Mona Fortier
Hon. Mona Fortier
Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier
Newsletter
May 3, 2024
A word from your MP

Dear Residents,

I hope you have had a good week, as well as a good beginning to the month of May!. Within the House of Commons, we have continued to debate Budget 2024. I gave a speech to present the measures that directly affect the residents of Ottawa-Vanier and relate to the priorities I am currently working on, including the revitalization of the downtown area encompassing the Byward Market, affordable housing, and food security. You can view the speech online, by clicking here! 

The month of May marks the beginning of Asian Heritage Month, Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, as well as Polish Heritage Month. Several activities will take place to honor the significant contributions of the Asian, Jewish, and Polish communities to the social, economic, political, and cultural fabric of the country. I invite you to attend local events and learn more about these communities throughout the month.

In this newsletter, you will find information about federal government programs and services and activities happening in the community.

Thank you, Mona


FedDev Ontario Launches Spring Timed Intake for Businesses and Organizations


I am pleased to share that businesses and organizations can now apply for our spring intake for funding opportunities.

Applications are being accepted until June 24th 2024. We are looking for projects that create sustainable and green jobs; projects that accelerate business development and growth; technology-based projects such as AI, cybersecurity, digital health, etc.; and projects that support change in traditional sectors to adopt new technologies. We may prioritize projects that support the transition to zero-emission vehicles and housing manufacturing innovation.

I encourage businesses and organizations in within Ottawa-Vanier to visit the FedDev Ontario website and contact the Agency for full eligibility criteria. They can also attend a virtual technical briefing to learn more about funding opportunities at FedDev Ontario by registering through the links below. Additional dates and times are expected to be added, so please refer back to the registration page for more details.


Nominations now open for the 2024 VOscars Volunteer Awards

Is there an individual or organization in your community who deserves a big pat on the back for making Ottawa a happier, healthier, more caring city?
Recognize their volunteer contributions by nominating them for one of Volunteer Ottawa’s seven VOscars Volunteer Awards. Online submission forms are now available on the Volunteer Ottawa website and will be open until June 14.

Awards for Individuals

Awards for Organizations



Vanier BIA Wins Prestigious Ontario Business Improvement Area Association Awards

I am thrilled to share some fantastic news from our community! The Vanier Business Improvement Area (BIA) has been honored with two prestigious awards at this year's Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) conference.

The "Partage Beechwood: The Most Exclusive Dinner Party" received the Award of Excellence in Marketing and Promotions, and the Vanier HUB was recognized with an Award of Excellence in Public Realm Management. These accolades reflect the hard work and dedication of the Vanier BIA team, led by Executive Director Nathalie Carrier, in fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving community space for all.

The Vanier HUB has transformed an underused parking lot into a dynamic community and arts hub, promoting diversity and inclusivity through various cultural, sports, and community activities. Meanwhile, the "Partage Beechwood" event has creatively engaged local businesses and community members, contributing significantly to our local food bank, which serves as a vital resource for many.

These achievements highlight the strength and spirit of our community. As your representative, I am proud to see such innovation and community spirit in action. Congratulations to everyone at the Vanier BIA and all community members who support these initiatives that improve our community. 

To read the press release, click here.
 

Call for Nominations for the 11th Parliamentary Poet Laureate

I am pleased to announce the launch of the nomination period for the 11th Parliamentary Poet Laureate. Nominations will be accepted until June 17th 2024 and can be submitted by parliamentarians as well as qualified candidates, members of a literary or writing organization, or members of the public.  

Selected by the Speaker of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Parliamentary Poet Laureate is an individual who has made a significant contribution to Canada’s literary community. The selected candidate, who will work primarily in English, will be named in late 2024 or early 2025 and appointed for a two-year term (2025–2026). 

For more information about the nomination process, please visit the Parliamentary Poet Laureate program web page.



In the community







The tulip festival is fast approaching! 

The National Capital Region is famous for its dazzling displays of colourful tulips — and for good reason. Beginning in late April and continuing into May, close to one million tulips bloom in Ottawa and Gatineau.

As the official gardener of Canada’s Capital, the NCC designs, plants and cares for tulips in the region. That amounts to 100 varieties of tulips, in 120 beds across 30 sites.

To lean more about the 2024 edition of the tulip festival, click here. 



NCC Weekend Bikedays back for a 54th year

National Capital Region— The National Capital Commission is pleased to announce the return of its popular NCC Weekend Bikedays program. On weekends and holiday Mondays, from May 11 to October 14, Kichi Zībī Mīkan, and Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway will be reserved for active use from 8 am to 4 pm, while the section of Queen Elizabeth Driveway,from Somerset Street to Fifth Avenue, will be reserved for activeuse from 8 am to 8 pm — offering a car-free experience for people to walk, cycle or roll. 

Details on NCC Weekend Bikedays locations and schedule are available on our website. NCC Weekend Bikedays are one of many ways to take in the beauty of the national capital region. The Gatineau Park free shuttle service schedule will be released next week.

Links: 
NCC Weekend Bikedays
Share the road: Rules on parkways
Main office - Ottawa-Vanier
233 Montreal Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1L 6C7

Telephone:
613-998-1860

Fax:
613-947-7963
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Hill Office
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Telephone:
613-992-4766

Fax:
613-992-6448
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