April 25, 2022 Community Update

Dear Neighbour,

With spring in the air, we are seeing the return of the migratory birds. Just last week I was able to see the Common Tern nesting rafts that have been installed at Tommy Thompson Park with federal support through the Great Lakes Protection Initiative. There were many people out walking and taking pictures of the birds, including a hawk.

You can find out about some of the upcoming events at Tommy Thompson Park as part of the Toronto Bird Celebration here: Events Calendar - Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).

There are also many events organized by Birds Canada that you can find on their webpage.

I wanted to provide you with an update on several developments on the federal government’s work to support Ukraine. In addition, I wanted to let you know:

• about information for those looking to renew their passports ahead of what is sure to be a busy travel season; and
• we have a new seniors resource booklet. You can request yours today.

Update on Canada’s Response to the Russian invasion in Ukraine

Since my last update from a few weeks ago, we have several developments on how Canada is supporting Ukrainians coming to Canada.

• Ontario now has health supports in place for newly landed Ukrainians as well as help for finding jobs. Read more here.
• Canada announced a new Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund, in partnership with Miles4Migrants, The Shapiro Foundation and Air Canada will help Ukrainians wishing to travel to Canada.
• Canadians who would like to donate their Aeroplan points can do so through the Air Canada and Miles4Migrants Canadians who would like to donate cash can do so through the Travel & Settlement Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto.

Passport renewal

With travel advisories lifting after two-years of the pandemic there has been a surge in passport applications. To make things easier on renewals, the Federal Government has expanded the simplified renewal form to include passports that expired in the last 15 years. In this process, applicants don’t need a guarantor or to provide original documents -- you simply need 2 photos, 2 references, a completed form and the applicable fees.

For those who require their passport within two business days, Passport Canada offers urgent and express passport services at certain locations in Canada. For urgent or express service, there will be an additional service fee along with the regular passport fee.

If you have made a recent application and are outside the expected processing time (25 days), please contact our office at [email protected] and we can assist you.

Please ensure you are giving yourself plenty of time to renew your passport before your expected travel. We encourage Canadians to make sure they have their passport before making travel commitments and to apply 3-4 months in advance of their travels to ensure they receive their passport on time.

Seniors Resource Booklet

I have had many conversations with seniors in the neighbourhood to talk about their ideas and concerns. In response to many of the questions that I have received, I have a new seniors resource booklet, which contains information about https://juliedabrusin.libparl.ca/2022/01/01/seniors-booklet/activities, transportation and other resources. If you’d like your own copy, please fill out the form and we will mail one out to you.

I hope you are keeping well and please let me know of any ideas or concerns.

Yours truly,

Julie

Julie Dabrusin

MP for Toronto—Danforth