November 18, 2022

Infoletter: November 18, 2022

A Word From Your MP

We know that affordability is top of mind for Canadians. That means making daily necessities like housing and food more manageable for low- and middle-income Canadians who are most affected by global inflation.

On Monday, we announced federal funding for the Mikinak housing development to help provide 271 affordable housing units for those in need right here in Ottawa-Vanier. It’s an investment that will make a real difference for women and children, Indigenous peoples, and people at risk.

In keeping with our commitment to make housing more affordable, we introduced housing affordability measures in the latest Fall Economic Statement, including:

Direct support to low-income renters: once passed in Parliament, this legislation will deliver a tax-free payment of $500 to 1.8 million low-income Canadians struggling with the cost of rent.
Help for people buying their first home: we introduced the new Tax-Free First Home Savings Account and doubled the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit to help first-time home buyers save up for a down payment and cover closing fees.

We also just announced the launch of the third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative, which will support Ottawa and 40 other major cities in building more housing, more quickly.

We also recognize that food security is a priority for the people of Ottawa-Vanier and for communities across Canada. Every day, one in five children in Canada is at risk of going to school hungry.

That's why the federal government is working on a new Pan-Canadian School Food Policy to help schools deliver much-needed meals to growing students. I was at Carson Grove Elementary School in Ottawa-Vanier this week with the Hon. Karina Gould, for the launch of the new consultation questionnaire that will offer Canadians the chance to provide feedback on what they want to see for this new policy.

In the Community

Honouring Local Veterans on Remembrance Day

Friday marked Remembrance Day, an important day to honour the people who’ve served and continue to serve our country in times of war, conflict, and peace.

I connected with veterans in the Ottawa-Vanier community and the national capital region, starting with the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association annual Remembrance Day Breakfast, a long-standing tradition in the community. I also paid a visit to the Beechwood National Military Cemetery to pay respects to Canada’s veterans for their brave acts of service and later joined members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Eastview branch, in Vanier to support their annual Remembrance Day ceremony.

New Faces at Ottawa’s City Hall!

Ottawa’s newly elected mayor and city councillors were officially sworn in this week, marking the beginning of a new chapter at City Hall. Congratulations to all newly elected and returning members of Council!

A revitalized vision for downtown Ottawa

Revitalizing Ottawa’s downtown and ByWard Market means bringing diverse voices and ideas to the table.

I met with the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas and downtown BIAs for the ByWard Market, downtown Rideau, Vanier and more to discuss how we can better serve small businesses and local organizations while encouraging innovation and sustainable economic development in Ottawa’s downtown.

Supporting life-changing medical research with ICC Cares

Last week, I joined 700 Ottawa-based leaders of Ottawa’s Indo-Canadian community at the ICC Cares Gala to raise awareness and support for critical medical research for the University of Ottawa Orthopaedic Program.

Congratulations to Gurbachan Singh Bedi, a 105-year-old veteran, who was recognized for his great work in the community!

Last Chance to Buy a Ticket for the Annual Snowflake Breakfast!

Each year, the Snowflake Breakfast raises funds for the Partage Vanier Food Bank, supporting thousands of households in need.

This year’s Snowflake Breakfast will take place on December 2nd, 2022. You can purchase a ticket for yourself, donate a ticket to someone in need, or make a direct donation before Saturday, November 19.

Get Vaccinated to Protect Yourself and Others This Winter

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect against potential health impacts of COVID-19. As Covid-19 continues to circulate, it is important for everyone to stay up to date with their vaccinations. COVID-19 booster doses help protect you and your family to more safely enjoy activities and everyday life!

To learn more or book your appointment please visit: Vaccines for COVID-19: How to get vaccinated - Canada.ca

Join us for National Child Day!

Sunday, November 20th marks National Child Day. Join me and others in the community in support of upholding children’s rights to dignity and respect in Canada and internationally. The Vanier Community Services Centre will hold a free family breakfast on Saturday, November 19th to mark the day.

Update on Government Programs and Services

Update on Canada's Early Learning and Childcare Program

For Canadian families, affordable and inclusive childcare is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. It's why we are implementing a national early learning and childcare program that will support $10-a-day childcare spaces across the country by 2026.

We are also reducing childcare fees in the meantime: this year, Ontario families saw fees cut by 25% and fees will be reduced again in December, saving families an average of $6,000 per child each year.

To date, over 94% of childcare providers in Ottawa and 85% of childcare providers in Ontario have opted into the program and the deadline is being extended further, so that more organizations can sign on and pass lower childcare costs on to more families.

Canada Secures New Supply of Children’s Medicines

We share the concerns of parents and caregivers about their inability to find infant and children’s acetaminophen and ibuprofen. We have secured an additional imported supply of children’s acetaminophen that will be available for sale at retail and in community pharmacies in the coming weeks.

Health Canada also recently approved the exceptional importation of infant and children’s ibuprofen and acetaminophen to supply hospitals in Canada. As we work closely with our partners to solve the current shortage, we encourage Canadians to purchase only what they need so that all parents and caregivers can buy medication for their sick children.