Mona Fortier

July 20, 2024

A word from your MP

Dear residents,

There were many positive actions in the riding this week, I made numerous visits throughout Ottawa-Vanier this week. Several of them were related to the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program. Several young people and their employers welcomed me into their organization and businesses to share their work experiences with me. In total, the CSJ program has created 366 jobs right here in Ottawa-Vanier with over 122 employers across our community, representing approximately 1.6 million dollars in wages.

One of the visits was with the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard, which has been distributing emergency food to families since 1989. It's also where Lindsey, a young employee of the CSJ program, uses her skills related to her nutrition degree. She coordinates the @summerlunchplus program to teach young people how to cook and eat nutritious meals. Thanks to Erin and all the volunteers for their hard work contributing to supporting our communities!

Next, I visited the Gloucester Housing Corporation, where I held a roundtable discussion with six young employees and their supervisors to learn how this program makes a difference for the organization. I also visited the Rideau Sports Centre where 15 young people are employed in various roles including summer camps, center management and administration, and restaurant services. Thanks to Marissa who shared her experience as a camp counselor and coordinator about the benefits she gains from this program.

On Thursday morning, July 18th, I visited the training center of IBEW Local 586 for apprentices in electrical and communication technology, where I even learned how to bend conduits! Local 586 is one of 17 locals in the city and represents 1,800 out of the country's 80,000 unionized workers. Their facility will soon offer college-level programs for those interested in skilled trades. I also dropped by the Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local 47, located nearby, which has its own training centers for welders, elevator specialists, roofers, and more. The teams here are working tirelessly to ensure that skilled workers in Ottawa and across Canada receive fair wages that help support their families and communities.

And one of my highlights of the week was the annual Canada Summer Jobs BBQ. A big thank you to everyone who attended. This year, 366 young people have summer jobs in approximately 122 organizations and businesses, where they can gain work experience and learn new skills. A special thank you to ZAC Vanier for hosting, and thank you to Mélanie, Chantalyne, Sallysha, and Thomas for sharing their stories and emphasizing the importance of this program in our community.

Finally, today, Saturday July 20th, paddlers of all skill levels and backgrounds will gather at three participating national historic sites in Peterborough, Ottawa, and Montreal for a special activity celebrating the diversity of our paddling community. At the same time, it's Parks Day, and we're celebrating with Parks Canada. It's a great opportunity to celebrate the natural beauty and importance of our national parks. These parks play a crucial role in preserving our environment, providing habitats for wildlife, and offering recreational and leisure spaces. I encourage you to visit one of the surrounding parks in Ottawa, such as Gatineau Park or the Rideau Canal National Historic Site, to enjoy the great outdoors and discover the tranquility and beauty of these places. Let's celebrate Parks Day by reconnecting with nature and supporting our national treasures!

Have a great weekend!

Youth Mental Health Fund Consultations

The Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, launched a public online consultation to help inform the development of the Youth Mental Health Fund.

The online consultation will run June 24 to July 31, 2024 and invites people to share their perspectives and expertise on the development of the YMHF. The consultation is open to all Canadians, incuding young people and their families, academics and other orders of government, Indigenous organizations, and community organizations that deliver mental health services to youth

You can find the link to this forum here.

Launch of the Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities

On the 5^th anniversary of the Accessible Canada Act coming into force, Minister Khera announced the launch of the Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities.

The Employment Strategy falls under the Employment pillar of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan. The strategy will help break down barriers, dispel stereotypes, and build a fairer and more accessible economy. Most notably, it aims to close the employment gap between persons with disabilities and those without by 2040, through a range of measures organized around three goals:

Individuals – help them find and maintain good jobs, advance in their careers or become entrepreneurs;
Employers – help them to diversify their workforces by creating inclusive and accessible workplaces; and
Enablers – increase the supply, capacity, and reach of individuals and organizations that work to support disability inclusion and accessibility in employment.

Nominations for His Majesty King Charles III's Coronation Medal

Nominations are now open for the Coronation Medal of His Majesty King Charles III! As Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier, I am delighted to participate as a nominating partner with 20 medals awarded to deserving recipients from our community.

Eligible candidates must meet the following national criteria:

Have made a significant contribution to the country, a province, a territory, a region or a community, or have accomplished something abroad that brings credit to Canada, and
Be alive on 6 May 2023, the date of Her Majesty's Coronation. The medal may be awarded posthumously, provided the nominee was alive on that date

Members of the community are invited to nominate outstanding candidates who have made a difference in the community for the King Charles III Coronation Medals. Nominations will be accepted until July 31, 2024.