December 4th Weekly Update

Published on December 04, 2020

Dear Neighbour,

Yesterday, the legislature unanimously passed my first Private Member's Motion, urging the government to mandate that school boards, community police services and others work together to develop and adopt an Anti-Human Trafficking Protocol in each jurisdiction - which will make it easier for educators to identify potential cases and for early interventions to be made.

Human Traffickers prey on some of the most vulnerable members of our society. The average age of recruitment is 13 years old. And it reaches every community in our province.

This motion was inspired by work undertaken in York Region, where community agencies, educators, and police have come together to combat human trafficking to great success. It's my hope that we will see this happen in other parts of the province.

This week I had the opportunity to visit a small business in our riding, Segal Ladies Fashion, who has put a new spin on curbside retail with 'Fashion in a Bag.' I found this quite interesting, particularly the ambition, creativity, and passion put forth by Sharoll, who owns this store.

I urge all residents to consider shopping local this holiday season. Let's keep our hard-earned dollars local and support businesses like Segal Fashions, who, despite the hardship we're all facing, are able to continue to contribute to Ontario's economy, with our support and purchases.

I mentioned last week in my newsletter, but I would like to reiterate the programs our Government has launched including the property tax and energy bill rebates for small businesses who are required to lockdown and/or significantly restricted due to the current lockdown imposed on the City of Toronto.

Types of businesses that are eligible for support include:

restaurants and bars
gyms, facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities
performing arts and cinemas
bingo halls, gaming establishments, casinos, conference centres and convention centres
community centres, multi-purpose facilities, and museums
personal care services (with the exception of oxygen bars)
racing venues
meeting or event space
in-person teaching and instruction
retail required to close for in-person shopping
shopping malls
personal services
driving instruction
tour and guide services
photography services
campgrounds

Funding will cover the entire length of time that regionally targeted public health restrictions are in place. For further information and to apply click here.

My constituency office continues to be open by appointment only. If you are in need of any assistance, you can contact my office at (416) 781-2395 or email [email protected].

Stay safe, stay healthy,

Robin Martin, MPP
Eglinton-Lawrence

Think you have COVID-19 Symptoms or have been in close contact with some who does? Click here for a self-assessment.

COVID-19 Assessment Centres in Ontario

For the most up-to-date COVID-19 information from the Government of Ontario visit ontario.ca/coronavirus

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HIGHLIGHTS
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT

The Ontario Government announced the members of the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force
The Ontario government is investing more than $115 million to support 850 patients across the province with high, complex care needs access services in the comfort of their own homes, while also expanding virtual care options for patients across the province.
The Ontario government is again providing financial relief for families facing new education-related expenses in the COVID-19 era with support totalling $380 million. Parents or guardians residing in Ontario can complete a simple online application through the Support for Learners web page. Applications will remain open until January 15, 2021.

HIGHLIGHTS
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

The Federal Government released their fall economic statement this past week.
Starting on Friday, December 4, 2020, eligible businesses facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are able to access a second Canada Emergency Business Account loan of up to $20,000 – on top of the initial $40,000 that was available to small businesses.

HIGHLIGHTS
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT

Toronto Public Health (TPH) updated their COVID-19 school screening tool to further prevent opportunities for virus spread.
The City of Toronto will re-open registration for CurbTO temporary parking pick-up zones to help support main street businesses while Toronto is in the Grey – Lockdown category of the Province of Ontario’s COVID-19 response framework.
The City of Toronto unanimously approved the MoveTO action plan. This plan will help manage congestion and build a more resilient, modern and safe transportation system.
City of Toronto has provided updates on modified services to adhere to provincial Grey-Lockdown measures.
City of Toronto provided updates on the Eglinton East LRT and the Waterfront Transit Network.

Authorized by the CFO for the Eglinton-Lawrence PC Association

December 4th Weekly Update

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