Summer 2016

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PFragiskatos/ Twitter: @PFragiskatos CONNECT WITH YOUR MP

Web: www.PeterFragiskatos.ca Email: Peter.Fragiskatos@parl.gc.ca

Peter

Your Member of Parliament for London North Centre

Fragiskatos 885 Adelaide Street N. London, ON N5Y 2M2 T: 519.663.9777

Our government is committed to playing a leading role in supporting poverty reduction. Starting this summer, families who need it most will begin receiving the new Canada Child Benefit (CCB). 9 out of 10 families will receive the benefit.

The CCB will ensure that in 2016-2017 approximately 300,000 fewer children will be living in poverty compared to 2014-2015. In London and the surrounding area, that means approximately 9,000 fewer children will be living in poverty.

In our community of London North Centre, many constituents have told me that it is becoming harder to make ends meet. With prices increasing on a variety of everyday items and wages not keeping up, it is now more difficult to afford the extras in life.

Whether it is sending your children to camp or affording a new pair of shoes for your son or daughter, for many families, there is simply not enough money left at the end of the month to make these important purchases. The Canada Child Benefit will work to rectify this problem.

For example, Aveen and Sarita have two children: Olivia aged 8, and Zoe aged 5. Aveen earned $30,000 and Sarita earned $60,000 in 2015. On July 20, their household will get its first tax-free monthly benefit of $470, allowing them to make an extra deposit into Olivia and Zoe’s education fund.

CANADA CHILD BENEFIT

885 Adelaide Street N., London, ON N5Y 2M2 ∙ 519.663.9777 ∙ Peter.Fragiskatos@parl.gc.ca ∙ www.PeterFragiskatos.ca ∙ @PFragiskatos ∙ www.facebook.com/PFragiskatos/

3 million families will receive more money than ever before.

The Canada Child Benefit is: Simpler Tax-free Better-targeted More generous

That is a fact.

What does it mean for your family? To see how much you will receive, go to the child and

family benefits calculator at:

www.budget.gc.ca/2016/tool-outil/ccb-ace-en.html

Dear Friends, First, allow me to say that I am humbled and honoured to have the privilege of representing each and every one of you in Ottawa. Last year, Canadians spoke loud and clear in expressing their desire for real change. The Government of Canada is committed to delivering a positive and lasting difference. That is why we have already begun introducing new programs that will help improve financial security for Canadians today and into the future. Our government is concerned about the country’s economic situation and its impact on all Canadians. You are our priority. We are working hard each day to build a more positive, stable and prosperous Canada. I have knocked on a lot of doors over the past two years and have continued since being elected. During my visits to your doorsteps, I heard from countless parents in our riding about the struggle to afford quality child care and how the benefit they were receiving under the previous government was inadequate. This July, we are introducing a new benefit program, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – a simpler, more generous, and tax-free program that targets families who need it most. Since being elected, I have had the opportunity to attend numerous public events in our community. Engaging with the people I represent is the best part of my job and I look forward to this continuing. If you or an organization you represent wish to invite me to a gathering, feel free to contact my office any time. As your voice in the House of Commons, I always value your input. I want to be aware of the issues you are most concerned about and the challenges you may face in your daily life. It is very important for me to understand what I can do as your MP to address any concerns. Please do not ever hesitate to get in touch with my office – our doors are open and my staff is happy to assist. I hope to hear from you soon.

“I am here to fight for my constituents each and

every day.”

Did you know? As of June 17th, 2016, your

MP has been present for 102 out of 103 votes in the House of Commons. That is a 99%

attendance rate for votes on issues that matter to you.

Peter Fragiskatos - Your MP for London North Centre 2

WORKING FOR YOU

885 Adelaide Street N., London, ON N5Y 2M2 ∙ 519.663.9777 ∙ Peter.Fragiskatos@parl.gc.ca ∙ www.PeterFragiskatos.ca ∙ @PFragiskatos ∙ www.facebook.com/PFragiskatos/

Investing in Our Future

The Government of Canada understands the central role of science in a thriving, clean economy and in providing evidence for sound policy decisions. That is why we are taking action to reinvigorate Canada’s research and science base. This is being done by investing in infrastructure at post-secondary institutions and federal laborato-ries, fostering research excellence, and accel-erating the diffusion and commercialization of knowledge into applications that benefit industry and society as a whole. As part of our infrastructure plan, Budget 2016 introduced the Post-Secondary Strategic Investment Fund (SIF). The SIF will provide $2 billion over the next three years to accelerate infrastructure projects at universities and colleges across Canada. These investments will promote economic activity that will benefit the Canadian economy now and into the future. Find out more at www.ic.gc.ca .

Stay Tuned In the next few months, my office

will be hosting town hall discussions on a variety of topics that are important to my constituents.

Please refer to my social media or call the office for updates as we finalize plans — I value your input

and I hope you will join us!

Retirement Security for Seniors

As your MP, I believe that my constituents deserve and should be able to expect a secure retirement after decades of hard work. For seniors, the Government of Canada is restoring eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits to age 65, and boosting the GIS top-up benefit to help lift low-income single seniors out of poverty. In addition, we recently consulted and reached an agreement with the provinces to increase contributions and benefits through the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). We anticipate that agreement to be ratified this summer.

Growing the Middle Class

Many Canadians like you have been working harder than ever, but are still having difficulty getting ahead. As your representative in Ottawa, I do not think that is right, and it is certainly not fair. One of our government’s first actions was to cut taxes for the middle class and raise taxes for the wealthiest 1% of Canadians. These changes give middle-class Canadians more money on their paycheques. The facts: • This tax cut reduces the middle class tax

bracket from 22% tax to 20.5% • Over 9 million Canadians will see more

money on their paycheque • Canadians will see an annual average reduction of $330 or $540 for a two-income household A strong economy starts with a strong middle class. When middle-class Canadians have more money to save, invest, and grow the economy, everyone benefits.

Welcome to Canada

Over the past several months I have had the honour of meeting refugees from Syria who are adjusting to life in Canada and settling into our community. I would like to extend the warmest of welcomes to London’s newest community members, and thank the countless community service agencies, charities, and volunteers who helped facilitate the newcomers’ transition.

I also had the pleasure of being present as new Canadians proudly took the Oath of Citizenship. Congratulations to you all!

Thanks for Visiting!

In June, I had the opportunity to spend some time with grade 8 students from London’s own Louise Arbour French Immersion P.S. while they visited Parliament Hill. I hope they had a great time on their end-of-year class trip to Ottawa!

Celebrating Culture

One of Canada’s greatest features is our multiculturalism. This year I was honoured to join London’s diverse cultural communities in celebrating their heritage. Among others, I enjoyed Greek Independence Day and St. Patrick’s Day with proud Londoners.

ReForesting the Forest City

In May, I joined ReForest London staff and volunteers in launching the Neighbourhood ReLeaf Program. All trees planted as part of this fantastic new program will be counted as part of London's Million Tree Challenge. Find more information on how you can participate in the Million Tree Challenge at www.milliontrees.ca

Peter Fragiskatos - Your MP for London North Centre

Your MP in the London Community

885 Adelaide Street N., London, ON N5Y 2M2 ∙ 519.663.9777 ∙ Peter.Fragiskatos@parl.gc.ca ∙ www.PeterFragiskatos.ca ∙ @PFragiskatos ∙ www.facebook.com/PFragiskatos/

3

Hosting an event?

I would be happy to join you! Please get in touch with my office with the

details.

The Innovation Generation

“Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege today to recognize an evolving industry in my community of London North Centre. The tech sector has emerged over the past several years as a significant contributor to the local economy. World-class companies such as Diply, Big Blue Bubble, Race Roster, Ellipsis Digital and Big Viking Games are doing innovative and creative work in the Forest City, and are global leaders in their fields. Innovation and technology are thriving in London. I am excited for this continued growth which will result in well-paying jobs in a creative and dynamic industry.” -MP Peter Fragiskatos in the House of Commons, May 18th 2016

The London Knights in the House of Commons

“Mr. Speaker, I understand you are something of a hockey fan and therefore it brings me great pleasure to let you know that the London Knights won the 2016 Memorial Cup last night. Yesterday, the Knights defeated the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in epic fashion to capture a national junior hockey championship. Matthew Tkachuk scored in overtime to secure London its second ever Memorial Cup.

This was not a typical championship. It was a display of sporting dominance. The Knights won the cup with a 4-0 record, outscored opponents 23-8, and with last night's victory, won their 17th straight game. The Knights are an extraordinary junior hockey franchise. With 9,000 fans coming to each home game, hockey in London and the Knights are synonymous.” -MP Peter Fragiskatos in the House of Commons, May 30th 2016

Left: Prime Minister Trudeau and I proudly display our London Knights jerseys at the House of Commons in Ottawa. I chose the numbers 18 and 26 in honour of the year the City of London was founded. Congratulations to the Knights on an incredible 2015-2016 season!

We Are Here to Help: Resources & FAQ

Federal: Taxes/CRA, Employment Insurance (EI), Immigration, Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), Passports

Call your MP Peter Fragiskatos 519.663.9777

Provincial: ODSP, FRO, Birth Certificates, Driver’s Licenses, OHIP, OSAP

Call your MPP Deb Matthews 519.432.7339

Municipal: Roads, Garbage Collection, London Transit, Parking, Housing Call the City of London 519.661.4500

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) 1.800.267.6999 (Tax Information Phone Service)

Employment Insurance (EI)

1.800.206.7218 Automated 24/7; to speak to a representative, call 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday, and press “0”

Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

1.800.277.9914

National Student Loans Service Centre

1.888.815.4514

Immigration & Citizenship Canada

1.888.242.2100

I am trying to get information about tax programs that are provided by the province. Who do I call? Some tax programs are actually administered by the Province of Ontario. If you are looking for information about the Ontario Senior Homeowner’s Property Tax Grant (OSHPTG), the Ontario Sales Tax Transition Benefit (OSTTB), or the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) - which includes the Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC), the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC), and the Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) - call this number: Phone: 1.877.627.6645 Monday-Friday, 8:15am—5:00pm

Where is the Service Canada office in London North Centre? 457 Richmond St (at Queens Ave) Dominion Public Building

885 Adelaide Street N., London, ON N5Y 2M2 ∙ 519.663.9777 ∙ Peter.Fragiskatos@parl.gc.ca ∙ www.PeterFragiskatos.ca ∙ @PFragiskatos ∙ www.facebook.com/PFragiskatos/

Peter Fragiskatos - Your MP for London North Centre 4

What Level of Government Do I Need?

Can I Get the Number For…? Helpful Numbers

How do I get a certificate or greeting from my MP? Please call or email my office with the de-tails. I would be happy to provide a certificate of congratulations for a birthday, anniversary, graduation, grand opening, or other special event. For certain milestone birthdays and anniversaries, the Prime Minister, His Excellency the Governor General of Canada, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will also provide certificates. Prime Minister: Wedding anniversaries: 25th and up (at 5-year intervals). Birthdays: 65th and up (at 5-year intervals), 100th birthdays and up. The Governor General of Canada: Wedding anniversaries: 50th and up Birthdays: 90th and up.

I am planning a trip to Ottawa. Can I visit Parliament? Visitors are welcome and encouraged to come see their government in action in the House of Commons. All visits to Parliament are free of charge. For more information call 1-866-599-4999, email info@parl.gc.ca or get in touch with my office. Can Peter come speak at my child’s school? Absolutely! I love engaging with students and young constituents. Please get in touch to set up a school visit. I did not receive my tax refund yet. How can I find out the status of my refund? Call the CRA’s Telerefund line Phone: 1.800.959.1956

CONNECT WITH PETER

Constituency Office

London North Centre

885 Adelaide St., N.

(at Grosvenor St.)

London, ON N5Y 2M2

London-Middlesex Health Unit 519.663.5317 50 King Street (at Ridout St.) CMHA Walk-In Mental Health Crisis Centre 519.434.9191 648 Huron Street (at Adelaide St.)

London Abused Women’s Centre 519.432.2204 797 York Street (at Rectory St.)

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre 425-427 William Street (N. of Dundas St.) 519.672.4079 Ontario 211 Information Centre Dial 211