
implementation of a real-time e-payroll system, and ensure that
businesses of all sizes benefit from this work.
Enhance the capacity and effectiveness of Black-led and
Black-serving organizations through the continued implementation of
the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative. You will be
supported in this work by the Minister of Housing and Diversity and
Inclusion.
Work with the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth to
ensure the voices and needs of children are represented in our
Government’s agenda, as we work to make Canada the best place to grow
up.
Work with the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and
the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions to ensure mental health
supports are accessible to children and youth as they recover from the
impact of the pandemic.
As Minister, you are also responsible for actively engaging with your
Cabinet and Caucus colleagues. As we deliver on our platform
commitments, it will be important that members of the Ministry
continue to collaborate and work constructively to support rigorous
and productive Cabinet decision-making. I expect you to support your
colleagues in delivering their commitments, leveraging the expertise
of your department and your own lived experiences.
To best achieve results for Canadians, Ministers must be rigorous and
coordinated in our approach to implementation. I would therefore ask
that you return to me with a proposed approach for the delivery of
your mandate commitments, including priorities for early
implementation. Furthermore, to ensure we are accountable for our
work, I will be asking you to publicly report to me, and all
Canadians, on your progress toward these commitments on a regular
basis.
As we have been reminded throughout the pandemic, adapting to change
is not only something government should do, it is something government
must do. As you work to fulfil our commitments, I expect you to
actively consider new ideas and issues as they emerge, whether through
public engagement, your work with Parliamentarians or advice from the
public service. I also expect you to work with your Deputy Minister to
assess priorities on a continual basis as we build a better future for
all Canadians. In addition to achieving results, you are responsible
for overseeing the work of your department and ensuring the effective
operation of your portfolio.
As you staff your office and implement outreach and recruitment
strategies for federally appointed leadership positions and boards, I
ask that you uphold the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.
This helps ensure that federal workplaces are dynamic and reflective
of the Canadians we serve. You will also ensure your Minister’s office
and portfolio are reflective of our commitment to healthy and safe
workplaces.
Canadians expect us to work hard, speak truthfully and be committed to
advancing their interests and aspirations. When we make mistakes – as
we all will – Canadians expect us to acknowledge them, and most
importantly, to learn from them.
I know I can count on you to fulfill the important responsibilities
entrusted in you, and to turn to me, and the Deputy Prime Minister,
early and often to support you in your role as Minister.
Sincerely,
Prime Minister of Canada signature
Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P.
Prime Minister of Canada
On 2/20/22, Gould, Karina - M.P. <Karina.Gould@parl.gc.ca> wrote:
>
>
> Thank you for reaching out to the office of the Honourable Karina Gould
> Member of Parliament for Burlington.
>
> Please rest assured that your message will be brought to the attention of MP
> Gould and we will make every effort to respond promptly. Correspondence
> received from residents of Burlington are reviewed and actioned as soon as
> possible. If you have not already included your address and postal code,
> please respond to this email with that information.
>
> Please note this is a community office, due to the high volume of
> correspondence we receive our priority is to respond to inquiries from
> Burlington Residents.
>
> If you are not a local resident, please contact your MP’s office for
> assistance. You can enter your postal code here
> https://www.ourcommons.ca/
> representative is.
>
> For matters related to the Ministry of Families Children and Social
> Development and Service Canada, or to discuss issues relevant to MP Gould’s
> role as the Minister of Families Children and Social Development, please
> contact
> EDSC.MIN.FEDS-FCSD.MIN.ESDC@
>
> Our constituency office is taking every precautionary measure to prevent the
> spread of COVID-19 and ask constituents to follow the most up to date
> information from public health.
>
>
>
> To ensure the safety of our community and protect our most vulnerable
> constituents, our office will be closed to walk-in visits until further
> notice.
>
>
>
> Our office will continue to operate Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30
> pm. by phone, email, and on a by-appointment basis for urgent cases.
>
>
>
> Please reach out to us at 905-639-5757 or by email at
> karina.gould@parl.gc.ca<
>
>
>
> In case of an emergency or urgent situations you can also contact the
> following services:
>
>
>
> For Emergencies - 911
>
> Halton Region - 311
>
> Service Canada - 1 800 622 6232
>
> CPP / OAS - 1 800 277-9914
>
> Employment Insurance - 1 800 206 7218
>
> CRA - 1-800 959 8281
>
> Immigration - 1 888 242 2100
>
> Passport Canada - 1 800 567 6868
>
> Halton Regional Police - 905-825-4777
>
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>
> Please note all incoming messages are treated confidentially.
>
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>
> We will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation
> and patience.
>
>