Mona Fortier
Hon. Mona Fortier
Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier
Newsletter
December 6, 2024
A word from your MP

Dear residents,

I hope you’ve had a pleasant week. The temperature is getting cooler, and we’re starting to see the first snowflakes fall. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the many winter activities available throughout our beautiful city, whether it's skating, walking in the snow, or cozy family moments.

I began my week with a networking breakfast organized by A.J. Plant, in collaboration with EXIT Canada. Joyce Paron, CEO of EXIT Canada, gave a fascinating presentation on growth opportunities in the real estate sector. A big thank you to A.J. Plant for orchestrating this enriching event that successfully brought together our local business community!
On Wednesday morning, along with Minister Jenna Sudds, MPs Marie-France Lalonde and Yasir Naqvi, I visited Connaught Public School to announce the $108.5M agreement to expand the National School Food Program. This partnership between the Government of Canada and Ontario will ensure that more children in Ottawa-Vanier and Ontario will have access to nutritious meals that will help them succeed at school and in life. This means more meals for children, better academic results, and up to $800 in savings annually for families.
In the afternoon, we shared a special moment celebrating and welcoming our Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes for their brilliant performances at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games! Their determination, hard work, and team spirit have inspired Canadians from coast to coast and made us proud. Their achievements are a testament to the power of perseverance. Let’s continue to support them as they inspire the next generation of champions!
The Snowflake Breakfast at the Centre Pauline-Charron is a much-anticipated annual event that brings our community together to support an essential cause. For this 19th edition, the event, organized by the Vanier Commnity Service Centre in support of Partage Vanier, once again made a real difference. Thanks to the generosity and dedication of everyone involved, we raised $55,000! A huge thank you to all the volunteers, partners, and of course, the donors who made this success possible. Once again, the organizers did an outstanding job supporting our community. Well done!
  
As we begin the holiday season, take a moment to support those in our community who do not have a roof over their heads. There are four food banks in Ottawa-Vanier, including Partage Vanier, the Gloucester Emergency Food Centre, the Rideau-Rockcliffe Food Bank, and the Lowertown Food Bank, as well as shelters like the Ottawa Mission and Shepherds of Hope. These organizations always need our support.

Every action counts, whether it’s donating food, volunteering, or making financial contributions. Together, let’s make this holiday season brighter and filled with hope for everyone in Ottawa-Vanier.

Today, December 6th, we solemnly mark the 35th anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal, a day when 14 women tragically lost their lives. On this National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we honor their memory and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ending gender-based violence. During these #16DaysOfActivism, let us unite our efforts to build a safer, fairer, and more equitable future for all.

This commitment is also reflected in our concrete actions. This week, Ministers LeBlanc, Duclos, and Blair announced the ban of 324 assault-style firearm makes and models in Canada. Additional measures to strengthen gun control and reduce gun violence are being implemented. These actions are part of a continued commitment to ensure the safety of Canadians and prevent weapons designed for the battlefield from entering our communities.

To learn more about this announcement, please click here. 

There will be many events to celebrate Christmas and the holidays this weekend, such as the night market at Dominion City on Saturday, December 7th, at 5510 Canotek Road from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., as well as the Mayor’s Annual Christmas Party on the same day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ottawa City Hall. I look forward to seeing you in the community!

Have a great weekend! 

Please note the office hours for the constituency office during the holiday season.

📣 Employers of Ottawa–Vanier, take note!

The application period for Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2025 opened on November 19, 2024 and will close on December 19, 2024, at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). This program provides a fantastic opportunity for businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and public sector employers to receive funding to create summer jobs that give young people aged 15 to 30 valuable work experience.

Each year, CSJ supports the creation of thousands of quality jobs across Canada, playing a key role in strengthening our local economy. Don’t miss this chance to invest in the future of our community while meeting your workforce needs.

👉 Mark your calendars and get your application ready! For more information, click here: Canada Summer Jobs 

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline 

The 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is a lifeline for those who are feeling like they have lost hope and are struggling to cope, are dealing with thoughts of suicide, or are worrying about someone else who may be in distress. When an individual reaches out, they are met with a trained responder who will listen without judgement, provided with support and understanding, and told about resources that will help.

Every Canadian deserves to be heard during difficult times, which is why the 9-8-8 helpline is available 24/7. With the recent announcement of $7.5 million in funding for Kids Help Phone, we continue to strengthen our support for mental health services across the country.

To learn more about this announcement or the 9-8-8 helpline, please use the links below:


Youth Mental Health Fund Call for Proposals Launch

The Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, launched the open call for proposals under the Youth Mental Health Fund.

This open call for proposals is part of the $500 million investment over five years committed in Budget 2024 to develop the Youth Mental Health Fund, which will help create lasting and meaningful improvements in the mental health of youth and their families.

The call for proposals is open now and closes on January 22nd, 2025. Details on the application for the call for proposals can be found here 

You can find the full news release here
In the community 


The Vanier Museopark, in partnership with the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est, the St-Laurent branch of DeSerres stores , and the Vanier Community Service Centre, is proud to present the 3rd edition of "Creating Christmas Magic",
a community and family celebration that collects new, unwrapped toys, gift cards and monetary donations for Vanier children and families in need.

🗓 Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
📍 Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre and Vanier Sugar Shack (300 des Pères Blancs Ave.)
🎅 On the menu: A festive and caring atmosphere, a chance to meet Santa Claus, hot cocoa and a Christmas music show by Céleste Lévis!
💲 Free activity in exchange for a new toy or a donation
🔗 To donate ➡️ https://museoparc.ca/activities-and-events/christmas-magic/ 
 
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Ottawa, Ontario
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House of Commons
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