Dear Constituents,

As we work through the global challenge of COVID-19, I understand that the people of Markham-Thornhill are worried. Workers and businesses need support now more than ever. The situation around this pandemic is constantly evolving, as is our government's response. These newsletters serve as a way to assure you that our government is doing everything in our power to help and protect Canadians in this difficult time.

In the last week, our government made some major announcements in regard to supporting our healthcare workers on the front-lines, our vulnerable communities, and Canadian businesses. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary action - as we navigate this unprecedented situation, no measure is off the table and every option is being considered in the best interest of Canadians.

We continue to urge Canadians to STAY HOME, practice physical distancing, follow the advice of Health Canada, maintain good hygiene, and monitor for symptoms. The Prime Minister has reminded us that in these difficult times, we must also take care of our mental health. This pandemic can cause feelings of loneliness or anxiety - our government is supporting organizations like Kids Help Phone to help Canadians through this.

Please note that my Constituency Office is closed to the public at this time, but my team is still available to help members of Markham-Thornhill by email ([email protected]) or by phone (905)-479-8100.

Sincerely,

The Hon. Mary Ng

Member of Parliament

Markham- Thornhill

WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Updated Measures

COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT No one should have to worry about paying the bills during this difficult time. That's why we have taken action to support all workers and their families with the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This measure means that workers - including the self-employed - who are unable to work because of COVID-19 will have income support, even if they don’t qualify for EI.

• One of the ways you can apply for benefits, like the CERB, is through the CRA MyAccount secure portal.
• Creating a CRA MyAccount will be the first step, and this can be done now before applications for the CERB open on April 6th.
• Make sure you are signed up for direct deposit payments to receive the benefits directly in your bank account.

For more information, review the infographic below and please visit: https://bit.ly/2Ux4amI 

CANADA EMERGENCY WAGE SUBSIDY  We have maintained an open dialogue with people and businesses across the country as we navigate these unprecedented times together. Canadian businesses told us that more supports were needed – we listened, and we are acting. We’ve recently announced that we are increasing the proposed Emergency Wage Subsidy from 10% to a full 75% so that employers can afford to keep their staff on payroll. This subsidy has also been expanded to now apply to Canadian businesses of all sizes, charities, and non-profits.

• This would cover up to $847 a week, per employee, for up to three months.
• This significant subsidy will help employers keep their staff on payroll, and position themselves to rebound when the outbreak has passed.
• The subsidy is accessible to employers who suffer a drop in gross revenues of at least 30 per cent in March, April or May when compared to the same month in 2019.
• For non-profit organizations and registered charities similarly affected by a loss of revenue, the government will continue to work with the sector to ensure the definition of revenue is appropriate to their circumstances. Further details will be announced in the near term.

Eligible employers would be able to access the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy by applying through a Canada Revenue Agency online portal. More details regarding how to apply for the program will be available soon.

Those organizations that do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy may continue to qualify for the previously announced wage subsidy of 10 per cent, up to a maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer.

For more information on assistance available to businesses, please visit http://canada.ca/covid-19-business.

REPATRIATION 

Our government has been working tirelessly to reunite families that have been separated due to unprecedented situations caused by COVID-19. In Markham-Thornhill, I know many people have loved ones who have travelled to Pakistan and India – I’m thrilled to share that we have facilitated a number of flights back to Canada from both countries.

I encourage all Canadian travellers looking to return home from India or Pakistan to please register here: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration

SUPPORT FOR SENIORS

Our government recognized that further assistance for seniors is critical during COVID-19 –that is why we are rolling out:

• Supplementary payments for low and modest-income seniors. We are providing a supplementary payment under the GST Credit totalling to $400 per adult and $600 per couple.
• Reducing the mandatory minimum withdrawal amount from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIF) by 25 per cent for 2020. This will help preserve RRIF assets during a volatile market.
• Boosting aid for Canadian seniors by contributing $9 million through United Way Canada to help our seniors get groceries, medication and other essential items during this tough time.

MARKHAM- THORNHILL RESPONSE

Liberal York Region MPs United

We all need to be there for our communities – especially during difficult times. That is why my fellow Liberal #YorkRegion MPs and I will donate our pay raises to organizations and charities in the fight against #COVID19. We’ll keep working around the clock to support our constituents and all Canadians through this.

These donations will go directly to various organizations in York Region including the Southlake Regional Health Centre, Markham-Stouffville Hospital, Mackenzie Health Vaughan Hospital and the Vaughan Food Bank, and will help pay for things like medical and food supplies for healthcare workers and our most vulnerable.

Markham  Approves Tax and Fee Relief for Residents and Businesses

On March 27th, the City of Markham took an extraordinary step forward in assisting residents and business owners after holding a special remote Council meeting. This meeting helped pass tax and relief measures in order to help those who are facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Below you will find the specific details of these measures and how they may apply to you: Benefits for Residents

• No late payment (penalty and interest) will be charged for residential property taxpayers from April 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020
  • Property owners enrolled in the Pre-authorized Tax Payment (PTP) Program who are not able to fulfill the April 1, 2020 tax payment, should contact their bank to issue a stop payment for the April 1, 2020 installment
  • For PTP payments beyond April 1, 2020, there is an option to opt-out of the program at least two weeks in advance of the installment date by completing the cancellation form online
• Elimination of the 2020 Stormwater Fee of $50
• Deferral of the April 1, 2020 water rate increase of 7.8%

Benefit for Businesses

• No late payment (penalty and interest) will be charged for non-residential property taxpayers from October 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020
• Deferral of the 2020 Stormwater Fee, a savings of $560 for a property valued at $2M
• Elimination of the April 1, 2020 water rate increase of 7.8%
• Suspension of the Municipal Accommodation Tax from April 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, to provide relief to hoteliers

Thank you to Mayor Frank Scarpitti and the City of Markham for being one of the first municipalities in the GTA to offer this type of financial relief to businesses and residents. Remember that you can always find the most recent updates and measures being implemented at the City of Markham's website.

Islamic Society of Markham's Food Relief Drive

I never cease to be amazed by the selfless actions and compassion by members of our community. In times of need, the people of Markham-Thornhill are always ready to lend a hand.

I am so proud of The Islamic Society of Markham and their Food Relief drive to help our neighbours in need. They are seeking non-perishable food items or monetary donations in order to provide food packages for our community's most vulnerable during this difficult time. This service is open to all Markham residents require it -  If you want to donate to or access this initiative, please visit the Islamic Society of Markham website.

COVID- 19 Assessment Sites

In Markham-Thornhill, local resources and assessment sites are still being finalized. Local public health agencies are asking that only those showing symptoms of COVID-19 and/or have reasonable grounds to believe that they have been in contact with the virus should pursue testing.

Below, you will find the details of the closest hospitals to my constituency, as well as details regarding their assessment sites and links to their web pages for locations and protocols of COVID-19 assessments. Please review these instructions or call ahead before visiting a facility. 

Mackenzie Health (Major MacKenzie Drive West between Yonge and Bathurst)

• COVID-19 Assessment Centre located in the Medical Urgent Care Clinic
• Assessments are available by appointment only
• Hours:
  • Monday-Friday: 03:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.
  • Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M.
  • Hours are subject to change and will be updated on the hospital web page

Markham Stouffville Hospital (Ninth Line just North of Hwy 7)

• COVID-19 Assessment Centre cannot be accessed from the main hospital facility, entrance is located on the south side of the hospital and east of the Emergency Department
• The centre is walk-in only and will not take appointments or phone calls
• Assessment Centre will be opening as of Wednesday, March 18th, 2020
• Hours:
  • 10:00 A.M. to 08:00 P.M.
  • Hours and dates are subject to change and will be updated on the hospital web page

Once again, please check the protocols of health care facilities before visiting for assessments. 

Due to the nature of COID-19, government and healthcare responses are changing at a fast pace. While my team and I are doing our best to keep up with the updates, the best sources of information are referring to the official government and public health agency websites.

When to Contact Public Health

We understand there is a lot of uncertainty and fear surrounding COVID-19. But, in order to lessen the strain on our healthcare systems, we ask that you follow guidelines to determine whether you should pursue medical attention for the virus. Pursue medical attention if:

• If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
• If you are experiencing a fever and/or have a new or worsening cough and, within the past 14 days, have...
  • Travelled outside of Canada, including the United States of America; or
  • Been in close contact with someone who has recently travelled to an impacted area and is also experiencing symptoms of COVID-19

If any of the conditions above may apply to you or someone you know, we strongly recommend calling York Region Public Health at 1-877-464-9675 Ext: 73588. It is also recommended by York Region Public Health that as an alternative, you may reach out to your local emergency department or health care provider to arrange for testing as appropriate.

RESOURCES

If you are presenting symptoms or need more information on measures of COVID-19 please contact the following:

York Region Public Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 Government of Canada COVID-19 information line 1-833-784-4397 TeleHealth at 1-866-797-0000

Please note York Region Public Health offices are not testing for COVID-19. Call the numbers listed above for information on testing if you are experiencing symptoms.