Hong Kong – Relatives of residents of residential care homes for elderly participate in health talk on vaccination (with photos)

Relatives of residents of residential care homes for elderly participate in health talk on vaccination (with photos)

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    About 170 family members of residents of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) participated in a health talk on vaccination in Lai Chi Kok in person or online, the first specifically held for relatives of RCHE residents today (September 4). During the talk, several volunteer doctors briefed the participants about information on the COVID-19 vaccines and provided them with one-on-one consultation service after the talk. Arrangements were also made for some participants to visit a nearby Community Vaccination Centre for vaccination afterwards.
      
     Attending the event to promote about COVID-19 vaccination, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, said, “With the appearance of the highly transmissible mutant strain, keeping up the anti-epidemic efforts at residential care homes is of utmost importance. However, less than 10 per cent of RCHE residents have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. To encourage them to get vaccinated, the support and encouragement from their family is very important.”
      
     “Some RCHE residents or their family members may not have a thorough understanding of the vaccines. They are also not sure if the physical conditions of residents are suitable for vaccination and may have a mistaken belief that it is fine for them not to get vaccinated. In fact, elderly persons are the group of persons that should get vaccinated immediately in view of the comparatively higher risk for infected elderly to fall seriously ill and die. I appeal to those family members who are still hesitant to act and encourage their relatives to get vaccinated as soon as possible. This is the best way to show their care and love for their family members. Both COVID-19 vaccines available in Hong Kong are safe and highly effective in protecting against severe diseases and death from COVID-19 infection.”
      
     “With the immense support and efforts by a number of enthusiastic persons today, in particular the Hong Kong Geriatrics Society and those volunteer doctors, we hope that residents of RCHEs, their family members or elderly persons will understand that we all should learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines in an objective manner and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
      
     Mr Nip expressed gratitude to the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, RCHEs of Po Leung Kuk and RCHEs in Sham Shui Po district for assisting in inviting family members of residents of their RCHEs to attend the talk. Today’s event was jointly organised by the Civil Service Bureau, the Social Welfare Department and the Department of Health.

Hong Kong – Hong Kong residents born in 1977, 1978 or 1979 should apply for new smart identity cards between September 20 and November 18, 2021

Hong Kong residents born in 1977, 1978 or 1979 should apply for new smart identity cards between September 20 and November 18, 2021

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     The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (August 27) that Hong Kong residents born in 1977, 1978 or 1979 and holding the old form of smart identity card should bring along their old form of smart identity card and apply for new smart identity cards in person at a Smart Identity Card Replacement Centre (SIDCC) (see Annex I) from September 20 (Monday) to November 18, 2021 (Thursday). The SIDCCs are open from 8am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday (except public holidays).

     The Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise covers all Hong Kong residents, who should apply for new smart identity cards in person at the SIDCCs during specified periods, whether they are permanent residents or non-permanent residents taking up employment, investment, residence or study in Hong Kong. Eligible Hong Kong residents who are absent from Hong Kong during their call-up period can apply within 30 days upon their return to Hong Kong.
 
     To avoid the gathering of crowds, the ImmD appeals to applicants to make appointment bookings via the ImmD mobile application, the Internet (www.gov.hk/newicbooking), or the 24-hour telephone booking hotline 2121 1234. To download the mobile application or to make an appointment booking via the Internet, please scan the QR codes (see Annex II). The ImmD also appeals to applicants to pre-fill the application form when making appointment bookings through the mobile application or the Internet in order to enjoy faster identity card replacement service.  

     For this Replacement Exercise, the ImmD is also implementing a caring arrangement under which each eligible applicant for identity card replacement may bring along up to two family members or friends aged 65 or above and two persons with disabilities to replace their identity cards together during the same visit to an SIDCC.

     For children born in 2005 to 2007 or 2012 to 2018 and holding the old form of smart identity card, their specified period for identity card replacement will end on September 18, 2021 (Saturday). Those who have not yet applied for a new smart identity card should do so in the company of either one of their parents or legal guardians at an SIDCC as early as possible. For details of the replacement arrangements for children holding the old form of smart identity card, please refer to Annex III. Please note that children born between 2012 and 2018 who have never held a permanent identity card in connection with their applications for a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport, or are already holding a new smart identity card, are not required to participate in the Replacement Exercise.

     For details of the Replacement Exercise, please visit the website www.smartid.gov.hk or call the ImmD’s enquiry hotline at 2824 6111.

Canada – Backgrounder: Residents of Yukon to benefit from improvements to community infrastructure

Na-Cho Nyak Dun (NND) First Nation

NND Water Treatment Plant Controls Upgrade, Phase 3 B

Replacement of existing water treatment plant controls, control panel and equipment to provide more robust control system and improve water treatment plant operations, and improve water quality output.

GIS

$573,750

$191,250

Mayo

Village of Mayo Swimming Pool Boiler Replacement and Upgrades

Rehabilitation of an existing seasonal swimming pool facility, including general public safety repairs, boiler replacement, and mechanical system upgrades.

CCRIS, RNIS

$225,000

$75,000

White River First Nation

White River Community Centre

Construction of a new community centre in Beaver Creek, including a main vestibule, multi-purpose room, a reception/waiting area, washrooms, kitchen, mechanical and electrical spaces, and general storage.

CCRIS; RNIS

$2,842,500

$1,047,500

Haines Junction

Haines Junction Infrastructure Upgrades – Phase 3

Rehabilitation of water and sewer infrastructure. The project includes the construction of sanitary sewer mains, water mains, and roadways, along with the installation of a heat recovery ventilation system and re-pickling of stainless-steel piping.

GIS

$7,207,988

$2,510,663

Selkirk First Nation

Pelly Crossing Road Upgrades

Full repair and surface treatment of roads in Willow Creek Subdivision that are in poor condition in Pelly Crossing.

RNIS

$1,725,000

$775,000

Government of Yukon

Electrical Upgrades to 3 Solid Waste Facilities

Connection of the Quigley solid waste facility (SWF) in Dawson, the Mayo SWF and the Champagne SWF


to the primary electric power grid in Yukon.

GIS

$562,500

$237,500

Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation (LSCFN)

LSCFN Water Treatment Plant Upgrades

Purchase of a backup well pump and new fume hood. Upgrades include  replacement of the existing filter media and UV system, as well as upgrades to truck fill and distribution and  controls system.

GIS

$1,425,675

$730,225

Mayo

Mayo Water Treatment Plant Wellfield Expansion

Purchase of a new groundwater supply well and ancillary components.

GIS

$552,600

$184,200

Haines Junction

Haines Junction Water Well Replacement

Drilling of a new water well with suitable water quality and adequate protection for municipal water supply. This includes connecting the new well to the existing water treatment and supply infrastructure, decommissioning Well No.3 and updating the existing source water protection planning to account for the new well.

GIS

$1,875,000

$625,000

Government of


Yukon

Beaver Creek Lagoon

Building a new, licensed lagoon facility to receive septic waste from Beaver Creek and the surrounding area. The lagoon will replace the existing septic pit.

GIS

$2,250,000

$750,000

Dawson City

Dawson Reservoir Replacement

Construction of two new drinking water reservoirs to replace the existing reservoirs in Dawson City. The project scope includes the construction of the two reservoirs, preliminary and detailed design, and the demolition of the existing reservoir and pumphouses. 

GIS

$7,350,480

$2,450,160

Mayo

Mayo Water Treatment Plant Geoexchange System Upgrades

This project includes drilling two replacement geo-exchange wells, decommissioning the old wells, piping the new wells into the water treatment plant, replacing the heat exchanger, completing associated electrical and SCADA upgrades, and partial replacement of discharge piping.

GIS

$1,743,000

$581,000

Dawson City

Robert Service School Modular Classrooms Expansion

Construction of four new classrooms on the existing site of the Robert Service School, adjacent to the main building, to accommodate the displacement of two portables decommissioned in 2019.

CVRIS

$6,400,000

$0

Whitehorse

Shelled Space development: Secure Medical Unit

Conversion of an existing space into five beds and three seclusion mental wellness units with support areas. The project also includes five additional single beds in a dedicated wing to support acute care needs and services.

CVRIS

$9,990,000

$0

Canada – Residents of the Yukon to benefit from improvements to community infrastructure

Today, the Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Richard Mostyn, Yukon Minister of Community Services, announced joint funding for 14 community infrastructure projects across Yukon.

Haines Junction, Yukon, August 4, 2021—The health, safety, and well-being of Yukoners are the top priorities of the governments of Canada and Yukon. Investments in local infrastructure by both governments during this unprecedented time will help stimulate the economy, create well-paying jobs and address the needs of northern communities.

Today, the Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Richard Mostyn, Yukon Minister of Community Services, announced joint funding for 14 community infrastructure projects across Yukon.

The Government of Canada is investing over $44.7 million in these projects through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS), the Green Infrastructure Stream (GIS), the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream (RNIS), and the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream (CVRIS) of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Yukon is providing over $10.1 million towards these projects.

Funding will support the development of modern and accessible recreational spaces, and provide more efficient and reliable drinking water and wastewater services for Yukon residents. Among the projects funded, upgrades to deteriorating water and sewer infrastructure in Haines Junction will improve access to drinking water and increase the municipality’s capacity to treat and manage wastewater. Upgrades to roadways and alleyways across the municipality will also help residents get around more safely and efficiently.

Once complete, these projects will improve the quality and accessibility of facilities and services in Yukon communities for the benefit of residents and visitors.

All orders of government continue to work together for Yukoners to make strategic infrastructure investments in communities across the territory when they need it the most.

“Making sure Yukoners have community centres, clean energy projects, and safe and reliable water and wastewater services is essential to building a healthy and sustainable future for communities. As we build back even better and consciously become more inclusive, Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.”

The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“The Investing in Canada Plan is helping Yukon municipalities, First Nations governments and unincorporated communities build sustainable and healthy communities, while creating economic development. These projects will improve access to clean drinking water and reliable wastewater systems, reduce greenhouse gases and build resilience to climate change and update recreational and cultural space for our communities.”  

The Honourable Richard Mostyn, Yukon Minister of Community Services

“The funding provided by the federal and territorial governments through the Investing in Canada Plan to rehabilitate our existing infrastructure and to drill a new well will allow the Village of Haines Junction to continue to provide safe, efficient and environmentally-sustainable water and sewer services to our community. This forward-thinking investment guarantees our community’s water security for the years to come.”

Village of Haines Junction Mayor Thomas Eckervogt

Emelyana Titarenko

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

873-355-9576

emelyana.titarenko@canada.ca

Bonnie Venton Ross

Communications Analyst

Department of Community Services, Government of Yukon

867-332-5513

bonnie.ventonross@yukon.ca

Dan Rodin

Chief Administrative Officer

Village of Haines Junction

867-634-7100, ext. 102

cao@hainesjunction.ca

Canada – L’Anse au Loup residents to benefit from improved road infrastructure

Today, Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs and Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development; and the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and His Worship Trent O’Brien, Mayor of the Town of L’Anse au Loup, announced funding to improve rural road infrastructure for residents in L’Anse-au Loup.

L’Anse au Loup, Newfoundland and Labrador, July 30, 2021—The health and well-being of Canadians are the top priorities of the governments of Canada, and Newfoundland and Labrador. As we recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know how important investments in critical infrastructure are as we build back better.

Taking decisive action to help families, businesses and communities is vital to the well-being of the province – and today’s announcement is a key part of this support.

Today, Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs and Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development; and the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and His Worship Trent O’Brien, Mayor of the Town of L’Anse au Loup, announced funding to improve rural road infrastructure for residents in L’Anse-au Loup.

The project will pave four kilometres of road to correct issues caused by grading and winter snow-clearing. The newly paved roads will also provide a surface for local travellers to get wherever they need to go safely, and efficiently.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $392,000 in this project through the Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure program. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Town of L’Anse au Loup are each contributing more than $392,000 in the project.

“Investments in public infrastructure are crucial to keeping our rural and small communities in Newfoundland and Labrador healthy, strong, and vibrant. The new paved roads in L’Anse au Loup will make the roads safer, more reliable, and more resilient for residents. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities. Thank you to all involved in making today’s important announcement happen!”

Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs and Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development

“Providing safe and reliable road infrastructure is a priority for this government. We continue to make improvements to roads in all corners of our province and we are happy to help improve the roads in this rural town.”

The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Safe and reliable transportation infrastructure throughout all communities in Labrador is integral to future growth and economic development. To have federal, provincial and municipal governments work together to achieve improvements is very encouraging. I am very pleased to see the town of L’Anse Au Loup being provided funding under the Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream.”

The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and MHA for Cartwright–L’Anse au Clair

“The Town of L’Anse Au Loup is very happy to be partnering with the Federal and Provincial Governments on this cost sharing project.  New paving will greatly improve community transportation, reduce wear and tear on vehicles, make road maintenance and snow clearing much easier, and improve the overall beautification of the town.”

His Worship Trent O’Brien, Mayor of the Town of L’Anse au Loup

Marie-Pier Baril

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development

613-295-8123

marie-pier.baril@cfc-swc.gc.ca

Emily-Jane Gillingham

Manager, Media Relations

Transportation and Infrastructure

709-729-1758, 730-4607

emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca