Building A Stronger, More Sustainable and Resilient Canada
Today, the Governor General presented the Speech from the Throne outlining our Government’s plan for building a stronger, more equitable, more sustainable and more resilient Canada.
At the same time, protecting the health and safety of Canadians – and supporting Canadians and Canadian businesses through the COVID19 pandemic – remains the top priority of our Government.
Today’s speech also outlined important commitments that will ensure residents, families and businesses in communities like ours in Windsor-Tecumseh not only have the resources to combat COVID-19, but also have the support and investments to thrive moving forward.
These include delivering accessible childcare that works for parents and their children, a modern expanded EI system and Canada Recovery Benefit that supports Canadians when they need it,accelerating a national pharmacare program, introducing national standards for Long Term Care and stronger supports for all seniors.
Three specific commitments will help our region not only weather COVID19, but protect jobs andstrengthen the prosperityof our region. Extending the Wage Subsidy will help businesses keep more Canadians working and more businesses open. Historic investments in manufacturing will make Canada the most competitive jurisdiction in the world for the manufacture of zero emission vehicles, batteries and clean technology and – in the process – protect and grow auto and manufacturing jobs in Windsor-Essex. At the same time, the largest investments in the history of our country in the training and upskilling of Canadians will guarantee our residents have the skills necessary to thrive in the economy of today and tomorrow.
These are just a few of the highlights.
Throughout this challenging year, our communities of Windsor and Tecumseh have demonstrated tremendous resilience and compassion – neighbours helping neighbours, small businesses supporting each other and residents, and frontline workers keeping our families healthy and safe.
And, from the very beginning, our government hasstood by Canadians to make sure Canadians had the support they needed to get through this crisis. Programs such as the CERB and Wage Subsidyhelpedresidents pay their bills and businesses keep workers on the payroll. These measures were especially important in regions like Windsor-Essex, where many employees were not able to take their work homewhen workplaces closed to prevent COVID-19.
The level of collaboration with the Province of Ontario has also been unprecedented,with our federal government providing direct funding for municipalities, public transit, secure childcare spaces, and the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment.
To build a Canada that works for everyone, we will need to take bold action on health, the economy, equality and the environment. This is our opportunity to contain the global crisis and build back better and – more importantly – build back together.