Reduced Telecom Prices
Our government is committed to ensuring that Canadians benefit from more affordable cell plans. Despite challenges such as misinformation and market complexity, recent studies and data indicate a positive trend.
StatsCan reports a 40% decrease in wireless prices since 2019, with a 22.6% reduction in the past year. Minister Champagne's 25% price reduction target for introductory and medium-use plans was achieved three months ahead of schedule in December 2021. The Rogers Shaw merger introduced a 4th player, and Minister Champagne's conditions on Videotron have led to plans 50% cheaper than benchmarks. Check out the pricing study and use the WhistleOut website to find better deals.
Our government remains dedicated to enhancing competition so that Canadians get the best value for their cellular services.
Canada to provide support for Sudanese nationals
Canada continues to call for an end to violence in Sudan and remains deeply concerned for the safety of people in the country. We are working to help those seeking safety in Canada, including Sudanese nationals already in Canada who may not wish to return home at this time.
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced more details of these special measures to support Sudanese nationals in Canada temporarily.
As of April 30, 2023, Sudanese nationals in Canada can apply to extend their stay or change their status as a visitor, student or temporary worker free of charge. This includes free open work permits that provide access to the labour market and greater flexibility to support themselves while they are in Canada. These measures will help protect the Sudanese population already in Canada, keep families together and give them a safe place to stay.
For more information on this program, eligibility and how to apply, click here.
Get involved in Hôpital Montfort’s 2024-2028 strategic planning community consultations and public lectures
Our hospital, Montfort, is holding community consultations and public lectures to help develop its next strategic plan. It’s a very innovative process in which I plan to participate. I strongly encourage you to do the same. Their new strategic plan, to be launched in November, will articulate approximately five key goals and 15 outcomes to be achieved by October 2028 which will mark Montfort’s 75th anniversary.
It’s your chance to have your say about the future of our hospital and of health care, teaching and research in our community.
Laptops will be provided at these events in small groups of two to three people. Four or five questions will be asked at the sessions to help Montfort make choices. Everyone will discuss and enter their ideas, see everyone’s ideas and vote on everyone’s ideas. At the end of the two-hour sessions, participants will see on one slide the consensus from the group. It’s a very engaging, fun and interactive process.
Tuesday, March 12th, 6-8 pm, Camille Piché Community Centre, 8 Blais Street, Embrun (in French and English)
Monday, March 18th, 6-8 pm, RiverRock Inn, 2808 Chamberland Street, Rockland (in French and English)
Tuesday, March 19th, 6-8 pm, Ray Friel Recreation Complex, 1585 Tenth Line Road, Orléans (in French and English)
Tuesday, April 23rd, 6-8 pm, Hôpital Montfort, 713 Montreal Road, Ottawa (in French and English)
Montfort will also hold thought-provoking public lecture series to inform its strategic choices. These will include prominent guest speakers:
Tuesday, April 9th, 9-10 am, Dr Vera Etches, Medical Officer of Health at Ottawa Public Health (in French and English)
Wednesday, April 10th, 4-5 pm, Matt Anderson, President and CEO, Ontario Health (in English only)
Canadian Dental Care Plan
The new federal dental care program represents a significant step forward in ensuring accessibility to dental care for all Canadians without necessary insurance coverage. Once fully implemented, the CDCP aims to bridge the gap for up to 9 million uninsured Canadians with an adjusted family income below $90,000.
To ensure a smooth rollout given the anticipated demand, the plan will be implemented in phases.
Individuals aged 87 and older: Since December 2023
Individuals aged 77 to 86: Since January 2024
Individuals aged 72 to 76: Since February 2024
Individuals aged 70 to 71: March 2024
Individuals aged 65 to 69: Starting May 2024
Adults with a valid certificate for the Disability Tax Credit: Starting June 2024
Children under 18: Starting June 2024
All other eligible residents of Canada: Starting 2025
Please click here for more information.
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