| Jim Karygiannis M.P. |
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| BUSINESS COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER SPRING 2003 Dear Constituent: I wish to take this opportunity to discuss with you important issues of interest and concern to entrepreneurs in Scarborough-Agincourt who are being adversely affected by SARS. My thoughts and prayers are with families who have been affected by this deadly virus. Special thanks goes to our front line health care workers, who have worked tirelessy to ensure the health and safety of our community. As we know, it is due to your proven leadership, business acumen and willingness to take risks, that small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy. Today’s economic realities are presenting unique challenges to entrepreneurs. It is in this regard that I am writing to you today. I wish to address a number of issues. As always, your participation is appreciated and, most of all, welcomed. |
| -SARS and the Economy: To learn more about the initiatives that the Government of Canada has taken to provide assistance and address your concerns, please look on the inside section, and or refer to www.karygiannismp.com/sars. -Feedback on the Canadian Economy: In order to more fully understand the economic challenges you are currently facing, and to communicate these issues with my colleagues in government, I invite you to contact me. If you want to be on our email Broadcast List, please contact me at jim@karygiannismp.com -Summer Employment for Students: If you are going to be hiring students this summer, please advise us as soon as possible. Please contact us by email at jim@karygiannismp.com or by fax at (416) 321-5456, with the following information – Name of Company, Address, Phone No., Fax No., Email Address, Web-Site, Name of Position. Last year we met with local high school students and provided them with similar information. We hope to do this in the immediate future and would ask you to submit your details, as soon as possible. -Assistance from your Member of Parliament: If you require assistance with any federal related matter, please contact my office during regular business hours. We can provide information on Immigration, the Business Development Bank of Canada, Export Development Canada, Canada Customs & Revenue Agency, Human Resources Development Canada, etc. Thank you in advance for your assistance and co-operation. Remember, my staff and I are here to assist you. |
| Measures taken by the Federal Government · waived the two-week waiting period for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits so that those in imposed quarantine can receive their benefits without delay; · introduced special coverage for part-time and self-employed health workers not covered by EI and unable to work because of SARS; · committed $1.45 million to support the Canadian Tourism Human Resources Council, which is dealing with challenges facing the tourism sector; · through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), provided flexible arrangements - such as special payment schedules or temporary deferral of payments - to help people facing difficulties meeting mortgage payments because of SARS; · through the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA), offered special measures under the "fairness" provisions of the Income Tax Act, such as extended due dates, flexible payment schedules and waived penalties or interest –– to help individuals and businesses experiencing difficulties in fulfilling their tax obligations because of SARS quarantine; · through the Business Development Bank of Canada, offered a four-month postponement of capital payments without penalty, and additional working capital up to $ 50,000 to their small business clients affected by the economic impact of SARS; |
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