Dear Residents,

The first week of February is already underway! The past few weeks have been filled with numerous announcements, meetings, and events in Ottawa-Vanier and the National Capital Region. I’ve had the opportunity to engage with local organizations, businesses, and dedicated residents who contribute every day to making our riding a dynamic and inclusive place. 

At the same time, Canada-U.S. relations continue to be a key focus. We are closely monitoring developments and remain prepared to respond to any challenges, always with the goal of defending the interests of our community and our country. The 30-day suspension of tariffs is good news, but we must remain vigilant and continue protecting our workers and businesses.

This morning, I visited Ambico. Did you know AMBICO Limited is a second-generation family-owned business in Ottawa-Vanier and has been innovating in specialty door assemblies for nearly 70 years! 🏗️🚪
AMBICO exports 80% of its production to the U.S., primarily for government-funded projects in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. U.S. tariffs would have a devastating impact on their business, threatening growth and competitiveness. With over 120 employees, they contribute significantly to our local economy and represent Canadian excellence on the global stage.

Supporting Canadian businesses like AMBICO is essential to fostering innovation and strengthening our economy.  I’m working hard to support and protect Canadian businesses like this one to make sure they can continue to grow and prosper.

I encourage you to keep buying local and Canadian-made products—every effort counts in supporting our industries and businesses. To help you in this, here’s a resource you can check out [click here].

February marks Black History Month. This year’s theme, "The Legacy and Leadership of Black Canadians: Celebrating Canadian History and Inspiring Future Generations," highlights the significant contributions of Black communities across Canada. This month is an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and reflect on the role they have played in shaping our nation.

By drawing inspiration from their resilience and leadership, we honor the past with gratitude and look to the future with hope. Let’s come together to recognize the impact of Black heritage and leadership while building a future where diversity and inclusion continue to thrive.

To kick off the month, I had the honour of visiting the new office of the Congolese Community of the National Capital Region of Canada (CCRCC) alongside City Councillor Rawlson King and Ottawa-Vanier provincial candidate Lucille Collard. This office will play a key role in supporting the integration and empowerment of the Congolese and Afro-descendant diaspora, as well as newcomers to our region.


I was also pleased to join Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, City Councillors Rawlson King and Stéphanie Plante, and my colleague, Ottawa-Centre MP Yasir Naqvi, for the official launch of Black History Month 2025 at the National Arts Centre. Organized by Black History Ottawa, this event was a powerful reminder of the major contributions of Black communities to our society and their essential role in shaping our cultural, social, and economic fabric. The outstanding performances showcased the cultural heritage and artistic excellence of Black communities.

 
On February 3, World Cancer Day, I had the privilege of joining MP Pam Damoff (Oakville North—Burlington) for the world premiere of the short film Finish It, marking the 45th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope in Toronto. It is inspiring to see how Canada’s researchers and clinicians are united in pursuing Terry Fox’s dream: a world without cancer.

A huge thank you to the Terry Fox Foundation and the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network for their unwavering commitment to cancer research. Having worked alongside Pam to advocate for Terry Fox’s image on the $5 bill, I am honoured to continue supporting his legacy. We are closer than ever to making his dream a reality. 💙


Important announcements from the government.

On the morning of Wednesday, January 22, alongside Minister Ruby Sahota, I visited PARO – Women’s Enterprise in Ottawa-Vanier to announce a $750,000 investment in PARO’s Women's Innovation Initiative (WIN) program. This program will provide mentorship, training, and funding to more than 230 women entrepreneurs to help them grow their businesses.

Minister Sahota also announced an additional $3.4 million in funding for four women-led businesses to modernize and expand their operations. These investments strengthen our communities, drive innovation, and build a more inclusive economy for all Canadians.

 

The government has also announced significant funding to combat encampments and homelessness. This includes more than $24 million from the City of Ottawa and over $10.4 million from the federal government over two years through the Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative. These funds will support the implementation of the City of Ottawa’s Encampment Response Plan, including the opening of a 24/7 respite site. This site will provide essential services such as access to meals, healthcare, mental health support, and assistance in securing stable housing.

At the same time, the federal government is also investing more than $21 million to support the City of Ottawa through the Reaching Home program, as well as over $8 million for the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres. These investments are crucial in providing sustainable solutions and helping the most vulnerable find a safe and stable home.

Click here to learn more about this announcement.

There are many projects and initiatives underway in the riding. Next week, I am organizing activities, including a roundtable discussion on food insecurity on Tuesday, February 11, and another roundtable for Black History Month on February 13. You can find more details about these events in the newsletter.

In the meantime, I wish you a great weekend and invite you to contact my office if you have any questions or require information about federal government programs and services.

You know an exceptional woman and/or girl who demonstrates exceptional community leadership to improve the lives of others and has made a significant contribution to community life through volunteer activities.

Help us recognize them! Unique women and girls will be honored at a breakfast.

The nomination form and supporting documents must be received by Monday, February 24, 2025.

To download the nomination form, click here.

Special Roundtable Discussion in Celebration of Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, I am pleased to host a special roundtable discussion in collaboration with Burundi We Want. This gathering aims to foster meaningful dialogue and share insights into the rich history and invaluable contributions of Black communities.

Details:

• Date: February 13, 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Location: 815 Boulevard St. Laurent

I warmly invite all African communities in Ottawa-Vanier to join us. This event provides an opportunity for community members to come together, celebrate, and engage in important conversations about our shared history and future.

The Rideau Canal Skateway is Open!

Every winter, the NCC transforms the Rideau Canal into the world’s largest natural skating rink. Stretching 7.8 km through the heart of the nation’s capital, the Rideau Canal Skateway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that becomes a winter gem and a must-visit destination.

Typically, the skating season lasts from January to early March, but the Skateway’s opening depends on weather conditions. Open sections of the Rideau Canal Skateway are accessible 24/7, seven days a week, with free admission.

Open: Full length (7.8 km total)

Maple tree tapping: Save the date! 

What better way to kick off the maple season at Vanier Sugar Shack than by actively participating in the annual community maple tree tapping event!

On Saturday, February 15, 2025, as part of Winterlude's final weekend of activities, you're invited to enjoy the unique experience of tapping maple trees in an urban forest.

Join for a few hours of volunteer work with friends and family, and be part of the start of an exceptional maple season.

• DATE AND TIME: Saturday, February 15, 2025, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• MEETING POINT: In front of the Vanier Sugar Shack (320 des Pères-Blancs Ave. Use the parking lot at the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre).
• Registration is NOT required for this activity.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• A short training session on tree tapping and forest orientation will be offered every hour, before each departure (at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.).
• Bring your charged cordless drill, along with spare batteries, and snowshoes if you have them (snowshoes are not mandatory but make getting around in the forest much easier).
• Dress appropriately for the weather.
• Pea soup, coffee and hot cocoa will be served at the Vanier Sugar Shack after the tapping event to thank our volunteers for their efforts!