Randeep S. Sarai

I recently met with Judith from Anxiety Canada to discuss the importance of access to mental health support for Canadians, especially during the challenging times we find ourselves in. If you are looking for tools to help manage your mental health, check out their MindShift app for resources and support. www.anxietycanada.com

To many this appears shocking and believe me it is. But in reality this what many young Sikhs in Canada, the US, and the UK (and many other countries) have faced for years and it brings back dark memories. We have come a long way but not far enough. No person should be bullied or attacked for how they look, what they wear, or for what they believe. What’s even worse is that many choose to film it rather than intervene and stop it. For god sake, he’s your classmate! I hope Charlton School addressees this in the strongest way and makes sure this never happens to one of their pupils ever again. And to the young man assaulted, you are not alone my friend.

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women - and November 25th marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Violence against women and girls remains one of the most widespread, persistent & devastating human rights violations. Our Government has worked to address gender-based violence by taking concrete action, including, creating the first-ever federal Strategy to Prevent & Address Gender-Based Violence. Today and every day, we must recommit to ending violence against women, girls and people of all gender identities and expressions. Read the PM’s statement here https://pm.gc.ca//statement-prime-minister-international-d

Happy Navratri to everyone celebrating this joyous festival! Things may look a little different this year, but I know you’ll find new ways to observe this holiday at home and carry out traditions online.

I just mailed my annual donation to the Special Olympics - Surrey! I would like to thank the passionate Clint Morrison, for his incredible advocacy for the Surrey Special Olympics. Over his lifetime, he has raised over $50,000.00 for this important cause. If you’re interested in donating, or learning more, please visit: sobcsurrey.ca #specialolympics #surreyspecialolympics #surreybc

On the Typhoons in the Philippines Earlier today, I had the opportunity to ask the Minister of International Development Karina Gould how our government has responded to the recent tragedies in the Philippines. Members of the Filipino community here in Surrey and in communities across the country are extremely concerned and worried about loved ones after two Typhoons hit the Philippines this month. ... Super Typhoon Goni hit the Bicol region in early November leaving dead, injured and displaced. In its wake, Goni was followed by Typhoon Vamco who’s destructive winds and torrential rainfall triggered extensive flooding in several areas, including Metro Manila. Minister of International Development: I thank my colleague from Surrey Centre for raising this important issue and for his tireless advocacy for the communities in his riding. Our government has responded to both Typhoons Goni and Vamco through Canada’s Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund by providing the Canadian Red Cross with $240,000 for relief operations and to help meet the emergency health, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene needs, as well as focusing on disaster risk reduction, community engagement, protection and gender inclusion services. When Typhoon Vamco hit land almost 2 weeks later, we quickly responded with another ($40,000) contribution to the International Federation of Red Cross’s relief operations to help provide additional shelter, cash grants, and health and water, sanitation and hygiene support with COVID-19 protocols. We continue to follow the situation closely and stand ready to respond should needs evolve."

COVID-19 cases are still rising. That has real consequences - and puts lives at risk. But if we work together, we can turn things around. So keep wearing your mask. Keep washing your hands. Keep physically distancing. And download the COVID Alert app now.

Yesterday, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, announced the launch of the new call for proposals for the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives (CSMARI) Program. Applications are open until January 12, 2021! If you, or any organization you know, is interested in learning more, please visit: https://bit.ly/3pZ4a #DiversityIsOurStrength

Today is #WorldFoodDay. A day to create awareness of world hunger and poverty and to inspire solutions for world change. The world’s nations must work together and help the most vulnerable to recover from the crisis. This year, let’s also celebrate Canada’s farmers and food producers working extra hours to supply our communities with nutritious food in these difficult times. I recently met with @foodgrains to discuss the importance of addressing the impact of climate change and creating more resilient food systems for small-scale farmers in developing country.

Fighting COVID-19 is a Team Canada effort. And that team includes you. For more on how you can help us beat this second wave, and for the latest on what we’re d...oing to keep you safe, watch our Friday update live: La COVID-19 requiert un effort pancanadien. Et vous participez à cet effort. Pour nous aider à casser la deuxième vague et connaître les plus récentes mesures que nous avons prises pour vous protéger, regardez notre mise à jour du vendredi en direct : See more

We know businesses are continuing to struggle as we enter the second wave of the pandemic. To help you through these challenging times, our Government recently proposed new targeted and adaptable supports for hard hit businesses and their employees. Visit canada.ca/coronavirus for more information on all the support available for individuals and businesses.

The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund is providing over $1.5 billion to support businesses and communities impacted by COVID-19. The fund will help to: mitigate the financial pressure experienced by businesses and organizations to allow them to continue their operations, including paying their employees; support projects by businesses, organizations and communities to prepare now for a successful recovery.... Visit canada.ca or call Wester Economic Development 1-888-338-9378 to learn more!

Throughout the #Covid19 pandemic, food banks & organizations addressing food insecurity have worked tirelessly to help Canadians in need.Today, we’re proud to announce another $100 million to support them during this 2nd wave. https://bit.ly/36QtR8i

I am very saddened to learn of the threats made against a Toronto mosque over the Thanksgiving weekend. We must all continue to stand in solidarity with racialized communities across Canada. The continued acts and threats of violence and discrimination have no place in our country.

The 2020 Parent and Grandparent program is now open! Visit the link below to learn more.

Tune in now for an update on what we’re doing to protect you from the virus and the supports available to help you get through this pandemic: Regardez en dir...ect notre mise à jour sur les mesures que nous prenons pour vous protéger du virus et le soutien à votre disposition pour traverser la pandémie : See more

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours !

Happy International #DayOfTheGirl ! We must continue to work harder for our daughters to reach their full potential!

Have you downloaded the COVID Alert app ?