Mona Fortier

Newsletter

January 29, 2024

A word from your MP

We are quickly approaching the month of February! The House of Commons resumes its work today and we have several bills to study and vote on, including the Fall Economic Statement. We will also continue to focus on our top priority: delivering for the middle class. We are reducing red tape and speeding up construction by unlocking over half a million homes over the next decade so that more Canadians can find affordable housing. Here in Ottawa-Vanier, we will soon announce a contribution agreement for the Housing Acceleration Fund with the City of Ottawa. We are also increasing competition in the grocery sector to give Canadians more choice and lower prices at the checkout.

For Bell Let's Talk Day, which took place on Monday, January 22, I visited the new Mental Health Transition Unit at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, along with the Honorable Jenna Sudds. The unit is designed to provide essential services to young people in need. We also had the opportunity to see new videos dedicated to raising awareness and ending the stigma around mental health.

Thanks to everyone who attended the New Year's Levee with my colleagues Lucille Collard, provincial MP, and city councillors Tim Tierney, Rawlson King, and Stéphanie Plante. Congratulations to all the recipients we honored for their outstanding contributions to the community. Thank you for everything you have done to make a difference in our community. A special thanks to His Excellency David Cohen, the U.S. Ambassador, His Excellency Kanji Yamanouchi, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, and Councillor Riley Brockington for your presence.

Recognized volunteers:

Cathie Orfali, Luc Thermonvil, Chef Ric Watson, Martin Bertrand, Nancy Westran, Marguerite Born, Randall Born, Steve Mongrain, Ted Ryan, Anne-Marie Phillippe, Geoff Gurson, LGB Ismael, Liz Heatherington, Marc Madore, Karen Capen, Sandra Milton, Louise La Rose, Sara Ramona Bernard, and Peter Gareau.

Finally, with Valentine's Day approaching, you can participate in the activity of sending one to a veteran. You can express your gratitude to a veteran by sending a Valentine's card online or by mail. This link contains all the necessary information: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/.../valentines-for-veterans

I wish you a great week.

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

In the community

Volunteer Ottawa Community Breakfast

This mid-winter celebration will warm your heart with inspiring stories of Ottawa’s volunteers and the differences they make at charities and non-profits throughout the city. The open house event features a light breakfast, information kiosks about volunteering and prize draws. Ticket sales and donations will directly support Volunteer Ottawa’s programs and services.

Get your pay-what-you-can ticket now and be a part of this celebration of Ottawa’s volunteers:

EVENT: Community Breakfast for Volunteer Ottawa
VENUE: Rideau Hub Cafeteria, 815 St. Laurent Blvd. Ottawa (free parking)
DATE: Thursday, February 22nd 2024
TIME: 8:00 – 10:00 AM

Register before February 16th on the Volunteer Ottawa website.