March has arrived marking one year as our communities continue to maneuver through the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been many challenges along the way and although we are not out of the woods, there is solace in stories of inspiration, stories of strength and encouragement from residents of all ages and walks of life. Thank you to everyone making a difference locally and let’s keep doing our part! Spring is around the corner, a time which brings brighter days and a hopeful sense of renewal.

Here is a glimpse of just some of the activities, outreach and work that took place in February.

MP SERRÉ IS WORKING HARD FOR NICKEL BELT – GREATER SUDBURY: 

• Coordination with constituency office staff to remain updated on the local concerns of Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury residents
• MP Serré participates in a Hybrid House of Commons schedule between the riding and in Ottawa
• MP Serré is spearheading a collaborative initiative with his MP colleagues to address the pressing needs of the local and national not-for-profit sector
• MP Serré had calls and meetings with various stakeholders, organizations, businesses and constituents from across Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury
• MP Serré met with representatives from She Matters to discuss women’s rights and sexual assault support for survivors
• MP Serré met with President of Huntington University Dr. Kevin McCormick regarding the development of upcoming Peru Canada Institute initiatives
• MP Serré met with Mike Bellerose (President SDLC and CUPE Local 4705), Heather Erlen (CLC), Mike Dempsey (Ironworkers Local 786 Recording Secretary), Jessica Montgomery (Vice President SDLC, USW 2020), Gary Aubut (CUPE Local 4705), Dean Cusson from the Iron Workers to discuss local labour priorities
• MP Serré participated in a ParlAmericas Board of Directors - virtual parliamentary briefing on supporting countries in delivering the COVID-19 vaccine
• MP Serré particiapted in the Capreol community action network meeting to present a scroll of recoignition to Cathy Encil a dedicated community volunteer
• MP Serré participated in a town hall with the West Nipissing Chamber of Commerce to offer information regarding Federal supports for local small businesses
• MP Serré asked a question in the House of Commons to the Honourable, Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food regarding supports made available to hard working individuals and business owners in the agriculture sector across the country and in Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury

Funding opportunities announced that benefit our communities:

• MP Serré announced $500,000 in funding to the City of Greater Sudbury for the advancement of its Junction East project. Full details available
• MP Serré announced $500,000 in FedNor funding to establish the seventh annual Northern Ontario Mining Showcase (NOMS) pavilion at the 2021 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) International Convention. Full details here.
• MP Serré announced $378,000 in funding to support Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology to help complete late-stage, industry-academia applied research and development initiatives. Full details here. 
• MP Serré announced $95,000 to help the Northern Policy Institute to attract newcomers to the region and help employers and communities attract skills. Full details here.

Other important news: 

• MP Serré shares the launch of the intake period for COVID-19 resilient projects under the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative. Full details
• MP Serré shares current funding opportunities available to support environmental initiatives. Full details here.
• Letter to the Editor - Seniors issues remains a top priority for Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury residents. Read the full letter here.
• MP Serré on a National Strategy for High-Cost Drugs for Rare Diseases. Read the full letter here.
  
  

Timely and accurate information on COVID-19 can be found at:

marcserre.ca
https://mserre.liberal.ca

Government of Canada
https://www.canada.ca/…/d…/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

Government of Ontario
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/index.html

World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergen…/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Public Health Sudbury & District
https://www.phsd.ca/health-…/diseases-infections/coronavirus

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
https://www.myhealthunit.ca/en/health-topics/coronavirus.asp

 TIPS ON STAYING SAFE AND HEALTHY

Physical distancing

Things you can do to keep practising physical distancing are:

• avoiding crowded places
• reducing non-essential travel and trips out of your home
• keeping 2 metres away from others when outside of your home
• commuting outside of the busiest hours if you use public transit
• avoiding greetings that include physical contact, such as handshakes
• following your local public health guidance on the number of people that can gather in one place at one time

Stay home and away from others if you’re feeling ill 

As local governments lift public health measures, you should continue to stay home and away from others if you have symptoms. If you start to develop symptoms of COVID-19, isolate yourself from others and contact your health care provider or local public health authority. Adjust your behaviours and routines based on their advice.

Wear a medical mask if you’re ill and will be in close contact with others or need to go out to access medical care. If a medical mask isn’t available, wear a non-medical mask or cloth face covering.

 Use of non-medical cloth masks or face coverings in community settings

http://www.phn-rsp.ca/sac-covid-ccs/wearing-masks-community-eng.php