As we continue facing these uncertain times together, I find myself more inspired than ever by the resilience and community spirit of Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury residents. The acts of kindness and the collaborative efforts displayed by businesses, strangers, residents of all ages offers hope that we will make it through COVID-19 together.

It is important we continue to thank and show our utmost gratitude for doctors, nurses, personal support workers, and everyone in the medical field as well as all front-line workers at the CRA, Service Canada, Canada Post, Border Services Agency, Veterans Affairs, janitors, truck drivers, cashiers, retail workers; and anyone in a multitude of fields at the front line for their hard work and sacrifices.

There are many questions left to be answered and this may be a challenging time financially for many businesses, individuals, families and more. Rest assured we will strive to get you answers and continue advocating for the things that matter to you.

Marc G. Serré – MP Nickel Belt

SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS (CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)

• An extra $300 per child through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
• One-time special payment by early May through the Goods and Services Tax credit(GST) for low- and modest-income families
• Deferring the filing due date for the 2019 tax returns of individuals until June 1, 2020
• Canadian banks have committed to work with their customers on a case-by-case basis
• The new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months for eligible individuals
• Six-month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans for all student loan borrowers where interest will not accrue during this time
• Reduced required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by 25% for 2020 to help seniors

SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES (CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION)

• Extending the maximum duration of the Work-Sharing programfrom 38 weeks to 76 weeks.
• Wage subsidy up to 75% for qualifying businesses and backdating it to March 15
• Canada Emergency Business Account so banks can offer $40,000 loans guaranteed by the government
• $12.5 billion through Export Development Canada and the Business Development Bank of Canada to help out small and medium-sized businesses
• Deferring GST/HST payments until June

SUPPORT FOR VULNERABLE CANADIANS

• An additional $157.5 million to address the needs of Canadians experiencing homelessness.
• Up to $50 million to women’s shelters and sexual assault centres, including facilities in Indigenous communities, to help with their capacity to manage or prevent an outbreak.

COUNSELLING SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

• $ 7.5 million in funding to Kids Help Phone to provide young people with the mental health support they need during this difficult time.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR SENIORS

• $9 million through United Way Canada for local organizations to support practical services to Canadian seniors.
• These services could include the delivery of groceries, medications, or other needed items, or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community supports.

TIPS ON STAYING SAFE AND HEALTHY (CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION)

Social distancing

Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to keep a physical distance between each other.

This includes:

• avoiding non-essential gatherings
• avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes
• avoiding crowded places such as concerts, arenas, conferences and festivals
• limiting contact with people at higher risk like older adults and those in poor health
• keeping a distance of at least 2 arms-length (approximately 2 metres) from others

For all the latest news, please visit: canada.ca/coronavirus or marcserre.ca. Please ensure to get all your COVID-19 information for reliable sources and follow advice and best practices from public health officials.

*Our constituency offices remain closed for walk in services, but our staff is still working remotely to support you. Please call us and leave a detailed message and we will do our best to get to you as soon as we can. 1-800-267-4829.