A22 PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY November 1 - 15 , 2016
In his privilege speech at the Parliament in Ottawa , MP Joe Peschisolido hails the Filipino organization Answering the Cry of the Poor or ANCOP , and the work that it does for the poor . ANCOP is charity arm of the Couples for Christ community , and it aims to raise funds for the education of young people and housing projects for the homeless in the
With the help of 40 children and their families as well as local dignitaries , Amazon made a special donation of more than $ 6,700 to Surrey Libraries in support of its Read to Baby ( R2B ) program . This event happened during a special celebratory storytime at City Centre Library , including a live aboriginal drumming performance by Nadine Gagne L ’ Hirondelle .
R2B is a family literacy initiative launched in 2014 by Surrey Libraries that introduces parents of newborns to the benefits of early and frequent reading
Empty Homes Tax aims to boost rental housing availability as City faces lowest rental vacancy rate and highest rental costs in Canada
Vancouver City Council has approved a program that will introduce a one ( 1 ) per cent tax on empty homes . Targeting as many as 22,000 empty or underutilized homes in Vancouver , the Empty Homes Tax will apply to those properties that are not an owner ’ s principal residence or being rented on a long-term basis . Vacant residential land will also be subject to the Tax .
“ In Vancouver ’ s rental housing crisis , the City can ’ t afford to sit on the sidelines while more than 20,000 empty and underused homes hold back badly-needed longer-term
Peschisolido Hails ANCOP in Privilege Speech
Philippines , India , Ghana , Kenya at Nigeria , as well as helping the needy and homeless in Canada .
Peschisolido mentioned in his speech the generosity of the Filipino community who support the people in their country of origin and other parts of the world . He said that Filipinos are innately helpful to others , and their pride in their origin , as well as their loyalty to Canada .
to infants . Amazon ’ s donation will specifically fund the first-ever R2B keepsake kits for the Aboriginal community .
Surrey Libraries Chief Librarian Surinder Bhogal said , “ Research shows that children have a better chance of entering kindergarten ready to learn – and of later becoming fully literate adults – if reading is encouraged in the home from infancy . We are grateful for Amazon ’ s support , the Aboriginal R2B kits will be catered to cultural sensitivities of the community and include a
He said that ANCOP gives importance to family , faith and social justice , and that he is proud to work side by side his constituents in Richmond who do this work for the poor . He thanked ANCOP and its volunteers for its service to the community here in Canada and other parts of the world . This is one of the few privilege speeches made in Parliament that acknowledges the Filipino
book and CD that would resonate the most with these families .”
Amazon Spokesperson Carey Nickels added , “ Amazon is proud to give back to the communities where its associates live and work . Our growing team in the Lower Mainland , is honored to donate to Surrey Libraries and this rentals ,” says Mayor Gregor Robertson . “ The Empty Homes Tax won ’ t solve the rental crisis , but it ’ s one piece of the puzzle to boosting rental supply and bringing relief to renters by turning thousands of empty and underused homes into rental properties . In this tough housing market , it ’ s unacceptable for so much housing to be treated as a commodity when people are desperate for an affordable , secure place to live .”
Most Vancouver homeowners , including snowbirds , will not have to pay the Empty Homes Tax . Principal residences – whether of the registered owner or his / her family member - are not subject to the Tax , nor are properties that are rented for six months of the year or more , in periods of at least 30 consecutive days .
As well , public and stakeholder consultation informed the creation of the following eight exemptions to the Empty Homes Tax :
• The registered owner uses the property for at least six months of the year for work within the City of Vancouver , but claims a principal residence elsewhere ;
• The registered owner , occupying family member , or tenant is undergoing medical or supportive care ;
• Ownership of the property changed during the year ;
• The owner is deceased and a grant of probate or administration is pending ;
• The property is undergoing major renova-
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community and its contribution to Canada and to the world , as well as the recognition of a faith in God .
Peschisolido is a stalwart supporter of ANCOP and the entire Filipino Community and its activities .
Amazon Surprises Surrey Libraries with a Donation to its Read to Baby Family Literacy Program
wonderful community literacy program .” ( Wendy Richmond , National Public Relations )
Nadine Gagne L ’ Hirondelle leads special guests ( including Surrey Councillor Dave Woods ) and children in a drumming song at the Surrey Library celebrating Amazon ’ s donation
Vancouver Approves Empty Homes Tax in Effort to Increase Rental Housing Supply
tions , or is under construction or redevelopment , and permits have been issued ;
• The property is subject to strata rental restrictions as of November 16 , 2016 ;
• The property is under a court order prohibiting occupancy ; and ,
• The property ’ s use is limited to vehicle parking , or the shape , size or other aspect of the property precludes the ability to construct a residential building .
For more information on the empty homes tax , visit www . vancouver . ca / emptyhomes < http :// www . vancouver . ca / emptyhomes >