•  After years of advocating for a National School Food Program, I am pleased to have participated with stakeholders and my colleagues in the announcement in Ottawa today. With this program, the government will invest 1 billion $ over five years, aligning us with other G7 countries to ensure our children receive a healthy meal every day, while providing additional relief to families and building a better future.

• We are investing $500 million to create a Fund for Youth Mental Health. These funds aim to assist community mental health organizations in providing care to youth and to expand mental health support systems.
• An allocation of more than $600 million for a series of innovative initiatives in home construction. This funding aims to revolutionize how homes are built in Canada by accelerating the development of modular and prefabricated homes. I participated in the announcement with my colleagues at the Minto Trades Centre, Alphonse-Desjardins campus in Orleans.
• To further support tenants, the government will create the Canadian Rent Protection Fund with $1.5 billion. This key measure aims to protect the affordable housing stock and create thousands of new affordable apartments. This is in addition to the support we have already announced for tenants, such as the creation of the Canadian Tenant Rights Charter and the inclusion of rental history in mortgage eligibility criteria.

• Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Blair presented an update to Canada's defense policy, "Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada's Defense." The planned investments should bring our defense spending to 1.76% of GDP by 2029-2030. This is an important step towards fulfilling our NATO commitment of 2%. The primary task is to ensure Canada's sovereignty over its territory, particularly in the Arctic and northern regions. We are also investing to secure our continent and enhance our ability to contribute to security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, both crucial for our security and prosperity.

The Minister of Finance will present the 2024 Budget on April 16 at 4 PM in the House of Commons. You can follow the information live on the parliamentary channel or online.

Another piece of good news to share. The new Ottawa-Vanier Youth Council met on April 3 to discuss issues of concern and plan the topics and activities the 14 members will participate in over the next year. This group of young people aged 15 to 25, representing diverse backgrounds from our community, have committed to sharing their perspectives and measures that I can bring in my role as MP for Ottawa-Vanier to make life more affordable for families and promote a green economy.

Wishing you a great weekend!

Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence

Since Canada’s last defence policy in 2017: Strong, Secure, Engaged, the world has fundamentally changed. Russia has attacked Ukraine in an illegal and unprovoked invasion—threatening the international rules that have kept us safe for over 75 years; China is increasingly challenging the international order in the Indo-Pacific; and here at home, the Arctic is warming at four times the global average, making the region more accessible to foreign actors.

The investments in Budget 2024 are expected to bring our defence spending to 1.76% of GDP by 2029-2030. This is a significant step towards reaching our NATO commitment of 2%. Job #1 is ensuring Canada’s sovereignty here at home – specifically in our Arctic and northern regions. We are also investing to secure our continent and improve our ability to contribute to security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific: two regions that are crucial to our security and prosperity. Investments outlined in the new spending plan include…
 

• $18.3 billion over twenty years to acquire a more modern, mobile and effective tactical helicopter capability;
• $9.4 billion over twenty years to scale up the production of made-in-Canada artillery ammunition in partnership with Canada’s defence industry to equip our Armed Forces and create good jobs;
• $2.66 billion over twenty years to acquire long-range missile capabilities to enable our forces to deter threats to Canada from an appropriate distance, and reach targets at greater ranges than our adversaries in combat;
• $307 million over twenty years for airborne early warning aircraft that will vastly improve Canada’s ability to detect, track and prioritize airborne threats sooner, respond faster and better coordinate our response with the United States when required;
• $218 million over twenty years for Northern Operational Support Hubs to better ensure Canadian sovereignty by establishing a greater year round presence across the Arctic and North, and invest in multi-use infrastructure that also meets the needs of territories, Indigenous peoples, and Northern communities; and
• $2.83 billion over twenty years to enhance Canada’s intelligence and cyber operations through the creation of a Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command and, with the Communications Security Establishment, creating a joint Canadian cyber operations capability;
• $295 million over twenty years to establish a Canadian Armed Forces Housing strategy, build new housing, and rehabilitate existing housing so CAF members have safe and affordable places to call home where they and their families are posted;
• $100 million over five years to improve childcare access for CAF personnel on 10 bases across Canada;
• $497 million over twenty years to accelerate development of an electronic health record platform to improve the continuity of care as CAF members move between provinces and territories; and
• $1.8 billion over twenty years to increase the number of civilian specialists in priority areas to accelerate and improve the purchase of new equipment, capacity to recruit and train new soldiers, and upgrade our infrastructure.

LAST CALL for Applications to the Prime Minister’s Youth Council

Ready to make an impact and shape the future of our nation?

We're calling on youth in Canada from every corner, background, and walk of life to join us as advisors to the Prime Minister and the Government of Canada. Your unique perspectives are crucial in addressing the issues that matter most to you, your peers, and your community. Let's collaborate to build a Canada that embraces diversity and inclusion, where every voice is valued and heard. Apply now to ensure your voice is heard!

Apply for the Prime Minister’s Youth Council by April 14, 2024, at Canada.ca/youth-council.

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
 

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.

The Big Beacon Hill Garage Sale will take place on May 25!

Once again this year, we’ll set up a handy-dandy map so you can plan your route! If you’re planning to participate as a seller, you can enter your information at https://BHCA.ca/bbhgs before May 23 at 5 PM to make sure you’re a part of the map!

Stories and Songs for Families at the Ottawa Public Library (Vanier)

Stories, rhymes, and songs for children of all ages and a parent or guardian. Open doors. Held every Tuesday from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Ottawa Public Library (Vanier) - Children's Picture Book Area

Location: Ottawa Public Library, 310 Pères-Blancs Ave, Vanier, ON K1L 7L5
Next meeting: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 | 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Free Yoga at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse.

Unite breath and movement through an asana practice.

Join Solmaz Hicks on her yoga journey, which began during the pandemic when she discovered a profound connection between mind, body, and spirit. Through her yoga practice, she completely changed the way she deals with stress. You can too!

Held on Sundays from11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Please bring your own mat.

For more information, click here.

French Conversation Group – Ottawa Public Library (St-Laurent)

Enjoy our Conversation Group to improve your French speaking skills.

Ottawa Public Library (St-Laurent) – Claude Aubry Room. 515 Coté St, Ottawa, ON K1K 0Z8, Canada Held every Tuesday from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (No registration required)

Welcome to all!!!