Annie Koutrakis

Vimy News - June 21, 2021

June 21, 2021

Update for travelers

The government of Canada has announced changes to procedures international travelers must follow when they return to Canada.

Starting July 6th at midnight, international travelers who are fully vaccinated (2 doses of Moderna, Pfizer or AstraZeneca or 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson) will not have to quarantine for 14 days at home. This applies only to fully-vaccinated travelers who have tested negative for COVID−19 prior to returning to Canada (at most, 72 hours before).

Test results, as well as proof of vaccination must be submitted trough the ArriveCan app. For now, this will be the only relaxation of COVID-19 measures concerning international travel.

Happy Saint-Jean-Baptiste!

This week, Quebecers from all 4 corners of Quebec as well as all Canadians will be celebrating Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, our National Holiday. This day serves as a reminder of the uniqueness of Quebec in the Americas as the only predominately-francophone region. It is also a celebration of our unique culture and history, one that we should be proud of.

The City of Laval is preparing a virtual celebration for this day on June 23 at 8pm. For more information, please click here.

Update on the Budget

Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve been focused on what is really important to Canadians, and what this House can do to support Canadians as we finish our fight against COVID.

Unfortunately, over the last two weeks, the Opposition have used every procedural trick in the book to delay debate on the Budget Implementation Act. These delays have a cost to Canadians. And here’s why, the bill contains:

The extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, and Lockdown Support until September 25, 2021;
The extension of important income support for Canadians such as the Canada Recovery Benefit and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit;
Enhancements to the Canada Workers Benefit that will mean more money for low-income Canadians, support about 1 million more Canadians, and lift nearly 100,000 people out of poverty;
Enhancements to Employment Insurance sickness benefits from 15 to 26 weeks;
The establishment of a $15 federal minimum wage; and
The extension of the waiver of interest on federal student and apprentice loans to March 2023.

The supports in Bill C-30 are essential in helping Team Canada finish our fight against COVID-19, and to ensure our economy comes roaring back. Canadians expect better. They expect us to get this bill to the finish line.

Laval Aquatic Center

Last week, I had the pleasure of joining my colleagues from all levels of government to announce joint funding for a new aquatic center in Laval, right next to the Cosmodome.

This project will provide pools for both professional athletes and amateurs, as well as slides and water games for children to enjoy. The provincial and federal governments are together investing $20 million into this project.