Newsletter

To begin, I'd like to wish you a wonderful long weekend with your families and loved ones. To all those who celebrate, I wish you a pleasant Good Friday and a Happy Easter. To all those who continue to observe Ramadan this month, may this sacred time embody a spirit of altruism, generosity, and reflection.

Several events and announcements have taken place over the past week in Ottawa-Vanier. On March 22nd, some exciting news from Collège La Cité was announced! They will be receiving $3.1 million in federal funding through the Regional Innovation Ecosystem thanks to FedDev. This investment will support Francophone businesses in Southern Ontario by supporting them to adapt to or adopt new technologies, supporting bilingual research projects with community partners and helping them by supporting business growth, competitiveness, and innovation.

A few hours later, on the anniversary of the Great Rally of 1997, to protect the hospital from closure, Montfort awarded the March 22 Medal to Dr. Bernard Leduc, who was CEO of the hospital from 2010 to 2023. It was an honor to participate in this event to recognize all the exceptional efforts, tenacity, and perseverance to grow Montfort Hospital and enable it to stand out.

During the weekend, I participated in the lumberjack competition to conclude the 39th edition of the Sugar Festival, organized by the Vanier Museoparc. The festival continues to be a great success, and I hope you had the opportunity to take part in the festivities! Congratulations to the organizers and all the volunteers who actively contributed to this successful event in our community.

On Wednesday, we gathered at the Ottawa Food Bank to recognize 40 years of service provided throughout Ottawa. I thanked the tireless efforts of community partners, employees, and volunteers, who work tirelessly to deliver 14 tons of food every day to those in need. Without their invaluable contribution, this would not be possible. This anniversary highlights the importance of their essential work in our community and why we must continue to support them!

I also met with Josh, co-founder of Dominion City Brewing Co. to discuss the support our government is extending to brewers nationwide and how it’s brought them much needed relief. We’re maintaining the cap on the excise duty increase for 2 more years, and cutting excise taxes in half for 2 years for all Canadian breweries. Brewers in #Ottawa-Vanier and throughout Canada welcome this news!

Finally, during the week, the Prime Minister and our government began implementing measures from Budget 2024 to help every generation progress:

-    We’re protecting renters and helping them become homeowners,
-    We’re creating new affordable child care spaces in Ottawa-Vanier and across the country,
-    We’re building more homes, faster – at a pace that we haven’t seen in generations.

Next week we will continue announcing the next measures from Budget 2024. Our government is making real progress for the middle class and the people who are working hard to join it, as we build an economy that leaves no generation behind and works for everyone. I will keep you informed of these announcements.

Until then, I wish you a happy long weekend and Happy Easter.

Music connects us to one another through rhythm, passion and storytelling. Yesterday, Minister St-Onge announced a renewal and boost of support for the Canada Music Fund to help the Canadian music sector and continue to support the success of a range of Canadian artists at home and abroad.

The Government of Canada will deliver $32 million over the next two years (2024–25 and 2025–26) to keep supporting initiatives that enhance the careers of Canadian artists, while strengthening the competitiveness and stability of the Canadian music sector.

Through support like this, new and exciting Canadian artists are breaking through with new sounds, styles and helping uplift those who need their chance to shine. The investment will also provide relief to Canadian music companies and organizations facing financial pressures from rising costs as they seek to build up the next generation of artists. This important step will also contribute to the success of the Canada Music Fund’s modernization since its announcement in Budget 2019.

Grants to promote healthy living for high school students across Canada

The Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced the first round of successful projects under the School Health Grant for Youth program. 81 high school students across Canada are receiving grants to develop youth-driven and youth-inspired initiatives that encourage and promote healthy living in their schools. These initiatives align with four health priorities: to reduce substance-related harms, foster positive mental health and well-being, promote healthy eating and nutrition, or encourage physical activity among their peers.

Building on the success of round one, Minister Saks also announced the launch of a second round of funding under the School Health Grant for Youth program. From now until April 15, students are encouraged to bring forward their best ideas for initiatives that take place either during the school year at school, or in the community during summer break.

Call for applications! Join the Minister’s Environment & Climate Change Youth Council

Climate change is one of the defining challenges of this century and young people are among those leading the charge toward a cleaner future. The Government of Canada is working with youth on practical and affordable measures to build a prosperous, low-carbon future. Canada’s youth have the determination and creativity needed to find bold, innovative solutions to today’s environmental challenges. 
The Environment and Climate Change Youth Council provides non-partisan advice to the Minister and senior departmental executives on key environmental and climate issues.
Participation in the council provides meaningful opportunities for young people, as well as an opportunity to get involved in the government's ambitious goals and future policy decisions, in terms of the environment and climate. Members of the Youth Council will gain invaluable skills and experience to help start or advance their careers and build a diverse network of youth, environment and climate leaders.

What is the deadline to apply: April 26, 2024
Apply here: Call for applications - Canada.ca

In the community