Mona Fortier
Hon. Mona Fortier
Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester
Newsletter
May 30, 2025

A Word from Your Member of Parliament

Dear residents,
 

It has been a busy week of activities and parliamentary work as the House of Commons resumed its session. We began with the election of a new Speaker of the House, and I warmly congratulate Francis Scarpaleggia, Member of Parliament for Lac-St-Louis, on his election to this prestigious role. It was a pleasure to reunite with my parliamentary colleagues, and I’m excited to get back to work for you—the residents of our community—and for all Canadians.

To officially mark the opening of the 45th Parliament, His Majesty King Charles III delivered a Speech from the Throne. This historic address outlined the government's priorities for the months ahead—for all Canadians, and for communities like Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester. It was an honour to be present for this meaningful speech. As His Majesty so aptly said, “The True North is indeed strong and free!” 

Here is an overview of the priorities our government will be focusing on in the weeks and months ahead:

  • Affordability – Easing the cost of living through tax relief for nearly 22 million Canadians, helping a two-income family save up to $840 per year. Continued investments in $10-a-day child care and the expansion of the Canadian Dental Care Plan for eligible families.

  • Housing – The government is committed to doubling the rate of home construction, with a goal of building 500,000 new homes per year.

  • Building a Canadian Economy – Strengthening the Canadian economy by removing internal barriers to trade and labour mobility by Canada Day, and investing in large-scale national projects to drive economic growth.

  • Public Safety and National Defence – Recruiting 1,000 new RCMP officers, enhancing measures to combat drug and arms trafficking, and investing in modernizing the Canadian Armed Forces, including through Canada’s participation in the ReArm Europe initiative.

  • International Relations and Partnership with the United States – Canada is redefining its economic and security relationship with the United States, based on mutual respect and shared interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations. At the same time, the government is strengthening ties with reliable trading partners and like-minded allies around the world. Canada is ready to lead on the global stage, as will be demonstrated when it hosts the G7 Summit in June.

To read the speech delivered by His Majesty King Charles III, click here.
To learn more, click here. 

On Thursday morning, I attended the unveiling of the official 2025 Canada Day programming, alongside the Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault.

This year, the July 1st celebrations promise to be more vibrant than ever! The program features renowned artists such as Amanda Marshall, Sarah McLachlan, Garou, Cœur de pirate, Tom Cochrane, Roch Voisine, and many more performing at the daytime and evening shows at LeBreton Flats Park. Live segments will also take place from Summerside, Yellowknife, and Vancouver.

Four official sites in Ottawa and Gatineau will offer a wide range of free activities for all ages—from yoga at the Supreme Court of Canada, to DJ and dance performances at LeBreton Flats, to the Snowbirds’ aerial demonstrations over Parliament Hill.

To view the full lineup, visit: canada.ca/canadaday

This morning, we unveiled the plaque for the Rockcliffe Park Historic District, now officially recognized as a National Historic Site! Known to the Anishinābeg as Kishkābikā, this neighbourhood reflects centuries of Indigenous presence and stands as a beautiful example of 19th-century suburban planning. Thank you to Elder Irvin Sarazin and Jim Meness from the Algonquins of Ontario, and to Dr. Tim Cook for their powerful reflections on our history.

We were joined by community members, heritage advocates, Councillor Rawlson King, and representatives from Parks Canada, the Algonquins of Ontario, and the Rockcliffe Park Residents’ Association.

Congratulations to all who helped make this moment possible!

 
I also want to highlight and congratulate the Rideau Sports Centre, recipient of the 2024 Facility of the Year Award from the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) 🎾👏. This prestigious award recognizes the RSC’s outstanding commitment to sport, inclusion, and our community. Under the inspiring leadership of Nicki Bridgland, founder and executive director, the RSC is much more than a sports centre — it is a welcoming community hub, a dedicated employer, and a local economic driver. Thank you to the entire team for your dedication and for shining a national spotlight on Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester!

To learn more about the Rideau Sports Centre, click here!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Updates and programs 

Tax cut for the middle class

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, has announced a tax relief measure that will benefit nearly 22 million Canadians.

Starting July 1, 2025, the lowest marginal tax rate will be reduced from 15% to 14%. This measure will save families up to $840 per year, helping workers keep more money in their pockets for what matters most.

A concrete step to ease the cost of living and support families across the country.
Click here to learn more.


🦷 The CDCP is now open to all eligible Canadians aged 18 to 64!

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is expanding so more uninsured Canadians can access the dental care they need.

✅ As of today, eligible individuals aged 35 to 54 can now apply—joining those aged 18 to 34 and 55 to 64.

This is a major step toward equitable access to essential dental care for millions across the country.

📅 Don’t wait!
➡️ Visit Canada.ca/dental to check your eligibility and apply.


Canada Summer Jobs

The hiring period for Canada Summer Jobs 2025 began on April 21! Over 70,000 jobs will be available to young people aged 15 to 30 across the country, including right here in our riding. These work experiences provide youth with a valuable opportunity to develop skills, build their professional future, and give back to their community.

Click here to learn more!

Canada Summer Jobs  

 
In the community

Vanier VeloFest (10th edition)

Free Event!
First 100 registered participants, aged 4 to 13 years old, get a helmet!

Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Centre Francophone Vanier, 270 Marier Avenue, Vanier

Registration: 10 a.m
Bike Rodeo: 10 a.m – 12 p.m.
Simple Bike Repair: 10 a.m – 12 p.m.
BBQ and more…
Activities presented by the Optimist Club, Vanier

Click here to learn more.


Château Vanier Garage Sale

Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Château Vanier Reception Hall
158 McArthur Avenue, Vanier

  • 21 Tables of Treasures !
  • Open to the public
  • Entry for ALL (Public & Residents) through outside red door
Click here to learn more. 

Kingsview Park Community Garage Sale!

Join us on Sunday, June 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a lively community garage sale in Kingsview Park, Vanier!

Multiple participating streets, including Wayling, Coupal, Greensway, Lenore, Tudor, Mark, and North River Road — the whole neighbourhood is coming together for this can't-miss local event!

📍 Kingsview Park Community – Vanier
📅 Sunday, June 8, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Click here to learn more.

Summer Sun Beechwood / MacArthur 

Summer Sun Beechwood

  • Beechwood Ave. (St. Charles Market)
  • 135 Barrette Street, Vanier
  • Saturday, June 14, 2025 | 11AM-1PM

Summer Sun McArthur

  • McArthur Ave. (Fresh Co. PLAZA)
  • 320 McArthur Avenue, Vanier
  • Sunday, June 15, 2025 | 11AM-1PM

Summer Sun is a weekend celebration of community, culture, and local love — brought to life by the Vanier BIA. This vibrant street-side event invites residents and visitors to explore two of Vanier’s main commercial corridors: Beechwood Avenue and McArthur Avenue.

Over the course of two days, each street comes alive with free family-friendly activities, music, local vendor specials, and more — all designed to spotlight the incredible businesses that make these neighbourhoods unique.

More than just a summer gathering, Summer Sun is a feel-good reminder to support local, explore your neighbourhood, and shine a little local love right here in Vanier.

Click here to learn more.

Main office - Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester
233 Montreal Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1L 6C7

Telephone:
613-998-1860

Fax:
613-947-7963
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Hill Office
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Telephone:
613-992-4766

Fax:
613-992-6448
Show Map