Newsletter

Dear Residents,

This week, we continued the debate on 2024 Budget, and Bill C-64, An Act respecting pharmacare, was also discussed in the House.

It's National Nursing Week, and we honor the unwavering dedication and hard work of nurses in Ottawa-Vanier and the National Capital Region. Thank you all for your service.

It's also National Mental Health Week. Mental Health Week is an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of mental health. This year’s theme is Healing Through Compassion because #CompassionConnects. I took the time to address the importance of mental health during my meetings this week

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to visit denturists Dan and Jack of Kilrea Denture Clinic with the Minister of Health Mark Holland. They've enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which makes a significant difference in reducing financial barriers to oral health care for eligible Canadian residents. We heard first hand from seniors residing in Ottawa-Vanier and the NCR how much a difference this program is making in their lives. Below, you will find an article with more detailed information regarding the program. 

This weekend, the 72nd edition of the Canadian Tulip Festival begins, as we celebrate the beauty of this seasonal flower and its historical ties to Canada's National Capital. I had the privilege of joining Minister Filomena Tassi and Marie-France Lalonde, Member of Parliament for Orléans, at the ByWard Market event to announce funding from FedDev Canada's Tourism Growth Program. This festival is a free outdoor event and is held at Commissioners Park, where more than 300,000 tulips bloom along the picturesque Dow's Lake on the Rideau Canal. I hope you can enjoy the beauty of this annual festival and take the time to visit before it concludes on May 20th.
 

On Thursday May 9th, I was at Roger Guindon Hall on the campus of uOttawa to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the University of Ottawa’s new Advanced Medical Research Centre (AMRC). 

The funding is part of a $115 million investment from the Government of Canada into the Canadian Pandemic Preparedness Hub, co-led by the University of Ottawa and McMaster University, of which $59 million is destined to the Ottawa Hospital, in partnership with the University of Ottawa. This new state-of-the-art center will accelerate the discovery and commercialization of lifesaving treatments and inspire a new wave of biotech startups, while also helping turn Ottawa-Vanier and the National Capital Region into a leader in biotech research.

Finally, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all the mothers in Ottawa-Vanier and the National Capital Region a happy Mother's Day!

Have a great weekend, and I look forward to seeing you in the riding.

Since May 1st, eligible Canadians can now receive oral health services thanks to the Canadian Dental Care Plan. This program will help up to 9 million Canadians without dental insurance receive the oral health care they need. This plan will help improve the lives of Canadians who will no longer have to choose between paying their bills and receiving dental care.

• Since access to services began on May 1st, over 30,000 patients have accessed care through the CDCP

Applications can now be submitted online, by clicking on the following link: www.canada.ca/dental

Mental Health Week 

This week, Canada is observing Mental Health Week, an important reminder to prioritize our mental well-being. Taking care of one's mental health is just as essential as taking care of one's physical health, and support resources are available. If you or someone you know needs help or information, call 8-1-1 or visit Health811 for advice on mental health support services. Let's work together to promote a culture where mental health is understood, supported, and respected.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS - Canada Volunteer Awards

On April 15, 2024, the Government of Canada launched the call for nominations for Canada’s Volunteer Awards.  

Canada’s Volunteer Awards celebrate and recognize the incredible efforts and acts of generosity that volunteers and organizations offer to members of their communities.  

From April 15 to June 12, 2024, individuals, not-for-profit organizations, social enterprises or businesses can be nominated for an award. Awards will be presented in the following categories:  

One national award:  

Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement Award for individuals who have volunteered for at least 20 years 

Twenty regional awards: 

Emerging Leader for young volunteers between the ages of 18 and 30 
Community Leader for individuals or groups of volunteers  
Business Leader to recognize businesses as well as social enterprises that demonstrate social responsibility
Social Innovator to recognize the contributions of not-for-profit organizations or social enterprises
 
One nominee will be selected per category in each of the following five regions: 

Atlantic (Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick) 
Quebec 
Ontario 
Prairies (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta) 
British Columbia and the North (Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon) 

Award recipients will be recognized at a ceremony. Each regional award recipient will get to identify a not-for-profit organization to receive a grant of $5,000 and the national award recipient will get to identify a not-for-profit organization to receive a grant of $10,000.  

Please encourage individuals to learn more about Canada’s Volunteer Awards and submit a nomination by visiting Canada.ca/volunteer-awards or call 1-877-825-0434. 

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

• Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award
• Outstanding Older Adult Volunteer Award
• Leadership in Skilled Volunteering Award
• Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Spirit

Awards for Organizations

• Leadership in Corporate Volunteerism Award
• Pathways to Possibilities Award
• Outstanding Volunteer Program Award

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.
 

In the community 

Canadian tulip festival 

The 72nd edition of the Canadian Tulip Festival is fast approaching! The world renowned festival attracts thousands of visitors from around the country, and the world! The opening ceremonies are set to start Saturday May 11th, at Commissioners Parc, and offers dozens of family oriented activities, as well as numerous sights and flower displays to see all around the city.
To learn more about this years edition, click here!