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Ottawa-Vanier Youth Council
The youth council for Ottawa-Vanier resumes in March! If you are aged between 16 and 24 with an interest in politics, you are encouraged to register!
The youth council provides a platform for young voices to be heard. By attending the meetings, you have the chance to share your opinions, concerns, and what you believe are the most important priorities. Come and share your thoughts with us.
You can register by completing this form: https://forms.gle/HokbWtUvpB9kT6GUA.
You will be added to the contact list, and you will receive information so that you can attend our next meeting.
Ottawa-Vanier Senior Council
The Ottawa-Vanier Senior Council will hold its next meeting on February 9th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Riverpath Retirement Community, 80 Landry Street. If you are 50 years of age or older, I invite you to register and participate in this upcoming meeting.
By clicking here, you can complete the registration form: Seniors' Council
Canada to stabilize growth and reduce the number of study permits issued to international students to around 360,000 by 2024.
The Honorable Minister Miller announced that our government will set an intake cap on international student permit applications to stabilize new growth, for a period of two years. IRCC will allocate a portion of this cap to each province and territory, who will then distribute the allocation among the designated learning institutions (DLIs) they regulate.
For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 new study permits approved, representing a 35% reduction from 2023. Those pursuing master’s degrees and PhDs, as well as those enrolled in K-12 education facilities and dependents accompanying foreign nationals on work permits, will be excluded. Study permit renewals and current study permit holders will not be impacted.
To implement this cap, as of January 22, 2024, every study permit application submitted to IRCC will require an attestation letter from a province or territory. Provinces and territories are expected to establish a process of issuing attestation letters to students by no later than March 31, 2024.
We are also changing the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program:
- Starting in September, we are no longer issuing PGWPs to students who begin studies in a curriculum licensing arrangement, given how these programs have seen significant growth in attracting international students in recent years despite the lack of oversight compared to public colleges.
- We will also begin issuing 3-year PGWPs to graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs who deserve more time to gain work experience and potentially transition to permanent residency.
Furthermore, we will no longer issue open work permits to spouses of international students outside of those in master’s and doctoral programs and we will work towards exempting those pursuing professional programs such as medicine and law.
Petition to support Bill C-57: An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine
This crucial bill aims to strengthen economic ties between Canada and Ukraine, fostering growth and cooperation between our nations and aid in the reconstruction of their nation once they defeat Vladimir Putin and his illegal invasion. We invite you to participate by adding your physical signature to this paper petition. Your support is instrumental in advocating for this significant agreement that benefits both countries. Physical signatures are required. A physical copy must be returned to the constituency office at 233 Montréal Rd.
A copy of the petition can be found by clicking on this link.
Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario
Do you have a tourism project in southern Ontario?
We want to help you!
FedDev Ontario has funding available through the Tourism Growth Program for businesses and organisations to help draw people to our vibrant communities year round. If you have a project to build a new attraction, create a winter festival, or launch other products and experiences that will attract tourists to your community, reach out today! Approximately 15% of funding will support Indigenous-led tourism initiatives.
Apply to the first round of funding before February 29, 2024, to start your projects!
More information on the program and how to apply here: Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program
As part of the government's fight to combat climate change, the Oil to Heat pump affordability program was introduced as an incentive for Canadians to make the switch from oil to a heat pump and to support the adoption of cold climate air source heat pump systems, making your home more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
This initiative provides financial assistance for the purchase and installation of eligible cold climate air source heat pump systems, along with associated measures such as necessary electrical and mechanical upgrades, safe removal of oil tanks, installation of backup electric heating systems, and transitioning other oil-using household systems. Unfortunately, hybrid cold climate heat pump systems are not eligible under this program. Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your home's sustainability and reduce your carbon footprint.
For more information and to see if you qualify, visit: Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program |
