Mona Fortier

Newsletter

March 8, 2024

A word from your MP

Another busy week filled with meetings and activities in Ottawa-Vanier.

Our government recently introduced Bill C-64, An Act respecting pharmacare. This marks a historic step toward the first phase of a national and universal medication insurance program in Canada. It entails free coverage for contraception and diabetes medications, ensuring Canadians won't have to choose between getting essential medications and paying their bills. This represents a transformative investment for the middle class.

Last Monday, during an event organized by the Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario for the Francophonie Month, I announced a funding top-up of $943,252 for 32 Francophone organizations headquartered in our region. This investment, part of the Official Languages Action Plan, will help expand and improve services offered in our communities, reinforcing our commitment to safeguard and promote our official languages.

Earlier this week, I had the honor of sharing a coffee with Governor General Mary Simon at Rideau Hall. It was a meaningful discussion about the happenings in our community. I also had the opportunity to talk about the rich diversity found in the neighborhoods of Ottawa-Vanier.

This morning (Friday), as part of International Women's Day, I had the privilege of honoring and recognizing 15 exceptional women and girls from Ottawa-Vanier. They dedicate their time, efforts, and energy to their community, newcomers, seniors, and much more. It was truly a pleasure to express my gratitude and acknowledge their efforts in making a difference for the community and helping their neighbors.

For many families, it's the school break week starting this weekend. During this time, I strongly encourage you to support local businesses. Our small shops and enterprises are integral to our city. Additionally, consider participating in recreational and sports activities happening in our neighborhoods, including the Muséoparc, national museums, the Deep Sea Challenger exhibition at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, the Rideau Sports Centre, city pools, arenas, and more.

Have fun and be safe!

Irish Heritage Month

This commemorative month serves as an opportunity for all Canadians to learn about and celebrate the significant achievements and contributions of Canadians of Irish descent. Throughout Canada's history, individuals of Irish heritage have played a pivotal role in building the diverse and prosperous nation we enjoy today. Irish Heritage Month invites Canadians to explore and appreciate the rich cultural legacy and ongoing influence of the Irish community across the country.

Les Rendez-vous de la francophonie

The month of March marks Francophonie Month, providing an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the large Franco-Canadian community found in every corner of the country. To discover events near you, I encourage you to check out the program of the 26th edition of "Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie." The RVF is part of the cultural events surrounding International Francophonie Day (March 20), organized annually to promote the French language and its various expressions throughout Canada.

The Rendez-vous de la Francophonie is celebrating its 26th edition in 2024! They are overseen by the Fondation dialogue, whose mission is to engage in lasting dialogue within the Francophonie and with the diverse communities of Canada, in a spirit of collaboration.

From March 1st to 31st, hundreds of activities will take place across Canada: multicultural gatherings, performances, film screenings, contests, educational activities, and much more!

For more information on the program and planned events in your area, click here: https://rvf.ca/en/the-rvf/2024-edition/

Ramadan

Ramadan stands as the most sacred month within Islam, observed worldwide by Muslims who fast throughout its duration. This year, Ramadan is expected to span from Sunday, March 10th to Tuesday, April 9th.

Throughout this sacred month, Muslims across Canada and around the world will refrain from consuming food and drinks from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan embodies the spirit of compassion and emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and generosity towards others. It is an opportune time to strengthen faith through reflection and prayer. I invite everyone to take the opportunity to learn more about the sacred month of Ramadan and to celebrate the cultural diversity of Muslim communities in Canada.

My Main Street

Businesses and organizations across southern Ontario can now apply to My Main Street! With a $15- million FedDev Ontario investment, Canadian Urban Institute’s, My Main Street is helping revitalize main streets by supporting local businesses and organizations through two funding streams:

The Business Sustainability stream will support brick-and-mortar businesses located on main streets across southern Ontario with up to $20,000 in funding to support productivity enhancements to strengthen existing capacity and encourage growth.

The Community Activator stream will support community not-for-profit projects focused on high impact placemaking activities with up to $250,000 in funding for projects such as events and festivals, community enhancements and streetscape improvements.

For more information on how to apply, or to join an upcoming information session, visit mymainstreet.ca.

Sugar Festival

After a resounding success last year, the Vanier Sugar Festival is back and will take place from March 18 to 24, 2024 in Richelieu Park.

A flagship event in Museopark’s public programming, the Vanier Sugar Festival celebrates the traditions of the sugar season, while allowing visitors to reconnect with or learn about artisanal maple syrup production in the country’s only urban sugar shack!

Visitors will be happy – and hopefully numerous – to reconnect with this 39-year-old neighborhood tradition.

For more information, click here: https://museoparc.ca/sugar-festival/

Visit the Deepsea Challenger!

An engaging experience to discover! An educational and free activity for the whole family during the break week. Come explore the Deepsea Challenger at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and dive into the future of ocean preservation. Used by James Cameron to explore the abyss, it's a unique learning opportunity for both kids and adults, addressing themes of oceanography, conservation efforts, and the challenges faced by the oceans.

Ottawa-Vanier Youth Council

The #OttawaVanier youth council will be returning virtually on April 3rd! If you’re aged 16 to 24 and are interested in politics, I encourage you to sign up! Take advantage of this platform and be heard. You’ll have the opportunity to share your opinions, your preoccupations and what you believe are the current priorities. Come share your thoughts with us.

Sign up: https://forms.gle/okbqQSWYz6m7mztb8

Pulling of Rideau Canal Skate way Logs

Dear residents,

Please note that this Monday, March 11, Parks Canada will be pulling the skateway log stops from the Rideau Canal. This process typically causes an unpleasant odour in the surrounding areas that may last about 48 hours. Beyond the odour there is not anticipated being any other disruptions caused.