Honouring the 215 Indigenous Children whose lives were taken too soon, and all Indigenous children who never made it home, the survivors and their families

Across our country, flags have been lowered to half-mast in honour of the the 215 children whose remains were found at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. The Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation announced the discovery last week, and they believe there is likely more remains to be found.

This discovery is a reminder of the harmful, colonial policy that stole Indigenous children from their homes, their communities, their families, and their culture. We must continue to build on the recommendations of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which includes supporting Indigenous people in their search for missing children and discovering other unmarked graves at former residential schools.

Tonight and for the next 215 hours, let’s come together to show support, respect, and to share in the grief felt by Indigenous families across our nation. Place a teddy bear on your porch and leave the porch light on at 6 pm – in memory of the children whose lives were lost.

We all have a responsibility to understand the shared history of our country. We can never realize our nation’s full potential until we do so with understanding, love and a desire to initiate real change.

A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support to former residential school students and those affected. You can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866- 925-4419.

Latest Update from Tony

As we head into the first week of June, the promise of recovery and reconnection with family and friends appears to be on the horizon. As of May 31st, over 23.5 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered across the country. More than 60% of eligible Canadians have received at least one dose, and Canada remains in the Top 3 of G20 countries for doses administered. Canada is set to receive 2.9 million vaccine doses this week.

To date, the Province of has administered almost 9 million vaccines. In York Region, 719,004 residents have received at least one dose, and as of this morning, residents over the age of 80 are now eligible to book their second. Please watch for updates from York Region Public Health to find out when you might be able to receive your second dose of the vaccine.

With vaccination comes recovery, and that includes investing in Canadians and in economic growth. Last week, our government launched the Canada Greener Homes Grant, which will provide Canadian homeowners up to $5,000 to help make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. In addition, we are working on building a diverse network of energy advisors to provide career opportunities for all Canadians and to meet the needs of our communities.

As we get through this pandemic, we will continue to support Canadians for as long as it takes. And as we head into a robust recovery, we will support Canadians and Canadian businesses as we all work together to fight climate change, and build a greener, healthier and more inclusive Canada for all.

Investing in Newmarket—Aurora

Preventing Human Trafficking in York Region

On Thursday, May 27, the Honourable , Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, announced $3.2 million to support the work of 10 organizations in preventing and addressing human trafficking. The funding will go towards helping organizations increase awareness around human trafficking and support at-risk populations, including victims and survivors

Women’s Support Network of York Region is an essential organization in ensuring that victims and survivors in York Region have the help they need to escape violent situations and to feel supported as they move forward in their lives. I am pleased to see them receive part of this funding to continue their work.

Opportunities for Newmarket—Aurora

Call for applications for Canada’s Applications now open for the first-ever Accessibility second round of the Canada Healthy Commissioner and Chief Communities Initiative Accessibility Officer The Honourable Catherine McKenna, The Honourable , Minister Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, of Employment, Workforce Development and announced the launch of the second Disability Inclusion, announced two full-time round intake for the Canada Healthy Governor-in-Council (GIC) position Communities Initiative (CHCI).The CHCI is opportunities to help the government an investment to help transform public continue to implement the Accessible spaces across the country in response to the Canada Act. COVID-19 pandemic.

The Accessibility Commissioner will provide Organizations, including local governments, leadership and direction with the Canadian charities, Indigenous Communities and Human Rights Commission. The Chief nonprofits are encouraged to apply to Accessibility Officer will be responsible receive funding for projects, programming for monitoring and reporting on the outcomes and services that help communities create achieved by the Accessible Canada Act. safe and vibrant public spaces, improve mobility options, and provide innovative Interested individuals are encouraged to digital solutions. apply by June 28 on the GIC Appointment Opportunities website. Proponents who were unsuccessful in the first round can reapply. The deadline for this round is June 25th, 2021.

Prime Minister's Statement – Apology for the

internment of Italian Canadians during the Second World War

On behalf of the , the Prime Minister delivered a formal apology, in the House of Commons, for the internment of Italian Canadians during the Second World War. This formal apology pays tribute to each of the 600 interned and their families, as an act of respect and acknowledgement of this injustice.

The internment of these Italian Canadians went against the fundamental values our country was fighting for during the Watch the full statement. Second World War. It’s important for us to recognize this unjust chapter of our history, face our past, and learn important lessons to protect and preserve our democracy and freedoms.

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Office of Tony Van Bynen, MP for Newmarket—Aurora 16600 Bayview Avenue - Suite 202 Newmarket, Ontario - L3X 1Z9

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