A Message from Your MP

Dear residents,

Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you are spending this day surrounded by your loved ones and that you had a good week. Stay warm after the recent snowstorm and be cautious on the roads. If you have the chance, please consider helping someone in need. You can also donate or volunteer at Ottawa-Vanier food banks, or support shelters like the Ottawa Mission or Shepherds of Good Hope.

U.S. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum

President Trump recently announced plans to impose new tariffs of 25% on all steel and aluminum imports starting March 12, which will significantly affect Canada. Team Canada is ready to respond firmly if necessary. Strengthening the Canada-U.S. relationship remains a top priority for our government. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called these tariffs “completely unjustified.” We are working closely with provincial and territorial premiers, mayors, business leaders, and unions to protect Canadian jobs and industries. Our partnership with the United States is mutually beneficial, and we are committed to preserving this vital relationship.

NextGen25

On Tuesday, February 11, I had the pleasure of participating in the second edition of the NextGen Forum, an event for public affairs and government relations professionals, held at the Westin. It was organized by business leaders and founders Stéphanie Mitton of Beacon Hill Strategies and Natasha Morano of NHM Connect.

During the "Ask the Experts" panel, we discussed key issues, including current government relations dynamics, the evolving political landscape, and upcoming challenges—particularly how Canada can navigate uncertain times. These conversations are crucial to help us better anticipate the future.

A big thank you to Stéphanie and Natasha for creating such an engaging and inspiring space!
 

Roundtable on Food Insecurity

Also on February 11, I had the honour of hosting a roundtable on food insecurity. I sincerely thank all participants for their invaluable contributions to this critical issue in our community. Alongside experts, frontline workers, and community leaders—including Rideau-Rockcliffe City Councillor Rawlson King—we discussed the challenges facing far too many Ottawa—Vanier residents and explored concrete solutions to support vulnerable individuals and families.

Your ideas, dedication, and commitment to food security will guide my efforts as I work toward meaningful solutions. Together, we can build a future where everyone has access to healthy and affordable food.

45th Anniversary of Human Concern International (HCI)

On a related note, I want to highlight the 45th anniversary of Human Concern International (HCI), which is celebrating 45 years of serving communities around the world, including here in Canada. As the country’s first Muslim charity, HCI plays a vital role in humanitarian aid, education, and development across more than 40 countries. To mark this milestone, HCI recently opened a new community food bank here in #OttawaVanier, providing much-needed support to residents in need.

Congratulations to the volunteers, staff, and partners who made this initiative possible! Thank you to HCI for your ongoing work to combat food insecurity in Ottawa.

Book Launch by France Bélisle

I was also pleased to attend the book launch of former Gatineau Mayor France Bélisle. Her book, L’heureuse élue: Témoignage d’une mairesse démissionnaire, is a powerful and deeply personal account. In it, France reflects on her experiences in municipal politics and the toll public life can take on one’s health and loved ones.
Congratulations to France on this important contribution to our understanding of municipal politics and its often-overlooked realities.
 
60th Anniversary of the Canadian Flag

Several activities took place this week to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag.

On Thursday, February 13, Pearson Centre and L’autre colline hosted a special event at Allsaints Event Space in Ottawa—Vanier, bringing together dignitaries, community leaders, and business representatives to mark this historic milestone.



Today, Friday February 14, I had the privilege of representing Minister Pascale St-Onge at the official launch of National Flag of Canada Day celebrations on the Rideau Canal Skateway. Alongside  members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Joan O'Malley, the original seamstress of our flag, we proudly raised our flag and sang the national anthem.

A particularly moving moment followed when young skaters from local clubs unfurled a massive Canadian flag on the ice—a powerful display of pride and unity, reminding us of the strength of our national symbol.

In today’s context, it is more important than ever to display our colours and wave our flag with pride. Together, let’s celebrate what unites us. 🍁

Click here to learn more about this important day!
 

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.

Free Tax Clinics

With the approach of tax season, we invite you to participate in the free tax clinics that our constituency office will be organizing to help you prepare your tax returns and make you eligible for the government benefits mentioned in this calendar.

We will be happy to assist you throughout this process and answer any questions you may have.

With very few exceptions, every person over the age of 18 who works in Canada outside of Quebec and earns more than a minimum amount ($3,500 per year) must contribute to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). If you have an employer, you pay half the required contributions and your employer pays the other half. If you are self-employed, you make the whole contribution.

No matter how often you change jobs or where you work in Canada, your contributions may help you or your family become eligible for:

• Retirement pension
• Post-retirement benefit
• Disability benefits
• Survivor benefits

In the community

Tomorrow: Maple tree tapping! 

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

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