Salma Zahid
Salma Zahid
Member of Parliament for Scarborough Centre
Your June 2024 MP Update
July 4, 2024

LOCAL UPDATES 

Join us for our community BBQ on July 20!

Join us for our annual community BBQ! Lots of great food (Halal and vegetarians options available), entertainment and activities for the whole family. We can't wait to welcome you again this year!

Date: Saturday July 20, 2024

Time: Noon to 3:00PM

Location: Thomson Memorial Park, 1005 Brimley Road, Scarborough

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Celebrating Canada Day in Scarborough

On Canada Day we had a booth as part of the celebration at Thomson Memorial Park offering Canada Flags as well as pop corn and cotton candy. It was wonderful to see so many of you and celebrate our country together with you and your family. However you celebrated, we hope you enjoyed your Canada Day with friends and family!

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Building more affordable housing in Ontario

At Birchmount Green in Scarborough Centre, MP Salma Zahid joined Ministers Arif Virani and Filomena Tassi to announce $1.1 billion in federal funding to build and repair over 56,000 affordable housing units across Ontario. Together, we are taking real action and making home ownership for accessible for all Canadians.

The Affordable Housing Fund is part of the Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy, an $82+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home.  

As of March 2024, the federal government has committed $50.97 billion to support the creation of over 146,000 units and the repair of over 286,000 units.  These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence. 

2024 Scarborough Centre Seniors Fair

A huge thanks to all 22 organizations who provided information and services to our community’s seniors at our annual Scarborough Centre Seniors Fair. I hope everyone enjoyed meeting new friends and learning about the many supports available to seniors in our community.

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Listening to caregivers: a community roundtable

Along with MP Paul Chaing, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, I recently hosted a roundtable with members of the caregiver community to talk about the new caregiver pilots and other ongoing community concerns.

Thank you to all those who came and shared their thoughts and experiences as caregivers, families of care recipients, and support workers for migrants.

While we celebrated some gains from decades of advocacy, we also heard some concerns for potential abuse of caregivers seeking job offers, as well as a resounding clamor for regularization of out-of-status caregivers already in Canada. We’ve heard you and we will take these issues back to Ottawa.

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Ending Filipino Heritage Month on a high note

After a month of Filipino Heritage Month celebrations across Canada, it was wonderful to end the month of June right here in Scarborough Centre at the Scarborough Civic Centre. Many congratulations, National Filipino Heritage Canada for the wonderful display of Filipino art, culture and cuisine! And many thanks to everyone who visited our booth.

Celebrating Eid al-Adha in Scarborough

In June the Muslim community celebrated Eid al-Adha, is an opportunity to reflect on the principles of peace, forgiveness, and unity and recommit to the core values of charity and helping those in need. I was glad to have the opportunity to celebrate with the community.

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Recognizing the Jain Society of Toronto

Extremely honoured to be part of this milestone in Jain Society of Toronto’s history. Congratulations on your 50th anniversary! The community has come a long way and I can’t wait to see the many more milestones I am certain you will achieve.

BAPS Mandir charity walk

It was a pleasure to have attended the BAPS Mandir charity walk. It was inspiring to see so many people make it for the walk despite the weather not cooperating. I hope to see more initiatives organized by the Mandir and look forward to continuing participating in them for the years to come.

Kicking off Carnival in Scarborough

It was a pleasure to celebrate the Caribbean Carnival in my riding of Scarborough Centre, with wonderful costumes and music. I am looking forward to many more celebrations to come this summer!

Nature is blooming in Wexford!

In June was the Wexford Blooms 2getger opening party and community planting day. It was a lovely day for some planting, and I can't wait to see the hard work bloom! Thank you Plaza Pops and Wexford Heights BIA.

Youth talk climate action

In June, the Scarborough Centre Youth Council members and guests heard some insights about climate change from their peers and from the guest speaker, MP Adam van Koeverden. It’s a big and complex topic, but we’re optimistic because - as my colleague Adam said - the youth care. Thanks to all who came. I hope you gained something from it. Please contact my office if you’d like to join our Constituency Youth Council.

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NATIONAL UPDATES

More Canadians eligible for Canadian Dental Care Plan

Since access to services under the Canadian Dental Care Plan began on May 1, 2024, more than 200,000 seniors have accessed care through the CDCP.  More than 11,000 dental care professionals have now signed up to provide care, and over 2,000,000 Canadians have been approved to receive dental care.

As well, applications for the CDCP are now open for eligible youth under 18 as well as eligible individuals with a valid disability tax credit certificate. By 2025, all remaining age groups will be covered, making sure 9 million Canadians get affordable dental care.

The plan provides dental coverage to uninsured Canadians with a net family income under $90,000. It covers services like cleaning, fillings, X-rays, dentures, and more – so you pay less out of pocket for healthy teeth.

Furthermore, starting July 8th, oral health providers everywhere will be able to file claims on behalf of CDCP members without having to formally participate in the program. We are listening to dental care providers to ensure the program is flexible and accessible.

To sign up, eligible Canadians can apply online, visit any Service Canada Centre, or call 1-833-537-4342.

Our Canadian Dental Care Plan will make a meaningful difference for Canadians who can’t afford dental treatment or lack coverage.

Learn moreCanadian Dental Care Plan

 

Recognizing National Indigenous History Month

On June 21, we recognize the rich histories, cultures, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Canada.

This National Indigenous History Month, let's embrace the opportunity to learn about Indigenous stories, places, and experiences, fostering reconciliation and mutual respect.

We should all participate in activities to explore the rich and diverse cultures and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Main office - Scarborough
2155 Lawrence Avenue East, Unit 5
Scarborough, Ontario
M1R 5G9

Telephone:
416-752-2358

Fax:
416-752-4624
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Hill Office
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Telephone:
613-992-6823

Fax:
613-943-1045
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