Mona Fortier

February 9, 2024

A word from your MP

I hope you had a good week. February marks Black History Month. Under the theme ‘Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build” we pay homage to the remarkable contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and trailblazers who have indelibly shaped history.

This week the government announced the federal government’s new action to deliver rent support to low-income renters, open more emergency shelter spaces in communities across the country, and crack down on corporate greed to make groceries more affordable.

Please find more information regarding this announcement in the news release here.

Finally, I inform you that the Prime Minister has asked me to serve as Deputy Government Whip, I was sworn in on January 31st. I thank the Prime Minister for his trust and am enthusiastic to continue to serve with this new mandate I’ve been given.

Have a great weekend!

Extension of UN Decade For People of African Descent in Canada

In 2018, Canada endorsed the UN International Decade for People of African Descent, which runs from 2015 to 2024. In so doing, Canada became the first country belonging to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to formally recognize the UN Decade. Since then, this framework has served as a roadmap to make important and tangible investments totaling $860 million in Black-focused initiatives right across the country. Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an extension of the decade domestically until 2028 to complete a full decade within Canada.

We have also launched a comprehensive webpage where you can find all the details about our government’s existing initiatives that support Black communities and Black-led organizations across Canada. More information can be found here.

Government of Canada hosts National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft

The rise in auto thefts is alarming – impacting thousands of Canadians every year and threatening the safety of our communities.

To bring a stop to the criminals and prevent these thefts from happening in the first place, we’re taking concrete action. At today’s National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft, we’ve brought together leaders from government, industry, and border security to tackle auto theft on every front.

We’re taking immediate action to combat auto theft by:

Helping the Canada Border Services Agency investigate auto theft, and share information with partners across Canada;
Creating better communication between police and government – to find stolen cars before they get to ports; and,
Considering measures to restrict devices used by auto thieves, and examining new technologies that could help protect Canadians from auto theft.

Canada Greener Homes Grant

We want to help Canadians make where they live more energy efficient. The Canada Greener Homes Initiative will help homeowners save money, create new jobs across Canada for energy advisors and fight climate change.

For more information and to view eligibility, click here.

2024 African Day on the Hill GALA

Join the African Canadian Association of Ottawa for an exciting in-person event on February 10th from 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM at Collège La Cité - EXENTRICITÉ Building, 801 Aviation Parkway. The 2024 African Day on the Hill is dedicated to celebrating African culture, diversity, and unity. Get ready to be inspired by thought-provoking speeches, vibrant cultural performances, and delicious African cuisine. This event provides a platform for Africans and their allies to come together, enjoy the evening, and make a positive impact. For tickets and details: click here!

Overbrook Winter Party

The Overbrook Community Association is hosting a Community Winter Party on Feb. 17 from 1 to 4 pm at the skating rink behind the Overbrook Community Centre at 33 Quill. Come meet your neighbours and enjoy hot chocolate, donuts, crafts, skating and snowshoeing! The rain date is Feb. 24. The OCA is looking for volunteers to help with this event. Please reach out to [email protected] to provide assistance. To ensure there is enough food for everyone, please RSVP your attendance at this link.

Lowertown Winterfest

Community Pancake Breakfast

Family Day Free Skate

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

Vanier Sugar Shack

Muséoparc Vanier is excited to bring the community together to experience the traditions of maple syrup production at its urban sugar shack! This is an engaging event for families and the larger Vanier community. Our volunteer maple producers will be proud to share their knowledge and passion with you! This activity is open to everyone, so why not give it a try?

Date and Time: Saturday, February 17th, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (rain or shine!)
Where: In front of the Vanier Sugar Shack (320, Avenue des Pères-Blancs – use the parking at the Richelieu-Vanier Community Center)
A brief training on tapping and forest navigation is offered every hour, before each departure (at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 11:00 AM)
Please bring a cordless drill and fully charged spare batteries. Snowshoes are optional but will help you navigate the trails in the Richelieu forest.
For more information: click here

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

If you are 50 years of age or older, I invite you to register and participate in upcoming meetings.
By clicking here, you can complete the registration form. You will receive all future updates: Seniors' Council