| A word from your MP
This week has been particularly active as we returned to our duties in the House of Commons. I had the pleasure of meeting with many organizations, including the Canadian Association of Midwives, which advocates for nearly 2,000 midwives across the country. I am proud to support their efforts to improve access to healthcare for women, families, and communities. Their work is essential in providing personalized and tailored care. I also met with representatives from the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association.
On Tuesday morning, in collaboration with my colleague Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, we announced a $4.3 million investment to support five energy-efficient renovation projects as part of the Greener Neighborhoods Pilot Program. Among these projects, $2 million is allocated to EnviroCentre at Carver Place in the Carson Grove neighborhood. These improvements will not only reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions but will also allow residents to save money. This program represents an important step toward creating neighborhoods that support social housing while fostering greener and more affordable communities in Ottawa-Vanier.
On Wednesday, the Bank of Canada lowered interest rates for the fourth time, reducing the benchmark rate from 4.25% to 3.75%. This significant decrease results from our responsible economic plan, which has created the conditions for rates to fall, making mortgages more affordable for Canadians. Whether you’re renewing your mortgage or buying your first home, this is a positive step.
Canada leads the G7 as the first country to cut interest rates four times, steering the economy toward a smooth landing after the pandemic recession. Inflation has dropped to 1.6%—the lowest rate in 3.5 years—and wages are rising. Our government is committed to building a future where every generation has a fair chance to succeed.
Alongside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, I had the opportunity to meet Jack and Dan of Kilrea Denture Clinic. They shared many stories about the impact of the care they provide to patients covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan. In our community, 4,817 residents have been approved for care, many of whom previously couldn’t afford it. This plan is making a real difference in the lives of Canadians.
 
On Thursday evening, I attended the Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards ceremony. During the event, WSP Canada was recognized for a project they completed here in Ottawa-Vanier on the University of Ottawa campus! The University aimed to transform a former contaminated industrial site into the new home for its Faculty of Health Sciences. As the lead engineering consultant for this project, WSP Canada revitalized the site and designed a high-performance building made with sustainable materials. The facility actively supports the region’s Francophone and Indigenous communities. Students, faculty, and the public can move throughout the site, experiencing the Indigenous landscape with mature trees, the Open Fire Circle, the Social Heart, smart teaching labs, and unique biophilic design elements. In return, this state-of-the-art LEED® Platinum-certified facility significantly strengthens the community’s social fabric while using 57.2% less energy and producing 57.8% fewer greenhouse gases than typical institutional buildings.
This weekend, many events are being organized to celebrate the approach of Halloween! For my part, I will be at the HUB Vanier, the Muséoparc, and with the Pineview Community Association for their Halloween festivities. Come with your family and show off your costumes! There will be treats, games, music, and much more. I can’t wait to see you there!
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© 2026 Mona Fortier
